Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variants and Early Cigarette Smoking and Nicotine Dependence Phenotypes in Adolescents

Background While the heritability of cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence (ND) is well-documented, the contribution of specific genetic variants to specific phenotypes has not been closely examined. The objectives of this study were to test the associations between 321 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that capture common genetic variation in 24 genes, and early smoking and ND phenotypes in novice adolescent smokers, and to assess if genetic predictors differ across these phenotypes. Methods In a prospective study of 1294 adolescents aged 12–13 years recruited from ten Montreal-area secondary schools, 544 participants who had smoked at least once during the 7–8 year follow-up provided DNA. 321 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 24 candidate genes were tested for an association with number of cigarettes smoked in the past 3 months, and with five ND phenotypes (a modified version of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire, the ICD-10 and three clusters of ND symptoms representing withdrawal symptoms, use of nicotine for self-medication, and a general ND/craving symptom indicator). Results The pattern of SNP-gene associations differed across phenotypes. Sixteen SNPs in seven genes (ANKK1, CHRNA7, DDC, DRD2, COMT, OPRM1, SLC6A3 (also known as DAT1)) were associated with at least one phenotype with a p-value <0.01 using linear mixed models. After permutation and FDR adjustment, none of the associations remained statistically significant, although the p-values for the association between rs557748 in OPRM1 and the ND/craving and self-medication phenotypes were both 0.076. Conclusions Because the genetic predictors differ, specific cigarette smoking and ND phenotypes should be distinguished in genetic studies in adolescents. Fifteen of the 16 top-ranked SNPs identified in this study were from loci involved in dopaminergic pathways (ANKK1/DRD2, DDC, COMT, OPRM1, and SLC6A3). Impact Dopaminergic pathways may be salient during early smoking and the development of ND.
Hierarchical Linear Modeling in International Marketing Research: A Review with an Application on Innovation and Export in China

当许多国际出售研究包含二时或更多的层次，在国际出售文学的有限工作使用检验不同水平效果的层次线性建模。 这研究在层次线性建模上进行彻底的文学评论(HLM ) 在 28 篇国际出售论文，那从 2005-2014 采用了 HLM 并且在目标，操作层次，和另外的问题上在这些论文评估 HLM 的使用。 我们为 HLM 的更多的应用召集国际出售研究，特别地为关于有重要亚公民和机构的变化的新兴的市场的研究。 论文提供采用 HLM 在中国在在坚挺的革新和出口商性能之间的关系中测试工业级的政府津贴的节制的角色的解说性的实验研究。
Random Walk Delayed on Percolation Clusters

We study a continuous-time random walk on the d-dimensional lattice, subject to a drift and an attraction to large clusters of a subcritical Bernoulli site percolation. We find two distinct regimes: a ballistic one, and a subballistic one taking place when the attraction is strong enough. We identify the speed in the former case, and the algebraic rate of escape in the latter case. Finally, we discuss the diffusive behavior in the case of zero drift and weak attraction.
Automatic Vowel Classification in Speech An Artificial Neural Network Approach Using Cepstral Feature Analysis Final Project for Math 196 S ;

The recent resurgence of interest in artificial neural networks as a speech processing tool motivates the present investigation. The authors implement a near-realtime system based on a feed-forward artificial neural network that identifies vowels taken from natural speech samples from the TIMIT corpus of American speech. We report an recognition accuracy of 91.5% on a subset of 5 vowel phonemes, with indications for future work with expanded vowel sets.
Multiwavelength Observations of the Powerful Gamma-Ray Quasar PKS 1510–089: Clues on the Jet Composition

We present the results from a multiwavelength campaign conducted in 2006 August of the powerful γ-ray quasar PKS 1510–089 (z = 0.361). This campaign commenced with a deep Suzaku observation lasting 3 days for a total exposure time of 120 ks and continued with Swift monitoring over 18 days. Besides Swift observations, the campaign included ground-based optical and radio data and yielded a quasi-simultaneous broadband spectrum from 109 to 1019 Hz. The Suzaku observation provided a high signal-to-noise ratio X-ray spectrum, which is well represented by an extremely hard power law with a photon index of Γ ≃ 1.2, augmented by a soft component apparent below 1 keV, which is well described by a blackbody model with a temperature of kT≃ 0.2 keV. Monitoring by Suzaku revealed temporal variability that differs between the low- and high-energy bands, again suggesting the presence of a second, variable component in addition to the primary power-law emission. We model the broadband spectrum, assuming that the high-energy spectral component results from Comptonization of infrared radiation produced by hot dust located in the surrounding molecular torus. The adopted internal shock scenario implies that the power of the jet is dominated by protons, but with a number of electrons and/or positrons that exceeds the number of protons by a factor of ~10. We also find that inhomogeneities responsible for the shock formation prior to the collision may produce bulk Compton radiation, which can explain the observed soft X-ray excess and possible excess at ~18 keV. We note, however, that the bulk Compton interpretation is not unique, as discussed briefly in the text.
Coordinating Humanitarian Information: the Problem of Organizational and Technical Trajectories

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine two humanitarian information coordination bodies. The goals of both coordination bodies are the same, to find mechanisms for multiple organizations, engaged in humanitarian relief, to coordinate efforts around information technology and management. Despite the similarity in goals, each coordination body has taken a different path, one toward defining the problem and solution in a more technical sense and the other as defining the problem and solution as more organizational in nature.Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops case studies of two coordinating bodies using qualitative methodologies.Findings – The data suggest that coordination bodies which pursue problems requiring low levels of organizational change are more likely to have visible successes. Coordination bodies that pursue a more challenging agenda, one that aims for information management or management of information technology in ways that require organizational change, are likely to face greate.
Overlapping and independent contributions of MMP2 and MMP9 to lung allergic inflammatory cell egression through decreased CC chemokines

The mechanisms that initiate allergic lung inflammation are relevant to expression of diseases such as asthma, but the factors underlying resolution of inflammation are equally important. Previously, we demonstrated the importance of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) for airway egression of lung eosinophils, a critical anti‐inflammatory mechanism without which mice are rendered highly susceptible to lethal asphyxiation. Here we show that leukocyte MMP9 is the dominant airway MMP controlling inflammatory cell egression. The allergic lung phenotype of MMP9−/− mice was similar to WT and was not altered by concomitant deletion of the MMP2 gene (double knockout; dko). However, inflammatory cells accumulated aberrantly in the lungs of allergen‐challenged MMP9−/− and dko mice and fewer eosinophils and neutrophils were present in bronchoalveolar lavage. These aberrant cellular trafficking patterns were explained by disruption of transepithelial chemokine gradients, in MMP2−/− mice affecting only eotaxin (CCL11), but in MMP9−/− and dko mice involving eotaxin, MARC (CCL7), and TARC (CCL17). Thus, by establishing multiple transepithelial chemokine gradients, MMP9 is broadly implicated in the resolution of allergic inflammation, an essential protective mechanism that overlaps with a more limited role played by MMP2.
Kaas-based intelligent service model in agricultural expert system

The rapid changes in Internet technology will inevitably bring about the upgrade in the field of agricultural information technology. Referring to the previous expert system construction and the trend of the KAAS (Knowledge As A Service), this paper proposes to build a agricultural knowledge service model based on B/S(Browser/Server) structure, which combines the basic information of the farmland and the intention of the growers, integrates AES (Agricultural Expert System) and online expert systems, with a purpose of providing accurate and efficient agricultural knowledge service.
A complete stability analysis of planar linear systems under saturation

A complete stability analysis is performed on a planar system of the form x/spl dot/=/spl sigma/(Ax), where A is a Hurwitz matrix and /spl sigma/ is the saturation function. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the system to be globally asymptotically stable or to have a closed trajectory are explicitly given in terms of the entries of A. These conditions also indicate that the system always has a closed trajectory if it is not globally asymptotically stable.
Intelligent stock trading system based on SVM algorithm and oscillation box prediction

The stock market is considered as a high complex and dynamic system. Many machine learning and data mining technologies are used for stock analysis, but it still leaves an open question about how to integrate these methods with the plentiful knowledge and techniques accumulated in stock investment which are critical to the successful stock analysis. In this paper, we propose an intelligent stock trading system by combining support vector machine (SVM) algorithm and box theory of stock. The box theory believes a successful stock buying/selling generally occurs when the price effectivley breaks out the original oscillation box into another new box. In the system, support vector machine algorithm is utilized to make forecasts of the top and bottom of the oscillation box. Then a trading strategy based on the box theory is constructed to make trading decisions. The different stock movement patterns, i.e. bull, bear and fluctuant market, are used to test the feasibility of the system. The experiments on S&P500 components show a promising performance is achieved.
The role of polymorphisms associated with early tooth eruption in dental and occlusal traits in East Asian populations

Objective A recent study suggested that rs6504340, a polymorphism within the homeobox B (HOXB) gene cluster, is associated with the susceptibility for malocclusions in Europeans. The resulting malocclusions require orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of rs6504340 and other dentition-implicated polymorphisms with dental and occlusal traits in Korean and Japanese populations. Methods The study participants included 223 unrelated Koreans from the Busan area and 256 unrelated Japanese individuals from the Tokyo metropolitan area. DNA samples were extracted from saliva specimens. Genotyping for rs6504340 and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been shown to be associated with the timing of first tooth eruption and the number of teeth at 1 year of age (rs10506525, rs1956529, rs9674544, and rs8079702) was performed using TaqMan assays. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), overjet, overbite, arch length discrepancy, crown sizes, and length and width of the dental arches were measured. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate relationships between rs6504340 and these dental/occlusal traits. Results We evaluated the aesthetic components and dental health components of the IOTN in the Korean and Japanese populations and found that neither rs6504340 nor the other four SNPs showed any association with dental and occlusal traits in these East Asian populations. Conclusions These negative results suggest that further research is needed to identify the genetic determinants of malocclusions in order to reach a consensus.
Effects of Chromium Methionine Supplementation on Blood Metabolites and Fatty Acid Profile of Beef during Late Fattening Period in Holstein Steers

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) chelate supplementation on blood metabolites and fatty acid profile of beef from Holstein steers during late fattening period. Fifteen Holstein steers were allotted randomly into two groups including the control (non Cr-Met feeding, NCM, ave. body weight [BW] = 483±25.7 kg) and the treatment (Cr-Met feeding for 4 months, 4CM, ave. BW = 486±27.5 kg) group. The feeding amount of Cr-Met to animals was limited to 400 ppb/cow/d and was supplemented to total mixed ration. No difference in blood albumin, alkaline phosphatase, urea-nitrogen, calcium, creatine, glucose, total protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol were observed between the treatment groups (p>0.05). The level of high density lipoprotein was higher in the 4CM group than the NCM group, whereas low density lipoprotein was lower in the 4CM group (p<0.05). The fatty acid composition (caprate, laurate, myristate, pentadecanoate, palmitate, palmitoleate, margarate, cis-11 heptadodecanoate, stearate, oleate, trans-vaccenate, linoleate, cis-11 eicosenoate, docosa hexaenoic acid, and docosa pentaenoic acid) of the beef showed no difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The arachidonic acid level tended to be higher in the 4CM than the NCM group (p = 0.07). Cr-Met had no influence (p>0.05) on the ratio of saturated, unsaturated, unsaturated/saturated, monounsaturated/saturated and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the 4CM group was comparatively higher than the NCM group (p<0.05). This study concluded that feeding Cr-Met supplementation in 400 ppb/d to Holstein steers for 4 months during late fattening period can improve some blood metabolites and beef quality by increasing PUFA and gamma-linoleate compositions of beef.
Occupational Segregation, Wages and Profits When Employers Discriminate by Race or Sex

tomary to analyze the occupational and wage aspects of discrimination as if they were logically separate and their effects additive.1 In this paper the two aspects are treated in a unified way, through the development of a model which marries the wage differential approach of Becker [1] to the approach emphasizing the "crowding" effects of occupational segregation originally noticed by Edgeworth[3] and developed by Bergmann [2]. The result allows a clearer view of the distri-
Number Theory Based Image Compression Encryption and Application to Image Multiplexing

Image compression and image encryption are pivotal to proper storage and transmission of images. Simultaneous image compression and encryption aims at achieving enhanced bandwidth utilization and security at the same time. The proposed number theory based image compression encryption (NTICE) algorithm employs number theoretic paradigm-Chinese remainder theorem, to solve congruencies and hence realize the twin ideals of compression and encryption simultaneously. The NTICE algorithm has been implemented on color images. The image coding results, calculated from actual image size and encoded image file, are comparable to the results obtained through much more sophisticated and computationally complex methods. In addition, the algorithm has been applied to the scenario of image multiplexing in order to obtain enhanced level of security along with compression
Reliability and Delay Distributions of Train Connections

Finding reliable train connections is a considerable issue in timetable information since train delays perturb the timetable daily. We present an effective probabilistic approach for estimating the reliability of connections in a large train network. Experiments on real customer queries and real timetables for all trains in Germany show that our approach can be implemented to deliver good results at the expense of only little processing time. Based on probability distributions for train events in connections, we estimate the reliability of connections. We have analyzed our computed reliability ratings by validating our predictions against real delay data from German Railways. This study shows that we are able to predict the feasibility of connections very well. In essence, our predictions are slightly optimistic for connections with a high rating and pretty accurate for connections with a medium rating. Only for the rare cases of a very low rating, we are too pessimistic. Our probabilistic approach already delivers good results, still has improvement potential, and offers a new perspective in the search for more reliable connections in order to bring passengers safely to their destinations even in case of delays.
Adaptive runtime selection of parallel schedules in the polytope model

There is often no unique version of a program that provides the best performance in all circumstances. Compilers should rely on an adaptive runtime decision to choose which optimizing and parallelizing transformations will lead to the best performance in any execution context. We present a new adaptive framework solving two drawbacks of existing methods: it is effective since the very first execution, and it handles slight variations of input data shape and size. In our proposal, different code versions of parallel loop nests are statically generated by the compiler. At install time, each version is profiled in different execution contexts. At runtime, the execution time of each code version is predicted using the profiling results, the current input data shape and the number of available processor cores. The predicted best version is then run. Our framework handles several versions of possibly tiled parallel loops, using the polytope model for both the profiling and the dynamic selection phases. We show on several benchmark programs that our runtime system selects one of the most efficient version with a very low runtime overhead. This quick and efficient selection leads to speedups compared to the usage of a unique version in every execution context.
Consensus Amplification and Novel Multiplex Sequencing Method for S Segment Species Identification of 47 Viruses of the Orthobunyavirus, Phlebovirus, and Nairovirus Genera of the Family Bunyaviridae

ABSTRACT A reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay was designed, according to previously determined and newly derived genetic data, to target S genomic segments of 47 viruses, including 29 arthropod-borne human pathogens, of the family Bunyaviridae. The analytical sensitivity of the presented assay was evaluated through its application to RNAs extracted from quantitated dilutions of bunyaviruses of interest. Additionally, the assay's analytical specificity was determined through the evaluation of RNAs extracted from selected bunyaviruses and other representative arthropod-borne viruses isolated from a diverse group of host species and temporal and geographic origins. After RT-PCR amplification, DNAs amplified from bunyaviruses of interest were subjected to a novel multiplex sequencing method to confirm bunyavirus positivity and provide preliminary, species-level S segment identification. It is our goal that this assay will be used as a tool for identification and characterization of emergent arthropod-borne bunyavirus isolates of medical import as well as related viruses of the family Bunyaviridae that have not been associated with human illness.
Stability of Discrete Impulsive Hybrid Systems via Comparison Principle

Abstract This paper studies discrete impulsive hybrid systems. The comparison principle and uniform stability are established for such hybrid systems. Moreover, the attraction region is estimated. As applications, the comparison principle is used to study the robust stability problem for linear interval discrete impulsive hybrid systems and a class of nonlinear uncertain discrete impulsive hybrid systems.
Incidence and Allocation Effects of a State Fiscal Policy Shift: The Florio Initiatives in New Jersey

We calculate the incidence of recent changes to the New Jersey state tax system on a sample of homeowners. Our analysis distinguishes between business-as-usual responses to an evolving fiscal situation and tax changes that constitute a surprise. The latter have incidence effects; the former do not. We conclude that, if the changes carried out by NJ Governor Jim Florio are regarded as permanent, they effected a one-time wealth redistribution from, on average, higher-income homeowners toward lower-income homeowners and from owners of suburban residential property toward owners of urban residential property. Although effects on the averages for identifiable groups are clear and significant there is very considerable variation in the effects on individual homeowners within groups. We also estimate the allocation effects of the tax changes using a general equilibrium model that incorporates the option of in-and out migration. The results suggest that the changes will induce a sizable migration of weal thy and high-income people out of the state.
Increasing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Yield to Develop Mice with Human Immune Systems

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are unique in their capacity to give rise to all mature cells of the immune system. For years, HSC transplantation has been used for treatment of genetic and neoplastic diseases of the hematopoietic and immune systems. The sourcing of HSCs from human umbilical cord blood has salient advantages over isolation from mobilized peripheral blood. However, poor sample yield has prompted development of methodologies to expand HSCs ex vivo. Cytokines, trophic factors, and small molecules have been variously used to promote survival and proliferation of HSCs in culture, whilst strategies to lower the concentration of inhibitors in the culture media have recently been applied to promote HSC expansion. In this paper, we outline strategies to expand HSCs in vitro, and to improve engraftment and reconstitution of human immune systems in immunocompromised mice. To the extent that these “humanized” mice are representative of the endogenous human immune system, they will be invaluable tools for both basic science and translational medicine.