Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of measles virus‐specific cytotoxic T‐cell responses after intranasal immunization with synthetic peptides

We have investigated the structural requirements for the induction of cytotoxic T‐cell responses (CTL) in vivo after intranasal immunization with an immunodominant CTL epitope from the nucleoprotein of measles virus (MV). For the induction of CTL responses, covalent linkage of the CTL epitope to a helper T‐cell epitope was required and the orientation of the epitopes influenced the immunogenicity of the CTL epitope. The presence of two copies as compared with one copy of a T‐helper epitope, rendered the CTL epitope more immunogenic and resulted in the in vivo induction of MV‐specific CTLs without the need for an adjuvant. The role of CTL responses to this epitope in protection after intranasal administration was evaluated in a mouse model against challenge with a neuroadapted strain of MV. Although a decreased mortality in the peptide immunized compared with that in unimmunized mice was observed, the protection achieved was not significant. These findings highlight the importance of the rational design of synthetic immunogens for the induction of CTL responses and the potential of the intranasal route for immunization.
Exploring Demographic and Substance Use Correlates of Hookah Use in a Sample of Southern California Community College Students.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hookah smoking is a growing young adult phenomenon, particularly among college students. Many users feel that it is safer than other tobacco products, although its health threats are well documented. Little is known about hookah use rates in community colleges that are attended by nearly half of all US college students. This study examined hookah use in a diverse convenience sample of students attending two southern California community colleges. METHODS In fall 2011, a cross-sectional, in-classroom survey was administered to 1,207 students. A series of fully adjusted multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to explore demographic, other substance use, and attitudinal correlates of lifetime and current hookah use. RESULTS Lifetime hookah use (56%) was higher than lifetime cigarette use (49%). Gender and personal socioeconomic status were not related to hookah use. Current use (10.8%) was associated with current use of alcohol, cigars, and cigarettes. Compared to African-Americans, Whites were 2.9 times more likely to be current users, and students who perceive hookah to be more socially acceptable were 21 times more likely to currently use. CONCLUSION Since hookah use rates are high, colleges should offer health education programs to inform incoming students about the health risks of hookah and cessation programs.
The noisy feedback interference channel with secrecy

We study the interference channel with one-sided generalized feedback and secrecy requirements. In our model Message 1 which is known just to Encoder 1 should be decoded by both receivers. Message 2 — known only to Encoder 2 — should be decoded by Decoder 2 and kept as secret as possible from Decoder 1. The uncertainty of Decoder 1 about Message 2 is measured by means of the equivocation rate. In addition, a noisy feedback is provided to Encoder 2. We derive an achievable rate-equivocation region for this model and an outer bound for the “noisy cribbing” regime that coincides with the inner bound the gap being in the Markov conditions satisfied by one of the auxiliary random variables.
Subjective or Objective? Nonparametric Estimation of Misreporting and Mis-Assessment in Corporate Credit Rating

This paper investigates the misreporting and mis-assessment of corporate credit ratings by credit rating agencies (CRAs). We distinguish between "mis-assessment," which is the noise from the unobservable true rating to the rating perceived by CRAs (the internal rating), and "misreporting", which is the difference between perceived and reported rating by CRAs. Using a sample of corporate credit ratings during 1986-2011, we find that the mis-assessment in credit rating is very small and statistically insignificant. Also, there is a U-shaped relationship between true credit rating and misreporting probability. Specifically, CRAs misreport the credit ratings for high-grade firms with a probability of 3%, for middle-grade firms with a probability of 0, and for low-grade firms with a probability of 6%. Second, the misreporting behavior of CRAs differ significantly across the industries. The financial industry has the highest misreporting probability (35% in the lowest-grade firms) and the largest misreporting magnitude (rating grade jump between true and reported grade). The energy industry has the lowest misreporting probability. Last, when the economic condition is good, CRAs are more likely to inflate the rating and the inflation magnitude is larger.
Study on Antihyperglycemic Effect of Lycopene in Alloxan Induced Diabetes in Rats

IntroductionDiabetes affects million people world-wide, and is on the increase. Oxidative stress is also one of the etiological factor for developing diabetes. lycopene is considered to be a potent antioxidant. The present study was done to explore the antihyperglycemic effect of Lycopene against alloxan induced diabetes in rats.Methodology: 36adult male rats of Wistar strain were divided into six groups of six animal in each GROUP I (n=6) Normal control.GROUP II (n=6) Diabetic rats GROUP III (n=6) Diabetic rats treated with protamine zinc insulin 0.9 U per 100 gms along with normal diet.GROUP IV (n=6) Treated with Lycopen 2.5 mg/kg orally 2weeks before and 3weeks after induction of diabetes mellitus. GROUP V (n=6) Treated with Lycopene 5mg/kg orally 2 weeks before and3 weeks after induction of diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c were estimated. Results: Lycopene(2.5mg/kg and 5mg/kg) before and after induction of diabetes showed significant reduction in blood glucose level. The reduction in blood glucose level was significantly higher in rats with Lycopene(5mg/kg) . The HbA1c level was also significantly lower in Lycopene treated rats when compared to untreated diabetic rats. Conclusion: The present study offer a conclusive evidence that Lycopene has antidiabetic
Inner retinal visual dysfunction is a sensitive marker of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Aims To determine the effect of diabetes on inner and outer retinal function in persons with diabetes and no clinically detectable retinopathy or with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Methods Visual function was assessed in 18 adults with normal retinal health, 23 adults with diabetes and 35 adults with NPDR and normal visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity and frequency doubling technology (FDT) sensitivity were used to assess ganglion cell function. Acuity, dark adaptation, light-adapted visual sensitivity and dark-adapted visual sensitivity were measured to evaluate cone and rod photoreceptor visual function. The presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy was determined by grading of 7-field stereoscopic fundus photographs using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grading system. Results Participants with NPDR exhibited impairment of all measured visual functions in comparison with the normal participants. Inner retinal function measured by FDT perimetry was the most impaired visual function for patients with NPDR, with 83% of patients exhibiting clinically significant impairment. Rod photoreceptor function was grossly impaired, with almost half of the patients with NPDR exhibiting significantly impaired dark-adapted visual sensitivity. Conclusion Both inner retinal and outer retinal functions exhibited impairment related to NPDR. FDT perimetry and other visual function tests reveal an expanded range of diabetes induced retinal damage even in patients with good visual acuity.
Risk Factors for Stunting Among Children

A low height-for-age indicates stunting which reflects a process of failure to reach linear growth potential. A community based case control study was conducted to identify the risk factors for stunting among children between 6 to 59 months in Surkhet, Nepal. The cases were stunted children and controls were children without stunting in families of the study area. The information was collected by interview to mothers and measurement of length/height from 118 cases and 118 controls. Odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence interval were used to test the statistical significance. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the best explanatory model of stunting. This study summarized that stunting was found as the result of multiple factors such as socio-economic, environmental, feeding practices and childhood diseases. It is recommended that inter-sectoral coordination among health, agriculture, food and nutrition, environment, water supply and sanitation is indispensable. Similarly, health promotional activities to aware people and prevention and control of childhood diseases are imperative to reduce stunting among children.
Long-term market implications of data breaches, not

ABSTRACT This report assesses the impact disclosure of data breaches has on the total returns and volatility of the affected companies’ stock, with a focus on the results relative to the performance of the firms’ peer industries, as represented through selected indices rather than the market as a whole. financial performance is considered over a range of dates from 3 days post-breach through 6 months post-breach, in order to provide a longer-term perspective on the impact of the breach announcement.
Expression profile of doublesex/male abnormal‐3‐related transcription factor‐1 during gonadal sex change in the protogynous wrasse, Halichoeres trimaculatus

Sex change in fish involves a dramatic transformation of gonadal tissue and a switch in gametogenesis. Doublesex/male abnormal‐3‐related transcription factor‐1 (DMRT1), encoded by the DMRT1 gene, is involved in testicular differentiation in a wide range of vertebrates as well as in sexual differentiation and gonadal sex change. In the present study, we investigated changes in the expression of dmrt1 during artificial gonadal sex change in the three‐spot wrasse, Halichoeres trimaculatus, by real‐time quantitative PCR and immunolocalization, using an anti‐wrasse‐Dmrt1 antibody that we prepared. We found that dmrt1 expression was predominantly observed in the testes, and that Dmrt1 was expressed in Sertoli cells of testes and a few granulosa cells surrounding vitellogenic oocytes of the ovary. Additionally, the upregulation of dmrt1 expression was consistent with an increase in spermatogenic cyst quantity rather than proliferation of presumptive spermatogonia, suggesting that dmrt1 is involved in the progression of spermatogenesis during sex change. Changes in the localization of Dmrt1 during gonadal sex change further implied that Sertoli cells originate from somatic cells adjacent to gonial germ cells during testicular formation in the three‐spot wrasse. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 859–866, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 polymorphisms and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

Human fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) polymorphisms have recently been shown to be associated with tumor progression of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, and prostate and sarcoma. However, their association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. We evaluated the association of FGFR4 polymorphisms with risk of HCC in a study population with HCC and with/without hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in East China. We genotyped four FGFR4 SNPs (rs351855, rs641101, rs376618, and rs31777) in 1,451 Chinese subjects, including 711 patients with HCC, 368 controls with HBV infection and 372 controls without HBV infection, using the TaqMan genotyping assay. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations of genotypes of each SNP with HCC risk. For the rs351855 (Arg388) locus, we observed a reduced HCC risk associated with the T variant genotypes, particularly for those whose tumors with gross portal vein tumor thrombosis (gross PVTT) (OR = 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 0.46–0.95 for CT + TT). Such a protective effect was also observed for those with liver cirrhosis (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.20–0.88 for CT + TT). Clearly the T allele was associated with these conditions. Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphism in FGFR4 may be a marker for risk of HCC with liver cirrhosis and gross PVTT in Chinese populations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applications of Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithm to Airline Disruption Management

Since domestic flights are mostly short-haul flights and the markets are very competitive, any minor perturbation of the schedules can result in a chain of events that can cause major disruptions throughout the system. When a disruption occurs on the day of operation, the first priority for the airline is then to restore the original flight schedule as soon as possible to minimize lost revenues and operational costs. In this paper, we adopt a method of using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) to deal with the disruptions management problem of Taiwan domestic flights by minimizing an objective function involving the total delay and swaps of the schedules. The MOEA approach, a method of combining the traditional genetic algorithm (TGA) with the multi-objective method, can consider the relation between the parameters and the objective spaces in the same time then explore the optimum solution. The algorithms are tested on real flight schedule obtained from a Taiwan domestic airline. The results show that the application is capable of presenting high quality solutions in a few second and therefore can be used as a real-time decision support tool by the airlines.
Chemotactic movement and bacterial attachment of 'Agrobacterium tumefaciens' towards protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of 'dendrobium' sonia-28

Dendrobium orchids are economically important as cut flowers. The transformation of Dendrobium using Agrobacterium tumefaciens has emerged as an important protocol in improving the quality of the orchid. The T-DNA gene transfer conditions have to be optimised to ensure successful Agrobacterium transformation. Agrobacterium chemotaxis and attachment studies were carried out on protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Dendrobium sonia-28 to determine the potential strength of the Agrobacterium-PLB interaction during the transformation event. The chemotactic response and attachment of the Agrobacterium to the PLBs were positive. The greatest bacterial movement (ratio between 1.2-1.5) was obtained when 3-4mm PLBs were used for transformation, when compared to 1-2mm PLBs. Higher Agrobacterium attachment rates (40-75%) were obtained in 3-4mm PLBs when compared to 1-2mm PLBs. Protocorm-like body-wounding does not significantly attract the bacteria, but efficiently increased bacterial attachment sites on the PLBs. The results concluded that the chemotactic response and attachment of Agrobacterium were positive to the PLBs of Dendrobium sonia-28, indicating a potential for genetic transformation.
Planning a power system with large-scale wind power in an electricity market environment

OF LICENCIATE THESIS Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering and Automation P.O. BOX 11000, FI-00076 AALTO http://www.aalto. fi Author Matilainen, Jussi Antero Title: Planning a power system with large-scale wind power in an electricity market environment
How building Efficient Networks to help Firms to invent New Innovative and Competitive Strategies

For the last 20 years, the world economy has evolved at great speed. Every good, capital asset, knowledge is mobile and induces more competition. Innovate in commodities is a complex process which requires more cooperation. For innovating in the Knowledge Economy, firms must create nowadays “win win situations” among individuals in creating networks. The networks are thus useful nowadays for firms to imagine new innovative strategies. The building of networks authorizes the interactions between the agents, the environment and the institutions. Thinking the interdependences of the agents and institutions are not new for the evolutionary theory (Veblen, 1925 and Common, 1931) but nowadays, the institutions must be more flexible than before for helping agents to adapt to the Knowledge Economy. On the basis of the role of meso networks, we propose to the firms and the countries exporting industrial goods on the world markets, a new long run specialization and a new short run competitiveness which will promote a greater efficiency and equity around the world. Within the innovative networks, we analyze the role of two different actors: the “economic leader” who has a long run analysis and the “go-between leader” who knows how to diffuse the “useful information” to the actors in helping them to innovate in new products, services, or processes.
The Design of LTE System: An Energy Efficient Approach

There has been a paradigm shift in the field of mobile communication, with an overwhelming increase in data usage. As more and more users are migrating to Smart-phones, the amount of data being transmitted has increased manifold times. However, such huge amount of data and signal propagation is bound to be detrimental to the ecological balance. Long Term Evolution LTE, due to its flexibility, and backward compatibility has emerged as the network of choice for 4G and beyond. In this article, the significance of core technologies for LTE network is highlighted, along with the inherent advantage of reducing the energy consumption of cellular network. An Energy Efficient design of LTE is proposed which blends the technologies proposed by 3GPP such as adaptive OFDMA with that of MU-MIMO.
Cloning, mapping, and expression of the fumarase gene of Escherichia coli K-12

Two classes of fumarase-transducing phages, lambda fumA and lambda fumB, were isolated from populations of recombinant phages containing HindIII fragments of Escherichia coli DNA; they were isolated by virtue of their ability to complement the metabolic lesion of a fumarase-negative mutant. The strongly complementing lambda fumA phages contained a 6.2-kilobase HindIII fragment encoding: the fumA gene, located at 35.5 min in the E. coli linkage map and expressing the major fumarase activity; the mannosephosphate isomerase gene, manA; and an unidentified gene, g48. The three genes were located relative to the restriction map of the cloned fragment and the genetic linkage map (terC-g48-fumA-manA-uidAoR), their transcription polarities were defined as anticlockwise in the chromosome, and the molecular weights of the corresponding gene products were established: fumA, 61,500; manA, 42,000; g48, 48,000. Organisms containing the fumA gene sub-cloned in multicopy plasmids overproduced fumarase up to 50-fold. The weakly complementing class of transducing phages, lambda fumB, contained several genes in an 8.2-kilobase HindIII fragment, including one (fumB) that determines a minor fumarase activity. Complementation by fumB was only observed in high-copy situations such as transduction plaques and in strains containing a multicopy plasmid in which 40% of normal fumarase activity was detected. The basis for the complementation by fumB was not defined.
Elevated serum levels of soluble CD44 variant 6 are correlated with shorter survival in aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract: A variant form of CD44 that has additional amino acids in the common protein backbone (CD44‐v6) seems to play a role in the metastasis of malignancies. We measured soluble CD44‐v6 (sCD44‐v6) by ELISA in 201 patients with malignant lymphoma. The sCD44‐v6 level was significantly elevated in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (n=184). The sCD44‐v6 level was correlated significantly with the standard sCD44 and soluble interleukin‐2 receptor levels, but only weakly with serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In 149 patients with aggressive NHL, the sCD44‐v6 level was elevated in the subgroups with a high LDH level, stage III/IV disease, T‐cell lymphoma, and high–intermediate or high risk group as identified by the International Prognostic Index (IPI). When the sCD44‐v6 level was 800 ng/ml the overall survival rate was significantly decreased (p=0.0001). In the low+low–intermediate risk group (IPI) both overall survival rates (log‐rank p=0.0005, Wilcoxon p=0.002) were significantly decreased when the sCD44‐v6 level was 800 ng/ml. In multivariate analysis, sCD44‐v6 was shown to be independent of the five prognostic factors in the IPI (age, performance status, number of extranodal sites, Ann Arbor stage and LDH level), so it may be useful for predicting the outcome of aggressive NHL.
The Information Content of Stock Market Factors

This paper examines the information content within several popular stock market factors, asking whether they contain independent explanatory power for stock returns and whether their movements relate to economic variables. Given, the explosion in the number of such factors, it is important to consider whether each factor adds to our understanding of markets and the wider economy. We undertake three related exercises, whether a set of common factors contain independent predictive ability for stock return portfolios, what economic and market variables can explain movements in the factors and whether stock market factors have predictive power for future output growth. The results support the view that several of the considered factors do not contain independent information for stock returns. Further, most of these factors do not provide any predictive power for future output growth and thus appear not to contain any economic content or information regarding economic behaviour. Evidence suggest that movement in the factors is driven by considerations of current economic and market risk. Hence, stock market factors reflect existing economic conditions but do not provide a window on future behaviour.
A Model to Systematically Employ Professional Judgment in the Bayesian Decision Analysis for a Semiconductor Industry Exposure Assessment

Bayesian Decision Analysis (BDA) uses Bayesian statistics to integrate multiple types of exposure information and classify exposures within the exposure rating categorization scheme promoted in American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) publications. Prior distributions for BDA may be developed from existing monitoring data, mathematical models, or professional judgment. Professional judgments may misclassify exposures. We suggest that a structured qualitative risk assessment (QLRA) method can provide consistency and transparency in professional judgments. In this analysis, we use a structured QLRA method to define prior distributions (priors) for BDA. We applied this approach at three semiconductor facilities in South Korea, and present an evaluation of the performance of structured QLRA for determination of priors, and an evaluation of occupational exposures using BDA. Specifically, the structured QLRA was applied to chemical agents in similar exposure groups to identify provisional risk ratings. Standard priors were developed for each risk rating before review of historical monitoring data. Newly collected monitoring data were used to update priors informed by QLRA or historical monitoring data, and determine the posterior distribution. Exposure ratings were defined by the rating category with the highest probability—i.e., the most likely. We found the most likely exposure rating in the QLRA-informed priors to be consistent with historical and newly collected monitoring data, and the posterior exposure ratings developed with QLRA-informed priors to be equal to or greater than those developed with data-informed priors in 94% of comparisons. Overall, exposures at these facilities are consistent with well-controlled work environments. That is, the 95th percentile of exposure distributions are ≤50% of the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for all chemical-SEG combinations evaluated; and are ≤10% of the limit for 94% of chemical-SEG combinations evaluated.