Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Cerebral White Matter Properties Using Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Stains

The image contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly sensitive to several mechanisms that are modulated by the properties of the tissue environment. The degree and type of contrast weighting may be viewed as image filters that accentuate specific tissue properties. Maps of quantitative measures of these mechanisms, akin to microstructural/environmental-specific tissue stains, may be generated to characterize the MRI and physiological properties of biological tissues. In this article, three quantitative MRI (qMRI) methods for characterizing white matter (WM) microstructural properties are reviewed. All of these measures measure complementary aspects of how water interacts with the tissue environment. Diffusion MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging, characterizes the diffusion of water in the tissues and is sensitive to the microstructural density, spacing, and orientational organization of tissue membranes, including myelin. Magnetization transfer imaging characterizes the amount and degree of magnetization exchange between free water and macromolecules like proteins found in the myelin bilayers. Relaxometry measures the MRI relaxation constants T1 and T2, which in WM have a component associated with the water trapped in the myelin bilayers. The conduction of signals between distant brain regions occurs primarily through myelinated WM tracts; thus, these methods are potential indicators of pathology and structural connectivity in the brain. This article provides an overview of the qMRI stain mechanisms, acquisition and analysis strategies, and applications for these qMRI stains.
National policies and local economies: Europe and the United States

This paper studies the synchronization of output fluctuations in European regions and US counties. We extend the two component dynamic factor model a la Sargent and Sims (1977) by introducing an intermediate-level shock, which is common to all regions (counties) in each country (state), but it is not common to Europe (United States) as a whole. We build on Forni and Reichlin (1995, 1996) to propose a simple method of estimation which is based on Law of Large Numbers results and exploits the large cross-sectional dimension of the data set. The empirical findings show that Europe has a level of integration similar to that of the United States. In general, we find that the national dimension in Europe is not very important: around 75% of output variance is explained by global and purely local dynamics. Similar numbers are found for US counties and US states. The study of the dynamic profile of the components, however, shows that Europe, unlike the United States, has no traditional business cycle. Shocks are very persistent and the bulk of the variance is in the long run. We also find a European core of regions with a particularly high level of integration. The core is not defined by a set of nations, however, but by regions belonging to different countries.
Letting negative polarity alone for let alone

One of the core questions in the literature on polarity sensitivity is what Ladusaw (1996: 326) calls the Status Question: ‘[W]hat is the theoretical status of a structure containing an unlicensed polarity item? ’ The traditional answer has been that, when a polarity item does not cooccur with an appropriate licensor, as with the classic negative polarity item any in (1b), the result is ungrammaticality — the sentence is either syntactically or semantically ill-formed. (For now, I use the asterisk as a general mark of unacceptability; a larger dossier of judgment marks will be introduced in §5.)
A pr 2 00 2 A simple C ∗-algebra with a finite and an infinite projection

An example is given of a simple, unital C∗-algebra which contains an infinite and a non-zero finite projection. This C∗-algebra is also an example of an infinite simple C∗-algebra which is not purely infinite. A corner of this C∗-algebra is a finite, simple, unital C∗-algebra which is not stably finite. Our example shows that the type decomposition for von Neumann factors does not carry over to simple C∗-algebras. Added March 2002: We also give an example of a simple, separable, nuclear, C∗algebra in the UCT class which contains an infinite and a non-zero finite projection. This nuclear C∗-algebra arises as a crossed product D ⋊α Z, where D is an inductive limit of type I C∗-algebras.
Weed control studies in pearlmillet (Pennisetum g1aucum)- pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) intercropping system under rainfed condition

A field experiment was carried out during rainy (kharif) season of 1997 and 1998 to assess the production potential of intercropping of pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz] with pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ] in relation to various measures of weed control. Treatments consisted of 3 intercropping systems (sole pearlmillet, sole pigeonpea and pearlmillet+ pigeonpea) and 4 methods of weed control (control hand-weeding twice, fluchloralin @ 1.0 kg/ha and pendimethalin@ 1.0 kglha). lntercropping did not influence the population and dry-matter accumulation by weeds. Grain yield of pearlmillet did not vary significantly due to various methods of cropping. However, sole pigeonpea gave significantly higher yield than pearlmillet + pigeonpea intercropping. Highest total productivity in terms of pearlmillet equivalent was recorded with pearlmillet + pigeonpea intercropping system. Weeding caused significant reduction in weed infestation and improvement in grain yield of pearlmillet and pigeonpea and total productivity compared with the control. Best results were achieved with hand-weeding twice closely followed by fluchloralin @ 1.0 kgha.
Transient Peripapillary Retinoschisis in Glaucomatous Eyes

Purpose. To investigate transient focal microcystic retinoschisis in glaucomatous eyes in images obtained with several imaging techniques used in daily glaucoma care. Methods. Images of 117 glaucoma patients and 91 healthy subjects participating in a large prospective follow-up study into glaucoma imaging were reviewed. Participants were measured with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), scanning laser tomography (SLT), and standard automated perimetry (SAP). The presence of a focal retinoschisis in SD-OCT was observed and correlated to SLP, SLT, and SAP measurements, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results. Seven out of 117 glaucoma patients showed a transient, localised, peripapillary, heterogeneous microcystic schisis of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and sometimes other retinal layers as well in SD-OCT. None of the healthy eyes showed this phenomenon nor did any of the other imaging techniques display it as detailed and consistently as did the SD-OCT. SAP showed a temporarily decreased focal retinal sensitivity during the retinoschisis and we found no signs of glaucomatous progression related to the retinoschisis. Conclusions. Transient microcystic retinoschisis appears to be associated with glaucomatous wedge defects in the RNFL. It was best observed with SD-OCT and it was absent in healthy eyes. We found no evidence that the retinoschisis predicted glaucomatous progression.
Combining retiming and sequential redundancy addition and removal for sequential logic optimization

In this paper a new logic optimization method for sequential synchronous circuits is introduced. For this purpose the current main approaches, "Retiming and Resynthesis" and "Redundancy Addition and Removal" are considered. These techniques have some advantages and limitations that have been theoretically proven by several authors. The goal of the new optimization method is to combine these two techniques to get the best of each one. In particular the paper is focused on area optimization. The algorithm proposed in this paper is efficient and delivers interesting optimization results.
Bayesian inference in processing experimental data: principles and basic applications

This paper introduces general ideas and some basic methods of the Bayesian probability theory applied to physics measurements. Our aim is to make the reader familiar, through examples rather than rigorous formalism, with concepts such as the following: model comparison (including the automatic Ockham's Razor filter provided by the Bayesian approach); parametric inference; quantification of the uncertainty about the value of physical quantities, also taking into account systematic effects; role of marginalization; posterior characterization; predictive distributions; hierarchical modelling and hyperparameters; Gaussian approximation of the posterior and recovery of conventional methods, especially maximum likelihood and chi-square fits under well-defined conditions; conjugate priors, transformation invariance and maximum entropy motivated priors; and Monte Carlo (MC) estimates of expectation, including a short introduction to Markov Chain MC methods.
Geodynamo theory and simulations

80 years ago, Joseph Larmor planted the seed that grew into today’s imposing body of knowledgeabout how the Earth’s magnetic ﬁeld is created. His simple idea, that the geomagnetic ﬁeld is theresult of dynamo action in the Earth’s electrically conducting, ﬂuid core, encountered manydifﬁculties, but these have by now been largely overcome, while alternative proposals have been foundto be untenable. The development of the theory and its current status are reviewed below. The basicelectrodynamics are summarized, but the main focus is on dynamical questions. A special study ismade of the energy and entropy requirements of the dynamo and in particular of how efﬁcient it is,considered as a heat engine. Particular attention is paid to modeling core magnetohydrodynamics ina way that is tractable but nevertheless incorporates the dynamical effects of core turbulence in anapproximate way. This theory has been tested by numerical integrations, some results from which arepresented. The success of these simulations seems to be considerable, when measured against theknown geomagnetic facts summarized here. Obstacles that still remain to be overcome are discussed,and some other future challenges are described.
CROSS-SECTION STUDIES OF THE CONSUMPTION OF AUTOMOBILES IN THE UNITED STATES

THIS IS A STUDY OF THE CONSUMPTION OF AUTOMOBILES IN THE UNITED STATES DURING THE PERIOD 1955-57. DEPRECIATION IS USED AS THE PRIMARY MEASURE OF CONSUMPTION IN ORDER TO DETERMINE HOW WELL DEMAND MEASURED IN THIS WAY CAN BE EXPLAINED BY INCOME AND OTHER SOCIAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES. THIS STUDY DIFFERS FROM EARLIER WORK IN THREE RESPECTS: THE LIMITED DEPENDENT VARIABLE MODEL DEVELOPED BY TOBIN IS USED IN ORDER TO HANDLE CORRECTLY THE PROBLEM OF ZERO EXPENDITURE HOUSEHOLDS. THE DATA USED ARE DRAWN FROM THE SURVEYS OF CONSUMER FINANCES FOR THE YEARS 1955, 1956, AND 1957. THE ESTIMATES FOR EACH OF THE YEARS ARE COMPARED AND APPEAR TO BE REASONABLY CONSISTENT. A REPAIR COST BASED ON THE AGE OF EACH CAR IS INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL COST INCURRED BY THE HOUSEHOLD. THE CONCLUSIONS ARE THAT: (1) HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION RISES WITH INCOME, BUT RISES LESS SHARPLY AT HIGHER THAN AT LOWER INCOMES, (2) EXPENDITURE DECREASES AS THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD APPROACHES RETIREMENT AGE, (3) EXPENDITURE INCREASES AS THE NUMBER OF ADULTS IN THE SPENDING UNIT INCREASES, (4) EXPENDITURE DECREASES AS THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN INCREASES, (5) AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR OTHER FACTORS, SPENDING UNITS LIVING IN NEW YORK AND CHICAGO SHOW LOWER THAN AVERAGE, AND THOSE LIVING IN RURAL AREAS SHOW HIGHER THAN AVERAGE CONSUMPTION, (6) NONWHITE SPENDING UNITS CONSUME CARS AT A LOWER LEVEL THAN WHITE. /AUTHOR/
Towards a Classification of Participatory News Websites

Participatory news websites are a large, heterogeneous, and dynamic object of research which has been difficult to systematize scientifically. This paper presents an integrative instrument for classification and an evidence-based typology of participatory news websites. On the one hand, it extracts seven heuristic types from academic literature. On the other hand, it presents three empirical types which emerged as clusters from an analysis of 101 websites: Exclusive Thematic Dossiers, Commercial User Playgrounds, and Local Media Clippings. A comparison of the heuristic and empirical types shows that they are only partially congruent. It is concluded that the existing heuristic types should be relabeled in order to reflect reality more precisely. An Appendix to this paper is available at:http://dx.doi. org/10.1080/21670811.2013. 841367
Dynamic Asset Allocation with Liabilities

We develop an analytical solution to the dynamic multi-period portfolio choice problem of an investor with risky liabilities and time varying investment opportunities. We use the model to compare the asset allocation of investors who take liabilities into account, assuming time varying returns and a multi-period setting with the asset allocation of myopic ALM investors. In the absence of regulatory constraints on asset allocation weights, there are significant gains to investors who have access to a dynamic asset allocation model with liabilities. The gains are smaller under the typical funding ratio constraints faced by pension funds.
Single circulating tumor cell detection and overall survival in nonmetastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Circulation of cancer cells in the blood is a mandatory step for metastasis, but circulating tumor cells (CTC) have a low metastatic efficiency in preclinical animal models. In this prospective study, we reported the clinical outcome of nonmetastatic breast cancer patients according to CTC detection. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 115 nonmetastatic patients diagnosed with large operable or locally advanced breast cancer, we prospectively detected CTC using the CellSearch system before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a phase II trial (REMAGUS02). RESULTS At baseline, 23% of patients were CTC positive, but only 10% had >1 CTC/7.5 ml of blood. After a median follow-up of 36 months, CTC detection before chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for both distant metastasis-free survival [DMFS; P = 0.01, relative risk (RR) = 5.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-17] and overall survival (OS; P = 0.007, RR = 9, 95% CI 1.8-45). CTC detection after chemotherapy was of less significance (P = 0.07 and 0.09, respectively). Moreover, CTC detection showed interesting characteristics as an individual predictive test for metastatic relapses (sensibility 55%, specificity 81%, and global accuracy 77%). CONCLUSIONS Detection of > or =1 CTC/7.5 ml before neoadjuvant chemotherapy can accurately predict OS. Our findings may change the clinical management of nonmetastatic breast cancer and indicate that the metastatic efficiency of CTC could be higher than previously reported.
Interferometric Observations of the T Tauri Stars in the MBM 12 Cloud

We have carried out a millimeter interferometric continuum survey toward seven young stellar objects (YSOs) in the MBM 12 cloud. Thermal emissions associated with two YSOs were detected above the 3 σ level at 2.1 mm, and one also showed a 1.3 mm thermal emission. Another object was marginally detected at 2.1 mm. Spectral energy distributions of the YSOs are well fitted by a simple power-law disk model. Masses of the circumstellar disks are estimated to be of the order of 0.05 M☉. The circumstellar disks in the MBM 12 cloud have properties in common with the disks in nearby star-forming regions, in terms of disk parameters, such as disk mass, as well as an infrared excess.
Inflation, Volatility and Growth

This paper re-examines the relationship between inflation, inflation volatility and growth using cross-country panel data for the past 30 years. With regard to the level of inflation, we find that in contrast to current findings which are based on cross-sectional time-average regression comparisons, exploiting the time dimension of the data reveals a strong negative correlation between inflation and income growth for all but very low inflation countries. To examine the role of inflation uncertainty on growth, we use intra-year inflation data to construct an annual measure of inflation volatility. Using this measure, we find that inflation volatility is also robustly negatively correlated with growth even after the effect of the level of inflation is controlled for.
The Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) on the Properties of ZnO Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method

ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal method using different molar ratios of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as structure directing agents. The effect of surfactants on the morphology of the ZnO crystals was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results indicate that the mixture of cationic-anionic surfactants can significantly modify the shape and size of ZnO particles. Various structures such as flakes, sheets, rods, spheres, flowers and triangular-like particles sized from micro to nano were obtained. In order to examine the possible changes in other properties of ZnO, characterizations like powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG), FTIR, surface area and porosity and UV-visible spectroscopy analysis were also studied and discussed.
LIN9, a Subunit of the DREAM Complex, Regulates Mitotic Gene Expression and Proliferation of Embryonic Stem Cells

The DREAM complex plays an important role in regulation of gene expression during the cell cycle. We have previously shown that the DREAM subunit LIN9 is required for early embryonic development and for the maintenance of the inner cell mass in vitro. In this study we examined the effect of knocking down LIN9 on ESCs. We demonstrate that depletion of LIN9 alters the cell cycle distribution of ESCs and results in an accumulation of cells in G2 and M and in an increase of polyploid cells. Genome-wide expression studies showed that the depletion of LIN9 results in downregulation of mitotic genes and in upregulation of differentiation-specific genes. ChIP-on chip experiments showed that mitotic genes are direct targets of LIN9 while lineage specific markers are regulated indirectly. Importantly, depletion of LIN9 does not alter the expression of pluripotency markers SOX2, OCT4 and Nanog and LIN9 depleted ESCs retain alkaline phosphatase activity. We conclude that LIN9 is essential for proliferation and genome stability of ESCs by activating genes with important functions in mitosis and cytokinesis.
Rise of serum troponin levels following uncomplicated elective percutaneous coronary interventions in patients without clinical and procedural signs suggestive of myocardial necrosis

Introduction The new definition of periprocedural myocardial infarction (type 4a MI) excludes patients without angina and electrocardiographic or echocardiographic changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia even though significant serum troponin elevations occur following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aim To evaluate the incidence and predictors of serum troponin rise following elective PCI in patients without clinical and procedural signs suggestive of myocardial necrosis by using a high-sensitivite troponin assay (hsTnT). Material and methods Three hundred and four patients (mean age: 60.8 ±8.8 years, 204 male) undergoing elective PCI were enrolled. Patients with periprocedural angina, electrocardiographic or echocardiographic signs indicating myocardial ischemia or a visible procedural complication such as dissection or side branch occlusion were excluded. Mild-moderate periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) and severe PMI were defined as post-PCI (12 h later) elevation of serum hsTnT concentrations to the range of 14–70 ng/l and > 70 ng/l, respectively. Results The median pre-procedural hsTnT level was 9.7 ng/l (interquartile range: 7.1–12.2 ng/l). Serum hsTnT concentration elevated (p < 0.001) to 19.4 ng/l (IQR: 12.0–38.8 ng/l) 12 h after PCI. Mild-moderate PMI and severe PMI were detected in 49.3% and 12.2% of patients, respectively. Post-procedural hsTnT levels were significantly higher in multivessel PCI, overlapping stenting, predilatation and postdilatation subgroups. In addition, post-procedural hsTnT levels were correlated (r = 0.340; p < 0.001) with the stent lengths. Conclusions High-sensitivite troponin measurements indicate a high incidence of PMI even though no clinical or procedural signs suggestive of myocardial ischemia exist. Multivessel PCI, overlapping stenting, predilatation, postdilatation and longer stent length are associated with PMI following elective PCI.
Analyzing the determinants of the UK consumer's engagement in Viral Marketing on Social Networking Sites : A university Student's perspective

Social media, especially the social networking sites (SNS) like Facebook.com, has experienced exponential growth all across the globe in the last decade. It is rapidly attracting the consumers and replacing the traditional media. Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) through social media has acquired substantial position in the marketing mix as well as integrated marketing communication of the business organizations. This research aimed at analyzing different social relationship factors or determinants of engagement of the UK consumers in the process of viral marketing from the perspective of the university students in the UK. The process of viral marketing on SNSs is initiated by the manufacturers, marketers or distributors but the process is controlled by the consumers. To meet the main objectives of the research, quantitative research methods were followed through deductive approach. Convenience and purposive sampling were utilized in order to select a sample of 130 students from the population of the UK university students. Only 105 students responded and took part in the survey. All the ethical issues involved in the survey were catered and participants were informed about the purpose of investigation through consent letters prior to email the questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to the students to collect primary data that was statistically analyzed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The data for each variable was subjected to univariate analysis in order to evaluate the significance of each social factor under study. The results obtained from univariate analysis were graphically presented and interpreted. Correlation (Bivariate) analysis of different factors including trust, homophily, interpersonal influence, love for exchanging information etc. was also conducted and results were presented in a tabulated form. The analysis revealed that all the factors under investigation showed positive relationship and some showed positive correlation with the activity of the consumers on SNSs, especially in seeking opinion or information and passing it to others. The correlation analysis revealed that some social constructs e.g. trust, homophily and normative influence was positively correlated with the consumer’s activity on the social networking sites. Tie strength showed positive correlation with homophily, frequency of communication or contact between the online consumers on social networking sites. Gender showed negative correlation with most of the social factors under study. The results are discussed in light of existing literature on word of mouth marketing and social media marketing. The implications (theoretical, managerial and strategy related) of these results are along with the main findings of the study.