Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Piracy of Digital Products: A Critical Review of the Theoretical Literature

Digital products can be copied almost at no cost and are subject to non-commercial copying by final consumers. Because the copy of a copy typically does not deteriorate in quality, copies can become available on a large scale basis - this can be illustrated by the surge of file-sharing networks. In this paper we provide a critical overview of the theoretical literature that addresses the economic consequences of end-user copying. We analyze basic models of piracy, models with indirect appropriation, models with network effects, and models with asymmetric information. We discuss the applicability of the different modeling strategies to a number of industries such as software, video and computer games, music, and movies.
Discussions arising from: Cloninger, CR. A. unified biosocial theory of personality and its role in the development of anxiety states.

: A general theory of heritable personality traits and their neurobiological basis is described. Three independent dimensions of personality are defined and related to heritable variation in patterns of response to specific types of environmental stimuli: 'novelty seeking' is due to a heritable tendency toward frequent exploratory activity and intense excitement in response to novel stimuli; 'harm avoidance' is due to a heritable tendency to respond intensely to aversive stimuli and to learn to avoid punishment, novelty, and non-reward passively; and 'reward dependence' is due to a heritable tendency to respond intensely to reward and succorance and to learn to maintain rewarded behavior. Evidence suggests that variation in each dimension is strongly correlated with activity in a specific central monoaminergic pathway: novelty seeking with low basal dopaminergic activity, harm avoidance with high serotonergic activity, and reward dependence with low basal noradrenergic activity. These neurobiological dimensions interact to give rise to integrated patterns of differential responses to punishment, reward, and novelty. The combination of high novelty seeking, high reward dependence, and low harm avoidance (histrionic personality) or the combination of high harm avoidance, low reward dependence, and low novelty seeking (obsessional personality) are each associated with information-processing patterns that lead to unreliable discrimination of safe and dangerous situations and hence to chronic anxiety. In individuals with high novelty seeking, chronic anxiety is characterized by global uneasiness or alarm without specific premonitory cues, frequent bodily pains due to low pain and sensation thresholds, low sedation threshold, and slow fatigability. In contrast, in individuals with high harm avoidance, chronic anxiety is characterized by frequent anticipatory worries based on specific cues, high pain and sedation thresholds, and easy fatigability. In response to frustrative non-reward, individuals with high reward dependence are susceptible to compensatory noradrenergic hyperactivity and hence acute or recurrent states of agitated dysphoria associated with reward-seeking behaviors such as overeating and increased sexual activity. Specific predictions are made about normal personality development as well as the development and familial aggregation of anxiety, somatoform, depressive and personality disorders. These predictions are compared with available information, and recommendations are made for future research.
Asset-market models of exchange-rate determination: Basic models, empirical evidence and extensions

In this paper we have reviewed the theoretical models associated with those approaches, focusing on the implied reduced-form equations. We have also examined the empirical evidence on these models for the recent floating period, finding that econometric evidence on these models is mixed and inconclusive: they seem to work, to sorne extent, for the first period of the recent floating experience (i. e., 1975-1978), but they do not work so well in the 1980s. In addition, studies by Meese and Rogoff (i983a, b) have Indicated that the explanatory power of econometric exchange rate models has been extremely poor. They conclude that models of exchange rates could not perform better than a naive random-walk model in the post sample forecasting tests, even when the explanatory variables used were the reallzed values during the post sample period.
An evaluation of oral dabigatran etexilate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in hemodialysis

Dabigatran etexilate represents a possible improved alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective was to determine dabigatran plasma concentrations and anticoagulant effects following administration of a single 110 mg oral dose of dabigatran etexilate to 10 adult patients immediately prior to starting hemodialysis. Mass spectrometry and the Hemoclot® assay were used, respectively, to determine free (unconjugated) dabigatran concentrations and thrombin time (TT) in plasma samples collected intermittently over 48 hours. The median time (tmax) to reach the maximum plasma‐free dabigatran concentration (Cmax) was 2 hours (range 1–3 hours). The mean free dabigatran Cmax was 95.5 ± 33.4 ng/mL. The mean elimination half‐lives on and off hemodialysis were, respectively, 2.6 ± 1.3 and 30.2 ± 7.8 hours. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran with an extraction ratio of 0.63 ± 0.07. The maximal TT ratio was 2.1 and the TT ratio demonstrated a strong linear dependence on free dabigatran concentration (r2 = 0.741). A 110 mg oral dabigatran dose prior to hemodialysis was rapidly absorbed and achieved therapeutic concentrations. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran from the plasma and may be an effective means of accelerating the elimination of dabigatran in circumstances of excessive anticoagulation.
Finger vein authentication using local ternary co-occurrence pattern feature descriptor

This paper proposes a new approach to finger vein authentication using the Local Ternary Co-occurrence Patterns (LTCoP) concept. The illustrated method takes advantage of the unique finger vein patterns in one's finger to accurately authenticate one. The method used is less complex and proves to be highly reliable, offering constructive results for real world applications. The whole research is done keeping in mind the future application of the algorithm on low cost processing devices for practical implementation. The experimental results show that the equal error rate (EER) was 11.8134% and the EER reduces as the number of samples increases proving to be one the most reliable approach for finger vein authentication. The processor used for this project is a low cost 900MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU, which gives a delay of 2.3 seconds for authenticating a single person from 636 classes. This delay reduces as the number of classes reduce.
Should ▼dabigatran replace warfarin for stroke prevention in AF?

▼Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa – Boehringer Ingelheim) is an oral anticoagulant that has been licensed in the EU since 2008 for thromboprophylaxis in adults following a hip or knee joint replacement.1 The marketing authorisation for the drug in the EU has recently been extended to include the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). In theory, dabigatran could offer an advantage to patients who need anticoagulation because, unlike warfarin, its dose does not need to be individually adjusted and its effects do not require regular monitoring through blood sampling. Here we review the evidence for dabigatran in this new indication and consider its place in the management of patients with AF.
OVERVIEW OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE THEORY

The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review on two major theories of capital structure; pecking order theory and static-trade off theory in regard with achieving an optimal capital structure. Researchers believed bankruptcy costs, transactions costs, agency conflicts, adverse selection and taxes has been attribute as major explanations of the corporate used of debt financing which has been used as an argument in both theory. To date there is no consensus on the existing of optimal capital structure. However over the past four decades, the ability of the economists to explain the determinants of optimal capital structure has progressed significantly. In this paper, based on the review of past literature it is suggested that the determinants of capital structure is vary among firms depending on its characteristics.
Tobacco and inequities - Guidance for addressing inequities in tobacco-related harm

This policy guidance aims to support European policy-makers to improve the design and implementation of policies to reduce inequities in tobacco-related harm. Smoking kills more Europeans than any other avoidable factor. Socioeconomic inequities in tobacco consumption in Europe are extensive, and are widening. The overall reduction in smoking in Europe has been a public health success, but the effects have mainly been seen in middle- and high-income groups, causing a substantial widening of inequities. Reducing health inequities is a key strategic objective of Health 2020 – the European policy framework for health and well-being endorsed by the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region in 2012. This guide seeks to assist European policy-makers in contributing to achieving the objectives of Health 2020 in a practical way. It draws on key evidence, including from the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region. It sets out options and practical methods to reduce the level and unequal distribution of tobacco use in Europe, through approaches that address the social determinants of tobacco use and the related health, social and economic consequences.
Characterization of Clostridium thermocellum JW20

Clostridium thermocellum JW20 (ATCC 31549), which was isolated from a Louisiana cotton bale, grew on cellulose, cellobiose, and xylooligomers and, after adaptation, on glucose, fructose, and xylose in the pH range of 7.5 to 6.1 with Topt of 60�C, Tmax of 69�C, and Tmin of above 28�C. Doubling times during growth on cellulose and cellobiose were 6.5 and 2.5 h, respectively. The G+C content of the DNA was 40 mol% (chemical analysis). Growth on cellulose as substrate was totally inhibited in the presence of more than 125 mM sodium sulfate, 300 mM sodium chloride, 250 mM potassium chloride, 200 mM calcium chloride, 125 mM magnesium chloride, 40 mM lactate, or 250 mM acetate. The ratio of the fermentation products ethanol to acetate plus H2 decreased when the culture was agitated. Agitation otherwise increased the rate of cellulose degradation in a growing culture but not under nongrowth conditions or with cell-free culture supernatant containing the extracellular cellulase. Shaking lowered the concentration of H2 in the culture broth and thus minimized inhibition by the H2 formed. Externally added H2 caused an increased formation of ethanol during growth on cellulose or cellobiose. However, at an atmospheric pressure as high as 355 kPa (50 lb/in2), H2 did not cause significant growth inhibition beyond an increasing lag phase (up to 24 h). Several criteria to specifically prove the purity of C. thermocellum cultures were suggested.
Incidence and Risk of High-grade Stomatitis with mTOR Inhibitors in Cancer Patients

Background: Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway including everolimus and temsirolimus have been used extensively in cancer patients. Their use is associated with stomatitis, an adverse event resulting in morbidity and treatment interruptions or discontinuation. This study was conducted to determine the overall incidence and risk of stomatitis in cancer patients treated with the mTOR inhibitors by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Patients and Methods: Databases from PubMed and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meetings up to October 2013 were searched for relevant studies. Eligible studies included RCTs using everolimus and temsirolimus at approved doses in cancer patients. Summary incidences, relative risks (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random- or fixed-effects model depending on the heterogeneity of the included trials. Results: A total of 11 RCTs with 4,752 patients (mTORs: 2,725, controls: 2,027) with a variety of solid tumors were included in the analysis. The incidences of all-grade (grade 1–4) and high-grade stomatitis (grade 3–4) were 33.5% (95% CI: 21.9–47.6%) and 4.1% (95% CI: 2.6–6.3%), respectively. The incidence of high-grade stomatitis significantly varied with tumor types (p = .004), and mTOR inhibitors (temsirolimus vs. everolimus, p < .001). In comparison with controls, mTOR inhibitors significantly increased the risk for developing all-grade stomatitis (RR: 4.04, 95% CI: 3.13–5.22, p < .001) and high-grade stomatitis (RR: 8.84, 95% CI: 4.07–19.22, p < .001). Conclusions: The mTOR inhibitors everolimus and temsirolimus significantly increased the risk of high-grade stomatitis in cancer patients. Efforts towards the prevention, treatment, and identification of individuals at risk may allow for improved quality of life and consistent dosing.
Effects of estrogens in vitro and in vivo on cartilage growth in the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).

To study the effects of estrogens on cartilage growth in the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus, an epiceratobranchial cartilage radioisotope incorporation assay was employed to measure proteoglycan synthesis and prechondrocyte proliferation by incorporation of radiolabeled sulfate and thymidine, respectively. Cartilage explants were cultured with estrogens with or without recombinant bovine insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). In vitro experiments using the natural teleost estrogen, 17beta-estradiol (E2), showed a trend toward inhibition of sulfate incorporation and an inhibition of thymidine incorporation at higher doses (10 micrograms/ml), but not at physiological levels. E2 also showed a trend toward inhibition of sulfate and thymidine incorporation in the presence of IGF-I. Similar results were found with other estrogenic compounds in vitro: ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol (DES), genistein, and nonylphenol. Ethinylestradiol inhibited sulfate and thymidine incorporation at 1000 ng/ml in the presence of IGF-I. DES inhibited thymidine incorporation at 1000 ng/ml in untreated or IGF-I-exposed cartilage. Genistein inhibited sulfate incorporation at 100 micrograms/ml in IGF-I-exposed cartilage and inhibited thymidine uptake at 1, 10, and 100 micrograms/ml in untreated and IGF-I-exposed cartilage. Nonylphenol inhibited sulfate uptake at 100 microM in untreated and IGF-I-exposed cartilage. Nonylphenol alone at 10 and 100 microM inhibited thymidine uptake. In IGF-I-exposed cartilage nonylphenol inhibited thymidine uptake at 100 microM. Fish receiving estrogen injections (E2 or DES) in vivo at a concentration of 2 micrograms/g body weight showed increased sulfate incorporation by cartilage in vitro. Stimulation in vivo by estrogens, in contrast to the inhibition by high doses in vitro, may be a result of the influence of estrogen on pituitary growth hormone release.
Association between virulence of Yersinia pestis and suppression of gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha

It is established that Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic plague, and enteropathogenic Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica share a ca. 70-kb low-calcium response or Lcr plasmid (Lcr+). The latter is known to encode regulatory functions that restrict growth at 37 degrees C in Ca(2+)-deficient medium and virulence factors that are expressed only in vitro within this environment (e.g., certain Yops and V antigen). In this study, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) was never detected in mice infected with 10 minimum lethal doses (MLD) of Lcr+ cells of Y. pestis, and significant levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) arose only prior to death. Prompt and marked synthesis of these cytokines was observed upon infection with avirulent Lcr- mutants. Treatment of mice with exogenous IFN-gamma plus TNF-alpha inhibited multiplication of Lcr+ yersiniae in vivo, thereby providing protection against challenge with 10 MLD. Administration of both cytokines was required for absolute survival, suggesting a synergistic rather than cumulative interaction. This protective effect entailed cytokine priming as judged by subsequent detection of substantial levels of endogenous IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Monospecific anti-V-antigen, known to provide passive immunity against 10 MLD of Lcr+ Y. pestis, permitted significant synthesis of endogenous IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. These findings demonstrate that Lcr+ yersiniae suppress synthesis of cytokines and suggest that this effect is mediated by one or more Lcr plasmid-encoded virulence factors.
Cutting Edge: Tumor-Targeting Antibodies Enhance NKG2D-Mediated NK Cell Cytotoxicity by Stabilizing NK Cell–Tumor Cell Interactions

Monoclonal antibodies represent a promising approach to fight a variety of tumors, but their mode of action remains to be fully understood. NK cells can recognize Ab-coated targets, as well as stress ligands, on tumor cells. In this study, we investigated how NK cells integrate both kinds of activating signals. NK cell–mediated killing was maximal with the combined recognition of NKG2D ligands and Ab; surprisingly, only NKG2D engagement substantially enhanced degranulation. Conversely, Ab recognition by NK cells uniquely increased contact stability with tumor cells. Furthermore, using intravital imaging of solid tumors, we showed that Ab recognition favored prolonged interactions between NK cells and targets. Altogether, our results demonstrate that NK cell–mediated killing can be differentially regulated at the level of degranulation and contact stability by distinct activating receptors. Thus, complementary signals mediated by recognition of stress ligands and tumor-specific Abs may contribute to the efficacy of NK cells during mAb therapy.
Scenarios for Irish House Prices

In this note, a recently published model of the Irish residential mortgage market is used to generate likely scenarios for Irish house prices out to 2013. The model allows for the interaction between house prices and mortgage credit as well as key macroeconomic variables and housing supply. Future prices based on such models typically tend to assume that, where significant overvaluation has occured, prices correct back to some long-run equilibrium path. However, analysis of housing booms in a cross-country context reveals that prices often tend to overcorrect following a sustained house price boom. We discuss the results from our model in this context.
Survey on Sound and Video Analysis Methods for Monitoring Face-to-Face Module Delivery

The objective of this work is to identify unobtrusive methodologies that allow the monitoring and understanding of the educational environment, during face to face activities, through capturing and processing of sound and video signals. It is a survey on application and techniques that exploit these two signals (sound and video) retrieved in classrooms, offices and other spaces. We categorize such applications based upon the high level characteristics extracted from the analysis of the low level features of the sound and video signals. Through the overview of these technologies, we attempt to achieve a degree of understanding the human behavior in a smart classroom, on behalf of the students and the teacher. Additionally, we illustrate open-research points for further investigation.
Dimensions in Dialogue Act Annotation

This paper is concerned with the fundamentals of multidimensional dialogue act annotation, i.e. with what it means to annotate dialogues with information about the communicative acts that are performed with the utterances, taking various 'dimensions' into account. Two ideas seem to be prevalent in the literature concerning the notion of dimension: (1) dimensions correspond to different types of information; and (2) a dimension is formed by a set of mutually exclusive tags. In DAMSL, for instance, the terms dimension and layer are used sometimes in the sense of (1) and sometimes in that of (2). We argue that being mutually exclusive is not a good criterion for a set of dialogue act types to constitute a dimension, even though the description of an object in a multidimensional space should never assign more than one value per dimension. We define a dimension of dialogue act annotation as an aspect of participating in a dialogue that can be addressed independently by means of dialogue acts. We show that DAMSL dimensions such as Info-request, Statement, and Answer do not qualify as proper dimensions, and that the communicative functions in these categories do not fall in any specific dimension, but should be considered as general-purpose in the sense that they can be used in any dimension. We argue that using the notion of dimension that we propose, a multidimensional taxonomy of dialogue acts emerges that optimally supports multidimensional dialogue act annotation.
Vital Signs: HIV Infection, Testing, and Risk Behaviors Among Youths—United States

In 2009, 6.7% of the estimated 1.1 million persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States were youths (defined in this report as persons aged 13–24 years); more than half of youths with HIV (59.5%) were unaware of their infection.
A Two-amino Acid Mutation Encountered in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Decreases Stability of the Rod Domain 23 (R23) Spectrin-like Repeat of Dystrophin*

Lack of functional dystrophin causes severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The subsarcolemmal location of dystrophin, as well as its association with both cytoskeleton and membrane, suggests a role in the mechanical regulation of muscular membrane stress. In particular, phenotype rescue in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice model has shown that some parts of the central rod domain of dystrophin, constituted by 24 spectrin-like repeats, are essential. In this study, we made use of rare missense pathogenic mutations in the dystrophin gene and analyzed the biochemical properties of the isolated repeat 23 bearing single or double mutations E2910V and N2912D found in muscle dystrophy with severity grading. No dramatic effect on secondary and tertiary structure of the repeat was found in mutants compared with wild type as revealed by circular dichroism and NMR. Thermal and chemical unfolding data from circular dichroism and tryptophan fluorescence show significant decrease of stability for the mutants, and stopped-flow spectroscopy shows decreased refolding rates. The most deleterious single mutation is the N2912D replacement, although we observe additive effects of the two mutations on repeat stability. Based on three-dimensional structures built by homology molecular modeling, we discuss the modifications of the mutation-induced repeat stability. We conclude that the main forces involved in repeat stability are electrostatic inter-helix interactions that are disrupted following mutations. This study represents the first analysis at the protein level of the consequences of missense mutations in the human dystrophin rod domain. Our results suggest that it may participate in mechanical weakening of dystrophin-deficient muscle.