Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovation and competition in complex environments

Summary The paper aims to shed light on the relation between technological research, competition and market dynamics, focussing on the role of product modularity. This relation is analysed via qualitative simulation modelling using a simple agent-based model. We define an economic system in which firms compete on the quality characteristics of a certain complex good, in a market where consumers have shown preferences for them. Firms are conceived as bounded rational agents that explore complex product technologies in order to improve their fitness in relation to the selection environment (i.e. the consumers’ evaluation of the characteristics of the final good). The architecture of the good produced in the system is characterised by different degrees of modularity (i.e. the lower the correlations between the contributions of the different product components to the fnal product fitness, the simpler the good’s technology and the higher the degree of modularity). On the other hand, the impact of product modularity on industrial dynamics is analysed using a set of quite homogeneous firms. First, the model yields highly differentiated dynamics for firms that start from similar initial conditions, pointing to the importance of their research strategies. Second, the dynamic patterns obtained show that firms may easily end up in technological lock-in in spite of initial good performance, suggesting that path-dependence could be broken. Third, modularity impinges directly upon market results: a decrease in modularity, by increasing the difficulty in searching the complex technology, selects a limited number of firms, thus determining concentration in market shares. Finally, the industrial dynamics are influenced by the evolution of the quality of the fnal good.
THE EFFECTS OF DRIVERS' SPEED ON THE FREQUENCY OF ROAD ACCIDENTS

TRL has undertaken a major programme of research for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) to investigate the impact of traffic speed on the frequency of road accidents. This has built on results from a comprehensive review of relevant research, published by TRL in 1994. The evidence then available indicated a 5% increase in injury accidents per one mile/h increase in average speed. Extensive road-based and driver-based studies have been used to address the complex task of understanding the speed-accident relationship more fully. Statistical modelling has been used to develop relationships between: the accident frequency on urban and rural roads, and how it depends on the speed of traffic, the volume of traffic movement and characteristics of the road layout; the speeds at which individuals choose to drive and how often they have accidents. The report describes the collection and analysis of data and the models developed. These models allow accident changes to be predicted from the speed changes that might result, for example, from the introduction of speed management measures. The report illustrates the effect of the speed (and other) variables that determine accident frequency. The application of the results to the identification of priorities for speed management is then discussed. The overall potential for accident reduction from measures to restrain speed is large. (A)
Mexican Americans and the American Nation

This essay is based on a talk I delivered at Texas A&M University on December 10, 2005, in response to an earlier lecture at the university by Professor Samuel P. Huntington. It relies on social science evidence to first address Huntington’s contention that Mexicans are overwhelming American borders. It then turns to evidence that Mexican Americans are in fact assimilating culturally but still have been less economically successful than the descendants of earlier European immigrants. The essay examines factors that have differentiated the Mexican American trajectory of incorporation and are likely to continue to do so. Finally, it calls for the American public and policy makers to make well-informed choices about what levels of immigration are desirable and who should be admitted, to improve immigrants’ economic opportunities through education, and to embrace a multilingual and multiethnic future for the country.
The Behavior and Success of Latino Legislators: Evidence from the States

Research on the link between descriptive and substantive representation has focused almost exclusively on women and African Americans. In the last two decades, Latino representation in state legislatures has more than doubled, yet scholars have only begun to examine the policy interests and legislative success of these legislators. The objectives of this study are to test a descriptive representation model, in which the ethnicity of the legislator influences legislative behavior even after accounting for the ethnic composition of the district, and to examine ethnic differences in legislative success. Copyright (c) 2006 Southwestern Social Science Association.
Two Bipolar Outflows and Magnetic Fields in the Multiple Protostar System L1448 IRS 3

We present spectral line observations of CO J = 2 → 1, 13CO J = 1 → 0, and C18O J = 1 → 0 and polarimetric observations in the λ = 1.3 mm continuum and in CO J = 2 → 1 toward the multiple protostar system L1448 IRS 3, using the BIMA array. In the λ = 1.3 mm continuum, two sources (IRS 3A and 3B) were clearly detected with estimated envelope masses of 0.21 and 1.15 M☉, and one source (IRS 3C) was marginally detected with an upper mass limit of 0.03 M☉. In CO J = 2 → 1, we revealed two outflows originating from IRS 3A and 3B. The masses, mean number densities, momentums, and kinetic energies of outflow lobes were estimated. Based on those estimates and outflow features, we conclude that the two outflows are interacting and that the IRS 3A outflow is nearly perpendicular to the line of sight. In addition, we estimate the velocity, inclination, and opening of the IRS 3B outflow using Bayesian statistics. Linear polarization was detected in both the λ = 1.3 mm continuum and CO J = 2 → 1. The linear polarization in the continuum shows a magnetic field at the central source (IRS 3B) perpendicular to the outflow direction, and the linear polarization in the CO J = 2 → 1 was detected in the outflow regions either parallel or perpendicular to the outflow direction. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss whether the binary system of IRS 3A and 3B is gravitationally bound, based on the velocity differences detected in 13CO J = 1 → 0 and C18O J = 1 → 0 observations and on the outflow features. The specific angular momentum of the system is estimated as ~3 × 1020 cm2 s-1, comparable to the values obtained from previous studies of binary stars and molecular cloud cores.
Elevation of Plasma Thrombomodulin Level in Diabetic Patients With Early Diabetic Nephropathy

Thrombomodulin (TM) is a membrane protein in the vascular endothelium, and it plays an important role as a cofactor in the thrombin-catalyzed activation of protein C. It has also been found in human plasma; however, its clinical significance is not known. In this study, fasting plasma TM concentrations in 67 diabetic patients with different degrees of albuminuria (39 men aged 57 ± 8 yr, 28 women aged 57 ± 11 yr; means ± SD) and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were investigated by use of a one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay, a new method developed by H.I. and others. As a screening, the patients were divided into three groups according to the first morning urinary concentrations of albumin: group 1, <30 μg/ml (normoalbuminuria); group 2, 30–140 μg/ml (microalbuminuria); group 3, >140 μg/ml (clinical nephropathy). There was no significant difference in plasma TM level between the control group (17.7 ± 3.7 ng/ml, n = 34) and group 1 (16.9 ± 3.4 ng/ml, ± = 30); however, plasma TM concentrations in group 2 (22.8 ± 3.4 ng/ml, n = 22) and group 3 (29.6 ± 6.1 ng/ml, n = 15) increased significantly compared with those in the control group and group 1, respectively. As a further investigation, three timed overnight urine collections were made. The patients were allocated to three groups according to their rates of albumin excretion: group I, <20 μg/min (normoalbuminuria); group II, 20–200 μg/min (microalbuminuria); group III >200 μg/min (clinical nephropathy). No significant difference was found in plasma TM level between the control group (17.8 ± 3.8 ng/ml, n = 16) and group I (17.8 ± 3.0 ng/ml, n = 17); however, plasma concentrations in group II (22.1 ± 2.8 ng/ml, n = 18) and group III (29.2 ± 6.0 ng/ml, n = 13) increased significantly compared with those in the control group and group I, respectively. No significant differences were found in blood pressure between the control group, group I, and group II. The vascular endothelium could be injured by various metabolic derangements because of diabetes. Accordingly, it is supposed that an injury in the vascular endothelial cell may progress with the advance of diabetic angiopathy, and TM existing on the endothelial membrane surface may be released into the plasma. The vascular permeability that permits glomerular leakage of albumin may also be found in other vessels. Thus, our findings suggest that an increased influx of TM to the plasma may be caused by generalized endothelial damage in patients with early diabetic nephropathy.
Superposition of Three-Dimensional Chemical Structures Allowing for Conformational Flexibility by a Hybrid Method

The superposition of three-dimensional structures is the first task in the evaluation of the largest common three-dimensional substructure of a set of molecules. This is an important step in the identification of a pharmacophoric pattern for molecules that bind to the same receptor. The superposition method described here combines a genetic algorithm with a numerical optimization method. A major goal is to adequately address the conformational flexibility of ligand molecules. The genetic algorithm optimizes in a nondeterministic process the size and the geometric fit of the substructures. The geometric fit is further improved by changing torsional angles combining the genetic algorithm and the directed tweak method. This directed tweak method is based on a numerical quasi-Newton optimization method. Only one starting conformation per molecule is necessary. Molecules having several rotatable bonds and quite different initial conformations are modified to find large structural similarities. A set of angiotensin II antagonists is investigated to illustrate the performance of the method.
Bilateral Ilioinguinal Nerve Block Decreases Morphine Consumption in Female Patients Undergoing Nonlaparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery

BACKGROUND:Bilateral ilioinguinal nerve block may be useful to control postoperative pain in gynecologic surgery, especially hysterectomy. METHODS:In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, we compared the combination of ropivacaine and clonidine (block group) versus saline (control group). The main objective of this study was to compare the total dose of morphine required during the first two postoperative days. All patients received antiemetic prophylaxis and multimodal IV analgesia. RESULTS:Seventy patients were randomized. The total morphine consumption during the first two postoperative days was decreased by 51% in the block group compared with the control group (21 ± 9 mg vs 41 ± 24 mg, P < 0.0001). This difference was not only due to morphine titration, but remained significant over the following 2 days. The course of the visual analog scale was equivalent between the two groups. No difference was observed in the side effects of morphine. CONCLUSION:The use of bilateral ilioinguinal nerve block for postoperative analgesia after hysterectomy decreased morphine consumption by one-half during the first two postoperative days without differences in side effects from morphine between groups.
Third international workshop on sharing and reusing architectural knowledge (SHARK 2008)

The shift of the software architecture community towards architectural knowledge has brought along some promising research directions. In this workshop we discuss the issues that lead to the application of architectural knowledge in research and industrial practice; ongoing research and new ideas to advance the field. In its previous editions we examined the state of the art and practice, future challenges and trends. This third edition will discuss, among others, architectural knowledge as perceived by different research communities, including requirements engineering, service-oriented computing and international standardization.
Occupational endotoxin-exposure and possible health effects on humans.

BACKGROUND Endotoxins are commonly found at workplaces where large amounts of bioaerosols are generated. In Germany, especially since the Ordinance on Safety and Health Protection related to work involving biological agents (Biostoff-Verordnung) became effective (1999), threshold limit values are widely discussed. Up to the present, endotoxin values are measured with non-uniform methods and therefore values are of limited benefit for classification of exposure groups. In Germany there is no threshold limit value for endotoxin. METHODS Relevant literature of the last 20 years was selected from Medline and discussed. RESULTS In this review we focused on the impact of endotoxin exposure on human health with special respect to the measurements on workplace and methodological aspects of endotoxin determination. Methods for sampling and endotoxin determination have to be validated, optimized, and standardized first. CONCLUSION The adverse health effects of endotoxins are known, standardization of measurements is a necessary goal and protection measures should be established immediately.
Evaluation of a Sexual Assault Risk Reduction and Self-Defense Program: A Prospective Analysis of a Revised Protocol

The current study extends the development and evaluation of an existing and previously evaluated sexual assault risk reduction program with a self-defense component for college women (N = 300). The program protocol was revised to address psychological barriers to responding assertively to risky dating situations, and a placebo-control group was utilized rather than a wait-list control group. Relative to the placebo-control group, the program was effective in increasing levels of self-protective behaviors, self-efficacy in resisting against potential attackers, and use of assertive sexual communication over a 4-month interim. Results also suggested reduction of incidence of rape among program participants over the 2-month follow-up. Implications for future development and evaluation of sexual assault risk reduction programming are presented.
Forward Genetic Analysis of the Circadian Clock Separates the Multiple Functions of ZEITLUPE1[W]

The circadian system of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) includes feedback loops of gene regulation that generate 24-h oscillations. Components of these loops remain to be identified; none of the known components is completely understood, including ZEITLUPE (ZTL), a gene implicated in regulated protein degradation. ztl mutations affect both circadian and developmental responses to red light, possibly through ZTL interaction with PHYTOCHROME B (PHYB). We conducted a large-scale genetic screen that identified additional clock-affecting loci. Other mutants recovered include 11 new ztl alleles encompassing mutations in each of the ZTL protein domains. Each mutation lengthened the circadian period, even in dark-grown seedlings entrained to temperature cycles. A mutation of the LIGHT, OXYGEN, VOLTAGE (LOV)/Period-ARNT-Sim (PAS) domain was unique in retaining wild-type responses to red light both for the circadian period and for control of hypocotyl elongation. This uncoupling of ztl phenotypes indicates that interactions of ZTL protein with multiple factors must be disrupted to generate the full ztl mutant phenotype. Protein interaction assays showed that the ztl mutant phenotypes were not fully explained by impaired interactions with previously described partner proteins Arabidopsis S-phase kinase-related protein 1, TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1, and PHYB. Interaction with PHYB was unaffected by mutation of any ZTL domain. Mutation of the kelch repeat domain affected protein binding at both the LOV/PAS and the F-box domains, indicating that interaction among ZTL domains leads to the strong phenotypes of kelch mutations. Forward genetics continues to provide insight regarding both known and newly discovered components of the circadian system, although current approaches have saturated mutations at some loci.
Comparing Consequences of Right and Left Unilateral Neglect in a Stroke Rehabilitation Population

Wee JYM, Hopman WM: Comparing consequences of right and left unilateral neglect in a stroke rehabilitation population. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2008;910–920. Objective:This article details right and left unilateral neglect (UN) in a stroke rehabilitation population. Design:This prospective observational cohort study documented hemipersonal neglect and hemispatial neglect in 309 of 325 stroke rehabilitation patients consecutively admitted over a 28-month period. Shoulder-hand complications, safety concerns, length of stay, discharge function, and discharge destination were documented. Results:Of the 85 with right UN and 113 with left UN, 17.7% had expressive aphasia, and 17.7% had mixed or receptive aphasia. Hemispatial neglect was associated with hemianopsia (29.2% and 31.8% for right and left, respectively). Having both hemipersonal neglect and hemispatial neglect was related to greater safety risk (46.9% vs. 24.3%), greater incidence of shoulder-hand complications (28.3% vs. 9.9%), lower FIM scores (>10 points lower), longer length of stay (8 days), and less likelihood of discharge to home (67.3% vs. 87.4%) than subjects without UN. Results were similar for those with right and left UN. Conclusions:Right and left UN occur after stroke, can be detected even in the presence of aphasia, and are associated with shoulder-hand problems, lower discharge function, and lower likelihood of discharge home. Having both hemispatial neglect and hemipersonal neglect impacts people more than having either type of UN alone.
Sen1p Contributes to Genomic Integrity by Regulating Expression of Ribonucleotide Reductase 1 (RNR1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Gene expression is a multi-step process which requires recruitment of several factors to promoters. One of the factors, Sen1p is an RNA/DNA helicase implicated in transcriptional termination and RNA processing in yeast. In the present study, we have identified a novel function of Sen1p that regulates the expression of ribonucleotide reductase RNR1 gene, which is essential for maintaining genomic integrity. Cells with mutation in the helicase domain or lacking N-terminal domain of Sen1p displayed a drastic decrease in the basal level transcription of RNR1 gene and showed enhanced sensitivity to various DNA damaging agents. Moreover, SEN1 mutants [Sen1-1 (G1747D), Sen1-2 (Δ1-975)] exhibited defects in DNA damage checkpoint activation. Surprisingly, CRT1 deletion in Sen1p mutants (Sen1-1, Sen1-2) was partly able to rescue the slow growth phenotype upon genotoxic stress. Altogether, our observations suggest that Sen1p is required for cell protection against DNA damage by regulating the expression of DNA repair gene RNR1. Thus, the misregulation of Sen1p regulated genes can cause genomic instability that may lead to neurological disorders and premature aging.
Finite-horizon neural network-based optimal control design for affine nonlinear continuous-time systems

In this paper, the finite-horizon optimal control design for affine nonlinear continuous-time systems in the presence of known system dynamics is presented. A neural network (NN) is utilized to learn the time-varying solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation in an online and forward in time manner. To handle the time varying nature of the value function, the NN with constant weights and time-varying activation function is considered. The update law for tuning the NN weights is derived based on normalized gradient descent approach. To satisfy the terminal constraint and ensure stability, additional terms, one corresponding to the terminal constraint, and the other to stabilize the nonlinear system are added to the novel updating law. A uniformly ultimately boundedness of the non-autonomous closed-loop system is verified by using standard Lyapunov theory. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation results.
Modular Networks for Validating Community Detection Algorithms

How can we accurately compare different community detection algorithms? These algorithms cluster nodes in a given network, and their performance is often validated on benchmark networks with explicit ground-truth communities. Given the lack of cluster labels in real-world networks, a model that generates realistic networks is required for accurate evaluation of these algorithm. In this paper, we present a simple, intuitive, and flexible benchmark generator to generate intrinsically modular networks for community validation. We show how the generated networks closely comply with the characteristics observed for real networks; whereas their characteristics could be directly controlled to match wide range of real world networks. We further show how common community detection algorithms rank differently when being evaluated on these benchmarks compared to current available alternatives.
Review Paper. Matching marine reserve design to reserve objectives

Recent interest in using marine reserves for marine resource management and conservation has largely been driven by the hope that reserves might counteract declines in fish populations and protect the biodiversity of the seas. However, the creation of reserves has led to dissension from some interested groups, such as fishermen, who fear that reserves will do more harm than good. These perceived differences in the effect of marine reserves on various stakeholder interests has led to a contentious debate over their merit. We argue here that recent findings in marine ecology suggest that this debate is largely unnecessary, and that a single general design of a network of reserves of moderate size and variable spacing can meet the needs and goals of most stakeholders interested in marine resources.