Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Banking on experiments

Purpose - – How can laboratory experiments help us understand banking crises, including the usefulness of various policy responses? After giving a concise introduction to the field of experimental economics more generally, the author attempts to provide answers. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach - – The author discusses methodology and surveys relevant work. Findings - – History is often too complicated to be meaningfully revamped or modified in the lab, for purposes of insight-by-analogy. But as people argue about how to understand financial history, they bring ideas to the table. It is possible and useful to test the empirical relevance of these ideas in lab experiments. Originality/value - – The paper pioneers broad discussion of how lab experiments may shed light on banking crises.
Factors associated with HIV infection are not the same for all women

Study objectives: To determine if factors associated with HIV infection vary between subpopulations of women resident in Great Britain. Design: Case-control analyses on already existing datasets. Setting: Great Britain. Participants: 317 cases selected from a MRC Collaborative Study of HIV Infection in Women and 3635 controls selected from a National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles. Main results: Factors associated with HIV infection varied among subpopulations of women. Among women heterosexually infected, factors associated with HIV infection were residence in London (odds ratio (OR) = 8.3; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 4.6 to 14.9), widowhood (OR = 47.6; CI 20.0 to 113.1), being black (OR = 25.2; CI 15.6 to 40.8) and particularly among white women, having 10 or more sexual partners (OR = 14.5; CI 5.1 to 41.3). Young age was important for black women heterosexually infected. Among women who shared needles, residence in London (OR = 19.0; CI 5.8 to 62.6) or Scotland (OR = 26.9; CI 8.0 to 90.4) and large numbers of sexual partners was important (OR = 19.6; CI 6.4 to 60.0); termination of pregnancy history was also important for those with fewer than 10 sexual partners (OR = 6.7; CI 3.4 to 13.1); and low social class was important for those with 10 or more sexual partners (OR = 4.1; CI 1.7 to 9.6). Conclusions: Factors vary in importance and significance of association with HIV infection in different subpopulations of women resident in Great Britain. This diversity is also likely to occur in other populations. It is important to identify these differences between subpopulations. Prevention and control policies and activities for HIV/AIDS cannot treat all women as if they were the same.
The Farm Fresh Healthcare Project: Analysis of a Hybrid Values-based Supply Chain

An emerging literature on values-based supply chains offers models for meeting both the scale-based requirements and values-based goals of farm-to-institution initiatives. These models seek to incorporate conventional supply chain norms of efficiency, standardization, and affordability while meeting the diverse social and environmental values motivating the local food movement. Values-based supply chain models to date have been derived largely from cases of farmer cooperatives and food hubs that have purposefully designed their operations to incorporate alternative agrifood movement values. A model that deserves more attention is hybrid values-based supply chains that incorporate both conventional and alternative resources, infrastructure, and markets. Of the few studies examining hybrid models, some point to benefits such as established supply chain relationships, expertise, and infrastructure that match the needs of institutional purchasers, while others argue that conventional intermediaries reproduce marginalizing structures of mainstream supply chains. This paper explores these tensions through analysis of the Farm Fresh Healthcare Project (FFHP), a farm-to-hospital initiative in the San Francisco Bay Area that engages a set of hospitals' existing regional produce distributors to supply products from local small and midscale family farmers. By engaging conventional intermediaries, the project benefited from existing supply chain infrastructure shaped by norms of efficiency, standardization, and affordability. This paper analyzes the extent to which FFHP actors succeed in embedding in their supply chains a range of non-economic values, including transparency, communication of qualities of provenance and production, decision-making equity, environmental stewardship, and social equity in the form of supporting small and midscale family farmers.
q-exchangeability via quasi-invariance

For positive q is not 1, the q-exchangeability of an infinite random word is introduced as quasi-invariance under permutations of letters, with a special cocycle which accounts for inversions in the word. This framework allows us to extend the q-analog of de Finetti’s theorem for binary sequences—see Gnedin and Olshanski [Electron. J. Combin. 16 (2009) R78]—to general real-valued sequences. In contrast to the classical case of exchangeability (q = 1), the order on ℝ plays a significant role for the q-analogs. An explicit construction of ergodic q-exchangeable measures involves random shuffling of ℕ = {1, 2, …} by iteration of the geometric choice. Connections are established with transient Markov chains on q-Pascal pyramids and invariant random flags over the Galois fields.
The host galaxies of radio-quiet quasars at 0.5< z< 1.0 ⋆

We present near-infrared H-band imaging of 15 intermediate redshift (0.5<z<1) radio quiet quasars (RQQ) in order to characterize the properties of their host galaxies. We are able to clearly detect the surrounding nebulosity in 12 objects, whereas the object remains unresolved in three cases. For all the resolved objects, we find that the host galaxy is well represented by a de Vaucouleurs r^{1/4} surface brightness law. This is the first reasonably sized sample of intermediate redshift RQQs studied in the near-infrared. The RQQ host galaxies are luminous (average M_H=-26.3+-0.6) and large giant elliptical galaxies (average bulge scale length R_e = 11.3\pm5.8 kpc). RQQ hosts are about 1 mag brighter than the typical low redshift galaxy luminosity L^*, and their sizes are similar to those of galaxies hosting lower redshift RQQs, indicating that there is no significant evolution at least up to z=1 of the host galaxy structure. We also find that RQQ hosts are about 0.5-1 mag fainter than radio-loud quasars (RLQ) hosts at the similar redshift range. The comparison of the host luminosity of intermediate redshift RQQ hosts with that for lower z sources shows a trend that is consistent with that expected from the passive evolution of the stars in the host galaxies. The nuclear luminosity and the nucleus/host galaxy luminosity ratio of the objects in our sample are intermediate between those of lower redshift RQQs and those of higher redshift (z>1) RQQs.
Modality Tests for Use in Applied Econometrics: Application to Macroeconomic Convergence

We examine three tests, widely employed in the statistics literature, that help determine the number of modes in an empirical nonparametric kernel density. The tests are described and applied to the Penn World Table (PWT) data set on world-wide per capita income to study convergence. Our results suggest that the distribution of world-wide per capita income, contrary to conventional wisdom based on informal inspection, may have been multimodal throughout the period covered by the PWT data set. JEL classiflcation codes: C1.
Alpha-2A Adrenoceptor Agonist Guanfacine Restores Diuretic Efficiency in Experimental Cirrhotic Ascites: Comparison with Clonidine

Background In human cirrhosis, adrenergic hyperfunction causes proximal tubular fluid retention and contributes to diuretic-resistant ascites, and clonidine, a sympatholytic drug, improves natriuresis in difficult-to-treat ascites. Aim To compare clonidine (aspecific α2-adrenoceptor agonist) to SSP-002021R (prodrug of guanfacine, specific α2A-receptor agonist), both associated with diuretics, in experimental cirrhotic ascites. Methods and Results Six groups of 12 rats were studied: controls (G1); controls receiving furosemide and potassium canrenoate (G2); rats with ascitic cirrhosis due to 14-week CCl4 treatment (G3); cirrhotic rats treated (over the 11th-14th CCl4 weeks) with furosemide and canrenoate (G4), furosemide, canrenoate and clonidine (G5), or diuretics and SSP002021R (G6). Three rats of each group had their hormonal status and renal function assessed at the end of 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th weeks of respective treatments.Cirrhotic rats in G3 and G4 gained weight over the 12th-14th CCl4 weeks. In G4, brief increase in sodium excretion over the 11th-12th weeks preceded worsening of inulin clearance and natriuresis (diuretic resistance). In comparison with G4, the addition of clonidine (G5) or guanfacine (G6) to diuretics improved, respectively, sodium excretion over the 11th-12th CCl4 weeks, or GFR and electrolytes excretion over the 13th-14th CCl4 weeks. Natriuretic responses in G5 and G6 were accompanied by reduced catecholamine serum levels. Conclusions α2A-receptor agonists restore glomerular filtration rate and natriuresis, and delay diuretic-resistant ascites in experimental advanced cirrhosis. Clonidine ameliorates diuretic-dependent natriuresis just for a short time.
Isolation and Characterization of rpoS from a Pathogenic Bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus: Role of σS in Survival of Exponential-Phase Cells under Oxidative Stress

ABSTRACT A gene homologous to rpoS was cloned from a fatal human pathogen, Vibrio vulnificus. The functional role of rpoS in V. vulnificus was accessed by using an rpoS knockout mutant strain. This mutant was impaired in terms of the ability to survive under oxidative stress, nutrient starvation, UV irradiation, or acidic conditions. The increased susceptibility of the V. vulnificus mutant in the exponential phase to H2O2 was attributed to the reduced activity of hydroperoxidase I (HPI). Although σS synthesis was induced and HPI activity reached the maximal level in the stationary phase, the mutant in the stationary phase showed the same susceptibility to H2O2 as the wild-type strain in the stationary phase. In addition, HPII activity, which is known to be controlled by σS in Escherichia coli, was not detectable in V. vulnificus strains under the conditions tested. The mutant in the exponential phase complemented with multiple copies of either the rpoS or katG gene of V. vulnificus recovered both resistance to H2O2 and HPI activity compared with the control strain. Expression of the katG gene encoding HPI in V. vulnificus was monitored by using a katG::luxAB transcriptional fusion. The expression of this gene was significantly reduced by deletion of σS in both the early exponential and late stationary phases. Thus, σS is necessary for increased synthesis and activity of HPI, and σS is required for exponentially growing V. vulnificus to develop the ability to survive in the presence of H2O2.
Motives for Sharing in Social Networks

What motivates people in rural villages to share? We first elicit a baseline level of sharing using a standard, anonymous dictator game. Then using variants of the dictator game that allow for either revealing the dictator's identity or allowing the dictator to choose the recipient, we attribute variationin sharing to three different motives. The first of these, directed altruism, is related to preferences, while the remaining two are incentive-related(sanctions and reciprocity). We observe high average levels of sharing in ourbaseline treatment, while variation across individuals depends importantlyon the incentive-related motives. Finally, variation in measured reciprocity within the experiment predicts observed 'real-world' gift-giving, while other motives measured in the experiment do not predict behavior outside the experiment.
Case Studies and Mathematical Models of Ecological Speciation. 4. Hybrid Speciation in Butterflies in a Jungle

We build a spatial individual-based multilocus model of homoploid hybrid speciation tailored for a tentative case of hybrid origin of Heliconius heurippa from H. melpomene and H. cydno in South America. Our model attempts to account for empirical patterns and data on genetic incompatibility, mating preferences and selection by predation (both based on coloration patterns), habitat preference, and local adaptation for all three Heliconius species. Using this model, we study the likelihood of recombinational speciation and identify the effects of various ecological and genetic parameters on the dynamics, patterns, and consequences of hybrid ecological speciation. Overall, our model supports the possibility of hybrid origin of H. heurippa under certain conditions. The most plausible scenario would include hybridization between H. melpomene and H. cydno in an area geographically isolated from the rest of both parental species with subsequent long-lasting geographic isolation of the new hybrid species, followed by changes in the species ranges, the secondary contact, and disappearance of H. melpomene-type ecomorph in the hybrid species. However, much more work (both empirical and theoretical) is necessary to be able to make more definite conclusions on the importance of homoploid hybrid speciation in animals.
Heat Flows for Extremal K\"ahler Metrics

Let $(M,J,\Omega)$ be a closed polarized complex manifold of K\"ahler type. Let $G$ be the maximal compact subgroup of the automorphism group of $(M,J)$. On the space of K\"ahler metrics that are invariant under $G$ and represent the cohomology class $\Omega$, we define a flow equation whose critical points are extremal metrics, those that minimize the square of the $L^2$-norm of the scalar curvature. We prove that the dynamical system in this space of metrics defined by the said flow does not have periodic orbits, and that its only fixed points are extremal metrics. We prove local time existence of the flow, and conclude that if the lifespan of the solution is finite, then the supremum of the norm of its curvature tensor must blow-up as time approaches it. While doing this, we also prove that extremal solitons can only exist in the non-compact case, and that the range of the holomorphy potential of the scalar curvature is an interval independent of the metric chosen to represent $\Omega$. We end up with some conjectures concerning the plausible existence and convergence of global solutions under suitable geometric conditions.
Suppressing Multi-Channel Ultra-Low-Field MRI Measurement Noise Using Data Consistency and Image Sparsity

Ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI (B 0 = 10–100 µT) typically suffers from a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). While SNR can be improved by pre-polarization and signal detection using highly sensitive superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors, we propose to use the inter-dependency of the k-space data from highly parallel detection with up to tens of sensors readily available in the ULF MRI in order to suppress the noise. Furthermore, the prior information that an image can be sparsely represented can be integrated with this data consistency constraint to further improve the SNR. Simulations and experimental data using 47 SQUID sensors demonstrate the effectiveness of this data consistency constraint and sparsity prior in ULF-MRI reconstruction.
Outsourcing with long term contracts: capital structure and product market competition effects

This paper analyzes how capital structure and product market competition affect the firms’ strategic choice between outsourcing with long term contracts and outsourcing to the spot market. When outsourcing to the spot market firms are exposed to price uncertainty, whereas a long term contract allows them to set in advance the outsourcing price. We show that, to the extent that leverage and uncertainty can lead to financial distress costs in bad states of nature, firms may use long term contracts as a risk management device to hedge input price uncertainty. With a monopoly in the final product market, the outsourcing decision involves a trade-off between a positive convexity effect of input price uncertainty under the spot regime and the option to avoid financial distress costs under the long term contract regime. Moreover, product market competition among buyers can lead to an increase in financial distress costs not only for firms outsourcing to the spot market but also for firms outsourcing with a long term contract. We examine the monopolist’s outsourcing decision and derive the equilibrium for an oligopoly, and show that the equilibrium depends on the magnitude of these costs and on the level of efficiency of the supplier.
Combating Special Educator Attrition: Mentor Teachers’ Perceptions of Job Satisfaction, Resiliency, and Retention

Abstract Special educator attrition is a major problem in the United States (US) and in many countries worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the experiences of 5 highly successful special education teachers serving students with autism spectrum disorder in the central Florida area of the US with particular attention to factors associated with teacher retention. A phenomenological research design was employed to identify factors leading participants to persevere where others have not. A representative sample was included of multiple teachers in classrooms of varying grade levels and school districts across central Florida as part of a funded project by the Office of Special Education Services and the U.S. Department of Education. Findings include that teachers of students with ASD who are involved in extracurricular activities may show a lowered burnout rate.
Molecular Determinants of the Regioselectivity of Toluene/o-Xylene Monooxygenase from Pseudomonas sp. Strain OX1

ABSTRACT Bacterial multicomponent monooxygenases (BMMs) are a heterogeneous family of di-iron monooxygenases which share the very interesting ability to hydroxylate aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons. Each BMM possesses defined substrate specificity and regioselectivity which match the metabolic requirements of the strain from which it has been isolated. Pseudomonas sp. strain OX1, a strain able to metabolize o-, m-, and p-cresols, produces the BMM toluene/o-xylene monooxygenase (ToMO), which converts toluene to a mixture of o-, m-, and p-cresol isomers. In order to investigate the molecular determinants of ToMO regioselectivity, we prepared and characterized 15 single-mutant and 3 double-mutant forms of the ToMO active site pocket. Using the Monte Carlo approach, we prepared models of ToMO-substrate and ToMO-reaction intermediate complexes which allowed us to provide a molecular explanation for the regioselectivities of wild-type and mutant ToMO enzymes. Furthermore, using binding energy values calculated by energy analyses of the complexes and a simple mathematical model of the hydroxylation reaction, we were able to predict quantitatively the regioselectivities of the majority of the variant proteins with good accuracy. The results show not only that the fine-tuning of ToMO regioselectivity can be achieved through a careful alteration of the shape of the active site but also that the effects of the mutations on regioselectivity can be quantitatively predicted a priori.
Similarity analysis of neuronal activation patterns

Understanding the relationship between neuronal activation patterns of specific brain areas resulting from sensorial experiences is a challenging problem. In this context, we analyzed the levels of similarity between neuronal activation patterns using a semi-supervised method and data acquired from microelectrode arrays implanted on specific brain areas of rats, during an experiment of tactile exploration of four classes of physical objects in the dark. Eight factors were considered (animal, brain region, pair of objects, clustering algorithm, clustering evaluation metric, bin size, window size and contact interval), resulting in 294.912 similarity measurements. Hypotheses regarding the relationship of each of the factors were statistically tested. Not all degrees of similarity between the patterns extracted from pairs of different exploration intervals, for two different objects, were equivalent to a given treatment. This indicated that the similarity between the patterns is sensitive to all the factors analyzed and provides evidence about the complexity of neuronal coding in the brain.
The Canadian Frailty Priority Setting Partnership: Research Priorities for Older Adults Living with Frailty

Background Patient engagement in research priority-setting is intended to democratize research and increase impact. The objectives of the Canadian Frailty Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) were to engage people with lived or clinical experience of frailty, and produce a list of research priorities related to care, support, and treatment of older adults living with frailty. Methods The Canadian Frailty PSP was supported by the Canadian Frailty Network, coordinated by researchers in Toronto, Ontario and followed the methods of the James Lind Alliance, which included establishing a Steering Group, inviting partner organizations, gathering questions related to care, support and treatment of older adults living with frailty, processing the data and prioritizing the questions. Results In the initial survey, 799 submissions were provided by 389 individuals and groups. The 647 questions that were within scope were categorized, merged, and summarized, then checked against research evidence, creating a list of 41 unanswered questions. Prioritization took place in two stages: first, 146 individuals and groups participated in survey and their responses short-listed 22 questions; and second, an in-person workshop was held on September 26, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario where these 22 questions were discussed and ranked. Conclusion Researchers and research funders can use these results to inform their agendas for research on frailty. Strategies are needed for involving those with lived experience of frailty in research.
A BCR-ABL Mutant Lacking Direct Binding Sites for the GRB2, CBL and CRKL Adapter Proteins Fails to Induce Leukemia in Mice

The BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase is the defining feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and its kinase activity is required for induction of this disease. Current thinking holds that BCR-ABL forms a multi-protein complex that incorporates several substrates and adaptor proteins and is stabilized by multiple direct and indirect interactions. Signaling output from this highly redundant network leads to cellular transformation. Proteins known to be associated with BCR-ABL in this complex include: GRB2, c-CBL, p62DOK, and CRKL. These proteins in turn, link BCR-ABL to various signaling pathways indicated in cellular transformation. In this study we show that a triple mutant of BCR-ABL with mutations of the direct binding sites for GRB2, CBL, p62DOK and CRKL, is defective for transformation of primary hematopoietic cells in vitro and in a murine CML model, while it retains the capacity to induce IL-3 independence in 32D cells. Compared to BCR-ABL, the triple mutant's ability to activate the MAP kinase and PI3-kinase pathways is severely compromised, while STAT5 phosphorylation is maintained, suggesting that the former are crucial for the transformation of primary cells, but dispensable for transformation of factor dependent cell lines. Our data suggest that inhibition of BCR-ABL-induced leukemia by disrupting protein interactions could be possible, but would require blocking of multiple sites.