Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Textmining at EmoInt-2017: A Deep Learning Approach to Sentiment Intensity Scoring of English Tweets

This paper describes our approach to the Emotion Intensity shared task. A parallel architecture of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long short term memory networks (LSTM) alongwith two sets of features are extracted which aid the network in judging emotion intensity. Experiments on different models and various features sets are described and analysis on results has also been presented.
An emerging market perspective on peer group selection based on valuation fundamentals

The developed market literature suggests that peer group selection based on a careful selection of valuation fundamentals may improve the valuation accuracy of multiples. However, the literature does not offer an emerging market perspective in this regard. In this article the valuation performances of 16 equity multiples are investigated, based on three individual valuation fundamentals and three different combinations of these valuation fundamentals. The valuation performance of these 16 multiples is assessed in the equity valuation of South African companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange over the period 2001 to 2010. The empirical results revealed, among other findings, that peer group selection based on a careful selection of valuation fundamentals could, on average, increase valuation accuracy of multiples by as much as 37.88%.
Intelligent caching for remote file service

Limitations of current disk block caching strategies are discussed. A model for providing remote file service using knowledge-based caching algorithms is proposed. The knowledge-based algorithms generate expectations of user process behavior which are used to provide hints to the file server. Te research involved gathering trace data from a modified Unix kernel and conducting trace-driven simulation of remote file server models. Performance improvements of up to 340% were observed for knowledge-based caching in simulated file service. Comparisons are made between conventional, knowledge-based, and optimal models. Extensions to general caching are discussed. <<ETX>>
Immune Responses to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Specific Antigen ESAT-6 Signal Subclinical Infection among Contacts of Tuberculosis Patients

ABSTRACT Diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is considered essential for tuberculosis control but is hampered by the lack of specific reagents. We report that strong recognition of tuberculosis complex-specific antigen ESAT-6 by healthy household contacts of tuberculosis patients correlates with the subsequent development of active tuberculosis during a 2-year follow-up period.
A fully integrated CMOS RF transmitter for UHF mobile RFID reader applications

This paper presents a low power CMOS transmitter for UHF mobile RFID applications, in a 0.18-mum CMOS technology. It uses a directional coupler in front of an antenna to reduce transmitter carrier leakage at receiver front-end and to be integrated into mobile handset with a single antenna. It adapts a direct conversion transmitter and consists of low pass filter, variable gain amplifier, up-conversion mixer and drive amplifier. The transmitter supports both the single-side-band (SSB) and the double-side-band (DSB) modulation for the reader-to-tag communications. This IC consumes only 31 mA in SSB mode and 27 mA in DSB mode from a 1.8 V power supply voltage to provide a 4 dBm output power at drive amplifier. The measured LO leakage, output 1 dB compression point and 3rd order output intercept point achieve 5SdBc, 4.5 dBm and 14.5 dBm, respectively.
Valuation expertise: Its nature and application

Discusses the components of valuation expertise as applied to the residual mortgage valuation domain and considers the different levels of analysis at which this expertise is exhibited. Explores the difference between ′true′ valuation expertise and expertness, the implications of the consultant′s ability to work across different domains of specialization by using analogies and the use of both individual and multiple experts in producing a ′domain theory′ which could be utilized in the production of an expert system for the mortgage valuation problem.
Neurovascular protection by post‐ischemic intravenous injections of the lipoxin A4 receptor agonist, BML‐111, in a rat model of ischemic stroke

Resolution of inflammation is an emerging new strategy to reduce damage following ischemic stroke. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is an anti‐inflammatory, pro‐resolution lipid mediator with high affinity binding to ALX, the lipoxin A4 receptor. Since LXA4 is rapidly inactivated, potent analogs have been created, including the ALX agonist BML‐111. We hypothesized that post‐ischemic intravenous administration of BML‐111 would provide protection to the neurovascular unit and reduce neuroinflammation in a rat stroke model. Animals were subjected to 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and BML‐111 was injected 100 min and 24 h after stroke onset and animals euthanized at 48 h. Post‐ischemic treatment with BML‐111 significantly reduced infarct size, decreased vasogenic edema, protected against blood–brain barrier disruption, and reduced hemorrhagic transformation. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and matrix metalloproteinase‐3 were significantly reduced following BML‐111 treatment. Administration of BML‐111 dramatically decreased microglial activation, as seen with CD68, and neutrophil infiltration and recruitment, as assessed by levels of myeloperoxidase and intracellular adhesion molecule‐1. The tight junction protein zona occludens‐1 was protected from degradation following treatment with BML‐111. These results indicate that post‐ischemic activation of ALX has pro‐resolution effects that limit the inflammatory damage in the cerebral cortex and helps maintain blood–brain barrier integrity after ischemic stroke.
Movin', But Not Up To The East Side: Foreclosures and Social Disorganization in Orange County, Florida

The recent foreclosure crisis in the USA has called for a revival in social disorganization research to examine how communities are being affected. While a number of studies have examined the direct relationship between social disorganization and crime in communities plagued by foreclosure, they have failed to look at the link between social disorganization and real estate indicators. This study fills this gap by examining Orange County, Florida in 2010 using realtor-reported transactional information, a type of data that are rich in transactional information but has yet to be utilized. The findings of this study indicate that negative social capital significantly predicts areas with higher concentrations of foreclosures (positive relationship) and traditional sales (inverse relationship). The proportion of Fair Housing Administration/Veterans Administration loans, the average days on market and the proportion of affluent households in the community also significantly predict these transactions. Limitations of the study as well as directions for future research are also discussed.
An Eukaryotic RuvB-like Protein (RUVBL1) Essential for Growth*

A human protein (RUVBL1), consisting of 456 amino acids (50 kDa) and highly homologous to RuvB, was identified by using the 14-kDa subunit of replication protein A (hsRPA3) as bait in a yeast two-hybrid system. RuvB is a bacterial protein involved in genetic recombination that bears structural similarity to subunits of the RF-C clamp loader family of proteins. Fluorescence in situhybridization analysis demonstrated that the RUVBL1 gene is located at 3q21, a region with frequent rearrangements in different types of leukemia and solid tumors. RUVBL1 co-immunoprecipitated with at least three other unidentified cellular proteins and was detected in the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme complex purified over multiple chromatographic steps. In addition, two yeast homologs, scRUVBL1 and scRUVBL2 with 70 and 42% identity to RUVBL1, respectively, were revealed by screening the complete Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome sequence. Yeast with a null mutation in scRUVBL1 was nonviable. Thus RUVBL1 is an eukaryotic member of the RuvB/clamp loader family of structurally related proteins from bacteria and eukaryotes that is essential for viability of yeast.
Inflation, Business Cycles, and Commodity Investing in Financialized Markets

Financialization of commodity markets has been a broadly discussed topic in recent years. However, its implications for commodity investors have not yet been fully explored. This paper concentrates on the macroeconomic determinants of commodity returns in financialized and non-financialized markets and on their role for a tactical asset allocation. The study aims to contribute to the academic literature in four ways. First, it provides fresh evidence on the interdependences between commodity returns, inflation and the business activity. Second, it documents increased correlation of the commodity returns with the business activity in the financialized markets. Third, it explores changes in the lead/lag relationship of commodity prices and the business cycle. Fourth, it proves that the commodities retained their inflation hedging abilities in the financialized markets. The computations are based on listings of various commodity indices, which are calculated by S&P-GSCI, JP Morgan, and Dow Jones-UBS, between 1970 and 2013.
Limb fat to trunk fat ratio in elderly persons is a strong determinant of insulin resistance and adiponectin levels.

BACKGROUND Similar to lipodystrophy syndromes, aging results in increased visceral adiposity with loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the extremities. The hypothesis of this study is that the distribution of limb fat to trunk fat (LF/TF) ratio in elderly persons has a stronger correlation than trunk fat alone to insulin resistance and adiponectin levels. METHODS Thirty-eight elderly participants were divided into an insulin-resistant (IR) group and an insulin-sensitive (IS) group. Limb fat and trunk fat were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance was measured by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the IS and IR groups with respect to body mass index, body fat index, absolute amount of trunk fat, or percent body fat. However, the difference in LF/TF ratio between the IS (1.02 +/- 0.05) and the IR groups (0.77 +/- 0.05) was highly significantly different (p <.001). Insulin resistance had a stronger correlation to the LF/TF ratio (r = 0.61, p <.001) than to absolute trunk fat (r = -0.32, p =.051). Adiponectin levels had a strong association with the LF/TF ratio (r = 0.63, p <.001), but did not correlate to absolute trunk fat (r = -0.24, p =.18). CONCLUSIONS The distribution of body fat (LF/TF ratio) in elderly persons is a stronger determinant of insulin resistance and adiponectin levels than is trunk fat alone. The LF/TF ratio can be a useful tool to assess insulin sensitivity in the elderly population.
Melatonin and its metabolites ameliorate ultraviolet B‐induced damage in human epidermal keratinocytes

We investigated the protective effects of melatonin and its metabolites: 6‐hydroxymelatonin (6‐OHM), N1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AFMK), N‐acetylserotonin (NAS), and 5‐methoxytryptamine (5‐MT) in human keratinocytes against a range of doses (25, 50, and 75 mJ/cm2) of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. There was significant reduction in the generation of reactive oxygen species (50–60%) when UVB‐exposed keratinocytes were treated with melatonin or its derivatives. Similarly, melatonin and its metabolites reduced the nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels that were induced by UVB as early as 30 min after the exposure. Moreover, melatonin and its metabolites enhanced levels of reduced glutathione in keratinocytes within 1 hr after UVB exposure in comparison with control cells. Using proliferation assay, we observed a dose‐dependent increase in viability of UVB‐irradiated keratinocytes that were treated with melatonin or its derivatives after 48 hr. Using the dot‐blot technique and immunofluorescent staining we also observed that melatonin and its metabolites enhanced the DNA repair capacity of UVB‐induced pyrimidine photoproducts (6‐4)or cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers generation in human keratinocytes. Additional evidence for induction of DNA repair in cells exposed to UVB and treated with the indole compounds was shown using the Comet assay. Finally, melatonin and its metabolites further enhanced expression of p53 phosphorylated at Ser‐15 but not at Ser‐46 or its nonphosphorylated form. In conclusion, melatonin, its precursor NAS, and its metabolites 6‐OHM, AFMK, 5‐MT, which are endogenously produced in keratinocytes, protect these cells against UVB‐induced oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Stochastic Volatility and GARCH: a Comparison Based on UK Stock Data

This paper compares two types of volatility models for returns, ARCH-type and stochastic volatility (SV) models, both from a theoretical and an empirical point of view. In particular a GARCH(1,1) model, an EGARCH(1,1) model and a log-normal AR(1) stochastic volatility model are considered. The three models are estimated on UK stock data: a series of the British equity index FTSE100 is used to estimate the relevant parameters. Diagnostic tests are implemented to evaluate how well the models fit the data. The models are used to obtain daily volatility forecasts and these volatilities are used to estimate the “VaR” on a simple one-unit position on FTSE100. The VaR accuracy is tested by means of a backtest. While the results do not lead to a straightforward preference between GARCH(1,1) and SV, the EGARCH shows the best performance.
Low-Power Synthesis for MPRM Circuit Based on Exhaustive Algorithm

In this paper, a low-power synthesis algorithm is proposed. Based on polarity conversion technique, the minimal Mixed-polarity Reed-Muller (MPRM) expansions are searched with exhaustive algorithm. Then the corresponding MPRM circuits are decomposed in dynamic logic and the optimal power is gotten. MCNC benchmark circuits are tested and the results are performed with the Fixed-Polarity Reed-Muller (FPRM) circuits of the minimal power. It shows that the expansion and power are smaller in MPRM circuits, and the decrease rates are 47.8% and 29.6%, respectively.
Trend in the international terms of trade between primary producers and manufacturers

Movements in the terms of trade between primary producers and manufacturers are analyzed using a model that introduces the influence of relative wage movements in the primary and manufacturing sectors as well as the influence of mark-up pricing in manufacturing. The model is estimated using data on the relative price of primary commodities and manufactured goods in international trade during the post-World War II (WWII) period. A decline in wages of primary-sector workers relative to those of workers in manufacturing and a rise in manufacturing margins are both estimated to have reduced the terms of trade for primary producers. However, expansion of manufacturing output is estimated to have a positive impact that has more than offset the negative influences during periods of moderate to strong growth.
Haptic Object Recognition in Underwater and Deep‐sea Environments

Tactile sensors, because of their intrinsic insensitivity to lighting conditions and water turbidity, provide promising opportunities for perception and object recognition in underwater and deep‐sea environments. However, the limited availability of tactile sensors for underwater use has led to limited research in this domain. Recently, we have developed a deep‐sea‐capable tactile sensing system, with high spatial and force resolutions, which has made underwater haptic exploration possible for the first time. This paper presents a tactile sensor‐based object recognition and localization methodology for structured underwater and deep‐sea applications. Our approach is based on database matching using a local feature‐based Random Sampling and Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, and sequentially evolving the resulting hypotheses over the course of object exploration. It can handle a large database of three‐dimensional objects of complex shapes, and it performs a complete six degree of freedom localization of a static object. An approach to utilize both contact and free‐space measurements is presented. Extensive experimentation is performed in underwater environments for validating both the sensor system and the algorithms. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of haptic object recognition and localization in underwater and deep‐sea environments.
Treatment pattern of contemporary dual antiplatelet therapies after acute coronary syndrome: a Swedish nationwide population-based cohort study

Abstract Objectives New dual antiplatelet therapies (DAPTs) have been introduced in clinical practice for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This nationwide study investigated DAPT patterns over time and patient characteristics associated with the various treatments in a population with ACS. Design This observational cohort study linked morbidity, mortality and medication data from Swedish national registries. Results Overall, 91% (104 012 patients) of all patients admitted to the hospital with an ACS (2009–2013) were alive after discharge and included in this study. Compared with 2009, in 2013 patients investigated with angiography increased by 10%, patients revascularized with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) increased by 11% and patients prescribed DAPT increased by 8%. Mean DAPT duration increased from 225 to 298 days in patients investigated with angiography, and from 155 to 208 days in patients who were not investigated with angiography. Furthermore, in patients undergoing angiography a treatment switch from clopidogrel to ticagrelor was observed. DAPT with prasugrel was used to a low extent. Approximately 10% of patients initiated on prasugrel or ticagrelor switched to clopidogrel during the first year of treatment. Conclusion During the study more patients underwent angiography and PCI. There was an increase in the proportion of ACS patients receiving DAPT, as well as longer duration of DAPT in line with ESC guidelines. Among DAPT-treated patients, ticagrelor has emerged as the preferred P2Y12 antagonist in patients undergoing angiography, whereas clopidogrel tended to be prescribed to patients treated non-invasively.
Persistence and Growth of Fecal Bacteroidales Assessed by Bromodeoxyuridine Immunocapture

ABSTRACT Extraintestinal growth of fecal bacteria can impair accurate assessment of watershed health. Anaerobic fecal bacteria belonging to the order Bacteroidales are attractive candidates for fecal source tracking because they have host-specific distributions and do not grow well in the presence of high oxygen concentrations. Growth of general and human-specific fecal Bacteroidales marker organisms in environmental samples (sewage) and persistence of the corresponding genetic markers were investigated using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) DNA labeling and immunocapture, followed by PCR detection. Background amplification of unlabeled controls occasionally occurred when a high number of PCR cycles was used. By using fluorescent detection of PCR products obtained after 15 cycles, which was determined to be quantitative, we enriched for BrdU-labeled DNA and did not detect unlabeled DNA. By using pure cultures of Bacteroides vulgatus, the ability of Bacteroidales bacteria to take up and incorporate BrdU into nascent DNA was confirmed. Fecal Bacteroidales organisms took up and incorporated BrdU into DNA during growth. In sewage incubated aerobically at the in situ temperature, Bacteroidales genetic marker sequences persisted for at least 24 h and Bacteroidales fecal bacteria grew for up to 24 h as well. Detection by PCR using a low, quantitative cycle number decreased the sensitivity of the assay such that we were unable to detect fecal Bacteroidales human-specific marker sequences in unlabeled or BrdU-labeled fractions, even when fluorescent detection was used. Using 30 PCR cycles with unlabeled fractions, human-specific Bacteroidales sequences were detected, and they persisted for up to 24 h in sewage. These data support the utility of BrdU labeling and immunocapture followed by length heterogeneity PCR or fluorescent detection using low numbers of PCR cycles. However, this method may not be sensitive enough to identify cells that are present at low densities in aquatic environments.
Developments in Container Port Competition in East Asia

Abstract The ports of Hong Kong, Busan and Kaohsiung have long dominated container handling in East Asia. However, the emergence of new transhipment and gateway hub candidates, which include Shanghai, Shenzhen, Kwangyang and Qingdao, among others, will vie with these incumbents for a greater share of container traffic. Some might even unseat the incumbents. This study finds, through evidences from container shipping services connecting the region to major markets and trade routes between 1995 and 2001, that Mainland Chinese ports are increasingly attractive as direct ports of call for mainline services. The evidence also suggests that new services started by mainline operators calling at Mainland China are bypassing Japanese and Taiwanese ports. Nonetheless, these services continue to call at Hong Kong. Although the composition of containers handled at Mainland Chinese ports consists largely of gateway cargo, these ports are expected to handle a rising share of transhipment traffic.
Sustained Response to Interferon–Ribavirin Combination Therapy Predicted by a Model of Hepatitis C Virus Dynamics Using Both Hcv Rna and Alanine Aminotransferase

Background and aims Standard models simulate the dynamics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using HCV RNA kinetics and show a correlation between the clearance of infected hepatocytes and response to interferon. However, they are unable to predict whether the response will be maintained. The aim of our work was to identify criteria by which sustained responses may be predicted and defined. Methods In our model the clearance rate of infected cells is a function of their number and the baseline rate is computed by the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) kinetics during the first month of therapy. We simulated the variations of viral and infected cell loads in 31 consecutive patients treated with IFN-α2b 3–5 MU every other day, with or without ribavirin, for 6 or 12 months depending on HCV genotype. Results At baseline the computed (in 28 of 31 cases) percentage of infected cells was lower in seven sustained responders (mean: 11.7%, range: 1–24.6%) than in 14 transient responders (mean: 28.2%, range: 7.4–75.5%) and in seven non-responders (mean: 41%, range: 8.8–86%) (P=0.036). At the end of therapy the computed infected cell number was <100 cells/ml of extracellular fluid in all sustained responders (mean: 18.4, range: 1.7–48), in three transient responders (mean: 3500, range: 1.52–17500) and in none non-responders (mean: 28500, range: 1200–96000) (P=0.003). Overall of 10 patients with less than 100 infected cells/ml at the end of therapy seven (six had combination therapy) showed sustained response. All three relapsers received interferon monotherapy. Conclusion The analysis of infected cells dynamics using the new model might be useful to tailor treatment duration in patients with combination therapy.