Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Implementation ∗

Consider a strategic environment subject to moral hazard and adverse selection across multiple stages, with rich communication protocols. In this paper, we prove that for any allocation, there exist linear transfers to make it incentive compatible if and only if every undetectable deviation from honesty and obedience is unprofitable when the transfers equal zero, where ‘undetectable’ means that the distributions of actual and reported types coincide. The set of transfers that implement a given implementable allocation is also characterized. These results extend Rochet’s (1987) characterization of implementability to a dynamic context. The paper also characterizes optimal allocations, profitmaximizing mechanisms, virtual implementation, implementation subject to dynamic budget balance, and dynamic revenue equivalence. JEL Classification: D82, D83, D86.
The Organization of Prefrontal-Subthalamic Inputs in Primates Provides an Anatomical Substrate for Both Functional Specificity and Integration: Implications for Basal Ganglia Models and Deep Brain Stimulation

The identification of a hyperdirect cortico-subthalamic nucleus connection highlighted the important role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in regulating behavior. However, this pathway was shown primarily from motor areas. Hyperdirect pathways associated with cognitive and motivational cortical regions are particularly relevant given recent data from deep brain stimulation, both for neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Our experiments were designed to demonstrate the existence and organization of prefrontal-STN projections, help delineate the “limbic” STN, and determine whether convergence between cortico-STN fibers from functionally diverse cortical areas exists in the STN. We injected anterograde tracers in the ventromedial prefrontal, orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, and dorsal prefrontal cortices of Macaca nemestrina and Macaca fascicularis to analyze the organization of terminals and passing fibers in the STN. Results show a topographically organized prefrontal hyperdirect pathway in primates. Limbic areas project to the medial tip of the nucleus, straddling its border and extending into the lateral hypothalamus. Associative areas project to the medial half, motor areas to the lateral half. Limbic projections terminated primarily rostrally and motor projections more caudally. The extension of limbic projections into the lateral hypothalamus, suggests that this region be included in the STN. A high degree of convergence exists between projections from functionally diverse cortical areas, creating potentially important interfaces between terminal fields. Taken together, the results provide an anatomical substrate to extend the role of the hyperdirect pathway in models of basal ganglia function, and new keys for understanding deep brain stimulation effects on cognitive and motivational aspects of behavior.
Conformational changes in the DNA-binding domains of the ecdysteroid receptor during the formation of a complex with the hsp27 response element

The ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the ultraspiracle protein (Usp) form the functional receptor for ecdysteroids that initiates metamorphosis in insects. The Usp and EcR DNA-binding domains (UspDBD and EcRDBD, respectively) form a heterodimer on the natural pseudopalindromic element from the hsp27 gene promoter. The conformational changes in the protein–DNA during the formation of the UspDBD-EcRDBD-hsp27 complex were analyzed. Recombined UspDBD and EcRDBD proteins were purified and fluorescein labeled (FL) using the intein method at the C-ends of both proteins. The changes in the distances from the respective C-ends of EcRDBD and/or UspDBD to the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the response element were measured using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) methodology. The binding of EcRDBD induced a strong conformational change in UspDBD and caused the C-terminal fragment of the UspDBD molecule to move away from both ends of the regulatory element. UspDBD also induced a significant conformational change in the EcRDBD molecule. The EcRDBD C-terminus moved away from the 5′-end of the regulatory element and moved close to the 3′-end. An analysis was also done on the effect that DHR38DBD, the Drosophila ortholog of the mammalian NGFI-B, had on the interaction of UspDBD and EcRDBD with hsp27. FRET analysis demonstrated that hsp27 bending was induced by DHR38DBD. Fluorescence data revealed that hsp27 had a shorter end-to-end distance both in the presence of EcRDBD as well as in the presence of EcRDBD together with DHR38DBD, with DNA bend angles of about 36.2° and 33.6°, respectively. A model of how DHR38DBD binds to hsp27 in the presence of EcRDBD is presented.
Expression of chickpea CIPK25 enhances root growth and tolerance to dehydration and salt stress in transgenic tobacco

Calcium signaling plays an important role in adaptation and developmental processes in plants and animals. A class of calcium sensors, known as Calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins sense specific temporal changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and regulate activities of a group of ser/thr protein kinases called CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). Although a number of CIPKs have been shown to play crucial roles in the regulation of stress signaling, no study on the function of CIPK25 or its orthologs has been reported so far. In the present study, an ortholog of Arabidopsis CIPK25 was cloned from chickpea (Cicer arietinum). CaCIPK25 gene expression in chickpea increased upon salt, dehydration, and different hormonal treatments. CaCIPK25 gene showed differential tissue-specific expression. 5′-upstream activation sequence (5′-UAS) of the gene and its different truncated versions were fused to a reporter gene and studied in Arabidopsis to identify promoter regions directing its tissue-specific expression. Replacement of a conserved threonine residue with an aspartic acid at its catalytic site increased the kinase activity of CaCIPK25 by 2.5-fold. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing full-length and the high active versions of CaCIPK25 displayed a differential germination period and longer root length in comparison to the control plants. Expression of CaCIPK25 and its high active form differentially increased salt and water-deficit tolerance demonstrated by improved growth and reduced leaf chlorosis suggesting that the kinase activity of CaCIPK25 was required for these functions. Expressions of the abiotic stress marker genes were enhanced in the CaCIPK25-expressing tobacco plants. Our results suggested that CaCIPK25 functions in root development and abiotic stress tolerance.
Selectively estimation for Boolean queries

In a variety of applications ranging from optimizing queries on alphanumeric attributes to providing approximate counts of documents containing several query terms, there is an increasing need to quickly and reliably estimate the number of strings (tuples, documents, etc.) matching a Boolean query. Boolean queries in this context consist of substring predicates composed using Boolean operators. While there has been some work in estimating the selectivity of substring queries, the more general problem of estimating the selectivity of Boolean queries over substring predicates has not been studied. Our approach is to extract selectivity estimates from relationships between the substring predicates of the Boolean query. However, storing the correlation between all possible predicates in order to provide an exact answer to such predicates is clearly infeasible, as there is a super-exponential number of possible combinations of these predicates. Instead, our novel idea is to capture correlations in a space-efficient but approximate manner. We employ a Monte Carlo technique called set hashing to succinctly represent the set of strings containing a given substring as a signature vector of hash values. Correlations among substring predicates can then be generated on-the-fly by operating on these signatures. We formalize our approach and propose an algorithm for estimating the selectivity of any Boolean query using the signatures of its substring predicates. We then experimentally demonstrate the superiority of our approach over a straight-forward approach based on the independence assumption wherein correlations are not explicitly captured.
A framework for trust-based cluster head election in wireless sensor networks

The election of a malicious or compromised node as the cluster head is one of the most significant breaches in cluster-based wireless sensor networks. In light of this, we are introducing a distributed trust-based framework and a mechanism for the election of trustworthy cluster heads. Our proposed mechanism reduces the likelihood of compromised and or malicious nodes from being selected as cluster heads. Our premise is that while individual nodes may still be prone to attack, a significant vulnerability is addressed if we prevent the election of compromised cluster heads. We do not seek a 'cure for all solution' rather we introduce a framework and a mechanism to address a potentially significant security breach. We performed an evaluation of our approach and the power consumption of our model, by simulations. The results indicate clear advantages of our approach in preventing the election of untrustworthy cluster heads
Heavy metal contamination of selected spices obtained from Nigeria

In this study, the levels of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Mo, Pb, Zn) in twenty two spices representing four spice groups (seeds, bulbs, leaves, fruit pods and rhizome) from a major market in Northern Nigeria were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and assessed based on regulatory standards. Garlic exhibited the highest zinc concentration (21.733 ±0.044 mg/kg), which falls lower than the upper toxic level for most plants. Lead concentrations peaked in African nutmeg (4.717 ± 0.017 mg/kg) but are lower than the normative for the final dosage form of medicinal plants. The daily intake-based hazard of the spices was assessed using the minimum risk levels set by WHO, and the FAO/WHO maximum tolerable intake limits. All the spices contain excessive cobalt and copper with maximum levels (mg/kg) in ginger cobalt (11.117±0.069) and African nutmeg (15.300 ± 0.041), respectively. The estimated daily intake values (μg/kg day) of onion (1.10), ginger (12.00), utazi (1.30), alligator paper (1.20), garlic (0.89), Ashanti leaves (0.88), castor seeds (1.20), and shallot (0.86)were higher than the provisional maximum tolerable intake set by FAO/WHO, constituting a potential risk to human health. These results show that spices can accumulate exceeding levels of toxic metals whose potential risk to human health should be given priority. Keywords: heavy metal; contamination; Nigeria; spices; health; daily intake
The effect of moderately increased intakes of complex carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables and fruit) for 12 weeks on iron and zinc metabolism

Fifteen adult women were given diets in which the intake of complex carbohydrates was increased from 20 to 30 g over a 12 week period. Metabolic balances were carried out, iron and zinc absorption tests performed using stable isotopes, and Fe and Zn status monitored. Although effects on bowel function were observed, the changed diet had no influence on any of the previously described variables. It was concluded that a moderate increase in cereals, fruit and vegetables did not have an adverse effect on Fe or Zn nutrition.
SAT Encodings of State-Space Reachability Problems in Numeric Domains

Translation to Boolean satisfiability is an important approach for solving state-space reachability problems that arise in planning and verification. Many important problems, however, involve numeric variables; for example, C programs or planning with resources. Focussing on planning, we propose a method for translating such problems into propositional SAT, based on an approximation of reachable variable domains. We compare to a more direct translation into "SAT modulo theory" (SMT), that is, SAT extended with numeric variables and arithmetic constraints. Though translation to SAT generates much larger formulas, we show that it typically outperforms translation to SMT almost up to the point where the formulas don't fit into memory any longer. We also show that, even though our planner is optimal, it tends to outperform state-of-the-art sub-optimal heuristic planners in domains with tightly constrained resources. Finally we present encouraging initial results on applying the approach to model checking.
Positioning accuracy characterization of assembled microscale components for micro-optical benches

Purpose – This paper aims to deal with the measurement of positioning accuracies of microscale components assembled to fabricate micro-optical benches (MOB). Design/methodology/approach – The concept of MOB is presented to explain how to fabricate optical MEMS based on out-of-plane micro-assembly of microcomponents. This micro-assembly platform includes a laser sensor that enables to measure the position of the microcomponent after its assembly. The measurement set-up and procedure is displayed and applied on several micro-assembly sets. Findings – The measurement system provides results with maximum deviation smaller than ±0.005°. Based on this measurement system and micro-assembly procedure displayed in the article, it is shown that it is possible to obtain a positioning accuracy up to 0.009°. Originality/value – These results clearly show that micro-assembly is a possible way to fabricate complex, heterogeneous and 3D optical MEMS with very good optical performances.
Technology-Based New Product Development Partnerships

Hypotheses were developed to capture the dynamic capabilities that result from interfirm partnerships during the joint new product development (NPD) process — the ability to build, integrate, and reconfigure existing resources to adapt to rapidly changing environments. These capabilities, in turn, were proposed to have a positive impact on NPD performance outcomes: (a) proportion of new product success and (b) superior new product commercialization. In contexts where the locus of innovation is rapidly changing, the impact of interfirm NPD dynamic capabilities was hypothesized to be diminished in high-technology contexts, especially for buyers (original equipment manufacturers) and to a lesser extent for suppliers. Still, technology-based interfirm NPD partnerships were predicted to ultimately outperform low-technology ones in both NPD performance outcomes. Finally, information technology (IT) support for NPD was hypothesized to influence the interfirm NPD partnership’s dynamic capabilities. Using survey data from 72 auto company managers and their suppliers, the proposed model in which IT support for NPD influences the success of interfirm NPD partnerships through the mediating role of interfirm NPD partnership dynamic capabilities in high- and low-technology contexts was generally supported. The results shed light on the nature of technology-based interfirm NPD partnerships and have implications for their success. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
High Temperature and Learning Outcomes Evidence from Ethiopia

The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent.
Prognostic Signi�cance of NBEAL2 in Liver hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: NBEAL2 is a member of the BEACH domain–containing protein (BDCP) family and little is known about the relationship between NBEAL2 and malignancy. Methods: We downloaded the Gene expression pro�les and clinical data of Liver hepatocellular carcinoma(LIHC) form the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The expression difference of NBEAL2 in LIHC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues was analyzed by R software. The relationship between NBEAL2 expression and clinicopathological parameters was evaluate by Chi-square test. The effect of NBEAL2 expression on survival were assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model. GSEA was used to explore the potential molecular mechanism of NBEAL2 in LIHC. Results: Up-regulation of NBEAL2 expression was detected in the LIHC tissue compared with adjacent nontumor tissues(P < 0.001). The chi-square test showed that no signi�cant correlation between the expression level of NBEAL2 and various clinicopathological parameters (including T, N and M classi�cations) were detected. The Kaplan–Meier curves suggested that lower NBEAL2 expression was related with poor prognosis. The results of Multivariate analysis revealed that a lower expression of NBEAL2 in LIHC was an independent risk of poor overall survival (HR, 8.873; 95% CI, 1.159-67.936; P = 0.035). GSEA suggested that multiple tumor-related metabolic pathways were evidently enriched in samples with the low-NBEAL2 expression phenotype. Conlusion: NBEAL2 might act as an tumor suppressor gene in the progression of LIHC but the precise role of NBELA2 in LIHC needs further verti�cation.
Computational Neuroimaging Laboratory

This data descriptor describes a repository of openly shared data from an experiment to assess inter-individual diﬀerences in default mode network (DMN) activity. This repository includes cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from the Multi Source Interference Task, to assess DMN deactivation, the Moral Dilemma Task, to assess DMN activation, a resting state fMRI scan, and a DMN neurofeedback paradigm, to assess DMN modulation, along with accompanying behavioral and cognitive measures. We report technical validation from n=125 participants of the ﬁnal targeted sample of 180 participants. Each session includes acquisition of one whole-brain anatomical scan and whole-brain echo-planar imaging (EPI) scans, acquired during the aforementioned tasks and resting state. The data includes several self-report measures related to perseverative thinking, emotion regulation, and imaginative processes, along with a behavioral measure of rapid visual information processing. Technical validation of the data conﬁrms that the tasks deactivate and activate the DMN as expected. Group level analysis of the neurofeedback data indicates that the participants are able to modulate their DMN with considerable inter-subject variability. Preliminary analysis of behavioral responses and speciﬁcally self-reported sleep indicate that as many as 73 participants may need to be excluded from an analysis depending on the hypothesis being tested.
Optimal Control of Spatially Distributed Systems

In this paper, we study the structural properties of optimal control of spatially distributed systems. Such systems consist of an infinite collection of possibly heterogeneous linear control systems that are spatially interconnected via certain distant dependent coupling functions over arbitrary graphs. The key idea of the paper is the introduction of a special class of operators called spatially decaying (SD) operators. We study the structural properties of infinite-horizon linear quadratic optimal controllers for such systems by analyzing the spatial structure of the solution to the corresponding operator Lyapunov and Riccati equations. We prove that the kernel of the optimal feedback of each subsystem decays in the spatial domain at a rate proportional to the inverse of the corresponding coupling function of the system.
Adolescent Recall of Childhood Fears and Coping Strategies

Ninth grade students (N = 2728) wrote essay responses to the questions: “Most of us, as children, were afraid of something—the dark, dogs, being alone. What caused you the greatest fright when you were young? Show, by example, how you reacted to fear. What has helped you to overcome or conquer fear? ” Reported fears and coping strategies were recorded by subjects' sex and fears were categorized as singular, primary, or secondary. Fear and coping strategy categories were recorded once only for any subject. Fear of the dark was most frequently mentioned, with People, Spooks, Being Alone, and Animals being other frequently mentioned fears. Sex differences were found for singular or primary fears, with boys significantly more fearful of Animals and Heights and girls significantly more afraid of Being Alone, Death/Injury, Insects, and Fathers. About half of all subjects reported coping strategies, with nearly 55% reporting the strategy of Reason/Age. Boys reported significantly more In vivo Densensitization/Flooding and Destroy coping strategies, with girls reporting significantly more People, Escape, and Took Control strategies. Possible explanations for the various reported fears are provided.
Analysis of albedo versus cloud fraction relationships in liquid water clouds using heuristic models and large eddy simulation

The relationship between the albedo of a cloudy scene A and cloud fraction fc is studied with the aid of heuristic models of stratocumulus and cumulus clouds. Existing work has shown that scene albedo increases monotonically with increasing cloud fraction but that the relationship varies from linear to superlinear. The reasons for these differences in functional dependence are traced to the relationship between cloud deepening and cloud widening. When clouds deepen with no significant increase in fc (e.g., in solid stratocumulus), the relationship between A and fc is linear. When clouds widen as they deepen, as in cumulus cloud fields, the relationship is superlinear. A simple heuristic model of a cumulus cloud field with a power law size distribution shows that the superlinear A ‐fc behavior is traced out either through random variation in cloud size distribution parameters or as the cloud field oscillates between a relative abundance of small clouds (steep slopes on a log‐log plot) and a relative abundance of large clouds (flat slopes). Oscillations of this kind manifest in large eddy simulation of trade wind cumulus where the slope and intercept of the power law fit to the cloud size distribution are highly correlated. Further analysis of the large eddy model‐generated cloud fields suggests that cumulus clouds grow larger and deeper as their underlying plumes aggregate; this is followed by breakup of large plumes and a tendency to smaller clouds. The cloud and thermal size distributions oscillate back and forth approximately in unison.