Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of self‐reported mobile phone use compared to billing records among a group of engineers and scientists

Most epidemiologic studies of potential health impacts of mobile phones rely on self‐reported information, which can lead to exposure misclassification. We compared self‐reported questionnaire data among 60 participants, and phone billing records over a 3‐year period (2002–2004). Phone usage information was compared by the calculation of the mean and median number of calls and duration of use, as well as correlation coefficients and associated P‐values. Average call duration from self‐reports was slightly lower than billing records (2.1 min vs. 2.8 min, P = 0.01). Participants reported a higher number of average daily calls than billing records (7.9 vs. 4.1, P = 0.002). Correlation coefficients for average minutes per day of mobile phone use and average number of calls per day were relatively high (R = 0.71 and 0.69, respectively, P < 0.001). Information reported at the monthly level tended to be more accurate than estimates of weekly or daily use. Our findings of modest correlations between self‐reported mobile phone usage and billing records and substantial variability in recall are consistent with previous studies. However, the direction of over‐ and under‐reporting was not consistent with previous research. We did not observe increased variability over longer periods of recall or a pattern of lower accuracy among older age groups compared with younger groups. Study limitations included a relatively small sample size, low participation rates, and potential limited generalizability. The variability within studies and non‐uniformity across studies indicates that estimation of the frequency and duration of phone use by questionnaires should be supplemented with subscriber records whenever practical. Bioelectromagnetics 32:37–48, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why do companies appoint independent directors having professional legal expertise?

Abstract Understanding the role of the independent director is an important branch of corporate governance study, and the analysis of the independent director system from the perspective of a professional background constitutes an important part of recent theoretical research. This paper attempts to uncover the underlying motivations for Chinese listed companies to engage independent directors having professional legal expertise and to analyse the associated economic consequences. We find that Chinese listed companies engage independent directors mainly for consulting rather than for supervisory purposes; if a company is bound up in such activities as a lawsuit, dividend distribution, equity transfer or asset acquisition, it would be more likely to hire independent directors of legal expertise; and when a company is considering hiring independent directors, it would prefer those independent directors reputed to have professional legal expertise and extensive practical experience. We further find that the listed companies which hire independent directors having professional legal expertise generally have a higher market value. This paper not only contributes to the literature of the professional background of independent directors but also extends the literature of law and finance. In addition, it provides new inspiration on how to improve listed companies’ governance efficiency.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Mediates Ras Activation by Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone*

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) contributes to the maintenance of gonadotrope function by increasing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity subsequent to binding to its cognate G-protein-coupled receptor. As the GnRH receptor exclusively interacts with Gq/11 proteins and as receptor expression is regulated in a β-arrestin-independent fashion, it represents a good model to systematically dissect underlying signaling pathways. In αT3-1 gonadotropes endogenously expressing the GnRH receptor, GnRH challenge resulted in a rapid increase in ERK activity which was attenuated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478. In COS-7 cells transiently expressing the human GnRH receptor, agonist-induced ERK activation was independent of free Gβγ subunits but could be mimicked by short-term phorbol ester treatment. Most notably, Gq/11-induced ERK activation was sensitive to N17-Ras and to expression of the C-terminal Src kinase but also to other dominant negative mutants of signaling components localized upstream of Ras, like Shc and the EGFR. GnRH as well as phorbol esters led to Ras activation in COS-7 and αT3-1 cells, which was dependent on Src and EGFR tyrosine kinases, indicating that both tyrosine kinases act downstream of protein kinase C (PKC) and upstream of Ras. However, Src did not contribute to Shc tyrosine phosphorylation. GnRH or phorbol ester challenge resulted in PKC-dependent EGFR autophosphorylation. Furthermore, a 5-min phorbol ester treatment was sufficient to trigger tyrosine phosphorylation of the platelet-derived growth factor-β receptor in L cells. Thus, in several cell systems PKC is able to stimulate Ras via activation of receptor tyrosine kinases.
Densonucleosis of bloodsucking mosquitoes

Ultrastructure, development and histopathology of a new densonucleosis vlrus of bloodsucking mosquitoes are described. Mosquito densonucleosis virus is infective to all 4 larval instars, pupae and adults of both sexes. Incubation periods were significantly shorter in older fourth-instar larvae than in third-instar larvae. Infected larvae die during the fourth larval instar or as pupae. The limited field tests conducted on this virus have shown its efficiency for infecting larvae of natural mosquito populations.
Surgical menopause and cognitive decline

Abstract Aging is the strongest risk factor for cognitive decline. The perimenopausal period puts women in a more vulnerable state in regard to certain functions such as memory. Also, the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) pointed at some cognitive adverse effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy, but these results were not relevant for the peri- and early menopause since WHIMS recruited women above the age of 65 years. The ‘window of opportunity’ theory, pointing at potential protective effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy in the early menopause, mainly applies to coronary artery disease, but clinical data on neuroprotection by estrogen are not consistent. In view of a recent publication, the following article discusses the issue of menopause and cognitive decline, with a focus on possible associations with surgical menopause.
Unified Modeling Language based Analysis of Security Attacks in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are rapidly emerging because of their potential applications available in military and civilian environments. Due to unattended and hostile deployment environments, shared wireless links, and inherent resource constraints, providing high level security services is challenging in WSNs. In this paper, we revisit various security attack models and analyze them by using a well-known standard notation, Unified Modeling Language (UML). We provide a set of UML collaboration diagram and sequence diagrams of attack models witnessed in different network layers: physical, data/link, network, and transport. The proposed UML-based analysis not only can facilitate understanding of attack strategies, but can also provide a deep insight into designing/developing countermeasures in WSNs.
Readiness of Pre-Service Business Education Teachers for Web-Based E-Learning in Colleges of Education in North-East Nigeria.

This study examined the level of preparedness or readiness for use of e-learning amongst pre-service business education teachers in Colleges of Education in North East Nigeria. One research question and one hypothesis guided this study. This study was a sample survey, in which a 51-item structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The researcher developed questionnaire was validated and pilot tested and the internal consistency using Cronbach alpha was 0.81. The participants were 1,003 final year pre-service business education teachers from five Colleges of Education in five states in North East Nigeria that were selected for the study. A sample of 546 pre-service business education teachers was selected using cluster sampling technique. Data were collected with the help of trained research assistants. Data obtained were analysed using frequency counts and percentages, mean, and t-test statistic. The results indicated that the pre-service business education teachers’ perceived level of preparedness or readiness for the use of web based e-learning is low. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the pre-service business education teachers should be encouraged to engage in hands-on IT training wherever they are available; and that emphasis of IT training for pre-service business education teachers should be placed on web-based instruction (use of internet and World Wide Web), instructional slides and tutorials (Compact Disk- CD based), and virtual teaching (video conferencing technique). Keywords: Teacher readiness, Teacher preparedness, e- learning, IT-Information technology, ICT-Information and communication technology, Business education, Pre-service business education, Teacher education.
Characteristics of first suicide attempts in single versus multiple suicide attempters with bipolar disorder.

Although suicidality remains highly prevalent among patients with bipolar disorder, little research exists examining the characteristics of successive attempts among individuals who make and survive a first suicide attempt. We compared bipolar subjects with a history of one suicide attempt to those with multiple attempts and assessed demographic characteristics, family histories, psychopathology, and clinical dimensions of suicidal behavior. Fifty-two DSM-IV bipolar patients (age 21 to 74 years) with a history of at least one suicide attempt were consecutively evaluated in the Bipolar Disorders Research Clinic of the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Circumstances surrounding each lifetime suicide attempt were assessed by direct interviews, questionnaires, and chart reviews along with family psychiatric histories, substance abuse histories, current psychopathology, and features of impulsivity and aggression. Multiple suicide attempts occurred in approximately two thirds of the study group. Single attempters were significantly more likely than multiple attempters to show high seriousness of intent at their first attempt (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.99), and tended to be less likely than multiple attempters to exhibit mixed states at their first attempt (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.28 to 1.01). Seriousness of intent was consistent across the first and second attempts (r =.48, P <.01) and second and third attempts (r =.74, P <.05). Single and multiple attempters differed in no other clinical or demographic characteristics studied. We conclude that multiple suicide attempts are common among bipolar patients. Those who survive an initial suicide attempt involving high seriousness of intent appear less likely than those with low intent to make subsequent attempts. Consequently, single attempters may represent a group more closely resembling those who complete suicide on a first attempt, in terms of the risk for death associated with their first attempt. However, multiple suicide attempts among bipolar patients are not necessarily associated with a higher risk for lethality in first suicide attempt survivors.
Challenges of Offering a MOOC from an LMIC

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) were initiated in the early 2000s by certain leading American and European universities. An integral part of the MOOC philosophy has been to provide open access to online learning. Despite their potential advantages to local audiences, faculty and institutions, the number of MOOCs offered from low and middle income countries (LMICs) remains low. The intent of this paper is to provide a reflective perspective on a MOOC recently offered from an LMIC, namely, Pakistan. According to our analysis, the main concern for the organizers of this MOOC was to maintain a high standard of quality, and to offer a course topic that responded to the academic needs of this region. The pedagogical strategy also emphasized on allowing the participants flexibility of time, enabling them to access the course content despite limitations with power shortages, internet speeds, and computer literacy. Despite the lack of resources and expertise, there is significant enthusiasm to introduce this form of teaching and learning to LMIC audiences.
Power-Efficiency in Social-Aware D2D Communications

In this paper, we analyze the power consumption of a heterogeneous cellular network employing device-to-device (D2D) communication principles. An important part of the power consumption in the described network is caused by several active air interfaces. We use the recent models of 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiFi interfaces in analyzing the power consumption in different social-aware scenarios. In addition, we propose and use a new model for the 802.11n WiFi. We show that in many scenarios, relaying over the WiFi interface instead of using LTE is a preferred communication method, especially if the data rate requirement is not high.
Does Institutional Ownership Predict Mutual Fund Performance? An Examination of Undiscovered Holdings within 13(F) Reports

We show that institutional ownership in mutual funds predicts mutual fund performance. Our measure of institutional ownership is directly from institutions’ 13(f) filings and it provides a broader picture of institutional investment in mutual funds than existing studies. We find that funds held by institutions perform better than funds not held by institutions for at least three years. Such outperformance is not subsumed by fund styles, common fund characteristics, and existing performance predictors documented in the literature. Moreover, we find that the outperformance of institution-held funds coincides with institutions’ stock picking skills and their buy trades.
Imiquimod 5% Cream for the Treatment of Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5% imiquimod cream in the treatment of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) through the analysis of a case series. Methods: Eight subjects with primary nodular BCC of the eyelid were recruited. Treatment lasted 10 to 16 weeks. The average follow-up time was 11.7 months. Results: Of a total of 10 lesions, 80% resolved clinically and histologically and have remained asymptomatic since. Conclusion: Imiquimod cream 5% was shown to be an attractive alternative to surgical treatment of periocular BCC. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are expected to provide more accurate information on the efficacy and safety of the drug.
Phylogeny and Identification of Enterococci by atpA Gene Sequence Analysis

ABSTRACT The relatedness among 91 Enterococcus strains representing all validly described species was investigated by comparing a 1,102-bp fragment of atpA, the gene encoding the alpha subunit of ATP synthase. The relationships observed were in agreement with the phylogeny inferred from 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. However, atpA gene sequences were much more discriminatory than 16S rRNA for species differentiation. All species were differentiated on the basis of atpA sequences with, at a maximum, 92% similarity. Six members of the Enterococcus faecium species group (E. faecium, E. hirae, E. durans, E. villorum, E. mundtii, and E. ratti) showed >99% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, but the highest value of atpA gene sequence similarity was only 89.9%. The intraspecies atpA sequence similarities for all species except E. faecium strains varied from 98.6 to 100%; the E. faecium strains had a lower atpA sequence similarity of 96.3%. Our data clearly show that atpA provides an alternative tool for the phylogenetic study and identification of enterococci.
Moral Hazard in Workers' Compensation Insurance

This paper uses longitudinal CPS data on a large sample of workers to estimate the determinants of participation in state workers' compensation programs in the United States. The principal finding is that higher workers' compensation benefits are associated with greater participation in the workers' compensation program, after allowing for worker characteristics, state dummy variables and other aspects of the workers' compensation law. Moreover, this result holds for both manufacturing and nonmanufacturing workers. Workers' compensation benefits, however, have an insignificant effect on program participation for the sample of women. Overall, a 10% increase in benefits is associated with a 7.1% increase in program participation. In addition, the results show that the waiting period that is required before benefit payments begin has a substantial negative effect on participation in the workers' compensation program. Finally, with the exception of unemployment insurance, there is little evidence that workers are comparatively more likely to participate in other social insurance programs while they are collecting workers' compensation benefits.
The bacterial condensin/cohesin‐like protein complex acts in DNA repair and regulation of gene expression

Structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) and the SMC‐interacting kleisin protein families have key functions in the chromosome organization of most organisms. Here, we report that the Bacillus subtilis kleisin, ScpA, can form a ternary complex with the SMC and ScpB proteins in a yeast tri‐hybrid assay, supporting the notion of a bacterial cohesin/condensin‐like complex. Furthermore, ScpA interacts in two‐hybrid assays with the AddAB complex, essential for recombinational repair, with DegS, a two‐component sensor kinase, as well as with other potential transcription regulators. Point mutations in scpA allowing growth under conditions not permissive for the spcA null and not affecting chromosome condensation were isolated. Among these mutations, some affected DNA repair and gene regulation, thus separating ScpA functions in these two pathways from its functions in chromosome condensation and segregation. Some separation‐of‐function mutations in scpA caused a deficiency in the repair of mitomycin C DNA lesions that was suppressed by increasing the intracellular dosage of the interacting AddAB complex. Another mutation in scpA deregulated the expression of genes encoding degradative enzymes that are known to be controlled by the interacting DegS kinase. We propose that the SMC–ScpA–ScpB complex could: (i) recruit the AddAB helicase/nuclease to act in post‐replicative repair; and (ii) form a complex with the DegS sensor kinase that inhibits its kinase activity. Moreover, our results indicate that the role of cohesin and condensin complexes in DNA repair and gene regulation is evolutionary conserved.
Identification of Stabilizing Mutations in an H5 Hemagglutinin Influenza Virus Protein

ABSTRACT Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype continue to circulate in poultry in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Recently, outbreaks of novel reassortant H5 viruses have also occurred in North America. Although the number of human infections with highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses continues to rise, these viruses remain unable to efficiently transmit between humans. However, we and others have identified H5 viruses capable of respiratory droplet transmission in ferrets. Two experimentally introduced mutations in the viral hemagglutinin (HA) receptor-binding domain conferred binding to human-type receptors but reduced HA stability. Compensatory mutations in HA (acquired during virus replication in ferrets) were essential to restore HA stability. These stabilizing mutations in HA also affected the pH at which HA undergoes an irreversible switch to its fusogenic form in host endosomes, a crucial step for virus infectivity. To identify additional stabilizing mutations in an H5 HA, we subjected a virus library possessing random mutations in the ectodomain of an H5 HA (altered to bind human-type receptors) to three rounds of treatment at 50°C. We isolated several mutants that maintained their human-type receptor-binding preference but acquired an appreciable increase in heat stability and underwent membrane fusion at a lower pH; collectively, these properties may aid H5 virus respiratory droplet transmission in mammals. IMPORTANCE We have identified mutations in HA that increase its heat stability and affect the pH that triggers an irreversible conformational change (a prerequisite for virus infectivity). These mutations were identified in the genetic background of an H5 HA protein that was mutated to bind to human cells. The ability to bind to human-type receptors, together with physical stability and an altered pH threshold for HA conformational change, may facilitate avian influenza virus transmission via respiratory droplets in mammals.
Lack of family planning leading to induced abortion in rural Greece.

29 (31%) of the 94 mothers interviewed in a domiciliary study of the use of mother and child health services in rural northwest Greece reported they had undergone an induced abortion. Most of these women, between 30-40 years of age, had at least 2 children. There was no correlation with the mother's literacy, father's occupation, and family's socioeconomic situation. The rate of abortion reported in this study is consistent with the findings of other Greek studies in urban settings. In the current study it was difficult to identify the exact time when women had undergone the abortion as the topic was delicate. Yet, all women were prompt and sincere in their answers and willing to share their anxieties and their fears about possible effects on subsequent pregnancies. The women had gone to considerable efforts to obtain an induced abortion. These included the inconvenience of going to a doctor in the main town (40 miles away) and incurring travel costs as well as the cost of the operation, which is currently about 10,000 drachmas. Few women (36%) were using any contraceptive method. The 36% included 27% who used condoms and coitus interruptus, 7% the rhythm method, and 2% all 3 methods. Only a few of the more educated women had heard or read about other methods. All of the women were concerned about the risk of becoming pregnant when they used no method or a risky method. In Greece induced abortion is clearly a response to unwanted pregnancies, which follow the lack of family planning or birth spacing services. The government introduced legislation concerning the provision of family planning services in 1980, but the provision of these services has been very slow. Currently, only a few family planning clinics are operational and mainly in the large cities. 1 way to make some progress may be to develop interest in the provision of more appropriate primary health care and more appropriate training of doctors and other health workers. There are few experienced doctors practicing in rural Greece at this time. The key person for providing family planning care could be the rural midwife who is already a respected provider of family advice in the community. Needed is an active program to expand the provision of family planning services to the rural areas of Greece. Contraceptive services must be provided to enable people to limit the size of their family to the size they want without having to resort to abortion. It is time for health care providers to stop saying that what is needed is family planning education and to start providing the actual services.