Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Momentum Investment Strategies, Portfolio Performance, and Herding: A Study of Mutual Fund Behavior

This study analyzes the extent to which mutual funds purchase stocks based on their past returns as well as their tendency to exhibit 'herding' behavior (i.e., buying and selling the same stocks at the same time). The authors find that 77 percent of the mutual funds were 'momentum investors,' buying stocks that were past winners; however, most did not systematically sell past losers. On average, funds that invested on momentum realized significantly better performance than other funds. The authors also find relatively weak evidence that funds tended to buy and sell the same stocks at the same time. Copyright 1995 by American Economic Association.
DNA coding and central dogma based image encryption using vigenere cipher and chaos map

In this paper, a new image encryption algorithm which base on DNA coding and genetic central dogma, combined with 3-dimensional Vigenere cipher and chaos mapping is proposed. In the proposed scheme, every pixel in original image is represented by four nucleotide bases by carrying out DNA coding. An amino acid matrix is obtain by implementing transcript and translation according to central dogma after randomly eliminating a base from each pixel; substitute the amino acid matrix by using 3-dimensional Vigenere cipher and a new codon matrix is gotten; a semi-finished encrypted image appears after decoding the nucleotide base matrix which is composed by the new codon matrix and the eliminated bases mentioned above; finally the encrypted image is obtained by disturbing image pixels with Logistic chaotic sequence. The proposed algorithm has a large secret key space and strong secret key sensitivity, meanwhile it can effectively resist exhaustive attack and statistical attack. The simulation results show the perfect effect compared with some existing algorithms.
PD98059 Influences Immune Factors and Enhances Opioid Analgesia in Model of Neuropathy

Neuropathic pain treatment remains challenging due to ineffective therapy and resistance to opioid analgesia. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) have been identified as the crucial regulators of pro- and antinociceptive factors. We used PD98059, an inhibitor of the MAPKK family members MEK1/2. The aim of study was to examine the influence of single and/or repeated PD98059 on nociception and opioid effectiveness in neuropathy. Moreover, we examined how PD98059 influences selected members of cellular pathways and cytokines. The PD98059 (2.5 mcg) was intrathecally preemptively administered before chronic constriction injury (CCI), and then once daily for 7 days. Additionally, at day 7 after CCI the PD98059-treated rats received a single injection of opioids. Using Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques in PD98059-treated rats we analyzed the mRNA and/or protein level of p38, ERK1/2, JNK, NF-kappaB, IL-1beta, IL-6, iNOS and IL-10 in the lumbar spinal cord. Our results indicate that PD98059 has an analgesic effects and potentiates morphine and/or buprenorphine analgesia. Parallel we observed that PD98059 inhibit upregulation of the CCI-elevated p38, ERK1/2, JNK and NF-kappaB protein levels. Moreover, PD98059 also prevented increase of pro- (IL-1beta, IL-6, and iNOS) but enhances anti-nociceptive (IL-10) factors. Summing up, PD98059 diminished pain and increased the effectiveness of opioids in neuropathy. The inhibition of MEKs might inactivate a variety of cell signaling pathways that are implicated in nociception.
Cerebral metastases from Merkel cell carcinoma: long-term survival

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour that is locally aggressive. In most cases the primary treatment is local surgical excision; however, there is a high incidence recurrence both local and distant. Cerebral metastases from Merkel cell carcinoma are extremely uncommon with only 12 cases published in the literature. This case is particularly unusual in that, not only was no established primary lesion identified, but also the patient has survived for 10 years following initial diagnosis and for 9 years following excision of a single brain metastasis.
Optimizing Carnosine Containing Extract Preparation from Chicken Breast for Anti-glycating agents

Optimization of carnosine and anserine extraction from chicken breast was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) to obtain the maximized physiological activities for anti-glycation and anti-oxidation. The optimum extraction conditions were water extraction for 1.6 h in the case of the 20-wk laying hen muscle and water extraction for 2.12 h in the case of 90-wk laying hen muscle. Higher carnosine and anserine contents were measured in the 20-wk laying hen muscle, along with higher physiological activities, which increased in direct proportion with the dipeptide contents. The extracts prepared from the 20-wk laying hen under optimum conditions showed 57% inhibition of advanced glycated end-product formation, 64% inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and 61% of DPPH radical scavenging effects. On the other hand, 52% inhibition of AGE formation, 62% inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and 53% of DPPH radical scavenging effect were demonstrated within the 90-wk laying hen. In addition, the ratio of carnosine was a key indicator for the physiological activities of the extracts.
Adenosine Triphosphate-Sensitive Potassium Channel Kir Subunits Implicated in Cardioprotection by Diazoxide

Background ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel openers provide cardioprotection in multiple models. Ion flux at an unidentified mitochondrial KATP channel has been proposed as the mechanism. The renal outer medullary kidney potassium channel subunit, potassium inward rectifying (Kir)1.1, has been implicated as a mitochondrial channel pore-forming subunit. We hypothesized that subunit Kir1.1 is involved in cardioprotection (maintenance of volume homeostasis and contractility) of the KATP channel opener diazoxide (DZX) during stress (exposure to hyperkalemic cardioplegia [CPG]) at the myocyte and mitochondrial levels. Methods and Results Kir subunit inhibitor Tertiapin Q (TPN-Q) was utilized to evaluate response to stress. Mouse ventricular mitochondrial volume was measured in the following groups: isolation buffer; 200 μmol/L of ATP; 100 μmol/L of DZX+200 μmol/L of ATP; or 100 μmol/L of DZX+200 μmol/L of ATP+TPN-Q (500 or 100 nmol/L). Myocytes were exposed to Tyrode’s solution (5 minutes), test solution (Tyrode’s, cardioplegia [CPG], CPG+DZX, CPG+DZX+TPN-Q, Tyrode’s+TPN-Q, or CPG+TPN-Q), N=12 for all (10 minutes); followed by Tyrode’s (5 minutes). Volumes were compared. TPN-Q, with or without DZX, did not alter mitochondrial or myocyte volume. Stress (CPG) resulted in myocyte swelling and reduced contractility that was prevented by DZX. TPN-Q prevented the cardioprotection afforded by DZX (volume homeostasis and maintenance of contractility). Conclusions TPN-Q inhibited myocyte cardioprotection provided by DZX during stress; however, it did not alter mitochondrial volume. Because TPN-Q inhibits Kir1.1, Kir3.1, and Kir3.4, these data support that any of these Kir subunits could be involved in the cardioprotection afforded by diazoxide. However, these data suggest that mitochondrial swelling by diazoxide does not involve Kir1.1, 3.1, or 3.4.
The agricultural link: how environmental deterioration could disrupt economic progress.

Examined is the agricultural link between environmental deterioration and disruption of economic progress. It has been reported that the trends in environmental deterioration are beginning to threaten the security of food supply. Combined with a shrinking backlog of agricultural technology these trends slow the growth of the world grain harvest. On the other hand increase in the demand for grain is reaching nearly 80 million as income rates increase in Asia. The increase in grain prices may not have affected the affluent countries but this increase is considered life threatening for 1.3 billion people who live on a dollar a day or less. In addition political instability also affects the earnings of multinational corporations the performance of stock markets and the stability of the international monetary system. Aside from ministries of agriculture family planners and farmers carry the responsibility of securing future food supplies. Decisions by ministries of energy that affect climate stability may have a profound effect on food security. This paper underscores the need to secure future food supplies as well as population and climate stabilization to move the economy towards an environmentally sustainable path. In addition added efforts from national political leaders are called for.
Assessment of the E-Selectin rs5361 (561A>C) Polymorphism and Soluble Protein Concentration in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Association with Circulating Levels

Introduction. The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex disease where genetic and environmental factors are involved. E-selectin gene is a candidate for ACS progression due to its contribution in the inflammatory process and endothelial function. The rs5361 (561A>C) polymorphism in the E-selectin gene has been linked to changes in gene expression, affinity for its receptor, and plasmatic levels; therefore it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the rs5361 polymorphism with ACS and to measure serum levels of soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin). Materials and Methods. 283 ACS patients and 205 healthy subjects (HS) from Western Mexico were included. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the rs5361 polymorphism. The sE-selectin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Neither genotype nor allele frequencies of the rs5361 polymorphism showed statistical differences between groups. The sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in ACS patients compared to HS (54.58 versus 40.41 ng/ml, P = 0.02). The C allele had no effect on sE-selectin levels. Conclusions. The rs5361 E-selectin gene polymorphism is not a susceptibility marker for ACS in Western Mexico population. However, sE-selectin may be a biological marker of ACS.
Fundamentals of Smart Geolocation Solutions for Business

The applications related to geolocation went from belonging to a niche software solutions, specific applications of users specialized in Geographic Information System (GIS), to the category of essential software used in any computing system. The business sector understands the potential that is represented by linking information about the location to actual and potential clients, for example, information that enables directing the marketing strategies at precise geographic areas. We consider that the current development of the Business Models Based Geolocation has become a necessity for every economic entity.
Stock market development and economic growth in developing countries: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

This study investigates the long-term and short-term relationships between stock market development and economic growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the period from January 1993 to December 2009. It employs a wide range of vector autoregression (VAR) models to evaluate the importance and impact of stock market development on economic growth. We used real GDP growth rates as a proxy for economic growth and the stock market index (SMI) as a proxy for the stock market development. The vector-error cointegration model (VECM) indicates a significant long-term causal relationship between economic growth and the stock market development. Granger causality tests show weak bidirectional causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth supporting the feedback view in the short run. The study implications are as follows. Firstly, investment in real economic activities leads to economic growth. Secondly, the stock market might hinder economic growth due to its volatile and international risk sharing nature, low free-floating share ratio, number of listed companies and the domination of Saudi Individual Stock Trades (SIST) characteristics. Thirdly, policymakers should seek to minimise stock market volatility and fluctuations, increase both the free-floating share ratio and number of listed companies and shift investment domination toward corporate investors by considering its effect on economic growth when formulating economic policies.
Cosmological evolution of supermassive black holes in galactic centers unveiled by hard X-ray observations

We review the current understanding of the cosmological evolution of supermassive black holes in galactic centers elucidated by X-ray surveys of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Hard X-ray observations at energies above 2 keV are the most efficient and complete tools to find “obscured” AGNs, which are dominant populations among all AGNs. Combinations of surveys with various flux limits and survey area have enabled us to determine the space number density and obscuration properties of AGNs as a function of luminosity and redshift. The results have essentially solved the origin of the X-ray background in the energy band below ∼10 keV. The downsizing (or anti-hierarchical) evolution that more luminous AGNs have the space-density peak at higher redshifts has been discovered, challenging theories of galaxy and black hole formation. Finally, we summarize unresolved issues on AGN evolution and prospects for future X-ray missions.
The Political Economy of the Tactical Allocation of Public Spending: Evidence from Spain

Nevertheless, this peculiarity of the Spanish political system did not eliminate the incentives for governments to use pork-barrel policies. On the one hand, despite electoral results being centrally planned, Madrid’s limited capacity to intervene in society implied that elections outcomes had to be negotiated with the local elites, who demanded compensations (such as public funds) for their districts’ electoral support. On the other hand, the two-party system may be seen as a duopoly regime, in which opposition districts were actually those which did not respect the alternation system, and voted for either the dynastic party that was going to lose the election or for a third political force. Restoration Spain provides therefore an interesting case of a political system in which a dominating duopoly used pork-barrel strategies to persuade the electorate to change the sign of their votes in every electoral call. In this setting, two kinds of political economy models may be relevant to analyze pork-barrel in Restoration Spain. One can see the Spanish Restoration as a semi-democratic regime ruled by a duopoly that furthered its political goals by using the geographical allocation of public resources. More specifically, governments showered resources on those districts that were loyal to the alternation system, and starved the rebellious ones. This would be similar to a typical semi-democratic system, although one in which the hegemonic political force was not a single party but a duopoly. On the other hand, given the importance of local elites, non-partisan motivations may also offer a partial description of the political process. In non-partisan models, the distribution of public funds reflects the influence and ability of individual MPs, who compete for administrative resources to reinforce their links with their electorates. Indeed, bringing home the pork increases MPs’ reputation with local elites (Levitt and Snyder, 1995; Levitt and Poterba, 1999; Milligan and Smart, 2005).
Wild Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) Alleviate Inflammation and Hypertension Associated with Developing Obesity in Mice Fed with a High-Fat Diet

Background Low-grade metabolic inflammation and hypertension are primary mechanisms involved in obesity-associated adverse health effects. Berries, especially Nordic wild blueberries (hereafter referred to as bilberries), represent an important source of dietary anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols with potential beneficial effects to combat obesity-associated metabolic disturbances. Methods The effects of 5% or 10% (w/w) of whole bilberries (BB) were studied on the development of obesity and its metabolic disturbances in C57BL mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for three months. Cytokines, inflammatory cells, systolic blood pressure, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, weight gain, body fat, food consumption and energy metabolism were assessed. Results Bilberries ameliorated type 1 pro-inflammatory responsiveness induced by HFD. This was indicated by the altered cytokine profile and the reduced prevalence of interferon gamma -producing T-cells, in particular T helper type 1 cells. Bilberries also prevented the progression of obesity associated long term increase in systolic blood pressure in mice. Conclusions Bilberries reduce the development of systemic inflammation and prevent the progression of chronic hypertension, thus supporting their potential role in alleviating the adverse health effects associated with developing obesity.
Design of information flow in Collaborative-VMM

Information flow control is a key issue in the large-scale systems, it needs to consider the collaboration between multi-components, execution efficiency, system security, and other aspects, the complexity of information flow control is particularly prominent in the virtualization system. The current information flow control in virtualization system mainly use direct communication and asynchronous communication mode, but they have disadvantage such as complexity of VMM designing, increasing the risk of system security, low efficiency of data transmission. In this paper, we establish a synchronous communication mechanism based on the Collaborative-VMM, three key information flow control were designed in this VMM including I/O processing, interrupt processing, and user interface, it can eliminate the issue of processing delay between VMM and the I/O processing component. The experimental results show that the synchronous communication mechanism can simplify the design of virtualization system and does not reduce the performance of the system at the same time, it is a viable information flow control scheme.
Drama, narrative and moral education : Exploring traditional tales in the primary years

Teachers are expected to take responsibility for children's moral development, particularly in the primary years, but how best to go about approaching the issues? In this book, the author explores a classroom approach that uses both drama and narrative stories to explore moral issues: drama gives children an opportunity to work through moral problems, make decisions and take up moral positions; stories offer a resource for moral education whereby children can learn through the 'experiences' of those in the story. Through providing a number of case studies, the author shows how this may be done by practitioners in the lassroom.
The Relationship between Fear of Childbirth and Women's Knowledge about Painless Childbirth

This study investigated the association between fear of childbirth (FOC) and women's knowledge about painless childbirth methods. The study was performed on 900 multiparous women within the last month of pregnancy. Data was obtained through a questionnaire including the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) Turkish form A. FOC was defined as W-DEQ sum score ≥85. Women were questioned about their knowledge about painless childbirth and the most important source of this knowledge. Group 1 consists of participants with knowledge about painless childbirth. Group 2 consists of participants without knowledge about painless childbirth. Five hundred and twenty-four women (58.2%) had knowledge while 376 women (41.7%) had no knowledge about painless childbirth. Mean W-DEQ scores in group 1 (68.46 ± 12.53) were found to be lower than group 2 (71.35 ± 12.28) (P = 0.001). FOC was associated with increased maternal request for elective caesarean section (OR 4.22, 95% CI 2.91–6.11). Better informed pregnant women about painless childbirth methods may reduce the number of women with FOC and the rate of preferred elective caesarean section.
Impact Assessment of Simulated Doppler Wind Lidars with a Multivariate Variational Assimilation in the Tropics

This paper deals with the dynamical aspect of variational data assimilation in the tropics and the role of the background-error covariances in the observing system simulation experiments for the tropics. The study uses a model that describes the horizontal structure of the potential temperature and wind fields in regions of deep tropical convection. The assimilation method is three- and four-dimensional variational data assimilation. The background-error covariance model for the assimilation is a multivariate model that includes the mass–wind couplings representative of equatorial inertio-gravity modes and equatorial Kelvin and mixed Rossby–gravity modes in addition to those representative of balanced equatorial Rossby waves. Spectra of the background errors based on these waves are derived from the tropical forecast errors of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. Tropical mass–wind (im)balances are illustrated by studying the potential impact of the spaceborne Doppler wind lidar (DWL) Atmospheric Dynamic Mission (ADM)-Aeolus, which measures horizontal line-of-sight (LOS) wind components. Several scenarios with two DWLs of ADM-Aeolus type are compared under different flow conditions and using different assumptions about the quality of the backgrounderror covariances. Results of three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) illustrate the inefficiency of multivariate assimilation in the tropics. The consequence for the assimilation of LOS winds is that the missing part of the wind vector can hardly be reconstructed from the mass-field observations and applied balances as in the case of the midlatitudes. Results of four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) show that for large-scale tropical conditions and using reliable background-error statistics, differences among various DWL scenarios are not large. As the background-error covariances becomes less reliable, horizontal scales become smaller and the flow becomes less zonal, the importance of obtaining information about the wind vector increases. The added value of another DWL satellite increases as the quality of the background-error covariances deteriorates and it can be more than twice as large as in the case of reliable covariances.
Role of CTLA4 in the Proliferation and Survival of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Earlier, we reported that CTLA4 expression is inversely correlated with CD38 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. However, the specific role of CTLA4 in CLL pathogenesis remains unknown. Therefore, to elucidate the possible role of CTLA4 in CLL pathogenesis, CTLA4 was down-regulated in primary CLL cells. We then evaluated proliferation/survival in these cells using MTT, 3H-thymidine uptake and Annexin-V apoptosis assays. We also measured expression levels of downstream molecules involved in B-cell proliferation/survival signaling including STAT1, NFATC2, c-Fos, c-Myc, and Bcl-2 using microarray, PCR, western blotting analyses, and a stromal cell culture system. CLL cells with CTLA4 down-regulation demonstrated a significant increase in proliferation and survival along with an increased expression of STAT1, STAT1 phosphorylation, NFATC2, c-Fos phosphorylation, c-Myc, Ki-67 and Bcl-2 molecules. In addition, compared to controls, the CTLA4-downregulated CLL cells showed a decreased frequency of apoptosis, which also correlated with increased expression of Bcl-2. Interestingly, CLL cells from lymph node and CLL cells co-cultured on stroma expressed lower levels of CTLA4 and higher levels of c-Fos, c-Myc, and Bcl-2 compared to CLL control cells. These results indicate that microenvironment-controlled-CTLA4 expression mediates proliferation/survival of CLL cells by regulating the expression/activation of STAT1, NFATC2, c-Fos, c-Myc, and/or Bcl-2.