Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Arbitrage Pricing Theory and Common Stock Returns

The Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) originally proposed by Ross (1976) may be conceived a an attractive alternative to the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) (Sharpe , 1964 ; lintner , 1965 ; Masin , 1966 ; and Black , 1972) for explaining the relationship between risk and return . The major assumption of the theory is that the returns of a large number of assets can be broken into two components : (1) the systematic risk which is non-diversifiable and which can be measured as exposure to a small number of common factors; and (2) the unsystematic or the idiosyncratic risk which can be eliminated through efficient portfolio diversification . From the major assumption, both the CAPM and the APT recognize that every asset must be compensated only according to its systematic risk . There are two major differences , however . (a) In the CAPM, the systematic risk of an asset is defined to be its covariability with the market portfolio . In the APT , the systematic risks are def i ned to be the co variability with several economic/financial factors. (b) The CAPM requires the economy to be in equilibrium while the APT requires only that the economy has no arbitrage opportunities . The APT is a relati v e l y new and d i fferent approach to determ i n i ng asset prices . Considered as a more general and flexible theor y than the CAPM , the APT suggests that multiple factors are i nvolved in the return generating process . The major object i ves o f this study are: (1) to test the app l i c abili ty of the APT us i ng comm o n st ock r eturns traded in the c oun t ry’s Mani l a S to ck E xc han g e ; and (2) to present the different theoretical and empirical i ssues surrounding th e su b j ect matter.
Intermittent hypoxic training improves anaerobic performance in competitive swimmers when implemented into a direct competition mesocycle

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) on anaerobic and aerobic capacity and swimming performance in well-trained swimmers. Sixteen male swimmers were randomly divided into a hypoxia (H) group (n = 8), which trained in a normobaric hypoxia environment, and a control (C) group (n = 8), which exercised under normoxic conditions. However, one participant left the study without explanation. During the experiment group H trained on land twice per week in simulated hypoxia (FiO2 = 15.5%, corresponding to 2,500 m a.s.l); however, they conducted swim training in normoxic conditions. Group C performed the same training program under normoxic conditions. The training program included four weekly microcyles, followed by three days of recovery. During practice sessions on land, the swimmers performed 30 second sprints on an arm-ergometer, alternating with two minute high intensity intervals on a lower limb cycle ergometer. The results showed that the training on land caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in absolute maximal workload (WRmax) by 7.4% in group H and by 3.2% in group C and relative values of VO2max by 6.9% in group H and 3.7% in group C. However, absolute values of VO2max were not significantly changed. Additionally, a significant (p<0.05) increase in mean power (Pmean) during the first (11.7%) and second (11.9%) Wingate tests was only observed in group H. The delta values of lactate concentration (ΔLA) after both Wingate tests were significantly (p<0.05) higher in comparison to baseline levels by 28.8% in group H. Opposite changes were observed in delta values of blood pH (ΔpH) after both Wingate tests in group H, with a significant decrease in values of ΔpH by 33.3%. The IHT caused a significant (p<0.05) improvement in 100m and 200m swimming performance, by 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively in group H. Training in normoxia (group C), resulted in a significant (p<0.05) improvement of swimming performance at 100m and 200m, by 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. In conclusion, the most important finding of this study includes a significant improvement in anaerobic capacity and swimming performance after high-intensity IHT. However, this training protocol had no effect on absolute values of VO2max and hematological variables.
Integrating Mid-Air Haptics into Movie Experiences

"Seeing is believing, but feeling is the truth". This idiom from the seventieth century English clergyman Thomas Fuller gains new momentum in light of an increased proliferation of haptic technologies that allow people to have various kinds of `touch' and `touchless' interactions. Here, we report on the process of creating and integrating touchless feedback (i.e. mid-air haptic stimuli) into short movie experiences (i.e. one-minute movie format). Based on a systematic evaluation of user's experiences of those haptically enhanced movies, we show evidence for the positive effect of haptic feedback during the first viewing experience, but also for a repeated viewing after two weeks. This opens up a promising design space for content creators and researchers interested in sensory augmentation of audiovisual content. We discuss our findings and the use of mid-air haptics technologies with respect to its effect on users' emotions, changes in the viewing experience over time, and the effects of synchronisation.
The association between three IL-6 polymorphisms and HBV-related liver diseases: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND A quantity of case-control studies have been performed to address the association between the three interleukin-6 (IL-6) polymorphisms (-572G/C, -597G/A and -174G/C) and the risk of HBV related liver diseases. However, previous research results are inconsistent. We conducted this meta-analysis to clarify the correlation between these IL-6 polymorphisms and HBV related liver diseases. METHODS We searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library as well as Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang database for all the relevant studies up to April 15, 2015. The data were extracted by two independent authors. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 10 studies consisting of 3879 cases and 2812 controls were included in this metaanalysis. For IL-6 polymorphism -572G/C, an association with increased chronic hepatitis B (CHB) risk was observed under in allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant and recessive model. However, IL-6 polymorphisms (-572G/C) were not related to Inactive Carrier (IC), Liver Cirrhosis (LC) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) risk in this study. We also found that IL-6 polymorphisms (-597G/A) were related to CHB in allelic, heterozygous, recessive model. For IL-6 polymorphism -174G/C, we did not find any association with CHB risk. CONCLUSION The present meta-analysis indicated that IL-6 polymorphisms -572G/C and -597G/A significantly associate with CHB risk, but might not be significantly related to the progressive HBV such as LC and HCC. IL-6 polymorphisms -174G/C might not significantly associate with HBV related liver diseases.
An Improved Edge Detection Algorithm Based on Area Morphology and Maximum Entropy

A novel method based on area morphology and maximum entropy theory for edge detection is presented. Area morphological filters can enable the elimination of connected components within image level sets by selecting different area scales. Using area morphology approach, thin, closed contours without boundary distortion can be provided, which are suitable for use in image segmentation. By the introduction of maximum entropy, the improved method not only preserves the advantages of the area morphology, but also can automatically highlight desired objects against background without user input or parameter specification. The experimental results show the improved method can obtain good results by selecting optimal image scales automatically.
Inflation and Stock Prices Interactions in South Africa: VAR Analysis

The study is based on the time series analysis of stock prices in South Africa. It uses the data covering the period 1980Q1 to 2010Q4 to test the effect of inflation on stock prices. The analysis is done using Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL). First, we investigate time series properties of data. The unit root test results reveal stock prices, interest rate, economic growth and real effective exchange rate are integrated of order zero ~I(0), while the growth of money supply and inflation are ~I(1). Causality test suggests a unidirectional causation from inflation to stock prices. The establishment of the long-run relationship leads us to performing VECM to establish short-run and long-run dynamics. Our results indicate that inflation exerts a significant and negative impact on stock prices in South Africa.
Modified SH2 domain to phototrap and identify phosphotyrosine proteins from subcellular sites within cells

Spatial regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation is important for many aspects of cell biology. However, phosphotyrosine accounts for less than 1% of all phosphorylated substrates, and it is typically a very transient event in vivo. These factors complicate the identification of key tyrosine kinase substrates, especially in the context of their extraordinary spatial organization. Here, we describe an approach to identify tyrosine kinase substrates based on their subcellular distribution from within cells. This method uses an unnatural amino acid-modified Src homology 2 (SH2) domain that is expressed within cells and can covalently trap phosphotyrosine proteins on exposure to light. This SH2 domain-based photoprobe was targeted to cellular structures, such as the actin cytoskeleton, mitochondria, and cellular membranes, to capture tyrosine kinase substrates unique to each cellular region. We demonstrate that RhoA, one of the proteins associated with actin, can be phosphorylated on two tyrosine residues within the switch regions, suggesting that phosphorylation of these residues might modulate RhoA signaling to the actin cytoskeleton. We conclude that expression of SH2 domains within cellular compartments that are capable of covalent phototrapping can reveal the spatial organization of tyrosine kinase substrates that are likely to be important for the regulation of subcellular structures.
Characterization of surgically transposed ovaries in integrated PET/CT scan in patients with cervical cancer

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the ovarian findings on integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans during follow‐up in cervical cancer patients with ovarian transposition. Method. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and integrated 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography of women with ovarian transposition during radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer between December 2003 and March 2006. Results. Eighty‐four premenopausal women had ovarian transposition performed during the study period. Twelve positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans from 11 patients were registered for the current study and three women were diagnosed with metastasis: two in lung and one in pelvis. Two patients complained of menopausal symptoms during follow‐up, and the hormonal tests were consistent with it. In the current study, an integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan detected one patient with right lower abdominal mass with increased 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, which was identified as a transposed right ovary. Clinical information of ovarian transposition was helpful in interpretation of the lesion. In the patient, transposed ovary was associated with increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, with standard uptake values ranging from 3.7 to 5.5. Other positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans did not show abnormal uptake of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose. Conclusions. Transposed ovary in premenopausal women may appear on integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan as a mass with increased 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, which may be associated with preserved ovarian function. Clinical information regarding transposition should be noted in order not to interpret these as recurrent or metastatic lesions.
A Comparison of Wind Power and Load Forecasting Error Distributions

The introduction of large amounts of variable and uncertain power sources, such as wind power, into the electricity grid presents a number of challenges for system operations. One issue involves the uncertainty associated with scheduling power that wind will supply in future timeframes. However, this is not an entirely new challenge; load is also variable and uncertain, and is strongly influenced by weather patterns. In this work we make a comparison between the day-ahead forecasting errors encountered in wind power forecasting and load forecasting. The study examines the distribution of errors from operational forecasting systems in two different Independent System Operator (ISO) regions for both wind power and load forecasts at the day-ahead timeframe. The day-ahead timescale is critical in power system operations because it serves the unit commitment function for slowstarting conventional generators.
Identification of novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in DPB1 gene in ethnic population from West Bengal

HLA-DP antigens present peptides to CD4+ T cells and play an important role in autoimmune diseases and parasitic infections. We have sequenced HLA-DPB1 exon-2 from the ethnic populations in West Bengal, India and report a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) - rs111221466. The rs111221466 SNP induced silent mutation from CGA (Arg) to TGA (Stop Codon) and showed a frequency of 83.24%. In conventional sense, the frequency of novel SNP is very high. We have sequenced HLA-DPB1 exon-2 from a Bengali Population in West Bengal, India. HLA-DP antigens present peptides to CD4+ T cells and play an important role in autoimmune diseases and parasitic infections. Here, we report a novel single nucleotide polymorphism of HLA-DPB1 gene in the population. rs111221466 showed a frequency of 83.24, which is important to note, in view of common polymorphisms involved in disease susceptibility.
Usefulness of Genetic Algoritm Mordel for Dynamic Portfolio Selection

This paper briefly reviews the literature in the area of application of Genetic Algorithms to financial problems, and then details the development of Genetic Algorithm Model for portfolio selection, The model considers both equity and debt securities to enable switching from debt to equity during bull phase and vice versa. The Computerized Model has been tested with CMIE-BSE-l00 and BSE Sensex stock data over approximately a 4-year period during April 1999-January 2003 (which includes a sustained bull and bear phase) at three levels of risk tolerances. It is observed that at medium and high levels of risk, a substantial appreciation is obtained over the period when market index showed marginal increase.
Morphological heterogeneity among Salmonella lipopolysaccharide chemotypes in silver-stained polyacrylamide gels

The morphological heterogeneity of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) among salmonella mutants with different LPS chemotypes was analyzed in silver-stained polyacrylamide gels. The biochemical differences in the LPS chemotypes were reflected in the unique profiles of the purified LPSs. The LPS profiles in the whole-cell lysates were also unique for each chemotype. (Whole-cell lysates were assessed by a method which preferentially silver stains LPS and by a proteinase K digest of whole-cell lysates. The silver-stained LPS profiles of proteinase K-digested lysates were similar to the homologous purified LPS and could be used to preliminarily characterize the LPS chemotype before purification.) In summary, biochemical variation in LPS composition can be detected in silver-stained polyacrylamide gels.
Does psychological counseling alter the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease?

Background: There is increasing evidence that psychological stress can increase mucosal inflammation and worsen the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We have now assessed whether psychotherapy by a counselor specially trained in the management of IBD can influence the course of disease. Methods: Using retrospective case note review, we compared the course of IBD in 24 patients (13 ulcerative colitis; 11 Crohn's disease), during the year before (year 1) and the year after referral (year 2) for supportive outpatient psychotherapy to an IBD counselor, to that of 24 IBD controls who were matched to individual cases for age, sex, disease, duration of disease, medication at baseline, and for relapse rate in year 1. Counselor assessments were made using a visual analog scale 0–6 (0 denotes poor, 6 excellent response to counseling). The results are shown as median (range). Results: Patients were referred for counseling because of disease‐related stress (14 patients), work problems (3), concerns about surgery (5), and bereavement (2); they received 6 (1–13) 1‐hour sessions in year 2. In the year after starting counseling (year 2), patients had fewer relapses (0 [0–2]) and outpatient attendances (3.5 [1–10]) than in the year before referral (year 1) (2 [0–5], P = 0.0008; and 6.5 [1–17], P = 0.0006, respectively; furthermore, steroid usage (1 course [0–4] before, 0 [0–2] after, P = 0.005) and relapse‐related use of other IBD medications declined during psychotherapy (1 drug [0–5] before, 0 [0–2] after, P = 0.002). There were no differences in any of these measures between years 1 and 2 in the control group. Numbers of hospital admissions did not change between year 1 and 2 in either group. In the 20 patients who attended >1 session counseling helped solve stress‐related difficulties (counselor's score 4 [3–5]), the counselor scored them 4 (3–6) overall in psychological well‐being after the counseling sessions. Conclusions: IBD‐focused counseling may improve not only psychological well‐being, but also the course of IBD in individuals with psychosocial stress. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009;)
Runs of Ventricular and Supraventricular Tachycardia Triggered by Air Pollution in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Objective: The authors conducted an investigation of the association between air pollution and arrhythmia. Methods: A prospective panel study (October 2000–April 2001) was conducted in Erfurt, Germany. Fifty-seven men with coronary heart disease were subjected to six 24-hour electrocardiogram recordings. Runs of supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia were associated with continuous ultrafine particle counts (UFP), accumulation mode particle counts (ACP), PM2.5, and gaseous pollutants. Poisson and linear regression models were applied adjusting for trend, weekday, and meteorologic data. Results: Elevated concentrations of UFP, ACP, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide increased the risk for supraventricular runs and the number of ventricular runs at almost all lags. Statistically significant associations were found predominantly in the previous 24 to 71 hours and with the 5-day moving average. Conclusion: Elevated concentrations of fine and ultrafine particle increased the risk of arrhythmia in men with coronary heart disease.
High fiber probiotic fermented mare's milk reduces the toxic effects of mercury in rats

Background: Since the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century, we have all been unfortunately exposed to an increasingly toxic and polluted world. Among the most dangerous of these pollutants is mercury, which is considered to be the most toxic non-radioactive heavy metal. Fermented foods may help cleanse the body of heavy metals. Fermentation breaks down the nutrients in foods by the action of beneficial microorganisms and creates natural chelators that are available to bind toxins and remove them from the body. Aims: The current study was designed to determine the impact of feeding a high fiber probiotic fermented mare's milk on the biological effects of mercury toxicity in rat model. Methods and Materials: The high fiber fermented mare's milk containing probiotics was prepared and its sensory properties, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity were determined. A rat model of mercury toxicity was used. The effect of feeding the high fiber probiotic fermented mare's milk to rats, along with mercury ingestion, was determined by the analysis of several biochemical markers in serum and histopathological examinations of brain and kidney. Results: The high fiber fermented mare's milk containing probiotics was found to be acceptable by all test panels and volunteers. Mercury ingestion was found to cause biochemical and histopathological alterations in rat serum and tissues. The mercury-treated rats showed a decrease in body weight and an increase in kidney weight. Sera of the mercury treated rats showed alterations in biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes in brain and kidney. However, the rats fed high fiber fermented mare`s milk along with mercury ingestion showed improved histopathology of kidney and brain, and there was restoration of the biochemical parameters in serum to almost normal values. Conclusions: Feeding high fiber fermented mare`s milk may reduce the toxic effects of mercury.
Failure to Launch: Housing, Debt Overhang, and the Inflation Option During the Great Recession

Can inflating away nominal mortgage liabilities cure debt overhang and combat a severe housing bust? With a focus on the Great Recession, I address this question using a structural macroeconomic model of illiquid housing, endogenous credit supply, and equilibrium default. First, I show that the model successfully replicates and provides insight into the dynamics of the U.S. economy since 2006. Second, I show that temporarily raising the inflation target would have cut foreclosures by over 60% and led to a more robust recovery in real economic variables. Price-level targeting that promises to offset this temporary inflation with future disinflation has more modest positive effects. In short, forward guidance matters. Higher inflation loses its potency in the counterfactual where all homeowners have adjustable rate mortgages, which highlights the importance of nominal rigidities for the e? ectiveness of these policies. Lastly, inflation proves effective even if wages exhibit substantial nominal stickiness.
Analytical Model of the Split-Coaxial Balun and Its Application to a Linearly-Polarized Dipole or a CP Turnstile

A simple analytical transmission line model of a split-coaxial balun is proposed and tested. It is based on the coupled symmetric transmission line approach. The model leads to a closed-form analytical expression for the termination impedance/transfer function of the complete antenna system that includes antenna, balun, and a non-splitted coaxial line of certain length. It accepts the impedance of a center-fed symmetric antenna as input parameter. The model is in excellent agreement with full wave simulations and is confirmed by a series of prototype measurements. It can be applied to a linearly-polarized radiator or to a broadband circularly-polarized turnstile, where the phase quadrature is created by two complex-conjugate impedances. The present model only describes the impedance matching properties of the balun but is not capable of predicting the balance quality of baluns.