Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting gold-price fluctuations: a real-time boosting approach

We use a real-time boosting approach to study the time-varying out-of-sample informational content of various predictor variables (inflation rate, exchange-rate fluctuations, stock market returns and interest rates) for forecasting gold-price fluctuations. While the predictor variables have predictive power, the economic value added of forecasts does not suffice to leverage the performance of a simple trading rule above the performance of a buy-and-hold strategy.
PMSM Hamiltonian energy shaping control with parameters self-tuning PID control

Aimed at permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) servo control system control requirements, based on Hamiltonian feedback dissipative control strategy, this paper proposed a PID Hamiltonian parameters self-tuning method. Basing on the view of system energy balance point, via port-controlled dissipative Hamiltonian realization, this method designed a permanent magnet synchronous motor speed controller with parameters PID self-tuning to improve the control system speed tracking performance and simplify the system design process. Comparing with fixed gain control parameters, simulation results shown that the proposed method can ensure the system asymptotically stable performance, simplify system parameter setting and improve the system's transient response performance.
Cerebellar hypoplasia and quadrupedal locomotion in humans as a recessive trait mapping to chromosome 17p

Background: Congenital hereditary non-progressive hypoplasia of the cerebellum is a rare condition, frequently associated with other neuropathology such as lissencephaly. Clinically, the condition is associated with variable degrees of mental retardation, microcephaly, seizures, and movement disorders due to ataxia. In severe cases, patients are unable to ambulate independently, but nevertheless do use bipedal locomotion. Methods and Results: Here we present a family with seven affected members, five of whom never learned to walk on two legs but have fully adapted to quadrupedal palmigrade locomotion. These subjects show signs of cerebellar ataxia and are mentally retarded. MRI analysis demonstrated hypoplasia of the cerebellum and the cerebellar vermis as well as a small nucleus dentatus and a thin corpus callosum but no other malformations. We show, by a genome-wide linkage scan, that quadrupedal locomotion is a recessive trait linked to chromosome 17p. Conclusions: Our findings have implications for understanding the neural mechanism mediating bipedalism, and, perhaps, the evolution of this unique hominid trait.
Even-skipped Represses Transcription by Binding TATA Binding Protein and Blocking the TFIID-TATA Box Interaction

ABSTRACT The Drosophila homeodomain protein Even-skipped (Eve) is a transcriptional repressor, and previous studies have suggested that it functions by interfering with the basal transcription machinery. Here we describe experiments indicating that the mechanism of Eve repression involves a direct interaction with the TATA binding protein (TBP) that blocks binding of TBP-TFIID to the promoter. We first compared Eve activities in in vitro transcription systems reconstituted with either all the general transcription factors or only TBP, TFIIB, TFIIF30, and RNA polymerase II. In each case, equivalent and very efficient levels of repression were observed, indicating that no factors other than those in the minimal system are required for repression. We then show that Eve can function efficiently when its recognition sites are far from the promoter and that the same regions of Eve required for repression in vivo are necessary and sufficient for in vitro repression. This includes, in addition to an Ala-Pro-rich region, residues within the homeodomain. Using GAL4-Eve fusion proteins, we demonstrate that the homeodomain plays a role in repression in addition to DNA binding, which is to facilitate interaction with TBP. Single-round transcription experiments indicate that Eve must function prior to TBP binding to the promoter, suggesting a mechanism whereby Eve represses by competing with the TATA box for TBP binding. Consistent with this, excess TATA box-containing oligonucleotide is shown to specifically and efficiently disrupt the TBP-Eve interaction. Importantly, we show that Eve binds directly to TFIID and that this interaction can also be disrupted by the TATA oligonucleotide. We conclude that Eve represses transcription via a direct interaction with TBP that blocks TFIID binding to the promoter.
Characterization of wireless power transfer links by network invariants

Networks for wireless power transfer are currently receiving considerable interest. However, it is important to have a common set of parameters in order to describe the performance of these networks. These parameters are the gains and the conjugate image immittances. The conjugate image immittances play a fundamental role and, in this contribution, they are all described in terms of the Rollett stability factor invariant. In addition to the conjugate image immittances three other gains values are necessary to describe a wireless power transfer network: they are the power gain, the available gain and the transducer gain and they also share a common immittance representation.
Imidazoline/Guanidinium Binding Domains on Monoamine Oxidases

Pharmacologically active compounds with an imidazoline and/or guanidinium moiety are recognized with high affinity by a family of membrane-bound proteins collectively known as imidazoline binding sites or imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites. Two such receptive sites may correspond to imidazoline binding domains identified on the A and B isoforms of monoamine oxidase (MAO), but the detection of monoamine oxidase isoforms in multiple tissues contrasts with the restricted expression of imidazoline-binding proteins. To address these issues, we determined the relationship between monoamine oxidase isoforms and subtypes of imidazoline-binding proteins in human tissues known to express one or both isoforms of MAO. 2-(3-Azido-4-[125I]iodophenoxy)methylimidazoline ([125I]AZIPI), a photoaffinity adduct that selectively labels imidazoline-binding proteins, photolabeled an Mr = ∼59,000 peptide in liver and an Mr = ∼63,000 peptide in placenta, consistent with the Mr of the MAO isoforms identified by immunoblots in these tissues. The photolabeled species in liver was immunoprecipitated with MAO-B selective antibodies, whereas the photolabeled species in placenta was immunoprecipitated by MAO-A selective antibodies consistent with the isoform of MAO predominantly expressed in these tissues. The imidazoline/guanidinium ligands interact with the enzyme at a site distinct from the substrate recognition domain, and the immunoprecipitated peptides in liver and placenta display distinct ligand recognition properties consistent with those reported for subtypes of imidazoline binding sites. However, the imidazoline binding domain was not detected in platelet membrane preparations containing amounts of MAO-B equivalent to those in the photolabeled liver membranes indicating that recognition of this domain is tissue-restricted. Restricted access to the imidazoline binding domain on platelet MAO-B was not altered by membrane washing with 500 mM KCl or by solubilization and partial purification of the enzyme suggesting that there are distinct subpopulations of MAO. Identification of a binding domain on MAO that recognizes this class of pharmacologically active compounds suggests a novel mechanism for regulation of substrate oxidation/selectivity or that the enzyme may subserve an as yet undefined function.
Decentralizing Democracy: Spain and Brazil in Comparative Perspective

Does decentralization of the state enhance democratic rule? ' Does democratization make decentralization more manageable? The key intervening variable governing decentralization with democratization is the coherence of the central state. Following a path-dependent logic, studies of democratization argue that an array of factors present in "political society," that is, in the domain of political parties and parliamentary alliances, determines the coherence of the central state.2 The stronger political society is, and the greater the coherence of central authority is, then the more likely it will be that decentralization and democratization will reinforce each other. According to this argument, Spain's well-developed political society played a key role in enhancing national authority by controlling the content and pace of state reform and regime change. In Brazil these factors were anemic or missing, thereby weakening the state in ways that allowed decentralization to endanger democracy. The emphasis on political society in studies of democratization favors static factors that fail to account for the dynamic character of decentralization and democratization. The relationship between decentralization and democratization in Spain and Brazil was shaped by intergovernmental conflicts that were never fully under the control of either national states or political society. In both cases these conflicts challenged institutional arrangements in political society that studies of democratization credit with enhancing state cohesion. Efforts to resolve the conflicts in both countries depended upon ad hoc and transitory measures that were not imposed by a coherent national state. These dynamics challenged the Spanish central government's ability to govern the expanding authorities of the regions, exacerbating emerging divisions within the ruling Socialist Party (Partido Socialista Obrera Espanol, PSOE). In Brazil runaway spending by the states was impeded by a partial reequilibration of authority and resources in the central state during Fernando Henrique Cardoso's administration (1995-present). Explanation of these dynamics requires a focus on the bargaining process among levels of government. This process is mediated by two factors: the open-endedness of institutions governing the distribution of intergovernmental authorities and resources and the political leverage wielded by central and subnational governments. Where federal institutions are open-ended, subnational governments are more likely
Assessing Consumer Preferences for Clean-Fuel Vehicles: A Discrete Choice Experiment

The authors assess preferences for clean-fuel vehicles (CFVs) versus the conventional vehicle using a discrete choice experiment. The results show that though consumers value environmental impact, vehicle performance characteristics are critical to choice. The authors find that regulation is not sufficient to create a market for CFVs, and they identify three market segments to which CFVs should be distinctly positioned and targeted.
The COOH-Terminal Domain of Wild-Type Cot Regulates Its Stability and Kinase Specific Activity

ABSTRACT Cot, initially identified as an oncogene in a truncated form, is a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase implicated in cellular activation and proliferation. Here, we show that this truncation of Cot results in a 10-fold increase in its overall kinase activity through two different mechanisms. Truncated Cot protein exhibits a lower turnover rate (half-life, 95 min) than wild-type Cot (half-life, 35 min). The degradation of wild-type and truncated Cot can be specifically inhibited by proteasome inhibitors in situ. The 20S proteasome also degrades wild-type Cot more efficiently than the truncated protein. Furthermore, the amino acid 435 to 457 region within the wild-type Cot COOH-terminal domain confers instability when transferred to the yellow fluorescent protein and targets this fusion protein to degradation via the proteasome. On the other hand, the kinase specific activity of wild-type Cot is 3.8-fold lower than that of truncated Cot, and it appears that the last 43 amino acids of the wild-type Cot COOH-terminal domain are those responsible for this inhibition of kinase activity. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the oncogenic activity of truncated Cot is the result of its prolonged half-life and its higher kinase specific activity with respect to wild-type Cot.
Improving the handover and care of acute urological admissions

Abstract The point at which a patient is most vulnerable during their journey through the hospital as an acute or emergency admission is the point at which they are transferred to the designated oncoming responsible team. Unsurprisingly, inadequate and incomplete clinical handovers have the potential for latter catastrophic consequences and are utterly avoidable. Recognising these facts, good clinical handover is an essential part of clinical governance and patient safety. Perhaps secondarily, clinical handover – especially when conducted with senior surgical personnel – can be a valuable learning tool for the surgical trainee. An complete audit loop was performed to assess the rate of handover and urology registrar involvement in acute urology periods in 2 month long periods as well as the rate of inadequate investigations and treatment. The interventions introduced included foundation doctor induction training in acute urology cases, an explanation of the importance of handover and a reflective look at ourselves and our approachability. As a result there were significant improvements in the rate of early registrar involvement and successful handover for patients admitted under our take.
Rethinking Rights and Regulations: Institutional Responses to New Communications Technologies

The contributors to this volume examine issues raised by the intersection of new communications technologies and public policy in this post-boom, post-bust era. Originally presented at the 30th Research Conference on Communication, Information, and Internet Policy (TPRC 2002)--traditionally a showcase for the best academic research on this topic--their work combines hard data and deep analysis to explore the dynamic interplay between technological development and society. The chapters in the first section consider the ways society conceptualizes new information technologies and their implications for law and policy, examining the common metaphor of "cyberspace as place," alternative definitions of the Internet, the concept of a namespace, and measures of diffusion. The chapters in the second section discuss how technological change may force the rethinking of legal rights; topics considered include spectrum rights, intellectual property, copyright and "paracopyright," and the abridgement of constitutional rights by commercial rights in ISP rules. Chapters in the third and final section examine the constant adjustment and reinterpretation of regulations in response to technological change, considering, among other subjects, liability regimes for common carriers and the 1996 detariffing rule, privacy and enhanced 911, and the residual effect of state ownership on privatized telecommunication carriers. The policy implications of Rethinking Rights and Regulations are clear: major institutional changes may be the necessary response to major advances in telecommunications technology.
Persuasive Effects of System Features in Computer-Mediated Communication

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems can be augmented beyond basic text messaging by a variety of features. However, research has not addressed the effects of these features in negotiation settings. In this article, I present an experimental study of effects of three CMC system features on interpersonal persuasion, an important part of negotiation. System features that augment messages with images and graphics and support conforming use of spelling and grammar were found to increase message persuasiveness. The results suggest a number of ways CMC can be enhanced to improve support for negotiation.
Synchronization of replenishment decisions for the multi stage economic lot delivery and scheduling problem

The challenging problem of jointly sequencing multiple items at the manufacturer facility, deciding on the delivery policy of end-items to the downstream retailers, as well as the replenishment strategy of raw materials from upstream suppliers is tackled in this paper. The objective is to develop the production and shipping schedule such that the chain-wide total setup, holding and ordering costs are minimized while satisfying end customers' demand. The manufacturer adopts the common rotation cycle policy in which all the end-items are produced sequentially on a single facility within that cycle. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming formulation that adopts the integer multiplier of the cycle time policy is developed. Through the use of differential calculus, an interval that brackets the optimal value of the cycle time is identified followed by a greedy search algorithm within that interval. A numerical example that illustrates the efficiency of the proposed solution algorithm is also presented.
Understanding structured text documents by a model based document analysis system

A document analysis system which is capable of extracting the semantics of specific text portions of structured documents is presented. The architecture of the analysis system is based on a knowledge representation scheme, a semantic network, called Resco-Frame Representation of Structured Documents. It allows the definition of knowledge about document components as well as knowledge about analysis algorithms in a uniform, simple, but powerful representation formalism. Hence, this architecture enables the analysis system to exploit the specific power of both the algorithmic knowledge describing the properties of algorithms and the declarative knowledge about properties of text objects in documents. The inference engine and the control algorithm show how these two knowledge sources are combined and utilized. The flexibility of the representation formalism Fresco, the recognition results and the computational complexity of the inference algorithm are presented in two different applications. <<ETX>>
Comparing topological, symbolic and GA-based ATPGs: an experimental approach

The goal of this paper is-to compare from an experimental point of view the performance of three ATPG tools for synchronous sequential circuits. The three tools are stare-of-the-art implementations of the topological, symbolic, and GA-based approaches, respectively. The environment set up for obtaining a fair comparison is described: the same hardware platform, circuit and fault list description, and detection mechanism are adopted. The obtained results allow the reader to more deeply understand the characteristics and relative advantages/disadvantages of these methods.
Mutational spectrum of FAM83H: the C‐terminal portion is required for tooth enamel calcification

Dental enamel forms through the concerted activities of specialized extracellular matrix proteins, including amelogenin, enamelin, MMP20, and KLK4. Defects in the genes encoding these proteins cause non‐syndromic inherited enamel malformations collectively designated as amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). These genes, however, account for only about a quarter of all AI cases. Recently we identified mutations in FAM83H that caused autosomal dominant hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta (ADHCAI). Unlike other genes that cause AI, FAM83 H does not encode an extracellular matrix protein. Its location inside the cell is completely unknown, as is its function. We here report novel FAM83H mutations in four kindreds with ADHCAI. All are nonsense mutations in the last exon (c.1243G>T, p.E415X; c.891T>A, p.Y297X; c.1380G>A, p.W460X; and c.2029C>T, p.Q677X). These mutations delete between 503 and 883 amino acids from the C‐terminus of a protein normally comprised of 1179 residues. The reason these mutations cause such extreme defects in the enamel layer without affecting other parts of the body is not known yet. However it seems evident that the large C‐terminal part of the protein is essential for proper enamel calcification. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Operational Details of the Five Domains Model and Its Key Applications to the Assessment and Management of Animal Welfare

Simple Summary The Five Domains Model is a focusing device to facilitate systematic, structured, comprehensive and coherent assessment of animal welfare; it is not a definition of animal welfare, nor is it intended to be an accurate representation of body structure and function. The purpose of each of the five domains is to draw attention to areas that are relevant to both animal welfare assessment and management. This paper begins by briefly describing the major features of the Model and the operational interactions between the five domains, and then it details seven interacting applications of the Model. These underlie its utility and increasing application to welfare assessment and management in diverse animal use sectors. Abstract In accord with contemporary animal welfare science understanding, the Five Domains Model has a significant focus on subjective experiences, known as affects, which collectively contribute to an animal’s overall welfare state. Operationally, the focus of the Model is on the presence or absence of various internal physical/functional states and external circumstances that give rise to welfare-relevant negative and/or positive mental experiences, i.e., affects. The internal states and external circumstances of animals are evaluated systematically by referring to each of the first four domains of the Model, designated “Nutrition”, “Environment”, “Health” and “Behaviour”. Then affects, considered carefully and cautiously to be generated by factors in these domains, are accumulated into the fifth domain, designated “Mental State”. The scientific foundations of this operational procedure, published in detail elsewhere, are described briefly here, and then seven key ways the Model may be applied to the assessment and management of animal welfare are considered. These applications have the following beneficial objectives—they (1) specify key general foci for animal welfare management; (2) highlight the foundations of specific welfare management objectives; (3) identify previously unrecognised features of poor and good welfare; (4) enable monitoring of responses to specific welfare-focused remedial interventions and/or maintenance activities; (5) facilitate qualitative grading of particular features of welfare compromise and/or enhancement; (6) enable both prospective and retrospective animal welfare assessments to be conducted; and, (7) provide adjunct information to support consideration of quality of life evaluations in the context of end-of-life decisions. However, also noted is the importance of not overstating what utilisation of the Model can achieve.
Climate Change and Tourist Comfort on Europe's Beaches in Summer: A Reassessment

Major impacts of climate change have been projected for tourism in Europe. Typically, these projections took general tourism activities such as sight-seeing and their climate requirements as their point of reference. The purpose of this study is to reassess the impact of climate change, by looking specifically at beach tourism in summer, a crucial market segment in Europe and more specifically in the Mediterranean. As beach tourism requires relatively high temperatures, relatively modest shifts in attractiveness are found. With respect to climate, the Mediterranean is likely to remain Europe's prime region for summer-time beach tourism for at least the next 50 years. Coastal managers in Mediterranean destinations are advised to focus some of their attention on other climate change impacts such as sea-level rise or water availability, and include environmental quality and diversification of activities in their deliberations. In non-Mediterranean regions, a promising strategy may be to focus on short- and medium-distance visitors who can take advantage of the new opportunities for beach tourism, and to explore the merits of seasonal climate forecasting.