Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two-Sided Market Power in Firm-to-Firm Trade

Firms in global value chains (GVCs) are granular and exert bargaining power over the terms of trade. We show that these features are crucial to understanding the well-established variation in prices and pass-through across importers and exporters. We develop a novel theory of prices in GVCs, which tractably nests a wide range of bilateral concentration and bargaining power configurations. We test and evaluate the models predictions using a novel dataset merging transaction-level U.S. import data with balance sheet data for both U.S. importers and foreign exporters. Our pricing framework enhances traditional frameworks in the literature in accurately predicting price changes following a tariff shock. The results shed light on the role of firms in determining the tariff pass-through onto import prices.
Quid pro quo: the institutional environment and the allocation of household wealth

What can account for the allocation of household wealth? In this article I analyse the evolution of the French and Dutch household portfolio between 1963 and today. I employ a Financial Almost Ideal Demand System after Blake (2004) to estimate wealth and interest rate elasticities for five wealth classes: M1, Savings, Equity, Life-insurance and pension assets and housing. The main contribution of the paper is that I highlight the importance of the institutional environment for the allocation of household wealth. The liberalization wave of French finance in the 1980s is reflected in the estimated elasticities, which increase in size for those assets that became more widely available. Institutional change in the Netherlands was much more limited, which is reflected in the relative stability of the estimated interest and wealth coefficients.
Extending TransSet: An Individualized Model for Human Syllogistic Reasoning

Recently, the TransSet model for human syllogistic reasoning was introduced and shown to outperform the previous state of the art in terms of predictive performance. In this article, we pick up the Trans-Set model and extend it to allow for capturing individual differences with respect to the conclusion “No Valid Conclusion” indicating that no logically correct conclusion can be derived from a problem’s premises. Our evaluation is based on a coverage analysis in which a model’s ability to capture individuals in terms of its parameters is assessed. We show that TransSet also outperforms state-of-the-art models on the basis of individuals and provide further evidence for the existence of an NVC aversion bias in human syllogistic reasoning
Quantifying Vulnerability of Crop Yields in India to Weather Extremes

Most of the existing climate change impacts studies on agriculture focus on mean economic impacts and neglect distributional and other dimensional impacts of climate change. In this paper, we develop an indicator of ‘climate vulnerability’ which allows us to quantify both the likelihood of a loss in crop yields and the extent of the loss associated with extreme weather events. We then demonstrate the utility of this indicator by applying it to a panel data from India for the period 1970-2011. Specifically, we use the partial moments model to examine the effects of extreme weather events on the vulnerability of rice yield distribution. Our results show that extreme dry and wet weather events significantly increase the vulnerability of agricultural systems while irrigation and high-yield variety (HYV) seeds are found to increase resilience thereby reducing agricultural systems’ vulnerability to weather extremes. Further, we also find vulnerability to be greater for female labor as compared to male labor. We discuss the implications of our results for policymakers, especially in the context of crop insurance programs.
Reasoning about Uncertainties in Discrete-Time Dynamical Systems using Polynomial Forms

In this paper, we propose polynomial forms to represent distributions of state variables over time for discrete-time stochastic dynamical systems. This problem arises in a variety of applications in areas ranging from biology to robotics. Our approach allows us to rigorously represent the probability distribution of state variables over time, and provide guaranteed bounds on the expectations, moments and probabilities of tail events involving the state variables. First, we recall ideas from interval arithmetic, and use them to rigorously represent the state variables at time t as a function of the initial state variables and noise symbols that model the random exogenous inputs encountered before time t . Next, we show how concentration of measure inequalities can be employed to prove rigorous bounds on the tail probabilities of these state variables. We demonstrate interesting applications that demonstrate how our approach can be useful in some situations to establish mathematically guaranteed bounds that are of a different nature from those obtained through simulations with pseudo-random numbers.
Transcranial focused ultrasound alters conflict and emotional processing, physiology, and performance I: dorsal anterior cingulate cortex targeting.

The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) operates as an integrator of bottom-up and top-down signals and is implicated in both cognitive control and emotional processing. The dACC is believed to be causally involved in switching between attention networks, and previous work has linked it to cognitive performance, concentration, relaxation, and emotional distraction. The present study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of influencing default mode network (DMN) activity and emotional attention by targeting and modulating the dACC with transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS). Subjects were divided into two groups, one receiving MR-neuronavigated tFUS to the dACC and the other an identical, but inactive tFUS sham. Subjects performed a modified version of the Erikson flanker paradigm using fear and neutral faces as emotional background distractors. Our observations demonstrate that tFUS can be targeted to the human dACC to produce effects consistent with those expected from relaxed contention, including significantly reduced reaction time slowing due to emotional distractors, and an increase in parasympathetic markers of the HRV. These results suggest that tFUS altered emotional processing and enhanced sustained attention, perhaps by facilitating reduced attentional engagement with emotional distractors and reduced need for attention switching evidenced by significant effects on event related potentials (ERPs), reduced alpha suppression, and modulation of delta and theta EEG activity. We conclude that the dACC represents a viable neuroanatomical target for tFUS in order to modulate DMN activity, including emotional attention, conflict resolution, and cognitive control. These effects of dACC-targeted tFUS may prove useful for treating certain mental health disorders known to involve perturbed DMN activity, such as depression and anxiety.
Productivity and argument sharing in Hindi light verb constructions

Light verb constructions (e.g. give a sigh, take a walk) are a linguistic puzzle, as they consist of two predicating elements in a monoclausal structure. In the theoretical literature, there has been much interest in the linguistic analysis of such constructions across a range of grammatical frameworks. One such proposal is event co-composition, where the argument structures of noun and light verb merge, resulting in a composite argument structure, which has been claimed to be the source of increased processing costs in English and German. In contrast to these languages, in Hindi a larger proportion of the predicates are light verb constructions. Hence, we may ask whether a Hindi speaker’s experience with light verb constructions allows them to go through the same cocomposition operation faster than a speaker of English. Our results show that Hindi speakers are adept at the process of using light verb constructions to ‘verbalize’ predicates, more so than speakers of Germanic languages. We argue that these data provide evidence for a case of specific linguistic experiences shaping cognition, cost disappears with practice.
Phylogenetic and whole genome analysis of first seven SARS-CoV-2 isolates in Bangladesh

Aim: Whole genome and peptide mutation analysis can specify effective vaccine and therapeutics against severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Materials & methods: Whole genome similarity for Bangladeshi SARS-CoV-2 was determined using ClustalW and BLASTn. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using neighbor-joining method. Results: 100% of isolates in Bangladesh were in the G clade. We found 99.98–100% sequence similarity among Bangladeshi isolates and isolates of England, Greece, USA, Saudi Arabia and India. Deletion of bases at 5′ untranslated region and 3′ untranslated region was detected. Substitution 261 (E→D) at NSP13 and 1109 (F→L) at spike (S) protein were detected. Substitution 377 (D→G) at nucleocapsid with common substitution 614 (D→G) at S were also detected. Conclusion: This study will provide baseline data for development of an effective vaccine or therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
Delirium Incidence, Duration, and Severity in Critically Ill Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objectives: To determine delirium occurrence rate, duration, and severity in patients admitted to the ICU with coronavirus disease 2019. Design: Retrospective data extraction study from March 1, 2020, to June 7, 2020. Delirium outcomes were assessed for up to the first 14 days in ICU. Setting: Two large, academic centers serving the state of Indiana. Patients: Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction test from March 1, 2020, to June 7, 2020, were included. Individuals younger than 18 years of age, without any delirium assessments, or without discharge disposition were excluded. Measurements and Main Results: Primary outcomes were delirium rates and duration, and the secondary outcome was delirium severity. Two-hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients were included in the analysis with a mean age of 58.4 years (sd, 15.6 yr), 40.3% were female, 44.4% African American, 20.7% Hispanic, and a median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 18 (interquartile range, 13–25). Delirium without coma occurred in 29.1% of patients, delirium prior to coma in 27.9%, and delirium after coma in 23.1%. The first Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU assessment was positive for delirium in 61.9%. Hypoactive delirium was the most common subtype (87.4%). By day 14, the median number of delirium/coma-free were 5 days (interquartile range, 4–11 d), and median Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU-7 score was 6.5 (interquartile range, 5–7) indicating severe delirium. Benzodiazepines were ordered for 78.4% of patients in the cohort. Mechanical ventilation was associated with greater odds of developing delirium (odds ratio, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.1–22.2; p = 0.033) even after adjusting for sedative medications. There were no between-group differences in mortality. Conclusions: Delirium without coma occurred in 29.1% of patients admitted to the ICU. Delirium persisted for a median of 5 days and was severe. Mechanical ventilation was significantly associated with odds of delirium even after adjustment for sedatives. Clinical attention to manage delirium duration and severity, and deeper understanding of the virus’ neurologic effects is needed for patients with coronavirus disease 2019.
Phase I Trial of Fourth-Generation Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Against Relapsed or Refractory B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Background The administration of second- or third-generation anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has remarkably improved the survival of patients with relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies. However, there are limited clinical results from fourth-generation CAR-T cell therapy, and the factors affecting response rate and survival have not been fully determined. Methods Lymphoma patients with progression or relapse after intensive treatments, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and life expectancy >2 months were enrolled in the study. Peripheral lymphocytes were collected through apheresis, and magnetically selected T cells were lentivirally transduced with a 4th-generation CAR featuring an anti-CD19 CAR and the iCasp9 suicide switch (4SCAR19). The patients received 4SCAR19 T cell infusion after approximately seven days of expansion and a conditioning regimen comprising cyclophosphamide/fludarabine. The efficacy, safety, and risk factors were evaluated. Results A total of 21 patients with relapsed/refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma were enrolled and received 4SCAR19 T cell infusions at a median dose of 8.9×105 CAR-T cells/kg. The overall response rate was 67% [95% confidence interval (CI), 43 to 85], with 43% of patients achieving a complete response and 24% having a partial response. The overall and complete response rates were 58 and 33% in the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) group and 78 and 56% in the non-DLBCL group, respectively. The median overall survival was 23.8 months (95% CI, not reached), with a median follow-up of 13.7 months. Factors affecting overall survival were International Prognostic Index (IPI), disease type, and remission status after CAR-T cell treatment. The most common adverse events of grade 3 or 4 during treatment were neutropenia (76%), leukopenia (71%), and thrombocytopenia (29%). The incidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 14%, and all cases were grade 1. One patient developed grade 3 neurotoxicity. No deaths were attributed to infusion of 4SCAR19 T cells, CRS, or neurotoxicity. Conclusions In this study, patients with relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who received 4SCAR19 T cell therapy had durable responses and few of adverse events. The IPI model is suitable for evaluating the prognosis of patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn): ChiCTR-OOC-16007779.
A stable Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in a changing North Atlantic Ocean since the 1990s

In contrast to profound North Atlantic property changes, the AMOC was stable on decadal time scales over the past three decades. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is crucially important to global climate. Model simulations suggest that the AMOC may have been weakening over decades. However, existing array-based AMOC observations are not long enough to capture multidecadal changes. Here, we use repeated hydrographic sections in the subtropical and subpolar North Atlantic, combined with an inverse model constrained using satellite altimetry, to jointly analyze AMOC and hydrographic changes over the past three decades. We show that the AMOC state in the past decade is not distinctly different from that in the 1990s in the North Atlantic, with a remarkably stable partition of the subpolar overturning occurring prominently in the eastern basins rather than in the Labrador Sea. In contrast, profound hydrographic and oxygen changes, particularly in the subpolar North Atlantic, are observed over the same period, suggesting a much higher decoupling between the AMOC and ocean interior property fields than previously thought.
A systematic review of how daily activities and exercises are recommended following volar plating of distal radius fractures and the efficacy and safety of early versus late mobilisation

Introduction Following surgical repair of distal radius fractures, mobilisation timeframes and interventions vary. Early mobilisation (<2 weeks postoperatively) usually includes range of motion exercises and may include recommendations to perform daily activities. The review investigated (i) how early mobilisation was recommended, particularly with respect to wrist use during daily activities and (ii) the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed mobilisation (< or ≥2 weeks). Methods The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019136490). Five databases were searched for studies that compared early and delayed mobilisation in adults with volar plating of distal radius fractures. The Downs and Black Quality Index and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist were used for quality evaluation. Effect sizes were calculated for range of movement, function and pain at 6–8, 10–12 and 26 weeks. A descriptive analysis of outcomes and mobilisation regimes was conducted. Results Eight studies with a mean Quality Index score of 20 out of 28 (SD=5.6) were included. Performing daily activities was commonly recommended as part of early mobilisation. Commencing mobilisation prior to two weeks resulted in greater range of movement, function and less pain at up to eight weeks postoperatively than delaying mobilisation until two weeks or later. Discussion Performance of daily activities was used alongside exercise to promote recovery but without clearly specifying the type, duration or intensity of activities. In combination with exercise, early daily activity was safe and beneficial. Performing daily activities may have discrete advantages. Hand therapists are challenged to incorporate activity-approaches into early mobilisation regimes.
Does salivary telomere length explain race/ethnic differences in aging?

ABSTRACT Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker that can be used to characterize variability in aging and may explain race/ethnic differences in aging. Yet, it remains unclear if TL is related to aging-associated health risks in multi-ethnic populations or if it explains race/ethnic differences in health. We examine whether salivary TL (STL) explains any of the race/ethnic variability in 15 indicators of high-risk biological, physical, and cognitive health among 4,074 White, Black, and Latinx older adults ages 54+ in the 2008 Health and Retirement Study. TL was assayed from saliva using quantitative PCR (T/S ratio). Decomposition analyses from logistic regression models show variation in STL does not account for any of the observed race/ethnic differences health. In age-adjusted, race-stratified models, STL was associated with HDL, total cholesterol, and lung function among Whites, but was not associated with any markers of health among Black or Latinx groups. In this diverse national sample of older adults, STL does not account for race/ethnic differences in late life health, is associated with relatively few indicators of health among Whites, and is not associated with indicators of health among Black or Latinx groups. STL may not be a useful biomarker for understanding racial/ethnic differences in population aging among older adults.
Between Conflict and Politics: Understanding Popular Support for the FARC’s Political Involvement

Political participation of former combatants is a central component of peace agreements. Similarly, people’s acceptance of political parties derived from such agreements is a crucial element towards peace building. Considering the peace deal between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC), we ask “What factors shape popular support for the FARC’s political involvement? ” We argue that attitudes towards the political integration of the former guerrilla are influenced by conflict experiences and partisan identities. Relying on survey data, our results indicate that conflict experiences and political identities alone are not correlated with attitudes towards the political integration of former insurgents. However, public support for former combatants having a political party is associated with conflict experiences only for those who feel close to parties that took a hawkish stance towards the agreement.
Differences in Metal Compositions and Concentrations of Sympatric Predatory Fish and Squid from the South Atlantic Ocean§

Metals occur naturally in the environment and in organisms. Organisms at higher trophic levels may contain metals at elevated concentrations, as a result of accumulation from anthropogenic and natural sources, potentially making them more susceptible to detrimental effects, as well as passing them on to consumers. The concentrations of thirty metals were quantified in hake (Merluccius capensis), kingklip (Genypterus capensis), monkfish (Lophius vomerinus) and chokka (Loligo reynaudii) collected from the South Atlantic Ocean of South Africa in February 2017 and February 2019, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Metal concentrations and composition in nektobenthic chokka differed significantly from the three demersal fish predators (hake, kingklip, and monkfish). Demersal fish metal concentrations and relative pattern compositions (fingerprints) were similar. Because the samples were collected within an 80 km radius, the differences are likely as a result of a combination of factors, such as diet, habitat (depth), and differences in the physiological regulation of metals between cephalopods and fish, rather than location. Based on South African estimated daily intake, total hazard quotient and European Union limits for mercury, cadmium and lead, these four economically important species from the South Atlantic Ocean are safe for human consumption. Plankton, herbivorous marine species, and larger predators, such as sharks and dolphins, should be studied to obtain further insight into metals as baseline for monitoring possible future pollution and effects from climate change, trophic transfer, toxic effects, and human consumer safety.
Interactive liquid splash modeling by user sketches

Splashing is one of the most fascinating liquid phenomena in the real world and it is favored by artists to create stunning visual effects, both statically and dynamically. Unfortunately, the generation of complex and specialized liquid splashes is a challenging task and often requires considerable time and effort. In this paper, we present a novel system that synthesizes realistic liquid splashes from simple user sketch input. Our system adopts a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) trained with physics-based simulation data to produce raw liquid splash models from input sketches, and then applies model refinement processes to further improve their small-scale details. The system considers not only the trajectory of every user stroke, but also its speed, which makes the splash model simulation-ready with its underlying 3D flow. Compared with simulation-based modeling techniques through trials and errors, our system offers flexibility, convenience and intuition in liquid splash design and editing. We evaluate the usability and the efficiency of our system in an immersive virtual reality environment. Thanks to this system, an amateur user can now generate a variety of realistic liquid splashes in just a few minutes.
Sparse cholesky updates for interactive mesh parameterization

We present a novel linear solver for interactive parameterization tasks. Our method is based on the observation that quasi-conformal parameterizations of a triangle mesh are largely determined by boundary conditions. These boundary conditions are typically constructed interactively by users, who have to take several artistic and geometric constraints into account while introducing cuts on the geometry. Commonly, the main computational burden in these methods is solving a linear system every time new boundary conditions are imposed. The core of our solver is a novel approach to efficiently update the Cholesky factorization of the linear system to reflect new boundary conditions, thereby enabling a seamless and interactive workflow even for large meshes consisting of several millions of vertices.