Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in the Oral Cavity/Oropharynx in a Large Population of Children and Adolescents

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) in the oral cavity or oropharynx is associated with an increased risk of laryngeal papillomatosis, head and neck cancer, and cervical and other genital cancers. We evaluated the prevalence of HPV DNA in the oral cavity/oropharynx in a cross section of children aged 2 weeks to 20 years. Methods: A risk factor questionnaire and oral exfoliated cells were collected from children (N = 1235). HPV DNA was detected using PCR, dot blot hybridization, and DNA sequencing. Results: The HPV prevalence was 1.9% in the oral cavity/oropharynx of children. A bimodal age distribution was observed with the highest HPV prevalence in the youngest and oldest groups: 2.5% aged <1 year, 0.8% aged 1 to 4 years, 1.2% aged 5 to 11 years, 1.5% in aged 12 to 15 years, and 3.3% in aged 16 to 20 years. The prevalence of the HPV quadrivalent vaccine types (HPV-6, 11, 16, 18) reached 0.9% in the 16- to 20-year age group. In this age group, female gender [odds ratio (OR): 6.9, P = 0.04], genital warts (OR: 19.3, P < 0.01), and current smoker (OR: 6.5, P = 0.01) were associated with a higher risk of being detected with an oral HPV infection. No risk factors in parents were identified with transmission of HPV to infants. Conclusions: The age-specific prevalence rates of HPV in this large cross section of children and adolescents demonstrate that HPV infection is acquired gradually in childhood. These data support a target age for HPV vaccination before puberty to prevent serious HPV-related genital and oral diseases.
Western Dreams, Eastern Realities

Much of our recent scholarship argues that public support in member countries is integral to the success of European Union (EU) policies and initiatives. Despite growing evidence that public support is also often crucial to attaining (and sustaining) EU membership—as evidenced by the volatile Maastricht referenda in Denmark and France and the unsuccessful Norwegian accession—there is little systematic research on accession countries. This study develops an analytic framework for understanding EU public opinion in applicant countries undergoing democratic transitions. Using data from a 1996 survey, the analysis tests both utilitarian and value models of support and finds general attitudes toward democracy and capitalism and an individual's political partisanship to be the strongest determinants of support for EU membership. The results challenge dominant explanations for public opinion in member states and suggest how we might better adapt these models to examine attitudes in applicant countries.
Transcriptional Control in Marine Copiotrophic and Oligotrophic Bacteria with Streamlined Genomes

ABSTRACT Bacteria often respond to environmental stimuli using transcriptional control, but this may not be the case for marine bacteria such as “Candidatus Pelagibacter ubique,” a cultivated representative of the SAR11 clade, the most abundant organism in the ocean. This bacterium has a small, streamlined genome and an unusually low number of transcriptional regulators, suggesting that transcriptional control is low in Pelagibacter and limits its response to environmental conditions. Transcriptome sequencing during batch culture growth revealed that only 0.1% of protein-encoding genes appear to be under transcriptional control in Pelagibacter and in another oligotroph (SAR92) whereas >10% of genes were under transcriptional control in the copiotrophs Polaribacter sp. strain MED152 and Ruegeria pomeroyi. When growth levels changed, transcript levels remained steady in Pelagibacter and SAR92 but shifted in MED152 and R. pomeroyi. Transcript abundances per cell, determined using an internal RNA sequencing standard, were low (<1 transcript per cell) for all but a few of the most highly transcribed genes in all four taxa, and there was no correlation between transcript abundances per cell and shifts in the levels of transcription. These results suggest that low transcriptional control contributes to the success of Pelagibacter and possibly other oligotrophic microbes that dominate microbial communities in the oceans. IMPORTANCE Diverse heterotrophic bacteria drive biogeochemical cycling in the ocean. The most abundant types of marine bacteria are oligotrophs with small, streamlined genomes. The metabolic controls that regulate the response of oligotrophic bacteria to environmental conditions remain unclear. Our results reveal that transcriptional control is lower in marine oligotrophic bacteria than in marine copiotrophic bacteria. Although responses of bacteria to environmental conditions are commonly regulated at the level of transcription, metabolism in the most abundant bacteria in the ocean appears to be regulated by other mechanisms.
Competition and Entrepreneurship

Stressing verbal logic rather than mathematics, Israel M. Kirzner provides at once a thorough critique of contemporary price theory, an essay on the theory of entrepreneurship, and an essay on the theory of competition. Competition and Entrepreneurship offers a new appraisal of quality competition, of selling effort, and of the fundamental weaknesses of contemporary welfare economics. Kirzner's book establishes a theory of the market and the price system which differs from orthodox price theory. He sees orthodox price theory as explaining the configuration of prices and quantities that satisfied the conditions for equilibrium. Mr. Kirzner argues that "it is more useful to look to price theory to help understand how the decisions of individual participants in the market interact to generate the market forces which compel changes in prices, outputs, and methods of production and in the allocation of resources. " Although Competition and Entrepreneurship is primarily concerned with the operation of the market economy, Kirzner's insights can be applied to crucial aspects of centrally planned economic systems as well. In the analysis of these processes, Kirzner clearly shows that the rediscovery of the entrepreneur must emerge as a step of major importance.
Public Sector Deficits and Private Investment: A Test of the Crowding-out Hypothesis in Pakistan's Manufacturing Industry

The purpose of the analysis below is to assess whether this public sector crowding out of investment in manufacturing has been a major factor affecting the pattern of private capital formation in that sector. The results of modified Granger Causality test suggest that expanded public investment in infrastructure has not played an important role in stimulating private investment in industry. If anything, it appears that private investment has stimulated a follow-on expansion in infrastructure. Instead of crowding in (i.e., a positive feedback effect) additional private investment, infrastructure investment appears to have led to larger deficits and domestic borrowing. In turn, these financial developments have dampened the flows of private capital into the important large-scale manufacturing sector. On the other hand, financial crowding-out of private investment in large-scale manufacturing is a distinct possibility; but it may not be a simple, straight-forward process. The results obtained also suggest that private investment in large-scale manufacturing has suffered from real crowding-out associated with the government's noninfrastructural investment programme. Finally, it should be noted that neither financial nor real crowding-out seems to occur in other areas of private investment. Clearly, further research should be undertaken to determine why the large-scale manufacturing sector is unique in this regard.
The Classical Complexity of Boson Sampling

We study the classical complexity of the exact Boson Sampling problem where the objective is to produce provably correct random samples from a particular quantum mechanical distribution. The computational framework was proposed by Aaronson and Arkhipov in 2011 as an attainable demonstration of `quantum supremacy', that is a practical quantum computing experiment able to produce output at a speed beyond the reach of classical (that is non-quantum) computer hardware. Since its introduction Boson Sampling has been the subject of intense international research in the world of quantum computing. On the face of it, the problem is challenging for classical computation. Aaronson and Arkhipov show that exact Boson Sampling is not efficiently solvable by a classical computer unless $P^{\#P} = BPP^{NP}$ and the polynomial hierarchy collapses to the third level. The fastest known exact classical algorithm for the standard Boson Sampling problem takes $O({m + n -1 \choose n} n 2^n )$ time to produce samples for a system with input size $n$ and $m$ output modes, making it infeasible for anything but the smallest values of $n$ and $m$. We give an algorithm that is much faster, running in $O(n 2^n + \operatorname{poly}(m,n))$ time and $O(m)$ additional space. The algorithm is simple to implement and has low constant factor overheads. As a consequence our classical algorithm is able to solve the exact Boson Sampling problem for system sizes far beyond current photonic quantum computing experimentation, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of achieving near-term quantum supremacy in the context of Boson Sampling.
Acute ethanol administration rapidly increases phosphorylation of conventional protein kinase C in specific mammalian brain regions in vivo.

BACKGROUND Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of isoenzymes that regulate a variety of functions in the central nervous system including neurotransmitter release, ion channel activity, and cell differentiation. Growing evidence suggests that specific isoforms of PKC influence a variety of behavioral, biochemical, and physiological effects of ethanol in mammals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute ethanol exposure alters phosphorylation of conventional PKC isoforms at a threonine 674 (p-cPKC) site in the hydrophobic domain of the kinase, which is required for its catalytic activity. METHODS Male rats were administered a dose range of ethanol (0, 0.5, 1, or 2 g/kg, intragastric) and brain tissue was removed 10 minutes later for evaluation of changes in p-cPKC expression using immunohistochemistry and Western blot methods. RESULTS Immunohistochemical data show that the highest dose of ethanol (2 g/kg) rapidly increases p-cPKC immunoreactivity specifically in the nucleus accumbens (core and shell), lateral septum, and hippocampus (CA3 and dentate gyrus). Western blot analysis further showed that ethanol (2 g/kg) increased p-cPKC expression in the P2 membrane fraction of tissue from the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus. Although p-cPKC was expressed in numerous other brain regions, including the caudate nucleus, amygdala, and cortex, no changes were observed in response to acute ethanol. Total PKCgamma immunoreactivity was surveyed throughout the brain and showed no change following acute ethanol injection. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that ethanol rapidly promotes phosphorylation of cPKC in limbic brain regions, which may underlie effects of acute ethanol on the nervous system and behavior.
Iterative learning control for a class of nonlinear system with random packet dropouts

This paper considers the iterative learning control (ILC) for a class of nonlinear systems with random packet dropout. It is assumed that an ILC scheme is implemented via a networked control system (NCS), and that during the packet transfer between the remote plant and the ILC controller packet dropout occurs. A new formulation is employed to model the packet dropout case, where the random dropout rate is transformed into a stochastic parameter in the system's representation. Through rigorous analysis, it is shown that under some given conditions, the iterative learning control can guarantee the convergence of the output error although some packets are missing. The analysis is also supported by a numerical example.
Didox (A Novel Ribonucleotide Reductase Inhibitor) Overcomes bcl-2 Mediated Radiation Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cell Line PC-3

In this study, we investigated the influence of bcl-2 overexpression on the radiosensitizing potential of Didox (DX; 3,4-Dihydroxybenzohydroxamic acid), a novel ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, in p53-null prostate cancer cell line PC-3. The PC-3 cells were transfected with vector alone or ectopically overexpressed with CMV-bcl-2 construct. The effect of radiation (IR) or DX alone and in combination (pre and post IR exposure of DX) on cell survival was determined by colony-forming assay. The impact of these two treatments on the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. To further understand the molecular mechanism of DX-mediated radiosensitization, induction of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic factors were determined by Western blot and gel-shift assays respectively. When compared to PC-3/bcl-2 cells (SF2=0.84; D0=437cGy), the PC-3/vector cells (SF2=0.4; D0=235cGy) were significantly sensitive to ionizing radiation (p
Financial gains from owner occupation: The New Zealand case 1970–88

Abstract This paper engages with the debate concerning the financial gains from home ownership. The first section focuses on the empirical side of the debate and is primarily a conceptual analysis. It defines three measures of gain, explores their utility and limitations and demonstrates their appropriateness for different analytical purposes. Section 2 is concerned partly with developing a wider comparative perspective to the debate by calculating the extent of financial gain for New Zealand urban home owners since 1970. Next the paper looks at the effect of spatial location of accumulation potential. In section 3 connections are made between the processes at work in the labour and housing markets: attempts are made to link the empirical data on financial gains from housing to labour market restructuring. Finally comments are made on some implications of the empirical findings for the wider debate.
Double‐blind randomized controlled trial of low‐level laser therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome

Several studies have suggested that low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is effective in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In a double‐blind randomized controlled trial of LLLT, 15 CTS patients, 34 to 67 years of age, were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 8) or treatment group (n =7). Both groups were treated three times per week for 5 weeks. Those in the treatment group received 860 nm galium/aluminum/arsenide laser at a dosage of 6 J/cm2 over the carpal tunnel, whereas those in the control group were treated with sham laser. The primary outcome measure was the Levine Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, and the secondary outcome measures were electrophysiological data and the Purdue pegboard test. All patients completed the study without adverse effects. There was a significant symptomatic improvement in both the control (P = 0.034) and treatment (P =0.043) groups. However, there was no significant difference in any of the outcome measures between the two groups. Thus, LLLT is no more effective in the reduction of symptoms of CTS than is sham treatment. Muscle Nerve 30: 182–187, 2004
Motion of a single superconducting vortex.

Procedures have been developed to trap a single quantized vortex in asuperconducting thin film and systematically move it around under the influenceof an applied Lorentz force. The location of the vortex is determined from thediffraction pattern of a Josephson junction formed by superconducting crossstrips and a normal-metal barrier; the force is applied by a current in thesuperconducting film. Vortices move across the junction in a reproducibleseries of discrete steps, typically a few micrometers long. The elementarypinning force is found to be approximately 10/sup /minus/6/ N/m in aPb-Bi film and to vary as (1/minus//ital t/)/sup 3/2/, where /ital t/ isthe reduced temperature. By controlling the pinning sites along a symmetry axisof the junction, one can perform rather simple read and write operations forlogic elements.
From coalition theory to coalition puzzles

Patrick Dumont, Lieven De Winter and Rudy Andeweg, “From coalition theory to coalition puzzles “ in Rudy B. Andeweg, Lieven De Winter and Patrick Dumont (eds.) Puzzles of Government Formation. Coalition theory and deviant cases, Routledge/ECPR studies in European political science, London, 2011, pp. 1-23
Determining a Budget Profile from a R&D Cost Estimate

Abstract Often in developing budgets for programs with a development phase, analysts must determine a budget profile from a point estimate of the total development cost. Expenditures for Department of Defense (DoD) development programs, as recorded in Cost Performance Reports, are seen to fit a scaled Rayleigh cumulative density function reasonably well. Thus, given a point estimate of total development costs, a realistic expenditure profile can be determined using a Rayleigh model. Furthermore, these expenditures can be related to annual budget requirements through the DoD Comptroller's outlay rates. This paper describes a method for determining a budget profile from a point estimate of the total development cost.
A Study of Tourists' Satisfaction and Post-Experience Behavioral Intentions in Relation to Airport Restaurant Services in the Hong Kong SAR

Abstract The present study aims to explore the relationships among the perceptions, satisfaction and post-purchase behavioral intentions of 630 customers' dining experiences at Hong Kong's airport restaurants. The results indicated that there were positive relationships between tourists' perceptions and overall satisfaction, likelihood of returning and likelihood of making a recommendation. Three perception factors were identified: “Employee attributes,” “Reliability,” and “Physical features. ” “Employee attributes” was found to be the most important factor contributing to tourists' overall satisfaction and their return and recommendation intentions. It is suggested that restaurant managers should pay particular attention to the recruitment, selection, and training of employees so as to satisfy their customers.
The development of an indirect enzyme linked immunoassay for abscisic Acid.

An indirect method of enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) is reported for abscisic acid (ABA), utilising a thyroglobulin-ABA conjugate for coating wells. The assay can use commercially available monoclonal antibodies, is sensitive to as little as 20 picograms ABA per well, and is much more conservative of antibody than direct methods. The most dilute ABA standards did not retain their antigenicity during storage, so ABA standard sets were diluted immediately prior to use. The indirect ELISA was used successfully to estimate ABA concentrations in developing cotyledons of Pisum sativum L. , after only little preliminary purification. It was validated for this tissue through the use of gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-EC), and capillary GC-selected ion monitoring (GC-MS-SIM) using [(2)H(6)]ABA as an internal standard. Full spectrum GC-mass spectrometry was also used to verify that ABA was present in a sample assayed quantitatively by both ELISA and GC-MS-SIM.
The prime static stabilizer of the medical side of the knee.

The long fibers of the superficial medial collateral ligament are the primary stabilizers of the medial side of the knee against valgus and rotatory stress. The long fibers as a functional unit have a complex pattern in which the anteriormost fibers tighten as the knee flexes from the position of extension; simultaneously, the fibers just posterior to them slacken. The long fibers arise from a critical point on the medial femoral condyle relative to the instant centers of rotation such that the anterior border is kept under tension from full extension to 90 degrees of flexion. This may be of fundamental importance for surgical reconstruction of torn medial ligaments.
Turnover intentions among repatriated employees in an emerging economy: the Indian experience

In the present global environment, liberalization of international trade and the intense international competition, it has become more important for multinational corporations (MNCs) to internationalize their business. In the course of the internationalization, it is imperative that MNCs need to offer their employees the possibility of working abroad (called expatriation). However, studies have shown that when expatriates return to the home organization, called repatriation, it is related to many problems and these problems are not always taken seriously. Therefore, this article describes several repatriation processes undertaken by Indian Information Technology (IT) MNCs and how effective they are at lowering repatriates' turnover intentions. To fulfill this objective, first, the article reviews the literature on turnover intention among repatriates and then an empirical quantitative study is developed with a sample of 292 repatriates who have recently returned to India. The results indicated that the surveyed repatriates believed that perceived support during international assignment and upon return from assignment are two most important variables to increase the repatriate's retention and lack of it thereof was likely to generate unfavorable attitudes toward the company and higher turnover intention.
Innovation modes and design as a source of innovation: a firm‐level analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to contribute to the empirical literature, which investigates innovation modes, by exploring the role of design as a source of innovation.Design‐methodology/approach – The empirical analysis is carried out at the firm‐level, on the ground of a recent survey covering more than 5,000 European firms. A factor analysis is carried out first, followed by a cluster analysis based on identified factors in order to ensure a significant number of homogeneous groups of firms.Findings – The paper finds that: design and RD design is predominant in firms characterized by a complex innovation strategy and intense interactions with the external environment; and these types of firms also show better economic performance.Social implications – Policies should recognize the importance of design‐based competences, as they differ from those related to R&D activities.Originality/value – To date, in this empirical research, R&D activity is regarde.
Central bank transparency: another look

This article extends the Dincer and Eichengreen (2007) index of central bank transparency. Improvements in transparency are notable in Central and Eastern Europe, whereas the index has shown much smaller rises in most other parts of the world. The pattern observed by Dincer and Eichengreen, consistent with a permanent increase in central bank transparency, is also evident in the updated results. The dramatic enhancements in central bank transparency reported earlier appear to be a feature of the late 1990s and the early 2000s. Whether the subsequent data reflect limits to central banks' transparency or, to some extent, transparency ‘fatigue’ is unclear.