Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sébastien Turban ‡

We model a procedural reform aimed at restoring a proper role for the minority in the confirmation process of judicial nominations in the U.S. Senate. We propose that nominations to the same level court be collected in periodic lists and voted upon individually with Storable Votes, allowing each senator to allocate freely a fixed number of total votes. Although each nomination is decided by simple majority, storable votes make it possible for the minority to win occasionally, but only when the relative importance its members assign to a nomination is higher than the relative importance assigned by the majority. Numerical simulations approximate the composition of the 113th and 114th Senates. Under plausible assumptions motivated by a game theoretic model, we find that a minority of 45 senators would be able to win about 20 percent of confirmation battles when the majority party controls the presidency, and between 40 and 60 percent when the president identifies with the minority party. For most parameter values, the possibility of minority victories increases aggregate welfare. ∗We thank Sarah Binder, Adam Cox, Bruce Cain, Bernie Grofman, Samuel Issacharof, John Morgan, Richard Pildes, Eric Schickler, Glen Weyl, Adam Zelizer, the participants to the Political Engineering session at the 2015 AEA Annual Meeting in Boston, two referees, and the editor of this journal for helpful comments. We thank Adam Zelizer for his research assistance. Casella thanks the National Science Foundation for its support (SES-0617934), and the Straus Institute for its generosity and hospitality. All code necessary to replicate this analysis is available from the authors. †Columbia University, Department of Economics; NBER, and CEPR, ac186@columbia.edu; 420 W. 118th St., New York, NY 10027; 212-854-2459. ‡Columbia University, Department of Economics; NBER, and CEPR, sebastien.turban@gmail.com; 420 W. 118th St., New York, NY 10027; 212-854-2459. §Columbia University, Department of Political Science, gjw10@columbia.edu; 420 W. 118th St., New York, NY 10027; 212-854-8540. Corresponding author.
A Preoperative Nutritional Index for Predicting Cancer-Specific and Overall Survival in Chinese Patients With Laryngeal Cancer

AbstractPinato prognostic nutritional index (PNI) adequately predicts long-term outcomes of various malignancies. However, its value in predicting outcomes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is unknown.All patients newly diagnosed with LSCC presenting to the Department of Head and Neck Oncology at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 1, 1990 and July 31, 2010 were eligible. The PNI was calculated as serum albumin (g/L) + 5 × total lymphocyte count/L. The Cutoff Finder software program was used to classify the patients into 3 groups for which the PNI score was at least 70% sensitive, at least 70% specific, or equivocal. Cancer-specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and predictors were assessed with Cox regression analysis.Median time between surgery and PNI administration for the 975 eligible patients was 83 months. Index score groups were significantly associated with age, T stage, TNM stage, and type of surgery. Five-year CSS and OS were 57.3% and 56.6% in patients with PNI scores below 48.65 (low-probability of survival), 72.8% and 71.3% with scores between 48.65 and 56.93 (moderate-probability of survival), and 77.6% and 75.3% with scores above 56.93 (high-probability of survival); 10-year CSS and OS were 44.2% and 42.7%, 61.6% and 55.6%, 68.3% and 63.5%, respectively. The PNI score groups significantly predicted CSS and OS (P < 0.001). The PNI is an inexpensive and readily available score that predicted survival in patients with LSCC after curative laryngectomy.
Hydromagnetic αΩ-type dynamos with feedback from large scale motions

Nonlinear axisymmetric mean-field an-type dynamos in spherical shells of conducting incompressible fluid are computed, with differential rotation being generated by the Reynolds stress of anisotropic turbulence (/\-effect). The correlation time of the turbulence is assumed to be short compared with the rotation period. In this case the angular velocity tends to be constant on cylindrical surfaces as the Taylor number, Tu, is increased (cf. the Taylor-Proudman theorem). The only magnetic feedback mechanism considered is the Lorentz force of the mean magnetic field acting on the macroscale motions (Malkus-Proctor mechanism). The Elsasser number is in this case close to unity, but grows slowly as Restricting ourselves to strictly dipole-type magnetic fields we find for Tu = lo8, magnetic cycles with migrating field belts close to the equator. For smaller Taylor numbers and only slightly supercritical a-effect the magnetic field is steady and the R-effect becomes unimportant for the generation of toroidal field from a poloidal one. However, magnetic cycles are still possible if the a-effect is sufficiently strong. In this case the field is concentrated at high latitudes. Poloidal and toroidal fields can be in antiphase with equatorward field migration only when the angular velocity increases inwards and towards the poles. The energy of the mean magnetic field generated is usually less than the energy of the turbulent convective motions. The ratio between cycle period and rotational period can reach values of around fifty.
Short-term optical variability of high-redshift quasi-stellar objects

In this paper we present the results of a search for short-term variability in the optical band of selected high-luminosity, high-redshift radio-quiet quasars. Each quasar has been monitored typically for 2-4 h with a time resolution of 2-5 min and a photometric accuracy of about 0.01-0.02 mag. As a result of the significant redshift (z > 2), the covered wavelength range falls into the ultraviolet region (typically 1500-2500 A). We have found no statistical evidence for any continuum variations larger than 0.01-0.02 mag for any of the monitored objects. Our results suggest that the presence of a short-term variability in radio-quiet quasars is unlikely even in the ultraviolet region, contrary to reports by other authors. This conclusion holds true at least for high-luminosity (large black hole mass and accretion rate? ) objects. The results are consistent with the idea that significant short-term (less than 1 h) variations in active galactic nuclei, where observed, should be attributed primarily to processes in a relativistic jet.
Modelling Long Memory Volatility in Agricultural Commodity Futures Returns

This paper estimates the long memory volatility model for 16 agricultural commodity futures returns from different futures markets, namely corn, oats, soybeans, soybean meal, soybean oil, wheat, live cattle, cattle feeder, pork, cocoa, coffee, cotton, orange juice, Kansas City wheat, rubber, and palm oil. The class of fractional GARCH models, namely the FIGARCH model of Baillie et al. (1996), FIEGACH model of Bollerslev and Mikkelsen (1996), and FIAPARCH model of Tse (1998), are modelled and compared with the GARCH model of Bollerslev (1986), EGARCH model of Nelson (1991), and APARCH model of Ding et al. (1993). The estimated d parameters, indicating long-term dependence, suggest that fractional integration is found in most of agricultural commodity futures returns series. In addition, the FIGARCH (1,d,1) and FIEGARCH(1,d,1) models are found to outperform their GARCH(1,1) and EGARCH(1,1) counterparts.
Blink durations reflect mind wandering during reading

Mind wandering is a prevalent but highly subjective phenomenon that is difficult to measure. Typically studies use probes at random points throughout at study that pop in and ask participants “Are you mind wandering” where they indicate yes or no, and then resume the study. This study investigated a method of extracting eye blinks from raw eye tracking data while participants were reading texts that varied in degree of engagingness on a similar topic. Blink durations were found to increase for less engaging texts. We hypothesize that eye blink durations may increase with mind wandering and discuss implications for mind wandering research.
Cortisol levels and sleep patterns in infants with orofacial clefts undergoing surgery

Background Traumatic events during early infancy might damage infants’ psychobiological functioning, such as sleep and cortisol secretion. Infants born with orofacial clefts (OFCs) undergo functional, anatomical, and aesthetic surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine whether infants with OFC and undergoing OFC surgery show deteriorated sleep and cortisol secretion compared with healthy controls and with their presurgery status. Methods A total of 27 infants with OFC (mean age: 22 weeks) and 30 healthy controls (mean age: 23 weeks) took part in the study. For infants with OFC, sleep actigraphy was performed and saliva cortisol was analyzed 5 days before, during, and 5 days after surgery. For controls, sleep and saliva cortisol were assessed similarly, except for the period taken up with surgery. Results Compared with healthy controls, infants with OFC undergoing OFC surgery did not differ in sleep and cortisol secretion. Their sleep and cortisol secretion did deteriorate during the perisurgical period but recovered 5 days postsurgery. Conclusion In infants with OFC undergoing corrective surgery, the pattern of results for sleep and cortisol suggests that OFC surgery does not seem to constitute a traumatic event with long-term consequences.
Induction Detractors of Beginning Vocational Teachers with and without Teacher Education.

A study examined the "induction detractors" (defined as more broadly based than "problems") experienced by bnginning vocational education teachers entering from tre,ditional teacher education programs and those entering without such training. A sample of 12 (7 male, 5 female) first-year vocational education teachers was selected from Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Five of the te? chers were certified through teacher education, four through alternative programs, and three through vocational certification. The average age of the teachers from teacher education backgrounds was 23, whereas the average age of the alternatively or vocationally certified teachers was 38. Data collected ipdluded biographical, situational, school and community, persondlity, and job satisfaction information. Data were collected through focus group ses,sions, field observations, and interviews with the teachers, principals, vocational directors, other teachers, and students. A total of 1,777 detractors wPre identified. For both groups of teachers the most important catr,gory of detractors is students, followed by the educational system. Alternatively certified teachers' detractors were higher than expected in the areas of curriculum, pedagogy, peers, students, and system, whereas detractors for those certified in teacher education were higher than expected for the community, internal, and program categories. The study recommended programs to meet the needs of beginning vocational education teachers. (28 references) (KC) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** (r of Education and no official endorsement by the U.S. Department No of Education should be inferred.
Reduced activity restriction buffers the relations between chronic stress and sympathetic nervous system activation.

OBJECTIVES Caregivers of dementia patients are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), and this risk increases the longer they provide care. Greater perceptions that caregiving restricts social/recreational activities (i.e., activity restriction [AR]) has been associated with poorer health, and AR may exacerbate the relations between stress and health outcomes. The current study examined the interactive role of greater exposure to stress and increased AR on plasma catecholamine (CAT) levels: norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI). METHOD A total of 84 dementia caregivers completed a standard assessment battery, and a nurse collected blood, which was assayed for NE and EPI. Separate regressions for NE and EPI were used to determine whether the relations between years caregiving and CATs were greater in those with high versus low AR. RESULTS A significant interaction was found between years caregiving and AR in predicting resting EPI (p = .032) but not resting NE (p = .103). Post hoc analyses indicated that years caregiving was significantly associated with EPI when AR was high (p = .008) but not when AR was low (p = .799). Additionally, years caregiving was not significantly associated with NE when AR was high or low. DISCUSSION The subjective experience of AR can play an important role in determining risk for detrimental physical health outcomes, particularly CVD risk.
Managing The Opportunity Portfolio

OVERVIEW: Portfolio planning involves five basic tasks: identifying current as well as future gaps in the portfolio relative to the firm's overall business strategy, striking a balance between strengthening the firm's current strategic position and the exploration of new markets or technologies, creating a portfolio with the highest potential financial value, and exploring the extent to which the competition can be redefined. Tools for accomplishing these tasks include the “traffic light” approach, analysis of technology positions and product attributes, identification of discontinuous change, creating new dimensions of merit, lifecycle analysis, portfolio/scenario analysis, and the strategic bucket framework. Not every tool will work for everyone, but used as needed, these tools will help managers to build a rigorous portfolio strategy.
XQuery Reloaded

This paper describes a number of XQuery-related projects. Its goal is to show that XQuery is a useful tool for many different application scenarios. In particular, this paper tries to correct a common myth that XQuery is merely a query language and that SQL is the better query language. Instead, XQuery is a full-fledged programming language for Web applications and services. Furthermore, this paper tries to correct a second myth that XQuery is slow. This paper gives an overview of the state-of-the-art in XQuery implementation and optimization techniques and discusses one particular open-source XQuery processor, Zorba, in more detail. Among others, this paper presents an XQuery Benchmark Service which helps practitioners and XQuery processor vendors to find performance problems in an XQuery processor.
O R I G I N a L I N V E S T I G a T I O N Open Access

Serum pigment epithelium-derived factor levels are independently correlated with the presence of coronary artery disease Abstract Background: Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been proved to be closely correlated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components that are all risk factors of cardiovascular disease and may play a protective role against vascular injury and atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between serum PEDF and coronary artery disease (CAD).
Will life expectancy increase indefinitely by three months every year

In an article published in Science in 2002, James Oeppen and James Vaupel, observing a constant linear progression (at arate of 3 months per year) in maximum life expectancies since 1841, concluded that the trend was set to continue for manyyears to come. A critical re-assessment of the data and a more long-term historical perspective suggest, on the contrary, that the rates of increase in life expectancy have varied overtime, as the factors driving improvements in human health have themselves evolved. In particular, the pace of progressduring the most recent phase - that of the cardiovascular revolution - was slower than during the previous period, that of the fight against infectious diseases. As life expectancyincreases, future progress will become heavily dependent on a massive decrease in mortality at more advanced ages.What happens in years to come will depend on future innovations, the form and timing of which are unknown today. A life expectancy of 100 years is certainly not unachievable, but no-one knows if and when it will occur.
Digoxin Suppresses HIV-1 Replication by Altering Viral RNA Processing

To develop new approaches to control HIV-1 replication, we examined the capacity of recently described small molecular modulators of RNA splicing for their effects on viral RNA metabolism. Of the drugs tested, digoxin was found to induce a dramatic inhibition of HIV-1 structural protein synthesis, a response due, in part, to reduced accumulation of the corresponding viral mRNAs. In addition, digoxin altered viral RNA splice site use, resulting in loss of the essential viral factor Rev. Digoxin induced changes in activity of the CLK family of SR protein kinases and modification of several SR proteins, including SRp20 and Tra2β, which could account for the effects observed. Consistent with this hypothesis, overexpression of SRp20 elicited changes in HIV-1 RNA processing similar to those observed with digoxin. Importantly, digoxin was also highly active against clinical strains of HIV-1 in vitro, validating this novel approach to treatment of this infection.
Quantifying and recognizing human movement patterns from monocular video images-part II: applications to biometrics

Biometric authentication of gait, anthropometric data, human activities, and movement disorders are presented in this paper using the continuous human movement recognition (CHMR) framework introduced in Part I. A novel biometric authentication of anthropometric data is presented based on the realization that no one is average-sized in as many as ten dimensions. These body part dimensions are quantified using the CHMR body model. Gait signatures are then evaluated using motion vectors, temporally segmented by gait dynemes, and projected into a gait space for an eigengait-based biometric authentication. Left-right asymmetry of gait is also evaluated using robust CHMR left-right labeling of gait strides. Accuracy of the gait signature is further enhanced by incorporating the knee-hip angle-angle relationship popular in biomechanics gait research, together with other gait parameters. These gait and anthropometric biometrics are fused to further improve accuracy. The next biometric identifies human activities which require a robust segmentation of the many skills encompassed. For this reason, the CHMR activity model is used to identify various activities from making coffee to using a computer. Finally, human movement disorders were evaluated by studying patients with dopa-responsive Parkinsonism and age-matched normals who were videotaped during several gait cycles to determine a robust metric for classifying movement disorders. The results suggest that the CHMR system enabled successful biometric authentication of anthropometric data, gait signatures, human activities, and movement disorders.
Characterization of aerosol pollution events in France using ground-based and POLDER-2 satellite data

We analyze the relationship between daily fine particle mass concentration (PM2.5) and columnar aerosol optical thickness derived from the Polarization and Directionality of Earth's Reflectances (POLDER) satellite sensor. The study is focused over France during the POLDER-2 lifetime between April and October 2003. We have first compared the POLDER derived aerosol optical thickness (AOT) with integrated volume size distribution derived from ground-based Sun Photometer observations. The good correlation (R=0.72) with sub-micron volume fraction indicates that POLDER derived AOT is sensitive to the fine aerosol mass concentration. Considering 1974 match-up data points over 28 fine particle monitoring sites, the POLDER-2 derived AOT is fairly well correlated with collocated PM2.5 measurements, with a correlation coefficient of 0.55. The correlation coefficient reaches a maximum of 0.80 for particular sites. We have analyzed the probability to find an appropriate air quality category (AQC) as defined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from POLDER-2 AOT measurements. The probability can be up to 88.8% (±3.7%) for the "Good" AQC and 89.1% (±3.6%) for the "Moderate" AQC.
An Incremental Index for Bitemporal Databases

Bitemporal databases record not only the history of tuples in temporal tables, but also record the history of the databases themselves. Indexing structures, which are a critical issue in traditional databases, became even more critical for bitemporal databases. We address this problem by investigating an incremental indexing structure based on R-trees, called the HR-tree, which was originally aimed at spatiotemporal databases. We have found that the HR-tree is much more efficient (up to 80% faster) than previously proposed approaches based on two R-trees when processing transaction time point based queries. As for size, the HR-tree was found to be better suited for medium to large sized batch updates, otherwise it is prone to be quite large.
Induction of cell cycle regulatory proteins in anti-immunoglobulin- stimulated mature B lymphocytes

Progression through the cell cycle is a tightly controlled process that integrates signals generated at the plasma membrane with the proteins that form the cell cycle machinery. The current study chronicles the induction of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk), and cdk inhibitors in low density primary mouse B lymphocytes after anti- immunoglobulin plus interleukin 4 (IgM + IL-4) stimulation. In this system, > 85% of cells remain in the G0/G1 phase of cell cycle for an initial 24-h period, followed by entry of up to 50% of the cells into S phase, commencing around 30 h and peaking at 48 h. Extensive time course analyses of these anti-IgM + IL-4-stimulated B cells revealed that the G1-associated D-type cyclins D2 and D3 were induced by 3 h after stimulation, and that cyclins E, A, and B were subsequently induced sequentially, beginning at mid-G1, G1/S transition, and S phase, respectively. The G1-associated cyclin D1 was not expressed at any stage of the anti-Ig + IL-4-induced B cell cycle. cdk2, cdk4, and cdk6 were induced during G1, whereas cell division cycle-2 (cdc2) was induced concomitantly with S phase. Irrespective of their expression, the kinases cdk2 and cdc2 were only active from S phase onwards, suggesting that productive cyclin/kinase complex formation did not occur until that time. Cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p19 were induced by anti-Ig + IL-4, peaking in expression at mid-G1 and S phase, respectively. Stimulation of low density B cells with anti-Ig + IL-4 caused rapid down regulation of the p27 inhibitor, however this protein was reexpressed at 54-96 h after stimulation. In contrast, B cells stimulated with anti-CD40, a stimulus which induces long-term B cell proliferation, permanently down regulated p27. These findings are consistent with the concept that p27 reexpression contributes to the G1 arrest that follows antigen receptor crosslinking. Low density B cells cultured in the viability-enhancing cytokine IL-4 alone also showed induction of D2 and D3 cyclin expression. However, the D2 expression was transient, and the D3 expression was substantially lower than that observed in B cells induced to proliferate by anti-Ig + IL-4. This partial induction of D2 and D3 expression may explain IL-4's ability to promote B cell entry into G1 but not S phase of cell cycle, and furthermore, its ability to truncate G1 progression when B cells are subsequently stimulated with anti-Ig.