Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Vector Space for Distributional Semantics for Entailment

Distributional semantics creates vector-space representations that capture many forms of semantic similarity, but their relation to semantic entailment has been less clear. We propose a vector-space model which provides a formal foundation for a distributional semantics of entailment. Using a mean-field approximation, we develop approximate inference procedures and entailment operators over vectors of probabilities of features being known (versus unknown). We use this framework to reinterpret an existing distributional-semantic model (Word2Vec) as approximating an entailment-based model of the distributions of words in contexts, thereby predicting lexical entailment relations. In both unsupervised and semi-supervised experiments on hyponymy detection, we get substantial improvements over previous results.
Application of an Innovative Method for the Fatigue Characterisation of 15 &#956;m Thick Epitaxial Polysilicon

The present work deals with the application of a new method for the on-chip fatigue characterization of micro electromechanical systems. The method is based on the fact that the 2nd harmonic of comb actuated system is proportional to the driving velocity; thus an indirect monitoring of the system displacement is possible and the sample breaking can be registered by electrical measurements. The method has been applied for characterising the industrial material used by STMicroelectronics: a 15 mum thick epitaxial polysilicon and the experimental results have been compared to the literature data. In particular, the computed relative strength reduction to the cycles to failure follow the same trend derived in different loading conditions of frequency, thus confirming a not time depending failure mechanism
CD4-mediated enhancement or inhibition of T cell activation does not require the CD4:p56lck association

CD4 is the coreceptor molecule expressed on the surface of T cells specific for or restricted by class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Its expression on T cells is required for an optimal response to antigen (Ag). Three mechanisms have been invoked for the involvement of CD4 in T cell activation. First, it was shown that CD4 binds to MHC class II molecules on antigen presenting cells (APCs) thereby favoring an adhesion between effector cells and APCs. Association of CD4 to the T cell receptor and to the tyrosine kinase p56lck have also been shown to be critically involved in the positive function of CD4. Here, we demonstrate that the interaction of CD4 with p56lck is not required to enhance the response of two CD4- dependent, Ag-specific T cell hybridomas. Mutant forms of CD4 (TCD4), which lose association to p56lck, were expressed in these T cells and were shown to enhance the Ag-specific response as efficiently as the wild-type CD4. Moreover both CD4-dependent and independent T cell responses were inhibited by CD4-specific mAbs even when CD4 was not associated with p56lck. These results indicate that mechanisms distinct from sequestration of p56lck and/or negative signaling operate in these inhibitions. Results demonstrating enhancement of TCR-mediated signaling by the coaggregation of TCD4 mutant to the TCR further confirm that the association of p56lck to CD4 is not absolutely required for the regulatory functions of CD4. Our results suggest that the mechanisms implicated in the enhancement of T cell stimulation via CD4 depend solely on the extracellular and transmembrane domains of CD4.
Relationship between employees’ performance and social network structure

Purpose – The aim of this paper, considering the two types of networks and the scope of power from structural holes, is to clarify the relationship between employees’ performance and their social network structure in Chinese small and medium enterprises from the whole-network perspective. The complicated relationship in Chinese culture requires human resource management (HRM) practitioners to be aware of the implications of social network. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical research approach is used in this paper. Using the cluster sampling method, authors collected 118 employees’ characteristic data and network data by face-to-face interviews through structured questionnaire survey, and also got their performance data from the financial department, which support correlation analysis and OLS regression analysis. Findings – First, informal network, but not formal network, has a significant impact on employees’ performance. Second, individual performance of brokerage is greater for direct than indir.
Net increase of lactate and glutamate concentration in activated human visual cortex detected with magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7 tesla

After the landmark studies reporting changes in the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRGlc) in excess of those in oxygen (CMRO2) during physiological stimulation, several studies have examined the fate of the extra carbon taken up by the brain, reporting a wide range of changes in brain lactate from 20% to 250%. The present study reports functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements at 7 Tesla using the enhanced sensitivity to study a small cohort (n = 6). Small increases in lactate (19% ± 4%, P < 0.05) and glutamate (4% ± 1%, P < 0.001) were seen within the first 2 min of activation. With the exception of glucose (12% ± 5%, P < 0.001), no other metabolite concentration changes beyond experimental error were significantly observed. Therefore, the present study confirms that lactate and glutamate changes during physiological stimulation are small (i.e. below 20%) and shows that the increased sensitivity allows reproduction of previous results with fewer subjects. In addition, the initial rate of glutamate and lactate concentration increases implies an increase in CMRO2 that is slightly below that of CMRGlc during the first 1–2 min of activation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does Use of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin during Pregnancy Influence the Risk of Prolonged Labor: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background The use of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) during pregnancy is increasing. In vitro studies and small clinical studies support the hypothesis that LMWH treatment during pregnancy may reduce duration of labor. The aim of this study was to investigate if use of LMWH is associated with a reduced risk of diagnosis of prolonged labor, after taking maternal, fetal and other delivery characteristics into account. Methods and Findings A population-based cohort study from the Swedish Medical Birth Register from April 2006 through December 2011. We identified 514 875 term (≥37 weeks) deliveries of live singleton infants in cephalic presentation with spontaneous or induced onsets of labor. The Birth Register was linked to the Prescribed Drug Register to retrieve information on dispensed LMWH during pregnancy and to the Patient Register for information on underlying diagnosis for use of LMWH. Diagnosis of prolonged labor in the Birth Register was retrieved from diagnosis at discharge from the delivery hospital. The risk of diagnosis of prolonged labor in relation to treatment with LMWH was assessed using logistic regression analysis to estimate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. A total of 5 275 (1.0%) of the pregnant women used LMWH. The absolute risk of diagnosis of prolonged labor for nulliparous women was 19.9% among women using LMWH in third trimester, and 21.2% in women without use of LMWH. For parous women the corresponding absolute risks were 4.3% and 4.7%, respectively. Compared to nulliparous women without use of LMWH, nulliparous women with LMWH during third trimester had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.92 (95% CI 0.81–1.05, p-value: 0.051) for diagnosis of prolonged labor in unadjusted analyses and after adjustments for maternal characteristics, gestational age and epidural analgesia the OR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.87–1.15, p-value: 0.673). Parous women treated with LMWH in third trimester presented the same pattern, unadjusted OR for diagnosis of prolonged labor was 0.92 (95% CI 0.76–1.12, p-value: 0.418) and after adjustments OR was 0.99 (95% CI 0.80–1.22, p-value: 0.892). One limitation with the study was that information on prolonged labor was based on discharge diagnoses from the delivery hospital according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Conclusions Treatment with LMWH during pregnancy is not associated with a risk of diagnosis of prolonged labor after adjustments for maternal, fetal and delivery characteristics.
MICROSTRUCTURAL INDICATIONS FOR PROTOENSTATITE PRECURSOR OF COMETARY

Introduction: Comets are small bodies composed mainly of a mixture of ice and dust particles and were formed during accretion of the planetary system. Their reservoirs are the Kuiper belt (30-55 AU) and the Oort cloud (50,000 AU). The classical picture about the formation of short-period comets (e.g. Comets Borrelly, Temple 1, Wild 2; [1]) is condensation of material beyond the frost line in the cold Kuiper Belt extending from the orbit of Neptune to 55 AU from the Sun. Here we present evidence for the former existence of the high temperature MgSiO 3 polymorph protoenstatite (PEN) as a precursor for the formation of clino-(CLEN) and minor orthoenstatite (OREN). Five well characterized enstatite polymorphs are known. PEN is only stable at very high temperatures above ca. 1275K and low pressures. CLEN can exist in the C2/c structure at high temperatures (HT-CLEN, >1450K) or high pressures (HP-CLEN, >6GPa) and is stable at low temperatures and low pressures in the P21/c-modification (LTLP-CLEN). OREN (Pbca) show a large stability field at moderate temperatures and pressures. Most natural enstatite crystals are a mixture of CLEN and OREN and therefore show 9Å or 18Å periodicities along [100]. Due to periodic repeats of stacking sequences a number of different polytypes are possible (e.g. [2], [3], [4]). LTLP-CLEN can be formed by at least five transformation paths. [2] described several differences between those various reaction paths and present a basic table with the most striking features (Table 1). Results: The composition of the enstatite is measured along a traverse through the microtomed section of the particle. We found almost pure enstatite (Mg/Si=0.858) with some minor element concentrations of Fe, Ca, Al and Cr (see also [5]). In most of the studied areas alternating CLEN and OREN with a dominance of CLEN lamellae were found (Fig. 1). The variable stacking sequence of the 9Å CLEN and 18Å OREN lamellae lead to a number of polytypes on a scale less than 100 nm. CLEN fields showing odd and even numbers of lamellae were observed with no preference to one or the other. Field widths of 27Å and 45Å are shown in Figure 1 which corresponds to (n+1)9Å repeat (n=3, 5) and also field widths of 54Å and 90Å are visible in the
Digital Loudspeaker Arrays Driven by 1-bit Signals

Loudspeaker Arrays driven by digital bitstreams are direct digital-signal to acoustic transducers, usually comprising of a digital signal processing module driving actuators. Current research efforts are focusing on topologies directly driven by multi-bit digital bitstreams. In this work, the above investigations are extended to the case of using 1-bit signals such as Sigma-Delta for driving such topologies, using time and frequency domain analysis. Simulation results will be presented for idealized actuators. Finally, an optimized architecture for such a loudspeaker will be proposed, based on this analysis.
Race Appeal: How Candidates Invoke Race in U.S. Political Campaigns

Contents Acknowledgments Introduction. The Political Landscape of Race-Based Appeals Part I The Empirical Evidence on Race Appeals 1. Producing Race Appeal: The Political Ads of White and Minority Candidates 2. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Deploying Racist Appeals among Black and White Voters 3. Neither Black nor White: The Fruitless Appeal to Racial Authenticity 4. Competing Novelties: How Newspapers Frame the Election Campaigns of Blacks, Latinos, and Asian Americans Part II: Case Studies in Race Appeal 5. Racializing Immigration Policy: Issue Ads in the 2006 Election 6. Harold Ford Jr., Mel Martinez, and Artur Davis: Case Studies in Racially Framed News 7. Barack Obama, Race-Based Appeals, and the 2008 Presidential Election Epilogue. Racialized Campaigns: What Have We Learned, and Where Do We Go from Here? Notes References Index
Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation of biomonitoring in humans: application to biomarkers of chronic exposure to alkyl benzenes in the environment

Bayesian approaches are relevant for characterizing the population distribution of pharmacokinetic determinants as well as the exposure biomarkers of chemicals in the environment. The objective of this study was to conduct Bayesian analysis of the blood and alveolar air concentrations of alkyl benzenes (toluene, m-xylene and ethylbenzene) in humans chronically exposed to these chemicals in air. At steady-state, the blood and alveolar concentrations of alkyl benzenes are influenced by alveolar ventilation rate (QP), blood: air partition coefficient (PB), liver blood flow (QL) and intrinsic clearance (CLint). The prior information on these input parameters was obtained from the literature. The mean and variability of steady-state blood concentrations observed in a human volunteer study (n=4) was used as a basis to create a distribution (normal) from which samples (n = 16 and n = 50) were drawn using Monte Carlo approach. After Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation with n = 16 (trial 1) and n = 50 (trail 2), posterior estimates of model parameters were obtained. The second updating of model parameters (trial 2) did not have an impact on the outcome. In general, the calculated steady-state biomarker concentrations compared well with the individual and population values. Overall, this study has demonstrated the feasibility of conducting MCMC simulations of human biomonitoring data, particularly during data-poor situations.
Investigating Purchasing Power Parity in Central and Eastern European Countries: A Panel Data Approach

The goal of this paper is to investigate the validity of PPP for a heterogeneous group of 12 transition countries with respect to dollar and euro. The analysis relies on monthly data frequency covering the period of 1994-2008. The first generation of panel unit root tests is based on the cross-sectional independency hypothesis. This paper applies five first generation unit root tests. The cross-sectional independency hypothesis is rather restrictive and somewhat unrealistic in the majority of macroeconomic applications of unit root tests. Thus, the second generation of panel unit root tests is characterized by the rejection of the cross-sectional independence hypothesis. Within this second generation of tests, two main approaches are distinguished. The first one relies on the factor structure approach. The second approach consists of imposing few or none restrictions on the residuals covariance matrix and has been adopted the use of nonlinear instrumental variables methods or the use of bootstrap approaches to solve the nuisance parameter problem due to cross-sectional dependency. We employ several second generation panel unit root tests in this paper to scrutinize the validity of PPP theory.
Transcript Profiling of the Anoxic Rice Coleoptile[W][OA]

Rice (Oryza sativa) seeds can germinate in the complete absence of oxygen. Under anoxia, the rice coleoptile elongates, reaching a length greater than that of the aerobic one. In this article, we compared and investigated the transcriptome of rice coleoptiles grown under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The results allow drawing a detailed picture of the modulation of the transcripts involved in anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting up-regulation of the steps required to produce and metabolize pyruvate and its derivatives. Sugars appear to play a signaling role under anoxia, with several genes indirectly up-regulated by anoxia-driven sugar starvation. Analysis of the effects of anoxia on the expansin gene families revealed that EXPA7 and EXPB12 are likely to be involved in rice coleoptile elongation under anoxia. Genes coding for ethylene response factors and heat shock proteins are among the genes modulated by anoxia in both rice and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Identification of anoxia-induced ethylene response factors is suggestive because genes belonging to this gene family play a crucial role in rice tolerance to submergence, a process closely related to, but independent from, the ability to germinate under anoxia. Genes coding for some enzymes requiring oxygen for their activity are dramatically down-regulated under anoxia, suggesting the existence of an energy-saving strategy in the regulation of gene expression.
Comparison of in situ bottom pressure data with GRACE gravimetry in the Crozet‐Kerguelen region

Two time series of deep ocean bottom pressure records (BPRs) in between the Crozet Islands and Kerguelen are compared with GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) equivalent water heights. An analysis of the correlation is performed for four time series: 1) monthly averages of the equivalent water height at the Crozet Islands, 2) the same near the Kerguelen Islands, 3) the mean of the two preceding series and 4) the difference between the two locations expressed in terms of geostrophic transport. We find that smoothed GRACE solutions are strongly correlated with the BPR data with correlation coefficients in the order of 0.7–0.8. Consequently GRACE measures real oceanic mass variations in this region.
IMPACT OF INCREASING IMPORTS ON THE UNITED STATES SOUTHEASTERN REGION SHRIMP PROCESSING INDUSTRY 1973-1996

This study analyzes the effects of increased shrimp imports on the price-cost margins in three sectors of the U.S. shrimp industry. Results indicates decreasing price-cost margins for peeled shrimp, breaded shrimp, and headless-shell-on shrimp. The increase in shrimp imports reduces domestic processor prices for shrimp products, therefore decreasing processor margins.
Systemic antithrombotic effects of ADAMTS13

The metalloprotease ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type I repeats 13) cleaves highly adhesive large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers after their release from the endothelium. ADAMTS13 deficiency is linked to a life-threatening disorder, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), characterized by platelet-rich thrombi in the microvasculature. Here, we show spontaneous thrombus formation in activated microvenules of Adamts13−/− mice by intravital microscopy. Strikingly, we found that ADAMTS13 down-regulates both platelet adhesion to exposed subendothelium and thrombus formation in injured arterioles. An inhibitory antibody to ADAMTS13 infused in wild-type mice prolonged adhesion of platelets to endothelium and induced thrombi formation with embolization in the activated microvenules. Absence of ADAMTS13 did not promote thrombi formation in αIIbβ3 integrin-inhibited blood. Recombinant ADAMTS13 reduced platelet adhesion and aggregation in histamine-activated venules and promoted thrombus dissolution in injured arterioles. Our findings reveal that ADAMTS13 has a powerful natural antithrombotic activity and recombinant ADAMTS13 could be used as an antithrombotic agent.
Hamilton-Jacobi Equations and Two-Person Zero-Sum Differential Games with Unbounded Controls

A two-person zero-sum differential game with unbounded controls is considered. Under proper coercivity conditions, the upper and lower value functions are characterized as the unique viscosity solutions to the corresponding upper and lower Hamilton--Jacobi--Isaacs equations, respectively. Consequently, when the Isaacs' condition is satisfied, the upper and lower value functions coincide, leading to the existence of the value function. Due to the unboundedness of the controls, the corresponding upper and lower Hamiltonians grow super linearly in the gradient of the upper and lower value functions, respectively. A uniqueness theorem of viscosity solution to Hamilton--Jacobi equations involving such kind of Hamiltonian is proved, without relying on the convexity/concavity of the Hamiltonian. Also, it is shown that the assumed coercivity conditions guaranteeing the finiteness of the upper and lower value functions are sharp in some sense.
Managerial relevance of internal audit

Purpose – In order to stimulate the interest of company management in the business perspective of internal audit this paper aims to investigate the possibilities of using internal audit as a helpful managerial tool and describes the benefits of such use.Design/methodology/approach – The benefits of IA as a managerial tool are investigated on a review of the relevant literature. Theoretically based findings are tested analytically using evidence from empirical research and empirically by a case study research.Findings – Internal audit outcomes and benefits for management depend on the purpose of internal audit and on managers' support and expectations about it. The paper shows that in order to use internal audit as an effective managerial tool, internal audit has to be appropriately integrated within a strategic management system. The greatest benefits can be achieved by companies that are internally motivated to introduce the QMS which have a mature quality culture and QMS and their quality objectives lin.
Non-Balanced Growth and Production Technology Estimation

Capital-labor substitution and TFP estimates are essential features of many economic models. Such models typically embody a balanced growth path. This often leads researchers to estimate models imposing stringent prior choices on technical change. We demonstrate that estimation of the substitution elasticity and TFP growth can be substantially biased if technical progress is thereby mis-specified. We obtain analytical and simulation results in the context of a model consistent with balanced and near-balanced growth (i.e. departures from balanced growth but broadly stable factor shares). Given this evidence, a Constant Elasticity of Substitution production function system is then estimated for the US economy. Results show that the estimated substitution elasticity tends to be significantly lower using a factor-augmenting specification (well below one). We are also able to reject conventional neutrality forms in favor of general factor augmentation with a non-negligible capital-augmenting component. Our work thus provides insights into production and supply-side estimation in balanced-growth frameworks.
A Quantitative Analysis of the Effect of Cash-4-Grass Programs on Water Consumption

A Quantitative Analysis of the Effect of Cash-4-Grass Programs on Water Consumption by Cynthia Allen MPP, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2010 BA, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration
On Acceleration of SAT-Based ATPG for Industrial Designs

Due to the rapidly growing size of integrated circuits, there is a need for new algorithms for automatic test pattern generation (ATPG). While classical algorithms reach their limit, there have been recent advances in algorithms to solve Boolean Satisfiability (SAT). Because Boolean SAT solvers are working on conjunctive normal forms (CNFs), the problem has to be transformed. During transformation, relevant information about the problem might get lost and, therefore, is not available in the solving process. In this paper, we present a technique that applies structural knowledge about the circuit during the transformation. As a result, the size of the problem instances decreases, as well as the run time of the ATPG process. The technique was implemented, and experimental results are presented. The approach was combined with the ATPG framework of NXP Semiconductors. It is shown that the overall performance of an industrial framework can significantly be improved. Further experiments show the benefits with regard to the efficiency and robustness of the combined approach.