Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
cis-Acting Sequences Required for Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Defective-RNA Replication and Packaging

ABSTRACT The parts of the RNA genome of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) required for replication and packaging of the RNA were investigated using deletion mutagenesis of a defective RNA (D-RNA) CD-61 (6.1 kb) containing a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. A D-RNA with the first 544, but not as few as 338, nucleotides (nt) of the 5′ terminus was replicated; the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) comprises 528 nt. Region I of the 3′ UTR, adjacent to the nucleocapsid protein gene, comprised 212 nt and could be removed without impairment of replication or packaging of D-RNAs. A D-RNA with the final 338 nt, including the 293 nt in the highly conserved region II of the 3′ UTR, was replicated. Thus, the 5′-terminal 544 nt and 3′-terminal 338 nt contained the necessary signals for RNA replication. Phylogenetic analysis of 19 strains of IBV and 3 strains of turkey coronavirus predicted a conserved stem-loop structure at the 5′ end of region II of the 3′ UTR. Removal of the predicted stem-loop structure abolished replication of the D-RNAs. D-RNAs in which replicase gene 1b-derived sequences had been removed or replaced with all the downstream genes were replicated well but were rescued poorly, suggesting inefficient packaging. However, no specific part of the 1b gene was required for efficient packaging.
Characterization of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles by photon correlation spectroscopy

We follow template‐binding induced aggregation of nanoparticles enantioselectively imprinted against (S)‐propranolol, and the non‐imprinted ones, using photon correlation spectroscopy (dynamic light scattering). The method requires no separation steps. We have characterized binding of (R,S)‐propranolol to the imprinted polymers and determined the degree of non‐specificity by comparing the specific binding with the results obtained using non‐imprinted nanoparticles. Using (S)‐propranolol as a template for binding to (S)‐imprinted nanoparticle, and (R)‐propranolol as a non‐specific control, we have determined range of concentrations where chiral recognition can be observed. By studying aggregation induced by three analytes related to propranolol, atenolol, betaxolol, and 1‐amino‐3‐(naphthalen‐1‐yloxy)propan‐2‐ol, we were able to determine which parts of the template are involved in the specific binding, discuss several details of specific adsorption, and the structure of the imprinted site. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
...Who is without sin cast the first stone: the EU's democratic deficit in comparison

The renaissance of the EU and the introduction of the Euro have renewed concerns whether EU institutions are sufficiently accountable to the European electorate. Critics assert that the EU suffers from a 'democratic deficit. ' But many democratic deficit arguments have a shortcoming: seeing the EU as sui generis , they treat it in a vacuum and fail to compare it to other polities. This study aims to systematically compare the European regulatory state with two federal democracies, Switzerland and the US, along seven established scales of democracy. The finding might surprise EU critics: On the whole, EU institutions compare favorably with those of the 'model democracies' the US and Switzerland. While there is much room for improvement, the EU does not suffer from a democratic deficit greater than that of the world's most liberal democracies.
A population based investigation of head injuries and symptoms of concussion of children and adolescents in schools

Objective: To examine the incidence of head injury and symptoms of concussion among children at school and to determine the relationship of age, gender, and cause to incidence rates. Design: Incident reports involving head injury for schools in the Province of Ontario, Canada during the year 2000 were evaluated. Participants: The population base for the schools represented was 1 372 979 children aged 6 to 16. Setting: 95% of schools in the province of Ontario, Canada participated in the injury reporting system. Main outcome measures: A head injury was defined as any injury to the head that came to the attention of a school official. Head injuries accompanied by symptoms of concussion became a secondary outcome measure. Results: There were 11 068 unduplicated head injury reports for the year 2000 of which 1861 qualified as producing signs or symptoms of concussion. Young children were more likely to have a head injury than older children, but slightly less likely to experience concussive symptoms. The primary cause of injury to young children was falls. Older children were more likely to receive head injuries and symptoms of concussion from sports activities. Conclusions: Overall rate of injury (3.98 per 100 children) was consistent with previous studies using prospective injury reporting systems. Probability of a head injury with symptoms of concussion among schoolchildren was only 1.9% for boys and <1% for girls during the course of their school years. There is ample justification for prevention efforts in schools.
The Equity and Effectiveness of a Market-based Intervention for Increasing Student Achievement under No Child Left Behind

We would like to thank the funder of this research, the Institute of Education Sciences, PR/Award number: R305A090301, Education Policy, Finance and Systems Research Program, Goal 3. In addition, we express our most sincere thanks to the staff in the study school districts for their time and support for this project. We would also like to thank the staff at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, UW-Madison, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Southern California for their help and support of this work, especially Esmeralda Garcia Galvan, Brie Chapa and Emily Kao Kopfensteiner.
Option Valuation and Hedging Strategies with Jumps in the Volatility of Asset Returns

The author develops a model in which the volatility of risky assets is subject to random and discontinuous shifts over time. The author derives prices of claims contingent on such assets and analyzes options-based trading strategies to hedge against the risk of jumps in the return volatility. Unsystematic and systematic events, such as takeovers, major changes in business plans, or shifts in economic policy regimes, may drastically alter firms' risk portfolios. The author's model captures the effect of such events on options markets. Copyright 1993 by American Finance Association.
Superstition and decision-making: Contradiction or complement?

Executive Overview This article discusses the relationship between superstition and business decision-making in Chinese business communities. Although superstition constitutes a crucial part of business life in Chinese societies, the management literature has been virtually silent with respect to the phenomenon of superstitious business decision-making. Through discussing the pros and cons of integrating superstition into a decision-making process, this article helps managers, whether superstitious or not, understand the phenomenon. There are two key linkages between superstition and decision-making. On the one hand, the irrationality normally associated with superstition and the supposed rationality of decision-making suggest an apparent contradiction between the two. On the other hand, superstition and decision-making may be complementary in the sense that the former can be used as a means to cope with the uncertainty associated with the latter. The complementary aspect suggests that superstition fulfil.
‘The Chinese just come and do it’: China in Africa and the prospects for development planning

China is the major ‘new’ player in Africa and impacts on development and planning in numerous ways. This Viewpoint assesses whether, and how, China alters the way in which African states plan, both now and in the future. It argues for disaggregating ‘China’ and ‘Africa’ and the actors which drive and mediate these relationships. While the Chinese have refocused attention on economic growth for development and provide much-needed infrastructure, the case is made that they do not greatly alter the way in which African states plan. The Chinese projects tend to be elitist and enclaved, with limited local consultation, thus remaining relatively non-transparent. Compounding this is the weak local regulation, which has the potential to release a spiral of undercutting standards.
Strategic investment with debt financing

Abstract This paper investigates firm values and investment strategies (investment, coupon, and default timing) when several firms make strategic real investments with debt financing. We derive and compare the equilibrium investment strategies in three types of duopoly: (i) two symmetric firms, both of which can issue debt, (ii) two symmetric firms, only one of which (the leader) can issue debt, and (iii) a levered firm versus an unlevered firm. We show that in (iii) and in equilibrium, the levered firm always invests prior to the unlevered firm. Further, we derive the equilibrium in the competitive situation of n levered firms, and show that social loss increases as the number of the firms, n, becomes larger.
A Descriptive analysis of the incidence and nature of repeat migration within Canada, 1968-71

The purpose of this paper is to quantify and describe the probability and nature of repeat migration (onward and return) within Canada in the period 1968-71; as such it represents the preliminary state of a more extensive econometric analysis. The study is based on a sample of "14000 weighted observations of cases with continuous information concerning location for the complete period 1968-71. " (EXCERPT)
Theory of quantum pulse position modulation and related numerical problems

The paper deals with quantum pulse position modulation (PPM), both in the absence (pure states) and in the presence (mixed states) of thermal noise, using the Glauber representation of coherent laser radiation. The objective is to find optimal (or suboptimal) measurement operators and to evaluate the corresponding error probability. For PPM, the correct formulation of quantum states is given by the tensorial product of m identical Hilbert spaces, where m is the PPM order. The presence of mixed states, due to thermal noise, generates an optimization problem involving matrices of huge dimensions, which already for 4-PPM, are of the order of ten thousand. To overcome this computational complexity, the currently available methods of quantum detection, which are based on explicit results, convex linear programming and square root measurement, are compared to find the computationally less expensive one. In this paper a fundamental role is played by the geometrically uniform symmetry of the quantum PPM format. The evaluation of error probability confirms the vast superiority of the quantum detection over its classical counterpart.
Identification of Novel Subgenomic RNAs and Noncanonical Transcription Initiation Signals of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

ABSTRACT The expression of the genomic information of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV) involves synthesis of a nested set of subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) by discontinuous transcription. In SARS CoV-infected cells, 10 sgRNAs, including 2 novel ones, were identified, which were predicted to be functional in the expression of 12 open reading frames located in the 3′ one-third of the genome. Surprisingly, one new sgRNA could lead to production of a truncated spike protein. Sequence analysis of the leader-body fusion sites of each sgRNA showed that the junction sequences and the corresponding transcription-regulatory sequence (TRS) are unique for each species of sgRNA and are consistent after virus passages. For the two novel sgRNAs, each used a variant of the TRS that has one nucleotide mismatch in the conserved hexanucleotide core (ACGAAC) in the TRS. Coexistence of both plus and minus strands of SARS CoV sgRNAs and evidence for derivation of the sgRNA core sequence from the body core sequence favor the model of discontinuous transcription during minus-strand synthesis. Moreover, one rare species of sgRNA has the junction sequence AAA, indicating that its transcription could result from a noncanonical transcription signal. Taken together, these results provide more insight into the molecular mechanisms of genome expression and subgenomic transcription of SARS CoV.
Dividend policy in Indonesia: survey evidence from executives

Purpose – This study aims to survey managers of dividend‐paying firms listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) to learn their views about the factors influencing dividend policy, dividend issues, and explanations for paying dividends. The study also aims to focus on Indonesia, the largest national economy in Southeast Asia, because relatively few studies examine why Indonesian firms pay dividends.Design/methodology/approach – The primary means of gathering data is a mail survey. The two‐page survey instrument consists of three main sections: 22 factors for determining a firm's dividend policy; six questions that provide background information about the respondents and their firms; and 27 statements about dividend policy in general. Of the 163 firms surveyed, 52 firms responded, resulting in a response rate of 31.9 per cent.Findings – The evidence shows that managers view the most important determinants of dividends as the stability of earnings and the level of current and expected future earnings. Th.
The Long Cycle in Real Estate

The experience of the 1985-93 boom/bust in real estate has left industry players nervous about when it might happen again. This paper examines the possible causes and the periodicity of such major real estate cycles. A search of the literature for return evidence from this century suggests that there was only one other period of negative total returns for national real estate - the late 1920s and early 1930s. The evidence suggests that both periods of negative returns were caused by excessive levels of new construction, induced by an unusual rise in NOI, which in turn was the result of an inflation spike in the general level of prices. Evidence from even earlier periods suggests a periodicity for such real estate boom/busts of some 50 to 60 years. Perhaps the caution of today's Federal Reserve Board about containing inflation means that we will not likely see another boom/bust period for real estate during the remainder of our careers.
Hybrid Frequencies Confirm Limit to Coinfection in the RNA Bacteriophage φ6

ABSTRACT Coinfection of the same host cell by multiple viruses may lead to increased competition for limited cellular resources, thus reducing the fitness of an individual virus. Selection should favor viruses that can limit or prevent coinfection, and it is not surprising that many viruses have evolved mechanisms to do so. Here we explore whether coinfection is limited in the RNA bacteriophage φ6 that infectsPseudomonas phaseolicola. We estimated the limit to coinfection in φ6 by comparing the frequency of hybrids produced by two marked phage strains to that predicted by a mathematical model based on differing limits to coinfection. Our results provide an alternative method for estimating the limit to coinfection and confirm a previous estimate between two to three phages per host cell. In addition, our data reveal that the rate of coinfection at low phage densities may exceed that expected through random Poisson sampling. We discuss whether phage φ6 has evolved an optimal limit that balances the costly and beneficial fitness effects associated with multiple infections.
FIRST DETECTION OF SHV-TYPE EXTENDED SPECTRUM Β-LACTAMASES IN THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL COMPLEX PAEDIATRIC CHARLES DE GAULLE (CHUP-CDG) OF OUAGADOUGOU IN BURKINA FASO

Strains were isolated from urines clinical samples from patients from various service units of University Hospital complex Paediatric Charles De Gaulle (CHUP-CDG) in Burkina Faso. These strains were resistant to at least one oxyimino-cephalosporin. They were identified as producer of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) by double-disk synergy test between amoxicillin? clavulanate and cefotaxime, ceftriaxone or ceftazidime and by kinetic methods. Crude extract from these isolates showed a broad-substrate profile by hydrolyzing cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and with a lower degree to cetazidime and cefepime but not imipinem. Sequencing of PCR products amplified with primers designed for blaSHV genes showed that these genes coded for SHV-11, SHV-12, SHV-28, SHV-32, SHV-38, SHV-76 and SHV-99. This is the first description of these enzymes in Burkina Faso.
Defense spending, technological change, and economic growth in the United States

A two sector neo‐classical growth model of the economy composed of a civilian and a defense sector with technological change in both sectors and with defense acting as an externality in the civilian sector is presented. The inclusion of technological change separates the effect of defense spending into two components, the change in the rate of defense spending and the relative size of the defense sector. Estimation shows that a change in defense spending has a positive and significant effect on the growth rate of the economy and that both defense effects are individually significant.
Stigma, Mental Health, and Counseling Service Use: A Person-Centered Approach to Mental Health Stigma Profiles

The current study examined reports of stigma toward mental health services, depressive symptoms, flourishing, and mental health service use among a sample of 8,285 college students across the United States who completed the Healthy Minds Study. The study aimed to: (a) identify profiles of public and personal stigma against mental health service utilization, and (b) examine the demographic predictors of stigma group membership and mental health service utilization. Latent profile analyses revealed 3 distinct groups based on public and self-stigma (i.e., “High Self, High Public Stigma,” “Average Self, High Public Stigma,” and “Low Self, Low Public Stigma”). Subsequent analyses examined demographic characteristics and mental health across the 3 groups. Results indicated significant differences in age, gender, race/ethnicity, mental health, and mental health service use across the 3 groups. Results further showed that students with high perceived need for mental health services, identifying as male or Asian, and belonging to the “High Self, High Public Stigma” group had lower likelihood of seeking mental health services in the past year. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Convergence and divergence in regional household incomes per head in the United Kingdom, 1984-93

This paper examines the σ-convergence of regional household incomes in the UK and finds support for the idea that regions in the UK have, in the recent past, tended to diverge during booms and converge during slumps. A new way of presenting the change in the distribution of regional incomes is offered. The results are extended to the consideration of movements in the higher moments of the underlying distributions.
A Pen-Pressure-Sensitive Capacitive Touch System Using Electrically Coupled Resonance Pen

A touch system sensing pen-pressure of the proposed electrically coupled resonance (ECR) pen is implemented, which can replace costly digitizer system containing electro magnetic resonance (EMR) and capacitive touch system. The proposed system detects the location of the ECR pen and finger using proposed position sensor, and senses pen-pressure of ECR pen using proposed pen-pressure sensor. For the position sensor, to detect even small variation of the mutual capacitance on touch screen panel (TSP) of the pen, a simultaneous driving scheme is proposed with modified Hadamard matrix, resulting in highly increased dynamic range and SNR. In the proposed pen-pressure sensor, the resonant frequency of the ECR pen is measured by a frequency to voltage converter based sensor. The measured SNR for the pen position is 49 dB with 1 mm φ metal pillar, and 6.5-bit resolution is achieved for pen-pressure sensor in 6σ criteria.
Near-Integrated Data and the Analysis of Political Relationships

Theory: In finite samples, near-integrated data, widely thought to be stationary, mimic the same nonstationary data properties as integrated data. Hypothesis: Regressing two independent and near-integrated series results in high false rejection rates of the null hypothesis (spurious regressions). Method: Analytical derivations and numerical (Monte Carlo) analysis. We also extend the spurious regression test to actual data used in political science-macropartisanship-and a simulated near-integrated series. Results: False rejection of the null hypothesis is comparable to the integrated case (Granger and Newbold 1974). In addition, solutions to the spurious regression problem apply with equal force to the near-integrated situation.
How Did We Get to Where We are Now? Reflections on 50 Years of Macroeconomic and Financial Econometrics

This lecture is about how best to evaluate economic theories in macroeconomics and finance, and the lessons that can be learned from the past use and misuse of evidence. It is argued that all macro/finance models are `false' so should not be judged solely on the realism of their assumptions. The role of theory is to explain the data, They should therefore be judged by their ability to do this. Data mining will often improve the statistical properties of a model but it does not improve economic understanding. These propositions are illustrated with examples from the last fifty years of macro and financial econometrics
Large-N expansion for frustrated quantum antiferromagnets.

A large-{ital N} expansion technique based on symplectic (Sp({ital N})) symmetry for frustrated magnetic systems is proposed and applied to the square-lattice quantum antiferromagnet with first-, second-, and third-neighbor antiferromangetic coupling. In addition to disordered states similar to those in unfrustrated systems, phases with incommensurate coplanar spin correlations and unconfined bosonic spinons are found. The occurrence of order from disorder'' is discussed. Neither chirally ordered nor spin-nematic states are found.
MAD-CT-2 Identified as a Novel Melanoma Cancer-testis Antigen Using Phage Immunoblot Analysis

One focus in the field of tumor immunology is the identification of cancer-specific antigens that might be exploited as therapeutic targets or as immunologic diagnostic markers. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are of particular interest as potential target antigens given that their expression is typically restricted to germ cells among normal tissues, but aberrantly expressed in multiple tumor types. In the current report, we sought to evaluate serum antibody immune responses to a defined panel of CTA from multiple antigen families to identify potential tumor-specific antigens that could potentially serve as candidate target antigens for immunotherapy or diagnostic purposes. This was conducted by screening sera from male patients with metastatic melanoma (n=44) and volunteer blood donors (n=50) against a panel of λ phage-encoded CTA. We found that IgG antibody responses occurred in 39% of patients with melanoma to at least one of these antigens compared with 4% of controls (P<0.001). We found antibody responses to one antigen, MAD-CT-2, occurred in 27% of patients compared with 0/50 controls (P<0.0001). These findings, along with the demonstration that MAD-CT-2 is expressed in melanoma cell lines, identified MAD-CT-2 as a novel melanoma CTA.