Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Economic Development in Latin America, Middle Eastern Europe and Asia in the 1990s

The 1990s were characterized by severe turbulence in the global economy. Economic and financial crises occurred in Latin America, Middle and Eastern Europe and Asia. This analysis distinguishes between the two socioeconomic criteria "transitional" and "emerging" region. Transitional countries are former centrally planned socialist economies and emerging countries former agricultural-oriented classical developing economies with mostly a history of military or some other kind of autocratic dictatorship. The resources for the analysis are data sets regarding investment, exchange rate behavior, government finance, international liabilities of monetary authorities and inflation. The study reveals macroeconomic patterns associated with economic development in each socioeconomic region. It is shown that similar patterns are responsible for successful and non-successful performance in each region. A comparison of different regions shows many parallels between emerging economies, but only little similarity between transitional economies.
The Vibrio cholerae Hybrid Sensor Kinase VieS Contributes to Motility and Biofilm Regulation by Altering the Cyclic Diguanylate Level

ABSTRACT Phosphorelay systems are important mediators of signal transduction during bacterial adaptation to new environments. Previously we described the vieSAB operon, encoding a putative three-protein component phosphorelay involved in regulating Vibrio cholerae virulence gene expression. At least part of the regulatory activity of VieSAB is exerted through the cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP)-degrading activity of the putative response regulator VieA. So far no direct evidence that VieSAB encodes a phosphorelay system exists. In addition, the role VieS plays in modulating VieA activity remains unclear. To address these questions, we expressed and purified VieA and a soluble cytoplasmic portion of VieS and used them in autophosphorylation and phosphotransfer assays. These assays showed that VieS has kinase activity in vitro and is able to selectively phosphorylate VieA. A phenotypic comparison revealed that deletion of vieS results in increased biofilm production comparable to that seen for deletion of vieA, whereas motility was decreased only slightly in the ΔvieS mutant compared to the profound defect observed in a ΔvieA mutant. We also found that the ΔvieS strain has a lower level of vieA transcript and, similar to a ΔvieA mutant, an increased intracellular level of c-di-GMP. Further analysis using site-directed vieA mutants showed that some of the phenotypes observed were due to the phosphorylation status of VieA. The evidence presented in this report is the first to link VieS and VieA biochemically and genetically, lending support to the hypothesis that these proteins function together in a signaling system.
Deficiency of Lipoprotein Lipase in Neurons Decreases AMPA Receptor Phosphorylation and Leads to Neurobehavioral Abnormalities in Mice

Alterations in lipid metabolism have been found in several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triacylglycerides in lipoproteins and regulates lipid metabolism in multiple organs and tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). Though many brain regions express LPL, the functions of this lipase in the CNS remain largely unknown. We developed mice with neuron-specific LPL deficiency that became obese on chow by 16 wks in homozygous mutant mice (NEXLPL-/-) and 10 mo in heterozygous mice (NEXLPL+/-). In the present study, we show that 21 mo NEXLPL+/- mice display substantial cognitive function decline including poorer learning and memory, and increased anxiety with no difference in general motor activities and exploratory behavior. These neurobehavioral abnormalities are associated with a reduction in the 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluA1 and its phosphorylation, without any alterations in amyloid β accumulation. Importantly, a marked deficit in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the hippocampus precedes the development of the neurobehavioral phenotype of NEXLPL+/- mice. And, a diet supplemented with n-3 PUFA can improve the learning and memory of NEXLPL+/- mice at both 10 mo and 21 mo of age. We interpret these findings to indicate that LPL regulates the availability of PUFA in the CNS and, this in turn, impacts the strength of synaptic plasticity in the brain of aging mice through the modification of AMPA receptor and its phosphorylation.
The Early Indicators of Functional Decrease in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objectives: Motor deficiency is associated with cognitive frailty in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairments (MCI). In this study we aimed to test the integrity in muscle synergies involved in an arm-pointing movement in functionally unimpaired MCI patients. We hypothesized that early motor indicators exist in this population at a preclinical level. Methods: Electromyographic signals were collected for 11 muscles in 3 groups: Young Adults (YA), Older Adults (OA), and MCI patients. The OA and MCI groups presented the same functional status. Each subject performed 20 arm-pointing movements from a standing position. Results: The main differences were (1) an earlier activation of the left Obliquus internus in MCI compared with OA group, (2) an earlier activation for the MCI compared with both OA and YA. The temporal differences in muscle synergies between MCI and OA groups were linked with executive functions of MCI patients, assessed by the trail making test. Moreover, the results show a delayed activation of the right Biceps Femoris and the right Erector Spinae at l3 in MCI and OA compared with YA. Interpretation: The motor program changes highlighted in our patient MCI group suggest that discrete modifications of the motor command seem to exist even in the absence of functional impairment. Instead of showing an indication of delayed muscle activation in the MCI patients, our results highlight some early activation of several trunk muscles.
A monocular vision-based low false negative filter for assisting the search for rare bird species using a probable observation data set-based EKF method

To assist nature observation, we take on the challenge of sea rch for rare bird species using a single fixed camera. To reduce the huge amount of data for identification, we devel op a model-based filtering approach that verifies the bird body axis information with the known bird flying dynamic s. As a commonly used method, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) cannot be directly applied because the EKF would not converge due to the high measurement error introduced by image segmentation and the limited observati on data due to the high flying speed of the bird. To cope with the problem, we develop a novel Probable Observati on Data Set (PODS)-based EKF method. The novel PODS-EKF searches the measurement error range for all proba ble observation data that ensures the convergence of the corresponding EKF. The filtering is based on whether the s et PODS is non-empty and the corresponding velocity is within the known bird flying velocity profile. The algorith m has been extensively tested using both simulated inputs and physical experiments. The results show that the algorit hm can reduce the video data for identification by over 99.99936% with close to zero false negative.
Fast Simulation of Microwave Circuits With Nonlinear Terminations Using High-Order Stable Methods

This paper describes a new method for transient simulation, using high-order stable methods, of microwave structures modeled using a large number of lumped components. The target of the proposed technique is circuit-based simulation of the large linear circuits that arise from full-wave modeling of distributed structures, such as transmission lines and microstrip elements, along with the terminating nonlinear devices. In this case, the cost of the solution of the linear system typically dominates the computational effort. The proposed method takes advantage of the special structure of the block matrices in these applications to reduce the computational cost significantly. The core of the proposed algorithm is based on the idea of “node tearing” to separate the large linear sub-circuits from the nonlinear devices. This idea faciliates handling the linear sub-circuits using a better matrix factorization technique, resulting in faster simulations compared to classical techniques.
Advanced Derivatives Pricing and Risk Management: Theory, Tools, and Hands-On Programming Applications

Written by leading academics and practitioners in the field of financial mathematics, the purpose of this book is to provide a unique combination of some of the most important and relevant theoretical and practical tools from which any advanced undergraduate and graduate student, professional quant and researcher will benefit. This book stands out from all other existing books in quantitative finance from the sheer impressive range of ready-to-use software and accessible theoretical tools that are provided as a complete package. By proceeding from simple to complex, the authors cover core topics in derivative pricing and risk management in a style that is engaging, accessible and self-instructional. The book contains a wide spectrum of problems, worked-out solutions, detailed methodologies and applied mathematical techniques for which anyone planning to make a serious career in quantitative finance must master. In fact, core portions of the book's material originated and evolved after years of classroom lectures and computer laboratory courses taught in a world-renowned professional Master's program in mathematical finance. As a bonus to the reader, the book also gives a detailed exposition on new cutting-edge theoretical techniques with many results in pricing theory that are published here for the first time.
Cell wall integrity signaling and innate immunity in plants

All plant pathogens and parasites have had to develop strategies to overcome cell walls in order to access the host’s cytoplasm. As a mechanically strong, multi-layered composite exoskeleton, the cell wall not only enables plants to grow tall but also protects them from such attacks. Many plant pathogens employ an arsenal of cell wall degrading enzymes, and it has long been thought that the detection of breaches in wall integrity contributes to the induction of defense. Cell wall fragments are danger-associated molecular patterns or DAMPs that can trigger defense signaling pathways comparable to microbial signals, but the picture is likely to be more complicated. A wide range of defects in cell wall biosynthesis leads to enhanced pathogen resistance. We are beginning to understand the essential role of cell wall integrity surveillance for plant growth, and the connection of processes like cell expansion, plasma membrane–cell wall contact and secondary wall biosynthesis with plant immunity is emerging.
Expression Profiling of PBMC-based Diagnostic Gene Markers Isolated from Vasculitis Patients

Vasculitis (angiitis) is a systemic autoimmune disease that often causes fatal symptoms. We aimed to isolate cDNA markers that would be useful for diagnosing not only vasculitis but also other autoimmune diseases. For this purpose, we used stepwise subtractive hybridization and cDNA microarray analyses to comprehensively isolate the genes whose expressions are augmented in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pooled from vasculitis patients. Subsequently, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) to examine the mRNA levels of each candidate gene in individual patients. These analyses indicated that seven genes exhibit remarkably augmented expression in many vasculitis patients. Of these genes, we analyzed G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2) further because G0S2 expression is also enhanced in the PBMCs of patients with systemic lupus erythematodes (SLE). We generated G0S2 transgenic mice that ubiquitously overexpress human G0S2. Although we did not observe any obvious vasculitis-related histopathologic findings in these mice, these mice are unhealthy as they produce only few offspring and showed elevated serum levels of two autoimmunity-related antibodies, anti-nuclear antibody, and anti-double strand DNA antibody. Thus, our large-scale gene profiling study may help finding sensitive and specific DNA markers for diagnosing autoimmune diseases including vasculitis and SLE.
A novel proposal to improve reliability of spoke-type BLDC motor using ferrite permanent magnet

This paper proposes a new design for a spoke-type BLDC motor using a ferrite permanent magnet (Fe-PM) to improve the reliability of the motor. First, the design process for a neodymium permanent magnet free spoke-type BLDC motor without an inserted additional assistant permanent magnet (PM) is presented. The proposed motor is designed by taking into account the demagnetization phenomenon. Second, the effect of the armature reaction on the PM is analyzed by using the finite element method in order to evaluate the robustness of the proposed motor with Fe-PM. Finally, a prototype motor is manufactured based on the analyzed motor. The output characteristic is verified through an experiment.
Prognostic Value Of hMLH1 And hMSH2 Immunohistochemical Expression In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose and Experimental Design: The etiologic association and prognostic significance of mismatch repair gene/protein alterations have never been examined in lung cancer. We investigated protein expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 genes in tumor specimens from 105 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. 60 of them were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, 38 with squamous cell carcinoma and seven with large cell carcinoma. Out of the 105 patients 40 (20 adenocarcinomas and 20 squamous cell carcinomas) had already received neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on Carboplatine and navelbine or carboplatine vepesid. Immunohistochemical staining was used to examine protein expression. Expression in each patient was compared with clinicopathologic variables as well as overall survival and cancer-specific survival rates. Results: Alteration of protein expression was observed in 30% of patients. Loss of hMLH1 and hMSH2 protein expression was associated with significantly shorter disease-free survival in patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.1). Conclusion: Loss of immunohistochemical expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 markers in lung tumors indicates a poorer prognosis for NSCLC patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy.
Induction of search control rules for hard real-time task scheduling

The determination of heuristics control rules to direct search algorithms is usually an ad hoc domain dependent process, where complexity increases with the number of factors to take into account. In this paper, we presented a method for learning control rules using tree induction algorithms. The approach was applied to construct a scheduler for periodic tasks with timing and precedence constraints. An experimental evaluation shows that the scheduler is able to learn effective search control rules from previous experiences, improving its performance.
Union-Intersection Ant System

Union-Intersection Ant System is an optimization algorithm with multi-nest of ants cooperating with each other, whose goal is to identify the edges belonging to the solution of TSP (denoted as TSP-edge-set). It identifies a part of elements in TSP-edge-set by the intersection of several hero ants' tours (a hero ant is the one found the best tour in a nest) during an iteration and provides a collapsed solution space for future iterations by the union of these tours, thus a rapid solution to large-scale TSPs comes true. Experiments on the TSP instances with several thousands of cities from TSPLIB show that the convergence time of Union-Intersection Ant System has been significantly compressed compared to MMAS on the premise of the solution quality not worse than that of MMAS, thus the scale of the TSPs solved can reach up to 10000 cites or more. Union-Intersection Ant System is feasible.
Agency Decision-Making for Climate Change: Cost-Benefit Analysis, the Precautionary Principle, and the Bounds of Rationality

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS An explanation of how I came to write this thesis is deficient without weaving in acknowledgement of those who guided me on the intellectual journey leading to this point. The questions I discuss here were planted in my head, sometimes dramatically, sometimes subtly, by the following Pomona College faculty, to whom I am grateful for having introduced me to the theory that is now the rudder that will steer my lifelong academic and career pursuits: Laura Perini, in ID1: Bad Science, early on invited me to question objectivity and factuality. David Menefee-Libey, in Policy Implementation and Evaluation, encouraged me to think deeply about rational policy-making and dissected the ways in which policymakers make decisions in the face of obstacles. Bo Cutter, in Environmental Economics, laid the foundations of cost-benefit analysis in an environmental context, introducing the concept of " the right amount of pollution " and exploring the policy implications of this economic " conclusion. " Rick Worthington, in Introduction to Public Policy Analysis, gave me a first look at various policy pathways and models, and helped me confirm that my interest in policy-making lies primarily with the work done by agencies. Policy-Making, impressed upon me the non-objectivity of cost-benefit analysis and gave me my first exposure to the precautionary principle. Also at Claremont McKenna College, Tom McHenry and Bill Christian, in Environmental Law, grounded me in the legal constraints confronting environmental policymakers and coloring their responses to uncertainty and risk. Carr 2-41 My gratitude goes to Bowen Patterson Close ('06) and Ginny Routhe, coordinators of Pomona's Sustainability Integration Office, who have given me the invaluable opportunity to gain three years' hands-on experience in decision-and policy-making in a political setting. I must also credit those who shaped my thinking before I arrived at Pomona. Jenny Macartney is principally responsible for getting me into this welcome mess: her Environmental Science class at San Luis Obispo High School was eye-opening and formative. Bill Preston, in Human Interaction with the Environment at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, not only plied me with the intellectual sustenance I needed to pull me through my senior year of high school but made me realize I wanted to attend a college with a strong program in environmental studies. Thanks also to the folks of Heritage Shared who have been in and out of my living room since I was six, making a quirky scholar out of …
Analysis of relay handoff algorithms in cooperative diversity systems using absolute and relative measurements of energy gain

Multi-user cooperative diversity is a recently proposed technique, which can improve the performance of wireless communication systems operating in fading environments. Choosing a good partner is important in cooperation and some partner selection methods have been proposed. However, there is no research has mentioned how often partners should be reassigned. In this paper, we propose a handoff scheme between relays. In the proposed scheme, handoff is performed when the energy gain of the working relay drops below a threshold and the energy gain of the best relay exceed the energy gain of the working relay by a certain hysteresis level. Simulation results are given to show the performance of the newly proposed scheme.
Better to Be in Bad Company than to Be Alone? Aedes Vectors Respond Differently to Breeding Site Quality in the Presence of Others

This study focuses on two competing species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), both invasive mosquitoes of the New World. Context-specific competition between immature forms inside containers seems to be an important determinant of the coexistence or displacement of each species in different regions of the world. Here, competition experiments developed at low density (one, two or three larvae) and receiving four different resource food concentration, were designed to test whether Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti respond differently to competition, and whether competition can be attributed to a simple division of resources. Three phenotypic traits - larval development, adult survival under starvation and wing length - were used as indicators of performance. Larvae of neither species were limited by resource concentration when they were alone, unlike when they developed with competitors. The presence of conspecifics affected Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, inducing slower development, reduced survival and wing length. The response to resource limitation was different when developing with heterospecifics: Ae. aegypti developing with one heterospecific showed faster development, producing smaller adults with shorter lives, while in the presence of two competitors, development increased and adults lived longer. Aedes albopictus demonstrated a better performance when developing with heterospecifics, with no loss in their development period and improved adult survival. Overall, our results suggest that response to competition can not simply be attributed to the division of resources, and that larvae of both species presented large phenotypic plasticity in their response to the presence or absence of heterospecifics and conspecifics.
The history of COPD

The evolution of knowledge concerning COPD and its components – emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthmatic bronchitis – covers 200 years. The stethoscope and spirometer became important early tools in diagnosis and assessment. Spirometry remains the most effective means of identification and assessment of the course of COPD and responses to therapy, and is grossly underused for this purpose. Knowledge of the pathogenesis, course and prognosis, and new approaches to therapy have dramatically improved our understanding of this important clinical entity. Smoking cessation improves the early course of disease. Long-term oxygen improves the length and quality of life in selected patients with hypoxemia. Surgery benefits a select few. Today, COPD is a steadily growing global healthcare problem, with increasing morbidity and mortality. Early identification and prevention, and treatment of emerging stages of disease through smoking cessation and a growing number of bronchoactive drugs promises to change the outcome.
Test-sequence generation from formal requirement models

This paper discusses a method for generating test sequences from state-based specifications. We show how a model checker can be used to automatically generate complete test sequences that will provide arbitrary structural coverage of requirements specified in a high-level language like SCR or RSML/sup -e/. We have defined a language independent formal foundation for test sequence generation using model checkers that is suitable for representing software artifacts like requirements models, software specifications, and code. This paper shows a concrete application of our formal framework for test generation in the requirements modeling domain. The framework allows one to define structural coverage criteria in terms of the formal model of a software artifact and describes how test sequences can be generated to satisfy those coverage criteria using a model-checker. The approach is illustrated using examples. We define various criteria in terms of the specification language, translate those into criteria in the formal framework, and demonstrate how we generate the test sequences.