Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Contagious Merger and Acquisition via Point Processes with a Profile Regression Prior

Merger and Acquisition (M&A) has been a critical practice about corporate restructuring. Previous studies are mostly devoted to evaluating the suitability of M&A between a pair of investor and target company, or a target company for its propensity of being acquired. This paper focuses on the dual problem of predicting an investor's prospective M&A based on its activities and firmographics. We propose to use a mutually-exciting point process with a regression prior to quantify the investor's M&A behavior. Our model is motivated by the so-called contagious 'wave-like' M&A phenomenon, which has been well-recognized by the economics and management communities. A tailored model learning algorithm is devised that incorporates both static profile covariates and past M&A activities. Results on CrunchBase suggest the superiority of our model. The collected dataset and code will be released together with the paper.
Modelling topical photodynamic therapy treatment including the continuous production of Protoporphyrin IX

Most existing theoretical models of photodynamic therapy (PDT) assume a uniform initial distribution of the photosensitive molecule, Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). This is an adequate assumption when the prodrug is systematically administered; however for topical PDT this is no longer a valid assumption. Topical application and subsequent diffusion of the prodrug results in an inhomogeneous distribution of PpIX, especially after short incubation times, prior to light illumination. In this work a theoretical simulation of PDT where the PpIX distribution depends on the incubation time and the treatment modality is described. Three steps of the PpIX production are considered. The first is the distribution of the topically applied prodrug, the second in the conversion from the prodrug to PpIX and the third is the light distribution which affects the PpIX distribution through photobleaching. The light distribution is modelled using a Monte Carlo radiation transfer model and indicates treatment depths of around 2 mm during daylight PDT and approximately 3 mm during conventional PDT. The results suggest that treatment depths are not only limited by the light penetration but also by the PpIX distribution.
ASSESSMENT OF MOTHER-INFANT INTERACTION: SCHIZOPHRENIC AND NON-SCHIZOPHRENIC MOTHERS

This work initially concerns itself with methodological issues in the study of interaction. A statistical approach to data analysis, which derives the amount of interaction empirically from separate and in dependent observations of simultaneously occurring behaviors of members of a dyad, is then described. Finally, there is a discussion of the application of this technique to the analysis of mother-infant interaction, observed from video tapes of one feeding episode in a laboratory situation, in nine dyads with schizophrenic mothers and nine dyads with matched non-schizophrenic mothers.
Public health research methods

1: Introduction to Public Health Research Methods - Greg Guest PART I: Planning and Preparing for Research 2: Designing Research - Heidi Reynolds, Greg Guest 3. Research Ethics and Working with Institutional Review Boards - Amy Corneli, David Borasky 4. Cultivating Stakeholder Involvement in Public Health Research - Dazon Dixon Diallo, Paula Frew In Focus: Community-Based Participatory Research - Karen Hacker and Greg Guest PART II. TRADITIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS & DESIGNS 5. Public Health Surveillance: From Data to Action - Donna Stroup, Steven Thacker 6. Outbreak Investigation - Douglas Hamilton 7. Cohort and Case Control Studies - Lee Warner, Deborah Dee 8. Designing Randomized Controlled Trials - Theresa Gamble, Danielle Haley, Niru Sista, Raymond Buck PART III. STRUCTURAL AND OPERATIONAL RESEARCH 9. Using Secondary Data - Sarah Boslaugh 10. Economics of Population Health - Emma McIntosh, Cam Donaldson, Lyndal Bond, Kenny Lawson In Focus: Cost Analysis for Interventions - Rick Homan 11. Health Services Research - Heidi Reynolds 12. Survey Design and Implementation - Jeanne Bertolli, Kathy Hageman, Travis Sanchez, Andrea Kim 13. Scale Development and Validation - Glenn Gamst, Lawrence S. Meyers, Holly McClain Burke, A. J. Guarino 14. Social Network Analysis. Methods and Applications in Public Health - Elizabeth Costenbader, Thomas Valente 15. Qualitative Research Methods - Emily Namey, Robert Trotter II 16. Randomized Controlled Trials for Psychosocial Interventions - Phyllis Solomon, Mary Cavanaugh PART IV. CROSS-CUTTING METHODS AND APPROACHES 17. Sampling: The Foundation of Good Research - Johnnie Daniel 18. Statistical Methods in Public Health Research - Mark Weaver 19. Mixed Methods Research - Greg Guest, Paul Fleming In Focus: Using Vignettes in Public Health Research - Paul Fleming, Michael Stalker 20. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Public Health - Candace Nykiforuk 21. Public Health 2.0. Fresh Approaches to Old Problems - Hans Ossebaard and Lisette van Gemert-Pijnen In Focus: Mobile and Digital Data Collection in the Field - Mitesh Thakkar, Nikhil Wilmink, Rachna Nag Chowdhuri, Sruthi Chandrasekaran PART V. APPLYING RESEARCH FINDINGS 22. Enhancing Research Utilization - Jeffery Peterson, Angie Funaiole 23. Implementation Science. Identifying the Path from Innovation to Impact - Temina Madon APPENDIX 1. Theories and Models in Public Health Research
Pattern of Relapse in Childhood ALL: Challenges and Lessons From a Uniform Treatment Protocol

This retrospective analysis of 254 children less than 15 years of age treated with MCP-841 protocol from June 1992 to June 2002 was undertaken to identify the pattern of relapse and determine management lacunae. Two hundred twenty-three (87.8%) children achieved a complete remission of whom 40 (17.9%) relapsed. The mean age of relapsed patients was 6.5 years. The male/female ratio was 9:1. There were 23 (57.5%) isolated bone marrow (BM), 7 (17.5%) isolated central nervous system (CNS), 2 (5%) isolated testicular, 5 (12.5%) BM+testes and 1 each of BM+CNS, CNS+testes, and isolated bone relapses. Twenty-seven children (67.5%) relapsed on-therapy whereas 13 (32.5%) relapsed posttherapy. All 9 CNS relapses occurred on-therapy whereas 5/8 (62.5%) of testicular relapses occurred posttherapy. Lymphadenopathy was the only significant predictor for relapse. High-risk features such as age less than 1 year and greater than 10 years (P=0.047) and white cell count greater than 50.0×109/L (P=0.044) were significantly more frequent in patients with early on-therapy relapse than in patients with off-therapy relapse. The overall survival in the entire study cohort was 67±3.5%. Modest survival outcome, relapse while on chemotherapy and the higher incidence of CNS and testicular relapse indicate the need for reappraisal of our treatment protocol. There is a need of identifying risk factors and high-risk groups in our set of patients and risk-stratified intensification of chemotherapy in them.
GENE EXPRESSION PROFILING IN SPLEENS OF DEOXYNIVALENOL-EXPOSED MICE: IMMEDIATE EARLY GENES AS PRIMARY TARGETS

Exposure to the trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) alters immune functions in vitro and in vivo. To gain further insight into DON's immunotoxic effects, microarrays were used to determine how acute exposure to this mycotoxin modulates gene expression profiles in murine spleen. B6C3F1 mice were treated orally with 25mg/kg body weight DON, and 2h later spleens were collected for macroarray analysis. Following normalization using a local linear regression model, expression of 116 out of 1176 genes was significantly altered compared to average expression levels in all treatment groups. When genes were arranged into an ontology tree to facilitate comparison of expression profiles between treatment groups, DON was found primarily to modulate genes associated with immunity, inflammation, and chemotaxis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm modulation for selected genes. DON was found to induce the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-11. In analogous fashion, DON upregulated expression of the chemokines macrophage inhibitory protein-2 (MIP-2), cytokine-induced chemoattractant protein-1 (CINC-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, MCP-3, and cytokine-responsive gene-2 (CRG-2). c-Fos, Fra-, c-Jun, and JunB, components of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex, were induced by DON as well as another transcription factor, NR4A1. Four hydrolases were found to be upregulated by DON, including mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1), catalytic subunit β isoform (CnAβ), protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type J (Ptprj), and protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 8 (Ptpn8), whereas three other hydrolases, microsomal epoxide hydrolase (Eph) 1, histidine triad nucleotide binding protein (Hint), and proteosome subunit β type 8 (Psmb8) were significantly decreased by the toxin. Finally, cysteine-rich protein 61 (CRP61) and heat-shock protein 40 (Hsp40), genes associated with signaling, were increased, while Jun kinase 2 (JNK2) was decreased. Taken together, data suggest that DON upregulated the expression of multiple immediate early genes, many of which are likely to contribute to the complex immunological effects reported for this and other trichothecenes.
Effect of the inhibitory phenomenon following magnetic stimulation of cortex on brainstem motor neuron excitability and on the cortical control of brainstem reflexes

We studied the effect of the inhibitory phenomenon following transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on brainstem motor neuron excitability and on the cortical control of brainstem reflexes in 5 normal subjects. The R1 component of the blink reflex assessed excitability of the facial nucleus during the period of post‐TMS inhibition (experiment 1). TMS effect on the cortical control of brainstem reflexes was assessed by delivery of a stimulus that was less than or equal to the threshold for the R1 with the subject relaxed, yet elicited a potentiated reflex during maneuvers requiring cortical input (i.e., voluntary eye‐closure and anticipation, experiment 2). In experiment 1, a suprathreshold electric stimulus applied during post‐TMS inhibition elicited an R1 response that was preserved in amplitude (mean 476 ± 44 μV; 123%) compared to control responses not preceded by TMS (mean 386 ± 31 μV). Conversely, in experiment 2, when the R1 was dependent on cortical drive, the mean R1 amplitude during post‐TMS inhibition was only 15% (P < 0.01) and 8% (P < 0.01) of control values obtained during eye‐closure and anticipation, respectively. These findings imply that the inhibition following TMS originates rostral to the facial nucleus, at a cortical level. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cue switching in the perception of approximants: Evidence from two English dialects

A surprising dissimilarity is attested in the perception of approximants by speakers of American and Standard Southern British English. Eighteen subjects (6 AE and 12 SSBE) performed an identification task in which they judged whether stimuli were more like /r/ or /w/. The stimuli comprised five sounds, copy‐synthesised from a source /r/, where the values of F2 and F3 we adjusted to fall between the frequencies typical for ["turned r"] and [w]. The only significant difference between the two dialect groups' performance occurred with a token in which F3 was at a frequency typical for /r/ and F2 was lowered to that of /w/. AE and SSBE speakers identified this token as /r/ 90% and 59% of the time, respectively. This is unexpected as /r/ in both dialects is characterised by a low F3. However, the difference may be due to the existence of the 'labiodental' variant of /r/ in SSBE. As this variant does not have a low F3, SSBE speakers must tolerate a wider diversity of /r/‐types than AE speakers. Therefore, the /r/ category in SSBE may be becoming increasingly defined by F2, rather than F3, which also has implications for the future production of /r/ in this accent
In-Game: From Immersion to Incorporation

Digital games offer a vast range of engaging experiences, from the serene exploration of beautifully rendered landscapes to the deeply cognitive challenges presented by strategic simulations to the adrenaline rush of competitive team-based shoot-outs. Digital games enable experiences that are considerably different from a reader's engagement with literature or a moviegoer's experience of a movie. In In-Game, Gordon Calleja examines what exactly it is that makes digital games so uniquely involving and offers a new, more precise, and game-specific formulation of this involvement. One of the most commonly yet vaguely deployed concepts in the industry and academia alike is immersion--a player's sensation of inhabiting the space represented onscreen. Overuse of this term has diminished its analytical value and confused its meaning, both in analysis and design. Rather than conceiving of immersion as a single experience, Calleja views it as blending different experiential phenomena afforded by involving gameplay. He proposes a framework (based on qualitative research) to describe these phenomena: the player involvement model. This model encompasses two constituent temporal phases--the macro, representing offline involvement, and the micro, representing moment-to-moment involvement during gameplay--as well as six dimensions of player involvement: kinesthetic, spatial, shared, narrative, affective, and ludic. The intensified and internalized experiential blend can culminate in incorporation--a concept that Calleja proposes as an alternative to the problematic immersion. Incorporation, he argues, is a more accurate metaphor, providing a robust foundation for future research and design.
Simultaneous His Bundle and Left Ventricular Pacing for Optimal Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Delivery: Acute Hemodynamic Assessment by Pressure–Volume Loops

Background—Previous studies have investigated the role of intrinsic conduction in optimizing cardiac resynchronization therapy. We investigated the role of fusing pacing-induced activation and intrinsic conduction in cardiac resynchronization therapy by evaluating the acute hemodynamic effects of simultaneous His-bundle (HIS) and left ventricular (LV) pacing. Methods and Results—We studied 11 patients with systolic heart failure and left bundle-branch block scheduled for cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation. On implantation, LV pressure–volume data were determined via conductance catheter. Standard leads were placed in the right atrium, at the right ventricular apex, and in a coronary vein. An additional electrode was temporarily positioned in the HIS. The following pacing configurations were systematically assessed: standard biventricular (right ventricular apex+LV), LV-only, HIS, simultaneous HIS and LV (HIS+LV). Each configuration was compared with the AAI mode at multiple atrioventricular delays (AVD). In comparison with the AAI, right ventricular apex+LV and LV-only pacing resulted in improved stroke volume (85±32 mL and 86±33 mL versus 58±23 mL; P<0.001), stroke work, maximum pressure derivative, and systolic dyssynchrony at individually optimized AVD. The optimal AVD was close to the P-H interval in the majority of patients. By contrast, HIS-LV pacing improved hemodynamic indexes at all AVD (stroke volume >76 mL at all fixed intervals and 88±31 mL at optimal interval; all P<0.001). Conclusions—Standard right ventricular apex+LV and LV-only pacing enhanced systolic function and LV synchrony at individually optimized AVD close to the measured intrinsic P-H interval. By contrast, HIS+LV pacing yielded improvements, regardless of AVD setting. These findings support the hypothesis of the crucial role of intrinsic right ventricular conduction in optimal cardiac resynchronization therapy delivery.
Physiological Characterization of a Heme-Deficient Mutant of Staphylococcus aureus by a Proteomic Approach

ABSTRACT The high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) protein gel electrophoresis technique combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry was used for identification of proteins whose levels were changed by a mutation in hemB. Cytoplasmic protein extracts obtained from the mutant and the wild type (strain COL) at different stages of growth in tryptone soya broth (exponential, transitional, and stationary growth phases) were separated on 2D protein gels. Comparison of the 2D patterns of the protein extracts of the two strains revealed major differences. Because the electron transport chain of the mutant is interrupted due to the deficiency of heme, this organism should be unable to use oxygen or nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor. Consistent with this hypothesis, proteins involved in the glycolytic pathway and related pathways (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase, and phosphoglycerate kinase) and in fermentation pathways (lactate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and pyruvate formate lyase) were induced in exponentially growing cells of the mutant. These results strongly indicate that the hemB mutant generates ATP from glucose or fructose only by substrate phosphorylation. Analyses of the fermentation reactions showed that the main product was lactate. Although pyruvate formate lyase (Pfl) and pyruvate dehydrogenase were present, neither ethanol nor acetate was detected in significant amounts. Presumably, Pfl was not activated in the presence of oxygen, and pyruvate dehydrogenase might have very low activity. Transcriptional analysis of citB, encoding the aconitase, revealed that the activity of the citrate cycle enzymes was down-regulated in the hemB mutant. The arginine deiminase pathway was also induced, and it could provide ATP as well. Furthermore, the amounts of most of the extracellular virulence factors were significantly reduced by a mutation in hemB, which is consistent with previous reports.
Mutations in the rpoB Gene of Rifampin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Isolated Mostly in Asian Countries and Their Rapid Detection by Line Probe Assay

ABSTRACT Mutations in the rpoB gene of 90 rifampin-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis isolates mostly from Asian countries were analyzed. Ten distinct single-nucleotide substitutions were found among the isolates by automated sequencing. A 3-nucleotide insertion was found in two isolates, and no mutation was found in five isolates (5.6%). A reverse hybridization-based line probe assay (INNO-LiPA Rif TB) for rapid detection of the mutations was evaluated with these isolates. Concordance rates with sequencing results for five wild-type probes (S probes) and four probes for specific mutations (R probes) were 96.7 and 100%, respectively. The overall concordance rate with the in vitro susceptibility testing results was 92.2% (83 of 90 isolates). These results indicate that a commercial line probe assay kit may be useful for rapid diagnosis of rifampin-resistant tuberculosis.
Preterm Birth Reduces Nutrient Absorption With Limited Effect on Immune Gene Expression and Gut Colonization in Pigs

Objectives: The primary risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are preterm birth, enteral feeding, and gut colonization. It is unclear whether feeding and colonization induce excessive expression of immune genes that lead to NEC. Using a pig model, we hypothesized that reduced gestational age would upregulate immune-related genes and cause bacterial imbalance after birth. Methods: Preterm (85%–92% gestation, n = 53) and near-term (95%–99% gestation, n = 69) pigs were delivered by cesarean section and euthanized at birth or after 2 days of infant formula or bovine colostrum feeding. Results: At birth, preterm delivery reduced 5 of 30 intestinal genes related to nutrient absorption and innate immunity, relative to near-term pigs, whereas 2 genes were upregulated. Preterm birth also reduced ex vivo intestinal glucose and leucine uptake (40%–50%), but failed to increase cytokine secretions from intestinal explants relative to near-term birth. After 2 days of formula feeding, NEC incidence was increased in preterm versus near-term pigs (47% vs 0%–13%). A total of 6 of the 30 genes related to immunity (TLR2, IL1B, and IL8), permeability (CLDN3, and OCLN), and absorption (SGLT) decreased in preterm pigs without affecting Gram-negative bacteria–related responses (TLR4, IKBA, NFkB1, TNFAIP3, and PAFA). Bacterial abundance tended to be higher in preterm versus near-term pigs (P = 0.09), whereas the composition was unaffected. Conclusions: Preterm birth predisposes to NEC and reduces nutrient absorption but does not induce upregulation of immune-related genes or cause bacterial dyscolonization in the neonatal period. Excessive inflammation and bacterial overgrowth may occur relatively late in NEC progression in preterm neonates.
The Control Of Bearing Stiffness Using Shape Memory

The problem addressed in this paper is the control of the effective stiffness of a bearing pedestal by means of a series of shape memory alloy wires. The bearing is mounted on elastomer O-rings whose preload (and hence stiffness) is controlled by a set of shape memory allow wires. In the first part of the paper a discussion of the rig design is given together with the predictive calculations of performance. These predictions are then compared with measurement taken from the rig. Steady state and transient solutions are examined in order to ascertain the likely requirements in terms of heating and cooling rates. Having established the viability of this technology, options for extending the design to control stiffness in both orthogonal directions are discussed together with an assessment of the future problems and potential benefits of extending this study. Introduction The idea of controlling the response at critical speed by using memory materials was proposed by Nagaya et al [1], and by Viderman and Porat [2]. By changing the bearing stiffness during run up and run down, critical speeds can be avoided. Nagaya et al.[1], proposed using SMA wires to change the stiffness of a rotor support and performed both an analytical study and experiments. Positive results are reported by these authors, but the experimental details are missing. Later Segalman et al [3] also proposed using SMA as a means of stiffness scheduling to allow rotor systems to pass through critical speeds but did not perform any experiments. Since then a great deal of progress has been made in both modeling and manufacturing of SMA materials, motivating additional investigation into the concept of using SMA to control a rotor system through a critical speed. Zak et al [4], again looked at adjusting bearing stiffness by using SMA. Their work focused on using strips of SMA directly onto the bearing housing and included experimental results. Initial Studies The analysis presented here is based on a conceptual model that will be built and tested as a proof of concept experiment. The calculations are thus centred around an existing rotor system at Swansea University. The Swansea rig is shown in Figure 1 along with the proposed stiffness adjusting, bearing arrangement.
The Second Twentieth Century: How the Information Revolution Shapes Business, States, and Nations

Jean-Jacques Rosa offers an analysis of the "grand cycle" in social organization of the twentieth century, showing how the transformation in communication and information technology has led to the downfall of the old political and corporate hierarchies. He explains how today's explosion of freely available information is fueling the democratic free-market revolution and reveals its universal contemporary consequences.