Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coding for a binary independent piecewise-identically-distributed source

Two weighting procedures are presented for compaction of output sequences generated by binary independent sources whose unknown parameter may occasionally change. The resulting codes need no knowledge of the sequence length T, i.e., they are strongly sequential, and also the number of parameter changes is unrestricted. The additional-transition redundancy of the first method was shown to achieve the Merhav lower bound, i.e., log T bits per transition. For the second method we could prove that additional-transition redundancy is not more than 3/2 log T bits per transition, which is more than the Merhav bound; however, the storage and computational complexity of this method are also more interesting than those of the first method. Simulations show that the difference in redundancy performance between the two methods is negligible.
Encephalopathy with status epilepticus during slow sleep: “The Penelope syndrome”

ESES (encephalopathy with status epilepticus during sleep) is an epileptic encephalopathy with heterogeneous clinical manifestations (cognitive, motor, and behavioral disturbances in different associations, and various seizure types) related to a peculiar electroencephalography (EEG) pattern characterized by paroxysmal activity significantly activated during slow sleep—that is, a condition of continuous spikes and waves, or status epilepticus, during sleep. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this condition are still incompletely understood; recent data suggest that the abnormal epileptic EEG activity occurring during sleep might cause the typical clinical symptoms by interfering with sleep‐related physiologic functions, and possibly neuroplasticity processes mediating higher cortical functions such as learning and memory consolidation. As in the myth of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, what is weaved during the day will be unraveled during the night.
The influence of website quality dimensions on e-purchasing behaviour and e-loyalty: a comparative study of Egyptian travel agents and hotels

ABSTRACT Websites have become a channel for tourism enterprises to market and sell their services online. These enterprises are committed to improving their online services to retain customers and improving their competitiveness. This study aims to measure the effect of website quality dimensions on customer purchasing behaviour, and how this behaviour affects customer electronic (e)-loyalty. It compares the perceptions of 275 customers of travel agencies and 355 hotels using structural equation modelling. Findings revealed that website quality dimensions significantly affect the customer purchasing behaviour. The study highlighted the dimensions with a negative effect to help managers improve their website quality.
Agraphia in Korean patients with early onset Alzheimer's disease

ABSTRACT Background: Agraphia in Korean patients may be different from agraphia in other patients who use alphabetical writing systems due to the “visuoconstructional script” characteristics of the Korean writing system, Hangul. Patients with early onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) have a severe degree of hypometabolism in the parietal area, which is known to be involved in processing visuospatial function. Thus, we explored the diverse error patterns manifested in writing single syllables in Korean patients with EOAD. Methods: A study sample of 35 patients with EOAD and 18 healthy controls (HC) performed a Hangul writing task. We analyzed the erroneous responses of the subjects according to visuoconstructional and linguistic characteristics. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between Hangul writing and the neuropsychological variables as well as the severity of dementia. Results: When comparing the total number of erroneous responses between EOAD and HC groups, the performances of EOAD patients were significantly worse than those of HC. EOAD patients demonstrated visuoconstructional errors even in the early stages of the disease. Severity of dementia and multiple cognitive domains such as attention, language, immediate memory, and frontal executive functions significantly correlated with the performance of Hangul writing. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients with EOAD exhibit not only linguistic errors but also visuoconstructional manifestations of agraphia, which are associated with cognitive impairments in the multiple domains.
Comparative effects of plant oils and trans-fat on blood lipid profiles and ischemic stroke in rats

Since plant oils are believed to be better than animal fats for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, the effects of various plant oils and trans-fat on blood lipid profiles and ischemic stroke were investigated. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a diet containing the oils or trans-fat, and then body weights, blood lipids, and effects on brain infarction and physical dysfunction induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were analyzed. All the oils and trans-fat, except perilla oil, significantly increased body fats and body weight gain. Sesame oil and trans-fat specifically increased blood cholesterols and triglycerides, respectively, while perilla oil decreased both cholesterols and triglycerides. Perilla oil not only attenuated cerebral infarction, but also restored locomotor activity and rota-rod performances of MCAO rats. It is suggested that perilla oil among oils and fats could be the first choice to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and ischemic stroke.
The Composition and Drawdown of Wealth in Retirement

The shows that half of house- defi ned benefi t pension payments. The table shows that half of the households between the of 65 and 69 2008 have net fi nancial assets of less than holds between the ages of 65 and 69 in 2008 have net fi nancial assets of less than $15,000; roughly one-third have almost no fi nancial assets. Seventy percent have roughly one-third have almost no fi nancial assets. The
Characterization of capsid and noncapsid proteins of B19 parvovirus propagated in human erythroid bone marrow cell cultures

The major capsid and noncapsid proteins of the pathogenic parvovirus B19, propagated in vitro, were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblot of the erythroid fraction of infected human bone marrow cell cultures. There were two capsid proteins of 58 kilodaltons (kDa; the major species) and 84 kDa (the minor species). Newly synthesized capsid viral proteins were present in the supernatants of infected cultures. The major noncapsid protein of 77 kDa was localized to the nucleus.
Pathogen specificity of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum integral membrane proteins identified by phase partitioning with Triton X-114

The antigenically conserved proteins of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum and four nonpathogenic cultivatable treponemes were investigated by phase partitioning with the nonionic detergent Triton X-114 and immunoblot analysis. None of the T. pallidum integral membrane proteins identified by phase partitioning (detergent-phase proteins) appeared to be antigenically related to proteins of the nonpathogens. Protease-resistant material similar to lipopolysaccharide was identified in the detergent phase from T. phagedenis biotype Reiter but was not detected in T. pallidum.
Interaction of Focal Adhesion Kinase with Cytoskeletal Protein Talin (*)

The interaction of cells with extracellular matrix proteins plays a critical role in a variety of biological processes. Recent studies suggest that cell-matrix interactions mediated by integrins can transduce biochemical signals to the cell interior that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. These studies have placed the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), an intracellular protein tyrosine kinase, in a central position in integrin-initiated signal transduction pathways (Zachary, I., and Rozengurt, E.(1992) Cell 71, 891-894; [Medline] Schaller, M. , and Parsons, J. T. (1993) Trends Cell Biol. 3, 258-262). Here, we report data suggesting a possible association of FAK with the cytoskeletal protein talin in NIH 3T3 cells. We have identified a 48-amino acid sequence in the carboxyl-terminal domain of FAK necessary for talin binding in vitro. Furthermore, we have correlated the ability of integrin to induce FAK phosphorylation with its ability to bind talin using a mutant integrin lacking the carboxyl-terminal 13 amino acids. These studies suggest talin may be a mediator for FAK activation in signaling initiated by integrins and may provide an explanation for the dependence on the integrity of actin-cytoskeleton of multiple intracellular signaling pathways converging to FAK activation and autophosphorylation.
Fluoride release from a polyacid-modified resin composite and 3 resin-modified glass-ionomer materials.

OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were to compare the fluoride ion release from a freshly mixed polyacid-modified resin composite, or "compomer" (Dyract), and 3 resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Fuji II LC, Photac-Fil, and Vitremer) and to compare the use of 3 units for measuring fluoride release. METHOD AND MATERIALS Five specimens (3.0 x 2.7 mm) of each material were prepared. The specimens were placed in polypropylene vials with 2 mL of deionized water and stored at 37 degrees C. The solutions were replaced weekly and the levels of fluoride ions were analyzed at days 1, 7, and 30 and subsequently every 28 days for 253 days. Fluoride measurements were carried out using a fluoride ion-selective electrode connected to a pH ion-selective electrode meter. Fluoride ion release was measured in parts per million, micrograms per square centimeter, and micrograms per cubic millimeter. RESULTS Fuji II LC, Photac-Fil, and Vitremer showed high initial release values, which decreased exponentially and then showed a slow decline during the ensuing time. Dyract released significantly less fluoride ions during the first 84 days than did the 3 resin-modified glass-ionomer cements and maintained this low level of release throughout the study period. The amounts of fluoride ion release measured at any time interval varied with the units of measurement chosen, but the pattern of release remained the same. CONCLUSION There was a wide variation in the amounts of fluoride ions released from related products, but the patterns of release were similar and unaffected by the units of measurement used.
A Study of Supply Chain Finance:Its Economic Background,Innovation and Conception

Supply chain finance,an innovative business attracting serious attention from both domestic and international commercial banks and industries,not only create a niche market and a new profit mode for the former, but also works as an important method to reduce the cost of supply chain management for the latter.This paper describes the economic background of supply chain finance,analyzes the evolution from financial management of supply chain to supply chain finance,and finally defines the connotation and denotation of supply chain finance academically.
Dissipation of retroactive interference in human infants.

In 3 experiments with 85 human 3-month-olds, the authors asked whether retroactive interference with their memory of the original training stimulus is temporary or permanent. Infants learned to move a mobile by kicking and then were exposed to a different mobile (Experiment 1) or context (Experiment 2) immediately or 3 days afterward (Experiment 3). They were tested after increasing delays with the original stimulus, the exposed stimulus, or a completely novel stimulus. Retroactive interference was temporary and unrelated to the exposure delay. The data are consistent with a retrieval-based account of interference. Memory updating (i.e., responding to the interfering stimulus) was coincident with retroactive interference, suggesting that retroactive interference is an adaptive mechanism that facilitates memory updating within a narrow time window.
Discounted cash flow analysis: Methodology and discount rates : Light metals

This paper examines the impact of the various assumptions that go into an economic evaluation, and shows how these can be combined to show an exciting result that may not really exist. An example of an embellished case (the kind that one frequently sees when projects are being promoted) is developed and the cumulative impact is analyzed to show the actual project underneath. The paper also points out some areas to watch for overly optimistic assumptions such as prices, inflation, and debt. The concept of a bare bones base case is proposed (constant metal prices, constant dollars, no inflation, no debt no interest, on a project basis, after tax) as a common reference point. As well, the discount rate is examined as one of the fundamental means of reflecting risk in discounted cash flow evaluations. Current industry practice is discussed, and a methodology for the analysis of risk levels is proposed that assesses the constituent components of the discount rate: real interest, mineral project risks, and country risk.
Genomic organization of the human rod photoreceptor cGMP-gated cation channel beta-subunit gene.

We previously reported that the CNGB1 locus encoding the rod photoreceptor cGMP-gated channel beta-subunit is complex, comprising non-overlapping transcription units that give rise to at least six transcripts (Ardell, M.D., Aragon, I., Oliveira, L., Porche, G.E., Burke, E., Pittler, S.J., 1996. The beta subunit of human rod photoreceptor cGMP-gated cation channel is generated from a complex transcription unit. FEBS Lett. 389, 213-218). To further understand the transcriptional regulation of this extraordinarily complex locus, and to develop a screen for defects in the gene in patients with hereditary disease, we determined its genomic organization and DNA sequence. The CNGB1 locus consists of 33 exons, which span approximately 100kb of genomic DNA on chromosome 16. The beta-subunit comprises two domains, an N-terminal glutamic acid-rich segment (GARP), and a C-terminal channel-like portion. Two additional exons encoding a short GARP transcript and a truncated channel-like transcript have been identified. A major transcription start point was identified 79bp upstream of the initiator ATG. To begin analysis of the basis for the generation of multiple transcripts, and to identify promoters driving expression in retina, approximately 2.5kb of the upstream region were sequenced. Putative cis-elements, which can bind the retina-specific transcription factors Crx and Erx, were found immediately upstream of the transcription start point, and may be important for gene expression in this tissue. From our analysis, a model is reported to account for at least four of the retinal transcripts.
Role of Myocardial Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase–Derived Nitric Oxide in &bgr;-Adrenergic Hyporesponsiveness After Myocardial Infarction–Induced Heart Failure in Rat

Background—An emerging concept is that a neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) may regulate myocardial contractility. However, a role for NOS1-derived nitric oxide (NO) in heart failure (HF) has not been defined. Methods and Results—Using a model of myocardial infarction-induced HF, we demonstrated that cardiac NOS1 expression and activity increased in HF rats (P<0.05 and P<0.001 versus shams, respectively). This was associated with translocation of NOS1 from the ryanodine receptor to the sarcolemma through interactions with caveolin-3 in HF hearts. With ex vivo and in vivo pressure-volume analysis, cardiac NOS1-derived NO was found to be negatively inotropic in shams but not HF hearts. Ventricular elastance (Ees) was significantly reduced in HF rats (P<0.05), and &tgr;, the time constant of left ventricular relaxation, was prolonged (both P<0.05). Acute NOS1 inhibition significantly increased Ees by 33±3% and &tgr; by 17±2% (P<0.05) in shams, although these effects were significantly attenuated in HF hearts. &bgr;-Adrenergic stimulation induced a marked increase in systolic performance in sham hearts, with the responses being significantly blunted in HF hearts. Ees increased by 163±42% (P<0.01) in sham hearts and 56±9% in HF hearts, and LV +dP/dt increased by 97±9% (P<0.01) in shams and 37±7% (P<0.05) in the HF group. Interestingly, preferential NOS1 inhibition enhanced the blunted responses of LV +dP/dt and Ees to &bgr;-adrenergic stimulation in HF rats but had no effect in shams. Conclusions—These results provide the first evidence that increased NOS1-derived NO production may play a role in the autocrine regulation of myocardial contractility in HF.
Neutrino mass measurements

Before we can be sure we have a dark-matter problem we have to first be certain that no known particle can account for the missing matter. The last possibility has long been the neutrino, which, while massless in the Standard Model of particle physics, is the second most numerous particle in the Universe (after the photon) and thus (if massive) a potential source of substantial unaccounted for mass. Recent neutrino oscillation measurements have, in fact, confirmed that the Standard Model is incomplete and that neutrinos have mass. However, recent measurements have confirmed that the resulting mass is insufficient for neutrinos to make up the bulk of the dark matter. In fact, observations of the matter distribution in the Universe are now competing with laboratory measurements in their sensitivity to the absolute masses of neutrinos. The article discusses all these measurements and gives some guesses about where we may get in our measurements of neutrino masses in the future.
Quantitative proteomic analysis to discover potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in human renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is relatively resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recent advances in drug development are providing novel agents for the treatment of RCC, but the effects are still minimal. In addition, there is an urgent need to identify diagnostic markers for RCC. In this report, to discover potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, we subjected RCC samples to a quantitative proteomic analysis utilizing 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl (NBS) reagent. Proteins were extracted from RCC and adjacent normal tissue, obtained surgically from patients, and labeled with NBS reagent containing six 12C or 13C. This was followed by trypsin digestion and the enrichment of labeled peptides. Samples were then subjected to analysis by MALDI‐TOF MS. NBS‐labeled peptides with a 6 Da difference were identified by MS/MS. Thirty‐four proteins were upregulated in more than 60% of the patients of which some were previously known, and some were novel. The identity of a few proteins was confirmed by Western blotting and quantitative real time RT‐PCR. The results suggest that NBS‐based quantitative proteomic analysis is useful for discovering diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for RCC.
Serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in trophoblastic disease.

OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to measure levels of colony stimulating factor (CSF-1) in patients with trophoblastic disease, to determine whether such measurement may be useful to supplement measurement of the prognostically reliable human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and to assess whether measurement of CSF-1 may be helpful in predicting requirement for chemotherapy in patients with hydatidiform mole. METHODS Serial weekly serum samples were selected for CSF-1 assay from representative diagnostic groups of patients with trophoblastic disease: hydatidiform-mole with spontaneous resolution, low-risk post-hydatidiform-mole trophoblastic tumor, partial hydatidiform mole, high-risk metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumor, primary ovarian choriocarcinoma, and placental site trophoblastic tumor. hCG was measured by an in-house radioimmunoassay that measures all parts of the hCG molecule. CSF-1 was measured by radioimmunoassay with (125)I-labeled recombinant CSF-1. The upper level of normal CSF-1 was taken as 8 ng/ml. RESULTS In this study of 45 patients with trophoblastic disease, some very high levels of CSF-1 were encountered. In a few patients there was dramatic correlation with hCG. Generally, however, CSF-1 and hCG did not correlate. CSF-1 was frequently not elevated when hCG was still significantly elevated and conversely CSF-1 was elevated when hCG was negative. CONCLUSION The measurement of CSF-1 does not appear to be useful in managing trophoblastic disease as it does not correlate with the level of hCG. Occasionally, high levels of CSF-1 were found in patients with trophoblastic disease.
Socioeconomic status and preterm birth: New Zealand trends, 1980 to 1999

Background: While a number of countries have reported rising preterm birth rates over the past two decades, none has examined the effects of socioeconomic status on preterm birth at a national level. Aim: To document the changing incidence of preterm birth in New Zealand over the past 20 years and to determine whether particular socioeconomic or ethnic subsections of the population have contributed disproportionately to the changes seen. Methods: Birth registration data routinely available from the New Zealand Health Information Service were analysed for the period 1980–99. Information for a total of 1 079 478 singleton live births was linked by Domicile Code to the New Zealand Deprivation Index, a small area index of deprivation. Results: Singleton preterm birth rates rose by 37.2% during the 20 year period, from 4.3% in 1980 to 5.9% in 1999. Rates increased by 71.9% among those living in the most affluent areas, but by only 3.5% among those living in the most deprived areas, resulting in the disappearance of a socioeconomic gradient in preterm birth that had existed during the early 1980s. Conclusions: This study challenges traditional thinking on the associations between socioeconomic status and preterm birth. Further research is necessary if the changes that have occurred in New Zealand over the past 20 years are to be fully understood.