Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scalar Implicatures in Child Language: Give Children a Chance

Children's pragmatic competence in deriving conversational implicatures (and scalar implicatures in particular) offers an intriguing standpoint to explore how developmental, methodological, and purely theoretical perspectives interact and feed each other. In this paper, we focus mainly on developmental and methodological issues, showing that children from age 6 on are adult-like in deriving the scalar implicature related to the scalar quantifier some (i.e. they interpret some as some but not all), while children at age 4 and 5 only sometimes reject underinformative-some in a classical Truth Value Judgment Task (Experiment 1). They do so despite their excellent performance in pragmatic tasks that evaluate their competence with the rules of talk exchange, such as the Conversational Violations Test (Experiment 4) and the Felicity Judgment Task (Experiment 5). To give children a better chance to reject underinformative-some when all is at stake, we manipulated the experimental design and materials in three different ways: 1) in Experiment 2, we tested the partitive alcuni dei (some of) instead of the bare quantifier qualche (some); 2) in Experiment 3, we attempted to prime the scale by asking children to judge a correct statement with all before the critical underinformative statement with some; 3) in Experiment 6, we aimed at making children more aware of the ambiguity of some, between its basic meaning (at least some, possibly all) and its strengthened meaning (some but not all). A surprising improvement is recorded in the last experiment, in which the rejection of underinformative-some by 5-year-old children rose to 72.5% (it was 42% in Experiment 1). We suggest that the children's low performance with scalar inference might be linked to the interplay of different factors as in the development of other general cognitive abilities, such as the ability to change one's strategy (Shallice, 1982) or to shift one's perspective (Gopnik & Rosati, 2001), the maturation of the lexicon (Barner & Bachrach, 2010), and especially their great sensitivity to the task, methodology and materials used to test their pragmatic abilities.
The Threats to the World Trading System

intend to consider here the prospects for the GATT-focused multilateral trading system, the perils it faces and the promise it nonetheless holds. The threats faced at present by the GA’IT arise from a variety of factors, including changes in the world economy. These changes have produced fissiparous tendencies gnawing at many of the basic principles embodied in the GATT. Recalling the preamble to the GATT, and mindful of its central articles, the following may justifiably be cited as the main principles of the GATT A ‘fix-rule’ trading regime is to be preferred to a ‘fix-quantity’ one. In other words, ‘managed trade’ (or ‘results-oriented’ trade), which seeks quantitative targets of outcomes in trade instead of settling on rules and lettingchips fall where they may, is to be rejected. Multilateralism, where these trade rules extend without discrimination to all members of the trading regime, is generally to be preferred to discriminatory arrangements. Markets are to be opened through conventional reduction in trade barriers, and new disciplines are to be established, by resort to mutuality and balance of concessions, ruling out aggressive, unilaterally-determined demands for unrequited concessions that could come from the strong against the weak. ’ And in the same spirit of the rule of law, the adjudication of dispute must be impartial, pitting the strong against the weak in equal contest, both the balance
Neuronal Bases of Perceptual Learning Revealed by a Synaptic Balance Scheme

Our ability to perceive external sensory stimuli improves as we experience the same stimulus repeatedly. This perceptual enhancement, called perceptual learning, has been demonstrated for various sensory systems, such as vision, audition, and somatosensation. I investigated the contribution of lateral excitatory and inhibitory synaptic balance to perceptual learning. I constructed a simple associative neural network model in which sensory features were expressed by the activities of specific cell assemblies. Each neuron is sensitive to a specific sensory feature, and the neurons belonging to the same cell assembly are sensitive to the same feature. During perceptual learning processes, the network was presented repeatedly with a stimulus that was composed of a sensory feature and noise, and the lateral excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connection strengths between neurons were modified according to a pulse-timing-based Hebbian rule. Perceptual learning enhanced the cognitive performance of the network, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of neuronal activity. I suggest here that the alteration of the synaptic balance may be essential for perceptual learning, especially when the brain tries to adopt the most suitable strategysignal enhancement, noise reduction, or bothfor a given perceptual task.
An uncertain future: law enforcement, national security and climate change

Debate within government often focuses on the issue of energy security or on “hard security” issues, including an assumption that climate change will somehow lead to an increase in international terrorism. Though there are some notable exceptions, discussion within thinktanks is often little better: focusing on climate change, with “security” simply tagged on the end. And while the analysis from the academic community is usually more advanced, it is all too often divorced from policy.
Long-term Prevention of Mortality in Morbid Obesity Through Bariatric Surgery. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Trials Performed With Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass

Background:Bariatric surgery has been reported to reduce long-term mortality in operated participants in comparison with nonoperated participants. Methods:We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials published as full articles dealing with cardiovascular (CV) mortality, all-cause mortality (noncardiovascular), and global mortality (sum of CV and all-cause mortality). Pooled-fixed effects of estimates of the risk of mortality in participants undergoing surgery were calculated compared with controls. Results:Of 44,022 participants from 8 trials (14,052 undergoing surgery and 29,970 controls), death occurred in 3317 participants (400 in surgery, 2917 in controls); when the kind of death was specified, 321 CV deaths (118 in surgery, 203 in controls), and 523 all-cause deaths (218 in surgery, 305 in controls) occurred. Compared with controls, surgery was associated with a reduced risk of global mortality (OR = 0.55, CI, 0.49–0.63), of CV mortality (OR = 0.58, CI, 0.46–0.73), and of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.70, CI, 0.59–0.84). Data of all-cause mortality were not heterogeneous; heterogeneity of data of CV mortality decreased when studies were grouped according to size (large vs small studies). The reduction of risk was smaller in large than in small studies (OR = 0.61 vs 0.21, 0.63 vs 0.16, 0.74 vs 0.35 for global, CV, and all-cause mortality, respectively). The effect of gastric banding and gastric by-pass (3797 vs 10,255 interventions) was similar for global and all-cause mortality (OR = 0.57 vs 0.55, and 0.66 vs 0.70, respectively), different for CV mortality (OR = 0.71 vs 0.48). At meta-regression analysis, a trend for a decrease of global mortality (Log OR) linked to increasing BMI appeared. Conclusion:This meta-analysis indicates that (1) bariatric surgery reduces long-term mortality; (2) risk reduction is smaller in large than in small studies; and (3) both gastric banding and gastric by-pass reduce mortality with a greater effect of the latter on CV mortality.
Phosphorylation of β-Catenin by Cyclic AMP-dependent Protein Kinase*

β-Catenin is a signaling molecule that promotes cell proliferation by the induction of gene transcription through the activation of T-cell factor (TCF)/lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) transcription factors. The canonical mechanism of the regulation of β-catenin involves its phosphorylation by casein kinase 1 at the Ser-45 site and by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) at the Thr-41, Ser-37, and Ser-33 sites. This phosphorylation targets β-catenin to ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome system. Mitogenic factors promote β-catenin signaling through the inhibition of GSK3, resulting in reduced β-catenin phosphorylation, its stabilization, and subsequent accumulation in the nucleus, where it stimulates TCF/LEF-dependent gene transcription. In the present study, we have shown that (i) β-catenin can be phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) in vitro and in intact cells at two novel sites, Ser-552 and Ser-675; (ii) phosphorylation by PKA promotes the transcriptional activity (TCF/LEF transactivation) ofβ-catenin; (iii) mutation of Ser-675 attenuates the promoting effect of PKA; (iv) phosphorylation by PKA does not affect the GSK3-dependent phosphorylation ofβ-catenin, its stability, or intracellular localization; and (v) phosphorylation at the Ser-675 site promotes the binding of β-catenin to its transcriptional coactivator, CREB-binding protein. In conclusion, this study identifies a novel, noncanonical mechanism of modulation of β-catenin signaling through direct phosphorylation of β-catenin by PKA, promoting its interaction with CREB-binding protein.
A Dynamic Structural Model for Heterogeneous Mobile Data Consumption and Promotion Design

This paper studies how individual users who subscribe to limited monthly mobile data plans dynamically consume data on a daily basis. Employing a unique data set on users' daily mobile data usage from a large mobile carrier, we develop a dynamic structural model in which an individual user maximizes her data usage utility by considering the intertemporal trade-off between current and future consumption. The model contains individual-speci fic utility parameters to fully capture the heterogeneity in consumption behavior across mobile data users. Theoretical properties derived from the model enable us to discover distinct usage patterns for both forward looking and myopic users. We then empirically test for forward-looking consumption patterns in order to control for possible consumer myopia. For each of the users with forward-looking consumption patterns, we estimate her structural utility parameters such as price sensitivity. We find simulated individual consumption based on our model estimates can correctly capture the dynamic trends observed in the actual individual consumption. We also conduct counterfactual simulations to investigate how month-end promotions and discounts can stimulate individual mobile data consumption and increase carrier pro fit.
Why corporate venture capital funds fail – evidence from the European energy industry

Corporate venture capital (CVC) is an important concept for large firms to manage innovation. CVC has been pioneered by major companies in the information technology, telecommunications and pharmaceutical industries. In 1999-2001, many large energy companies had launched CVC funds. In the most recent past, however, many energy companies have discontinued their activities, leading to what might be called the 'sudden death syndrome' of CVC in this industry. Our qualitative research suggests that one factor that has played an important role in the failure of CVC funds, and has largely been overlooked in previous research, is parent firm organisational culture. We develop a conceptual model that explains the relationship between organisational culture and CVC fund survival, including the moderating roles of decision-making practices in organisations and parent firm skills in managing and measuring success. Our findings are based on 27 qualitative in-depth interviews with corporate and independent VCs in the energy industry.
Rate constants associated with changes in sodium conductance in axons perfused with sodium fluoride

1. Membrane currents during step depolarizations were measured in axons which were perfused with 300 m M‐NaF and placed in K‐free artificial sea‐water, −0·3–4° C. The Na conductance was fitted by the modified Hodgkin—Huxley model, gNa = ḡNam3(h1 + h2). Changes in h1 and h2 were assumed to follow [Formula: see text] where x represents the inactive state.
Who stands to gain from union-led learning in Britain? Evidence from surveys of learners, union officers and employers

This article considers the potential gains which the union-led learning agenda may provide for its various stakeholders in Britain. To do this, it draws on extensive surveys of individual learners, trade union workers and employers to evaluate the extent of possible gains. The article argues that the union-led learning agenda may open a new and novel channel for unions to develop voice around learning at the workplace within a liberal market environment. The findings show that purported gains have been realized by all parties, but suggest that any notion of mutuality is dependent on the workplace structures of voice and codification that unions are looking to build around learning, such as learning agreements.
Canine prostate stimulates osteoblast function using the endothelin receptors

Bone metastases are common in humans and dogs with late‐stage prostate cancer. A unique feature of prostate cancer metastases is new bone formation at metastatic sites (“osteoblastic metastases”). Many carcinomas that metastasize to bone cause bone destruction, not new bone formation. The mechanisms by which prostate cancer induces bone formation at sites of bone metastasis are not well understood. We hypothesized that stimulation of osteoblasts by prostate tissue at metastatic sites was due to the paracrine actions of growth factors produced by prostate epithelial cells.
An exploration of evolved mental mechanisms for dominant and subordinate behaviour in relation to auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia and critical thoughts in depression

Background. Mental mechanisms have evolved to enable animals (and humans) to be able to function in various social roles. It is suggested that the nature and functions of the mental mechanisms that enable animals to act as a hostile–dominant or threatened–subordinate can be distinguished. It is further suggested these can be internally activated and ‘play off’ against each other, such that a person ‘attacks’ themselves and then responds to their own internal attacks with subordinate defences. Hence, a depressed person can submit, feel defeated, belittled, beaten down, or want to run away (escape) from their own self-attacking thoughts, while psychotic voice hearers can feel similarly to their hostile voices. Such internal interactions may relate to depression in both psychotic voice hearers and depressed people. Method. A group of 66 voice hearers with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 50 depressed patients were compared on a series of self-report questionnaires measuring the power of hostile self-directed thoughts/voices and the activation of defensive responses, especially fight/flight. Results. We present evidence that schizophrenic, malevolent voice hearers and self-critical depressed people experience their hostile, internally generated voices/thoughts as powerful, dominating and controlling (i.e. have typical characteristics of a hostile dominant). Moreover, these voices/thoughts activate evolved subordinate defences such as fight/flight and these are associated with depression in both depression and schizophrenia. Conclusion. Conceptualizing aspects of depressed and psychotic thinking as relating to evolved mental mechanisms, which are role serving, but can internally play off against each other, may open new ways of investigating certain aspects of severe pathologies.
Regulation and function of the Streptomyces plasmid pSN22 genes involved in pock formation and inviability

pSN22 is an 11-kb multicopy plasmid from Streptomyces nigrifaciens which is being studied in Streptomyces lividans. A segment of about 7 kb of pSN22 contains five genes involved in conjugation. Three of them, traA, traB, and traR, are essential for plasmid transfer and for the mobilization of chromosomal markers (fertility), while the remaining two genes, spdA and spdB, merely enhance the efficiency of plasmid transfer, resulting in the formation of larger pocks. In vitro promoter-probing experiments identified a 550-bp BglII-SmaI DNA fragment with promoter activity in both orientations; Northern (RNA blot) hybridization identified corresponding divergent transcripts of 1 and 5.2 kb for traR and the traA-traB-spdB operon, respectively. The traR gene product repressed its own transcription and also the transcription of the traA-traB-spdB operon. Plasmids containing a functional traB gene could not "survive" without traR being present in the same cell either in cis or in trans, presumably because unregulated expression of traB is lethal to the host. Plasmids with a functional traA gene but without traR had a low transformation efficiency and inhibited the growth of host cells.
An outcome-based dashboard for moodle and Open edX

This poster presents a cross-platform learning analytics dashboard on Moodle and Open edX for monitoring outcome-based learning progress. The dashboard visualizes students' interactions with the platforms in near real-time, aiming to help teachers and students monitor students' learning progress. The dashboard has been used in four large-size general education courses in a comprehensive university in Hong Kong, undergoing evaluation and improvement.
Noradrenergic Moderation of Working Memory Impairments in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract In addition to having difficulties with social communications, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often also experience impairment in higher-order, executive skills. The present study examined the effects of pharmacological modulation of the norepinephrine system on the severity of such impairments. A sample of 14 high-functioning adults with ASD and a demographically-matched comparison group of 13 typically developing individuals participated. An AX continuous performance test (AX-CPT) was used to evaluate working memory and inhibitory control. AX-CPT performance was assessed following administration of a single dose of propranolol (a beta adrenergic antagonist) and following placebo (sugar pill) administration. Individuals with ASD performed more poorly than non-ASD individuals in the working memory condition (BX trials). Importantly, administration of propranolol attenuated this impairment, with the ASD group performing significantly better in the propranolol condition than the placebo condition. Working memory performance of the non-ASD group was unaffected by propranolol/placebo administration. No group or medication effects were observed for the inhibition condition (AY trials). The present findings suggest that norepinephrine may play a role in some, but not necessarily all, cognitive impairments associated with ASD. Additional research is needed to fully understand whether this role is primarily causal or compensatory in nature. (JINS, 2012, 18, 556–564)
Review of Ecologically-Based Pest Management in California Vineyards

Grape growers in California utilize a variety of biological, cultural, and chemical approaches for the management of insect and mite pests in vineyards. This combination of strategies falls within the integrated pest management (IPM) framework, which is considered to be the dominant pest management paradigm in vineyards. While the adoption of IPM has led to notable and significant reductions in the environmental impacts of grape production, some growers are becoming interested in the use of an explicitly non-pesticide approach to pest management that is broadly referred to as ecologically-based pest management (EBPM). Essentially a subset of IPM strategies, EBPM places strong emphasis on practices such as habitat management, natural enemy augmentation and conservation, and animal integration. Here, we summarize the range and known efficacy of EBPM practices utilized in California vineyards, followed by a discussion of research needs and future policy directions. EBPM should in no way be seen in opposition, or as an alternative to the IPM framework. Rather, the further development of more reliable EBPM practices could contribute to the robustness of IPM strategies available to grape growers.
Inside Collaborative Networks: Ten Lessons for Public Managers

Th is paper off ers practical insights for public managers as they work within interorganizational networks. It is based on the author’s empirical study of 14 networks involving federal, state, and local government managers working with nongovernmental organizations. Th e fi ndings suggest that networks are hardly crowding out the role of public agencies; though they are limited in their decision scope, they can add collaborative public value when approaching nettlesome policy and program problems.
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

In recent times, there has been evidence of abnormal Directors and Officers liability (D&O) insurance purchase by the firms. Although D&O coverage is necessary to protect the directors and officers from the rising lawsuit risk, the motivation for carrying abnormal coverage is not clear. In this article, we examine the implications of providing excessive protection to the directors and officers on managerial behavior and firm performance. We use firm reporting and investment activity to examine managerial behavior and firm’s profitability to examine firm performance. For a sample of U.S. firms from 2004 to 2008, our results show that abnormal D&O insurance is positively associated with aggressive reporting, aggressive investment activity, and abnormal profit performance. Our results hold even after controlling for endogeneity and serial correlation in the data.
Update: stability of allergen extracts to establish expiration dating

Purpose of reviewThe article reviews studies pertaining to US manufactured allergen extract stability that contribute to guidance for expiration dating for bulk concentrates, diluted patient testing and treatment vials, and adjustments following elevated temperature excursions. Recent findingsStudies on allergen stability were completed to satisfy the Food and Drug Administration requirements supporting labeled expiration dating for standardized short ragweed, dust mites, cat, grass, and venom extracts and are not published. These studies demonstrated the stability enhancing parameters of 50% glycerin and support the Food and Drug Administration mandated expiration of nonstandardized extracts allowing glycerin extracts twice the dating of nonglycerin aqueous extracts. Patient vials are commonly given 6–12 months dating. There is adequate evidence that human serum albumin stabilizes low protein diluted vials. High protease allergens such as molds and insects compromised potency of pollens when mixed. Subsequent work continued to define the effects of diluents on extract dilutions, temperature excursions that occasionally occur with shipping or refrigerator malfunctions, and allergen compatibility. SummaryPotency has been determined for allergen dilutions with diluents typically used for allergen immunotherapy. These studies along with changes of potency under various storage conditions and mixing designed to improve our guidance on expiration dating of allergen extracts will be discussed.