Prediction of the MSCI EURO index based on fuzzy grammar fragments extracted from European central bank statements

We focus on predicting the movement of the MSCI EURO index based on European Central Bank (ECB) statements. For this purpose we learn and extract fuzzy grammars from the text of the ECB statements. Based on a set of selected General Inquirer (GI) categories, the extracted fuzzy grammars are grouped around individual content categories. The frequency at which these fuzzy grammars are encountered in the text constitute input to a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). The FIS maps these frequencies to the levels of the MSCI EURO index. Ultimately, the goal is to predict whether the MSCI EURO index will exhibit upward or downward movement based on the content of ECB statements, as quantified through the use of fuzzy grammars and GI content categories

P09-15. Selection of higher avidity HLA-restricted T cell responses as a viral adaptation strategy

Loss of immune reactivity due to HIV mutational escape is well described. Data generated from a large population-based study (n>800) suggested that certain CD8 T cell epitopes are created as a result of HIV adaptation and are associated with enhanced viral replication. Here we sought to investigate the HLA-restricted T-cell responses associated with seven such adaptations

Computational content analysis of European Central Bank statements

In this paper we present a framework for the computational content analysis of European Central Bank (ECB) statements. Based on this framework, we provide two approaches that can be used in a practical context. Both approaches use the content of ECB statements to predict upward and downward movement in the MSCI EURO index. General Inquirer (GI) is used for the quantification of the content of the statements. In the first approach, we rely on the frequency of adjectives in the text of the ECB statements in relation to the content categories they represent. The second approach uses fuzzy grammar fragments composed of economic terms and content categories. Our results indicate that the two proposed approaches perform better than a random classifier for predicting upward or downward movement of the MSCI EURO index

Cluster model of glass transition in simple liquids

On the basis of microscopic statistical mechanics of simple liquids the orientational interaction between clusters consisting of a particle and its nearest neighbors is estimated. It is shown that there are ranges of density and temperature where the interaction changes sign as a function of a radius of a cluster. The model of interacting cubic and icosahedral clusters is proposed and solved in mean-field replica symmetric approximation. It is shown that the glass order parameter grows smoothly upon cooling, the transition temperature being identified with the temperature of the replica symmetry breaking. It is shown that upon cooling a Lennard-Jones system, cubic clusters freeze first. The transition temperature for icosahedral clusters is about ten per cent lower. So the local structure of Lennard-Jones glass in the vicinity of glass transition should be most probably cubic.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Acute resveratrol supplementation improves flow-mediated dilatation in overweight/obese individuals with mildly elevated blood pressure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD) is a biomarker of endothelial function and cardiovascular health. Impaired FMD is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension and obesity. Various food ingredients such as polyphenols have been shown to improve FMD. We investigated whether consuming resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, can enhance FMD acutely and whether there is a dose-response relationship for this effect.  METHODS AND RESULTS: 19 overweight/obese (BMI 25-35 kg m(-2)) men or post-menopausal women with untreated borderline hypertension (systolic BP: 130-160 mmHg or diastolic BP: 85-100 mmHg) consumed three doses of resveratrol (resVida™ 30, 90 and 270 mg) and a placebo at weekly intervals in a double-blind, randomized crossover comparison. One hour after consumption of the supplement, plasma resveratrol and FMD were measured. Data were analyzed by linear regression versus log(10) dose of resveratrol. 14 men and 5 women (age 55 ± 2 years, BMI 28.7 ± 0.5 kg m(-2), BP 141 ± 2/89 ± 1 mmHg) completed this study. There was a significant dose effect of resveratrol on plasma resveratrol concentration (P < 0.001) and on FMD (P < 0.01), which increased from 4.1 ± 0.8% (placebo) to 7.7 ± 1.5% after 270 mg resveratrol. FMD was also linearly related to log(10) plasma resveratrol concentration (P < 0.01).  CONCLUSION: Acute resveratrol consumption increased plasma resveratrol concentrations and FMD in a dose-related manner. This effect may contribute to the purported cardiovascular health benefits of grapes and red wine

Schottky barrier heights at polar metal/semiconductor interfaces

Using a first-principle pseudopotential approach, we have investigated the Schottky barrier heights of abrupt Al/Ge, Al/GaAs, Al/AlAs, and Al/ZnSe (100) junctions, and their dependence on the semiconductor chemical composition and surface termination. A model based on linear-response theory is developed, which provides a simple, yet accurate description of the barrier-height variations with the chemical composition of the semiconductor. The larger barrier values found for the anion- than for the cation-terminated surfaces are explained in terms of the screened charge of the polar semiconductor surface and its image charge at the metal surface. Atomic scale computations show how the classical image charge concept, valid for charges placed at large distances from the metal, extends to distances shorter than the decay length of the metal-induced-gap states.Comment: REVTeX 4, 11 pages, 6 EPS figure

Vascular Flora Of The Legado Das Águas, Reserva Votorantim, Municipalities Of Tapiraí, Miracatú And Juquiá, São Paulo, Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)We present a list of vascular plants found in Legado das Águas, Reserva Votorantim, a private reserve having an area of approximately 35,000 ha that spans the municipalities of Tapiraí, Miracatú, and Juquiá, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The reserve is part of a complex of state-protected areas including Alto Ribeira Touristic State Park, Intervales State Park, Carlos Botelho State Park, Jurupará State Park, and Serra do Mar State Park. Together, these form an important and large area of continuous and well-preserved forest. Our study, which involved two main floristic surveys in March/April 2013 and April 2014, recorded 768 species, representing 131 families and 432 genera. The majority of species were angiosperms (619) representing 106 families and 370 genera. There were also two species of gymnosperms belonging to two genera in separate families; 147 species of ferns and lycophytes belonging to 23 families and 60 genera. In demonstrating the presence of almost 800 species of plants, of which 16 are threatened, our study highlights the importance of floristic surveys and the critical role of private protected areas in managing and preserving native flora. © 2016 Check List and Authors.1262011/22923-8, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo2015/9444-4, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São PauloFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP