Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exclusive Trading Contracts in Successive Differentiated Duopoly

In the case of most consumer purchases, from a bottle of mineral water to a household appliance, there are two usually distinct considerations-what product to buy (e.g., Perrier or Evian), and where to purchase it (e.g., Wal-Mart or Safeway) -with competition taking place at two vertically related levels between, on the one hand, manufacturers' brands and, on the other, retailers' services associated with its characteristics or location. However, for some products, such as new automobiles, even though manufacturing and retailing operations remain formally separated, the distinction is blurred because consumers are able to purchase only one manufacturer's products from a single retailer, thus effectively merging the two forms of competition. ' This may be the result of a deliberate policy by firms to use contractual relations to limit both interbrand and intrabrand rivalry. Nevertheless, whilst it appears to restrict consumer choice and dampen competition, the practice may not necessarily be detrimental to social interests, especially since the tie may allow the contracting parties to enter into a more efficient trading relationship. This paper considers the mutual incentive for firms to enter into exclusive trading relationships which restrict a manufacturer to distributing its product through a single retailer and the corresponding retailer to purchasing goods only from this manufacturer. The incentive for adopting exclusive trading against unrestricted trading rests on two conflicting sets of factors. Advantages to be gained from having an exclusive trading contract may include using side payments between the two parties to internalise externalities which adversely affect joint profits due to independent successive price setting, as well as limiting direct interbrand and intrabrand competition when
Hematological and hemostaseological alterations after warm and cold limb ischemia-reperfusion in a canine model.

PURPOSE Acute ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) of extremities means serious challenge in the clinical practice. Furthermore, the issue of preventive cooling is still controversial. In this canine model we investigated whether limb I/R -with or without cooling- has an influence on hematological and hemostaseological factors. METHODS Femoral vessels were exposed and clamped for 3 hours. After release the clamps, 4-hour reperfusion was secured. The same procedures with cooling using ice bags, as well as warm and cold sham-operations were performed. Before operations, from the excluded limb by the end of ischemia, during the reperfusion, and for 5 postoperative days afterwards blood samples were collected for testing hematological and blood coagulation parameters. RESULTS After I/R activated partial thromboplastin time was elongated on 2nd-4th postoperative days. The highest values were on the 2nd day in cold I/R group, accompanied by increased prothrombin time values. The hematological parameters and fibrinogen level showed non-specific changes. In excluded ischemic limb the blood composition showed controversial data. Cold ischemia induced larger alterations, however platelet count, hematocrit changed more expressly in warm ischemia. CONCLUSION These results indicate the risk of coagulopathy following limb I/R on early post-eventually days, which risk is higher in the case of cold I/R.
Learning Generative Neural Networks for 3D Colorization

Automatic generation of 3D visual content is a fundamental problem that sits at the intersection of visual computing and artificial intelligence. So far, most existing works have focused on geometry synthesis. In contrast, advances in automatic synthesis of color information, which conveys rich semantic information of 3D geometry, remain rather limited. In this paper, we propose to learn a generative model that maps a latent color parameter space to a space of colorizations across a shape collection. The colorizations are diverse on each shape and consistent across the shape collection. We introduce an unsupervised approach for training this generative model and demonstrate its effectiveness across a wide range of categories. The key feature of our approach is that it only requires one colorization per shape in the training data, and utilizes a neural network to propagate the color information of other shapes to train the generative model for each particular shape. This characteristics makes our approach applicable to standard internet shape repositories.
Mitosis-Specific Hyperphosphorylation of Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 2 Suppresses Its Function

ABSTRACT The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA-2) is a key gene expressed in EBV type III latent infection that can transactivate numerous promoters, including those for all the other type III viral latency genes as well as cellular genes responsible for cell proliferation. EBNA-2 is essential for EBV-mediated immortalization of primary B lymphocytes. We now report that EBNA-2, a phosphoprotein, is hyperphosphorylated specifically in mitosis. Evidence that the cyclin-dependent kinase p34cdc2 may be involved in this hyperphosphorylation includes (i) coimmunoprecipitation of EBNA-2 and p34cdc2, suggesting physical association; (ii) temporal correlation between hyperphosphorylation of EBNA-2 and an increase in p34cdc2 kinase activity; and (iii) ability of purified p34cdc2/cyclin B1 kinase to phosphorylate EBNA-2 in vitro. Hyperphosphorylation of EBNA-2 appears to suppress its ability to transactivate the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) promoter by about 50%. The association between EBNA-2 and PU.1 is also decreased by about 50% in M-phase-arrested cells, as shown by coimmunoprecipitation from cell lysates, suggesting that hyperphosphorylation of EBNA-2 impairs its affinity for PU.1. Finally, endogenous LMP-1 mRNA levels in M phase are around 55% of those in asynchronously growing cells. These results suggest that regulation of gene expression during type III latency may be regulated in a cell-cycle-related manner.
Competition of antigens during induction of low zone tolerance

Induction of low zone tolerance in mice after injection of either ultracen‐trifuged BGG or low doses of BSA was accompanied by competition of these antigens with immunization to the unrelated antigen OVA, although this competitive effect was less and of shorter duration as compared to the inhibitory effect observed during induction of high zone tolerance with either pneumococcal S III polysaccharide or high doses of BSA. Conversely, medium immunizing doses of BSA resulted in hyperimmunization to both BSA and the test antigen OVA.
The Failure of All-Polyethylene Patellar Components in Total Knee Replacement

The patellar component of total knee replacement is the most frequent source of nonseptic complications after total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of the current study was to review the radiographic factors associated with loosening of all-polyethylene patellar components. Four thousand five hundred eighty-three cases of Anatomic Graduated Components total knee replacements were performed at the authors’ institution during the past 15 years. Radiographs were reviewed and loosening was defined as global radiolucency or component migration. Four thousand two hundred eighty-seven all-polyethylene patellar components were implanted. There were 180 (4.2%) loose all-polyethylene patellar components. The mean time to loosening was 2.6 years (± 1.75 years). Fifteen (0.3%) patellar components required revision. Five radiographic features were associated with failure. The incidence and mean time of appearance were recorded: (number; incidence; time) (1) Bone-cement radiolucency, n = 174, 96.7%, 1.4 years; (2) increased density, n = 118, 65.6%, 1.8 years; (3) trabecular collapse of the bone, n = 160, 88.9%, 2.3 years; (4) patella fracture and fragmentation, n = 133, 73.9%, 2.5 years; and (5) lateral subluxation of the residual patella bone, n = 146, 81.1%, 2.9 years. Lateral retinacular release was associated with an increased rate of patellar loosening. Loosening of the all-polyethylene patella component is an avascular process strongly associated with lateral retinacular release and for which the patient infrequently requires revision surgery.
Tear Analysis and Lens-tear Interactions: Part II. Ocular Lipids—Nature and Fate of Meibomian Gland Phospholipids

Purpose: Published data indicate that the polar lipid content of human meibomian gland secretions (MGS) could be anything between 0.5% and 13% of the total lipid. The tear film phospholipid composition has not been studied in great detail and it has been understood that the relative proportions of lipids in MGS would be maintained in the tear film. The purpose of this work was to determine the concentration of phospholipids in the human tear film. Methods: Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) were used to determine the concentration of phospholipid in the tear film. Additionally, an Amplex Red phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PLC) assay kit was used for determination of the activity of PLC in the tear film. Results: Phospholipids were not detected in any of the tested human tear samples with the low limit of detection being 1.3 μg/mL for TLC and 4 μg/mL for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. TLC indicated that diacylglycerol (DAG) may be present in the tear film. PLC was in the tear film with an activity determined at approximately 15 mU/mL, equivalent to the removal of head groups from phosphatidylcholine at a rate of approximately 15 μM/min. Conclusions: This work shows that phospholipid was not detected in any of the tested human tear samples (above the lower limits of detection as described) and suggests the presence of DAG in the tear film. DAG is known to be at low concentrations in MGS. These observations indicate that PLC may play a role in modulating the tear film phospholipid concentration.
Autokorrelationen bei der Messung von Marktpreisrisiken (Autocorrelations in Market Price Risk Assessment)

Wir beschaftigen uns mit dem Auftreten von Autokorrelationseffekten bei der Messung langfristiger Markrpreisrisiken. Dazu diskutieren wir zwei verbreitete Methoden der Value at Risk (VaR) Schatzung, namlich die Historische Simulation und die Wurzel-t-Regel. Beide Verfahren werden aufgrund theoretischer und empirischer Analysen beurteilt. Als Haltedauer wahlen wir 1 Jahr.We consider the occurrence of autocorrelation effects when measuring long term market price risk. To this end, we discuss two methods of VaR estimation: Historical Simulation and the square-root-of-time rule. Both methods are investigated on the basis of theoretical and empirical analyses. Our holding period amounts to 1 year.
Differences between dialysis modality selection and initiation.

BACKGROUND Although dialysis modality education is associated with higher rates of peritoneal dialysis (PD) use, some patients start hemodialysis (HD) therapy despite initially selecting PD as their modality of choice. This study seeks to identify predictors of this discrepancy. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 217 patients who received dialysis modality education at the University of Rochester between January 2004 and September 2009 and subsequently started dialysis therapy. PREDICTORS Demographic (age, race, sex, and timing of education), social (education, income, insurance, marital, employment, and smoking status), and clinical data (estimated glomerular filtration rate, cause of end-stage renal disease [ESRD], number of comorbid conditions, and number of nephrology visits). OUTCOME HD use at initiation and day 91 of dialysis therapy in patients initially selecting PD. RESULTS Of 217 patients receiving education and starting dialysis therapy, at the time of education, 124 chose PD, 52 were undecided, and 41 chose HD. Modality distribution at the time of dialysis therapy initiation was 150 with HD and 67 with PD. Of 124 patients who chose PD at the time of education, 59 started dialysis therapy with PD and 65 started with HD. On day 91, a total of 60 patients were on PD therapy and 55 were on HD therapy. Nine patients had either died, undergone transplant, or not yet reached 91 days of dialysis therapy. On multivariable analysis, nonglomerular cause of ESRD, age older than 75 years, and not being employed predicted starting with HD therapy, whereas age older than 75 years, nonwhite race, and nonglomerular cause of ESRD predicted HD use at day 91. LIMITATIONS Single-center observational study. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that patients choosing PD after dialysis education may not start with this modality and identifies several predictors of this mismatch. Further investigation into predictors of this discrepancy and strategies promoting a PD start in patients selecting this modality are warranted.
Resonance Problem and Harmonic Analysis of Dielectric Barrier Discharge

In order to study resonance problem and harmonic analysis of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), a high voltage and frequency alternating current (AC) power supply and the distributed parameter circuit model which consists of high frequency high voltage transformer and DBD load, are analyzed. Based the Fourier forms of the voltage and current, the current harmonic and the phenomenon of resonant state is studied, and also experimental studies prove the existence of the resonant state. The research results show that a gradually reduced maximum of resonant current appears when the switching frequency is equal to one time, three times, or five times and etc of the resonant frequency. In discharge process, with the voltage gradually increased, the resonant frequency gradually decreases.
Attempts to advance the role of training: process and context

While HRM has stimulated studies assessing the extent of UK training, there has been little sustained research into trainer roles and influence. Using semi‐structured interviews with trainers in public and private sector organizations, considers the assumptions and tactics that trainers use to enhance their influence. Shows that, at a rudimentary level of service, attendant approaches to build credibility with line management locks training into a subservient position. Likewise, while shared threats can close some of the status gap between training and line management, alliance tactics are insufficient to improve the general status of trainers. High status training is not achieved by a progressive passage through a common sequence of mobility stages. It develops from a supportive training culture where trainers develop new ways to assess their organizational contribution on conventional performance criteria and from charismatic trainers innovating training knowledge. Continually reinventing their contribution, however, means that high status remains conditional.
Judiciary-Led Reforms in Singapore: Framework, Strategies, and Lessons

While each country's judiciary is unique in its individual needs, capabilities and contexts, the lessons learned from Singapore's success can help guide judicial reform initiatives regionally as well as globally. No one would suggest that Singapore's strategy is a magic formula that if followed can erase the inefficiencies of all judiciaries. But it would be wise to examine the strategies used and lessons learned from Singapore's experience as a potential guide toward successful and sustainable judicial reform.
Activity recognition using dynamic multiple sensor fusion in body sensor networks

Multiple sensor fusion is a main research direction for activity recognition. However, there are two challenges in those systems: the energy consumption due to the wireless transmission and the classifier design because of the dynamic feature vector. This paper proposes a multi-sensor fusion framework, which consists of the sensor selection module and the hierarchical classifier. The sensor selection module adopts the convex optimization to select the sensor subset in real time. The hierarchical classifier combines the Decision Tree classifier with the Naïve Bayes classifier. The dataset collected from 8 subjects, who performed 8 scenario activities, was used to evaluate the proposed system. The results show that the proposed system can obviously reduce the energy consumption while guaranteeing the recognition accuracy.
Electronic commerce adoption, entrepreneurial orientation and small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance

Purpose – This study aims to contribute to the literature by addressing two research questions: is there a relationship between e-commerce adoption and performance of SMEs? And, more importantly, does the degree of entrepreneurial orientation moderate the relationship between e-commerce adoption and SME performance? Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from a sample of 55 manufacturing and service SMEs located in the state of Texas, USA, between 2008 and 2009 using a structured questionnaire. Customized questionnaires were mailed out to the owner-managers of 55 SMEs. A moderated regression analysis was conducted to test the two hypotheses. Findings – The results suggest that e-commerce adoption has a significant, positive influence on SMEs' average sales growth rate and that adopters of e-commerce technology have significantly higher average sales growth rate than non-adopters. The results also indicate that e-commerce adoption positively affects SMEs' annual sales growth rate even more when .
Auditor Litigation Risk and Corporate Disclosure of Quarterly Review Report

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently made timely reviews of quarterly financial statements mandatory for all registrants. The objective is to improve corporate quarterly reporting. However, formal review reports are not required to be included in 10‐Q filings, and may not even be issued by auditors. A priori, one would expect these reports to be useful to investors if they imply added auditor diligence or if they contain modifications to the standard report. We find that only 5.7 percent of the companies in our sample attached the auditor's review report in their 10‐Q filings. Also the majority of these reports are “clean,” suggesting that clients may not be disclosing the reports when they are modified. After controlling for factors such as auditor type, agency costs, capital market transactions, and company size, we find a significant negative association between auditors' litigation risk and disclosure of the review report. In addition, we find that the disclosure of the review re.
Hyperfractionated irradiation with or without concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy is often the primary treatment for advanced head and neck cancer, but the rates of locoregional recurrence are high and survival is poor. We investigated whether hyperfractionated irradiation plus concurrent chemotherapy (combined treatment) is superior to hyperfractionated irradiation alone. METHODS Patients with advanced head and neck cancer who were treated only with hyperfractionated irradiation received 125 cGy twice daily, for a total of 7500 cGy. Patients in the combined-treatment group received 125 cGy twice daily, for a total of 7000 cGy, and five days of treatment with 12 mg of cisplatin per square meter of body-surface area per day and 600 mg of fluorouracil per square meter per day during weeks 1 and 6 of irradiation. Two cycles of cisplatin and fluorouracil were given to most patients after the completion of radiotherapy. RESULTS Of 122 patients who underwent randomization, 116 were included in the analysis. Most patients in both treatment groups had unresectable disease. The median follow-up was 41 months (range, 19 to 86). At three years the rate of overall survival was 55 percent in the combined-therapy group and 34 percent in the hyperfractionation group (P=0.07). The relapse-free survival rate was higher in the combined-treatment group (61 percent vs. 41 percent, P=0.08). The rate of locoregional control of disease at three years was 70 percent in the combined-treatment group and 44 percent in the hyperfractionation group (P=0.01). Confluent mucositis developed in 77 percent and 75 percent of the two groups, respectively. Severe complications occurred in three patients in the hyperfractionation group and five patients in the combined-treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Combined treatment for advanced head and neck cancer is more efficacious and not more toxic than hyperfractionated irradiation alone.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy in semiprone position: primary experience of 105 cases.

BACKGROUND Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is becoming popular, and uniportal lobectomy in semiprone position was reported in 2014. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of uniportal VATS in semiprone position. METHODS From May 28, 2014 to October 19, 2015, we attempted uniportal VATS lobectomy in semiprone position in 105 cases. Forty-five patients were male, and 60 patients were female. Average age was 57.1±10.6 years (24-76 years). Perioperative parameters were documented. RESULTS There were two conversions to three-port lobectomy, one conversion to double-port lobectomy, and three conversions to thoracotomy. Among the patients who received uniportal VATS in semiprone position, mean operation duration was 137.4±47.8 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 60.7±102.7 mL. Mean time of drainage was 3.0±2.1 days, and postoperative length of stay averaged 4.9±2.3 days. In the cases of primary lung cancer, the mean number of nodal stations explored was 7.2±1.3, with a mean of 20.8±6.3 lymph nodes resected. As to the mediastinal lymph node specifically, a mean of 4.4±1.0 nodal stations were explored, and the number of resected mediastinal lymph nodes averaged 12.8±5.1. No perioperative death or major complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS Uniportal VATS lobectomy in semiprone position is feasible and safe.
French Fishers' Perceptions on Fisheries Management, in the North Sea Cod Case

The Working Group on Fisheries Systems of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has identified the production and the use of knowledge in policy and management decisionmaking as one of the critical processes to be analyzed in the evaluation of the performance of fisheries systems. Many fishers believe that their views and knowledge are not sufficiently taken into account by managers and scientists. This lack of involvement undermines the support of the conservation measures adopted (legitimacy and compliance), and so their efficiency. Based on semi-structured interviews with French fishers targeting cod (Gadus morhua) in the North Sea, this paper analyses their perceptions on the European Union recovery plan, its legitimacy and efficiency. It also investigates their opinions concerning the role of scientific expertise and politics in forming decisions. This paper is part of the research developed by the PKFM (“Policy and Knowledge in fisheries management” – Q5RS-2002-01782) project, which has been funded under the European Commission 5th Framework Programme.
The Single Transferable Vote

The single transferable vote (STV) is a family of vote-counting procedures that use voters' rankings of candidates as input and achieve proportional representation. This paper compares STV with other types of voting procedures and discusses the history of STV, issues concerning the rules of STV, limitations of various versions of STV, and a new version of STV based on paired comparisons of sets of candidates. Each refinement of STV overcomes a limitation of previous versions but at some cost in either the difficulty of understanding the procedure, the cost of computing the outcome, or both.