Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Competition Encourage Cooperation? Evidence from Trade Credit Relationships

The economics literature has traditionally argued that competition negatively affects incentives to establish long-term, cooperative relationships. We provide a model to illustrate that the opposite result may hold in relationships where both parties must make up-front, non-contractible investments, a situation that often characterizes the establishment of surplus-increasing relationships. We provide evidence for this hypothesis in the context of the establishment of trade credit relationships, using data on the supply relationships of firms in five African countries. Because the data include several observations per firm, we are able to utilize firm fixed-effects, thus netting out unobserved firm characteristics that may have been
Enhanced Transformation Efficiency of Recalcitrant Bacillus cereus and Bacillus weihenstephanensis Isolates upon In Vitro Methylation of Plasmid DNA

ABSTRACT Digestion patterns of chromosomal DNAs of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus weihenstephanensis strains suggest that Sau3AI-type restriction modification systems are widely present among the isolates tested. In vitro methylation of plasmid DNA was used to enhance poor plasmid transfer upon electroporation to recalcitrant strains that carry Sau3AI restriction barriers.
Iterative Linear Programming Decoding of Nonbinary LDPC Codes With Linear Complexity

The problem of low-complexity linear programming (LP) decoding of nonbinary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes is considered, and an iterative LP decoding algorithm is presented. Results that were previously derived for binary LDPC codes are extended to the nonbinary case. Both simple and generalized nonbinary LDPC codes are considered. It is shown how the algorithm can be implemented efficiently using a finite-field fast Fourier transform. Then, the convergence rate of the algorithm is analyzed. The complexity of the algorithm scales linearly in the block length, and it can approximate, up to an arbitrarily small relative error, the objective function of the exact LP solution. When applied to a typical code from an appropriate nonbinary LDPC code ensemble, the algorithm can correct a constant fraction of errors in linear (in the block length) computational complexity. Computer experiments with the new iterative LP decoding algorithm show that, in the error floor region, it can have better performance compared to belief propagation decoding, with similar computational requirements.
Truck Travel and Emissions Reductions from New Communication Technology in Urban Aboriculture

1 Urban arboriculture (primarily management of trees) produces pollution emissions 2 disproportionate to the size of the industry, partially due to the trucks and heavy machinery 3 required. Research evaluating potential and implemented mitigation strategies in this industry is 4 lacking. This paper evaluates the use of new information and communication technology (ICT) to 5 improve operational efficiency and reduce pollution emissions of arborist truck travel activity. 6 Chip Drop is an internet-based service that connects arborist with households seeking woodchips 7 or logs. The service provides arborists with more potential locations to dispose of the wood 8 byproducts of arboring activity than would otherwise be available, and thus potentially increases 9 trucking operational efficiency. The travel and emissions impacts of the service are evaluated by 10 estimating the travel distance savings compared to disposal of woodchips at the nearest 11 city/commercial dumpsite. Emissions savings are also estimated using the MOVES model and 12 information on typical arborist trucks. Results suggest potential for moderate reductions in arborist 13 truck travel of 4-11%, or approximately 400-2,200 km/year/truck, with associated reductions in 14 pollution emissions. There are also cost savings for arborists in trucking costs and dumping fees. 15 Travel and emissions savings depend on the geographic distribution of participating households, 16 proximity to city/commercial dump sites, and money offered by households as an incentive to 17 arborists. This research suggests modest travel and emissions savings from implementing a cost18 reducing ICT strategy with environmental co-benefits. Similar ICT strategies should be pursued 19 in related industries with urban truck movements. 20 21 22
Changing indications for surgery in patients with stage IV breast cancer

Evolving concepts of cancer biology and emerging evidence of a potential survival benefit from local surgery have raised the question of an expanded role for surgery in select patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). To determine whether such developments have influenced clinical practice, the authors evaluated surgical practice patterns in the study institution over the last 15 years.
Lidarbasierte Fahrstreifen- und Randbebauungserkennung mit Occupancy Grids für Spurhalte- und Spurwechselfunktionen

Zusammenfassung—In diesem Beitrag wird ein Verfahren zur robusten Fahrstreifenund Randbebauungserkennung in Occupancy Grids vorgestellt. Zur Generierung eines konsistenten Straßenmodells wurde ein neuartiges iteratives Verfahren zur histogrammbasierten Merkmalsextraktion entwickelt. Dieses auf dem Down-Hill Simplex basierende Optimierungsverfahren ermöglicht es, mehrere Fahrstreifen und Randbebauungen simultan in Echtzeit zu erfassen und, im Gegensatz zu anderen Verfahren, gekrümmte Fahrbahnverläufe abzubilden. Das entwickelte Verfahren ist robust gegen Messrauschen und die erreichte Genauigkeit entspricht der eines videobasierten Systems zur Fahrstreifenerkennung.
Insight into Highly Conserved H1 Subtype-Specific Epitopes in Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin

Influenza viruses continuously undergo antigenic changes with gradual accumulation of mutations in hemagglutinin (HA) that is a major determinant in subtype specificity. The identification of conserved epitopes within specific HA subtypes gives an important clue for developing new vaccines and diagnostics. We produced and characterized nine monoclonal antibodies that showed significant neutralizing activities against H1 subtype influenza viruses, and determined the complex structure of HA derived from a 2009 pandemic virus A/Korea/01/2009 (KR01) and the Fab fragment from H1-specific monoclonal antibody GC0587. The overall structure of the complex was essentially identical to the previously determined KR01 HA-Fab0757 complex structure. Both Fab0587 and Fab0757 recognize readily accessible head regions of HA, revealing broadly shared and conserved antigenic determinants among H1 subtypes. The β-strands constituted by Ser110-Glu115 and Lys169-Lys170 form H1 epitopes with distinct conformations from those of H1 and H3 HA sites. In particular, Glu112, Glu115, Lys169, and Lys171 that are highly conserved among H1 subtype HAs have close contacts with HCDR3 and LCDR3. The differences between Fab0587 and Fab0757 complexes reside mainly in HCDR3 and LCDR3, providing distinct antigenic determinants specific for 1918 pdm influenza strain. Our results demonstrate a potential key neutralizing epitope important for H1 subtype specificity in influenza virus.
Community Structure and Spatial Zonation of Benthic Macrofauna in Mudflats of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina

ABSTRACT Zapperi, G. ; Piovan, M.J., and Pratolongo, P., 2018. Community structure and spatial zonation of benthic macrofauna in mudflats of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina. The variations in composition of the benthic community and specific physical variables of mudflats in the Bahía Blanca Estuary, across the intertidal gradient, are described. An upper mudflat, with a steeper slope and higher densities of crab burrows exists seaward of a gently-sloped lower zone, where the density of crab burrows progressively diminishes. Monthly samples were collected from both sections of mudflats to analyze the composition of macrozoobenthos, as well as physical and chemical variables in sediments. Neohelice granulata and Polydora sp. were representative species of the upper mudflat. N. granulata had significantly higher densities in January (236 ± 136 individuals per square meter [ind m−2]) and February (200 ± 68 ind m−2), and Polydora sp. had significantly higher densities in May (491 ± 398 ind m−2). N. granulata did not appear in samples from the lower mudflat. There, densities of Laeonereis culveri were significantly higher, with peaks in June (8604 ± 3341 ind m−2) and October (7604 ± 1908 ind m−2). In the upper section, a single peak was observed in September (2455 ± 1281 ind m−2). Chlorophyll-a concentrations in sediments from the upper mudflat showed a single peak in July (10.1 ± 0.77 μg cm−2). In the lower zone, two peaks were observed in July (10.4 ± 0.18 μg cm−2) and March (10.5 ± 3.1 μg cm−2). These occurred 2 to 3 months before the peak densities of L. culveri were observed. Bulk density, water content of sediments, and shear strength were significantly different between zones, suggesting sediments are more compact and less hydrated in the upper section and hence more resistant to erosion. Major differences were found between the upper and the lower section of mudflats in terms of their biological communities, their seasonal patterns of activity, and the characteristics of the physical environment leading to erodibility.
Software Measurement

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RESTRICTING THE WEAK‐GENERATIVE CAPACITY OF SYNCHRONOUS TREE‐ADJOINING GRAMMARS

The formalism of synchronous tree‐adjoining grammars, a variant of standard tree‐adjoining grammars (TAG), was intended to allow the use of TAGs for language transduction in addition to language specification. In previous work, the definition of the transduction relation defined by a synchronous TAG was given by appeal to an iterative rewriting process. The rewriting definition of derivation is problematic in that it greatly extends the expressivity of the formalism and makes the design of parsing algorithms difficult if not impossible. We introduce a simple, natural definition of synchronous tree‐adjoining derivation, based on isomorphisms between standard tree‐adjoining derivations, that avoids the expressivity and implementability problems of the original rewriting definition. The decrease in expressivity, which would otherwise make the method unusable, is offset by the incorporation of an alternative definition of standard tree‐adjoining derivation, previously proposed for completely separate reasons, thereby making it practical to entertain using the natural definition of synchronous derivation. Nonetheless, some remaining problematic cases call for yel more flexibility in the definition; the isomorphism requirement may have to be relaxed. It remains for future research to rune the exact requirements on the allowable mappings.
BABELOMICS: a systems biology perspective in the functional annotation of genome-scale experiments

We present a new version of Babelomics, a complete suite of web tools for functional analysis of genome-scale experiments, with new and improved tools. New functionally relevant terms have been included such as CisRed motifs or bioentities obtained by text-mining procedures. An improved indexing has considerably speeded up several of the modules. An improved version of the FatiScan method for studying the coordinate behaviour of groups of functionally related genes is presented, along with a similar tool, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Babelomics is now more oriented to test systems biology inspired hypotheses. Babelomics can be found at .
Indacaterol 75 µg once daily for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a North American perspective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease in which patients become increasingly disabled by their symptoms and limited in their activities. Health-related quality of life may be profoundly impaired even in the early stages of the disease. Treatment with long-acting inhaled bronchodilators can improve lung function, symptoms and health status and reduce exacerbations of COPD. This review profiles the efficacy, safety and tolerability of indacaterol, an inhaled β2-agonist bronchodilator for once-daily maintenance treatment of patients with COPD. After 12 weeks of treatment with a once-daily dose of 75 µg (the dose approved in the USA and Canada) in patients with moderate to severe COPD, compared with placebo, indacaterol provided significant and clinically relevant levels of bronchodilation [difference in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 131 ml; 95% confidence interval (CI) 104–159; p < 0.001], together with significant reductions in symptom scores (difference in transition dyspnea index total score: 0.84 points; 95% CI 0.37–1.31; p < 0.001) and improvements in health status (difference in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire total score: −3.8 units; 95% CI −5.6 to −2.0; p < 0.001). The overall safety and tolerability of once-daily treatment with indacaterol 75 µg for 12 weeks did not differ in any substantial aspect from placebo treatment. Indirect comparisons analyzing pooled clinical data and meta-analyses suggest that treatment with indacaterol 75 µg once daily may be effective in reducing exacerbations of COPD, and that its effects on lung function and health status will be comparable with other currently available inhaled long-acting bronchodilators used for COPD. Treatment with indacaterol 75 µg once daily provides effective bronchodilation, improves dyspnea and health status, and has a well characterized profile of safety and tolerability.
Detection of Dengue Virus Replication in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Dengue Virus Type 2-Infected Patients by a Reverse Transcription-Real-Time PCR Assay

ABSTRACT While dengue virus is thought to replicate in mononuclear phagocytic cells in vivo, attempts to detect it in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by virus isolation or antigen detection have had variable and generally low rates. In this study, we developed a reverse transcription (RT)-real-time PCR assay to quantify positive- and negative-sense RNA of dengue virus type 2 within the cells. The assay includes an RT step using either sense or antisense primer followed by a real-time PCR step using the designed primers and probe, which target a capsid region highly conserved in dengue virus type 2 strains. It can be used to monitor the dynamic change of intracellular dengue virus RNA species during the course of infection. When this assay is employed in quantification of dengue virus RNA species in PBMC from 10 patients infected with dengue virus type 2, both positive- and negative-sense dengue RNA can be detected, indicating that dengue virus is actively replicating in PBMC in vivo. Moreover, the amounts of negative-sense dengue virus RNA in PBMC correlate very well with the viral load of dengue virus in plasma, suggesting that quantification of negative-sense dengue virus RNA in PBMC may provide another indicator of dengue virus replication in vivo. Use of this convenient, sensitive, and accurate method of quantification in clinical samples from patients with different disease severity would further our understanding of the pathogenesis of dengue.
Energy in Robotics

Energy and energy exchange govern interactions in the physical world. By explicitly considering the energy and power in a robotic system, many control and design problems become easier or more insightful than in a purely signal-based view. We show the application of these energy considerations to robotics; starting from the fundamental aspects, but, most importantly, continuing to the practical application to robotic systems. Using the theory of Port-Hamiltonian Systems as a fundamental basis, we show examples concerning energy measurement, passivity and safety. Control by interconnection covers the shaping and directing of energy inside the controller algorithms, to achieve desired behaviour in a power-consistent manner. This idea of control over the energy ﬂows is extended to the physical domain. In their mathematical description and analysis, the boundary between controller and robot disappears and everything is an interconnected system, driven by energy exchange between its parts.
La longue séquence pliocène de Marchésieux - Résultats analytiques et premiers résultats

Le sondage integralement carotte de Marchesieux a permis d'atteindre l'objectif fixe dans le projet AR42 du BRGM : l'analyse paleoclimatique du premier episode glaciaire de l'hemisphere nord (Pretiglien, -2,4 Ma) et probablement le premier rafraichissement de -3,1 Ma. Les 159,3 m de sediments dates du Reuverien et du Pretiglien ont deja livre une quantite importante d'informations aussi bien climatiques que paleoenvironnementales. De par sa position geographique privilegiee et de par son environnement cotier, la "Longue sequence" de Marchesieux a precise les modalites de la sequence de degradation climatique en milieu continental et marin a nos latitudes moyennes. La methodologie fortement pluridisciplinaire, le plus souvent il tres haute resolution, permet d'affiner notablement les modalites de la reponse de chaque environnement au changement climatique, et apparait, en ce sens, beaucoup plus riche que les etudes monodisciplinaires classiques. Ainsi, les reponses zoologiques, phytosociologiques, sedimentologiques et geochimiques au stimulus climatique externe peuvent etre comparees et calibrees.
Computing Maximally Separated Sets in the Plane

Let $S$ be a set of $n$ points in $\reals^2$. Given an integer $1 \le k \le n$, we wish to find a maximally separated subset $I \subseteq S$ of size $k$; this is a subset for which the minimum among the ${k\choose 2}$ pairwise distances between its points is as large as possible. The decision problem associated with this problem is to determine whether there exists $I\subseteq S$, $|I|=k$, so that all ${k\choose 2}$ pairwise distances in $I$ are at least 2. This problem can also be formulated in terms of disk-intersection graphs: Let $D$ be the set of unit disks centered at the points of $S$. The disk-intersection graph $G$ of $D$ has as edges all pairs of disks with nonempty intersection. Any set $I$ with the above properties is then the set of centers of disks that form an independent set in the graph $G$. This problem is known to be NP-complete if $k$ is part of the input. In this paper we first present a linear-time $\eps$-approximation algorithm for any constant $k$. Next we give exact algorithms for the cases $k=3$ and $k=4$ that run in time $O(n^{4/3}\polylog(n))$. We also present a simpler $n^{O(\sqrt{k})}$-time exact algorithm (as compared with the recent algorithm in [J. Alber and J. Fiala, J. Algorithms, 52 (2004), pp. 134-151]) for arbitrary values of $k$.
The cognitive cost of anticholinergic burden: decreased response to cognitive training in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia is treated with medications that raise serum anticholinergic activity and are known to adversely affect cognition. The authors examined the relationship between serum anticholinergic activity and baseline cognitive performance and response to computerized cognitive training in outpatients with schizophrenia. METHOD Fifty-five patients were randomly assigned to either computerized cognitive training or a computer games control condition. A neurocognitive battery based on the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) initiative was performed at baseline and after the intervention. Serum anticholinergic activity, measured at study entry by radioreceptor assay, was available for 49 patients. RESULTS Serum anticholinergic activity showed a significant negative correlation with baseline performance in verbal working memory and verbal learning and memory, accounting for 7% of the variance in these measures, independent of age, IQ, or symptom severity. Patients in the cognitive training condition (N=25) showed a significant gain in global cognition compared to those in the control condition, but this improvement was negatively correlated with anticholinergic burden. Serum anticholinergic activity uniquely accounted for 20% of the variance in global cognition change, independent of age, IQ, or symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS Serum anticholinergic activity in schizophrenia patients shows a significant association with impaired performance in MATRICS-based measures of verbal working memory and verbal learning and memory and is significantly associated with a lowered response to an intensive course of computerized cognitive training. These findings underscore the cognitive cost of medications that carry a high anticholinergic burden. The findings also have implications for the design and evaluation of cognitive treatments for schizophrenia.
The utility of serum biomarkers to detect myocardial alterations induced by Imatinib in rats

Imatinib (Imb) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with cardiotoxic activity (decreases in left ventricular function and congestive heart failure) in patients. Currently, clinical diagnosis of Imb cardiotoxicity relies primarily on evaluation of left ventricular function, Imb also induces cardiac lesions in rats.
Asymptotic analysis of LDPC codes with depth-2 connectivity distributions over BEC

This paper deals with the randomness of depth-2 connectivity of LDPC ensembles. We study how the randomness of LDPC graphs affect asymptotic performance over binary erasure channel (BEC). First, a new attribute, degree-spectrum distribution, is defined to specify the connectivity of more detailed ensembles than those defined by degree distribution. With this, specified ensembles become subsets of conventional ensemble, and we develop a new density evolution method. Some extreme cases of specified ensembles are given, and we prove that the random specified ensemble is better than other regularized types.
The green seaweed Ulva: a model system to study morphogenesis

Green macroalgae, mostly represented by the Ulvophyceae, the main multicellular branch of the Chlorophyceae, constitute important primary producers of marine and brackish coastal ecosystems. Ulva or sea lettuce species are some of the most abundant representatives, being ubiquitous in coastal benthic communities around the world. Nonetheless the genus also remains largely understudied. This review highlights Ulva as an exciting novel model organism for studies of algal growth, development and morphogenesis as well as mutualistic interactions. The key reasons that Ulva is potentially such a good model system are: (i) patterns of Ulva development can drive ecologically important events, such as the increasing number of green tides observed worldwide as a result of eutrophication of coastal waters, (ii) Ulva growth is symbiotic, with proper development requiring close association with bacterial epiphytes, (iii) Ulva is extremely developmentally plastic, which can shed light on the transition from simple to complex multicellularity and (iv) Ulva will provide additional information about the evolution of the green lineage.