Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The changing character of stock market liquidity

W hat is the future for stock market liquidity? Over the half-century that ended in the back office crunch of the 1960s, there were few changes in who traded stocks and how stocks were traded. Then institutions came to dominate, bringing with them block trading, program trading, index funds, and stock index futures. In this new era, stock market volume was never greater and spreads never narrower, at least until October 1987. To no one's surprise, the crash scared off many investors; volume shrank, and spreads widened. Many believe it is only a matter of time until volume and spreads return to, and improve upon, their precrash levels; in fact, as of this writing in October 1988, quoted bid-ask spreads appear to be close to their old levels. Volume remains below the levels of 1987, but the NYSE and others are busy preparing for a future in which billion share days are routine. We argue here that the future will not be so simple. The demands of "macro" investors who buy and sell diversified portfolios have permanently changed the way markets work. In particular, the success of stock index futures -which are good surrogates for diversified portfolios is no fluke, but rather attributable to the inherent cost advantage they offer over trading in individual stocks. Over the long 13
AReViRoad : a traffic road simulator to learn how to behave

Nowadays, traffic road simulators are often dedicated to learn technical gestures in connection with driving. Even if sometimes used to study driver behavior or reaction to a given situation, they don't take into consideration the social dimension of driving. In this way, we propose a traffic road simulator in which learners evolve under constrains defined by a teacher: the aim is to made person learn secure behavior on road. To do so, we axis our research on pedagogical aspect instead of physical simulation aspect. Consequently, we try to create virtual drivers which in interaction generate a credible traffic road from a learner point of view. In this article, we introduce the simulator and the pedagogical choices it implies and also the manner the traffic road is generated
Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes prevent pathogen‐driven inflammation and regulate the Smad/T‐bet pathway of lamina propria CD4+ T cells

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) play a key role in gut homeostasis and are critical effector cells preventing the inflammatory intestinal lesions induced in mice following oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii. In this intestinal inflammatory model, CD4+ T lymphocytes from the lamina propria (LP) synergize with the infected enterocytes to secrete pro‐inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. In this study, we assessed the mechanisms accounting for the ability of IEL to modulate the inflammatory activity of these cells. Adoptive transfer of IEL purified from wild‐type mice, or CD154‐,CD95L‐ or IL‐10‐deficient mice infected with T. gondii completely impairs the development of the lethal ileitis in recipient mice orally infected with T. gondii.Compared with unprimed IEL isolated from naive mice, the CD8α β TCRα β subset of primed IEL, isolated from T. gondii‐infected mice, secretes increased amount of TGF‐β. IEL interact with the LP CD4+ T lymphocytes, down‐regulate their production of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN‐γ and reduce their proliferative activity. These effects are linked to the secretion of TGF‐β and are correlated with a shift in the balance between Smad7/T‐bet down‐regulation and Smad2/Smad3 up‐regulation in LP CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Effects of Sleep and Wake on Oligodendrocytes and Their Precursors

Previous studies of differential gene expression in sleep and wake pooled transcripts from all brain cells and showed that several genes expressed at higher levels during sleep are involved in the synthesis/maintenance of membranes in general and of myelin in particular, a surprising finding given the reported slow turnover of many myelin components. Other studies showed that oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are responsible for the formation of new myelin in both the injured and the normal adult brain, and that glutamate released from neurons, via neuron–OPC synapses, can inhibit OPC proliferation and affect their differentiation into myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. Because glutamatergic transmission is higher in wake than in sleep, we asked whether sleep and wake can affect oligodendrocytes and OPCs. Using the translating ribosome affinity purification technology combined with microarray analysis in mice, we obtained a genome-wide profiling of oligodendrocytes after sleep, spontaneous wake, and forced wake (acute sleep deprivation). We found that hundreds of transcripts being translated in oligodendrocytes are differentially expressed in sleep and wake: genes involved in phospholipid synthesis and myelination or promoting OPC proliferation are transcribed preferentially during sleep, while genes implicated in apoptosis, cellular stress response, and OPC differentiation are enriched in wake. We then confirmed through BrdU and other experiments that OPC proliferation doubles during sleep and positively correlates with time spent in REM sleep, whereas OPC differentiation is higher during wake. Thus, OPC proliferation and differentiation are not perfectly matched at any given circadian time but preferentially occur during sleep and wake, respectively.
Exploring the triple helix of academia-industry-government for supporting roadmapping in academia

This paper argues that exploring the triple helix of academia-industry-government is very helpful for technology roadmapping in academia, since it is most likely that a future technology system will be shaped by academia, industry and government together. On the basis of this argument, this paper puts forward a computer-based approach for exploring the triple helix, which uses a four-level ontology to analyse three data sets – namely academia data set, industry data set and government data set. This paper also gives a case study of the application of the approach in developing research roadmaps for fuel-cell technology.
TOWARDS eBUSINESS SUPPORT POLICY DEVELOPMENT: LITHUANIA PERSPECTIVES

The evolution of e-business or the uptake of e-business practices has become popular to depict as a process involving transitions toward increasing use of ICT coupled to organizational change and sophistication which can impact business performance. This process should not be interpreted as a generic or deterministic process of adaptation that can be replicated across institutional contexts. Instead, there are many ‘environmental’ elements, ranging from policy frameworks, supporting public administrations, competitiveness/collaboration frameworks, levels and quality of education, entrepreneurial culture and ICT infrastructure, among others), that condition the evolution of e-business. The main policy directions derived from the analysis of EU and EU countries experience in eBusiness development are presented in the paper. The developed framework for e-business support policy parameterizes on following key areas - Business environment, Skills upgrading, Network infrastructure, Trust infrastructure, Digital products and information services, Intangible investments and assets, Information, Government on-line.
Expectations of Real Interest Rates and Aggregate Consumption: Empirical Tests

Recently, the finance literature has included empirical analysis of consumption in asset pricing models based on the cross-equation restrictions implied by optimality of a representative agent's consumption and investment plan. These studies have required some specification of an aggregate utility function, and power (constant relative risk aversion) utility has been predominant. The present paper extends this body of research by including models with constant absolute, as well as constant relative, risk aversion.
Rap1b in Smooth Muscle and Endothelium Is Required for Maintenance of Vascular Tone and Normal Blood Pressure

Objective—Small GTPase Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1b) controls several basic cellular phenomena, and its deletion in mice leads to several cardiovascular defects, including impaired adhesion of blood cells and defective angiogenesis. We found that Rap1b−/− mice develop cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension. Therefore, we examined the function of Rap1b in regulation of blood pressure. Approach and Results—Rap1b−/− mice developed cardiac hypertrophy and elevated blood pressure, but maintained a normal heart rate. Correcting elevated blood pressure with losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, alleviated cardiac hypertrophy in Rap1b−/− mice, suggesting a possibility that cardiac hypertrophy develops secondary to hypertension. The indices of renal function and plasma renin activity were normal in Rap1b−/− mice. Ex vivo, we examined whether the effect of Rap1b deletion on smooth muscle–mediated vessel contraction and endothelium-dependent vessel dilation, 2 major mechanisms controlling basal vascular tone, was the basis for the hypertension. We found increased contractility on stimulation with a thromboxane analog or angiotensin II or phenylephrine along with increased inhibitory phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase under basal conditions consistent with elevated basal tone and the observed hypertension. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent relaxation in response to Rap1 activator, Epac, was decreased in vessels from Rap1b−/− mice. Defective endothelial release of dilatory nitric oxide in response to elevated blood flow leads to hypertension. We found that nitric oxide–dependent vasodilation was significantly inhibited in Rap1b-deficient vessels. Conclusions—This is the first report to indicate that Rap1b in both smooth muscle and endothelium plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure by controlling normal vascular tone.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Strategic Spatial Planning: A Study of Sardinian Municipalities

Abstract A political and technical debate about the effectiveness of strategic spatial planning results is ongoing. The debate has taken this direction, rather than focusing on the methods, procedures and organization of spatial planning, because it is difficult to contextualize the development of programmed steps within the time required for their implementation. This article explores the potentialities and challenges of this debate, focusing on its evolutionary excursus in Italy and the region of Sardinia. The aim of this article is to propose a qualitative assessment methodology, capable of comparing different spatial strategic plans, in order to understand the extent to which the plans’ stated objectives were achieved, and to assess what changes the implementation of these objectives achieved in the external environment over the medium and long term.
Transgenic mouse for conditional, tissue‐specific Cox‐2 overexpression

We constructed a cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) conditional overexpression transgenic mouse (Cox‐2 COE). The transgene contains a CAG promoter driving the Cox‐2 and humanized Renilla luciferase (hRL) coding regions, linked by an internal ribosomal entry site. The promoter is followed by a loxP‐flanked sequence containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), a neomycin selection cassette, and a transcriptional/translational STOP sequence. In the presence of Cre recombinase the loxP‐flanked sequence is excised. Cox‐2/hRL expression can be monitored repeatedly and noninvasively in vivo by imaging hRL activity. To demonstrate conditional Cox‐2 and hRL expression, a nonreplicating adenovirus carrying Cre recombinase (Ad.CMV.Cre) was injected intravenously; hepatic Cox‐2 expression and hRL signal were elevated. Cox‐2 COE embryonic fibroblasts express both Cox‐2 and hRL following Ad.CMV. Cre infection. PGE2 production is also increased following Ad.CMV. Cre infection of Cox‐2 COE embryo fibroblasts. Cox‐2 COE mice should be valuable for the study of Cox‐2 overexpression in cardiovascular disease, acute and chronic inflammatory responses, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. genesis 44:177–182, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copper-free click chemistry for dynamic in vivo imaging

Dynamic imaging of proteins in live cells is routinely performed by using genetically encoded reporters, an approach that cannot be extended to other classes of biomolecules such as glycans and lipids. Here, we report a Cu-free variant of click chemistry that can label these biomolecules rapidly and selectively in living systems, overcoming the intrinsic toxicity of the canonical Cu-catalyzed reaction. The critical reagent, a substituted cyclooctyne, possesses ring strain and electron-withdrawing fluorine substituents that together promote the [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition with azides installed metabolically into biomolecules. This Cu-free click reaction possesses comparable kinetics to the Cu-catalyzed reaction and proceeds within minutes on live cells with no apparent toxicity. With this technique, we studied the dynamics of glycan trafficking and identified a population of sialoglycoconjugates with unexpectedly rapid internalization kinetics.
Lack of progression of brain abnormalities in first-episode psychosis: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study

Background Some neuroimaging studies have supported the hypothesis of progressive brain changes after a first episode of psychosis. We aimed to determine whether (i) first-episode psychosis patients would exhibit more pronounced brain volumetric changes than controls over time and (ii) illness course/treatment would relate to those changes. Method Longitudinal regional grey matter volume and ventricle:brain ratio differences between 39 patients with first-episode psychosis (including schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder) and 52 non-psychotic controls enrolled in a population-based case-control study. Results While there was no longitudinal difference in ventricle:brain ratios between first-episode psychosis subjects and controls, patients exhibited grey matter volume changes, indicating a reversible course in the superior temporal cortex and hippocampus compared with controls. A remitting course was related to reversal of baseline temporal grey matter deficits. Conclusions Our findings do not support the hypothesis of brain changes indicating a progressive course in the initial phase of psychosis. Rather, some brain volume abnormalities may be reversible, possibly associated with a better illness course.
Effects of active/passive interventions on pain, anxiety, and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia: Randomized controlled pilot trial

ABSTRACT The authors of this study compared the effects of pilates exercises and connective tissue massage (CTM) on pain intensity; pain-pressure threshold; and tolerance, anxiety, progress, and health-related quality of life in females with fibromyalgia. It was a pilot, assessor masked, randomized controlled trial conducted between January and August of 2013. Twenty-one women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to the pilates exercise program (six of whom did not complete the program), and 22 were randomly assigned to CTM (one of whom did not complete this program). Each group received the assigned intervention three times per week during a 4-week period. The Visual Analogue Scale, algometry, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and Nottingham Health Profile were used at baseline and at the end of treatments. Significant improvements were found in both groups for all parameters. However, the scores for pain-pressure threshold were significantly elevated and the symptoms of anxiety were significantly diminished in the exercise group compared to the massage group. Thus, exercise and massage might be used to provide improvements in women with fibromyalgia. The exercise group showed more advantages than the massage group and thus might be preferred for patients with fibromyalgia. However, an adequately powered trial is required to determine this with certainty.
"Common Afghans", A useful construct for achieving results in Afghanistan

Considering the seemingly perpetual problems in Afghanistan, this paper defines a new construct – the Common Afghans – and argues why it should be considered in strategic reflections and actions related to stability of this country. It tries to show that part of ill-performance in comes from the fact that the contributions of an important stakeholder “the Common Afghans” are ignored in the processes undertaken by international stakeholders in this country since 2002. It argues why considering the notion “Common Afghans” is helpful for achieving concrete results related to different initiatives undertaken in Afghanistan, by different stakeholders.
A NOTE ON WAGE DETERMINATION UNDER MISMATCH

Shimer (Mismatch, American Economic Review 97, 1074–1101 [2007]) introduced a model of mismatch in which limited mobility of vacant jobs and unemployed workers provides a microfoundation for their coexistence in equilibrium. He assumed that the short side of a local labor market receives all the gains from trade. In this note I show that modifying this assumption on wage-setting can deliver more reasonable predictions for wages at the level of the local market and in the aggregate.
Essays on Public Good Provision: Fair Contribution Rules and Institution Formation

We investigate how conflicting normative views of fair contribution rules can be used to design sequential contribution mechanisms to foster cooperation. We show, using survey and experimental data, that individuals hold well-defined yet widely diverse normative views of fair contribution rules. We use the information about the conflicting normative views of fair contributions to model cooperative behavior in sequential collective action problems in the presence of wealth inequality. Our model predicts that a sequential mechanism which solicits contributions first from wealthy actors generates greater public good provision and narrows wealth inequality more than any alternative sequential mechanism. Our experimental data show that the mechanism with wealthy first-movers generates greater contributions and narrows wealth inequality more than the alternative mechanisms, as predicted. Our results suggest how altering the sequential order of contributions in heterogeneous populations may affect public good provision and help organizations to increase the total value of solicited contributions.
Behavioral momentum and relapse of ethanol seeking: nondrug reinforcement in a context increases relative reinstatement

Drug-related stimuli seem to contribute to the persistence of drug seeking and relapse. Behavioral momentum theory is a framework for understanding how the discriminative-stimulus context in which operant behavior occurs governs the persistence of that behavior. The theory suggests that both resistance to change and relapse are governed by the Pavlovian stimulus-reinforcer relation between a stimulus context and all sources of reinforcement obtained in that context. This experiment examined the role of the Pavlovian stimulus-reinforcer relation in reinstatement of ethanol seeking of rats by including added response-independent nondrug reinforcement in the self-administration context. Although rates of ethanol-maintained responding were lower in a context with added nondrug reinforcement than a context with ethanol alone, relative resistance to extinction and relative reinstatement were greater in the context previously associated with the nondrug reinforcer. Thus, both relative resistance to extinction and relative relapse of ethanol seeking depended on the Pavlovian stimulus-reinforcer relation between a context and all sources of reinforcement in that context. These findings suggest that to understand how drug-related contexts contribute to relapse, it may be necessary to consider not only the history of drug reinforcement in a context, but also the wide variety of other reinforcers obtained in such contexts.
Land rental market and off-farm employment: rural households in Jiangxi Province, P.R. China

In rural China , agricultural production factor markets, particularly land and labour, face many institutional obstacles and remain largely underdeveloped. Further growth in agricultural productivity and rural household incomes, and thus a reduction in rural-urban income inequality are likely to depend on increases in rural land and labour productivity, and therefore require the development of land and labour markets. Previous research regarding factor market development and agricultural production in rural China has often focused on either the land or the labour market. However, the recent increases of both land rental transactions and off-farm employment suggest that households may make simultaneous decisions on land and labour market participation. Analysing these phenomena therefore requires a simultaneous approach. This study provides a quantitative analysis of the factors determining the participation of farm households in rural land and off-farm labour markets, and the consequences of participation in these markets for allocative efficiency and agricultural productivity in Southeast China . It contributes to the previous literature by analysing the inter-relationship of household land and labour market participation, investigating the determinants of joint household land and labour market participation, examining the allocative efficiency and separability of household decision making for different land and labour market participation regimes, and exploring the implications of participation in land and labour markets for short-term land investment, input use and land productivity. A farm household model approach is applied, using data collected from 329 rural households in three villages of Northeast Jiangxi province. The empirical analysis indicates that participation in the land rental market improves allocative efficiency and land productivity, while off-farm employment improves allocative efficiency but not land productivity. These findings suggest that reforming the household registration system and land tenure system, building local institutions, and implementing pro-poor policy interventions are likely to facilitate land rental market development, stimulate off-farm employment, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and rural household incomes and reducing rural-urban income inequality.
Business sustainability and collective intelligence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze to which point collective intelligence (CI) concepts and ideas, as applied to organizations, can contribute to enlarge the conceptual basis for business sustainability (BS). Design/methodology/approach – The paper is written from an engineer‐minded, systemic and cybernetic perspective. It begins by establishing a definition for business as a special type of organization and frames its sustainability on autopoietic theory. Next, it presents basic ideas on CI and of its application to businesses. Then, it singles out which concepts of CI are of interest to BS.Findings – Inside the autopoietic analysis of organizations, it is found that evolvability, understood as learning, is a concept with a potentially deeper and larger value than sustainability. Since evolvability (as learning) matches well the concept of intelligence, it is found that the application of CI ideas to businesses is relevant to BS. In particular, CI provides systemic arguments in favor of cha.