Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use cases and derived requirements for a reconfigurable mobile network

Mounting capital and operational expenditure and reducing revenue per bit is straining the resources of mobile communication network operators. The future mobile communication networks will have to be dynamic; to adapt and re-adapt to the prevailing network conditions to increase operational efficiency. This paper presents the various use cases for such a Reconfigurable Mobile Network (RMN). We believe that the best way of currently achieving this reconfigurability is via virtualization techniques. Virtualization has been touted as the main solution that will ease the revolution to the future Internet and possibly result in a greener and more efficient operation of the current Internet. This paper investigates whether the concept of network virtualization can be re-applied to a mobile operator network to create RMN. We present detailed use cases for a reconfigurable mobile network and discuss the derived requirements on the RMN infrastructure. We see that a number of requirements, such as absolute isolation, may be technically infeasible in the current end-to-end mobile network.
Endogenous Timing In Multi-Stage Duopoly Games

This paper presents an investigation of the endogenous timing in multi-stage duopoly games in which duopolists choose two variables over two periods. The paper elaborates the two-stage strategic commitment game discussed by Brander and Spencer (1983). Duopolists decide their outputs and cost-reducing investments and they are allowed to choose which action to take first. The paper discusses two types of games; one is a three-stage game in which each duopolist can commit to the order of choices before it chooses its output or cost-reducing investments, and the other is a two-stage game in which it cannot. The paper finds that at least one firm chooses its output first. Furthermore, the three-stage game has the unique equilibrium outcome in which both firms choose their outputs first.
Towards continuous innovation for regional high-tech industrial clusters

Abstract This paper explores the inherent evolutionary mechanism of continuous innovation of high-tech industrial clusters based on an S-curve model. Moreover, the relationship between life cycle of continuous innovation and high-tech industrial cluster is examined to explore the evolutionary mechanism of each development stage of high-tech clusters. The paper finds that the life cycle of continuous innovation of clusters lags behind the life cycle of clusters. The findings reveal that the evolution of continuous innovation is driven by different factors. Therefore, policies should be made based on different driving factors of clusters, and varied according to the different evolutionary stages of clusters.
The Rewarding Nature of Social Interactions

The objective of this short review is to highlight rewarding aspects of social interactions for humans and discuss their neural basis. Thereby we report recent research findings to illustrate how social stimuli in general are processed in the reward system and highlight the role of Theory of Mind as one mediating process for experiencing social reward during social interactions. In conclusion we discuss clinical implications for psychiatry and psychotherapy.
Cross-national policy learning and administrative reforms : the making of 'management for results' policies in Chile and Mexico (1990-2010)

The study of whether and how learning from abroad matters for policy changes is a fundamental but hugely contested subject at the heart of contemporary policy transfer, policy diffusion, and cognate literatures. Cross-national learning is said to be one of the key mechanisms by which ideas, policies, and administrative reforms travel across jurisdictions. However, it is also said to be fraught with several difficulties, and thus to hardly exert any significant influence on policymaking. This thesis addresses this puzzle through various means. It asks a set of research questions and proposes an analytical framework to explore the relationship between cross-national learning and policy change. It then traces the making of Management for Results policies in Chile and Mexico, comparing policy developments in both countries across two decades (1990-2010). The thesis challenges conventional scholarly accounts on this subject. It shows that cross-national learning might bring about significant policy changes. However, this does not necessarily occur through the transfer or diffusion of policies or models intact. It happens through policymakers’ use of knowledge from policies abroad in many ways and at various stages of the policymaking process. Moreover, policy changes are neither secured once policy elements are adopted, nor are they completed once their process of adaptation to a receiving environment has started. In fact, policymakers need to devise strategies to ensure the new policies are effective, legitimate, and durable. Full policy convergence does not necessarily happen, but neither does absolute divergence. Across time, through sequences of learning and change, policymakers learn how to overcome cognitive biases and national barriers; how to combine experiential learning and knowledge from policies abroad; and how to better fit policies to their national conditions, while also keeping them in tune with international policy developments.
A Comparison of the Potential Unfavorable Effects of Oxycholesterol and Oxyphytosterol in Mice: Different Effects, on Cerebral 24S-Hydroxychoelsterol and Serum Triacylglycerols Levels

Sterol oxidation products derived from cholesterol and phytosterol are formed during the processing and storage of foods. The objective of the present study was to assess the potential unfavorable effects of oxysterols in mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed an AIN-93G-based diet containing 0.2 g/kg of oxycholesterol or oxyphytosterol for 4 weeks. The most abundant oxysterol in the diet was 7-ketosterol, but α-epoxycholesterol, β-epoxycholesterol, or 7α-hydroxyphytosterol, and 7β-hydroxyphytosterol were more prominent than 7-ketosterol in the serum and liver respectively. Consumption of both oxysterols resulted in an increased in 4β-hydroxycholesterol and total oxycholesterol in the liver, but the oxycholesterol-fed mice had a lower level of cerebral 24S-hydroxycholesterol and a higher level of the serum triacylglycerols than the control and oxyphytosterol groups. These results indicate that both oxysterols in the diet are accumulated in the body, but that the biological effect of oxycholesterol is different from that of oxyphytosterol.
Bone Realignment with Use of Temporary External Fixation for Distal Femoral Valgus and Varus Deformities

Background: Correction of a distal femoral deformity may prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis or mitigate its effects. Accurate correction of deformity without production of a secondary deformity depends on precise localization and quantification of the deformity. We report a technique to correct distal femoral deformities in the coronal plane. Methods: Fourteen femora in thirteen skeletally mature patients with a distal femoral deformity underwent operative reconstruction. The preoperative deviation of the mechanical axis ranged from 90 mm laterally (genu valgus) to 120 mm medially (genu varus). The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle was abnormal in all fourteen knees. The technique consisted of application of an external fixator, performance of a percutaneous distal femoral dome osteotomy, correction of the deformity, and locking of the external fixator. A statically locked retrograde intramedullary nail was inserted following reaming, and the external fixator was removed. The mean duration of follow-up was thirty-three months (range, six to forty-seven months). Results: The mean time until healing was thirteen weeks (range, six to thirty-nine weeks). Nine of the thirteen patients reported an improvement in walking, and none needed an assistive device. All nine patients with preoperative knee pain were free of tibiofemoral pain at the most recent follow-up evaluation. The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle was within the normal range in twelve of the fourteen knees. The mechanical axis was within the normal range in ten lower extremities. In three of the four remaining limbs, the residual abnormal deviation of the mechanical axis was due to a residual tibial deformity. Conclusions: Percutaneous dome osteotomy combined with temporary external fixation and insertion of an intramedullary nail can correct distal valgus and varus femoral deformities. We attributed the early mobilization of patients and the rapid bone-healing to the limited soft-tissue dissection, the low-energy corticotomy, and the use of intramedullary fixation in our surgical technique. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Potential assays for sperm capacitation in mammals.

Sperm capacitation is an essential process in fertilization. It apparently involves a large number of processes, the common denominator of which is that they donate to sperm the potential to undergo the acrosome reaction, i.e., to release proteolytic enzymes enabling sperm penetration through the egg coat. Although the phenomenon of capacitation has been known for more than 40 years, it is far from understood, and, consequently, there is, as yet, no operational definition of it. The lack of an assay to identify capacitated spermatozoa is both the cause and the effect of this situation. Here we critically review the major changes that are thought to occur during sperm capacitation, and assess their potential use as markers for the identification of capacitated spermatozoa.
Mapping service processes in manufacturing companies: industrial service blueprinting

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a process‐modelling method that is based on methods from both operations management (OM) and service operations management (SOM), which complies with the special requirements of servitised manufacturers.Design/methodology/approach – After a comprehensive literature review of organisational change in servitised manufacturers, the requirements for modelling industrial services are established. In addition, existing business process‐modelling methods from OM and SOM are classified and related to these requirements. A modelling method that is adapted to the needs of servitised manufacturers is proposed, and the practical advantages of this methodology are explored in an exemplary case study of a machine tool manufacturer.Findings – This paper suggests that existing instruments that have been developed within OM and SOM need considerable adjustment to comply with the needs of servitised manufacturers.Originality/value – This paper contributes towards mastering .
The pharmaceutical industry in the twentieth century: A reappraisal of the sources of innovation

Abstract The authors use an historical case‐study of a single line of therapeutic development (in vaccines and serum antitoxins) to bring out salient aspects of the shifting sources of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry during the twentieth century. Their emphasis is on the complex relationships that have evolved between three companies ‐ Mulford, Sharp & Dohme, and Merck & Co., Inc. ‐ and the loosely integrated networks of public, profit‐making, and non‐profit institutions that have been central to the process of innovation in this science‐based industry. Galambos and Sturchio enumerate the characteristics of pharmaceutical organisations that have remained successful innovators over the long term.
Epigenetic gene silencing in the Wnt pathway in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Despite advances in treatment of endocrine-dependent tumors, the complete molecular basis of transformation is still unknown. What is clear is that a variety of genetic lesions and epigenetic modifications are present in the neoplasm. Disregulation of several signaling pathways is known to be associated with breast cancer development, among them is the wingless and integration site growth factor (Wnt) pathway. While genetic mutations of certain components of this pathway, such as APC, are significant contributing factors for colorectal cancers, they are typically not the predominate mechanism associated with breast cancer. Instead, it appears that DNA hypermethylation leads to aberrant regulation of the Wnt pathway in breast cancer, and as such, this review focuses on the epigenetic regulation of Wnt pathway components in breast cancer.
ZBP-89, a Krüppel-like zinc finger protein, inhibits epidermal growth factor induction of the gastrin promoter

We have shown previously that a GC-rich element (GGGGCGGGGTGGGGGG) conferring epidermal growth factor (EGF) responsiveness to the human gastrin promoter binds Sp1 and additional undefined complexes. A rat GH4 cell line expression library was screened by using a multimer of the gastrin EGF response element, and three overlapping cDNA clones were identified. The full-length rat cDNA encoded an 89-kDa zinc finger protein (ZBP-89) that was 89% identical to a 49-kDa human factor, ht(beta), that binds a GTGGG/CACCC element in T-cell receptor promoters. The conservation of amino acids between the zinc fingers indicates that ZBP-89 is a member of the C2H2 zinc finger family subclass typified by the Drosophila Krüppel protein. ZBP-89 is ubiquitously expressed in normal adult tissues. It binds specifically to the gastrin EGF response element and inhibits EGF induction of the gastrin promoter. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ZBP-89 functions as a repressor of basal and inducible expression of the gastrin gene.
Training in flexible, intensive insulin management to enable dietary freedom in people with type 1 diabetes: dose adjustment for normal eating (DAFNE) randomised controlled trial

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate whether a course teaching flexible intensive insulin treatment combining dietary freedom and insulin adjustment can improve both glycaemic control and quality of life in type 1 diabetes. Design: Randomised design with participants either attending training immediately (immediate DAFNE) or acting as waiting list controls and attending “delayed DAFNE” training 6 months later. Setting: Secondary care diabetes clinics in three English health districts. Participants: 169 adults with type 1 diabetes and moderate or poor glycaemic control. Main outcome measures: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycaemia, impact of diabetes on quality of life (ADDQoL). Results: At 6 months, HbA1c was significantly better in immediate DAFNE patients (mean 8.4%) than in delayed DAFNE patients (9.4%) (t=6.1, P<0.0001). The impact of diabetes on dietary freedom was significantly improved in immediate DAFNE patients compared with delayed DAFNE patients (t=−5.4, P<0.0001), as was the impact of diabetes on overall quality of life (t=2.9, P<0.01). General wellbeing and treatment satisfaction were also significantly improved, but severe hypoglycaemia, weight, and lipids remained unchanged. Improvements in “present quality of life” did not reach significance at 6 months but were significant by 1 year. Conclusion: Skills training promoting dietary freedom improved quality of life and glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes without worsening severe hypoglycaemia or cardiovascular risk. This approach has the potential to enable more people to adopt intensive insulin treatment and is worthy of further investigation.
Household Discount Rates Revisited

Energy policy analysts (Hausman [1979], Hartman [1984], Houston [1983], Hutton [1980], and Olsen [1984]) increasingly rely on some notion of life-cycle costing for predicting how consumers will choose among alternative energy-using durable-good investments. These techniques have been important for understanding and analyzing the household purchase of new, relatively-untested appliance technologies (such as solar water heaters and more efficient refrigerators), new energy sources (such as solar photovoltaics), and capital-intensive conservation investments (such as increased home insulation, storm windows, and water heat wraps). In all of these cases, consumers face options in which a higher capital cost will purchase lower operating costs over the life of the particular pieces of equipment. We assume consumers evaluate these energy-using durables as they would any other investment. They compare and discount, over the life of the investments, the costs and financial benefits of alternatives and choose the option(s) offering the largest expected benefit.
The Employer Size-Wage Effect: Can Dynamic Monopsony Provide an Explanation?

In this paper, the authors argue that a dynamic monopsony model, based on labor market frictions, predicts a positive relationship between wages and employer size, but also that the effect will be larger in the nonunion sector than in the union sector and larger for women than for men. They examine evidence on the employer size-wage effect using several microeconomic data sources and find it to be generally consistent with these predictions. After examining other theoretical explanations, their conclusion is that at least part of the employer size-wage effect is a result of monopsony power in the labor market. Copyright 1996 by Royal Economic Society.
Minimum Efficient Size and Seller Concentration: An Empirical Problem

THIS paper concerns the empirical relationship between the concentration of sellers in any market and the so-called minimum efficient scale of production (MEP). This relationship forms the basis for what is often termed the technological explanation of concentration. We shall argue that the results of most previous empirical studies in this area may be misleading due to the widespread use of statistical proxy measures for MEP which are themselves better interpreted as measures of concentration. Following an introductory section, which briefly outlines the underlying theory and results of previous studies, section II describes the two widely used proxies for MEP which are the main concern of this paper. We suggest in section III (and Appendix I) that both exhibit the characteristics desirable for a measure of plant concentration. As such, their use in regression analysis 'explaining' measures of firm concentration poses potential identification problems. Furthermore, section IV (and Appendix 2) explain why both proxies will typically involve systematic measuremenit errors which are, themselves, likely to be correlated with concentration. Section V contains a short comparison of the proxies with two alternative MEP estimators, using data from the I 968 UK Census: the results can be interpreted as offering empirical support for the theoretical arguments of the previous sections. In the light of our arguments, we conclude that the influence of technological factors on concentration may well have been overstated by previous empirical research.
Impact of severe ADAMTS13 deficiency on clinical presentation and outcomes in patients with thrombotic microangiopathies: the experience of the Harvard TMA Research Collaborative

The Harvard TMA Research Collaborative is a multi‐institutional registry‐based effort to study thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA). Laboratory and clinical parameters were recorded for 254 cases of suspected autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (activity ≤10%, N = 68) were more likely to be young, female and without a history of cancer treatment or transplantation. While all patients with severe deficiency were diagnosed with autoimmune TTP, those without severe deficiency frequently had disseminated intravascular coagulation, drug‐associated TMA and transplant‐related TMA. Patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency had superior overall survival at 360 d compared to those without severe deficiency (93·0% vs. 47·5%, P < 0·0001). Almost all patients with severe deficiency received therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), but the use of TPE in patients with ADAMTS13 activity >10% varied significantly across the institutions in our consortium (13·2–63·8%, P < 0·0001). Nevertheless, 90‐d mortality was not different in patients with ADAMTS13 activity >10% between the three hospitals (P = 0·98). Our data show that patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency represent a clinically distinct cohort that responds well to TPE. In contrast, TMA without severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is associated with increased mortality that may not be influenced by TPE.
Hate Speech in Constitutional Jurisprudence: A Comparative Analysis

The United States protects much hate speech that is banned in other Western constitutional democracies and under international human rights covenants and conventions. In the United States, only hate speech that leads to "incitement to violence" can be constitutionally restricted, while under the alternative approach found elsewhere, bans properly extend to hate speech leading to "incitement to hatred. " The article undertakes a comparative analysis in light of changes brought by new technologies, such as the internet, which allow for worldwide spread of protected hate speech originating in the United States. After evaluating the respective doctrines, arguments and values involved, the article concludes that the United States approach is less defensible than its counterparts elsewhere.
Functional Correlation between a Novel Amino Acid Insertion at Codon 19 in the Protease of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Polymorphism in the p1/p6 Gag Cleavage Site in Drug Resistance and Replication Fitness

ABSTRACT Population-based sequence analysis revealed the presence of a variant of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) containing an insertion of amino acid Ile in the protease gene at codon 19 (19I) and amino acid substitutions in the protease at codons 21 (E21D) and 22 (A22V) along with multiple mutations associated with drug resistance, M46I/P63L/A71V/I84V/I93L, in a patient who had failed protease inhibitor (PI) therapy. Longitudinal analysis revealed that the P63L/A71V/I93L changes were present prior to PI therapy. Polymorphisms in the Gag sequence were only seen in the p1/p6 cleavage site at the P1′ position (Leu to Pro) and the P5′ position (Pro to Leu). To characterize the role of these mutations in drug susceptibility and replication capacity, a chimeric HIV-1 strain containing the 19I/E21D/A22V mutations with the M46I/P63L/A71V/I84V/I93L and p1/p6 mutations was constructed. The chimera displayed high-level resistance to multiple PIs, but not to lopinavir, and grew to 30% of that of the wild type. To determine the relative contribution of each mutation to the phenotypic characteristic of the virus, a series of mutants was constructed using site-directed mutagenesis. A high level of resistance was only seen in mutants containing the 19I/A22V and p1/p6 mutations. The E21D mutation enhanced viral replication. These results suggest that the combination of the 19I/E21D/A22V mutations may emerge and lead to high-level resistance to multiple PIs. The combination of the 19I/A22V mutations may be associated with PI resistance; however, the drug resistance may be caused by the presence of a unique set of mutations in the p1/p6 mutations. The E21D mutation contributes to replication fitness rather than drug resistance.