Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trade with China and Skill Upgrading: Evidence from Belgian Firm Level Data

We use Belgian rm-level data over the period 1996-2007 to analyze the impact of im- ports from China and other low-wage countries on rm growth, exit, and skill upgrading in manufacturing. For this purpose we use both industry-level and rm-level imports by country of origin and distinguish between rm-level outsourcing of nal versus intermediate goods. Results indicate that, both industry-level import competition and rm-level outsourcing to China reduce rm employment growth and induce skill upgrading. In contrast, industry-level imports have no e ect on Belgian rm survival, while rm-level outsourcing of nished goods to China even increased rm's probability of survival. In terms of skill upgrading, the e ect of Chinese imports is large. Industry import competition from China accounts for 42% of the within rm increase in the share of skilled workers in Belgian manufacturing over the period of our analysis, but this e ect, as well as the employment reducing e ect, remains mainly in low- tech industries. Firm-level outsourcing to China further accounts for a small but signi cant increase in the share of non-production workers. This change in employment structure is in line with predictions of o shoring models and Schott's (2008) 'moving up the quality ladder' story. All these results are robust to IV estimation.
A Review of Morphing Aircraft

Aircraft wings are a compromise that allows the aircraft to fly at a range of flight conditions, but the performance at each condition is sub-optimal. The ability of a wing surface to change its geometry during flight has interested researchers and designers over the years as this reduces the design compromises required. Morphing is the short form for metamorphose; however, there is neither an exact definition nor an agreement between the researchers about the type or the extent of the geometrical changes necessary to qualify an aircraft for the title ‘shape morphing. ’ Geometrical parameters that can be affected by morphing solutions can be categorized into: planform alteration (span, sweep, and chord), out-of-plane transformation (twist, dihedral/gull, and span-wise bending), and airfoil adjustment (camber and thickness). Changing the wing shape or geometry is not new. Historically, morphing solutions always led to penalties in terms of cost, complexity, or weight, although in certain circumstances, these were overcome by system-level benefits. The current trend for highly efficient and ‘green’ aircraft makes such compromises less acceptable, calling for innovative morphing designs able to provide more benefits and fewer drawbacks. Recent developments in ‘smart’ materials may overcome the limitations and enhance the benefits from existing design solutions. The challenge is to design a structure that is capable of withstanding the prescribed loads, but is also able to change its shape: ideally, there should be no distinction between the structure and the actuation system. The blending of morphing and smart structures in an integrated approach requires multi-disciplinary thinking from the early development, which significantly increases the overall complexity, even at the preliminary design stage. Morphing is a promising enabling technology for the future, next-generation aircraft. However, manufacturers and end users are still too skeptical of the benefits to adopt morphing in the near future. Many developed concepts have a technology readiness level that is still very low. The recent explosive growth of satellite services means that UAVs are the technology of choice for many investigations on wing morphing. This article presents a review of the state-of-the-art on morphing aircraft and focuses on structural, shape-changing morphing concepts for both fixed and rotary wings, with particular reference to active systems. Inflatable solutions have been not considered, and skin issues and challenges are not discussed in detail. Although many interesting concepts have been synthesized, few have progressed to wing tunnel testing, and even fewer have flown. Furthermore, any successful wing morphing system must overcome the weight penalty due to the additional actuation systems.
New developments in prostate cancer screening using a novel cancer-specific, non-PSA biomarker assay derived from autoantibody signatures

Background: Over diagnosis and overtreatment of indolent prostate cancer (PC) is a serious health issue. There is an unmet clinical need for noninvasive, easy to administer, diagnostic assay to help assess whether a prostate biopsy is warranted. Objective: The performance of a novel, serum-based multiplexed autoantibody assay was assessed on a new, more sensitive Magneto-sensing assay using eight (8) autoantibodies plus standard of care (SOC) (PSA and age) vs. SOC alone for discriminating prostate cancer risk on biopsy as well as detecting highgrade prostate cancer on biopsy (Gleason Score (GS) 7 or greater). Methods: Using the magneto-sensing technology, the levels of eight (8) autoantibodies were determined among 250 men with PSA levels 2-20 ng/mL using retrospective serum samples from two academic and one community clinical sites. Eligible men were PC-free, >40 years old, undergoing prostate biopsy due to suspicious digital rectal examination finding and/or elevated PSA levels. We evaluated the predictive ability of the autoantibody assay plus SOC using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to predict PC vs. no cancer on biopsy and high-grade PC defined as GS7 or greater from GS6/no cancer on biopsy. Analyses were repeated restricting to those with PSA 2-10 ng/ml and stratifying by age (<65 vs. ≥65). Results: Among 250 men (median age 62 years; median PSA 5.5 ng/mL), 139 had PC; 42 with GS6, 74 with GS7 and 21 with GS8 or higher. The autoantibody assay plus SOC demonstrated an AUC of 0.74 (95%CI 0.68-0.80) vs. an AUC for SOC of 0.51 (95%CI 0.44-0.59) (p<0.001). Similarly, discrimination was improved for detecting GS7 and higher vs. GS6 or lower/no cancer on biopsy (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.61, 0.75) vs. SOC alone (AUC 0.58, 95% CI 0.51, 0.65) (p=0.009). A test developed with these biomarkers detected GS7 or higher PC with 95% sensitivity and 34% specificity. Performance was similar in men with PSA 2-10 ng/ml (n=223), with an AUC of 0.74 using the antibody assay plus SOC vs. 0.54 with SOC. In men age <65 (n=156), the AUC of the biomarkers plus SOC was 0.75 and SOC alone was 0.52. In men age ≥ 65 (n=67), the AUC of the biomarkers plus SOC was 0.76 and SOC alone was 0.58. Conclusions: Magneto-sensing serum-based detection of autoantibodies significantly improved identification of patients with PC and particularly higher-grade PC vs. the current SOC. This antibody assay outperformed SOC alone in both older and younger men and within the diagnostic grey zone (PSA 2-10). The Magnetosensing autoantibody assay can be used in a point of care setting in a primary care office and could potentially reduce the total number of unnecessary prostate biopsies. Correspondence to: Amanda L Fish, MBA, CPHQ, Global Leader, Key Opinion, Leader Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Armune BioScience, Inc., USA, Tel: 404.308. 4682; E-mail: Amanda.Fish@Armune.com
Computational analysis of ionic polymer cluster energetics

In recent years there has been considerable study of the potential mechanisms underlying the electromechanical response of ionic-polymer-metal composites. The most recent models have been based on the response of the ion-containing clusters that are formed when the material is synthesized. Most of these efforts have employed assumptions of uniform ion distribution within spherical cluster shapes. This work investigates the impact of dispensing with these assumptions in order to better understand the parameters that impact cluster shape, size, and ion transport potential. A computational micromechanics model has been developed to predict the equilibrium state of a single cluster of an ionomeric polymer with cluster morphology. No assumptions are made regarding the distribution of charge or the shape of the cluster. For a constant solvated state, the model tracks the position of individual ions within a given cluster in response to ion–ion interaction, mechanical stiffness of the pendant chain, cluster surf.
Monografias em Ciência da Computação n ° 28 / 07 An Approximation Algorithm for Permutation Flowshop Scheduling Problem via Erdös-Szekeres Theorem Extensions

This work presents a deterministic approximation algorithm for Permutation Flowshop Scheduling Problem (PFS) with performance ratio 2 √ 2n + m and time complexity Θ(nm + n log n), where n is the number of jobs and m is the number of machines of an instance. This result consists in the rst known deterministic approximation algorithm for PFS in which performance ratio is not a linear factor of n or m. In the case that n = O(m) this is the best approximation algorithm already obtained for PFS. A novel technique for performance guarantee analysis of PFS solutions is developed, exploring its correlation with Weighted Monotone Subsequence Problems.
It Takes Two to Tango: Cascading off-the-Shelf Face Detectors

Recent face detection methods have achieved high detection rates in unconstrained environments. However, as they still generate excessive false positives, any method for reducing false positives is highly desirable. This work aims to massively reduce false positives of existing face detection methods whilst maintaining the true detection rate. In addition, the proposed method also aims to sidestep the detector retraining task which generally requires enormous effort. To this end, we propose a two-stage framework which cascades two off-the-shelf face detectors. Not all face detectors can be cascaded and achieve good performance. Thus, we study three properties that allow us to determine the best pair of detectors. These three properties are: (1) correlation of true positives; (2) diversity of false positives and (3) detector runtime. Experimental results on recent large benchmark datasets such as FDDB and WIDER FACE support our findings that the false positives of a face detector could be potentially reduced by 90% whilst still maintaining high true positive detection rate. In addition, with a slight decrease in true positives, we found a pair of face detector that achieves significantly lower false positives, while being five times faster than the current state-of-the-art detector.
Identification and characterization of novel substrates/ interacting partners for the protein tyrosine phosphatase PRL-2

The reversible process of protein phosphosphorylation by kinases and phosphatases regulates essentially every aspect of cellular processes. PRLs (Phospshatase of Regenerating Liver) are dual specificity phosphatases, belonging to the protein tyrosine phosphatase family. PRL family members (PRL-1, PRL-2 and PRL-3) possess several oncogenic properties and play an important role in tumoriogenesis and metastasis. In previous studies using multiple cellular and in vivo models, we confirmed the role of PRL-2 in cell migration and in the transformation process of breast cancer. Thus, we seek to identify the cellular pathway, mechanism of actions, and the physiological function of PRL-2. One of the most common approaches to elucidating the function of a protein is by identifying its substrates and/or interacting partners. In this study, we have identified several interesting PRL-2 interacting proteins using Affinity-Purification Mass Spectrometry (AP-MS) and we characterized the interaction with one of these candidates: cyclin M3 (CNNM3). We also generated a PRL-2 KO mouse models: these PRL2-KO mouse showed significant weight loss, suggesting PRL-2 might play an essential physiological role. We believe that the identification of PRL-2 interacting partners will shed light on the physiological functions of this PTP, and may lead to the development of new targets for breast cancer therapy. %%%%L'etat de phosphorylation des proteines dans la cellule est essentiellement regule par les kinases et les phosphatases de facon reversible. Les PRLs (Phosphatases of Regenerating Liver) sont des phosphatases a double specificite appartenant a la famille des proteines tyrosine phosphatase. La surexpression des membres de la famille PRL (PRL-1, PRL-2 et PRL-3) est observee dans une grande variete de cancers. Ceux-ci possedent de nombreuses proprietes oncogeniques et jouent un role important au niveau de la generation des tumeurs ainsi que leur dissemination metastasique. PRL-2 est la moins caracterisee de la famille PRLs. Nos etudes effectuees a partir de differentes lignees cellulaires ainsi que modeles in vivo ont demontrees le role de PRL-2 dans la migration cellulaire et le developpement de tumeurs du sein. Mes recherches portent sur l'identification des voies de signalisation cellulaire modulees par PRL2 ainsi que son mecanisme d'action et son role physiologique. L'approche la plus commune pour comprendre la fonction d'une proteine est d'identifier ses substrats ou partenaire d'interaction. Dans cette etude, nous avons identifie plusieurs proteines interagissant avec PRL-2 in vivo par spectrometrie de masse (MS) et nous avons caracterise son interaction avec l'un des candidats de MS : CNNM3. Nous avons aussi genere un modele de souris knock-out (KO) de PRL-2. La souris KO manifeste une perte importante de poids suggerant un role physiologique important de PRL-2. Nous sommes persuades que l'identification des substrats physiologiques de PRL2 permettra de mieux comprendre cette PTP et ainsi assurer le developpement de nouvelles cibles…
Blind Approach for Digital Image Forgery Detection

In the digital era of where everyone is exposed to a visual imagery in very large extent. Digital images are very convincible way to share information. Due to the rapidly growing field of digital image acquirement and editing software that are impressive as well sophisticated with many advanced features. Manipulation with features of digital image can perform easily with the help of editing tools, which are cost effectively available online or offline and do not leave any visible footprint of tampering with an image. Forgery with the digital image is an unavoidable problem concern with the image authenticity and also with image integrity. Which raising a compulsion to take an immediate action on the forgery of the digital image to verify the authenticity and maintain the integrity. To encounter the problem of authenticity of digital image, this paper proposed a methodology for detection of image splicing forgery using the blind approach i.e., passive method to detect the spliced region in the digital image. In passive approach, there is no provision for the pre-introduction of the watermark and pre-embedded digital signature during the time of image obtainment. This paper mainly concern with the image splicing forgery and it initiate with the DWT (Discrete Wavelet Transform) method, which will decompose the
Fatty acid composition and meat quality traits of organically reared Korean native black pigs

Current study investigated the effect of feeding systems (conventional vs organic rearing) on carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid composition of Musculus longissimus dorsi of Korean native black barrows (KNP). Thirty pigs were reared under a conventional feeding system at indoor area of 1 m per head, while another thirty pigs were fed an indoor area with organic saw dusts of 1 m and an outdoor area with free ranges of 1 m for each pig for organic system. Diet for the organic rearing was also provided according to the guideline for organic pork products. Warner–Bratzler shear force was lower and water holding capacity was higher for pork produced under the organic guidelines. However, pork produced by an organic system did not affect sensory traits compared to pork produced by a conventional one. In addition, longissimus muscle from organically reared pigs had significantly (Pb0.05) higher myoglobin content and consequently higher CIE a⁎-values compared with those for the conventionally-reared pigs (Pb0.05). The organic pork resulted in significantly (Pb0.05) higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and unsaturated fatty acid contents, as well as a higher n-3 PUFA than the conventional one (Pb0.05). © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving tablets of amlodipine besylate by using Fenugreek seed mucilage and Ocimum basilicum gum

Fast dissolving/disintegrating tablets have received ever-increasing demand during the last decade, and the field has became a rapidly growing area in the pharmaceutical area. Particularly the fast dissolving drug delivery systems formulated with natural polymers have more demand because natural materials like gums and mucilages have been extensively used in the field of drug delivery for their easy availability, ease administration, non toxicity, non irritant nature etc. The main aim of the present study was to formulate the fast dissolving tablets of amlodipine besylate tablets using Fenugreek seed mucilage and Ocimum basilicum gum as a natural superdisintegrating agents to achieve quick onset of action, is to increase the water uptake with in shortest wetting time and there by decrease the disintegration time of the tablets by simple and cost effective direct compression technique. Pre-compression parameters like angle of repose and post-compression parameters like wetting time, water absorption ratio, in-vitro disintegration and in-vitro dispersion time were studied. The hardness, friability and drug content of all the formulations were found to be within the limits. The best formulations FFGK5 & FOB5 have shown good disintegration time, hardness and friability. The best formulations were also found to be stable. Optimized formulation was subjected to stability studies as per ICH guidelines and it insignificant change in hardness, disintegration time and in vitro drug release. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9. 11614 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 243-249
Chemical Differentiation of Obsidian within the Glass Buttes Complex, Oregon

Two hundred twenty-five source samples from the multi-component obsidian source at Glass Buttes, Oregon were characterized by neutron activation analysis to determine the number of chemical groups present. Seven geochemical groups were found within the Glass Buttes complex. An abbreviated neutron activation analysis procedure previously used to differentiate between obsidian sources in Mesoamerica was also successful in separating obsidian from different outcrops at Glass Buttes. Thirty-one artifacts from the Robins Spring site on Glass Buttes were also analysed. The abbreviated NAA procedure was also successful at assigning the artifacts to the different subsources at Glass Buttes.
3 Addictive Drugs and Synaptic Plasticity

The term addiction, derived from a Latin word meaning ‘‘bound to’’ or ‘‘enslaved by,’’ was initially not linked to substance use. However, over the past several hundred years, addiction became associated with excessive alcohol and then drug use, such that by the late 1980s it was largely synonymous with compulsive drug use (O’Brien et al., 2006). The core features of addiction are manifest in the continued performance of the behavior despite adverse consequences, compulsive engagement or diminished control over the behavior, and an appetitive urge or craving state prior to the behavioral engagement representing core elements (Holden, 2010).
Variable Phenotypic Expression Including Late Presentation of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in LEOPARD Syndrome with P.Q510E Mutation in PTPN11 Gene

LEOPARD syndrome is a complex dysmorphogenetic disorder of variable penetrance and expressivity. Mutations in the PTPN11 gene are frequently reported in patients with Noonan syndrome (NS) and LEOPARD syndrome (LS). Q510E mutation in PTPN11 has always been associated with lethal or rapidly progressive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy both in NS and LS patients. Besides, deafness is also frequently present in these patients, but reproductive fitness is questioned. We herein describe a case of LEOPARD syndrome from Bangladesh with Q510E mutation in the PTPN11 gene. Our patient almost fulfilled the entire acronym of LEOPARD with very late presentation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at the age of 36 yrs. Interestingly patient has intact hearing and normal reproductive capacity, biologically fathered two children.
Application of NMR spectroscopy integrated with comprehensive extraction method to find antiinflammatory active compounds in the plant of Sempervivum pseudocalcareum

A novel approach was applied to investigate the potential antiinflammatory activities of genus Sempervivum in-vitro by using U937 cell lines assay and zebrafish embryos for in-vivo studies. Twenty four different species/cultivar of Sempervivum were screened for their ability to inhibit TNF-α release. Sempervivum Smaragd, Sempervivum Pilatus, Sempervivum Noir, Sempervivum Pseudo-calcareum, Sempervinum microcephalum, Sempervivum tectorum Glaucum showed maximum TNF-α inhibition respectively. Two different Sempervivum pseudocalcareum (active) and Sempervivum calcareum (non active) (cultivar of Sempervivum tectorum L.) were selected for further studies on the basis of our screening results. Comprehensive extraction was applied to cover a broad range of metabolites by using a gradient from water to methanol in combination. Seventeen fractions were eluted and subjected to NMR analysis and activity related studies. NMR based metabolomics coupled with multivariate data analysis was used to identify bioactivity related metabolites in fractionated plant extracts. Fractions (4-6) of S. pseudocalcareum show strong inhibition of TNF-α in-vitro and for in-vivo studies fractions (2, 3) were found most promising whereas in case of Sempervivum calcareum only fraction 6 was found active in-vitro but none of the fraction showed activity in-vivo . Application of NMR spectroscopy integrated with comprehensive extraction method to find antiinflammatory active compounds in the plant of Sempervivum pseudocalcareum Chap.9 201 Multivariate data analysis likes PCA, PLS, PLS-DA, O2PLS-DA and O2PLS were used to see discrimination among samples and to correlate NMR signals with activity data. The VIP plot showed that kaempferol analogues were positively correlated with high activity. The bioassays presented here allow us to screen thousands of plant extracts and pure compounds which show this is a rapid way of finding new lead compounds for drug development.