Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Within-population structure of competition and the dynamics of male-killing Wolbachia

Males are evolutionary dead-ends for endosymbiotic bacteria that are transmitted maternally. It has been shown theoretically that male killing will enhance endosymbiont transmission if the fitness of females increases as a result of the death of their male siblings. Despite the intuitive appeal of this explanation for the spread of male-killing bacteria, it has never been examined experimentally. Here we consider how the structure of larval competition within panmictic populations affects the dynamics of a male-killing Wolbachia that infects Drosophila innubila. In populations with exclusively sib competition for larval resources, the Wolbachia infection spreads rapidly to fixation, in contrast to much less deterministic dynamics in populations where competition is unstructured. Sib competition is likely to be important if females lay eggs in clutches on individual breeding sites. Drosophila innubila, a mycophagous species, lays eggs in clutches on individual mushrooms in the laboratory, even when several mushrooms are available. The larvae of species that exploit patchy, ephemeral resources typically exhibit aggregated distributions across breeding sites, due at least in part to egg laying in clutches. These species may therefore be particularly susceptible to invasion by male killers.
Electronic throttle control for ride-by-wire in sport motorcycles

This paper presents the analysis and the design of the servo-controller for an electronic throttle body (ETB) designed for ride-by-wire applications in racing motorcycles. Specifically, the open-loop dynamics of the system is studied in detail discussing the effects of friction. Further, the system to be controlled is experimentally identified and a model-based gain-scheduled PID controller for throttle position tracking is proposed. The performance of the controlled system is compared to the intrinsic limit of the actuator and tested on a sport motorbike.
Frizzled3a and Celsr2 function in the neuroepithelium to regulate migration of facial motor neurons in the developing zebrafish hindbrain

Migration of neurons from their birthplace to their final target area is a crucial step in brain development. Here, we show that expression of the off-limits/frizzled3a (olt/fz3a) and off-road/celsr2 (ord/celsr2) genes in neuroepithelial cells maintains the facial (nVII) motor neurons near the pial surface during their caudal migration in the zebrafish hindbrain. In the absence of olt/fz3a expression in the neuroepithelium, nVII motor neurons extended aberrant radial processes towards the ventricular surface and mismigrated radially to the dorsomedial part of the hindbrain. Our findings reveal a novel role for these genes, distinctive from their already known functions, in the regulation of the planar cell polarity (i.e. preventing integration of differentiated neurons into the neuroepithelial layer). This contrasts markedly with their reported role in reintegration of neuroepithelial daughter cells into the neuroepithelial layer after cell division.
When Tradition Turns into Innovation : How Firms can Create and Appropriate Value Through Tradition

The present book presents a novel perspective of the innovation process, focusing on the strategic role that may be played by tradition as a source upon which building novelty and shaping competition. Following the recombinant view of innovation, which sees knowledge creation as a recombination associated with the development of a new product, process, or market by combining existing bits of knowledge (e. , as well as the impact that this may exert on innovativeness. In line with this theoretical perspective of innovation , the book proposes the notion of tradition , defined as the whole set of competencies, knowledge, values, and culture that characterize a specific firm, as well as a territory and an age. The authors suggest that, by exploiting tradition, a firm may select distinctive old components, belonging to its history, or to a specific territory and age, transfers them over time, and incorporates these old elements into its current production processes and business practices, thus creating new value for customers. In other words, by combining hard and soft features, tradition allows the firm to differ from its competitors in terms of both meaning and content, to promote uniqueness, and consequently to achieve a competitive position. Thereby, the strategic role played by tradition mainly rely on the fact that it may enhance firm's capability to both create new value for customers and to appropriate this value.
Phoneme Duration Sensitivity in L 2 Adaptation in Japanese – Phonological Parsing Rules in Different Phonological Units

This study investigated Japanese speakers’ second language (L2) phonological adaptation processes by examining the production of L2 with particular reference to speech rhythm and timing. In addition it examined the effectiveness of proposed L2 phonological adaptation rules in different prosodic units, namely word and phrase. Languages use different prosodic units to maintain their speech rhythm; for example, Japanese is mora-timed (Otake et al., 1993; Cutler & Otake, 1994) whereas French is syllable-timed (Mehler et al., 1981). Loanword adaptation reflects phonological parsing of foreign sound sequences, and L2 perception and production often reveal the true nature of the first language. Shinohara (1997 & 2004) analyzed Japanese loanword adaptation processes phonologically and proposed four main rules regarding speech rhythm and timing: (i) phonemic lengthening of L2 vowels by phonetically long vowels, e.g. Pete [pi:t] > /piito/ and cool [ku:l] > /kuuru/, (ii) orthographic effects, e.g. au, ou, eau, â, ô, û are often treated long, (iii) ‘pre-final lengthening’ (i.e. adding an extra mora by either consonant gemination or lengthening of preceding vowel) of word-final consonants, e.g. pit |pɪt#| > /pit.to/ and picnic |pɪk. nɪk#| > /pi.ku. nik.ku/ but not */pikkunikku/, and (iv) syllabification of L2 stray consonants in order to preserve Japanese syllable structure (C)V(C/V), e.g. cream > /ku.rii. mu/, print > /pu.riN. to/. These rules add mora count in Japanese adapted forms, and consequently word duration is increased by the number of added morae. In this study we will first review studies of speech rhythms and phonological rules (Section 2). Then in sections 3, 4 and 5 we will report the results of our experimental study where Japanese speakers’ French utterances were examined phonetically based on the loanword adaptation rules proposed by Shinohara, and compared against utterances of the same phrases by native French speakers. In the study we measured durations of 6 pairs of French phrases, where each pair had the same syllable number but different mora counts in the Japanese adapted forms. In addition we also measured durations of the individual syllables which lead to the different moraic interpretations. Based on the proposed loanword adaptation rules, the durations of the Japanese speakers’ pairs of phrases should differ by the number of morae in the phrase, whereas the French speakers’ phrase durations would be based on the syllable count. We tested whether all the rules for the word level are also applied at the phrase level.
Is Metabolic Syndrome Truly a Risk Factor for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms or Just an Epiphenomenon?

To define whether the association of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MS) is real or simply an epiphenomenon, 490 male adults (mean age 58 ± 9 years) underwent International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), physical and prostate digital examinations, blood analysis, and urinary tract transabdominal ultrasound with prostate volume measurement. Mild, moderate, and severe LUTS were found in 350 (71.4%), 116 (23.7%), and 24 (4.9%) patients, respectively. MS was present in 198 (40.4%) patients, representing 37.4% (131 of 350) of those with mild LUTS, 46.5% (54 of 116) of those with moderate, and 54.1% (13 of 24) of those with severe. The odds ratio of MS having moderate or severe LUTS was 2.1. MS was more common in older age, higher body mass index, and larger prostate size. Moderate and severe LUTS were more frequent in older age, lower levels of high density cholesterol, and higher blood pressure. Older age and body mass index had significant relative risk for lower urinary tract symptoms and only age remained independent factor for LUTS on multivariate analysis. Our results suggest that the association of male LUTS, prostate volume, and MS might be coincidental and related to older age.
Evaluation of B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation inducing ligand as candidate biomarkers in lupus nephritis based on clinical and histopathological outcome following induction therapy

Objectives Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause of morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). B cells have a central role in the pathogenesis of SLE. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) are pivotal in B cell homeostasis. We aimed to investigate a potential role of serum BLyS and APRIL as biomarkers in LN, especially as predictors of treatment response. Methods Sixty-four patients with active LN (52 proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN); 12 membranous LN) were included. Renal biopsies were performed at baseline and after immunosuppressive treatment. Serum levels of BLyS, APRIL and autoantibodies were measured on both biopsy occasions and in 64 individually matched controls. Renal biopsies were evaluated using the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification, and scored for Activity Index and Chronicity Index. Clinical responders (CR) were required to have ≥50% reduction in proteinuria, normal or improved renal function, and inactive urinary sediment. Histopathological responders (HR) were required to have ≥50% improvement in Activity Index. Results Baseline BLyS levels were significantly higher in LN patients compared with controls (p<0.001) and remained unchanged following induction treatment. APRIL levels were significantly higher in patients compared with controls at baseline (p=0.005) and decreased following treatment (p<0.001). Among PLN patients, APRIL levels decreased significantly only in responders (CR: p=0.009; HR: p=0.01). Baseline BLyS levels <1.5 ng/mL predicted treatment response, attaining a positive predictive value of 92% for CR with PLN at baseline. Conclusions BLyS and APRIL were affected differently by immunosuppression; BLyS levels remained unchanged following therapy while APRIL levels decreased. Despite unchanged BLyS levels following therapy, low baseline levels predicted both clinical and histopathological improvement. Our data support APRIL as a candidate biomarker of renal disease activity in lupus patients with proliferative glomerulonephritis and point to low baseline BLyS levels predicting treatment response in LN, especially in PLN.
EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE AND ATTITUDE TOWARD KNOWLEDGE SHARING ON KNOWLEDGE SHARING INTENTION

This study investigated the influence of organizational climate and attitude toward knowledge sharing on knowledge sharing intention. The populations in this research are all administrative employees in Padang State University. Technique of sample analysis is proportional cluster sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire using Likert scale. Convergent and discriminative validity were used to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Partial least square (PLS) was chosen as the structural equation model (SEM) analysis methods to test the hypotheses. The findings of the research are: (1) organizational climate has significant effect on knowledge sharing intention, (2) organizational climate has significant effect on attitude toward knowledge sharing, and (3) attitude toward knowledge sharing has significant effect on knowledge sharing intention. Penelitian ini meneliti pengaruh iklim organisasi dan sikap berbagi pengetahuan terhadap niat berbagi pengetahuan. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah karyawan administrasi di Universitas Negeri Padang. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan proportional cluster sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner dengan menggunakan skala Likert. Konvergen dan validitas diskriminatif digunakan untuk menguji validitas dan reliabilitas kuesioner. Kuadrat terkecil parsial (PLS) dipilih sebagai model persamaan struktural (SEM) untuk metode analisis pengujian hipotesis. Temuan dari penelitian ini adalah: (1) iklim organisasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap niat berbagi pengetahuan, (2) iklim organisasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap sikap terhadap berbagi pengetahuan, dan (3) sikap berbagi pengetahuan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap niat berbagi pengetahuan.
On the performance of mobile terminal tracking in urban GSM networks using particle filters

A particle filter (PF) and a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF) are proposed for mobile terminal tracking in the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network based on received signal level and timing advance measurements. The proposed PF and RBPF are able to cope with errors due to non-line-of-sight propagation, which are modelled as non-Gaussian disturbances. The proposed algorithms have been tested on synthetic and “real world” GSM measurements, and their enhanced performance compared to an extended Kalman filter is shown.
Encryption and Data Loss

Fast-paced IT advances have made it increasingly possible and useful for firms to collect data on their customers on an unprecedented scale. One downside of this is that firms can experience negative publicity and financial damage if their data is breached. Encrypting customer data is often presented as a potential solution, because encryption acts as a disincentive for potential malicious hackers, and can minimize the risk of breached data being put to malicious use. However, we find evidence that when organizations adopt encryption software, there is no evidence of a decrease in publicized instances of data loss. Instead, there are actually increases in the cases of publicized data loss due to internal fraud or loss of computer equipment. This brings into question the current emphasis of government policy on encryption as a primary tool for ensuring the security of data within organizations. ∗Amalia Miller is Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Email: armiller@virginia.edu. Catherine Tucker is Douglas Drane Career Development Professor in IT and Management, MIT Sloan School of Business, 1 Amherst St., E40-167, Cambridge, MA. Tel. 617-252-1499. Email: cetucker@mit.edu.
Design and Evaluation of a Self-Correcting Gesture Interface based on Error Potentials from EEG

Any user interface which automatically interprets the user's input using natural modalities like gestures makes mistakes. System behavior depending on such mistakes will confuse the user and lead to an erroneous interaction flow. The automatic detection of error potentials in electroencephalographic data recorded from a user allows the system to detect such states of confusion and automatically bring the interaction back on track. In this work, we describe the design of such a self-correcting gesture interface, implement different strategies to deal with detected errors, use a simulation approach to analyze performance and costs of those strategies and execute a user study to evaluate user satisfaction. We show that self-correction significantly improves gesture recognition accuracy at lower costs and with higher acceptance than manual correction.
Determinants of the Real Exchange Rate in Colombia. A Neokeynesian Approach

This article presents a model of real exchange rate using a neokeynesian approach, which is estimated with econometric methods of the English school. The empirical model is dynamic and respects the restrictions of the long run equilibrium between real exchange rate and macroeconomic fundamentals. It shows that the amount of appreciation and depreciation of the real exchange rate is determined by changes in terms of trade, openness of the economy, capital flows and acceleration of nominal devaluation. Public spending increases are not significant of the conventional levels of statistic confidence. Finally, the article evaluates if devaluation meets the requirements of weak, strong and super exogenity.
Placental Pathology, Perinatal Death, Neonatal Outcome, and Neurological Development: A Systematic Review

Background The placenta plays a crucial role during pregnancy for growth and development of the fetus. Less than optimal placental performance may result in morbidity or even mortality of both mother and fetus. Awareness among pediatricians, however, of the benefit of placental findings for neonatal care, is limited. Objectives To provide a systematic overview of the relation between placental lesions and neonatal outcome. Data sources Pubmed database, reference lists of selected publications and important research groups in the field. Study appraisal and synthesis methods We systematically searched the Pubmed database for literature on the relation between placental lesions and fetal and neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity and neurological outcome. We conducted three separate searches starting with a search for placental pathology and fetal and neonatal mortality, followed by placental pathology and neonatal morbidity, and finally placental pathology and neurological development. We limited our search to full-text articles published in English from January 1995 to October 2013. We refined our search results by selecting the appropriate articles from the ones found during the initial searches. The first selection was based on the title, the second on the abstract, and the third on the full article. The quality of the selected articles was determined by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results Placental lesions are one of the main causes of fetal death, where placental lesions consistent with maternal vascular underperfusion are most important. Several neonatal problems are also associated with placental lesions, whereby ascending intrauterine infection (with a fetal component) and fetal thrombotic vasculopathy constitute the greatest problem. Conclusions The placenta plays a key role in fetal and neonatal mortality, morbidity, and outcome. Pediatricians should make an effort to obtain the results of placental examinations.
Distinguishing between Long-Range Dependence and Deterministic Trends

We provide a method for distinguishing long-range dependence from deterministic trends such as structural breaks. The method is based on the comparison of standard log-periodogram regression estimation of the memory parameter with its tapered counterpart. The difference of these estimators provides the desired test. Its asymptotic distribution depends on the true memory parameter under the null, and is therefore estimated by bootstrapping. The test is applied to inflation rates of three industrialized countries.
Infrared Spectra and Spectral Energy Distributions of Late M and L Dwarfs

We have obtained 1.0-2.5 μm spectra at R ~ 600 of 14 disk dwarfs with spectral types M6-L7. For four of the dwarfs, we have also obtained infrared spectra at R ~ 3000 in several narrow intervals. In addition, we present new L' photometry for four of the dwarfs in the sample, which allows improved determinations of their bolometric luminosities. While obtaining the photometry we resolved the L dwarf Denis-P J0205-1159 into an identical pair of objects separated by 0. ″35. The spectra together with the published energy distribution for one other L5 dwarf are compared to synthetic spectra generated by upgraded model atmospheres. Good matches are found for 2200 K ≥ Teff ≥ 1900 K (spectral types around M9-L3), but discrepancies exist at Teff ≥ 2300 K (M8) and Teff ≤ 1800 K (L4-L7). At the higher temperatures the mismatches are due to incompleteness in the water vapor opacity line list. At the lower temperatures the disagreement is probably due to our treatment of dust; we assume a photospheric distribution in equilibrium with the gas phase and neglect any diffusion mechanisms. We derive effective temperatures for the sample from the comparison with synthetic spectra and also by comparing our observed total intrinsic luminosities to structural model calculations (which are mostly independent of the atmosphere but are dependent on the unknown masses and ages of the targets). The two derivations agree to about 200 K except for the faintest object in the sample, where the discrepancy is larger. Agreement with other temperature determinations is also ±~200 K, except for the L7 dwarf.
SELF-REGULATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Bandura’nin sosyal ogrenme kuraminda yer alan onemli kavramlardan biri olan oz-duzenleme, bireyin kendi davranislarini etkilemesi, yonlendirmesi, kontrol etmesi olarak tanimlanmaktadir. Ozduzenleme becerileri ileri duzeyde olan ogrencilerin, ogrenme surecindeki engelleri asmada, becerileri dusuk olan ogrencilere kiyasla daha basarili olduklari, bu sayede akademik olarak daha basarili olduklari dusunulmektedir. Bu calisma, oz-duzenlemenin ya da oz-duzenlenen ogrenme becerilerinin basariya etkisini amac edinmektedir. Calisma, Ankara ilindeki bir universitede farkli siniflarda okuyan 568 ogrenci ile yurutulmustur. Bu calismada, oz-duzenlemenin akademik basariya etki duzeyi, ozduzenlemenin degisik siniflarda gelisme gosterip gostermedigi ve akademik basarilari yuksek ve dusuk ogrencilerin siklikla kullandiklari oz-duzenleme becerileri tespit edilmeye calisilmistir. Calismanin sonunda, sonuclara paralel olarak oneriler gelistirilmistir