Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Appeal and Impact of Characterizing Flavors on Young Adult Small Cigar Use.

OBJECTIVE To understand how affect for characterizing flavors influences little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) smoking uptake behaviors among young adults. METHODS A convenience sample of multi-ethnic young adults (N = 90; mean age = 25.1 years; 53.1% male; 47.4% African-American, 35.5% white, 17.1% Hispanic) who were dual (LCC+ cigarette) and cigarette-only smokers participated in 12 focus groups and a semi-structured interview in the southeastern United States. RESULTS Though they self-identified at enrollment as dual or cigarette-only smokers, 64.4% reported LCC-only smoking, 27.8% dual smoking, and 7.8% cigarette-only smoking. Participants acknowledged that the flavored tobacco made smoking LCCs more palatable, and it enhanced their moods. The variety of available sweet and fruit flavored LCCs and the visual, smell, and taste cues from the LCC packaging influenced the young adults' affect, their susceptibility to and initiation of LCC smoking, and their switch from cigarettes to flavored LCC smoking. CONCLUSIONS Characterizing flavored tobacco in LCCs contributed to young adults' susceptibility and initiation of use. The FDA is proposing to deem LCCs under its authority. Once these products are deemed, our results suggest that the FDA make a product standard restricting characterizing flavors in LCCs.
How store format choices and market structure affect agglomeration economies and competition among chain stores in the US supermarket industry

ABSTRACT This article studies how store format choices and market concentration affect agglomeration economies and competition among chain stores. Using data on supermarket chains in Arizona, Georgia and Illinois, we decompose a store’s sales into parts stemming from local market conditions, such as demographics, and parts stemming from competition measures, which can be of its own chain’s stores or of other chains’ stores. Our results show that local market conditions are still a key factor in generating store sales. In more concentrated markets of Georgia and Illinois, a supermarket chain suffers from business-stealing among its own stores – agglomeration economies not sufficient to offset competition among its stores – but ironically tolerates the presence of other chains’ stores. Can a retail chain favourably tip the balance of agglomeration economies and competition? We find the answer by looking at the two big corporations in Arizona – Bashas Markets Inc. and Kroger Co. – which own two and three store formats, respectively, catering to distinct consumer segments, and thus promoting agglomeration economies while minimizing competition among their own stores.
Anytime optimal MDP planning with trial-based heuristic tree search

Planning and acting in a dynamic environment is a challenging task for an autonomous agent, especially in the presence of uncertain and exogenous effects, a large number of states, and a long-term planning horizon. In this thesis, we approach the problem by considering algorithms that interleave planning for the current state and execution of the taken decision. The main challenge of the agent is to use its tight deliberation time wisely. One solution are determinizations, which simplify the Markov Decision Process that describes the uncertain environment to a deterministic planning problem. We introduce an all-outcomes determinization where, unlike in comparable methods, the number of deterministic actions is not exponentially but polynomially bounded in the number of parallel probabilistic effects. We discuss three algorithms that base their decision solely on the solution to a determinization, and show that they have fundamental limitations that prevent optimal behavior even if provided with unlimited resources. The main contribution of this thesis, the Trial-based Heuristic Tree Search (THTS) framework, allows the description of algorithms in terms of only six ingredients that can be mixed and matched at will. We present a selection of ingredients and analyze theoretically which combinations yield asymptotically optimal behavior. Our implementation of the THTS framework, the probabilistic planner PROST, not only allows to evaluate all anytime optimal algorithms empirically on the benchmarks of the International Probabilistic Planning Competition (IPPC), but furthermore emphasizes the potential of THTS by being the back to back winner of the competition in 2011 and 2014. In the final chapter, we introduce the MDP-Evaluation Stopping Problem, the optimization problem faced by participants of IPPC 2014. We show how it can be constructed formally, discuss three special cases that are solvable in practice, and present approximate algorithms that are based on techniques that are derived from the solutions for the special cases. Finally, we show theoretically and empirically that all proposed algorithms improve significantly over the application of the state-of-the-art approach.
Achieving positive rate with undetectable communication over AWGN and Rayleigh channels

In this paper we consider the problem of achieving a positive error-free communications rate without being detected by an eavesdropper - we coin this the privacy rate. Specifically, we present the privacy rate over Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh channels when an eavesdropper employs a radiometer detector and has uncertainty about her noise variance. Leveraging recent results on the phenomenon of an Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) wall when there is eavesdropper noise power measurement uncertainty, we show that a non-zero privacy rate is possible. We also find the SNR wall under Rayleigh fading. We conclude by presenting realizable privacy rates for several practical scenarios.
The structure of human platelet thrombospondin.

Two distinct murine monoclonal antibodies, designated MA-I and MA-II, and limited proteolysis with thrombin and trypsin have been used to probe the structure of human platelet thrombospondin. The results indicate that each of the constituent chains of thrombospondin comprise four distinct polypeptide segments. The production of these segments is influenced by the presence of calcium, the enzyme employed, the temperature of digestion, and the enzyme-to-substrate ratio. Thrombin digestion in the presence of calcium results in the release of a 30,000-dalton fragment, designated segment I, which contains the epitope for MA-II and the heparin-binding site. Prior EDTA treatment results in the concomitant cleavage of a 25,000-dalton fragment, designated segment IV, from the other terminus. Limited tryptic digestion in the absence of calcium produces a 47,000-dalton fragment (segment III) which is adjacent to segment IV. Segment III contains the epitope for MA-I. Segment II is an 85,000-dalton fragment which contains the interchain disulfide bonds. Calcium inhibits proteolysis at cleavage sites between segments II and III and between segments III and IV. In the presence of calcium, an 85,000-dalton fragment is produced, which is derived from portions of segments II, III, and possibly IV. Electron microscopy of platinum replicas produced by low angle rotary shadowing reveals that thrombospondin is composed of four well-defined globular regions connected by thin flexible regions. Three of the globular regions, designated globular region C, appear to be at the ends of the three thin connecting regions. The fourth globular region, designated globular region N, appears to be close to the site where the chains are cross-linked. Globular region N can be resolved into three separate smaller globular structures which are 70 +/- 7.1 A in diameter. This region is selectively removed by thrombin digestion in the presence of calcium and binds a monoclonal antibody directed against the heparin-binding peptides. These data indicate that globular region N comprises the three NH2-terminal portions (segment I) from each of the three chains of thrombospondin. Globular region C is located at the ends of each of the three thin connecting regions which are each approximately 291 +/- 46 A long. The removal of calcium results in a decrease in the size of globular region C from 118 +/- 18.6 A to 80 +/- 7.4 A and an increase in the length of the adjacent thin connecting region to 383 +/- 30 A. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The fuzzy world of problem based learning

The AMEE Guide by Taylor & Miflin (2008) in this issue of Medical Teacher offers an excellent critical review on PBL as it is understood and implemented in 2008, reflecting the experience, understanding and position of the authors. As an advocate of PBL and with personal experience of working for 30 years in three medical schools adopting integrated PBL curricula–The Suez Canal University, Egypt, Arabian Gulf University, College of Medicine, Bahrain and the University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, U.A. E. - I have witnessed its evolution and implementation in different contexts and cultures. While keeping an open mind about variabilities in its implementation, and without being entrenched in the orthodoxy of the original philosophy, perhaps I may be able to reflect on some aspects of this controversial and challenging educational strategy.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Utilization in the Medicare Population, 2009

BACKGROUND Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the criterion standard treatment for high‐risk skin cancers. Few data on current MMS Utilization are available. OBJECTIVE To better understand current trends in MMS use in the Medicare population. METHODS AND MATERIALS The 2009 Medicare Limited Data Set Standard Analytic File (LDSSAF), carrier claims, 5% sample and the Physician Supplier Procedure Master File (PSPMF) 100% summary were analyzed. RESULTS In 2009, 558,447 Medicare MMS cases were performed, with an average of 1.75 stages per case. In the 5% claims sample, 0.3% and 1.3% of MMS cases were performed for melanoma and carcinoma in situ, respectively. Total annual volume predictions for 1,777 providers showed a left‐shifted curve. 65.8% of LDSSAF cases had same‐day MMS repairs: 48.7% of repairs were complex, 9.8% intermediate, 32.4% flaps, and 7.4% full‐thickness skin grafts. CONCLUSIONS The 5% LDSSAF is highly predictive of total claim volumes and is useful for modeling practice trends. There is wide variation in MMS provider annual case volume. These data reflect only Medicare Part B enrollees in 2009; 5% LDDSAF extrapolations are predictions based on sampling.
Concurrent validation of the OMNI perceived exertion scale for resistance exercise.

UNLABELLED The criterion variables were total weight lifted (Wttot ) determined separately for women and men during BC and KE, and blood lactic acid concentration ([Hla]) determined for a combined female ( N = 10) and male ( N = 10) subset during BC. Subjects performed three separate sets of 4, 8, and 12 repetitions for BC and KE at 65% one-repetition maximum. Rating of perceived exertion for the active muscles (RPE-AM) was measured during the mid and final repetition and RPE for the overall body (RPE-O) during the final repetition. : For both female and male groups across the three sets: (a) RPE-AM ranged from 3.6 to 8.2 for BC and 5.1 to 9.6 for KE and (b) RPE-O ranged from 2.4 to 6.7 for BC and 4.2 to 7.6 for KE. Positive linear regressions ranged from r = 0.79 to 0.91 ( P < 0.01) between Wttot and RPE-AM (mid), RPE-AM (final), and RPE-O for both BC and KE in both sex groupings. A positive ( P < 0.01) linear regression was found between [Hla] and RPE-AM (final) (r = 0.87) during BC. RPE did not differ between women and men at any measurement point within each set for BC and KE. RPE-AM (final) was greater ( P < 0.01) than RPE-O in the three sets of BC and KE. CONCLUSION Findings provided concurrent validation of the OMNI-RES to measure RPE for the active muscle and overall body in young recreationally trained female and male weight lifters performing upper- and lower-body resistance exercise.
A Jump Model for Credit Default Swaps with Hierarchical Clustering

Abstract The return time series of Credit Default Swaps (CDS) display possibly the highest excess kurtosis and skewness of any asset class in capital markets. Capturing this requires a departure from classical modeling techniques. Here, the premise is that CDS prices jump and those jumps cluster. Initially, a model is proposed that is driven by a diffusion and a Hawkes process to reproduce the clustering of shocks. The new element of the model is the use of hierarchical clustering to calibrate the distribution of the jumps. Partitioning the shocks identifies shifts in the volatility regime of the CDS through time, which are shown to consistently correspond to both systemic and idiosyncratic market events. A piecewise definition of a double exponential distribution for the jumps, corresponding to the identified clusters, is employed to replicate the regime switching. Subsequently, this demonstrably improves the accuracy of the calibration. The model is fitted to all CDS with more than 2000 closing prices from 2001 to 2014; a total of 1652 individual time series. For each credit, a peak-over-threshold approach is applied to the return series to separate the data into those returns that can broadly be classified as log-normal and those that can be characterized as jumps. By explicitly linking the results to market traded volumes, the results indicate a clear split of the CDS into liquid and illiquid names. A key finding is that for the illiquid CDS, it is difficult to justify the continuous component of the model. For the low liquidity names, the Hawkes process is shown to capture the price-action without a diffusion. A Markov chain is then introduced into the simulation to replicate the clustering and regime switching.
The MAVRIC–C and MAVRIC–P: A Preliminary Reliability and Validity Study

We administered the Measure of Aggression, Violence, and Rage in Children (MAVRIC; Bass, Geenens, & Popper, 1993a, 1993b), a questionnaire assessing the severity of reactive, impulsive aggression, to 28 prepubertal psychiatrically hospitalized children and 54 prepubertal lowrisk nonpatients and their mothers. Cross-informant reliability was supported between the MAVRIC–Child Version (MAVRIC–C; Bass et al., 1993a) and MAVRIC–Parent Version (MAVRIC–P; Bass et al., 1993b), r = . 62, p < . 001. Convergent validity was supported with the Aggressive Behavior factor of the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991a) for the MAVRIC–C, r = . 62, p < . 001, and MAVRIC–P, r = . 74, p < . 001. Both versions were also associated with disruptive behavior disorders, inpatient status, and assaultive behavior. We discuss the differences in the perception of aggression as a function of informant.
Understanding the use of email consultation in primary care using a retrospective observational study with data of Dutch electronic health records

Objectives It is unclear why the use of email consultation is not more widespread in Dutch general practice, particularly because, since 2006, its costs can be reimbursed. To encourage further implementation, it is needed to understand the current use of email consultations. This study aims to understand the use of email consultation by different patient groups, compared with other general practice (GP) consultations. Setting For this retrospective observational study, we used Dutch routine electronic health record data obtained from NIVEL Primary Care Database for the years 2010 and 2014. Participants 200 general practices were included in 2010 (734 122 registered patients) and 434 in 2014 (1 630 386 registered patients). Primary outcome measures The number and percentage of email consultations and patient characteristics (age, gender, neighbourhood socioeconomic status and diagnoses) of email consultation users were investigated and compared with those who had a telephone or face-to-face consultation. General practice characteristics were also taken into account. Results 32.0% of the Dutch general practices had at least one email consultation in 2010, rising to 52.8% in 2014. In 2014, only 0.7% of the GP consultations were by email (the others comprised home visits, telephone and face-to-face consultations). Its use highly varied among general practices. Most email consultations were done for psychological (14.7%); endocrine, metabolic and nutritional (10.9%); and circulatory (10.7%) problems. These diagnosis categories appeared less frequently in telephone and face-to-face consultations. Patients who had an email consultation were older than patients who had a telephone or face-to-face consultation. In contrast, patients with diabetes who had an email consultation were younger. Conclusion Even though email consultation was done in half the general practices in the Netherlands in 2014, the actual use of it is extremely low. Patients who had an email consultation differ from those who had a telephone or face-to-face consultation. In addition, the use of email consultation by patients is dependent on its provision by GPs.
Hydrodynamic pressure sensing with an artificial lateral line in steady and unsteady flows

With the overall goal being a better understanding of the sensing environment from the local perspective of a situated agent, we studied uniform flows and Kármán vortex streets in a frame of reference relevant to a fish or swimming robot. We visualized each flow regime with digital particle image velocimetry and then took local measurements using a rigid body with laterally distributed parallel pressure sensor arrays. Time and frequency domain methods were used to characterize hydrodynamically relevant scenarios in steady and unsteady flows for control applications. Here we report that a distributed pressure sensing mechanism has the capability to discriminate Kármán vortex streets from uniform flows, and determine the orientation and position of the platform with respect to the incoming flow and the centre axis of the Kármán vortex street. It also enables the computation of hydrodynamic features which may be relevant for a robot while interacting with the flow, such as vortex shedding frequency, vortex travelling speed and downstream distance between vortices. A Kármán vortex street was distinguished in this study from uniform flows by analysing the magnitude of fluctuations present in the sensor measurements and the number of sensors detecting the same dominant frequency. In the Kármán vortex street the turbulence intensity was 30% higher than that in the uniform flow and the sensors collectively sensed the vortex shedding frequency as the dominant frequency. The position and orientation of the sensor platform were determined via a comparative analysis between laterally distributed sensor arrays; the vortex travelling speed was estimated via a cross-correlation analysis among the sensors.
Random ciliary orientation. A cause of respiratory tract disease.

THE clinical manifestations of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) — recurrent sinopulmonary infection and male sterility — have been attributed to defects in the ultrastructure of the central core (axoneme) of cilia and sperm tails. In the respiratory tract, these structural defects impair ciliary motility and coordination, resulting in reduced mucociliary clearance. Defective ciliary function and structure were first reported as a cause of recurrent respiratory disease by Afzelius and coworkers,1 , 2 who noted decreased ciliary motility in patients with Kartagener's syndrome and suggested the term immotile-cilia syndrome. Subsequent studies of ciliary motility and ultrastructure have revealed a range of patterns of .
Life Situation, Coping and Quality of Life in People with High and Low Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

The psychosocial consequences of being at different risk for inheriting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were investigated in a high-risk group (n = 106) and a low-risk group (n = 37). Non-affected individuals from families with AD in two or more generations answered questions about their life situation, quality of life and coping. Their answers were compared with a population sample (n = 408). The high-risk group assessed the quality of their personal relationships and everyday life higher than did the population sample. They also used less emotive and supportive coping strategies compared with the population sample. Nearly 90% in the high-risk group felt anxiety concerning their own risk or the risk of their children and grandchildren of developing AD. About 50% of the respondents complained about a lack of information. The pieces of information they asked for were early signs of the disease, treatment, and practical information on how to handle everyday life with an affected relative.
Innovative Arrangements between Public and Private Actors in Affordable Housing Provision: Examples from Austria, England and Italy

Affordable housing is increasingly developed, financed and managed by a mix of state, third-sector, market and community actors. This has led to the emergence of various hybrid governance and finance arrangements. This development can be seen as part of a general long-term neoliberal trend in government policies, and social, cultural and economic developments. It is therefore likely that the hybridity and variety of governance and finance of affordable housing will continue to grow. This article discusses innovative hybrid arrangements from Austria, England and Italy, in which governments, private and non-profit actors collaborate to increase the supply of affordable housing. These cases illustrate how the provision of affordable housing in a neoliberal context can benefit from the involvement of market actors and communities. Nevertheless, they also show that governments continue to play a crucial role in initiating and facilitating these arrangements.
POLARIZATION: EVIDENCE AT THE WORKER-LEVEL

This paper examines the role of international trade for job polarization, where mid-wage occupations decline while employment opportunities of workers in both highand low-wage occupations increase. With employer-employee matched data on virtually all workers and firms in Denmark between 1999 and 2009, we use instrumental-variables techniques and a quasi-natural trade liberalization experiment to show that import competition has been a significant cause of job polarization. Comparing import competition to other explanations of job polarization, import competition is quantitatively comparable to technical change as the most important alternative explanation of the hollowing out of middle-class jobs, and only import competition explains also the increase in employment opportunities in the highand low-wage tails. Worker movement from exposed middle-class jobs up into high-wage or down into low-wage jobs is shaped by worker education and skill, and especially by task characteristics of the worker’s occupation. We find that manual tasks are central for the impact of trade because foreign workers compete against domestic workers, in contrast to technical progress which pits man versus machine. JEL Classification: F16, J21, I24