Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Markets Differ Much

This essay reports the results of a crosssection study of differences in accounting profitability that sheds light on some basic controversies in industrial economics. Most previous cross-section studies in this field have been concerned with testing hypotheses about structural coefficients in models meant to apply to essentially all markets. As we have learned more about the difficulties of constructing such general models and of performing tests on their structural parameters properly, structural cross-section analysis has fallen out of fashion. In contrast to most of the cross-section literature, the analysis reported here is fundamentally descriptive; it does not attempt directly to estimate or to test hypotheses about structural parameters. I hope to show by example that one can perform illuminating analysis of cross-section data without a host of controversial maintained hypotheses. Cross-section data can yield interesting stylized facts to guide both general theorizing and empirical analysis of specific industries, even if they cannot easily support full-blown structural estimation. ' One can view the sort of search for stylized facts conducted here as either a replacement for or an input to interindustry structural estimation, depending on one's feeling about the long-run potential of that research approach. This study also departs from much of the cross-section literature by being fundamentally concerned with the importance of various effects, not just with coefficient signs and t-statistics. In particular, this essay provides estimates of the relative importance of firm, market, and market share differences in the determination of business unit (divisional) profitability in U.S. manufacturing. Using 1975 data from the Line of Business Program of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), I find support neither for the existence of firm effects nor for the importance of market share effects. Moreover, while industry effects apparently exist and are important, they appear to be negatively correlated with seller concentration in these data. Section I relates firm, market, and share effects to current issues and controversies in industrial economics and thus supplies the motivation for our empirical analysis. The remainder of the essay treats the data and
FLDA: Latent Dirichlet Allocation Based Unsteady Flow Analysis

In this paper, we present a novel feature extraction approach called FLDA for unsteady flow fields based on Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model. Analogous to topic modeling in text analysis, in our approach, pathlines and features in a given flow field are defined as documents and words respectively. Flow topics are then extracted based on Latent Dirichlet allocation. Different from other feature extraction methods, our approach clusters pathlines with probabilistic assignment, and aggregates features to meaningful topics at the same time. We build a prototype system to support exploration of unsteady flow field with our proposed LDA-based method. Interactive techniques are also developed to explore the extracted topics and to gain insight from the data. We conduct case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
Design of two-dimensional recursive filters using genetic algorithms

In this paper, we examine a new design method for two-dimensional (2-D) recursive digital filters using genetic algorithms (GAs). The design of the 2-D filter is reduced to a constrained minimization problem the solution of which is achieved by the convergence of an appropriate GA. Theoretical results are illustrated by a numerical example. Also, comparison with the results of some previous design methods is attempted.
Modeling Reverse-Phi Motion-Selective Neurons in Cortex: Double Synaptic-Veto Mechanism

Reverse-phi motion is the illusory reversal of perceived direction of movement when the stimulus contrast is reversed in successive frames. Livingstone, Tsao, and Conway (2000) showed that direction-selective cells in striate cortex of the alert macaque monkey showed reversed excitatory and inhibitory regions when two different contrast bars were flashed sequentially during a two-bar interaction analysis. While correlation or motion energy models predict the reverse-phi response, it is unclear how neurons can accomplish this. We carried out detailed biophysical simulations of a direction-selective cell model implementing a synaptic shunting scheme. Our results suggest that a simple synaptic-veto mechanism with strong direction selectivity for normal motion cannot account for the observed reverse-phi motion effect. Given the nature of reverse-phi motion, a direct interaction between the ON and OFF pathway, missing in the original shunting-inhibition model, it is essential to account for the reversal of response. We here propose a double synaptic-veto mechanism in which ON excitatory synapses are gated by both delayed ON inhibition at their null side and delayed OFF inhibition at their preferred side. The converse applies to OFF excitatory synapses. Mapping this scheme onto the dendrites of a direction-selective neuron permits the model to respond best to normal motion in its preferred direction and to reverse-phi motion in its null direction. Two-bar interaction maps showed reversed excitation and inhibition regions when two different contrast bars are presented.
Diversity management and OCB: the connection evidence from the Lebanese banking sector

Purpose Research has shown that organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has a positive and significant impact on organizational performance at a time when traditional monitoring and supervision practices are showing a declining influence. This has triggered numerous research undertakings exploring the antecedents of OCB, and how it can best be enhanced. Though many variables have been identified as predictors of OCB, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the influence of diversity management on OCB and two of its important antecedents: organizational commitment and work engagement. Design/methodology/approach The study used a survey instrument of pre-validated scales to measure banking sector employees’ perceptions of their affective and normative commitment (NC), OCB, and diversity management practices at their organizations. Structural equation modeling was used with AMOS (20) to empirically assess the relationships among constructs. Findings This study empirically confirmed the positive impact of diversity management on employees’ feelings of affective commitment to the organization and engagement at work, which in turn positively impact employees’ OCB. However, the findings negate any direct influence of diversity management on NC or on OCB. Originality/value This study fills a gap in the literature by questioning the validity of applying the social exchange theory to the concept of OCB.
2009 pandemic Influenza A (H1N1): clinical and laboratory characteristics in pediatric and adult patients and in patients with pulmonary involvement

Please cite this paper as: Lee and Liu et al. (2012) 2009 pandemic Influenza A (H1N1): clinical and laboratory characteristics in pediatric and adult patients and in patients with pulmonary involvement. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e152–e161.
Efficient Clustering of Short Messages into General Domains

The ever increasing activity in social networks is mainly manifested by a growing stream of status updating or microblogging. The massive stream of updates emphasizes the need for accurate and efficient clustering of short messages on a large scale. Applying traditional clustering techniques is both inaccurate and inefficient due to sparseness. This paper presents an accurate and efficient algorithm for clustering Twitter tweets. We break the clustering task into two distinctive tasks/stages: (1) batch clustering of user annotated data, and (2) online clustering of a stream of tweets. In the first stage we rely on the habit of `tagging', common in social media streams (e.g. hashtags), thus the algorithm can bootstrap on the tags for clustering of a large pool of hashtagged tweets. The stable clusters achieved in the first stage lend themselves for online clustering of a stream of (mostly) tagless messages.We evaluate our results against gold-standard classification and validate the results by employing multiple clusteringevaluation measures (information theoretic, paired, F and greedy). We compare our algorithm to a number of otherclustering algorithms and various types of feature sets. Results show that the algorithm presented is both accurate andefficient and can be easily used for large scale clustering of sparse messages as the heavy lifting is achieved ona sublinear number of documents.
Diagnostic Proteomics: Serum Proteomic Patterns for the Detection of Early Stage Cancers

The ability to interrogate thousands of proteins found in complex biological samples using proteomic technologies has brought the hope of discovering novel disease-specific biomarkers. While most proteomic technologies used to discover diagnostic biomarkers are quite sophisticated, "proteomic pattern analysis" has emerged as a simple, yet potentially revolutionary, method for the early diagnosis of diseases. Utilizing this technology, hundreds of clinical samples can be analyzed per day and several preliminary studies suggest proteomic pattern analysis has the potential to be a novel, highly sensitive diagnostic tool for the early detection of cancer.
Clinical and sociodemographic risk factors for readmission of Medicare beneficiaries

In a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, multiple logistic regression was used to examine clinical, sociodemographic, and insurance coverage risk factors for readmission within 60 days of discharge. The patients most likely to be readmitted were those with poor health status or with chronic diseases and those who had not had surgery. Age, marital status, living situation, and having insurance to supplement Medicare were not independently predictive of readmission risk. The dominant roles of health status, diagnosis, and surgery as predictors of readmission provide evidence that risk-adjusted readmission rates can be equitably used for quality of care studies.
THE ∼0.9 mJy SAMPLE: A MID-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC CATALOG OF 150 INFRARED–LUMINOUS, 24 μm SELECTED GALAXIES AT 0.3 ⩽ z ⩽ 3.5

We present a catalog of mid-infrared (MIR) spectra of 150 infrared (IR) luminous galaxies in the Spitzer extragalactic first look survey obtained with the IR spectrograph on board the Spitzer Space Telescope. The sample is selected to be brighter than ∼0.9 mJy at 24 μm and it has a redshift distribution in the range [0.3, 3.5], with a peak at z = 1. It primarily comprises ultraluminous IR galaxies (ULIRGs) at z ≳ 1 and luminous IR galaxies at z < 1, as estimated from their monochromatic rest-frame 14 μm luminosities. The number of sources with spectra that are dominated by an active galactic nucleus (AGN) continuum is 49, while 39 sources have strong, star formation related features. For this classification, we used the equivalent width (EW) of the 11.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) feature. Several intermediate and high z starbursts have higher PAH EW than local ULIRGs, which could be indicative of an elevated star formation activity. Moreover, an increase in the AGN activity is observed with increasing z and luminosity, based on the decreasing EW of PAHs and the increasing [Ne iii]/ [Ne ii] ratio. Spectral stacking leads to the detection of weak features such as the 3.3 μm PAH, the H2 0–0 S(1) and S(3) lines, and the [Ne v] line. We observe differences in the flux ratios of PAHs in the stacked spectra of IR-luminous galaxies with redshift or luminosity, which cannot be attributed to extinction effects since both the depth and the profile of the silicate absorption feature at 9.7 μm remain the same at z < 1 and z ⩾ 1. When placing the observed galaxies on IR color–color diagrams, we find that the wedge defining AGNs comprises most sources with continuum-dominated spectra, but also contains many starbursts and sources with strong silicate absorption at 9.7 μm. The comparison of the 11.3 μm PAH EW and the H-band effective radius, measured from Hubble Space Telescope data, indicates that sources with EWs ⩾ 2 μm, are typically more extended than ∼3 kpc. However, there is no strong correlation between the MIR spectral type and the near-IR extent of the sources.
Optimal Taxation of Families * Job Market Paper

This paper examines the optimal taxation of families in an environment in which (i) families’ earning abilities and tastes for children are private information, and (ii) child-rearing requires both parental time and goods. The optimal tax system combines an income tax schedule for childless families with tax credits for families with children. These components insure parents against low earning ability and high taste for children draws respectively. The parental time and cost of goods involved in childrearing have distinct impacts on the shape of optimal child tax credits. In the quantitative part, I estimate these costs and show that they translate into a pattern of optimal credits that is U-shaped in income. The credit to one (two) child families is decreasing over the first 40% (50%) of the income distribution. In addition, the credit for the second child is not equal to the credit for the first, owing to economies of scale in child-rearing. For median-income families, the credit for the second child equals 44% of the credit for the first child. Finally, I offer a simple linear-income dependent credit policy that achieves most of the welfare gain from the optimum. JEL-Classification: H21, H53, D82, J13
Strategies for Attaching Oligonucleotides to Solid Supports

While most molecular reactions involving synthetic oligonucleotides, notably PCR and DNA sequencing, are carried out in liquid phase, a rapidly growing number of important applications utilize synthetic oligonucleotides attached to solid supports. In general, the purpose for using a solid support-attached oligonucleotide is to capture something, hold on to it, enrich it, and identify and/or purify it. The major class of solid support-attached oligonucleotides, DNA oligonucleotide microarrays, provide a powerful tool for analysis of gene expression. The most generally accessible approach for producing oligonucleotide microarrays is to synthesize the individual oligonucleotides separately prior to immobilization on the solid surface. In this case the oligonucleotide is modified with a functional group that allows attachment to a reactive group on a solid surface. Another important class is the micro-bead-attached oligonucleotide.
Problems and results in combinatorial number theory

© Société mathématique de France, 1975, tous droits réservés. L’accès aux archives de la collection « Astérisque » (http://smf4.emath.fr/ Publications/Asterisque/) implique l’accord avec les conditions générales d’utilisation (http://www.numdam.org/conditions). Toute utilisation commerciale ou impression systématique est constitutive d’une infraction pénale. Toute copie ou impression de ce fichier doit contenir la présente mention de copyright.
Tenascin-C Is an Inhibitory Boundary Molecule in the Developing Olfactory Bulb

We recently described the boundary-like expression pattern of the extracellular matrix molecule tenascin-C (Tnc) in the developing mouse olfactory bulb (OB) (Shay et al., 2008). In the present study, we test the hypothesis that Tnc inhibits olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axon growth in the developing OB before glomerulogenesis. The period of time before glomerular formation begins, when axons remain restricted to the developing olfactory nerve layer (ONL), is crucial for axon sorting. Here, we show with in vitro analyses that OSN neurite outgrowth is inhibited by Tnc in a dose-dependent manner and that, in stripe assays, axons preferentially avoid Tnc. Using Tnc-null mice, we also show that that glomerular development is delayed in the absence of Tnc. In wild-type mice, OSN axons coalesce into immature or protoglomeruli, which further differentiate and segregate into glomeruli. Glomeruli are first identifiable as discrete structures at birth. In null mice, glomeruli appear immature at birth, remain fused to the ONL, and have a significantly larger diameter compared with wild-type controls. By postnatal day 4, null glomeruli are indistinguishable from controls. Thus, OSN axons appear delayed in their coalescence into glomerular structures. These data correlate with behavioral reports of Tnc-null mice, which are delayed by 24 h in their acquisition of an olfactory behavior (de Chevigny et al., 2006). Collectively, these data demonstrate that Tnc is an inhibitory boundary molecule in the developing OB during a key period of development.
Profiles of On-the-Job Accommodations Needed by Professional Employees who are Blind

This article presents five case studies of professional employees who are blind and the postemployment accommodations they needed in four areas: worksite accessibility, performance of essential job functions, job mastery, and job satisfaction. It also describes the Work Experience Survey, a practical assessment instrument that can be used to engage employees who are visually impaired or blind in identifying and removing barriers to maintaining and advancing their careers.
The Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor E-3810 Combined with Paclitaxel Inhibits the Growth of Advanced-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Xenografts

E-3810 is a novel small molecule that inhibits VEGF receptor-1, -2, and -3 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 tyrosine kinases at nmol/L concentrations currently in phase clinical II. In preclinical studies, it had a broad spectrum of antitumor activity when used as monotherapy in a variety of human xenografts. We here investigated the activity of E-3810 combined with different cytotoxic agents in a MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft model. The molecule could be safely administered with 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. The E-3810–paclitaxel combination showed a striking activity with complete, lasting tumor regressions; the antitumor activity of the combination was also confirmed in another triple-negative breast xenograft, MX-1. The activity was superior to that of the combinations paclitaxel+brivanib and paclitaxel+sunitinib. Pharmacokinetics studies suggest that the extra antitumor activity of the combination is not due to higher paclitaxel tumor levels, which in fact were lower in mice pretreated with all three kinase inhibitors, and the paclitaxel plasma levels excluded reduced drug availability. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that E-3810, brivanib, and sunitinib given as single agents or in combination with paclitaxel reduced the number of vessels, but did not modify vessel maturation. Reduced tumor collagen IV and increased plasma collagen IV, associated with increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), particularly host MMP-9, indicate a proteolytic remodeling of the extracellular matrix caused by E-3810 that in conjunction with the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel on the tumor cells (caspase-3/7 activity) may contribute to the striking activity of their combination. These data support the therapeutic potential of combining E-3810 with conventional chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(2); 131–40. ©2012 AACR.
GABAA receptors in visual and auditory cortex and neural activity changes during basic visual stimulation

Recent imaging studies have demonstrated that levels of resting γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the visual cortex predict the degree of stimulus-induced activity in the same region. These studies have used the presentation of discrete visual stimulus; the change from closed eyes to open also represents a simple visual stimulus, however, and has been shown to induce changes in local brain activity and in functional connectivity between regions. We thus aimed to investigate the role of the GABA system, specifically GABAA receptors, in the changes in brain activity between the eyes closed (EC) and eyes open (EO) state in order to provide detail at the receptor level to complement previous studies of GABA concentrations. We conducted an fMRI study involving two different modes of the change from EC to EO: an EO and EC block design, allowing the modeling of the haemodynamic response, followed by longer periods of EC and EO to allow the measuring of functional connectivity. The same subjects also underwent [18F]Flumazenil PET to measure GABAA receptor binding potentials. It was demonstrated that the local-to-global ratio of GABAA receptor binding potential in the visual cortex predicted the degree of changes in neural activity from EC to EO. This same relationship was also shown in the auditory cortex. Furthermore, the local-to-global ratio of GABAA receptor binding potential in the visual cortex also predicted the change in functional connectivity between the visual and auditory cortex from EC to EO. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of GABAA receptors in stimulus-induced neural activity in local regions and in inter-regional functional connectivity.
Abnormal pontine activation in pathological laughing as shown by functional magnetic resonance imaging

To explore the aetiology of pathological laughing, a 65-year-old woman with pathological laughing was examined by 3-T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after treatment with drugs. Here, we report that the patient consistently showed exaggerated pontine activation during the performance of three tasks before treatment, whereas abnormal pontine activation was no longer found after successful treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine. Our findings in this first fMRI study of pathological laughing suggest that serotonergic replacement decreases the aberrant activity in a circuit that involves the pons.
Price Setting With Menu Cost for Multiproduct Firms

We model the decisions of a multiproduct firm that faces a fixed “menu” cost: once it is paid, the firm can adjust the price of all its products. We characterize analytically the steady state firm's decisions in terms of the structural parameters: the variability of the flexible prices, the curvature of the profit function, the size of the menu cost, and the number of products sold. We provide expressions for the steady state frequency of adjustment, the hazard rate of price adjustments, and the size distribution of price changes, all in terms of the structural parameters. We study analytically the impulse response of aggregate prices and output to a monetary shock. The size of the output response and its duration both increase with the number of products; they more than double as the number of products goes from 1 to 10, quickly converging to the response of Taylor's staggered price model.