Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal dynamics of dengue fever in Peru: 1994–2006

SUMMARY The weekly number of dengue cases in Peru, South America, stratified by province for the period 1994–2006 were analysed in conjunction with associated demographic, geographic and climatological data. Estimates of the reproduction number, moderately correlated with population size (Spearman ρ=0·28, P=0·03), had a median of 1·76 (IQR 0·83–4·46). The distributions of dengue attack rates and epidemic durations follow power-law (Pareto) distributions (coefficient of determination >85%, P<0·004). Spatial heterogeneity of attack rates was highest in coastal areas followed by mountain and jungle areas. Our findings suggest a hierarchy of transmission events during the large 2000–2001 epidemic from large to small population areas when serotypes DEN-3 and DEN-4 were first identified (Spearman ρ=−0·43, P=0·03). The need for spatial and temporal dengue epidemic data with a high degree of resolution not only increases our understanding of the dynamics of dengue but will also generate new hypotheses and provide a platform for testing innovative control policies.
Leukocyte activation and inflammation in cardiovascular disease

s Van Haelst PL, May JF, Chlamydia pneumoniae-infectie en de preventie van coronaire hartziekten. [referaat], Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1999;143(32):1679. Van Haelst PL, van Doormaal JJ, Secundaire preventie van coronaire hartziekten bij mannen met lage HDL-cholesterolwaarden door gemfibrozil. [referaat], Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2000;144(10):491-492 Van Haelst PL, van Oostrom JC, Statinen verminderen mogelijk het risico op dementie. [referaat], Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2001 Van de Harst P, van Haelst PL, Gans RO, Muskiet FA, van Doormaal JJ. Folic acid raises levels of HDL-cholesterol in patients with hyperhomocysteinaemia. Eur J. Clin Invest 2001;31(suppl.-1):4(abstract)
Intrinsic connections and architectonics of posterior parietal cortex in the rhesus monkey

By means of autoradiographic and ablation‐degeneration techniques, the intrinsic cortical connections of the posterior parietal cortex in the rhesus monkey were traced and correlated with a reappraisal of cerebral architectonics. Two major rostral‐to‐caudal connectional sequences exist. One begins in the dorsal postcentral gyrus (area 2) and proceeds, through architectnic divisions of the superior parietal lobule (areas PE and PEc), to a cortical region on the medial surface of the parietal lobe (area PGm). This area has architectonic features similar to those of the caudal inferior parietal lobule (area PG). The second sequence begins in the ventral post/ central gyrus (area 2) and passes through the rostral inferior parietal lobule (areas PF and PFG) to reach the caudal inferior parietal lobule (area PG). Both the superior parietal lobule and the rostral inferior parietal lobule also send projections to various other zones located in the parietal opercular region, the intraparietal sulcus, and the caudalmost portion of the cingulate sulcus. Areas PGm and PG, on the other hand, project to each other, to the cingulate region, to the caudalmost portion of the superior temporal gyrus, and to the upper bank of the superior temporal sulcus. Finally, a reciprocal sequence of connections, directed from caudal to rostral, links together many of the above‐mentioned parietal zones. With regard to the laminar pattern of termination, the rostral‐to‐caudal connections are primarily distributed in the form of cortical “columns” while the caudal‐to‐rostral connections are found mainly over the first cortical cell layer.
Matrix-geometric solutions in stochastic models - an algorithmic approach

This is a mathematical text suitable for students of engineering and science who are at the third year undergraduate level or beyond. It is a book of applicable mathematics. It avoids the approach of listing only the techniques, followed by a few examples, without explaining why the techniques work. Thus, it provides not only the know-how but also the know-why. Equally, the text has not been written as a book of pure mathematics with a list of theorems followed by their proofs. The authors' aim is to help students develop an understanding of mathematics and its applications. They have refrained from using clichés like “it is obvious” and “it can be shown”, which may be true only to a mature mathematician. On the whole, the authors have been generous in writing down all the steps in solving the example problems.The book comprises ten chapters. Each chapter contains several solved problems clarifying the introduced concepts. Some of the examples are taken from the recent literature and serve to illustrate the applications in various fields of engineering and science. At the end of each chapter, there are assignment problems with two levels of difficulty. A list of references is provided at the end of the book.This book is the product of a close collaboration between two mathematicians and an engineer. The engineer has been helpful in pinpointing the problems which engineering students encounter in books written by mathematicians.
Estimating the Compliance Costs of Securities Regulation: A Bunching Analysis of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404(b)

An extensive literature has analyzed the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) legislation enacted in 2002, but its social welfare consequences remain controversial. One of the most significant provisions of SOX – auditor attestation of internal controls under Section 404(b) – has been applied only to firms that have a public float (i.e. the market value of shares held by non-insiders) of at least $75 million. Public float is not reported in standard databases; this paper “scrapes” public float data from 10-K filings, resulting in about 161,000 observations at the firm-year level for the universe of reporting entities for fiscal years 1993-2015. The analysis compares the number of public float observations immediately below the $75 million threshold to a smooth counterfactual density estimated using a flexible polynomial fitted to the observed density away from the threshold. In the pre-SOX period, there is no detectable divergence between the actual and counterfactual density around $75 million. Since the enactment of SOX, there is substantial and statistically significant “bunching” below the threshold, exhibiting a bimodal pattern. The magnitude of bunching implies that firms around the threshold reduce their public float by about $1.7 million. This estimate is consistent with SOX 404(b) imposing a net compliance cost of about $4-$6 million (in present value terms) on firms in the region of the threshold. The results are robust to considering various alternative explanations for bunching, including the possibility that firms’ insiders avoid crossing the threshold in order to continue extracting private benefits of control. The paper also explores potential financial and economic consequences of bunching, in particular on the debt financing and investment choices of firms close to threshold.
Supplemental effect of bile salts to soybean meal-based diet on growth and feed utilization of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

A feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the supplemental effect of bile salts to a defatted soybean meal-based non-fish meal diet for rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. A fish meal-based diet (FM) and two non-fish meal diets with and without bovine bile salts (SC+B and SC, respectively) were fed to fish (13 g initial weight) for 10 weeks. Fish fed diet SC showed inferior growth and feed efficiency, while bile salt supplementation improved the parameters to the same levels as fish fed diet FM. Crude fat and starch digestibility of diet SC-fed fish decreased after the 10-week feeding trial compared to the data obtained with fish that had no experience of the diet. Total biliary bile salt content and intestinal maltase activity of fish fed diet SC were the lowest among treatments, while these parameters were improved by bile salt supplementation. Morphological changes occurred in the distal intestine and liver of the diet SC group, although the histological features of fish fed diet SC+B were similar to those of fish fed diet FM. These results suggest that bile salt supplementation to a soybean meal-based diet improves the nutrient utilization by normalizing digestive processes in rainbow trout.
THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED USEFULNESS, PERCEIVED EASE OF USE AND PERCEIVED ENJOYMENT TO INTENTION TO USE ELECTRONIC MONEY IN MANADO

Electronic payment besides phone banking, internet banking, debit or credit card but recently in Indonesia has developed other electronic payment products called Electronic Money. The purpose of this study was to find out the influences between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment on intention to use electronic money especially to customer of electronic money in Manado city. This research is quantitative researches that use casual type of research. The data was collected through questionnaire with sample size is about 60 respondents who are selected using convenience sampling method and analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis method. The result of this research reveals that there is significant positive influence between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment to intention to use electronic money. The issuer of electronic money banks or non-banks should increase the knowledge about the electronic money products through the advertisement and promotion and also by make socialization about the product to the public. So the public can know the usefulness and how to use electronic money as a payment instrument. Keywords : perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, electronic money
Increased fracture rates in Turner's syndrome: a nationwide questionnaire survey

background and objectives Reduced bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) have previously been reported in Turner's syndrome, although appropriate GH treatment and early induction of puberty seem to permit normal bone mass accumulation. Furthermore, an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis have been reported in a registry study. The aim of the present study was to further characterize the risk of fractures in TS and to explore risk factors, in a historical follow‐up survey based on a self‐administered questionnaire.
Different Roles for Lactococcal Aggregation Factor and Mucin Binding Protein in Adhesion to Gastrointestinal Mucosa

ABSTRACT Adhesion of bacteria to mucosal surfaces and epithelial cells is one of the key features for the selection of probiotics. In this study, we assessed the adhesion property of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BGKP1 based on its strong autoaggregation phenotype and the presence of the mucin binding protein (MbpL). Genes involved in aggregation (aggL) and possible interaction with mucin (mbpL), present on the same plasmid pKP1, were previously separately cloned in the plasmid pAZIL. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed potentially different physiological roles of these two proteins in the process of adherence to the intestine during the passage of the strain through the gastrointestinal tract. We correlated the in vitro and in vivo aggregation of the BGKP1-20 carrying plasmid with aggL to binding to the colonic mucus through nonspecific hydrophobic interactions. The expression of AggL on the bacterial cell surface significantly increased the hydrophobicity of the strain. On the other hand, the presence of AggL in the strain reduced its ability to adhere to the ileum. Moreover, MbpL protein showed an affinity to bind gastric type mucin proteins such as MUC5AC. This protein did not contribute to the binding of the strain to the ileal or colonic part of the intestine. Different potential functions of lactococcal AggL and MbpL proteins in the process of adhesion to the gastrointestinal tract are proposed.
Changes in the chemical structure and decay resistance of heat-treated narrow-leaved ash wood

We analyzed the effects of heat treatment on the chemical structure of wood from narrow-leafed Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), a fast-growing and economically valuable species. We also analyzed the effects of heat treatment on the wood’s resistance to four decay fungi. Narrow-leafed Ash wood samples were heated with saturated steam to 140, 180, 200, and 220°C for 2, 4, and 6 h. The relative contents of extractable components were analyzed, as well as the levels of holocellulose, cellulose, and lignin. In addition, the density, equilibrium moisture content, and pH of the samples were measured. To determine the effects of heat treatment on resistance to decay fungi, the samples were exposed to the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor, dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans, and the brown rot fungi Coniophora puteana and Gloeophyllum trabeum. Changes in the chemical composition of the wood due to heat treatment were correlated with increased resistance to fungal decay. While the hemicellulose content was dramatically reduced with increasing temperature and treatment duration, the lignin content increased proportionately. Thus, heat treatment is an environmentally friendly method of preserving narrow-leafed Ash wood against various decay fungi.
Some effects of trade liberalisation on Cameroonian manufacturing export performance

This study investigates the effect that trade liberalisation had on the export of manufactured goods in Cameroon. The study estimated the effects this liberalisation had on the determinants of exports of manufactured commodities and its influence on the country’s economy, using an augmented gravity model. The model revealed that the effect of exchange rate appreciation on the export of manufactured goods was less than it was before trade liberalisation, though still positive. After liberalisation, manufactured exports reacted positively following increased imports of intermediate goods and a lowering of tariffs; but it was restricted by higher production capacity. Further investigation indicates that the exports of manufactured goods were stimulated by the liberalisation of trade, although manufacturing growth was still dampened. The effect of the local economy’s size became more important, while the influence from foreign GDP declined. Membership of regional trade agreements became negative, which was unexpected. Distance became more important, and the effect of tariffs declined; though still negative. It was found that international trade liberalisation by Cameroon mostly benefited its manufacturing sector, improving its ability to export and to create jobs. JEL Classification: D22, F13, F14, F63, L60
Acute and chronic respiratory diseases in pregnancy: Associations with spontaneous premature rupture of membranes

Objective. To examine whether acute and chronic respiratory diseases are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). Methods. We used the 1993–2004 National Hospital Discharge Survey data of singleton deliveries in the USA (N = 41 250 539). The International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision was utilized to identify acute (acute upper respiratory diseases, viral/bacterial pneumonia, and acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis) and chronic (chronic bronchitis and asthma) respiratory conditions and spontaneous PROM. All analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. Results. The incidence of PROM was 5%, and rates of acute and chronic respiratory conditions were 2.1 and 9.5 per 1000 pregnancies, respectively. Chronic bronchitis was associated with a reduced risk of PROM (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.31, 0.48). Asthma was significantly associated with PROM at preterm (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.14, 1.17) and term (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.23, 1.30). Stratification by race showed that acute upper respiratory disease was associated with preterm PROM in whites (RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.71, 2.11) and blacks (RR 6.76, 95% CI 5.67, 8.07). Viral/bacterial pneumonia was associated with preterm PROM in blacks and term PROM in both races. Asthma was associated with term PROM in blacks but not whites. Conclusions. Acute respiratory diseases and asthma during pregnancy are associated with spontaneous PROM, with substantially stronger association among blacks than whites. We speculate that timely diagnosis and treatment, coupled with closely mentoring of pregnant women may help reduce the rate of PROM and associated complications.
Common law and the origin of shareholder protection

This paper examines the origins of investor protection under the common law by analysing the development of shareholder protection in Victorian Britain, the home of the common law. In this era, very little was codified, with corporate law simply suggesting a default template of rules. Ultimately, the matter of protection was one for the corporation and its shareholders. Using c. 500 articles of association and ownership records of publicly-traded Victorian corporations, we find that corporations afforded investors with just as much protection as is present in modern corporate law and that firms with better shareholder protection had more diffuse ownership.
A Genetic Algorithm-Based Low Voltage Ride-Through Control Strategy for Grid Connected Doubly Fed Induction Wind Generators

This paper proposes a new computational intelligence-based control strategy, to enhance the low voltage ride-through capability of grid-connected wind turbines (WTs) with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs). Grid codes world-wide require that WTs should supply reactive power to the grid during and after the fault, in order to support the grid voltage. The conventional crowbar-based systems that were initially applied in order to protect the rotor-side converter at the occurrence of grid faults, do not fulfill this requirement, as during the connection of the crowbar, the DFIG behaves as a squirrel cage machine, absorbing reactive power from the grid. This drawback led to the design of control systems that eliminate or even avoid the use of the crowbar. In order to conform to the above-mentioned requirement, this paper proposes a coordinated control strategy of the DFIG converters during a grid fault, managing to ride-through the fault without the use of any auxiliary hardware. The coordination of the two controllers is achieved via a fuzzy controller which is properly tuned using genetic algorithms. To validate the proposed control strategy, a case study of a 1.5-MW DFIG supplying a relatively weak electrical system is carried out by simulation.
In Vitro Activity of Caspofungin (MK-0991) against Candida albicans Clinical Isolates Displaying Different Mechanisms of Azole Resistance

ABSTRACT Caspofungin inhibits the synthesis of 1,3-β-d-glucan, a key step in fungal cell wall biosynthesis. Here we report on its potent in vitro activity (MIC at which 90% of the isolates tested are inhibited = 1 μg per ml of RPMI medium) against 32 Candida albicans fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant clinical isolates irrespective of the underlying resistance mechanism (alterations in ERG11 and/or upregulation of MDR and CDR genes encoding efflux pumps) and provide further evidence that caspofungin is not a substrate for multidrug transporters.
Yeast metabolic and signaling genes are required for heat-shock survival and have little overlap with the heat-induced genes

Significance We used the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate which genes are important for survival of heat stress. Previously, this question was addressed by examining which genes are turned on by mild heat stress; in this study, we examined gene-deletion mutants for increased sensitivity to lethal heat stress. This approach reveals that these two sets of genes are largely nonoverlapping, demonstrating that mutant analysis is a powerful complementary approach to gene-expression analysis. In addition, many of the genes identified as important for heat survival are involved in metabolism or signaling, or their function is completely uncharacterized, suggesting that our understanding of the systems-level response to heat stress is incomplete. Genome-wide gene-expression studies have shown that hundreds of yeast genes are induced or repressed transiently by changes in temperature; many are annotated to stress response on this basis. To obtain a genome-scale assessment of which genes are functionally important for innate and/or acquired thermotolerance, we combined the use of a barcoded pool of ∼4,800 nonessential, prototrophic Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion strains with Illumina-based deep-sequencing technology. As reported in other recent studies that have used deletion mutants to study stress responses, we observed that gene deletions resulting in the highest thermosensitivity generally are not the same as those transcriptionally induced in response to heat stress. Functional analysis of identified genes revealed that metabolism, cellular signaling, and chromatin regulation play roles in regulating thermotolerance and in acquired thermotolerance. However, for most of the genes identified, the molecular mechanism behind this action remains unclear. In fact, a large fraction of identified genes are annotated as having unknown functions, further underscoring our incomplete understanding of the response to heat shock. We suggest that survival after heat shock depends on a small number of genes that function in assessing the metabolic health of the cell and/or regulate its growth in a changing environment.
Coefficient of energy balance, a new parameter for basic investigation of the cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract Background: The concentrations of glucose and lactate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provide important information about energy metabolism in the CSF compartment. To improve our understanding of this information we introduced a new parameter resulting from a formula for calculating the fictitious production of adenosine triphosphate, i.e., the coefficient of energy balance (KEB). Methods: We evaluated cytology, the concentrations of glucose and lactate and the KEB in the CSF of 948 patients, who were divided into five groups. For statistical analysis we used the Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc analysis using the Dunn method and multinomial regression analysis. We determined the specificities and sensitivities of the cytological pictures and the KEB. Results: A KEB>28.0 corresponded to normal energy metabolism in the CSF. A KEB<28.0 corresponded to an increased level of anaerobic metabolism in the CSF during inflammation in the CNS. A KEB<10.0 corresponded to a high level of anaerobic metabolism in the CSF during severe inflammation with an oxidative burst of professional phagocytes in the CNS. The KEB parameter increased the specificities of cytological examinations of the CSF in all cases. Conclusions: The KEB represents an equation for calculating the fictitious average number of ATP molecules produced in the CSF compartment from one molecule of glucose, and we used it successfully as a new parameter for evaluating energy metabolism status in the CSF.
Evaluation of factors influencing knowledge sharing based on a fuzzy AHP approach

Although previous studies have identified various factors that facilitate knowledge sharing, the relative importance of these factors has not been empirically determined. The purpose of this study is to propose an evolution model that integrates triangular fuzzy numbers and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to develop a fuzzy evaluation model which prioritizes the relative weights of the factors influencing knowledge sharing. A literature review and factor analysis are performed, generating 16 attributes related to four dimensions affecting knowledge sharing. Then, a fuzzy AHP approach is adopted to determine the relative weights linking the four dimensions with the 16 evaluated attributes. Finally, an empirical case from the Taiwanese shipping industry is used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The results not only provide a fuzzy evaluation model for calculation of the relative importance of these influences on knowledge sharing, but can also help managers focus on the most important factors and identify the best policy for promoting knowledge sharing.