Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observations on Cooperation

We study environments in which agents are randomly matched to play a Prisoner’s Dilemma, and each player observes a few of the partner’s past actions against previous opponents. We depart from the existing related literature by allowing a small fraction of the population to be commitment types. The presence of committed agents destabilizes previously proposed mechanisms for sustaining cooperation. We present a novel intuitive combination of strategies that sustains cooperation in various environments. Moreover, we show that under an additional assumption of stationarity, this combination of strategies is essentially the unique mechanism to support full cooperation, and it is robust to various perturbations. Finally, we extend the results to a setup in which agents also observe actions played by past opponents against the current partner, and we characterize which observation structure is optimal for sustaining cooperation.
Revisiting Herding Behavior in REITs: A Regime-Switching Approach

Employing a dynamic model that captures herding under different market regimes we provide novel evidence on the herding behavior of US-listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Our sample is extensive and covers the period from 2/1/2004 to 28/6/2013. Estimates of herding behavior are derived using a Markov regime-switching model. The preliminary analysis confirms the existence of three market regimes (low, high and extreme or crash volatility) with transition ordered as `low, high and crash volatility’. Although static herding model rejects the existence of herding in REITs markets estimates of the regime-switching model reveal substantial evidence of herding behavior under the crash regime for almost all sectors. Most interestingly we observe a shift from negative herding behavior during low and high volatility regimes to positive herding behavior under crash regime for almost all REITs sectors.
Measuring organizational performance in the hospital industry: an exploratory comparison of objective and subjective methods

One of the major challenges facing health services management researchers is the measurement of various aspects of organizational performance. This challenge is exacerbated by a reluctance of many healthcare organizations to share data with researchers because of a fear of competitor access to these data. Even where objective, reliable and valid measures of organizational performance are available, typically they are available only in aggregate form, rather than for individual organizations. In response to these constraints, researchers have used subjective measures of performance often based on the perception of key executives. This research compares the subjective perceptions of hospital executives to the objective financial performance data of 60 hospitals. While the correlations between the subjective and objective measures vary, return of assets (ROA) and operating margin are the most valid subjective financial measures of hospital performance. Implications for future research are discussed.
Trogocytosis Is a Gateway to Characterize Functional Diversity in Melanoma-Specific CD8+ T Cell Clones

Trogocytosis, the transfer of membrane patches from target to immune effector cells, is a signature of tumor–T cell interaction. In this study, we used the trogocytosis phenomenon to study functional diversity within tumor-specific T cell clones with identical TCR specificity. MART-126–35–specific CD8 T cell clones, which differed in their trogocytosis capacity (low [2D11], intermediate [2G1], high [2E2]), were generated from melanoma patients. Functional evaluation of the clones showed that the percentage of trogocytosis-capable T cells closely paralleled each clone’s IFN-γ and TNF-α production, lysosome degranulation, and lysis of peptide-pulsed targets and unmodified melanoma. The highly cytotoxic 2E2 clone displayed the highest TCR peptide binding affinity, whereas the low-activity 2D11 clone showed TCR binding to peptide-MHC in a CD8-dependent manner. TCR analysis revealed Vβ16 for clones 2E2 and 2G1 and Vβ14 for 2D11. When peptide-affinity differences were bypassed by nonspecific TCR stimulation, clones 2E2 and 2D11 still manifested distinctive signaling patterns. The high-activity 2E2 clone displayed prolonged phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, an integrator of MAPK and AKT activation, whereas the low-activity 2D11 clone generated shorter and weaker phosphorylation. Screening the two clones with identical TCR Vβ by immunoreceptor array showed higher phosphorylation of NK, T, and B cell Ag (NTB-A), a SLAM family homophilic receptor, in clone 2E2 compared with 2G1. Specific blocking of NTB-A on APCs markedly reduced cytokine production by CD8 lymphocytes, pointing to a possible contribution of NTB-A costimulation to T cell functional diversity. This finding identifies NTB-A as a potential target for improving anti-cancer immunotherapy.
Managing overall service quality in customer care centers: Empirical findings of a multi‐perspective approach

Purpose – This paper aims to clarify the interdependencies among three main stakeholder groups and to show how to manage overall service quality in customer care centers.Design/methodology/approach – A framework of the relations among the target groups of a customer care center was developed. A survey methodology with a 360° approach that encompasses top management, employees and final customers as three main target groups was conducted. The sample incorporates 58 customer care centers and seven industries in Germany and Austria. Besides the management interviews, we received 1,580 completed questionnaires by employees, and 2,010 completed questionnaires by customers. Multiple regression analysis was applied on multi‐item measurement scales of the three different levels.Findings – We were able to show that employee satisfaction is the main factor for driving customer orientation. Further management efforts resulting in employee orientation will facilitate the job of employees and increase employee loyalty.
Distribution of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Liquid-based Samples; Abundance of HPV-53 in Tehran, Iran

Dear Editor-in-ChiefCervical cancer adequately depends on Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (1). To achieve high throughput implementation and monitoring of HPV vaccination programs, awareness about the frequent HPV genotypes would be helpful (2). Since there is little data in literature regarding the prevalence of HPV genotypes in Iran, we looked for the distribution of HPV genotypes in Iranian female patients. In this retrospective study, we assessed distribution of HPV genotypes among the HPV infected patients who were referred to Armin Pathobiology Laboratory (Tehran, Iran) for detection and genotyping of HPV in liquid-based samples.The HPV genotyping was performed using INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping Extra kit (INNOGENETICS, Ghent, Belgium). Among the patients referred for HPV genotyping, we found 80 patients to be HPV positive. Out of 80 HPV positive samples, 40 (50%) patients were infected by one genotype of HPV, 25 (31.3%) were infected by two, 7 (8.7%) were infected by three, 5 (6.3%) were infected by four, 2 (2.5%) were infected by 5 and one (1.2%) patient was infected by 6 genotypes of HPV. The Fig. 1 demonstrates the distribution of the HPV genotypes in our study population. Among mono-infected patients, the most frequent genotype was HPV-6 (30%) which was followed by HPV-53 (15%), HPV-16 (12.5%), HPV-66 (7.5%), HPV-18 (7.5%), HPV-11 (7.5%), HPV-58 (5%), HPV-39 (2.5%), HPV-45 (2.5%), HPV-51 (2.5%), HPV-52 (2.5%), HPV-68 (2.5%), and HPV-82 (2.5%). In multiple-infected patients, the most frequent genotype was HPV-6 (40%) followed by HPV-53 (32.5%), HPV-66 (30%), HPV-16 (27.5%), HPV-52 (22.5%), HPV-39 (20%), HPV-18 (20%), HPV-51 (15%), HPV-11 (10%), HPV-56 (7.5%), HPV-33 (7.5%), HPV-31 (7.5%), HPV-54 (5%), HPV-58 (5%), HPV-82 (5%), HPV-35 (2.5%), HPV-44 (2.5%), HPV-45 (2.5%), HPV-68 (2.5%) and HPV-69/71 (2.5%). Epidemiological studies demonstrated that the distribution and pathogenicity of HPV genotypes would be altered in different geographical regions (3). In this study, among high risk (HR) and probable high risk (pHR) genotypes, the most prevalent HPV genotype was HPV-53 followed by HPV-16, HPV-66, HPV-18, HPV-52 and HPV-39. Abundance of HPV-53 in some studies was similar to our results (4, 5), while in other studies the frequency of HPV-53 was lower than our study (6, 7). These data clarified that in addition to the HR genotypes, pHR genotypes are frequent in Iran. In this study, whether we considered pHR genotypes as oncogenic types, the high prevalence of pHR genotypes in Iranian HPV infected patients would be challenging. …
Congenital toxoplasmosis in two successive sibs.

In a mother's two successive pregnancies, the products of conception, a liveborn premature infant and a 6-month abortion, infection with toxoplasma organisms was shown. Where severe maceration of the fetus makes identification of toxoplasma organisms difficult, two tissues in particular should be examined histologically: (1) chorion of placenta and umbilical cord, where toxoplasma trophozoites and pseudocysts tend to be abundant; (2) fetal adrenals, where characteristic necrotic and calcified foci, as well as toxoplasma organisms, may persist.
Action learning of online marketing via a global contest

The Google Online Marketing Challenge is a global competition in which student teams run advertising campaigns for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) using AdWords, Google’s text-based advertisements. In 2008, its inaugural year, over 8,000 students and 300 instructors from 47 countries representing over 200 schools participated. The Challenge ran in undergraduate and graduate classes in disciplines such as marketing, tourism, advertising, communication and information systems. Combining advertising and education, the Challenge gives student hands-on experience in the increasingly important field of online marketing, engages them with local businesses and motivates them through the thrill of a global competition. Student teams receive US$200 in AdWords credits, Google’s premier advertising product that offers cost-per-click advertisements. The teams then recruit and work with a local business to devise an effective online marketing campaign. Students first outline a strategy, run a series of campaigns, and provide their business with recommendations to improve their online marketing. Teams submit two written reports for judging by 14 academics in eight countries. In addition, Google AdWords experts judge teams on their campaign statistics such as success metrics and account management. Rather than a marketing simulation against a computer or hypothetical marketing plans for hypothetical businesses, the Challenges has student teams develop and manage real online advertising campaigns for their clients and compete against peers globally.
Exposure and accident risk among older drivers

This study investigated cessation of driving by older Victorian licence holders; the rate of involvement in casualty accidents per distance driven for Victorian drivers of various ages; and the factors that contribute to the over-representation of older drivers in casualty accidents. It was estimated that at least 7.7 per cent of persons aged 65 or more recorded in the VicRoads database as current licence holders have permanently ceased driving, including 2.8 per cent who have died. The rate of involvement in casualty accidents per distance driven followed a U-shaped curve, being lowest for drivers aged 40-49 years and higher for both younger and older drivers, especially those aged less than 26 and those aged more than 65 years. The study identified a range of environments and manoeuvres associated with over-representation of older drivers in accidents. The study found evidence that changing exposure patterns, physical frailty and declining driving competence all contribute to the elevated rate of casualty accident involvement per distance driven for older drivers. (a)
The effect of safflower seed extract on periodontal healing of 1-wall intrabony defects in beagle dogs.

BACKGROUND Recent interest in naturally based products has increased. Various herbal extracts are known to have a variety of medicinal properties. Among the various natural medicines, safflower seeds have beneficial effects on various bone diseases such as bone fracture, osteoporosis, and osteodysplasia. In addition, they are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a safflower seed extract (SSE) on the regeneration of periodontal tissue in a preclinical 1-wall model in dogs. METHODS Preclinical 1-wall periodontal defects were surgically created in the mesial aspect of the maxillary third and mandibular fourth premolar and in the distal aspect of the maxillary first and mandibular second premolar, and were randomly assigned to receive SSE/collagen (SSE/Col), phosphate-buffered saline/collagen (buffer control), or root planing only (surgical control). The created 1-wall defect configuration was 4 mm in depth by 4 mm in width. We selected the segment showing the best activity to the osteoblast cells that was sensitive to the formation of calcified nodules among the SSE fractions extracted from various organic solvents. The animals were euthanized at 8 weeks postsurgery, and block sections of the defects were collected for histologic and histometric analysis. RESULTS The junctional epithelium migration did not show any statistically significant differences among the treatments. In connective tissue adhesion, the SSE/Col group and the buffer control group showed significant differences compared to the surgical control group. New cementum averaged 3.84 +/- 0.57 mm, 3.75 +/- 0.24 mm, and 1.53 +/- 1.22 mm for the SSE/Col group, the buffer control group, and the surgical control group, respectively, with the SSE/Col and buffer control groups significantly different from the surgical control group (P < 0.05). The amount of intrabony cementum in the SSE/Col group was significantly different (P < 0.01) from the surgical control group, but the amount of suprabony cementum did not demonstrate any statistical difference between the different treatments. The amount of new alveolar bone averaged 2.93 +/- 0.70 mm, 2.10 +/- 0.63 mm, and 1.20 +/- 0.65 mm for the SSE/Col group, the buffer control group, and the surgical control group, respectively. The difference in alveolar bone regeneration between the SSE/Col group and the surgical control group was significantly different (P < 0.01). Root resorption was often observed, but no ankylosis was present. CONCLUSION Wound conditioning with safflower seed extracts may contribute to bone formation but appears to have unpredictable potential for stimulating periodontal regeneration including new cementum.
Treatment of incapacitated euthyroid cardiac patients by producing hypothyroidism with radioactive iodine.

THE purpose of this communication is to summarize our experience since November, 1947, in treating 37 patients with chronic heart disease by lessening the cardiac work through inducing hypothyroidism with radioactive iodine (I131). 1 2 3 Our efforts have proceeded in four main directions: the clinical appraisal of the therapeutic value of the procedure; study of possible deleterious radiation effects; establishment of criteria for the proper selection of patients; and investigation and control of the secondary consequences of the hypothyroid state. Although final conclusions concerning these problems must await the results obtained over many years in various clinics, it may be helpful .
Exploring the Use of Advertising Agency Review Consultants

ABSTRACT The author investigates the often controversial role of advertising agency review consultants by focusing on (1) relationships between their use and client-ad agency relationship success, (2) reasons for consultant use, and (3) the extent to which consultants directly influence final review decisions. The results of a national survey indicate that advertisers who use review consultants evaluate the relationship with their advertising agencies neither more nor less favorably compared to advertisers who manage their own reviews. Review consultants are most commonly hired because advertisers lack the in-house resources they need to conduct a review themselves. The results also indicate that most advertisers who use consultants disagree that they have a direct influence on the final decision regarding which agency to hire.
Regulation of a maize HD-ZIP IV transcription factor by a non-conventional RDR2-dependent small RNA.

Small non-coding RNAs are versatile riboregulators that control gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level, governing many facets of plant development. Here we present evidence for the existence of a 24 nt small RNA (named small1) that is complementary to the 3' UTR of OCL1 (Outer Cell Layer1), the founding member of the maize HD-ZIP IV gene family encoding plant-specific transcription factors that are mainly involved in epidermis differentiation and specialization. The biogenesis of small1 depends on DICER-like 3 (DCL3), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 2 (RDR2) and RNA polymerase IV, components that are usually required for RNA-dependent DNA-methylation. Unexpectedly, GFP sensor experiments in transient and stable transformation systems revealed that small1 may regulate its target at the post-transcriptional level, mainly through translational repression. This translational repression is attenuated in an rdr2 mutant background in which small1 does not accumulate. Our experiments further showed the possible involvement of a secondary stem-loop structure present in the 3' UTR of OCL1 for efficient target repression, suggesting the existence of several regulatory mechanisms affecting OCL1 mRNA stability and translation.
Distribution of Mantle and Atmospheric Argon in Mantle Xenoliths from the Western Arabian Peninsula: Constraints on Timing and Composition of Metasomatizing Agents in the Lithospheric Mantle

To investigate the geochemical behaviour of argon isotopes during mantle metasomatism and to obtain chronological information on the age of metasomatic events under the Arabian Shield, we analyzed mantle xenoliths and hornblende megacrysts from Saudi Arabian volcanic fields (Uwayrid, Al Birk) applying the 40Ar-39Ar dating technique. Two hornblende megacrysts yield plateau ages indicating formation or total resetting of the K/Ar system 1-2 Myr ago. The ultramafic xenoliths trapped mantle-derived and atmospheric argon in different proportions, resulting in variable isotopic compositions: 40Ar/36Ar ratios range from 296 (i.e. atmospheric) to 10 500, reflecting interactions with isotopically and genetically different fluids and/or melts during recent mantle metasomatism. One such episode of metasomatism led to the formation of Ba-rich phlogopite, which yielded a saddle-shaped age spectrum with a maximum age estimate of 18 Ma. Another episode, inducing formation of secondary pargasite in the lithospheric mantle, was dated to 4 Ma. In the mantle xenoliths the concentration of mantle argon is clearly related to the intensity of metasomatism. Argon extraction by high-resolution stepwise heating allowed us to deconvolve various argon components distributed heterogeneously within single xenoliths and ascribe them to specific carrier phases. Pyroxenes generally preserve much higher 40Ar/36Ar ratios than olivine, as they contain up to 100 times higher concentrations of mantle argon, which also correlates with a higher fluid inclusion content in pyroxenes. Hydrous phases (phlogopite/amphibole) have more variable 40Ar/36Ar ratios. K and Cl concentrations and the argon isotope compositions of the Uwayrid xenoliths indicate distinct metasomatic agents, causing elemental and isotopic disequilibrium on a local scale. On the basis of correlations between Ar isotope composition and K and Cl concentration in the samples most strongly affected by the late metasomatic fluids, we suggest that metasomatic processes in the local mantle occurring simultaneously with the opening of the Red Sea were accompanied by the introduction of saline-water saturated fluids into deep lithospheric zones.
Does Smoking Influence the Surgical Outcome of a Myringoplasty?

Aim: To investigate the relationship between a patient's smoking habits and surgical outcome of his/her myringoplasty. Method: The medical records of patients who had undergone myringoplasty were retrospectively reviewed for age, gender, smoking habits, perforation size, perforation location, surgical technique, graft material, and surgical outcome. Surgical success was defined as the perforation having remained closed 12 months postoperatively. Results: The study group included 65 patients (41 females and 24 males, age range 18-79, average 35.9 years). Eight females were smokers (19.5%) compared to 10 male smokers (41.7%, p = 0.054). The overall surgical success rate was 63/65 (96.9%) with the 2 failures occurring in nonsmoker females. The graft taken was temporalis fascia in 20/21 (95.2%) and tragal perichondrium in 43/44 (97.7%) cases (p = 0.587). There was no significant gender-based (39/41 vs. 24/24, p = 0.272) or smoker status-based (45/47 for nonsmokers vs. 18/18 for smokers, p = 0.374) success rate. There was no significant difference in fascia versus perichondrium grafting success for smokers (p = 0.421) versus nonsmokers (p = 0.583). Conclusion: Primary myringoplasty performed by an experienced otologist had a surgical success rate of 96.9% for closure of tympanic membrane defects, regardless of the choice of graft material, perforation size or location, and patient's age, gender and smoking habits.
Takeover Defenses and Competition

This paper studies the interaction between takeover defenses and product market competition. We find that firms in more competitive industries have more takeover defenses. This is the opposite result from what one would expect if takeover defenses always constitute an inefficient outcome that increases agency costs and managerial entrenchment. A novel explantion is provided by considering the nature of the relationship between the firm and the product (or labor) market. For firms in industries where a long-term relationship with customers and employees is vital, the disruption caused by takeovers could severely negatively impact the stakeholders. In particular, in a competitive environment, this could lead shareholders to optimally choose more takeover defenses to prevent such customers and employees from going to their closest competitor ex ante. We provide empirical evidence that stronger competition is linked to more defenses only in relationship industries, where the previously found negative relation between takeover defenses and firm performance is reversed. Our results cannot be explained by competition being a substitute for the market for corporate control. Finally, we discuss the implications of this framework for the design of various governance mechanisms. In conclusion, the paper provides a rationale for why shareholders themselves might want weak shareholder rights.
The Coming Wave

Private investors from emerging market economies are increasingly putting their funds in overseas assets. Understanding the volumes and patterns of the various outflows-sovereign and private-and analyzing what influences them will help shed light on how the landscape of international capital flows is likely to change as emerging market economies become more integrated into global financial markets. We look at the types of capital outflows from emerging markets and describe some preliminary results.