Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platform Differentiation in Two-Sided Markets

In this paper we investigate a two-sided market platform model. In the standard framework, firms interact with consumers through one or more platform providers. For example, video game providers (firms) develop games for a gaming console (platform), and end users (consumers) play these games on the console. Consumer utility may depend on the number of other consumers who interact on one side of the platform and the number of firms that interact on the other side of the platform. We develop a general monopoly platform model and derive general and closed form solutions which are consistent with the previous literature. We also characterize consumer’s demand for the platform and show how it relates to the simple one-sided monopoly case. This model is extended to include same side network effects and we derive similar results. We then extend the model to include competition between two homogeneous platforms. We determine the Nash Equilibrium for two competing platforms and show how these relate to several current two-sided markets such as those for video game consoles and smartphones. Lastly, we compare welfare between a monopoly platform and two competing platforms and show their are cases where a monopoly platform is welfare improving.
Trona and sodium bicarbonate in beef cattle diets: effects on pH and volatile fatty acid concentrations.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of NaHCO3 and trona in beef cattle diets. Trace element (n = 28) analysis revealed no toxicological or safety concerns with the use of trona. Trona was more (P less than .05) soluble in ruminal fluid than Na2CO3, and NaHCO3 and had greater (P less than .05) buffering capacity (9.6 meq/g) than NaHCO3 (6.1 meq/g) but less (P less than .05) than Na2CO3 (11.1 meq/g). Calcium carbonate was insoluble and did not buffer ruminal fluid. Six yearling (avg 272 kg) Hereford X Angus steers, each with ruminal, duodenal and ileal cannulas, were fed 50:50 (cracked corn-based concentrate:cottonseed hulls) or 90:10 concentrate diets with no buffer, 1% NaHCO3 or with 1% trona. Intake, across all treatments, averaged 2.4% of body weight. Propionate (mmol/liter) increased (17.6 vs 13.5; P less than .05) and butyrate decreased (3.5 vs 5.2; P less than .05) with trona in the 90:10 diet as compared with no buffer. Propionate (16.8) increased (P less than .05) with NaHCO3 in the 90:10 diet. Average ruminal pH was greater (P less than .05) in 90:10 diets with trona or NaHCO3 than with no buffer (5.61, 5.61 vs 5.55); duodenal pH was greater (P less than .01) with trona than with no buffer (2.66 vs 2.55). Trona reduced ruminal pH-hours (P less than .05) and pH-area (P less than .12; time and area below mean pH of control) below control for both concentrate levels. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Face Recognition Using Modified PCA Methods

In this paper we present an approach for 3D face recognition based on extracting principal components of range images by utilizing modified PCA methods namely 2DPCA and bidirectional 2DPCA also known as (2D) 2 PCA.A preprocessing stage was implemented on the images to smooth them using median and Gaussian filtering. In the normalization stage we locate the nose tip to lay it at the center of images then crop each image to a standard size of 100*100. In the face recognition stage we extract the principal component of each image using both 2DPCA and (2D) 2 PCA. Finally, we use Euclidean distance to measure the minimum distance between a given test image to the training images in the database. We also compare the result of using both methods. The best result achieved by experiments on a public face database shows that 83.3 percent is the rate of face recognition for a random facial expression. Keywords—3D face recognition, 2DPCA, (2D) 2 PCA, Range image
The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: A Clock of Multiple Components

Although impressive progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of pacemaker function in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), fundamental questions about cellular and regional heterogeneity within the SCN, andhowthis heterogeneity might contribute toSCNpacemaker function at a tissue level, have remained unresolved. To reexamine cellular and regional heterogeneity within the SCN, the authors have focused on two key questions: which SCN cells are endogenously rhythmic and/or directly light responsive? Observations of endogenous rhythms of electrical activity, gene/protein expression, and protein phosphorylation suggest that the SCN in mammals examined to dateis composed of anatomically distinct rhythmic and nonrhythmic components. Endogenously rhythmic neurons are primarily found in rostral, dorsomedial, and ventromedial portions of the nucleus; at mid and caudal levels, the distribution of endogenously rhythmic cells in the SCN has the appearance of a “shell. ” The majority of nonrhythmic cells, by contrast, are located in a central “core” region of the SCN, which is complementary to the shell. The location of light-responsive cells, defined by direct retinohypothalamic input and light-induced gene expression, largely overlaps the location of nonrhythmic cells in the SCN core, although, in hamsters and mice light-responsive cells are also present in the ventral portion of the rhythmic shell. While the relative positions of rhythmic and light-responsive components of the SCN are similar between species, the precise boundaries of these components, and neurochemical phenotype of cells within them, are variable. Intercellular communication between these components may bea key featurer esponsiblefor theuniquepace maker properties of the SCN observed at a tissue and whole animal level.
Weed population dynamics associated with wheat productivity under different sowing techniques & herbicides : An overview

Wheat (Triticum aetsivum L.) is a major cereal crop of Pakistan and being a staple food of people it occupies the main position in agricultural policies. It contributes about 10% to the agriculture and 2.1% to total GDP. Pakistan has become a water deficit country despite its largest irrigation system due to shift of fresh water from agriculture to more pressing domestic and industrial purposed, drought and loss in surface storage. There are so many reasons of low yield of it in Pakistan like uncertainty of rainfall, shortage of water, type of tillage and weed infestation is one of the major biotic constraints of low yield, which may reduce up to 25-30% of yield. Based upon studies it is cleared that different sowing techniques respond differently to control the weeds therefore, it is very helpful to study different these techniques to increase crop yield.
Effects of comprehensive lifestyle modification on blood pressure control: main results of the PREMIER clinical trial.

CONTEXT Weight loss, sodium reduction, increased physical activity, and limited alcohol intake are established recommendations that reduce blood pressure (BP). The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet also lowers BP. To date, no trial has evaluated the effects of simultaneously implementing these lifestyle recommendations. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect on BP of 2 multicomponent, behavioral interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Randomized trial with enrollment at 4 clinical centers (January 2000-June 2001) among 810 adults (mean [SD] age, 50 [8.9] years; 62% women; 34% African American) with above-optimal BP, including stage 1 hypertension (120-159 mm Hg systolic and 80-95 mm Hg diastolic), and who were not taking antihypertensive medications. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to one of 3 intervention groups: (1) "established," a behavioral intervention that implemented established recommendations (n = 268); (2) "established plus DASH,"which also implemented the DASH diet (n = 269); and (3) an "advice only" comparison group (n = 273). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blood pressure measurement and hypertension status at 6 months. RESULTS Both behavioral interventions significantly reduced weight, improved fitness, and lowered sodium intake. The established plus DASH intervention also increased fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake. Across the groups, gradients in BP and hypertensive status were evident. After subtracting change in advice only, the mean net reduction in systolic BP was 3.7 mm Hg (P<.001) in the established group and 4.3 mm Hg (P<.001) in the established plus DASH group; the systolic BP difference between the established and established plus DASH groups was 0.6 mm Hg (P =.43). Compared with the baseline hypertension prevalence of 38%, the prevalence at 6 months was 26% in the advice only group, 17% in the established group (P =.01 compared with the advice only group), and 12% in the established plus DASH group (P<.001 compared with the advice only group; P =.12 compared with the established group). The prevalence of optimal BP (<120 mm Hg systolic and <80 mm Hg diastolic) was 19% in the advice only group, 30% in the established group (P =.005 compared with the advice only group), and 35% in the established plus DASH group (P<.001 compared with the advice only group; P =.24 compared with the established group). CONCLUSION Individuals with above-optimal BP, including stage 1 hypertension, can make multiple lifestyle changes that lower BP and reduce their cardiovascular disease risk.
Identification & characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates from patients with diarrhoea in Iran.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli are important serotypes of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) subgroup that cause attaching and effacing lesions in enterocytes by producing verotoxins or shiga-like toxins resulting in haemorrhagic colitis (HC) and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The aim of this study was to detect these serotypes specially E. coli O157:H7 in stool samples of patients with diarrhoea and identification of virulence genes (STX1, STX2, Hly and EAE) in Shahrekord-Iran area using PCR technique. METHODS Two hundred diarrhoeal stool samples of patients were collected through 2007-2008. Microbiological and biochemical examinations were done to detect the E. coli. Serological tests carried out to identify the O157 or O157:H7 serotypes. RESULTS Of the 58 E. coli isolates, 16 (27.6%) were detected as STX1 carrying E. coli, four (6.9%) carrying STX2, eight (13.8%) carrying both STX1 and STX2, and 12 (20.7%) were Hly carrying E. coli, but none of the isolates contained EAE gene. None of the isolates were E. coli O157 or O157:H7 serotypes. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that verotoxigenic E. coli isolates other than O157 serotype were involved in causing diarrhoea in Shahrekord-Iran.
Effect of aluminum oxide coating on structural, barrier and electret properties of polyethylene terephthalate films

Polyethylene terephthalate film 12 μm thick with vacuum-deposited AlOx coating was studied. Optical and atomic force microscopy was used to investigate surface topology. Film haze, optical density, surface tension, oxygen and vapor transmission rates were measured to estimate barrier performances of the film. To study effect of the coating on electret properties of the film surface potential, electric field strength and efficient surface charge density and thermally stimulated surface potential relaxation were measured. Optimal charging conditions for coated and uncoated polyethylene terephthalate films were found. Interaction of the film with different model mediums simulating foodstuff was studied. Coated electret film can be used as active packaging material with high barrier properties.
bunji at SemEval-2017 Task 3: Combination of Neural Similarity Features and Comment Plausibility Features

This paper describes a text-ranking system developed by bunji team in SemEval-2017 Task 3: Community Question Answering, Subtask A and C. The goal of the task is to re-rank the comments in a question-and-answer forum such that useful comments for answering the question are ranked high. We proposed a method that combines neural similarity features and hand-crafted comment plausibility features, and we modeled inter-comments relationship using conditional random field. Our approach obtained the fifth place in the Subtask A and the second place in the Subtask C.
FPGA-based convolution neural network for traffic sign recognition

Due to the rise in the number of vehicles in the past few years, the frequency of traffic accident has increased as well, resulting in huge losses. As a means to improve traffic safety, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) has gradually gained more attention. However, it is difficult for traditional traffic sign recognition algorithms to achieve high accuracy in the ADAS whose scenarios are various in the practical application. And most current methods based on convolution neural network (CNN) for traffic sign recognition has large amount of parameters, making its implementation on resource-limited hardware platform challenging. In this work, we present a FPGA-based convolution neural network module for the recognition of traffic signs in ADAS. Experimental results shows that the accuracy rate of the model is 98.1%, the total number of parameters is 4.7M, only accounting for 12.5% of AlexNet, and the number of calculation in single forward transmission is 703.2M, which takes up 61.4% of AlexNet.
The role of muscle stiffness in meeting the changing postural and locomotor requirements for force development by the ankle extensors.

The relationship between the length and stiffness (force/length change) of active muscle and the rates at which motor units are activated by distributed stimulation of divided ventral rootlets supplying the muscle has been explored in cat soleus and lateral gastrocnemius. At stimulus rates equivalent to those used in locomotion (15—55 p/s) peak muscle stiffness is at muscle lengths also used in locomotion. At lower rates of stimulation equivalent to those developed in the tonic stretch reflex of the decerebrate cat, peak muscle stiffness occurs at larger muscle lengths but these lengths are within the range of those used for investigation of the reflex. These experimental results were then compared to the sets of theoretically derived results concerning: a) the amount of force needed from the ankle extensors to counteract a load applied to the hindlimb along a vertical axis when ankle and metatarsophalangeal angles are changed relative to the mechanical axis; and b) the amount of force developed by ankle extensors during slow walking. In all cases (theoretical and experimental) the results reveal a close correlation between required force, muscle length and muscle stiffness. The time lag between a change in motor unit discharge and tension development was also calculated to reveal that in many situations (notably gallop) only muscle stiffness can provide a load compensation, whereas the delays are too long to allow a reflexly induced load compensation.
Apriori Based : Mining Infrequent and Non-Present Item Sets from Transactional Data Bases

Item set mining has been an active area of research due to its successful application in various data mining scenarios including finding association rules. Though most of the past work has been on finding frequent item sets, infrequent item set mining has demonstrated its utility in web mining, bioinformatics and other fields. In this paper, we propose a new method based on Apriori algorithm to find infrequent item sets and non-present item sets. Finally, we analyze the behavior of our proposed method by considering a transactional data base. Index Term-Data mining, frequent item sets, infrequent item sets, non-present item sets, Apriori.
Changes in chondrocyte gene expression following in vitro impaction of porcine articular cartilage in an impact injury model

Our objective was to monitor chondrocyte gene expression at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days following in vitro impaction to the articular surface of porcine patellae. Patellar facets were either axially impacted with a cylindrical impactor (25 mm/s loading rate) to a load level of 2,000 N or not impacted to serve as controls. After being placed in organ culture for 0, 3, 7, or 14 days, total RNA was isolated from full thickness cartilage slices and gene expression measured for 17 genes by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Targeted genes included those encoding proteins involved with biological stress, inflammation, or anabolism and catabolism of cartilage extracellular matrix. Some gene expression changes were detected on the day of impaction, but most significant changes occurred at 14 days in culture. At 14 days in culture, 10 of the 17 genes were differentially expressed with col1a1 most significantly up‐regulated in the impacted samples, suggesting impacted chondrocytes may have reverted to a fibroblast‐like phenotype. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 385–391, 2013
In vivo glycation of aldehyde reductase, a major 3-deoxyglucosone reducing enzyme: identification of glycation sites.

We have reported that the enzyme which reduces 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a major intermediate and a potent cross-linker in the Maillard reaction, is identical with aldehyde reductase [Takahashi, M. , Fujii, J., Teshima, T. , Suzuki, K. , Shiba, T. , & Taniguchi, N. (1993) Gene 127, 249-253]. The enzyme purified from normal rat liver was found to be partially glycated as judged by binding to a boronate column and reactivity to anti-epsilon-hexitol lysine IgG. Sites of in vivo glycation of rat liver aldehyde reductase were identified by sequencing of digested peptides labeled with NaB[3H]4 and by mass spectrometry. The major glycated sites were lysines 67, 84, and 140. The glycated enzyme had low catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) as compared to the nonglycated form. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, the glycated form was significantly increased in kidneys. Because the enzyme plays a role in detoxifying 3-DG formed through the Maillard reaction in vivo, glycation of aldehyde reductase and reduction of its activity may result in the metabolic imbalance under diabetic conditions.
Implementation of a Multiregion Hybridization Assay to Characterize HIV-1 Strains Detected among Injecting Drug Users in Manipur, India

We have implemented the latest technology of a multiregion hybridization assay (MHAbce, version 2) for the molecular characterization of HIV-1 among injecting drug users (IDUs) of Manipur, India. This study provides a more detailed analysis on the basis of probes designed from eight different genomic regions of HIV-1, to achieve a clear picture of HIV-1 genomic diversity in Manipur. Out of 30 samples, 15 were found to be of subtype C, 1 of subtype B, 5 with dual-probe reactivity, 8 with multigenomic recombination pattern and 1 sample showed both dual-probe reactivity and multigenomic variations. In contrast, the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) with respect to gag and env genes revealed 21 samples to be of subtype C (gag C/env C), 3 samples of subtype B (gag B/env B) and 6 samples of B/C recombinants (gag C/env B). MHAbce illustrates the occurrence of inter- and intragenomic variants and dual infection in an IDU population from India. It also indicates the possibility of the presence of new circulating recombinant forms of HIV-1 strains, which might have been difficult to trace by HMA alone.
Computer modelling of the cochlea and the cochlear implant: A review

Abstract In the last few decades, cochlear implants have experienced major developments with intensive studies carried out through experimental and computational analysis. With the rapid increase in computational resources available and the development of efficient computational techniques, computer models of the cochlea and the cochlear implant have become more sophisticated. It is now possible to analyze the micromechanics of the cochlea and the transient response of tissue to external stimulation. This study reviews the major developments in cochlear models, summarizes, and categorizes features of models used in different studies and makes recommendations for future development. The paper is classified into four sections detailing features of the cochlear models, electrodes, electrical stimulation, and software used in different studies. The paper highlights unexplored areas in the model design and suggests additions to develop a better computer model.
S100B protein is increased in asphyxiated term infants developing intraventricular hemorrhage

ObjectiveTo establish whether S100B protein may be useful in the early detection of intraventricular hemorrhage in asphyxiated term infants. DesignCase-control study. PatientsTwenty full-term newborns with intraventricular hemorrhage, 20 asphyxiated infants without intraventricular hemorrhage, and 80 normal newborns. InterventionsRoutine laboratory variables and neurologic patterns were assessed at birth after 12 and 72 hrs. Ultrasound imaging and middle cerebral artery Doppler velocimetry pulsatility index were recorded at 12 and 72 hrs after birth. S100B protein blood concentrations were determined at 12 hrs. Measurements and Main ResultsS100B protein levels were significantly higher in samples collected from newborns who developed intraventricular hemorrhage (1.87 ± 0.60 &mgr;g/L) than from those who did not develop intraventricular hemorrhage (0.72 ± 0.39 &mgr;g/L) or from normal infants (0.66 ± 0.31 &mgr;g/L). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between circulating S100B protein concentrations and the occurrence of intraventricular hemorrhage. ConclusionsThis study suggests that elevated S100B protein represents a useful tool for the early detection of intraventricular hemorrhage in the postasphyxia period when clinical examination and cerebral ultrasound might still be silent.
Defective colony formation by B lymphocytes from CBA/N and C3H/HeJ mice

B cells from CBA/N mice did not form colonies in semisolid agar cultures under circumstances where normal B-cell clonal proliferation is linear with respect to the number of functional cells cultured. This was no due to the unresponsiveness of CBA/N cells to mitogens, and under appropriate liquid culture conditions many CBA/N lymphocytes differentiated to plasma cells containing large amounts of IgM in response to LPS. On the other hand, the same cells proliferated and matured poorly in liquid cultures prepared at low-cell density. The frequency of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors and multipotential hemopoietic stem cells in bone marrow, ability of peritoneal macrophages to elaborate soluble enhancing factors, and levels of serum inhibitors were normal in CBA/N mice. Together with the results of cell- mixing experiments, these findings confirm the selective and intrinsic nature of the CBA/N deficiency. It is suggested that the B-cell cloning technique may be of value in selectively enumerating and assessing functional capability of thymus-independent B cells. C3H/HeJ mice which have previously only been known to be hyporesponsive to certain forms of lipopolysaccharide had a subnormal incidence of colony-forming B cells.
On the study of the interleaving technique using an interphase transformer considering the use of SIC

This paper compares the classic bidirectional boost converter with the interleaved boost one using an interphase transformer. A loss analysis considering the use of silicon carbide switches is performed considering two different scenarios: same number of commutations for both converters and same volume of magnetic cores. In both cases, the total silicon area is considered to be equal. The study shows that the structure using the interleave technique presents smaller losses, even when the same magnetic volume is maintained.