cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic assessment of laryngohyoid position as a predictor of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in horses

Dorsal displacement of the soft palate is an important cause of poor performance in racehorses, yet its etiology is not fully understood. Diagnosis requires treadmill videoendoscopy, which is not widely available. The relationship of the larynx, the hyoid apparatus, and the remainder of the skull may be important in predisposing horses to dorsal displacement of the soft palate. We hypothesized that this relationship could be accurately assessed in unsedated horses through ultrasonographic examination. Fifty-six racehorses presented for evaluation of poor performance were subjected to treadmill videoendoscopy and resting ultrasonography. Using ultrasound-assisted percutaneous measures of laryngo-hyoid position, the relationship between selected anatomic structures and the occurrence of dorsal displacement of the soft palate was evaluated. A significant relationship was found between the depth of the basihyoid bone at rest and the occurrence of dorsal displacement of the soft palate at exercise (P = 0.03). Other measures of laryngohyoid position were not found to be associated with dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Thus, there is an association between the occurrence of dorsal displacement of the soft palate at exercise and the resting position of the basihyoid bone, whereby on average a more ventral location of the basihyoid bone is present in horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate. The pathophysiologic implications of this finding are not fully understood but, based on our findings, ultrasound examination is of value in assisting in the diagnosis of dorsal displacement of the soft palate.
Simulating brain tumor heterogeneity with a multiscale agent-based model: Linking molecular signatures, phenotypes and expansion rate

We have extended our previously developed 3D multi-scale agent-based brain tumor model to simulate cancer heterogeneity and to analyze its impact across the scales of interest. While our algorithm continues to employ an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene-protein interaction network to determine the cells' phenotype, it now adds an implicit treatment of tumor cell adhesion related to the model's biochemical microenvironment. We simulate a simplified tumor progression pathway that leads to the emergence of five distinct glioma cell clones with different EGFR density and cell 'search precisions'. The in silico results show that microscopic tumor heterogeneity can impact the tumor system's multicellular growth patterns. Our findings further confirm that EGFR density results in the more aggressive clonal populations switching earlier from proliferation-dominated to a more migratory phenotype. Moreover, analyzing the dynamic molecular profile that triggers the phenotypic switch between proliferation and migration, our in silico oncogenomics data display spatial and temporal diversity in documenting the regional impact of tumorigenesis, and thus support the added value of multi-site and repeated assessments in vitro and in vivo. Potential implications from this in silico work for experimental and computational studies are discussed.
Adverse Incorporation and Microfinance among Cross-Border Traders in Senegal

Summary This paper highlights the relevance of adverse incorporation as a neglected theoretical approach to debates on microfinance through a case study of cross-border traders in Senegal. Although women’s organizations do not exclude even the poorest women, traders in remote areas were unable to access credit due to particularly harsh standards of joint liability and adverse relations with donors, lenders, and elite women. Meanwhile, the peer monitoring function of group microcredit schemes is challenged by the fact that traders are strikingly uncritical of defaulting borrowers. Findings highlight the detrimental consequences of donors’ misconceptions regarding women’s organizations and economic activities.
Reaction mechanism of glutathione synthetase from Arabidopsis thaliana: site-directed mutagenesis of active site residues.

Glutathione is essential for maintaining the intracellular redox environment and is synthesized from γ-glutamylcysteine, glycine, and ATP by glutathione synthetase (GS). To examine the reaction mechanism of a eukaryotic GS, 24 Arabidopsis thaliana GS (AtGS) mutants were kinetically characterized. Within the γ-glutamylcysteine/glutathione-binding site, the S153A and S155A mutants displayed less than 4-fold changes in kinetic parameters with mutations of Glu-220 (E220A/E220Q), Gln-226 (Q226A/Q226N), and Arg-274 (R274A/R274K) at the distal end of the binding site resulting in 24-180-fold increases in the Km values for γ-glutamylcysteine. Substitution of multiple residues interacting with ATP (K313M, K367M, and E429A/E429Q) or coordinating magnesium ions to ATP (E148A/E148Q, N150A/N150D, and E371A) yielded inactive protein because of compromised nucleotide binding, as determined by fluorescence titration. Other mutations in the ATP-binding site (E371Q, N376A, and K456M) resulted in greater than 30-fold decreases in affinity for ATP and up to 80-fold reductions in turnover rate. Mutation of Arg-132 and Arg-454, which are positioned at the interface of the two substrate-binding sites, affected the enzymatic activity differently. The R132A mutant was inactive, and the R132K mutant decreased kcat by 200-fold; however, both mutants bound ATP with Kd values similar to wild-type enzyme. Minimal changes in kinetic parameters were observed with the R454K mutant, but the R454A mutant displayed a 160-fold decrease in kcat. In addition, the R132K, R454A, and R454K mutations elevated the Km value for glycine up to 11-fold. Comparison of the pH profiles and the solvent deuterium isotope effects of A. thaliana GS and the Arg-132 and Arg-454 mutants also suggest distinct mechanistic roles for these residues. Based on these results, a catalytic mechanism for the eukaryotic GS is proposed.
Colonic Trauma: Indications for Diversion vs. Repair

Introduction The management of colonic trauma has evolved considerably over the past several decades. An appreciation of best-evidence practices is paramount to the optimal management of these injuries.
Comparison of edge vascular response after sirolimus- and paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation.

Abstract Background To compare the edges vascular response, we analyzed the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) parameters after implantation of the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) or the paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES). Methods Two hundred-two angina patients (123 men; 61.5±9.2years of age, SES: n=91, PES: n=111) were enrolled. Both edge segments of the stent were analyzed. The change (Δ) of each parameter at follow-up was calculated. Results The edge restenosis rate was higher in the PES group. However, the Δ Vessel, Δ Plaque and Δ Lumen volume at 5mm edge segments were not different between the two groups except the Δ Plaque volume at the distal segment, higher in the PES than the SES group (6.6±15.7 vs. 1.0±13.1mm 3 , P=.016). In the PES group, lumen area at the both 1mm edge segments decreased because of plaque progression (proximal, 1.9±1.5 to 2.2±2.0mm 2 , P=.095; distal, 0.6±1.1 to 1.0±1.4mm 2 , P=.018) with negative remodeling (proximal, 9.9±2.4 to 9.4±2.6mm 2 , P=.004; distal, 7.6±2.4 to 7.2±2.4mm 2 , P=.052). Conversely, lumen area at these segments increased due to plaque regression (proximal, 3.2±1.8 to 2.1±1.6mm 2 , P=.000; distal, 1.5±1.4 to 0.9±1.3mm 2 , P=.000) even though there was negative remodeling in the SES group (proximal, 10.1±2.4 to 9.6±2.3mm 2 , P=.019; distal, 7.8±2.3 to 7.5±2.3mm 2 , P=.074). The Δ Plaque and Δ Lumen area at the both 1mm edge segments were more prominent in the PES group. Conclusions Compared to SES, PES was associated with luminal reduction accompanied by plaque progression with negative remodeling at edge segments.
Mycobacterial infections in striped bass from Delaware Bay.

Abstract Eighty striped bass Morone saxatilis were obtained from Delaware Bay using commercial gill nets set adjacent to Woodland Beach (n = 70) and Bowers Beach (n = 10) in December 2003. Fish were examined for gross lesions. Total lengths (TLs) and eviscerated weights were determined to calculate condition factors (K). Portions of spleens were aseptically harvested for bacterial culture, and portions of spleens, kidneys (anterior and posterior), livers, and gonads were obtained for histological examination. The size distribution of the striped bass was relatively homogeneous; the mean TL was about 600 mm for all samples. Mean K exceeded 0.95 in all samples and was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among samples. Significant differences in mycobacterial infection prevalence (P ≤ 0.05) were observed among samples; samples obtained at Woodland Beach (WB) on December 10 (53.8%, n = 13) and December 17 (7.1%, n = 42) exhibited the most striking differences in prevalence. Mycobacterial infection intensit...
The Impact of Strategic Fit Among Strategy, Structure, and Processes on Multinational Corporation Performance: A Multimethod Assessment

Abstract The international marketing literature has produced divergent findings regarding the effect of a standardized marketing strategy on firm performance among large multinational corporations (MNCs). Prior research has typically considered external or environmental factors to reconcile different findings. This study employs multiple perspectives of strategic fit (moderation, mediation, profile deviation, and covariation) to examine the effect of the internal fit among strategy, structure, and processes of MNCs and explores their effects on firm performance. Empirical results based on 206 MNCs support the mediation, profile deviation, and covariation perspectives, but they fail to confirm the moderation perspective.
Direct Location of Oil and Gas by the Seismic Reflection METHOD

The seismic velocity of sedimentary rocks is determined by the porosity, the velocity in the matrix and that in the fluid. The last two are known experimentally. The velocity can be measured from the surface. By applying the time average equation we can find the porosity. If the only difference at two points is the nature of the fluid in one layer, the ratio of the reflectivities of the layer at these points determines the nature of the fluid; this ratio is equal to the ratio of the amplitudes at these points. The size of the reservoir can then be found. The method can be applied to both oil exploration and production. It is more accurate in the latter case because more information is available than in the former case. The method is also more effective in developing discovered fields than the conventional method of relying only on the geological structural configurations.
A human pituitary adenoma cell line proliferates and maintains some differentiated functions following expression of SV40 large T-antigen

Human pituitary cells proliferate very slowly in vitro. Only a few cell lines have been established, and these have been used mainly for short-term studies. To obtain immortalized cell lines of human pituitary adenomas for in vitro studies, we infected adenoma cells with a replication-defective recombinant human adenovirus, which contains an SV40 early large T-antigen. One of the cell lines (HP75), which has been studied in culture during 60 passages, has been extensively characterized. It expressed the large T-antigen protein and its mRNA, as well as the genes for FSH-β, LH-β and α-subunit (α-SU) of gonadotropin hormone.
Operational Effects of Crane Interface Devices

A system for classifying different types of crane motion is presented. The classification system provides a framework to assess the influence that different crane interface devices have on efficiency. The efficiency effects of a joystick, pendent, and experimental visual interface are investigated for certain classes of crane motion. Experimental results suggest that significant efficiency benefits exist for cranes utilizing the visual interface.
Computer Simulation Of Phase Locking Multi-Cavity Relativistic Gyrotrons

A particle-in-cell model has been employed to investigate the phase-locking phenomenon of multi-cavity relativistic gyrotron oscillators. Simulation results show that a prebunched beam causes the output wave to overshoot, which in turn prolongs the time for establishing phase locking. The beam axial velocity spread is observed to reduce the locking bandwidth. The phenomenon of priming or injection seeding is simulated. The phase locked time depends on the growth rate of the oscillator and the amount of inject frequency deviation from the locking boundary.
Post-transcriptional regulation of expression of the Bronze2 gene of Zea mays L.

The glutathione S- transferase encoded by Bronze2 performs the last genetically defined step in maize anthocyanin biosynthesis, being required for pigment sequestration into vacuoles. The Bz2 primary transcript contains a single intron; in maize leaves both spliced and unspliced Bz2 transcripts are usually present and are predicted to encode 26 and 14 kDa proteins, respectively. To increase understanding of the role and regulation of Bz2 transcript splicing, we examined Bz2 expression during development in transgenic maize plants expressing a 35S:Bz2 (35S:mycBz2i) gene and, by transient expression analysis, in Black Mexican Sweet maize protoplasts. We show here that the gene is expressed in diverse tissues that lack functional copies of one or both transcription factors regulating anthocyanin synthesis, that transcript levels are much higher when the R/B plus C1/Pl transcription factors are present, and that the splicing decision depends on local sequence context. The predicted 14 kDa protein was never detected indicating that unspliced transcripts are likely to be non-coding. The native 26 kDa BZ2 protein is loosely membrane-bound, but it was detectable only in tissues accumulating anthocyanin. Consequently, BZ2 accumulation appears to be limited by stringent post-transcriptional regulation.
Development of an electronic medical record based intervention to improve medical care of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is infrequently addressed during hospitalization for osteoporotic fractures. An EMR-based intervention (osteoporosis order set) was developed with physician and patient input. There was a trend toward greater calcium supplementation from July 2008 to April 2009 (s = 0.058); however, use of antiresorptives (13%) or discharge instructions for BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment (10%) remained low. Osteoporosis is infrequently addressed during hospitalization for osteoporotic fractures. The study population consisted of patients over 50 years of age. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a tertiary care academic hospital in Chicago. This study was conducted from September 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009. Physicians reported that barriers to care comprised nonacute nature of osteoporosis, belief that osteoporosis should be addressed by the PCP, low awareness of recurrent fractures, and radiographs with terms such as “compression deformity”, “wedge deformity”, or “vertebral height loss” which in their opinion were not clearly indicative of vertebral fractures. An EMR-based intervention was developed with physician and patient input. Over the evaluation period, 295 fracture cases in individuals over the age of 50 years in the medicine floors were analyzed. Mean age was 72 ± 11 years; 74% were female. Sites of fracture included hip n = 78 (27%), vertebral n = 87 (30%), lower extremity n = 61 (21%), upper extremity n = 43 (15%) and pelvis n = 26 (9%). There was no increase in documentation of osteoporosis in the medical record from pre- to post-EMR implementation (p = 0.89). There was a trend toward greater calcium supplementation from July 2008 to April 2009 (p = 0.058); however, use of antiresorptives (13%) or discharge instructions for BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment (10%) remained low. An electronic medical record intervention without electronic reminders created with physician input achieves an increase in calcium supplementation but fails to increase diagnosis or treatment for osteoporosis at the time of hospitalization for a fragility fracture.
Glucose-Specific Enzyme IIA Has Unique Binding Partners in The Vibrio cholerae Biofilm

ABSTRACT Glucose-specific enzyme IIA (EIIA Glc ) is a central regulator of bacterial metabolism and an intermediate in the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PTS), a conserved phosphotransfer cascade that controls carbohydrate transport. We previously reported that EIIA Glc activates transcription of the genes required for Vibrio cholerae biofilm formation. While EIIA Glc modulates the function of many proteins through a direct interaction, none of the known regulatory binding partners of EIIA Glc activates biofilm formation. Therefore, we used tandem affinity purification (TAP) to compare binding partners of EIIA Glc in both planktonic and biofilm cells. A surprising number of novel EIIA Glc binding partners were identified predominantly under one condition or the other. Studies of planktonic cells revealed established partners of EIIA Glc , such as adenylate cyclase and glycerol kinase. In biofilms, MshH, a homolog of Escherichia coli CsrD, was found to be a dominant binding partner of EIIA Glc . Further studies revealed that MshH inhibits biofilm formation. This function was independent of the Carbon storage regulator (Csr) pathway and dependent on EIIA Glc . To explore the existence of multiprotein complexes centered on EIIA Glc , we also affinity purified the binding partners of adenylate cyclase from biofilm cells. In addition to EIIA Glc , this analysis yielded many of the same proteins that copurified with EIIA Glc . We hypothesize that EIIA Glc serves as a hub for multiprotein complexes and furthermore that these complexes may provide a mechanism for competitive and cooperative interactions between binding partners. IMPORTANCE EIIA Glc is a global regulator of microbial physiology that acts through direct interactions with other proteins. This work represents the first demonstration that the protein partners of EIIA Glc are distinct in the microbial biofilm. Furthermore, it provides the first evidence that EIIA Glc may exist in multiprotein complexes with its partners, setting the stage for an investigation of how the multiple partners of EIIA Glc influence one another. Last, it provides a connection between the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase (PTS) and Csr (Carbon storage regulator) regulatory systems. This work increases our understanding of the complexity of regulation by EIIA Glc and provides a link between the PTS and Csr networks, two global regulatory cascades that influence microbial physiology.
The Effects of Cranberries on Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

Despite considerable controversy about their effects, cranberries in various forms have been used widely for several decades to prevent as well as treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). The purpose of this article is to present a review of research-based information regarding the ability of cranberries to prevent UTIs in adults at risk for UTIs. Current evidence suggests that cranberries decrease bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells and thus decrease the incidence of UTIs without adverse effects in most individuals. Thus clinicians may safely advise patients that cranberries are helpful in preventing UTIs. Cranberries may be a viable adjunct to antibiotics for patients with repeated UTIs.
THE TITS CONJECTURE FOR LOCALLY REDUCIBLE ARTIN GROUPS

Given an Artin system (A,S), a conjecture of Tits states that the subgroup A(2) of A generated by the squares of the generators in S is subject only to the obvious commutator relations between generators. In particular, A(2) is a right-angled Artin group. We prove this conjecture for a class of infinite type Artin groups, called locally reducible Artin groups, for which the associated Deligne complex has a CAT(0) geometry. We also prove that for any special subgroup AT of A, A(2)∩AT=(AT)(2).
Optimum design of hybrid resonant converter for energy storage capacitors

Resonant converter topologies may be used for applications in pulse power systems and these are of three types: series loaded, parallel-loaded and series-parallel loaded. A circuit has been built that incorporates the third type, the concept of splitting the resonant circuit capacitance into a series component and a parallel component. The switching scheme presented for this design provides a discontinuous mode of operation with constant on-time constant frequency operation. The design, operation, and control of the series-parallel power converter along with the output test results proves that this topology offers an effective way of charging energy storage capacitors to voltage levels on the order of 3 kV.
Interactions of cationic dendrimers with hematite mineral

Abstract Interactions of dendrimers on solid substrates are important in processes involving their coating, flocculation, sedimentation, etc. The adsorption of positively charged poly(amidoamine) dendrimers on hematite/water interface has been investigated in this work as a function of pH, ionic strength, and dendrimer generation by measuring the amount of dendrimers adsorbed and zeta potential changes upon adsorption. Two generations of dendrimers, G3 and G7, were selected, representing “earlier” and “later” generations. At pH 9, the adsorption density of G3 dendrimer on negatively charged hematite increased and reached a plateau with an increase in dendrimer concentration. At pH 4, there is no measurable adsorption of the dendrimer on positively charged hematite in 0.01 M NaCl solutions, and a “negative adsorption” in the distilled water, a condition of a much lower ionic strength showing that the interaction between the hematite surface and the dendrimers is governed mainly by the electrostatic forces. At pH 9, adsorption of G7 dendrimer on hematite is much higher than that of G3 dendrimer and it did not even reach a plateau in the tested dendrimer concentration range, a result consistent with the hypothesis that the adsorbed G7 dendrimers assume a compressed conformation while adsorbed G3 dendrimer molecules take more expanded conformation on the solid. With the increase in the adsorption of G3 dendrimer at pH 9, zeta potential of hematite changed from negative to positive and stayed constant when the adsorption reached a plateau. Clearly, deposition of dendrimers can be controlled by manipulating the interfaces and charge of the solid adsorbent such as hematite.
The effects of 2-deoxy-d-glucose and sympathetic denervation on brown fat GDP binding in sprague-dawley rats☆

Abstract Central administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-Dg) decreases brown fat thermogenesis. This effect is suggested to be mediated via a central control mechanism. Our study was designed to determine the importance of the sympathetic nervous system in the response of brown fat to intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 2-DG. Unilateral denervation of interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats (300 g body weight). Nine days after surgery, rats were injected i.p. with either saline vehicle (0.9% sodium chloride) or 2-DG (360 mg/kg wt) and then killed one hour later. Sympathetic denervation resulted in 50% decreases in total IBAT protein and in mitochondrial protein recovered. In the denervated lobes, mitochondrial GDP binding (expressed as nmol/mg mitochondrial protein and as total activity recovered) was decreased to 36% and 18%, respectively. Injection of 2-DG did not change mitochondrial protein content in either the innervated or denervated IBAt. In the innervated lobes, 2-DG significantly lowered GDP binding to 55% of that in saline-treated animals, whether expressed per mg mitochondrial protein or as total recovered activity. In contrast, 2-DG did not further decrease GDP binding in the denervated lobes. In conclusion, the effects of i.p. injection of 2-DG on brown fat thermogenesis (as evidenced by GDP binding) appear to be primarily mediated via the sympathetic nervous system.
Modeling environmentally associated morphological and genetic variation in a rainforest bird, and its application to conservation prioritization

To better understand how environment shapes phenotypic and genetic variation, we explore the relationship between environmental variables across Ecuador and genetic and morphological variation in the wedge-billed woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus), a common Neotropical rainforest bird species. Generalized dissimilarity models show that variation in amplified fragment length polymorphism markers was strongly associated with environmental variables on both sides of the Andes, but could also partially be explained by geographic distance on the western side of the Andes. Tarsus, wing, tail, and bill lengths and bill depth were well explained by environmental variables on the western side of the Andes, whereas only tarsus length was well explained on the eastern side. Regions that comprise the highest rates of genetic and phenotypic change occur along steep elevation gradients in the Andes. Such environmental gradients are likely to be particularly important for maximizing adaptive diversity to minimize the impacts of climate change. Using a framework for conservation prioritization based on preserving ecological and evolutionary processes, we found little overlap between currently protected areas in Ecuador and regions we predicted to be important in maximizing adaptive variation.
Failure Probability at the Predicted Minimum Lifetime After Proof Testing

Experimental variation in crack growth parameters introduces an uncertainty in the predicted minimum lifetime after proof testing that results in a possibility of failure at times less than the “minimum” lifetime. This failure probability is estimated with a Monte carlo simulation technique. A A example is given of how this failure probability can be made vanishingly small by increasing the proof stress or by decreasing the allowable stress or permissible lifetime in service.
Histological Evaluation of Tendon-Bone Healing of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Hamstring Graft in a 14-Year-Old Boy

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common knee injuries, with over 100,000 ACL reconstructions performed in the United States every year. There are a number of graft options available for use in ACL repair. Hamstring tendon autografts are commonly used for ACL reconstruction. The advantages cited for autografts versus allografts are as follows: lower cost, no risk of immunological reactions, and better integration and remodeling. The healing response depends on the interplay between the bone and tendon in which collagen fiber continuity is re-established. This process is achieved by bony ingrowth of immature trabecular bone into immature, disorganized collagen fibers. Gradually, the collagen fibers reorganize into a parallel array until the tendoosseous junction is re-established. Studies of the healing response involved in ACL autograft reconstruction have been well documented in animal studies, but most studies of the graft healing response in human patients have been limited to biopsy specimens. To our knowledge, there are no examples in the literature of the ACL graft healing response in the tibial and femoral tunnels of human whole knee specimens. Beynnon et al, in a previous study, performed biomechanical testing on a recovered human ACL graft but did not specifically examine the healing response. We report the case of a young male patient who subsequently required resection of his knee for osteosarcoma of the tibia 4 months after ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft. The patient and his parents provided written informed consent for print and electronic publication of this case report.
Clustering of Homogeneous Subsets

The homogeneous clustering problem involves grouping data when neither the number of clusters nor the number of elements in a cluster are known, Instead, there is a threshold requirement on group or cluster homogeneity. The major existing approach to this problem is the leader algorithm. We present a new approach, called Clustering of Homogeneous Subsets (CHS). In tests on an important example of the homogeneous clustering problem, sensor fusion for military surveillance, CHS outperforms the leader algorithm.
A 16-bit, low-power microsystem with monolithic MEMS-LC clocking

Single-chip systems save the power dissipation that would be required for chip-to-chip communication, resulting in compact, low-power solutions for battery-powered applications. This paper describes the design and measured performance of a fully-functional digital core with a low-jitter, on-chip, MEMS-LC clock reference. This chip has been fabricated in TSMC's 0.18/spl mu/m MM/RF bulk CMOS process. Maximum power consumption of the complete microsystem is 48.78mW operating at 90MHz on a 1.8V power supply.
Bridging the Participation Gap with Government-sponsored Neighborhood Development Programs: Can Civic Skills Be Taught?

I argue that innovative development programs that require citizen participation in the production of public goods can have unexpected bene-fits for individuals’ dispositions toward democracy. In particular, I explore the effect of taking part in state-sponsored neighborhood development programs – direct-democracy type programs that require individuals to organize within their community as a precondition for state help – on participant dispositions toward democracy and willingness to take part in politics. To test this hypothesis, I use original survey data collected in the Mexican state of Baja California. To measure the effect of participation in neighborhood development programs, I conduct a quasi experiment via propensity score matching. I find robust evidence suggesting that participating in such programs correlates with higher levels of political participation, a better sense of community, more positive retrospective evaluations of the economy (according to both pocketbook and sociotropic measures), and overall higher support for the government.
Humanoid hearing: A novel three-dimensional approach

One of the key features of the human auditory system, is its nearly constant omni-directional sensitivity, e.g., the system reacts to alerting signals coming from a direction away from the sight of focused visual attention. In many surveillance situations where visual attention completely fails since the robot cameras have no direct line of sight with the sound sources, the ability to estimate the direction of the sources of danger relying on sound becomes extremely important. We present in this paper a novel method for sound localization of a static sound source in azimuth and elevation using a humanoid head equipped with two small microphones inserted into its artificial ear canals. We also tackle the moving sound source tracking problem. This new localization system demonstrated high precision in 3D and enabled a low-complexity implementation on the humanoid DSP platform.
Estimating the economic value of ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon: An application of travel cost count data models that account for excess zeros

Recently, the sport of ice climbing has seen a dramatic increase in popularity. This paper uses the travel cost method to estimate the demand for ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon, Montana, one of the premier ice climbing venues in North America. Access to Hyalite and other ice climbing destinations have been put at risk due to liability issues, public land management agendas, and winter road conditions. To this point, there has been no analysis on the economic benefits of ice climbing. In addition to the novel outdoor recreation application, this study applies econometric methods designed to deal with "excess zeros" in the data. Depending upon model specification, per person per trip values are estimated to be in the range of $76 to $135.
Applying a Macro Model of Ad Hoc Networks to Access Control

Our previous work proposes a macro model that controls the flows across naturally occurring bottlenecks in multi-hop wireless networks. The macro model resembles a conventional wired network, and allows us to apply extant research on flow control directly to ad hoc networks. In this paper, we further justify the feasibility of applying our macro model of ad hoc networks to access control and the validity of only controlling the flows across bottlenecks. We describe a simple rule that partitions the network into super-nodes. We then introduce a probabilistic geographic routing protocol that routes packets between bottlenecks to avoid congestion within super-nodes. Simulation results show that not only is the average flow in non- bottlenecked areas less than the average flow across bottlenecks, but the flows in each of the transmission areas that is not in a bottleneck are less than the flows in the transmission areas within the bottleneck.
An efficient algorithm to compute the complete set of discrete Gabor coefficients

The discrete Gabor (1946) transform algorithm is introduced that provides an efficient method of calculating the complete set of discrete Gabor coefficients of a finite-duration discrete signal from finite summations and to reconstruct the original signal exactly from the computed expansion coefficients. The similarity of the formulas between the discrete Gabor transform and the discrete Fourier transform enables one to employ the FFT algorithms in the computation. The discrete 1-D Gabor transform algorithm can be extended to 2-D as well. >
Effect of hypoxia on respiratory system impedance in dogs

Simon, B. A., P. B. Zanaboni, and D. P. Nyhan. Effect of hypoxia on respiratory system impedance in dogs. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(2): 451–458, 1997.—The effects of hypoxia on lung and airway mechanics remain controversial, possibly because of the confounding effects of competing reflexes caused by systemic hypoxemia. We compared the effects of systemic hypoxemia with those of unilateral alveolar hypoxia (with systemic normoxemia) on unilateral respiratory system impedance (Z) in intact, anesthetized dogs. Independent lung ventilation was obtained with a Kottmeier endobronchial tube. Individual left and right respiratory system Z was measured during sinusoidal forcing with 45 ml of volume at frequencies of 0.2–2.1 Hz during control [100% inspired O2 fraction ( F I O 2 )], systemic hypoxemia (10% F I O 2 ), and unilateral alveolar hypoxia (0% F I O 2 to left lung, 100% F I O 2 to right lung). During systemic hypoxemia, there was a mean Z magnitude increase of 18%. This change was entirely attributable to a decrease in the imaginary component of Z; there was no change in the real component of Z. Administration of atropine (0.2 mg/kg) did not block the increase in Z with systemic hypoxemia. In contrast, there was no change in Z in the lung subjected to unilateral alveolar hypoxia. We conclude that alveolar hypoxia has no direct effect on lung mechanical properties in intact dogs. In contrast, systemic hypoxemia does increase lung impedance, apparently through a noncholinergic mechanism.
Nondiffracting beam from a spatially filtered Fabry-Perot resonator

An experiment was performed in which a single ring from a Fabry–Perot transmission fringe pattern was used to create a nondiffracting beam. The transverse and axial intensity distributions of this beam were measured and found to be in good agreement with previously existing and newly derived theoretical expressions. The diffraction-free range was found from calculation to be proportional to the cavity finesse and length, and the central-spot radius of the beam was theoretically shown to be proportional to the square root of the wavelength and cavity length.
A Dynamic Pricing Mechanisms for P2P Referral Systems

Most existing research on peer-to-peer systems focuses on protocol design. In this paper, we consider the issue of free riding in peer-to-peer referral systems. Free riders are agents that refuse either to answer a query or to give referrals. Free riding is detrimental to the system, since it may prevent requesters from finding high quality providers efficiently. To mitigate the issue of free riding, we propose a dynamic pricing mechanism to motivate the agents to behave rationally. Service providers learn appropriate prices of referrals and answers in order to maximize their payoffs through stochastic iterative learning algorithms.
Perception of Mandarin intonation

This study investigates how tone and intonation, and how focus and intonation, interact in intonation type (statement versus question) identification. A perception experiment was conducted on a speech corpus of 1040 utterances. Sixteen listeners participated in the experiment. The results reveal three asymmetries: statement and question intonation identification; effects of the sentence-final Tone2 and Tone4 on question intonation identification; and effects of the final focus on statement and question intonation identification. These asymmetries suggest that: (1) statement intonation is a default or unmarked intonation type whereas question intonation is a marked intonation type; (2) question intonation has a higher prosodic strength at the sentence final position; (3) there is a tone-dependent mechanism of question intonation at the sentence-final position.
Development of a sliding mode control model for quiet upright stance

Human upright stance appears maintained or controlled intermittently, through some combination of passive and active ankle torques, respectively representing intrinsic and contractile contributions of the ankle musculature. Several intermittent postural control models have been proposed, though it has been challenging to accurately represent actual kinematics and kinetics and to separately estimate passive and active ankle torque components. Here, a simplified single-segment, 2D (sagittal plane) sliding mode control model was developed for application to track kinematics and kinetics during upright stance. The model was implemented and evaluated using previous experimental data consisting of whole body angular kinematics and ankle torques. Tracking errors for the whole-body center-of-mass (COM) angle and angular velocity, as well as ankle torque, were all within ∼10% of experimental values, though tracking performance for COM angular acceleration was substantially poorer. The model also enabled separate estimates of the contributions of passive and active ankle torques, with overall contributions estimated here to be 96% and 4% of the total ankle torque, respectively. Such a model may have future utility in understanding human postural control, though additional work is needed, such as expanding the model to multiple segments and to three dimensions.
In Search of Chinese National Character via Child-Training

The postwar period has been an unusual era in the annals of political science. Numerous practitioners of the discipline have ventured into areas previously unexplored, formulating new concepts, constructing new conceptual frameworks and models, putting forth new hypotheses and theories previously unstated, borrowing and importing ideas and methodological tools from sister disciplines, and improving upon old and innovating new research techniques (particularly quantitative techniques)—all in the interest of pushing forward the frontiers of knowledge. It seems no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most creative, if not necessarily the most fruitful, episodes in the development of the discipline.
Experimental Determination for the Transition Temperature Between Ballistic and Hopping Controlled Recombination in a-Si:H

The transient forward bias current of a-SI:H p-i-n diodes has been measured as a function of temperature and voltage. The transient shows an initial decay followed by a substantial rise which suggests a large value for the ratio of the carrier lifetime to the transit time as demonstrated by Shapiro. We found that both the time at which the rise begins and the ratio of the final saturated current to the minimum current increase with decreasing temperature for temperature greater than a characteristic temperature, Tc. For T < Tc, both the time and the ratio abruptly decrease with temperature. We attribute this change in temperature dependence to a change in the transport kinetics from ballistic to hopping controlled recombination.
Modeling and Analysis of Eagle Flight Mechanics from Experimental Flight Data

model and whether or not it is a minimal realization. The model is then used to develop a non-real time linear simulation for comparing model responses, to bird responses measured during ight. Results of the modal analysis show that the number and composition of dynamical modes are consistent with conventional aircraft, but exhibit variations in damping ratio and frequency between models. Simulation results presented in the paper validate the approach for identifying the ight mechanics and dynamics of birds, demonstrating that the approach is a candidate for use in comparison to morphing air vehicles.
Abstract A142: An in vivo functional genomics screen identifies molecular determinants of adaptive immune rejection

The complex cross-talk occurring among cells in the tumor microenvironment influences the anti-cancer immune response. Here we employed an RNAi screen of a murine cancer cell line syngeneic to C57Bl/6 mice to parse out the ability of the immune system to identify and eliminate malignant cells. To identify rate-limiting immune modulators, the EO771 mammary cancer cell line was transduced with a barcoded genome-wide shRNA library and engrafted in immune-competent as well as immune-deficient mice. Analysis of tumors grown in the presence of a functional adaptive immune system compared to those grown in immune-deficient mice, revealed cancer cell autonomous genes that modulate immune recognition. Pathway analysis identified enrichment of shRNAs targeting previously identified immune regulators including the TGF-BR pathway and MHC class I antigen processing. Among the candidates, we selected CD47, Tex9, Yif1a, EMP2, Pex14, and Sgpl1 for validation based on consistency between independent screens and known association with immune regulation. The roles of CD47, Tex9, Pex14, and Sgpl1 were validated for T cell-dependent recognition and elimination of EO771 tumors. CD47, a known inhibitor of target cell phagocytosis by macrophages, also regulated the adaptive immune response in this novel system. Two previously understudied molecules, Pex14 and Sgpl1, have immune inhibitory functions, as their respective knockdown suppressed EO771 tumor growth and increased survival in immunocompetent mice. Tex9 serves as a potential tumor antigen or immune stimulant, as reduction of expression enhances tumor growth when EO771 tumors are grown in immunocompetent mice. Therefore, this functional in vivo screening approach enabled the discovery of CD47, Pex14, Sgpl1, and Tex9 as novel tumor-based modulators of anti-tumor adaptive immunity. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report the successful utilization of an in vivo functional genomics approach to identify novel tumor cell-based mediators of immune regulation. Note:This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Casey W. Shuptrine, Elana J. Fertig, Marsha Salcie-Gautreaux, Louis M. Weiner. An in vivo functional genomics screen identifies molecular determinants of adaptive immune rejection. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A142.
Sleep deprivation in the rat. III: Total sleep deprivation

Ten rats were subjected to total sleep deprivation (TSD) by the disk apparatus. All TSD rats died or were sacrificed when death seemed imminent within 11-32 days. No anatomical cause of death was identified. All TSD rats showed a debilitated appearance, lesions on their tails and paws, and weight loss in spite of increased food intake. Their yoked control (TSC) rats remained healthy. Since dehydration was ruled out and several measures indicated accelerated use rather than failure to absorb nutrients, the food-weight changes in TSD rats were attributed to increased energy expenditure (EE). The measurement of EE, based upon caloric value of food, weight, and wastes, indicated that all TSD rats increased EE, with mean levels reaching more than twice baseline values.
Subconjunctival Delivery of Dorzolamide-Loaded Poly(ether-anhydride) Microparticles Produces Sustained Lowering of Intraocular Pressure in Rabbits

Topical medications that inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CAI) are widely used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma; however, their clinical efficacy is limited by the requirement for multiple-daily dosing, as well as side effects such as blurred vision and discomfort on drop instillation. We developed a biodegradable polymer microparticle formulation of the CAI dorzolamide that produces sustained lowering of intraocular pressure after subconjunctival injection. Dorzolamide was ion paired with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium oleate (SO) with 0.8% and 1.5% drug loading in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), respectively. Encapsulating dorzolamide into poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(sebacic acid) (PEG3-PSA) microparticles in the presence of triethylamine (TEA) resulted in 14.9% drug loading and drug release that occurred over 12 days in vitro. Subconjunctival injection of dorzolamide-PEG3-PSA microparticles (DPP) in Dutch belted rabbits reduced IOP as much as 4.0 ± 1.5 mmHg compared to u...
Understanding the symptoms and sources of variability in second language sentence processing

Cunnings (2016) proposes that differences between native (L1) and second language (L2) sentence processing can best be explained in terms of susceptibility to effects of interference and an overreliance on discourse level cues during memory retrieval. Cunnings’ argument that difficulty in retrieval operations may provide a better explanation than a syntactic deficit account for explaining certain L1-L2 differences is convincing. However, the proposal for the ‘overuse’ of discourse is too broad and needs to be refined in terms of the specific contexts and conditions under which learners have difficulty. We also believe that difficulty with cue-based retrieval is still a characterization of the symptoms of differences between L1-L2 processing, and does not necessarily address the source of the variability.
Clinical bioinformatics: emergence of a new laboratory discipline.

An experienced physician readily recognizes most common diseases, and the focus of clinical care is management, intervention, or cure. Rare disorders, on the other hand, present a qualitatively dif...