Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incomplete Markets and Trade

In this paper, we show that incomplete markets lead to trade imbalances. We use a two-period general equilibrium model with countries composed of heterogeneous households. We look at a world where, when markets are complete, countries engage in balanced trade and we show that when some of those markets are absent, trade imbalances emerge. Market incompleteness across countries causes trade imbalances because national income in some countries is more sensitive to risky asset payoffs than in others. Market incompleteness within countries causes trade imbalances because superior risk-sharing in one country leads to a lower precautionary demand for saving.
Evidence of Structural Change in Preferences for Seafood

The results from graphical and regression analyses of time-series data on seafood consumption and prices suggest that preferences for seafood have strengthened in response to medical evidence that seafood promotes nutrition and health. The graphical analysis reveals a trend of increased per capita consumption of seafood since the late 1960s despite concurrent increases in the relative price of seafood. The two-phase regression analyses of per capita consumption and of the relative price of seafood identified the mid-1960s and the mid-1970s as possible times of accelerated change in preferences. These results, which match those reported for consumption of poultry and red meats, have important implications for modeling derived demand in landings markets, for estimating welfare, and for managing fishing effort and multiple uses of fish stocks.
Localized ablation of olfactory receptor neurons induces both localized regeneration and widespread replacement of neurons in spiny lobsters

The peripheral olfactory system of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus—located on paired antennules—undergoes continual postembryonic development. This process includes continuous addition of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) related to indeterminate growth, continuous replacement, and regeneration when necessitated by damage. We have shown previously that new olfactory tissue is continually added to the proximal margin of these populations, called the proximal proliferation zone (PPZ). Here, we show that focal damage to mature portions of the olfactory system causes localized degeneration of ORNs over 1–10 days after damage. Studies using the cell proliferation marker 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine show that localized degeneration was followed by rapid and localized regeneration of olfactory tissue. Rapidly dividing cells were recorded up to 40 days after damage, with regeneration of ORN clusters complete within 80 days. Focal damage appeared to stimulate widespread cell replacement (cell death and proliferation) within mature, undamaged ORN clusters. This response was observed in ORN clusters outside the damaged zone, including mature clusters in the contralateral antennule. The degree of widespread cell replacement was less than local repair after local damage, but it increased with more extensive damage. However, changes in on‐going proliferation in the PPZ were not detected, at least not 20 days or longer after damage, suggesting damage‐induced widespread proliferation may be specific to mature populations of ORNs. We speculate that localized regeneration involves activity of resident precursor cells not destroyed by the ablation and that unidentified regulatory signals released in response to localized damage induce widespread ORN replacement. J. Comp. Neurol. 471:72–84, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Caregiver Perceptions of Their Influence on Cancer Treatment Decision Making

Serious illness of a loved one can disrupt a caregiver’s sense of self and relationships. We examined the language caregivers use to describe the cancer treatment decision making of a loved one to understand how caregivers frame their own identity relative to a patient’s illness. We analyzed transcripts from in-depth interviews conducted with caregivers (N = 58) of cancer patients to examine the intersection among language, identity, and illness. Caregivers with a patient-level personal identity frame used phrases such as their body, their decision. Caregivers with a relational identity frame used plural pronouns such as we or our when describing the treatment decision. Importantly, some caregivers perceived an illness identity gap in that the patients’ perceptions of their illness identity differed from their own. Illness identity gaps are theorized to be associated with treatment decision making more closely aligned with intergroup, rather than interpersonal, processes.
Pressing Back: The Struggle for Control Over China's Journalists

Despite operating in one of the most tightly controlled media environments in the world, Chinese journalists sometimes take extraordinary risks in exposing wrongdoing by power holders. Based on interviews with Chinese news workers and others over 14 months of fieldwork, and a computer-assisted content analysis of nearly 19,000 Chinese newspaper articles, my research examines the causes and consequences of this journalistic risk taking. In doing so, I point to a new category of oppositional behavior situated between the poles of quiescence and outright resistance. This behavior, which I term pushback, takes place when actors privileged by professional or traditional standing oppose the state or its policies in ways that they perceive to be within the boundaries of the permissible. These actors' oppositional acts, however, are made with the explicit or implicit goal of pushing long-term state policy in ways that the powerful might not currently find acceptable. Although neither necessary nor sufficient to precipitate outright resistance, pushback can - under the right circumstances - be causal and predictive of later resistive acts. Even if pushback never progresses to explicit resistance, it can have important, long-term political effects of its own, including shifting power out of the hands of the party/state and toward journalists.Pushback, I argue, is spurred not by the macro-scale political and economic changes in the Chinese media, but by a type of professional orientation I term advocacy journalism. Advocate journalists are those who view their role as advancing the development of the Chinese nation rather than either the Chinese Communist Party or Western-style press freedoms. It is ultimately these advocate journalists, who tend to be younger and better educated than average, who push back against the Party/state's confining strictures. Though circumstances vary, they also tend to move from pushback toward overt resistance when the Party/state effects a change that disrupts their everyday lives, when there is a clear target or targets for blame, and when there is a language of moral economy to rally around. It is ultimately these journalists who are pushing the boundaries of state power and potentially reshaping the Chinese political landscape.
Analysis of Modified Single-Phase PFC AC-DC Buck-Boost Converter

This paper researches a modified single-phase power-factor-correction (PFC) AC-DC buck-boost converter, which is operated in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) by using a simple control scheme to achieve almost unity power factor, low total harmonic distortion of input current (THDi), and step-up/down DC output voltage for universal input voltage applications. This converter has low voltage stresses on the power devices than the conventional PFC AC-DC buck-boost converter. The steady-state analysis of voltage gain and boundary operating condition are discussed in detailed. Finally, the simulation results are shown to verify the performance of this modified buck-boost converter.
A Framework for Constrained and Adaptive Behavior-Based Agents

Behavior Trees are commonly used to model agents for robotics and games, where constrained behaviors must be designed by human experts in order to guarantee that these agents will execute a specific chain of actions given a specific set of perceptions. In such application areas, learning is a desirable feature to provide agents with the ability to adapt and improve interactions with humans and environment, but often discarded due to its unreliability. In this paper, we propose a framework that uses Reinforcement Learning nodes as part of Behavior Trees to address the problem of adding learning capabilities in constrained agents. We show how this framework relates to Options in Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning, ensuring convergence of nested learning nodes, and we empirically show that the learning nodes do not affect the execution of other nodes in the tree.
Linking neural representations for decision-making between monkey and human cortex

Neuroscience has struggled to link animal models to human brain functioning. Hunt et al. (2017) identified a triple functional dissociation in prefrontal cortex (PFC) using single-cell recordings from macaque during an information gathering task. We attempt to find a similar dissociation in the human brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a similar task using two approaches: mass univariate analysis and representational similarity analysis (RSA). In a mass univariate analysis, we find evidence of a belief confirmation signal in ACC, consistent with that identified in single cell recordings in the same task. Using RSA, we successfully produced clear representational geometries in primary visual cortex and the fusiform gyrus for spatial location and cue type (face/house) respectively. However, we found no clear relationships between RSA matrices in anatomical regions of interest for dlPFC, OFC or ACC, in contrast to what was found in the macaque data. These findings do not completely rule out RSA as a means of mapping animal and human data to a common space in PFC, as there is still much space for further exploration of the data.
A Model-Based Approach to Evaluation of the Efficacy of FEC Coding in Combating Network Packet Losses

We propose a model-based analytic approach for evaluating the overall efficacy of FEC coding combined with interleaving in combating packet losses in IP networks. In particular, by modeling the network path in terms of a single bottleneck node, described as a G/M/1/K queue, we develop a recursive procedure for the exact evaluation of the packet-loss statistics for general arrival processes, based on the framework originally introduced by Cidon et al., 1993. To include the effects of interleaving, we incorporate a discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) into our analytic framework. We study both single-session and multiple-session scenarios, and provide a simple algorithm for the more complicated multiple-session scenario. We show that the unified approach provides an integrated framework for exploring the tradeoffs between the key coding parameters; specifically, interleaving depths, channel coding rates and block lengths. The approach facilitates the selection of optimal coding strategies for different multimedia applications with various user quality-of-service (QoS) requirements and system constraints. We also provide an information-theoretic bound on the performance achievable with FEC coding in IP networks.
Using Counter-explanation to Limit Unintentional Optimism in Analysts' Forecasts

Prior research demonstrates that forecast optimism is, in part, an unintentional consequence of analysts’ cognitive reactions to the scenarios managers use to communicate future plans. In two experiments, we examine whether counter-explanation (explaining why managers’ plans could fail) limits unintentional forecast optimism. We find that, when compared to analysts who do not generate counter-explanations, analysts who complete the relatively easy task of generating few counter-explanations make less optimistic forecasts, but analysts who complete the relatively difficult task of generating many counter-explanations do not. Results suggest boundary conditions for the effective use of counter-explanation to limit scenarioinduced forecast optimism.
Role of vitamin B6 status on antioxidant defenses, glutathione, and related enzyme activities in mice with homocysteine-induced oxidative stress

Background Vitamin B6 may directly or indirectly play a role in oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of vitamin B6 status with cysteine, glutathione, and its related enzyme activities in mice with homocysteine-induced oxidative stress. Design Four-week-old male BALB/c mice were weighed and divided into one of four dietary treatment groups fed either a normal diet (as a control group and a homocysteine group), a vitamin B6-deficient diet (as a B6-deficient group), or a B6-supplemented diet (a pyridoxine-HCl-free diet supplemented with 14 mg/kg of pyridoxine-HCl, as a B6 supplement group) for 28 days. Homocysteine thiolactone was then added to drinking water in three groups for 21 days to induce oxidative stress. At the end of the study, mice were sacrificed by decapitation and blood and liver samples were obtained. Results Mice with vitamin B6-deficient diet had the highest homocysteine concentration in plasma and liver among groups. Significantly increased hepatic malondialdehyde levels were observed in the vitamin B6-deficient group. Among homocysteine-treated groups, mice with vitamin B6-deficient diet had the highest plasma glutathione concentration and relatively lower hepatic glutathione concentration. The glutathione peroxidase activities remained relatively stable in plasma and liver whether vitamin B6 was adequate, deficient, or supplemented. Conclusions Mice with deficient vitamin B6 intakes had an aggravate effect under homocysteine-induced oxidative stress. The vitamin B6-deficient status seems to mediate the oxidative stress in connection with the redistribution of glutathione from liver to plasma, but not further affect glutathione-related enzyme activities in mice with homocysteine-induced oxidative stress.
CATECHOLAMINES AND β2-ADRENOCEPTOR GENE EXPRESSION BEFORE AND AFTER MAXIMAL INCREMENTAL CYCLE TEST IN YOUNG ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS: RELATION TO WORK PERFORMED

The aim of this study was to assess the plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations as well as whole blood β2-adrenoceptor gene (ADRB2) expression in young ice hockey players before and immediately after exercise in relation to performed work. Nineteen Youth National Team ice hockey players were subjected to the maximal incremental cycloergometer exercise. The test was done in the pre-competitive phase of training. Among many parameters the plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations and ADRB2 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were determined before and after exercise. The average performed work was 3261.3 ± 558.3 J · kg−1 and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) for all players was 53.85 ± 3.91 mL · kg−1 min−1. The geometric mean of the ADRB2 gene expression was statistically significantly different before and after exercise (P ≤ 0.05), while adrenaline and noradrenaline levels in plasma significantly increased after exercise. In the analysed group of athletes we found that initial level of plasma noradrenaline correlated with the performed work (r = - 0.55, P < 0.014) and normalized ADRB2 expression before the exercise correlated with the work done by them (r = 0.48, P<0.039). However, no statistically significant correlations were found between the plasma adrenaline or noradrenaline concentrations and ADRB2 gene expression in peripheral blood of the players. The performed work in the maximal incremental exercise test of regularly training young ice hockey players depends on the initial levels of noradrenaline in plasma and ADRB2 mRNA in PBMC.
Incentives, Decision Frames, and Motivation Crowding Out - an Experimental Investigation

A simple principal agent problem is experimentally investigated in which a principal repeatedly sets a wage and an agent responds by choosing an effort level. The principal's payoff is determined by the agent's effort. In a first setting the principal can only set a fixed wage in each period. In a second setting the principal has the possibility to supplement the fixed wage with a piece rate. Surprisingly, efforts are lower in the case where piece rates can be paid. Furthermore, switching in the same treatment from a setting where piece rates are available to one where only fixed wages can be paid tends to lead to even lower effort levels. Based on our findings we suggest a new explanation for motivation crowding out by arguing that the use of piece rates considerably alters the principals' and agents' perception of the situation.
Imperfect credibility and the zero lower bound on the nominal interest rate

When the nominal interest rate reaches its zero lower bound, credibility is crucial for conducting forward guidance. We determine optimal policy in a New Keynesian model when the central bank has imperfect credibility and cannot set the nominal interest rate below zero. In our model, an announcement of a low interest rate for an extended period does not necessarily reflect high credibility. Even if the central bank does not face a temptation to act discretionarily in the current period, policy commitments should not be postponed. In reality, central banks are often reluctant to allow a recovery path with output and inflation temporarily above target. From the perspective of our model such a policy reflects a low degree of credibility. We find increased forecast uncertainty in inflation and the output gap at the zero lower bound while interest rate uncertainty is reduced. Furthermore, misalignments between announced interest rate paths and market expectations are found to be best explained by lack of credibility.
Of Mice, Cattle, and Humans: The Immunology and Treatment of River Blindness

River blindness is a seriously debilitating disease caused by the filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus, which infects millions in Africa as well as in South and Central America. Research has been hampered by a lack of good animal models, as the parasite can only develop fully in humans and some primates. This review highlights the development of two animal model systems that have allowed significant advances in recent years and hold promise for the future. Experimental findings with Litomosoides sigmodontis in mice and Onchocerca ochengi in cattle are placed in the context of how these models can advance our ability to control the human disease.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide 6-38 Blocks Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Peptide-Induced Hypophagia in Rats

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptides (CARTp) suppress nutritional intake after administration into the fourth intracerebral ventricle. Recent in vitro studies have shown that PACAP 6-38, a pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) fragment, could act as a competitive antagonist against CARTp 55-102 on a common CARTp-sensitive receptor structure. Here, we show for the first time in vivo that the reduction in solid food intake induced by exogenous CARTp 55-102 (0.3 nmol: 1.5 µg) administered fourth i.c. v. is blocked by pretreatment with PACAP 6-38 (3 nmol). The PACAP 6-38 fragment had no effect by itself either when given into the fourth ventricle or subcutaneously. Although effective to block the CARTp-effect on feeding and short-term body weight, PACAP 6-38 failed to attenuate CARTp-associated gross motor behavioral changes suggesting at least two CARTp-sensitive receptor subtypes. In conclusion, PACAP 6-38 acts as a functional CARTp antagonist in vivo and blocks its effects on feeding and short term weight gain.
Multitype Branching Processes in Random Environments

Consider a population of particles and k fixed particle classifications labeled type 1, type 2, . , type k. Suppose that to each classification there corresponds exactly one k-variate p.g. f. and that each particle of the population is classified by one and only one type. Further, assume that after each unit of time, each particle, independently of the other particles, splits or disintegrates into particles of several types, in accordance with the k-variate p.g. f. which corresponds to the parent particle's type. Given these hypotheses, the probability of the population ever becoming extinct is known. This process, in fact, is the well-known multi type Galton-Watson process. In this work, we remove the restrictive assumption that particles of the same type always divide in accordance with the same k-variate p.g. f. Instead, we assume that at each unit of time, Nature chooses a k-vector of k-variate p.g. f.s from a class of k-vectors of k-variate p.g. f.s, independently of the population, past and present, and the previously selected k-vectors, which is then assigned to the present population. Each particle of the present population then splits or disintegrates, independently of the others, in accordance with the k-variate p.g. f. assigned to its
Leaders, Laggards and the Pursuit of Foreign Knowledge

This paper analyzes how firms in different technological and market share positions use foreign R&D to augment their technological capabilities. Technology transfer issues and absorptive capacity arguments are examined to analyze the different technological capabilities of leading and lagging firms. In addition, a new strategic rationale (in terms of non-dominant market share firms) that has not been considered in prior studies analyzing knowledge-seeking FDI is offered. From a panel dataset which includes information on all foreign R&D investments made by publicly-traded Japanese manufacturing firms (from 1974-1994), I show that Japanese firms investing in foreign R&D tend to be the non-dominant market share firms, but also the technologically leading firms across fairly diverse industries. By considering both the technological and market share positions of firms, this study reveals important characteristics that influence when firms use foreign R&D as part of a strategy to augment their technological capabilities.
Sex-differences in symptoms, disability, and life satisfaction three years after mild traumatic brain injury: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate sex differences in symptoms, structure of symptoms, disability and life satisfaction 3 years after mild traumatic brain injury. Secondary aims were to find risk factors for adverse outcome. DESIGN Population-based cohort study. PATIENTS The cohort comprised 137,000 inhabitants at risk in a defined population served by a single hospital in northern Sweden. Patients attending the emergency department following a mild traumatic brain injury in 2001 were included. METHODS Of 214 patients aged 18-64 years, 163 answered a questionnaire on symptoms, disability, and life-satisfaction 3 years post-injury. The instruments were analysed with descriptive statistics. A principal component analysis of the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire was conducted. Risk factors were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS Post-concussion syndrome was found in 50% of the women and 30% of the men. Disability was found in 52% of the women and 37% of the men, and 57% of the women and 56% of the men were satisfied with their lives. For both genders, high frequency of symptoms was a risk factor for disability and low life satisfaction. Back pain was a risk factor for disability. Living alone was a risk factor for low levels of life satisfaction. The principal component analysis revealed differences between the sexes. CONCLUSION There are sex differences in outcome 3 years after mild traumatic brain injury. Women and men should be analysed separately.