Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Portfolio Implementation Risk Management Using Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization

Portfolio management based on mean-variance portfolio optimization is subject to different sources of uncertainty. In addition to those related to the quality of parameter estimates used in the optimization process, investors face a portfolio implementation risk. The potential temporary discrepancy between target and present portfolios, caused by trading strategies, may expose investors to undesired risks. This study proposes an evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm aiming at regions with solutions more tolerant to these deviations and, therefore, more reliable. The proposed approach incorporates a user’s preference and seeks a fine-grained approximation of the most relevant efficient region. The computational experiments performed in this study are based on a cardinality-constrained problem with investment limits for eight broad-category indexes and 15 years of data. The obtained results show the ability of the proposed approach to address the robustness issue and to support decision making by providing a preferred part of the efficient set. The results reveal that the obtained solutions also exhibit a higher tolerance to prediction errors in asset returns and variance–covariance matrix.
Improved power quality AC-DC flyback converter for variable speed permanent magnet synchronous motor drive

This paper deals with the analysis and design of a high frequency isolated AC-DC flyback converter in discontinuous current mode (DCM) of operation used for power quality improvement at AC mains in vector controlled permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive. The design of the flyback converter is carried out to feed a vector controlled PMSM drive system. Modeling and simulation are performed in a standard PSIM software environment. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness in improving the power quality at AC mains in the PMSM drive system
The low lysine content of ricin A chain reduces the risk of proteolytic degradation after translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol.

Several protein toxins, including the A chain of ricin (RTA), enter mammalian cells by endocytosis and subsequently reach their cytosolic substrates by translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. To achieve this export, such toxins exploit the ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) pathway but must escape, at least in part, the normal degradative fate of ERAD substrates. Toxins that translocate from the ER have an unusually low lysine content. Since lysyl residues are potential ubiquitination sites, it has been proposed that this paucity of lysines reduces the chance of ubiquitination and subsequent ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation [Hazes, B. , and Read, R. J. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 11051-11054]. Here we provide experimental support for this hypothesis. The two lysyl residues within RTA were changed to arginyl residues. Their replacement in RTA did not have a significant stabilizing effect, suggesting that the endogenous lysyl residues are not the usual sites for ubiquitin attachment. However, when four additional lysines were introduced into RTA in a way that did not compromise the activity, structure, or stability of the toxin, degradation was significantly enhanced. Enhanced degradation resulted from ubiquitination that predisposed the toxin to proteasomal degradation. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor clasto-lactacystin beta-lactone increased the cytotoxicity of the lysine-rich RTA to a level approaching that of wild-type ricin. The introduction of four additional lysyl residues into a second ribosome-inactivating protein, abrin A chain, also dramatically decreased the cytotoxicity of the holotoxin compared to wild-type abrin. This effect could also be reversed by proteasomal inhibition. Our data support the hypothesis that the evolution of a low lysine content is a degradation-avoidance strategy for toxins that retrotranslocate from the ER.
Current and emerging investigational medical therapies for the treatment of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic distressing condition characterised by urinary urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency (voiding at least eight times daily) and nocturia. It affects millions of people worldwide independent of age, sex and race. The prevalence increases with age and is relatively higher in women compared with men. The treatment of OAB is aimed at reducing the debilitating symptoms so as to improve the overall quality of life for patients. Anticholinergic agents targeting the muscarinic receptors in the bladder represent the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of OAB. Besides their status as the current standard of care, use of antimuscarinic drugs is limited by certain side effects, particularly dry mouth and constipation; therefore, various attempts have been made to improve the organ selectivity of these drugs to overcome the side effects. These include the development of new antimuscarinic agents with structural modifications and the use of innovative drug delivery methods. The advancement in the drug delivery systems extends to the long-term therapeutic efficacy with improved tolerability and patient compliance; however, future prospective therapies are aimed at novel targets with novel mechanisms of action, including β3-adrenoceptor agonists, K+ channel openers, 5-HT modulators and botulinum toxin, which are currently under different stages of clinical development. Among other investigational therapies, neurokinin receptor antagonists, α-adrenoceptor antagonists, nerve growth factor inhibitors, gene therapy and stem cell-based therapies are of considerable interest. The future for the development of new modalities for the treatment of OAB looks promising.
Clinical delivery system for intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy.

A 35-year-old man was treated for pseudomyxoma peritonei by surgery and by thermal infusion and chemotherapy with a machine designed specifically for the treatment of cancers of serosal surfaces. After extensive abdominal resection and closure, the patient's peritoneal cavity was instilled with 2.5 liters of 5% lactated Ringer's solution. He was then attached to hyperthermic perfusion system which elevated the i.p. temperature by warming (to 42 degrees) and recirculating the effusion solution. When the 42 degrees i.p. temperature was attained (after 1.5 hr), chemotherapy was added to the recirculating effusion. A second procedure followed 8 days later. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful except for minor pulmonary atelectasis with bacteremia. Hyperthermic perfusion was tolerated well and was evaluated as safe for intracavitary cancer treatment.
The Effects of Locally Estimated Arterial Input Functions on Pharmacokinetic Parameters in DCE-MRI

Introduction: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is physiological imaging tool used clinically to aid the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of a variety of diseases. Pharmacokinetic parameters can be estimated by fitting DCE-MRI data to one of many mathematical models. The two-compartment model used here describes the concentration of contrast agent (CA) in tissue with respect to three parameters as well as the CA concentration in the plasma through the relationship: ( ) ( ) ( ) t C V e t C K t C p p t k p trans t ep + ⊗ = − where K trans and kep are the transfer constant and rate constant respectively, is the convolution operator, vp is the blood plasma
Analyzing the Propagation of IoT Botnets from DNS Leakage

Mirai and Hajime are two large botnets that came to prominence in the Fall of 2016, notably due to Mirai’s launching of several large DDoS attacks. The propagation method of the two botnets is similar, drawing upon poor security measures in IoT devices. While reverseengineering efforts have detailed the propagation logic, measuring the actual growth of each botnet remains difficult, with current methods based on honeypot traffic analysis. This paper presents an alternative method for measuring the macro behavior of Mirai and Hajime that is based on failed infection attempts that leak into the DNS requests of the intended victim. This unexpected backscatter is due to the subtleties of a remote code execution vulnerability that Mirai and Hajime exploit for propagation. We analyze the growth and behavior of the two botnets using passive DNS collection at a root nameserver, and using active measurements taken by participating in the BitTorrent DHT, which Hajime uses to help disseminate its payloads. In contrast to honeypots, our methods provide a unique longitudinal and global view of the botnets’ evolution.
Teoria e prática da avaliação qualitativa

Este paper aborda as dimensoes teoricas e praticas da Avaliacao Qualitativa, considerando-a de fundamental importância para a construcao de uma Educacao de Qualidade voltada para a cidadania plena e para a competencia formal e politica. Discute, entao, a qualidade politica na sua articulacao com a competencia humana necessaria atualmente para a formacao do cidadao e para a elaboracao de uma educacao realmente democratica e inclusiva.
A new Single-Stage PFC AC/DC converter with Voltage-Doubler Rectified Asymmetric Half-Bridge converter

Conventional Single-Stage Power-Factor-Correction (PFC) AC/DC converter has a link capacitor voltage problem at high line input and low load condition. In this paper, this problem is analyzed by using voltage conversion ratio of the DC/DC conversion cell. By applying this analysis, A new Single-Stage PFC AC/DC converter with boost PFC cell is integrated with Voltage-Doubler Rectified Asymmetrical Half-Bridge (VDRAHB) is proposed. The proposed converter features good power factor correction, low current harmonic distortions, tight output regulations and low voltage of link capacitor. An 85W prototype was implemented to show that it meets the harmonic requirements and standards satisfactorily with nearly unity power factor and high efficiency over universal input.
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of a plasmid-carried gene coding for a minor small, acid-soluble protein from Bacillus megaterium spores

The gene (termed sspG) coding for a small, acid-soluble protein (SASP) from spores of Bacillus megaterium QMB1551, termed SASP-G, has been cloned, and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. SASP-G is a 42-residue protein containing 2 tryptophan and 11 lysine residues, including a hexalysine sequence, and is not homologous to any previously described SASP. The sspG gene appears to be an additional member of the sigma G regulon. No gene homologous to sspG is present in B. cereus T or B. subtilis 168. The reason for the absence of sspG from other Bacillus species appears to be that in B. megaterium, sspG is present only on a 111-kb plasmid; this plasmid is not present in B. cereus T or B. subtilis 168. The sspG gene is the first forespore-expressed gene found to be on a plasmid.
Prognostic significance of lower extremity long bone fractures after automobile versus pedestrian injuries.

BACKGROUND Fractures of the tibia and femur are common after automobile versus pedestrian (AVP) injuries. This study evaluates the effect of age on the type of fracture and the incidence and type of associated injuries. METHODS All patients involved in an AVP crash from January 1, 1995, through June 30, 2006, were included in the study. Variables obtained from our trauma registry included age, gender, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale, intra-abdominal and spine injuries, and mortality. Patients were divided into three age groups for analysis: younger than 15 years, 15 years to 55 years, and older than 55 years. The incidence and type of associated injuries were assessed according to the presence or absence of fractures of the tibia only, femur only, or combined femur and tibia fractures. RESULTS A total of 6,652 patients had AVP crashes and 1,936 (29%) had tibia or femur fractures (tibia, 20%; femur, 7%; tibia/femur, 3%). The incidence of tibia fractures increased with age ranging from 13% in those younger than 15 years to 25% in those older than 55 (p < 0.001). Combined tibia and femur fractures were also more common in adults and isolated femur fractures were more common in children. Hollow viscus injury was 1.8% in those with lower extremity fractures and 0.9% in those without (p = 0.0013). Mortality was 10% in those with fractures and 6% in those without (p < 0.0001) and was 20% in those with tibia and femur fractures. CONCLUSIONS Age affects the incidence and type of lower extremity fractures after AVP injuries. The presence of lower extremity fracture is associated with a higher incidence of chest, spine, and intra-abdominal injuries. It is advisable that all patients with lower extremity fractures after AVP injuries be evaluated by a surgeon familiar with these injury patterns.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Gene Polymorphism and its Relationship with SCS in Dairy Cattle

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays an important role in the innate immune response to a variety of pathogens. In this study, bovine TLR2 gene was taken as a candidate gene for mastitis resistance. Through PCR-SSCP analysis and sequencing, three missense mutations at T385 G, G398A, and G1884A were detected in the coding region that encoded extracellular domain. Altogether 240 dairy cattle of three breeds (Holstein, Simmental, and Sanhe cattle) were genotyped and allele frequencies were determined. The effects of TLR2 polymorphisms on somatic cell score (SCS) were analyzed and significant association was found between T385 G and SCS. The mean of genotype GG was significantly lower than those of genotype TT and TG. No significant associations were found with SCS for G398A and G1884A. Information provided in this research will be useful in further studies to determine the role of TLR2 gene in the mastitis resistance.
Glutamine/proline-rich PQE-1 proteins protect Caenorhabditis elegans neurons from huntingtin polyglutamine neurotoxicity

Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat expansion in the huntingtin protein [Huntington's Disease Collaborative Research Group (1993) Cell 72, 971–983]. To understand the mechanism by which polyQ repeats cause neurodegeneration and cell death, we modeled polyQ neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. In our model, expression of N-terminal fragments of human huntingtin causes polyQ-dependent degeneration of neurons. We conducted a genetic screen to identify proteins that protect neurons from the toxic effects of expanded polyQ tracts. Loss of polyQenhancer-1 (pqe-1) gene function strongly and specifically exacerbates neurodegeneration and cell death, whereas overexpression of a pqe-1 cDNA protects C. elegans neurons from the toxic effects of expanded huntingtin fragments. A glutamine/proline-rich domain, along with a charged domain, is critical for PQE-1 protein function. Analysis of pqe-1 suggests that proteins exist that specifically protect neurons from the toxic effects of expanded polyQ disease proteins.
The classification of spinal deformities

Any methods of classification of scoliosis deformity devised should recognise different aetiological and pathological causes of the conditions and their likely impact on the natural history of the spinal curvature. Such classification should aim to aid clinicians in their approach to treatment. Furthermore, any such system must have a high reliability and validity. Several approaches have been reported. Pathological classifications have been devised which relate to the system or tissue affected by the underlying pathology, such as congenital anomalies which affect the skeletal elements of the spine, general neurological problems or muscular disorders. Classification by age of onset has also been adopted, using criteria such as infancy or adolescence. However, most attention has been focussed on structural features of the spine in developing anatomical classifications. Features such as the apex or magnitude of a curvature or its rotation are important clinical signs and are widely used in surgical practice. This paper reviews the different classification reported but make no attempt to justify one as being ideal. However, since the biological processes contributing to the deformity and its subsequent natural history are still unclear, it remains difficult to develop a fully reliable and all embracing system of classification.
Numerical Study on a Wideband Plasma Folded-Dipole Antenna

This is a presentation of folded-dipole plasma tube used as very high frequency (VHF) band antenna. In plasma medium, ionized gas plays the role of free electrons in traditional metallic antennas to radiate waves. Folded-dipoles have higher input impedance and closed structure that omits bothersome wiring with respect to monopoles. VHF wave is coupled to the surface of the tube via a small capacitive coupler. Numerical analysis and optimization are performed by using a finite-difference time-domain method. The results indicate total agreement with standard CST Microwave Studio software simulation. Designing well, the bandwidth of 220 MHz (81 $\%$) is obtained. Parametric study, radiation properties, and some novel points are discussed as well.
Qualitative Analysis of Student Perceptions Comparing Team-based Learning and Traditional Lecture in a Pharmacotherapeutics Course

Objective. To qualitatively compare students’ attitudes and perceptions regarding team-based learning (TBL) and lecture. Design. Students were exposed to TBL and lecture in an elective pharmacotherapeutics course in a randomized, prospective, cross-over design. After completing the course, students provided their attitudes and perceptions through a written self-reflection and narrative questions on the end-of-course evaluation. Student responses were reviewed using a grounded theory coding method. Assessment. Students’ responses yielded five major themes: impact of TBL on learning, perceptions about TBL learning methods, changes in approaches to learning, building skills for professional practice, and enduring challenges. Overall, students report TBL enhances their learning of course content (knowledge and application), teamwork skills, and lifelong learning skills. Conclusion. Students’ attitudes and perceptions support TBL as a viable pedagogy for teaching pharmacotherapeutics.
Unlocking the archive – gene expression in paraffin‐embedded tissue

The histopathology archive represents a vast, well‐characterized source of specimens covering virtually every disease and is available for molecular biological investigation. The archive has in recent years become widely used for molecular genetic analysis and DNA can be routinely extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. More recently, archival specimens have become a source of material for extensive analysis of mRNA expression utilizing DNA microarrays, real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and insitu hybridization and amplification techniques. These techniques will enable a greater understanding of the changes that occur in gene function during every stage of the development of disease and will lead to better diagnosis, better evaluation of prognosis, and better treatment through targeted therapeutic regimes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percent emphysema and right ventricular structure and function: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis-Lung and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis-Right Ventricle Studies.

BACKGROUND Severe COPD can lead to cor pulmonale and emphysema and is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) filling. We evaluated whether emphysema and airflow obstruction would be associated with changes in right ventricular (RV) structure and function and whether these associations would differ by smoking status. METHODS The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) performed cardiac MRI on 5,098 participants without clinical cardiovascular disease aged 45 to 84 years. RV and emphysema measures were available for 4,188 participants. Percent emphysema was defined as the percentage of voxels below -910 Hounsfield units in the lung windows on cardiac CT scans. Generalized additive models were used to control for confounders and adjust for respective LV parameters. RESULTS Participants consisted of 13% current smokers, 36% former smokers, and 52% never smokers. Percent emphysema was inversely associated with RV end-diastolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output, and mass prior to adjustment for LV measures. After adjustment for LV end-diastolic volume, greater percent emphysema was associated with greater RV end-diastolic volume (+1.5 mL, P=.03) among current smokers, smaller RV end-diastolic volume (-0.8 mL, P=.02) among former smokers, and similar changes among never smokers. CONCLUSIONS Percent emphysema was associated with smaller RV volumes and lower mass. The relationship of emphysema to cardiac function is complex but likely involves increased pulmonary vascular resistance, predominantly with reduced cardiac output, pulmonary hyperinflation, and accelerated cardiopulmonary aging.
Exposure reduction of S-band radar’s staff by designing a frequency selective surface

In this paper we propose an effective method to protect the staff of S-band radars against microwave radiation. A broadband frequency selective surface (FSS) applies to indoor radar environments to reduce the strength of scattered and reflected electromagnetic fields. This FSS has shown proper bandstop characteristics for 3.3 GHz signals while allows 950 MHz mobile phone, television and radio signals to pass through almost without attenuation. Simulations have been carried out by CST microwave studio at different frequencies in order to verify the frequency selectivity of FSS. The incidence waves were applied in different angle to confirm the ability of this structure to remove scattering waves. The FSS is modeled by equivalent circuit in its operational frequency range as a bandstop filter.
Exon-1 Polymorphism of ctla-4 Gene in Iranian Patients with Graves' Disease

Polymorphisms in ctla-4 gene have been shown to be associated with the Graves' disease (GD) susceptibility in different populations in the world. This study was undertaken to disclose the probable association of exon-1 polymorphism of ctla-4 with GD in Iranian patients. A49G polymorphism was investigated in 90 patients and 90 age/sex matched normal healthy controls, using PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP methods. Frequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes among patients were found to be 21 (23.3%), 49 (54.5%) and 20 (22.2%) while these frequencies among healthy controls were 30 (33.3%), 53 (58.9%) and 7(7.8%), respectively. A significant increase of GG genotype and G allele was observed in patients (p=0.012 and p=0.025). In conclusion, consistent with the results of most other studies, the presence of a G allele in position 49 of ctla-4 exon-1 is associated with susceptibility to GD in Iranian population.
Magnesium Sulfate: Fetal Neuroprotective Role in Reducing the Risk of Cerebral Palsy

Advances in perinatal and neonatal medicine have significantly improved survival rates of preterm infants. This improvement has been associated with substantial risk of neurodevelopmental impairments and with increased number of infants with special health care needs. Cerebral palsy is the most well known and potentially most disabling motor abnormality associated with prematurity. There has been limited progress in understanding the causes of cerebral palsy and in developing primary prevention strategies. Several studies have summarized the experimental evidence that supports possible neuroprotective effects of magnesium. Five randomized controlled trials of antenatal magnesium sulfate found a trend of reduced risk of cerebral palsy in preterm infants. Three meta-analyses using the data from these five trials found that magnesium sulfate given to women at risk of premature birth significantly reduced the risk of cerebral palsy without increasing the risk of perinatal or infant death.