Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Stable are Financial Prediction Models? Evidence from Us and International Stock Market Data

This study examines evidence of structural breaks in models of predictable components in stock returns related to state variables such as the lagged dividend yield, Treasury bill rate, term spread and default premium. We examine a large set of size-and-industry-sorted profolios of US stocks as well as 18 international stock market profolios and find systematic evidence of breaks in the vast majority of porfolios. The breakpoints most frequently identified in the US data are 1966, 1974, 1983, and 1990. The 1966 and 1974 breaks appear to have been driven by the T-bill rate and the default premium coefficients, while the 1983 break reflects changes in the coefficient on the T-bill rate and the term spread and the 1990 break was driven by the dividend yield and default premium coeffciencts. Our evidence also suggests that, while the size of the predictable component in stock returns has come down after the most recent break, many predictors continue to be significant. Although in-sample predictability of returns was lower in the 1990s than in some previous decades, it does not seem to have
Personal Identification in the Information Age: The Case of the National Identity Card in the UK

The informatics infrastructure supporting the Information Society requires the aggregation of data about individuals in electronic records. Such data structures demand that individuals be uniquely identified and this is critical to the necessary processes of authentication, identification and enrolment associated with the use of e-Business, e-Government and potentially e-Democracy systems. It is also necessary to the representation of human interactions as data transactions supporting various forms of governance structure: hierarchies, markets and networks. In this paper we use the agenda surrounding the proposed introduction of a national identity card in the UK as an empirical backbone for considering the issue of identity management. Currently, the UK government is attempting to relate the rights and entitlements of citizenship in the UK with a standard electronic identifier for British citizens and its instantiation in an ‘entitlements card’. This attempt to define legitimising identity seems to us a potentially fruitful empirical source for examining the conceptual and pragmatic issues associated with identity management in the information age. Such a card offers numerous potential benefits for individuals and organisations but its introduction raises major challenges to data protection, data privacy and public trust in the information governance of the UK.
The keystone transform: Practical limits and extension to second order corrections

This paper reports on analytical and simulation-based investigations of the Keystone transform (KT), which is used to remove range walk in radar systems. The KT modifies the cross ambiguity function to fix a radar target at its initial range, allowing longer integration times and higher SNRs. Limits on the useful length of integration time are explored, demonstrated, and found to depend on residual range migration caused by the acceleration of the target. A second order double-Keystone transform is then presented as an alternative that corrects for both velocity-based and acceleration-based range walk and enables chirp detection of an accelerating target.
PTEN expression is associated with prognosis for patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma undergoing postoperative chemotherapy

The prognostic significance of PTEN expression in endometrial carcinoma has not been clear. We conducted the present study to clarify the relationship between PTEN expression and prognosis in advanced endometrial carcinoma. Of 784 patients with endometrial carcinoma who underwent primary treatment between 1985 and 2000 at 5 institutions, 98 pure endometrioid carcinomas with retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis were provided for our study. PTEN expression was determined by immunohistochemic staining. Negative or mixed PTEN staining was observed in 64 (65.3%) patients. The survival rate for PTEN‐positive patients was significantly higher than that for PTEN‐negative or ‐mixed patients. PTEN‐staining status was not associated with patient age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, myometrial invasion or histologic grade. Of the 98 patients, 87 received radiation therapy (n = 25) or chemotherapy (n = 62) after surgery. PTEN expression did not relate to survival for patients receiving radiation therapy. In contrast, the survival rate for PTEN‐positive cases was significantly higher than that for PTEN‐negative or ‐mixed cases when patients underwent chemotherapy (62.4% vs. 11.8%). Subsequent multivariate analysis revealed that PTEN staining was an independent prognostic factor for patients undergoing chemotherapy. PTEN‐positive staining was a significant prognostic indicator of favorable survival for patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma who underwent postoperative chemotherapy. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MicroRNA-directed transcriptional gene silencing in mammalian cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level in the cytoplasm, but recent findings suggest additional roles for miRNAs in the nucleus. To address whether miRNAs might transcriptionally silence gene expression, we searched for miRNA target sites proximal to known gene transcription start sites in the human genome. One conserved miRNA, miR-320, is encoded within the promoter region of the cell cycle gene POLR3D in the antisense orientation. We provide evidence of a cis-regulatory role for miR-320 in transcriptional silencing of POLR3D expression. miR-320 directs the association of RNA interference (RNAi) protein Argonaute-1 (AGO1), Polycomb group (PcG) component EZH2, and tri-methyl histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) with the POLR3D promoter. Our results suggest the existence of an epigenetic mechanism of miRNA-directed transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) in mammalian cells.
Does progesterone improve outcome in diffuse axonal injury?

ABSTRACT Background and objective: The benefits of progesterone have been demonstrated in the animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the results of clinical studies are conflicting. Considering the heterogenic nature of TBI, the effect of progesterone in patients with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) was investigated in a clinical trial. Methods: In this study, 48 patients with DAI and Glasgow Coma Scale of 3–12, admitted within 4 hours after injury, were randomly assigned to the progesterone or control group. The dose of progesterone administration was 1 mg kg–1 per 12 hours for 5 days. The effect of progesterone was investigated using extended-Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E), functional independence measure (FIM) scores and also mortality within the follow-up period. Results: The progesterone group exhibited higher GOS-E and FIM scores in comparison to the control group at 6 months post-injury (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Mortality was also found in the control group (p < 0.05). The adverse events attributed to the progesterone administration were not found throughout the study. Conclusions: Findings of this study suggest that progesterone may be neuroprotective in patients with DAI. However, large clinical trials are needed to assess progesterone as a promising drug in DAI.
Domains and Determinants of Quality of Life in Schizophrenia and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background: The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) scale was designed to measure quality of life (QOL) in both medical and psychiatric illnesses. There have been a few studies to date that compare aspects of QOL in medical and psychiatric illnesses. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare QOL in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic medical illness and schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disorder. Materials and Methods: In a prospective design, 50 patients with SLE and 50 patients with schizophrenia were assessed on measures of QOL by using the WHOQOL-Bref scale, demographic factors, disease severity, and psychiatric comorbidity. Results: There was a significant difference between the SLE group and the schizophrenia group on the social domain of the WHOQOL-Bref scale but not on other domains. Patients with SLE had lower scores, except on social domain. Disease severity correlated with scores on the physical domain and environmental domain in both illnesses. The presence of psychiatric comorbidity was associated with significantly lower QOL scores in SLE. The presence of insight was associated with nonsignificantly lower QOL scores in schizophrenia. There was a significant association between QOL scores and both income and religious belief system in SLE, while age and duration of illness correlated with QOL scores in schizophrenia. Conclusion: Although the QOLs in schizophrenia and SLE were comparable on all domains except the social domain, the factors that mediate QOL in both these illnesses are different.
Group Processes and Process Evaluations in a New Treatment Setting: Inpatient Group Psychotherapy Followed by Internet–Chat Aftercare Groups

Abstract Little is known about processes characterizing therapeutic Internet–chat groups, which offer a novel way of providing group therapy over distances. In this study group processes and group evaluations were examined in a treatment setting where face–to–face inpatient groups are followed by chat aftercare groups. For a sample of 121 patients who participated in both treatment modalities, group processes and group evaluations were modeled using hierarchical linear modeling. The group evaluations followed a consistent upward course from the beginning of therapy until the end of chat aftercare. For the process measures Activity and Emotional Reactivity, the initial scores at the beginning of the chat groups were lower than at the end of the inpatient treatment, but higher than at admission. During chat aftercare, Activity and Emotional Reactivity scores increased less than during the inpatient phase, but on average Activity and Emotional Reactivity were higher during Internet–chat aftercare. The predictive value of the acquaintance of the therapist from inpatient treatment and the course of group evaluations during inpatient treatment on the course of group evaluations during chat aftercare were examined.
Effect of denervation on healing after tooth replantation in the ferret

Studies have shown that the sensory nerves participate in inflammation and immune responses and possess trophic-facilitating wound healing in general. Tooth avulsion represents a pulpal and periodontal injury, and the mechanisms involved in the healing responses subsequent to replantation of teeth are still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the healing responses after denervation and replantation of teeth. Unilateral denervation was performed in 15 ferrets by axotomy of the inferior alveolar nerve, 5 days before extraction of the first lower premolars. Six weeks later the mandibles were excised and processed for histological evaluation. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against the sensory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and measurements of root resorption and ankylosis were performed in four sections from each replanted tooth. After 6 weeks substantial reinnervation was observed in the jaws. Immunoreactivity in the pulp was observed in only two replanted teeth on the denervated side, compared with four on the innervated side. Total pulp necrosis appeared in 10 replanted teeth on the denervated side and in 5 on the innervated, indicating that sensory nerves promote survival of the pulp after replantation. SP-immunoreactive (IR) fibers were more frequently observed in the resorptive lacunae than CGRP-IR fibers. However, resorptive areas lacking IR fibers were frequently found along the root surface. Root resorption averaged 0.062 - 0.029 mm2 on the innervated side compared to 0.016 - 0.0043 mm2 on the denervated (P < 0.02). Ankylosis was observed in four of the replanted teeth on the innervated side (169.3 - 49.7 µm) and in six on the denervated side (332.56 - 193.2 µm) (P = 1). It is concluded that the sensory nerves promote root resorption after pulpoperiodontal injuries but have less influence on the osteoblastic activity expressed by ankylosis.
Saving the World’s Most Precious Resource

The traditional solution to a water shortage problem has been to develop new sources. But as the easily extractable ones have already been exploited, this quest is becoming increasingly difficult. Little wonder then, that even London, the capital city of what is considered to be one of the wettest countries in the world, is turning to desalination as a solution. Not only is this very expensive, but it is has a huge environmental impact. Furthermore, it addresses just the consequence of the problem and not its root cause, which invariably relates to inefficiencies.
Deciphering the developmental program in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis just prior to gastrulation

The embryo of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis displays striking anatomical simplicity, with an invariant cleavage pattern during development. It has a monoploid genome like the model organisms Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, whereas vertebrates generally exhibit tetraploidy. In this study, I took advantage of these characteristics to investigate the development of the organism as one reverse-engineers an industrial product. First, the spatial expression of 211 genes was digitalized. Some genes showed variable expression patterns, which might reflect multiple snapshots of a single temporally dynamic expression at different times. Several developmental territories of the embryo were considered to be very similar to each other; however, this digitalization of gene expression patterns showed that differences occurred between individual blastomeres even within a single developmental territory. Furthermore, Ciona Brachyury (Ci-Bra) was expressed in those blastomeres in which both Fox (forkhead-box) A-a and Zic (zinc-finger) L were expressed, these proteins being upstream regulators of Ci-Bra. The approach described enables the developmental program to be studied in silico. SUMMARY STATEMENT A detailed expansion of our knowledge on an animal developmental program by using already published gene expression data with the aid of computers
Presynaptic modulation of cholinergic and non‐cholinergic fast synaptic transmission in the myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum

Abstract These studies investigated receptors modulating release of mediators of fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus using electrophysiological methods. Fast EPSPs inhibited by >95% by hexamethonium (100 μmol L−1) were cholinergic; mixed fEPSPs were inhibited <95% by hexamethonium. Non‐cholinergic fEPSPs were studied in the presence of hexamethonium. The α2‐adrenergic receptor agonist UK 14304 inhibited cholinergic (maximum inhibition = 76%, EC50 = 18 nmol L−1), mixed (81%, 21 nmol L−1) and non‐cholinergic (76%, 44 nmol L−1) fEPSPs equally. The 5‐HT1 receptor agonist 5‐carboxamidotryptamine inhibited cholinergic, mixed and non‐cholinergic fEPSPs equally. Renzapride, increased non‐cholinergic (33%) less than mixed (97%, 13 μmol L−1) fEPSPs. Renzapride inhibited the purely cholinergic fEPSPs (−29%) but potentiated the cholinergic component of mixed fEPSPs (39%). Prucalopride potentiated all fEPSPs equally (30–33%). 5‐HT (0.1 μmol L−1) induced potentiation of cholinergic (75%), mixed (97%) and non‐cholinergic (84%) fEPSPs was not statistically different. The potentiating effects of renzapride and 5‐HT on fEPSPs were inhibited by the 5‐HT4 receptor antagonist, SB 204070 (10 nmol L−1). Renzapride (0.3 μmol L−1) blocked 5‐HT‐induced increases in cholinergic fEPSPs. α2‐Adrenergic and 5‐HT1 receptors mediate inhibition of transmitter release from cholinergic and mixed terminals. 5‐HT and prucalopride, acting at 5‐HT4 receptors, facilitate all fEPSPs; renzapride facilitates the cholinergic and non‐cholinergic components of mixed fEPSPs but not purely cholinergic fEPSPs. Cholinergic synapses may express few 5‐HT4 receptors or a renzapride‐insensitive 5‐HT4 receptor isoform.
Ex ante selection criteria & ex post reasons for dissatisfaction in logistics outsourcing: empirical insights from Greek food SMEs

Purpose To investigate the selection criteria applied by Gr eek food SMEs before (ex ante) appointing third party logistics firms and to find out the reasons which create dissatisfaction after (ex post) the provision of th at logistics service. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study methodology is used where the managing directors and the logistics managers of three Greek food SMEs are int erviewed. Initially, we examine the three cases on individual basis whilst a crossca e analysis is further employed revealing distinct similarities and differences bet w en the views of these managers. Findings Findings show that the top selection criteria for t he managers of these Greek food SMEs when appointing a third party logistics firm i nclude the following: experience in food logistics / expertise with chilled & frozen supply chain, cost efficiency, quality assurance certification and flexible paymen t policy. The managers illustrated their dissatisfaction and stated a plethora of reas ons including, inter alia, opportunistic behavior by the logistics firms and their lack of a bility to integrate with them strategically. Originality/value Considering the scarcity of work examining the usag e of third party logistics firms by SMEs (including food SMEs), this study demonstrates a clear set of criteria that influence the decision making of Greek food SMEs be fore appointing a logistics distributor; it also illustrates the key reasons fo r the dissatisfaction of the managers of these firms.
Reduced network based voltage stability monitoring by using PMU measurements

A simple scheme for security constrained preventive control to improve the real-time voltage stability of the power system is proposed in this work. The scheme is developed assuming that all the generator buses, transformer terminal buses and few important/sensitive buses are provided with Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). A Linear Programming based methodology is used, along with reduced network model of the system, to generate the control signals needed for enhancing the voltage stability of the system. The proposed algorithm has considered the line outage security constraints, and has been tested on the New England 39-bus system and 246-bus Northern Region Power Grid (NRPG) Indian system, at different operating conditions.
Frequency regulation for a power system with wind power and battery energy storage

With the increase of wind power penetration to a notable level in power systems, the requirement on frequency regulation services has increased accordingly in recent decades. Due to the limited ramp rate and economic factors of conventional generators, simply increase the capacity of conventional generators may not be an effective solution for providing frequency regulation services quickly. Large-scale battery energy storage system has been applied as a promising solution for frequency control in some renewable energy integration projects. In this paper, a control method is proposed for battery energy storage system to provide frequency regulation service. The control strategy to the energy storage system is indicated in the classical two-area AGC control diagram. The effects of the proposed battery control strategy for power system frequency control have been simulated and tested. The simulation results show that battery systems could be used as a tool in quick frequency control. The results also show the possibility of introducing battery energy storage system into real wind power generation projects.
Quantum-inspired Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithms for Decision Making : Analyzing the State-OfThe-Art

In this paper, multi-criterion, evolutionary and quantum decision making supported by the Adaptive Quantum-based Multi-criterion Evolutionary Algorithm (AQMEA) has been considered. AQMEA has been developed to the task assignment problem and to underwater vehicle planning. Moreover, the other algorithms like QMEA and QEA have been discussed. Key-Words: quantum algorithms, decision making, multi-criterion optimization, evolutionary algorithms.
Stimulation of Amylase Release by Orexin is Mediated by Orexin 2 Receptor in AR42J Cells

Introduction and Aims Orexins have been demonstrated to have mainly central physiological functions, including regulation of food and water intake, sleep, and arousal. However, little is known about their direct peripheral effects, if any. As a first step toward understanding the role of Orexin in non-neuronal tissues or cells, we initiated studies to examine expression of Orexin receptors (OXR) in an established pancreatic tumor cell line AR42J. Secondly, we wanted to determine whether Orexins, in various molecular forms, are active to stimulate any known pancreatic cell functions in AR42J cells. Methodology Reverse transcription-PCR analysis was performed to identify the presence of specific Orexin receptor subtypes. Intracellular calcium mobilization and cAMP levels were measured following stimulation by Orexin A and B peptides, their respective C-terminal decapeptide fragments, and hypocretin-2-gly (glycine-extended Orexin B). Release of &agr;-amylase was measured in conditioned media after acute stimulation with the set of Orexin peptides for 30 minutes. Cell proliferation was determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation after 24 hours following treatment with Orexins under serum-free condition. Results RT-PCR and sequencing results showed that Orexin receptor subtype 2 (OX2R) was the main form expressed in AR42J cells. Orexins stimulated dose-dependent increases in intracellular calcium mobilization with EC50 0.05 nM for Orexin A and 0.1 nM for Orexin B but were unable to stimulate any significant cAMP accumulation or DNA synthesis even at micromolar concentrations. Both Orexin-A and -B, but not hypocretin-2-gly, also stimulated dose-dependent increases in amylase release in the AR42J cells. Orexin-A and -B carboxyl-terminal decapeptides elicited significant but much lower calcium and amylase responses. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that OX2R mediates Ca2+-dependent amylase release in AR42J cells, suggesting that Orexins may have secretory functions in pancreatic tumor cells.
Strategical Argumentative Agent for Human Persuasion : A Preliminary Report

Automated agents should be able to persuade people in the same way people persuade each other, namely via dialog. Today, automated persuasion modeling and investigation use unnatural assumptions in persuasive interactions which create doubt regarding their applicability in real world deployment with people. In this work we present a novel methodology for persuading people through argumentative dialog. Our methodology combines theoretical argumentation modeling, machine learning and Markovian optimization techniques, which together form an innovative agent named SPA. Preliminary field experiments indicate that SPA provides higher levels of attitude change among subjects compared to two baseline agents.