Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Do Consumer Buzz and Traffic in Social Media Marketing Predict the Value of the Firm?

Consumer buzz in the form of user-generated reviews, recommendations, and blogs signals that consumer attitude and advocacy can influence firm value. Web traffic also affects brand awareness and customer acquisition, and is a predictor of the performance of a firm's stock in the market. The information systems and accounting literature have treated buzz and traffic separately in studying their relationships with firm performance. We consider the interactions between buzz and traffic as well as competitive effects that have been overlooked heretofore. To study the relationship between user-initiated Web activities and firm performance, we collected a unique data set with metrics for consumer buzz, Web traffic, and firm value. We employed a vector autoregression with exogenous variables model that captures the evolution and interdependence between the time series of dependent variables. This model enables us to examine a series of questions that have been raised but not fully explored to date, such as dynamic effects, interaction effects, and market competition effects. Our results support the dynamic relationships of buzz and traffic with firm value as well as the related mediation effects of buzz and traffic. They also reveal significant market competition effects, including effects of both a firm's own and its rivals' buzz and traffic. The findings also provide insights for e-commerce managers regarding Web site design, customer relation management, and how to best respond to competitors' strategic moves.
Taxonomy of PMU Placement Methodologies

Utilization of phasor measurement units (PMUs) in the monitoring, protection and control of power systems has become increasingly important in recent years. The aim of the optimal PMU placement (OPP) problem is to provide the minimal PMU installations to ensure full observability of the power system. Several methods, based on mathematical and heuristic algorithms, have been suggested for the OPP problem. This paper presents a thorough description of the state of the art of the optimization methods applied to the OPP problem, analyzing and classifying current and future research trends in this field.
Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 promotes autophagy during cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

AIMS Stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) increases cAMP production and contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and failure through poorly understood mechanisms. We previously demonstrated that Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1)-induced hypertrophy in primary cardiomyocytes. Among the mechanisms triggered by cardiac stress, autophagy has been highlighted as a protective or harmful response. Here, we investigate whether Epac1 promotes cardiac autophagy and how altered autophagy has an impact on Epac1-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. METHODS AND RESULTS We reported that direct stimulation of Epac1 with the agonist, Sp-8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2'-O-methyl-cAMP (Sp-8-pCPT) promoted autophagy activation in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Stimulation of β-AR with isoprenaline (ISO) mimicked the effect of Epac1 on autophagy markers. Conversely, the induction of autophagy flux following ISO treatment was prevented in cardiomyocytes pre-treated with a selective inhibitor of Epac1, CE3F4. Importantly, we found that Epac1 deletion in mice protected against β-AR-induced cardiac remodelling and prevented the induction of autophagy. The signalling mechanisms underlying Epac1-induced autophagy involved a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)/AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Finally, we provided evidence that pharmacological inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or down-regulation of autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5) significantly potentiated Epac1-promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. CONCLUSION Altogether, these findings demonstrate that autophagy is an adaptive response to antagonize Epac1-promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Meningococcal disease.

Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is more common in infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Other persons at increased risk include household contacts of a person known to have had this disease, people with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with HIV or those without a spleen), people in community settings (e.g., college campuses), and people traveling to certain parts of the world where meningococcal meningitis is more common.
Subcellular Localization and Tumor-suppressive Functions of 15-Lipoxygenase 2 (15-LOX2) and Its Splice Variants*

15-Lipoxygenase 2 (15-LOX2), the most abundant arachidonate (AA)-metabolizing enzyme expressed in adult human prostate, is a negative cell-cycle regulator in normal human prostate epithelial cells. Here we study the subcellular distribution of 15-LOX2 and report its tumor-suppressive functions. Immunocytochemistry and biochemical fractionation reveal that 15-LOX2 is expressed at multiple subcellular locations, including cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, cell-cell border, and nucleus. Surprisingly, the three splice variants of 15-LOX2 we previously cloned, i.e. 15-LOX2sv-a/b/c, are mostly excluded from the nucleus. A potential bi-partite nuclear localization signal (NLS),203RKGLWRSLNEMKRIFNFRR221, is identified in the N terminus of 15-LOX2, which is retained in all splice variants. Site-directed mutagenesis reveals that this putative NLS is only partially involved in the nuclear import of 15-LOX2. To elucidate the relationship between nuclear localization, enzymatic activity, and tumor suppressive functions, we established PCa cell clones stably expressing 15-LOX2 or 15-LOX2sv-b. The 15-LOX2 clones express 15-LOX2 in the nuclei and possess robust enzymatic activity, whereas 15-LOX2sv-b clones show neither nuclear protein localization nor AA-metabolizing activity. To our surprise, both 15-LOX2- and 15-LOX2sv-b-stable clones proliferate much slower in vitro when compared with control clones. More importantly, when orthotopically implanted in nude mouse prostate, both 15-LOX2 and 15-LOX2sv-b suppress PC3 tumor growth in vivo. Together, these results suggest that both 15-LOX2 and 15-LOX2sv-b suppress prostate tumor development, and the tumor-suppressive functions apparently do not necessarily depend on AA-metabolizing activity and nuclear localization.
Modifying exposure to smoking depicted in movies: a novel approach to preventing adolescent smoking.

BACKGROUND Most behavioral approaches to adolescent smoking address the behavior directly. We explore an indirect approach: modifying exposure to portrayals of smoking in movies. OBJECTIVES To describe adolescents' exposure to smoking in movies and to examine factors that could modify such exposure. DESIGN Occurrences of smoking were counted in each of 601 popular movies. Four thousand nine hundred ten northern New England junior high school students were asked to report which movies they had seen from a randomly generated subsample of 50 films, and responses were used to estimate exposure to the entire sample. Analysis The outcome variable was exposure to movie smoking, defined as the number of smoking occurrences seen. Risk factors for exposure included access to movies (movie channels, videotape use, and movie theater); parenting (R [restricted]-rated movie restrictions, television restrictions, parenting style); and characteristics of the child (age, sex, school performance, sensation-seeking propensity, rebelliousness, and self-esteem). We used multiple regression to assess the association between risk factors and exposure to movie smoking. RESULTS Subjects had seen an average of 30% of the movie sample (interquartile range, 20%-44%), from which they were exposed to 1160 (interquartile range, 640-1970) occurrences of smoking. In a multivariate model, exposure to movie smoking increased (all P values <.001) by about 10% for each additional movie channel and for every 2 videos watched per week. Exposure increased by 30% for those going to the movie theater more than once per month compared with those who did not go at all. Parent restriction on viewing R-rated movies resulted in a 50% reduction in exposure to movie smoking. There was no association between parenting style and exposure to movie smoking. Much of the protective effect of parent R-rated movie restriction on adolescent smoking was mediated through lower exposure to movie smoking. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents see thousands of smoking depictions in movies, and this influences their attitudes and behavior. Exposure to movie smoking is reduced when parents limit movie access. Teaching parents to monitor and enforce movie access guidelines could reduce adolescent smoking in an indirect, yet powerful, manner.
Plasma-Etching for Controlled Modification of Structural and Mechanical Properties of Electrospun PET Scaffolds

Aligned electrospun poly(ethylene terephthalate) (ePET) nanofiber mats have been fabricated, which mimic the media layer of arteries. We used three different plasma etching techniques to bring their mechanical and surface properties in line with those of natural blood vessels: (i) atmospheric pressure (“HP”) corona discharge in air; (ii) low‐pressure radio‐frequency plasma (“LP”) and (iii) microwave plasma asher, (ii) and (iii) in pure oxygen (O2), or O2 mixture with Ar or CF4. (iii) gave substantial reduction in Young's modulus after as little as 5 min. treatment in O2, without damage to the fibers. Changes in surface composition and drastic improvement in wettability/wicking were also observed, which resulted in promoting adhesion and growth of smooth muscle cells
Roles of Arterial Baroreceptor Reflex During Bezold-Jarisch Reflex

Among the many cardiopulmonary reflexes, this review specifically examines the roles of the arterial baroreflex during the Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR). Activation of cardiopulmonary vagal afferent C-fibers induces hypotension, bradycardia, and apnea, which are known collectively as the BJR; myocardial ischemia and infarction might induce the BJR. Arterial baroreflex has been established as an important negative feedback system that stabilizes arterial blood pressure against exogenous pressure perturbations. Therefore, understanding the functions of the arterial baroreflex during the BJR is crucial for elucidating its pathophysiological implications. The main central pathways of the BJR and the baroreflex are outlined herein, particularly addressing the common pathway between the reflexes. Furthermore, the pathophysiological roles of the arterial baroreflex during the BJR are described along with a brief discussion of pathophysiological merits and shortcomings of the reflexes.
Self-discharge Reactions in Energy Storage Devices Based on Polypyrrole-cellulose Composite Electrodes

Abstract The self-discharge behavior of organic electrodes and symmetric devices for sustainable energy storage, composed of electrodes containing a thin layer of polypyrrole coated onto a high surface area cellulose matrix, has been studied for the first time using different electrode sizes and electrolytes. Experimental data from open circuit measurements of the individual electrode potentials of charged symmetrical two-electrode energy storage devices as a function of time were evaluated based on three different self-discharge models. This evaluation clearly showed that the self-discharge process of the positive electrode is governed by a previously undetected activation-controlled faradaic reaction while the self-discharge of the negative electrode is due to diffusion controlled oxidation involving oxygen dissolved in the electrolyte. Potentiostatic three-electrode measurements and spectroelectrochemical experiments also showed that protons as well as maleimide were released from positively polarized polypyrrole electrodes. These new findings clearly show that the self-discharge of the cells originate from two different types of reactions on the positive and negative electrodes and that the main contribution to the self-discharge of the cells comes from an activation controlled reaction involving the positive electrode. These results provide an improved understanding of polypyrrole based devices and also yield new possibilities for the development of stable conducting polymer system for energy storage applications.
Unique Methylation Pattern of Oncostatin M Receptor Gene in Cancers of Colorectum and Other Digestive Organs

Purpose: Oncostatin M (OSM) is an interleukin-6 cytokine family member, which inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell differentiation and apoptosis in cancers. In melanoma cells, epigenetic silencing of OSM receptor (OSMR) by histone deacetylation contributes to escape of cell growth control by OSM. However, the silencing of OSMR by DNA methylation in any cancer has not been examined. Experimental Design: Methylation status of OSMR was determined by sequencing or methylation-specific PCR in primary tumors and cell lines. Cell lines were treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine or DNA methyltransferase 1 small interfering RNA or a histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A. OSMR mRNA level was determined by reverse transcription-PCR. The acetylation of histone H3 was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results: We observed methylation of OSMR in 88 of 98 (90%) colorectal cancers, 34 of 38 (89%) colorectal polyps, 17 of 31 (55%) normal-appearing mucosa adjacent to colorectal cancers, 13 of 40 (33%) gastric cancers, and 2 of 10 (20%) pancreatic cancers. OSMR methylation was absent or rarely detected in normal colonic mucosa from noncancer patients or in cancers of nondigestive organs, including breast, lung, liver, prostate, kidney, and melanoma. We observed a significant correlation between OSMR methylation and loss of mRNA expression in 39 cancer cell lines. Following the treatment of colorectal cancer cell lines with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, DNA methyltransferase 1 small interfering RNA, or trichostatin A, the induction of OSMR mRNA and the enrichment in the level of histone acetylation were observed. Conclusions: The epigenetic silencing and DNA methylation of OSMR occur frequently in colorectal cancers and rarely in cancers of nondigestive organs. OSMR methylation is an early event in the colorectal carcinogenesis.
Mechanical Properties of Southern Pine Cross-Laminated Timber

AbstractCross-laminated timber (CLT) is a novel wood building material suitable for floor, roof, and wall assemblies in low- and mid-rise construction as an alternative to concrete and steel. CLTs are considered to provide good seismic resistance, fast erection times, carbon sequestration, and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over other construction materials. Southern pine is an abundant forest resource; yet it has not been commercially used for CLT manufacturing. The purpose of this paper was to measure the bending and shear properties of CLT material fabricated using southern pine lumber compared to product standards. Bending strength, bending stiffness, shear strength, resistance to shear by compression loading strength, and resistance to delamination were measured according to product standards, and test results were compared with values given in the standards. Bending tests were conducted on jointed beams due to test length requirements. Bending strength, bending stiffness, and wo.
In-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical nanostructures as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

In-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical nanostructures have been synthesized by an in situ cation exchange route from their template of In3Se4 nanostructures. Through detailed structural, chemical, and morphological characterizations, it has been found that, after the cation exchange, the In-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical nanostructures preserve the morphology of original In3Se4 thin nanosheet-assembled nanostructures, and the layer structure transforms from 7 atomic layers of “Se–In–Se–In–Se–In–Se” into 5 atomic layers of “Se–Bi–Se–Bi–Se”. The electrochemical measurements reveal that the synthesized In-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical nanostructures show much better discharge capacity, improved cycle stability, and rate performance as an anode material for Li-ion batteries compared to its undoped counterparts.
Computer-Aided Prediction of Long-Term Prognosis of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis after Cytoapheresis Therapy

Cytoapheresis (CAP) therapy is widely used in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with moderate to severe activity in Japan. The aim of this study is to predict the need of operation after CAP therapy of UC patients on an individual level using an artificial neural network system (ANN). Ninety UC patients with moderate to severe activity were treated with CAP. Data on the patients’ demographics, medication, clinical activity index (CAI) and efficacy of CAP were collected. Clinical data were divided into training data group and validation data group and analyzed using ANN to predict individual outcomes. The sensitivity and specificity of predictive expression by ANN were 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. Events of admission, operation, and use of immunomodulator, and efficacy of CAP were significantly correlated to the outcome. Requirement of operation after CAP therapy was successfully predicted by using ANN. This newly established ANN strategy would be used as powerful support of physicians in the clinical practice.
Multi-objective Optimization for Efficient Brahmic Keyboards

The development of efﬁcient keyboards is an important element of effective human-computer interaction. This paper explores the use of multi-objective optimization and machine learning to create more effective keyboards. While previous research has focused on simply improving the expected typing speed of keyboards, this research utilizes multiple optimization criteria to create a more robust keyboard conﬁguration. As these criteria are incorporated, they will often conﬂict with each other making this a complex optimization problem. Machine learning techniques were utilized and were proven to be an effective tool in keyboard optimization. The results reported here demonstrate that multi-objective genetic algorithms can be used to efﬁciently generate optimized keyboards. An English keyboard designed after 20000 generations was able to double the efﬁciency of the unoptimized QWERTY keyboard for multiple constraints. Despite having twice the number of characters, an Assamese keyboard was generated that performed better than the QWERTY layout.
CMOS Full Adder for Energy Efficient Arithmetic Applications

With advance in technology, everyday large amount of different type of medical images such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computer tomography), ultrasound image, X- ray etc. are produced in different medical center. These medical images represent the symptoms of a specific disease, so collections of these images are the useful source for physicians as well as researchers. Due to the large collection of these images, a system is needed that can efficiently retrieve images that represent the specific disease for diagnostic purpose. Content Based Image Retrieval is a method for retrieving the most similar images from the large database using visual query. Content based medical image retrieval help the physician to make the clinical decision as well as manage the large database of these images. This paper tries to explain the concept of image retrieval, its type and various methods of content based image retrieval.
The Design Trade-Offs of BitTorrent-Like File Sharing Protocols

The BitTorrent (BT) file sharing protocol is very popular due to its scalability property and the built-in incentive mechanism to reduce free-riding. However, in designing such P2P file sharing protocols, there is a fundamental trade-off between keeping fairness and providing good performance. In particular, the system can either keep peers (especially those resourceful ones) in the system for as long as possible so as to help the system to achieve better performance, or allow more resourceful peers to finish their download as quickly as possible so as to achieve fairness. The current BT protocol represents only one possible implementation in this whole design space. The objective of this paper is to characterize the design space of BT-like protocols. The rationale for considering fairness in the P2P file sharing context is to use it as a measure of willingness to provide service. We show that there is a wide range of design choices, ranging from optimizing the performance of file download time, to optimizing the overall fairness measure. More importantly, we show that there is a simple and easily implementable design knob so that the system can operate at a particular point in the design space. We also discuss different algorithms, ranging from centralized to distributed, in realizing the design knob. Performance evaluations are carried out, both via simulation and network measurement, to quantify the merits and properties of the BT-like file sharing protocols.
Panoramic Electrophysiological Mapping but not Electrogram Morphology Identifies Stable Sources for Human Atrial Fibrillation: Stable Atrial Fibrillation Rotors and Focal Sources Relate Poorly to Fractionated Electrograms

Background—The foundation for successful arrhythmia ablation is the mapping of electric propagation to identify underlying mechanisms. In atrial fibrillation (AF), however, mapping is difficult so that ablation has often targeted electrogram features, with mixed results. We hypothesized that wide field-of-view (panoramic) mapping of both atria would identify causal mechanisms for AF and allow interpretation of local electrogram features, including complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE). Methods and Results—Contact mapping was performed using biatrial multipolar catheters in 36 AF subjects (29 persistent). Stable AF rotors (spiral waves) or focal sources were seen in 35 of 36 cases and targeted for ablation (focal impulse and rotor modulation) before pulmonary vein isolation. In 31 of 36 subjects (86.1%), AF acutely terminated (n=20; 16 to sinus rhythm) or organized (n=11; 19±8% slowing) with 2.5 minutes focal impulse and rotor modulation (interquartile range, 1.0–3.1) at one source, defined as the primary source. Subjects exhibited 2.1±1.0 concurrent AF sources of which the primary, by phase mapping, precessed in limited areas (persistent 2.5±1.7 versus paroxysmal 1.7±0.5 cm2; P=0.30). Notably, source regions showed mixed electrogram amplitudes and CFAE grades that did not differ from surrounding atrium (P=NS). AF sources were not consistently surrounded by CFAE (P=0.67). Conclusions—Stable rotors and focal sources for human AF were revealed by contact panoramic mapping (focal impulse and rotor modulation mapping), but not by electrogram footprints. AF sources precessed within areas of ≈2 cm2, with diverse voltage characteristics poorly correlated with CFAE. Most CFAE sites lie remote from AF sources and are not suitable targets for catheter ablation of AF.