jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Does Microcredit Reduce Poverty

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance (Social Sciences)

Despite efforts to end it, poverty still persists in the world today. Lately, microcredit has received much attention as a possible remedy. Even though there are many studies investigating the effects of microcredit there is a lack of research on the impact of microcredit on national poverty. Therefore the purpose of this study is to investigate that particular aspect by analyzing the impact so far of microcredit on national poverty in over a hundred, primarily developing, countries. The empirical analysis consists of an OLS regression where GDP per capita is used as a proxy for poverty. The microcredit variables that are tested are portfolio (the sum obtained when dividing the total gross loan with total population) and borrowers (the share of borrowers in the population). To get an estimation of the appropriateness of the proxy, the same regressions were run with poverty as the dependent variable. The results show no significant effect of the portfolio variable and only a negative correlation between borrower and GDP per capita. This correlation is intuitive, since it is likely that a poor country is more involved in microcredit than a rich one. Limitations within the data call for caution when interpreting the results. This reservation aside, the outcome indicates that the impact of microcredit on national poverty has not been great. There can be several reasons for this: Studies have found that microcredit has problems reaching the poorest segment of the population. This might prohibit the MFIs from reducing poverty. It is also possible that any positive effect of microcredit on an individual or household level is not big enough to impact national poverty. For the credit to have a significant macroeconomic impact there most likely needs to be well functioning institutions and a favorable macroeconomic environment. As long as these are flawed, any positive effect of microcredit might well be severely dampened. Even if microcredit has been around for quite some time it is first recently that it has really picked up speed. Thus it might be necessary to wait a while before being able to accurately capture the effect of microfinance on a macroeconomic level.
The role of Connexin 43 gap junction formation in monocytes trans-endothelial migration.

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by the accumulation of monocytic cells and lipids within the sub-endothelial space by direct monocyte to endothelial cell contact through gap junctions (GJs). Both cell types express connexin 43 (Cx43) isoforms that permit the formation of GJs. This is enhanced by adhesion molecules in the presence of pro-inflammatory stimuli, such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). TNF-α is suggested to have a role in Cx43 expression mainly mediated through MAPK pathways over other intercellular pathways; however, to date the mechanism remains unclear. \nExperiments were carried out in the absence and presence of 25ng/ml TNF-α and the functional integrity of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers was assessed by measuring the trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). The trans-endothelial migration (TEM) assay used as a model for the transmigration of monocytes to the sub-endothelial space. Monocytes were added to HUVEC monolayers, and cells which passed from one chamber to another were collected, marked with CD14+ and measured by flow cytometry. The efficiency of TEER and TEM was measured in: 1) the presence of the GJ inhibitor, 43GAP27; 2) HUVECs transfected with Cx43-siRNA; and 3) MAPK inhibitors, chelerythrine chloride (CHE). TEER measurements showed a reduction in the presence of TNF-α compared to the control cells (13.58±2.82Ω.cm2, 43.94±3.32Ω.cm2; n=6); however, when the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor CHE was added, the resistance was the same as in the control cells (48.64±3.62Ω.cm2, 45.76±4.83Ω.cm2; n=6). TNF-α enhanced the migration of monocytes (66.3±2.1%; n=3) compared to the control cells (9.9±4.5%; n=3; P<0.001), but this was prevented in monolayer also treated with CHE (13.70±2.45%; n=3; P<0.001). Migration of monocytes was attenuated by the GJ blocker 43GAP27 and was comparable to HUVECs transfected with Cx43-siRNA (8.33±4.66%; n=3). High expression of total PKC in the HUVECs treated with TNF-α was shown compared to the control cells, but this effect was reduced in HUVECs treated with TNF-α when CHE was applied. \nThese results show that GJs are formed between ECs and monocytes, and that TNF-α increased TEM, reduced the TEER, and had no effect in HUVECs transfected with Cx43-siRNA. The effect of TNF-α is mediated through PKC as its effect was attenuated by the PKC inhibitor CHE. This study has demonstrated the important role of GJ communication as an underlying mechanism during the early stages of atherosclerosis development, enhanced by the action of TNF-α.
Cell volume analysis of gramicidin-treated eccrine clear cells to study regulation of Cl channels

Field: Neuroscience (Life Sciences)

Using voltage-current-clamp methods, we determined membrane potentials, relative ionic permeability, and membrane conductance of gramicidin (GC)-treated freshly dissociated eccrine clear cells. GC depolarized the membrane potential by 58 mV, increased the membrane conductance progressively over the time of exposure (mean of 1.7 times at 60 s and 4.6 times at 3 min), and increased the Na conductance of the membrane (from near 0 in control to 0.75 nS after GC). Image analysis coupled with GC treatment was then employed to study the regulation of Cl channels based on the premise that cell swelling was due to activation of Cl channels. Cell swelling was stimulated by methacholine (MCh, 3 microM) in the presence of GC. GC+MCh-induced cell swelling was inhibited by atropine, low extracellular Ca ([Ca]o < 1 nM), or removal of Cl. Thus MCh-induced cell swelling is most likely due to Ca-dependent activation of Cl channels. Isoproterenol (Iso), 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and forskolin also caused cell swelling in the presence of GC. Iso-induced cell swelling was abolished in a Cl-free medium and by diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid, indicating that it is caused by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated activation of Cl channels. Cl channels stimulated by MCh, but not those stimulated by Iso, were inhibited by preexposure to a low-Ca medium [nominally Ca free + 1 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, [Ca]o < 1 nM] for 20 s, suggesting that Ca-stimulated Cl channels are distinct from cAMP-dependent Cl channels. cAMP-stimulated Cl channels were, however, inhibited when the cells were exposed to the low-Ca medium for 60 s. The simple cell volume analysis of GC-treated cells is a sensitive assay system for both Ca- and cAMP-dependent Cl channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Aminoglycoside Inactivation by Penicillins and Cephalosporins and its Impact on Drug-Level Monitoring

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

The degree of in vitro inactivation of gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin by various penicillins and cephalosporins was investigated. Serum samples were prepared that contained one aminoglycoside and one penicillin or cephalosporin. Each aminoglycoside was combined with each of the following: penicillin, ampicillin, nafcillin, carbenicillin, ticarcillin, cephapirin, cefazolin, cefoxitin, and cefamandole. Each sample contained a final concentration of 10 μ/ml of gentamicin or tobramycin, or 35 μ/ml of amikacin, with 400 μg/ml of the β-lactam antibiotic. Control samples containing only the aminoglycoside were used for comparison. Half of each mixture was frozen at −20°C and the remainder was left at room temperature for 24 hours. The samples were assayed for aminoglycoside content by a radioimmunoassay and each combination was compared with its control value. Based on the results, the β-lactams can be divided into three groups: (1) cefazolin and cefamandole, which cause little inactivation; (2) nafcillin, cephapirin, and cefoxitin, which cause moderate inactivation; and (3) penicillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and ticarcillin, which cause marked inactivation. In general, tobramycin was the most reactive of the three aminoglycosides studied and amikacin the most stable. The frozen samples were much less affected than those left at room temperature. Freezing samples, if there will be a delay in assaying, and choosing aminoglycoside sampling times when the β-lactam concentration is at a trough are recommended to minimize spurious aminoglycoside level determinations due to in vitro inactivation.
Formate dehydrogenase activity in methanol-utilizing yeasts.

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

The growth and activity of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) in five methanol-utilizing yeasts at various methanol concentrations were investigated. The parameters observed were inhibited at 4% methanol concentration in the medium. For Candida boidinii and Pichia trehalophila FDH activity was not found. The highest value was detected for Pichia lindneri (0.14 U/mg protein).
Study of thermal decomposition mechanisms and absorption cross section of nitro-rich phenyl- and bis-series 1,2,3-triazoles

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

This paper reports the investigation of thermal decomposition mechanisms and evaluation of thermally released NO2 from two newly synthesized high-energy materials named 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole (S8) and 2,6-bis ((4-(nitromethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl) pyridine (S9) using time-resolved pulsed photoacoustic (PA) pyrolysis technique. The PA spectra were recorded between the 30°C and 350°C range and by varying the pressure of compounds vapor using 532 nm wavelength of pulse duration 7 ns at 10 Hz repetition rate obtained from Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses. The PA results were cross verified with thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis data. The quality factor "&=&Q"&=& of the PA cavity was measured to test the thermal stability of the compound. In addition, we have ascertained the molecular density, absorption cross sections of high-energy materials vapor in terms of NO2. The corresponding values are of the order of 0.1-1.2×10(20) cm-3 and 0.5-6 kilobarn, respectively. These results once again confirm the close agreement between the radiative and nonradiative transitions data and established the role of NO2 during the thermal decomposition process.
Robotic gait synthesis and control design using neural and fuzzy networks approaches

Field: Computer Science (Physical Sciences)

Gait planning is an important problem in studies of biped robot locomotion and motion control. Similar to locomotion of humans, gait planning of a biped robot shows features such as improvement through learning, minimization of energy cost, and selection of optimal trajectory. A typical trajectory control system consists of two main subsystems: (1) the trajectory generator and (2) the tracking control system. Most past trajectory control designs were based on the classical “Proportional and Derivative” control technique. Drawbacks in these designs for highly nonlinear systems usually involve complex mathematical analysis. To overcome these difficulties, this research investigates approaches using neural networks and fuzzy logic. Our emphasis is on generation of trajectories by using artificial intelligence techniques. New methods are presented to improve the trajectory tracking control and relieve difficulty in robotic gait synthesis. Conventional neural networks and the fuzzy modeling networks are utilized to generate the biped walking trajectories. Network learning ability helps in design especially when plant dynamics are complex and highly nonlinear. In addition, complex mathematical computations can be eliminated if adequate neural network hardware is available and used.
The presented scheme uses a neuro- or fuzzy controller combined with a linearized inverse biped model. The controller provides the control signals at each control time instant. The algorithm used to train the controller is “backpropagation through time”. The linearized inverse biped model provides the error signals for backpropagation through the controller at control time instants. A walking gait is divided in three sections: lift up, cross over, and landing. In each section, the walking trajectory is generated by using a “recurrent averaging” algorithm. Three different structures have been investigated. The first one uses a conventional neural network as the controller in trajectory generation. The second one uses a fuzzy modeling network controller instead. The last one uses a neural network emulator, instead of the linearized inverse biped model, to provide the error signals. This research also examines gait synthesis on sloping surfaces. Simulation results are reported for a five-link biped robot, the BLR-G1 walking robot.
Effect of multiple scattering on transition radiation from a dynamic interface

Field: Physics and Astronomy (Physical Sciences)

The effect of multiple scattering (long-range, small-angle elastic Coulomb collisions) on the radiation field associated with transition radiation from a nonstationary plasmalike medium is addressed with the help of a simple model. The model assumes a relativistic charged particle traversing a single medium that is rapidly and abruptly changing its electromagnetic properties. An averaged diffusion tensor is calculated relativistically to effectively approximate a diminished formation zone in the medium, the effect of which on the differential radiation intensity and angular distribution of transition radiation is studied. It is shown here that multiple scattering is more than a fine-tuning effect, in that it has a marked enhancement effect on the differential yield over a wide and significant frequency range of the emitted photons as well as an appreciable shifting and slowing down of the rapid fall of the maximum intensity angular location over an equally significant angular range. It is suggested that one study the effect in an implosion-explosion process of a laser-prepared medium. Implications to transition radiation from a periodic medium and the more general process of transition scattering in nonlinear media are briefly discussed.
Engineering single-atom Fe–N active sites on hollow carbon spheres for oxygen reduction reaction

Field: Chemical Engineering (Physical Sciences)

Seeking alternatives to noble metals-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hollow carbon spheres (CSs) were finely tuned with stable single-atom Fe-N species through a synthesis methodology requiring only earth-abundant metal precursors. CSs with different sizes were synthesized by sol-gel polycondensation of resorcinol with formaldehyde over silica nanoparticles, followed by thermal annealing and silica etching. A catalyst screening revealed the positive impact of both the hollow core and structural defects of the CSs for ORR. Single-atom Fe-N active sites were introduced on the best performing CSs through simultaneous incorporation of iron and nitrogen precursors, and glucose. A significant enhancement in ORR activity was observed despite the small iron load introduced (0.12 wt%). ORR performance indicators, advanced characterization, and molecular simulation studies revealed nitrogen's crucial role in anchoring individual iron atoms and modulating the charge density nearby the active sites (increase of 80 mV in the half-wave potential). Adding glucose as a chelating agent enhances the metal-heteroatom coordination and subsequent dispersion of iron, accounting for an increase of 20 mV in the half-wave potential, an average of electrons transferred as high as 3.9 (at 0.4 V vs. RHE), and higher stability (99%) than that of a platinum-based (20 wt%) electrocatalyst (92%).
On the Location of a Constrained Tree Facility in a Tree Network with Unreliable Edges

Field: Mathematics (Physical Sciences)

Given a tree network with vertices where each edge has an independent operational probability, we are interested in finding the optimal location of a reliable service provider facility in a shape of subtree with exactly leaves and with a diameter of at most which maximizes the expected number of nodes that are reachable from the selected subtree by operational paths. Demand requests for service originate at perfectly reliable nodes. So, the major concern of this paper is to find a location of a reliable tree-shaped facility on the network in order to provide a maximum access to network services by ensuring the highest level of network connectivity between the demand nodes and the facility. An efficient algorithm for finding a reliable â€“ tree core of is developed. The time complexity of the proposed algorithm is Examples are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
DIRECT USAGE OF MINISCREW ANCHORAGE TO INTRUDE OVERERUPTED MAXILLARY POSTERIOR TEETH BEFORE PROSTHODONTIC PREPARATION: A CASE REPORT

Field: Dentistry (Health Sciences)

Overeruption of maxillary molars due loss of opposing teeth creates occlusal and functional interferences. Before reconstruction can be initiated, intrusion of overerupted molars becomes essential. This report illustrates treatment of overerupted maxillary premolar and molar via direct use of miniscrew anchorage. A 24-year old female had lost first and second left mandibular molars due to pulpal necrotizing agents, resulting with a large alveolar bone defect and overerupted maxillary premolar and molar. She had a history of unsuccessful alveolar distraction of mandibular left premolars to increase the alveolar bone height prior to implant placement. Patient was satisfied with her smile and refused comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Maxillary premolar and molar were intruded segmentally for 4mm in 8 months, using a combination of a mini-implant and partialfixed edgewise appliances. Biological responses of teeth and surrounding bony structures to intrusion appeared normal and acceptable in radiographic and clinical examination.
Changing frames in native speaker and learner talk

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

This study examines how Spanish native speakers (NSs) and second language (L2) learners deal with changing frames in talk. Goffman’s (1974) ideas of frames and ‘keys’ are extended to NS-learner informal interviews to characterize the pragmatic resources that NS and learners use to change frames. The data indicate that the participants signal changes using various pragmatic resources, such as questions implying a new frame, personal comments, and emotional reactions such as laughter or sympathy. Frame changes can also be rejected. The study illustrates the role of pragmatics in pointing to changes in the discourse, showing that L2 communication difficulties can stem from such changes. These pragmatic resources should be part of the description of ‘shared repertoires’ that facilitate dialogue in NS-learner communities.
University Students' Notebook Computer Use

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

University students are self-reporting musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use similar to levels reported by adult workers. The objective of this research study was to determine how university students use notebook computers and to determine what ergonomic strategies might be effective in reducing their self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort. Two hundred and eighty-nine university students, who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, participated in this study. Participants who received notebook computer accessories and those who received these accessories and participatory ergonomics training reported a significant reduction in self-reported notebook computer-related discomfort. A significant increase in rest breaks occurred with a significant correlation between self-reported computer usage and the amount measured using WorkPace®, a computer usage software.
Oedipus Borealis: The Aberrant Body in Old Icelandic Myth and Saga

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

Oedipus borealis is a discussion of aberrance in the mythic and legendary hero as he appears in thirteenth-century Icelandic narratives, and in the quasi-historical figures in the saga literature who are modeled on him. The opening chapter on Greek myth presents Oedipus of Thebes as the paradigm of the aberrant hero, his sexual deviance linked in mythic logic with his foot anomaly, and, most importantly, with his greatness. A study of the Norse pantheon as presented in Snorri's Edda reveals that most of the Norse gods and their nemesis, the Giants, conform to a similar pattern of deviance, with physical disabilities (blindness, deafness, muteness) linked to supernatural power, and monstrosity to sexual vitality. In saga figures such as the skalds Egil Skalla grimsson, Kormak, or Thormod Kolbrunsskald, disability and deviant sexuality are linked to poetic skill. Figures as diverse as the revenant, the berserk, the outlaw Grettir, and St. Olaf show that the pattern is very widely disseminated in Old Icelandic. Illustrated. Lois Bragg is Professor of English at Gallaudet University.
Mixed images and merging semantics in European curricula

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Abstract Due to European agreements and policy expectations, national authorities are revising their formal curricula in line with an evidence-oriented policy. The article explores how new trends in formulating curricula can be regarded as an outcome of experts’ semantics and impact on education policy. The article reanalyses documentation from a project, where curricula were compared across countries according to their conceptualizations about schooling and reform. Throughout this project, we observed that curriculum documents merge professional semantics on the purposes, and content of schooling with a language formed by evidence-based policy on outcomes. To understand what the formal curricula express within contemporary policy, a research model is applied, which illustrates how semantics associated with curricula weight theory and evidence differently, all regarded as sources within curriculum making. From this point of view, the recognition or ignorance of schooling is dependent not only on political ideologies, as indicated in Tanners op-ed article, but on how experts provide semantics which might take professional-practical theories of schooling into regard. Keywords: curriculumevidence-informed policyprofessional semanticseducation reformeducational policy Acknowledgements The author is indebted to the members of the research group Curriculum Studies, Educational Leadership and Governance (CLEG) at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo, for their comments to an early draft of this article, and the coordinators of the network ERECKS (On Educational Reforms in Europe—historical and comparative studies in the interplay between political governance, education professions and education sciences, Lineaus University, Sweden) for including it within their symposium at the ECER conference in Berlin, 2011. Notes 1. Folkeskole can be interpreted as «schooling for the people», from The Aims of the Folkeskole, 17.11.12, http://www.eng.uvm.dk/Education/Primary-and-Lower-Secondary-Education/The-Folkeskole/The-Aims-of-the-Folkeskole.