Estimation of Asymmetric Spatial Autoregressive Dependence on Irregular Lattices

In spatial econometrics, we usually assume that the spatial dependence structure is known and that all information about it is contained in a spatial weights matrix W. However, in practice, the structure of W is unknown a priori and difficult to obtain, especially for asymmetric dependence. In this paper, we propose a data-driven method to obtain W, whether it is symmetric or asymmetric. This is achieved by calculating the area overlap of the adjacent regions/districts with a given shape (a pizza-like shape, in our case). With W determined in this way, we estimate the potentially asymmetric spatial autoregressive dependence on irregular lattices. We verify our method using Monte Carlo simulations for finite samples and compare it with classical approaches such as Queen’s contiguity matrices and inverse-distance weighting matrices. Finally, our method is applied to model the evolution of sales prices for building land in Brandenburg, Germany. We show that the price evolution and its spatial dependence are mainly driven by the orientation towards Berlin

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Design of a robotic hand with a biologically-inspired parallel actuation system for prosthetic applications

Trabajo presentado al 34th Annual Mechanisms and Robotics Conference celebrado en Quebec del 15 al 18 de agosto de 2010.This paper presents the design of a robotic hand for prosthetic applications. The main characteristic of this robotic hand is its biologically-inspired parallel actuation system, which is based on the behavior/strength space of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) and the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) muscles. The design separates the strength space of the FDS and FDP muscles into a lighter strength region where finer manipulation and general approach tasks are executed, and a higher strength region where the more robust grasps are achieved. Two parallel actuator types and kinematic structures are designed to complement the requirements of both strength space regions.This research was performed under an award/contract from Telemedicine Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) of the U.S. Department of Defense.Peer Reviewe

In vitro Efficacy of a Novel Guanosine-Analog Phosphonate

Actinic keratosis, a frequent carcinoma in situ of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), can transform into life-threatening cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Current treatment is limited due to low complete clearance rates and asks for novel therapeutic concepts; the novel purine nucleotide analogue OxBu may be an option. In order to enhance skin penetration, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN, 136-156 nm) were produced with an OxBu entrapment efficiency of 96.5 ± 0.1%. For improved preclinical evaluation, we combined tissue engineering with clinically used keratin-18 quantification. Three doses of 10-3 mol/l OxBu, dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline as well as loaded to SLN, were effective on reconstructed NMSC. Tumour response and apoptosis induction were evaluated by an increase in caspase-cleaved fragment of keratin-18, caspase-7 activation as well as by reduced expression of matrix metallopeptidase-2 and Ki-67. OxBu efficacy was superior to equimolar 5-fluorouracil solution, and thus the drug should be subjected to the next step in preclinical evaluation

Проект узла синтеза изопропилбензола

Объектом исследования является синтез изопропилбензола реакцией алкилирования бензола пропиленом, с использованием в качестве катализатора комплексного соединение хлорида алюминия. Цель работы - спроектировать узел синтеза изопропилбензола.The object of the study is the synthesis of isopropylbenzene by the reaction of alkylation of benzene with propylene, using as a catalyst a complex compound of aluminum chloride. The aim of the work is to design a site for the synthesis of isopropylbenzene

Global value chains and human development: a class-relational framework

Global Value Chain proponents argue that regional and human development can be achieved through ‘strategic coupling’ with transnational corporations. This argument is misleading for two reasons. First, GVC abstracts firm-firm and firm-state relations from their class-relational basis, obscuring fundamental developmental processes. Second, much GVC analysis promotes linear conceptions of development. This article provides a class-relational framework for GVC analysis. The formation and functioning of GVCs and the developmental effects associated with them are products of histories of evolving and often conflictive, class relations. A study of export horticulture in North East Brazil provides empirical support for these arguments

Formation of nanoscale ferromagnetic MnAs crystallites in low-temperature grown GaAs

3 páginas, 3 figuras, 1 tabla.We report the formation of nanosize ferromagnetic MnAs crystallites imbedded in low-temperature grown GaAs using Mn+ ion implantation and subsequent annealing. The structural and magnetic properties of the crystallites have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, electron beam induced x-ray fluorescence, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. After an optimized thermal annealing at 750 °C, MnAs crystallites of 50 nm in size are formed. These nanomagnets show room temperature ferromagnetism.This work has been supported by QUEST, an NSF Science and Technology center (Grant No. DMR91.20007). P.J.W. is a postdoctoral fellow of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) J.M.G. is a postdoctoral fellow of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.Peer reviewe

Spiranthes vernalis Engelm. & A. Gray

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