Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dermatoglyphics--a marker for malocclusion?

INTRODUCTION Dermatoglyphics is the study of dermal ridge configurations on palmar and plantar surfaces of hands and feet. Dermal ridges and craniofacial structures are both formed during 6-7th week of intra-uterine life. It is believed that hereditary and environmental factors leading to malocclusion may also cause peculiarities in fingerprint patterns. OBJECTIVE To study and assess the relationship between fingerprints and malocclusion among a group of high school children aged 12-16 years in Dharwad, Karnataka, India. DESIGN A total of 696 high school children aged 12-16 years were randomly selected. Their fingerprints were recorded using duplicating ink and malocclusion status was clinically assessed using Angle's classification. RESULTS Chi-square analysis revealed statistical association between whorl patterns and classes 1 and 2 malocclusion (p < 0.05). However, no overall statistical association was observed between fingerprint patterns and malocclusion (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Dermatoglyphics might be an appropriate marker for malocclusion and further studies are required to elucidate an association between fingerprint patterns and malocclusion.
Fatigue and In Vivo Validation of a Peritoneum-Lined Self-Expanding Nitinol Stent-Graft

Purpose To assess the fatigue and in vivo performance of a new stent-graft incorporating bovine peritoneum lining that is designed for application in peripheral vascular occlusive disease. Methods Bovine peritoneum-lined stent-grafts were subjected to accelerated in vitro pulsatile fatigue and axial/torsional fatigue testing designed to simulate 10 years of physiological strain on the devices. At specified times the devices were evaluated for stent fracture, suture failure, or tissue tearing. Seven dogs underwent bilateral common iliac artery (CIA) balloon angioplasty injury with unilateral placement of the peritoneum-lined stent-graft. Angiography and intravascular ultrasound were performed prior to treatment, after treatment, and prior to sacrifice at 30 days. Vessels were perfusion fixed and histologically evaluated at 5 regions: above stent, proximal stent, mid stent, distal stent, and below stent. Results No evidence of stent, suture, or tissue failure was present during or after pulsatile and axial/torsional fatigue testing. At 30±0.3 days after implantation, all vessels were patent. The average lumen area at explantation across stented vessels was 25.45 mm2. Lumen areas tended to be reduced above (23.57 mm2) and below (24.17 mm2) the stent. Lumen areas were consistent across stented regions at explantation (proximal stent 27.80 mm2, mid stent 25.88 mm2, and distal stent 25.81 mm2). The mean neointimal area in peritoneum-lined stents was 2.02±1.52 mm2, with a neointima:media ratio of 1.03±0.50. These values were significantly lower in the above and below stent areas than in the stented regions, but there was no difference in either measure within the proximal, mid, or distal stent. Conclusion The custom-designed peritoneum-lined stent-graft is promising for clinical peripheral applications due to its ability to resist relevant long-term physiological stresses and outstanding short-term patency rates in canine implantations.
Modeling Patent Quality: A System for Large-scale Patentability Analysis using Text Mining

Current patent systems face a serious problem of declining quality of patents as the larger number of ap- plications make it difficult for patent officers to spend enough time for evaluating each application. For building a better patent system, it is necessary to define a public consensus on the quality of patent applications in a quantitative way. In this article, we tackle the problem of assessing the quality of patent applications based on machine learning and text mining techniques. For each patent application, our tool automatically computes a score called patentability, which indicates how likely it is that the application will be approved by the patent office. We employ a new statis- tical prediction model to estimate examination results (approval or rejection) based on a large data set including 0.3 million patent applications. The model computes the patentability score based on a set of feature variables including the text contents of the specification documents. Experimental results showed that our model outperforms a conven- tional method which uses only the structural properties of the documents. Since users can access the estimated result through a Web-browser-based GUI, this system allows both patent examiners and applicants to quickly detect weak applications and to find their specific flaws.
Molecular and Functional Analysis of an Interferon Gene from the Zebrafish, Danio rerio

ABSTRACT The interferon (IFN) family consisting of alpha IFN (IFN-α), IFN-β, IFN-ω, IFN-δ, IFN-κ, and IFN-τ is a large group of cytokines involved in the innate immune response against various microorganisms. Genes for IFN have been cloned from a variety of mammalian and avian species; however, IFN genes from lower-order vertebrates have not been forthcoming. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of the IFN gene from the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Zebrafish IFN (zfIFN) is 185 amino acids in length, with the first 22 amino acids representing a putative signal peptide. Treatment with the known IFN inducer polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid (poly[I]-poly[C]) resulted in an increase in zfIFN mRNA transcripts. zfIFN was also able to activate the IFN-inducible Mx promoter when cotransfected with a plasmid containing the zebrafish Mx promoter upstream of a luciferase reporter gene. To demonstrate antiviral activity, zebrafish cells were transfected with zfIFN and challenged with a fish rhabdovirus. A 36% reduction in plaque number was seen in zfIFN-transfected cells, compared to cells transfected with a control vector. Phylogenetic analysis has shown zfIFN to be approximately equally divergent from avian and mammalian IFN, consistent with its origin from an IFN present in the most recent common ancestor of these divergent lineages. A putative IFN from puffer, Fugu rubripes, was also found when zfIFN was used to search the fugu genome database, demonstrating that zfIFN can be used to find additional fish IFN genes. These results demonstrate that zebrafish can be used as an effective model for studying innate immunity and immune response to infectious disease.
Differential scanning calorimetric studies of muscle and its constituent proteins.

Rabbit muscle and its constituent proteins were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.). Post-rigor muscle yielded a complex thermogram comprising at least three endothermic transitions with Tmax values of 60, 67 and 80°C. Comparison with the purified proteins or fractions indicated that these transitions corresponded to denaturation of myosin, sarcoplasmic proteins and actin respectively. In addition to these endothermic transitions, pre-rigor muscle produced a single large exotherm of Tmax 54°C. The evidence suggested that this transition was closely linked with the process of contraction.
Genotoxicity of radiofrequency signals. I. Investigation of DNA damage and micronuclei induction in cultured human blood cells

As part of a comprehensive investigation of the potential genotoxicity of radiofrequency (RF) signals emitted by cellular telephones, in vitro studies evaluated the induction of DNA and chromosomal damage in human blood leukocytes and lymphocytes, respectively. The signals were voice modulated 837 MHz produced by an analog signal generator or by a time division multiple access (TDMA) cellular telephone, 837 MHz generated by a code division multiple access (CDMA) cellular telephone (not voice modulated), and voice modulated 1909.8 MHz generated by a global system of mobile communication (GSM)‐type personal communication systems (PCS) cellular telephone. DNA damage (strand breaks/alkali labile sites) was assessed in leukocytes using the alkaline (pH>13) single cell gel electrophoresis (SCG) assay. Chromosomal damage was evaluated in lymphocytes mitogenically stimulated to divide postexposure using the cytochalasin B‐binucleate cell micronucleus assay. Cells were exposed at 37±1°C, for 3 or 24 h at average specific absorption rates (SARs) of 1.0–10.0 W/kg. Exposure for either 3 or 24 h did not induce a significant increase in DNA damage in leukocytes, nor did exposure for 3 h induce a significant increase in micronucleated cells among lymphocytes. However, exposure to each of the four RF signal technologies for 24 h at an average SAR of 5.0 or 10.0 W/kg resulted in a significant and reproducible increase in the frequency of micronucleated lymphocytes. The magnitude of the response (approximately four fold) was independent of the technology, the presence or absence of voice modulation, and the frequency (837 vs. 1909.8 MHz). This research demonstrates that, under extended exposure conditions, RF signals at an average SAR of at least 5.0 W/kg are capable of inducing chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes. Bioelectromagnetics 23:113–126, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EFEK MODERASI KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN DALAM PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN

Corporate value is a condition that describes the achievement of a company during the process of operation. Increased corporate value is an achievement that reflects an increase in wealth for shareholder. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of moderation dividend policy in the influence of profitability to the value of the company in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2012-2016. Based on purposive sampling technique, there are 24 companies that meet the criteria as the research sample. Data analysis was done by using moderated regression analysis method. The results of the analysis prove that, at the 5% level of significance, dividend policy is not able to moderate the effect of profitability on firm value.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for random fuzzy fractional integral and differential equations

In this paper the random fuzzy fractional integral and differential equations are introduced. Under Lipschitz condition we obtain the existence and uniqueness theorems of solutions for two general forms of random fuzzy fractional integral equations. To prove this assertion we use an idea of successive approximations. Moreover, the approach is followed to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions for random fuzzy fractional initial value problem under Caputo-type fuzzy fractional derivatives. The method is illustrated by solving an example.
Business cycle effect on leverage: A study of Indian non-financial firms

In this paper we analyse the effect of business cycle fluctuations on firms' capital structure using a large panel of non-financial firms in India. In particular, we explore the dynamics of firm leverage across business cycle expansions and recessions for financially constrained and unconstrained firms. We find that the leverage of unconstrained firms exhibits counter-cyclical dynamics. Leverage of financially constrained firms does not show any cyclical pattern. These results are robust across different empirical methods of estimation. A healthy financial system is one where all firms are able to access the external debt market especially in a downturn. Our analysis shows that in the Indian financial system, external capital goes only to a certain category of firms. This has important policy implications for further developing the domestic financial markets and institutions.
The performance of logistics service providers and the logistics costs of shippers: a comparative study of Finland and Switzerland

ABSTRACT This article analyses the market dynamics between shippers in the manufacturing sector and logistics service providers (LSPs) in Finland and Switzerland, focusing on factors that are characteristic of the demand and supply sides of logistics markets such as performance indicators, financial ratios and relevant macroeconomic indicators. The development of shippers’ logistics costs over a period of ten years is analysed as a proxy for cost savings. This is mirrored against the development of the LSPs’ financial performance. The share of logistics costs in the turnover of Finnish shippers is consistently higher than that of their Swiss peers, whereas Finnish LSPs perform financially better than their Swiss peers. This implies that Finnish and Swiss logistics markets differ in terms of market power and interdependence between shippers and LSPs. The results indicate that the sub-regional interdependence and market power of LSPs, caused by a lack of competition, explain some of the differences in logistics costs.
Methamphetamine‐induced Conditioned Place Preference or Aversion Depending on Dose and Presence of Drug a

Methamphetamine (METH) is characterized as having more pronounced central effects and less prominent peripheral actions than amphetamine. ' Although METH is widely abused, the literature currently offers inconsistent evidence of its reinfbrcing efficacy in animals. For example, METH has been reported to have equivocal reinfbrcing properties as determined in IV self-administration studies.2 In place conditioning studies, METH has been shown to have rewarding effe~ts,~ aversive effects or no e f f e ~ t . ~ The present experiments were designed to pmvide more inbrmation on the motivational pmperties of METH in the place conditioning para+ using an inbred mouse strain known to be sensitive to the rewarding properties of morphine and ethanol.
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

The authors reply: Our study was a proof-ofconcept trial and so did not allow prediction of the effect of HSV suppressive therapy as a public health intervention to prevent the transmission of HIV. Available data regarding resistance to acyclovir are reassuring. The occurrence of acyclovirresistant HSV-2 strains in HIV-infected patients (4 to 7%) has not increased during the past two decades in Western countries, despite the frequent use of acyclovir and valacyclovir.1 Instead, resistance to acyclovir could be declining, since the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy has become widespread.2 When such resistance occurs, it is not predictive of clinical failure.3 In addition, the occurrence of genital ulceration during the course of HSV suppressive therapy does not necessarily mean that the causative strain is resistant to acyclovir. We agree that in the absence of second-line therapy in resource-constrained countries (and considering the paucity of data available to date), the importance of resistance to acyclovir should be investigated further. However, even if such resistance is confirmed, it is unlikely to counterbalance the potential positive effect of HSV suppressive therapy on HIV-1 disease progression and transmission. The HIV-1 plasma viral load in the placebo group increased slightly during our study, but we doubt this rise was due to HIV-unrelated gastrointestinal diseases. Several women reported hav1.
Infinite resolution textures

We propose a new texture sampling approach that preserves crisp silhouette edges when magnifying during close-up viewing, and benefits from image pre-filtering when minifying for viewing at farther distances. During a pre-processing step, we extract curved silhouette edges from the underlying images. These edges are used to adjust the texture coordinates of the requested samples during magnification. The original image is then sampled --- only once! --- with the modified coordinates. The new technique provides a resolution-independent image representation capable of billions of texels per second on a mid-range graphics card.
The Analysis of Corporate Diversification and Cash Holdings: A Study on Non-Financial Companies Listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange during the Period of 2006-2015

This paper studies the relationship between corporate liquidity and diversification. Researcher develop a measurement related to company diversification through cross-divisional correlation in investment opportunity and cash flow and also intra-divisional correlation between investment opportunity and cash flow. The measurement used is where investment opportunity is measured through Tobin’s Q proxy and cash flow is measured with earnings less interests and taxes proxy. Also, this research performs measurement in cash holdings and companies experiencing financial constraint, where cash holdings measured by using cash/assets proxy, while financial constraint measured using payout ratio and firm size proxies. The key finding is that diversified firms hold significantly more cash than stand-alone firms because they are diversified in their cash flow. Lower cross-divisional correlations in cash flow and lower correlations between investment opportunity and cash flow correspond to higher cash holdings. Even in financially constrained firms, the increases of diversification degree through correlations in cash flow and correlations between investment opportunity and cash flow also correspond to higher cash holdings. These results show that the agency motive for cash holdings appears to explain the increase in the corporate cash holdings which means cash may needed in order to make an internal financing to overcome the cost made by agency when companies experiencing financial constraint. Keywords—cash holdings, corporate diversification, financial constraint, cash flow, investment opportunity.
Handling Challenges Inherent in the Hospice Chaplain Role

With an increasing number of terminal patients in the United States dying in the context of hospice, the role that hospice chaplains play in providing spiritual care for patients and their families is important to examine. The hospice chaplain role requires careful navigation of the development of relationships that may end abruptly, the expectations of hospice organizations, and the needs of both patients and families. The current study uses the concept of competing role dialectics to further our understanding of the challenges chaplains face as they enact this crucial role. Data from 45 current and former hospice chaplains reveal four major role tensions hospice chaplains must develop strategies to handle: fostering relationships versus fostering autonomy, acting as team members versus acting as individuals, serving the family unit as a whole versus serving particular family members, and following the agendas of patients and families versus following one’s own agenda.
Perceptions of educators of Deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescents of HIV-risk factors for these youths

Like the general population in South Africa, adolescents with deafness or who are hard-of-hearing may be vulnerable to HIV infection. They are exposed to all known risk factors for HIV infection. Educators who work in schools for Deaf (meaning culturally deaf) and hard-of-hearing adolescents can provide valuable information about HIV-risk factors for these youths. We conducted 21 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with educators of Deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescents in six schools in two provinces of South Africa. We explored the participants’ perceptions of the HIV-risk factors to which their learners are exposed. The educators were aware of the adolescents’ vulnerability to HIV infection. All the participants believed that Deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescents are at risk of contracting HIV due to vulnerability to sexual abuse and higher-risk sexual behaviour. The participants were aware of substance abuse patterns, such as excessive alcohol use or recreational drug use, among their learners. Adolescence is a vulnerable period, and adolescents who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing are likewise exposed to the risk of HIV infection.
Role of the CNS microvascular pericyte in the blood‐brain barrier

Pericytes are a very important cellular constituent of the blood‐brain barrier. They play a regulatory role in brain angiogenesis, endothelial cell tight junction formation, blood‐brain barrier differentiation, as well as contribute to the microvascular vasodynamic capacity and structural stability. Central nervous system pericytes express macrophage functions and are actively involved in the neuroimmune network operating at the blood‐brain barrier. They exhibit unique functional characteristics critical for the pathogenesis of a number of cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative, and neuroimmune diseases. J. Neurosci. Res. 53:637–644, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Jointly optimal precoder and power allocation for an amplify-and-forward half-duplex relay system

This paper investigates the optimal precoder design and power allocation between the source and relay for a half-duplex single-relay non-orthogonal amplify-and-forward (NAF) system. Based on the pair-wise error probability (PEP) analysis, an optimal class of 2 × 2 precoders is first derived for the traditional power allocation scheme, where one-third of the system power is spent at the relay node, while two-thirds are spent at the source node. Different from optimal unitary precoders proposed earlier, the derived class of precoders indicates that the source should spend all its power transmitting a superposition of the symbols in the broadcast phase, while being silent in the cooperative phase, for optimal asymptotic performance. We then further address the problem of jointly optimal precoder and power allocation for the system under consideration. It is shown that the total power should be equally distributed to the source and the relay, and the source should again spend no power during the cooperative phase for the best asymptotic performance. Analytical and simulation results reveal that the proposed precoders not only exploit full cooperative diversity, but also provide significant coding gain over the optimal unitary precoders. For instance, a coding gain of around 1dB can be attained at the practical BER level of 10−5 for various modulation schemes.
PREDICTING THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS OF HOLLYWOOD MOVIES USING AN INFORMATION FUSION APPROACH

Hollywood has often been called the land of hunches and wild guesses. The uncertainty associated with the predictability of product demand makes the movie business a risky endeavor. Therefore, predicting the box-office receipts of a particular motion picture has intrigued many scholars and industry leaders as a difficult and challenging problem. In this study, with a rather large and feature rich dataset, we explored the use of data mining methods (e.g., artificial neural networks, decision trees and support vector machines along with information fusion based ensembles) to predict the financial performance of a movie at the box-office before its theatrical release. In our prediction models, we have converted the forecasting problem into a classification problem—rather than forecasting the point estimate of box-office receipts; we classified a movie (based on its box-office receipts) into nine categories, ranging from a “flop” to a “blockbuster. ” Herein we present our exciting prediction results where we compared individual models to those of the ensamples.