Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Predictability in Stock Returns: Past and Future Us Baby-Boom Effects, 1950-2050‎

Empirical studies demonstrated that US baby boomers consumption and savings ‎patterns have affected economic aggregates over the past decades, among them ‎equity returns. Boomers’ retirement is expected to generate an excess supply of ‎equities until 2050, but its impact varies with the specific population age structure ‎along decades. This paper estimates aging effects on S&P500 returns between ‎‎1950-2050. Calibration for demographic and economic data between 1950-2005 ‎yields model estimates that significantly explain the moving average of S&P500 ‎returns. The present value of expected demographic effects until 2050 suggests ‎that the S&P500 was rationally priced in early 2009, but its subsequent ‎appreciation represents overpricing. ‎
Title: Electrocortical evidence of increased post-reappraisal neural reactivity and its link to depressive symptoms. Running Head: Reappraisal induced neural reactivity Authors:

1R21DA034954). NIDA had no further role in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the paper for publication. ABSTRACT Few studies have examined whether effortful emotion regulation has a protracted impact on subsequent affective appraisal, and even fewer have investigated this effect on a trial-by-trial basis. In the current study, we hypothesized that engaging cognitive resources via reappraisal during a trial would result in a subsequent period of increased reactivity on the next trial, as quantified using event-related potentials and oscillations. Forty-eight healthy individuals passively viewed unpleasant and neutral pictures followed by an auditory instruction to either continue viewing normally, or reappraise emotional response to pictures. Viewing unpleasant pictures yielded increased late positive potential (LPP) and decreased posterior alpha (8 – 13Hz) compared to neutral pictures. A similar pattern was observed on trials that immediately followed emotion regulation instructions. Moreover, individuals with increased self-reported depressive symptoms showed greater LPP and alpha modulation following emotion regulation, suggesting that these responses may relate to compromised emotion regulation ability. The current study demonstrates that cognitive reappraisal induces subsequent heightened reactivity that may reflect transient resource depletion, and these effects are more pronounced among those with increased depressive symptoms. Interventions that focus on emotion regulation might use these electrocortical markers to track changes in regulatory efficacy.
A variance-minimizing filter for large-scale applications

Abstract A truly variance-minimizing filter is introduced and its performance is demonstrated with the Korteweg–DeVries (KdV) equation and with a multilayer quasigeostrophic model of the ocean area around South Africa. It is recalled that Kalman-like filters are not variance minimizing for nonlinear model dynamics and that four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR)-like methods relying on perfect model dynamics have difficulty with providing error estimates. The new method does not have these drawbacks. In fact, it combines advantages from both methods in that it does provide error estimates while automatically having balanced states after analysis, without extra computations. It is based on ensemble or Monte Carlo integrations to simulate the probability density of the model evolution. When observations are available, the so-called importance resampling algorithm is applied. From Bayes's theorem it follows that each ensemble member receives a new weight dependent on its “distance” to the obse.
The Effect of Task Repetition under Different Time Conditions on EFL Learners' Oral Performance and Grammatical Knowledge Gain

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of task repetition under four conditions on the three dimensions of oral production (accuracy, complexity and fluency) and grammatical knowledge gain of learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). 40 young learners of English as a Foreign Language in four classes were randomly assigned into one of the following groups: repetition in three successive sessions during a week, repetition once a week over three weeks, repetition with one week interval in between over five weeks, and repetition with two weeks interval in between over seven weeks. A Grammatical Judgment Test (GJT) including the prepositions of movement as the target structure was designed to measure learners’ grammatical knowledge both before and after the study. Also, tasks were developed for measuring oral performance of the participants. The findings indicated significant differences in the performance of the groups from pre-test to post-test in terms of accuracy (ratio of error-free clauses) and complexity (syntactic and lexical) dimensions of oral production as well as gains in grammatical knowledge; they however failed to show significant effects for fluency development across distinct time intervals. The paper discusses further findings and implications.
Investigation of the Effect of Vertimax V8 Elastic Resistance Platform and Classic Strength Training on Dynamic Balance in Basketball Players

This study aimed to investigate the effects on the dynamic balance of two different resistance training in male basketball players. 25 male basketball players who were over 18 participated in the study voluntarily. Participants were divided into two groups by using random sampling method as VertiMax strength training group and traditional strength training group (VertiMax, n=13; classic, n=12). Both training programs were administered 3 times a day for 6 weeks. In standing position, the dynamic balance values recorded on the right and left foot for 60 seconds were assessed by using EasyTech Libra Oscillating balance board. The scores used in the assessments were IBP (index of balance precision), recovery time right (return time of the visual helix balance from right side), and recovery time left (return time of the visual helix balance from left side). All tests were performed with visual feedback. Statistical analysis used three-factor mixed ANOVA. At the end of the training period, IBP (index of balance precision), recovery time right (return time of the visual helix balance from right side), recovery time left (return time of the visual helix balance from left side) showed that dynamic balance scores were similar in the VertiMax and classic training groups for right and left feet. VertiMax group in dynamic balance, the changes in IBP and recovery time right scores were found to be better. In both training groups, when the recovery time right values of the right and left feet were compared at the end of the process, it was seen that the rotation time from the right side of the visual helix motion area of the left leg was shorter (p<0.05). The results show that the VertiMax strength training included in the pre-season exercises positively affects participants’ balance performance.
Subsynaptic AMPA Receptor Distribution Is Acutely Regulated by Actin-Driven Reorganization of the Postsynaptic Density

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate synaptic transmission and plasticity during learning, development, and disease. Mechanisms determining subsynaptic receptor position are poorly understood but are key determinants of quantal size. We used a series of live-cell, high-resolution imaging approaches to measure protein organization within single postsynaptic densities in rat hippocampal neurons. By photobleaching receptors in synapse subdomains, we found that most AMPARs do not freely diffuse within the synapse, indicating they are embedded in a matrix that determines their subsynaptic position. However, time lapse analysis revealed that synaptic AMPARs are continuously repositioned in concert with plasticity of this scaffold matrix rather than simply by free diffusion. Using a fluorescence correlation analysis, we found that across the lateral extent of single PSDs, component proteins were differentially distributed, and this distribution was continually adjusted by actin treadmilling. The C-terminal PDZ ligand of GluA1 did not regulate its mobility or distribution in the synapse. However, glutamate receptor activation promoted subsynaptic mobility. Strikingly, subsynaptic immobility of both AMPARs and scaffold molecules remained essentially intact even after loss of actin filaments. We conclude that receptors are actively repositioned at the synapse by treadmilling of the actin cytoskeleton, an influence which is transmitted only indirectly to receptors via the pliable and surprisingly dynamic internal structure of the PSD.
When the Sense of Smell Meets Emotion: Anxiety-State-Dependent Olfactory Processing and Neural Circuitry Adaptation

Phylogenetically the most ancient sense, olfaction is characterized by a unique intimacy with the emotion system. However, mechanisms underlying olfaction–emotion interaction remain unclear, especially in an ever-changing environment and dynamic internal milieu. Perturbing the internal state with anxiety induction in human subjects, we interrogated emotion-state-dependent olfactory processing in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. Following anxiety induction, initially neutral odors become unpleasant and take longer to detect, accompanied by augmented response to these odors in the olfactory (anterior piriform and orbitofrontal) cortices and emotion-relevant pregenual anterior cingulate cortex. In parallel, the olfactory sensory relay adapts with increased anxiety, incorporating amygdala as an integral step via strengthened (afferent or efferent) connections between amygdala and all levels of the olfactory cortical hierarchy. This anxiety-state-dependent neural circuitry thus enables cumulative infusion of limbic affective information throughout the olfactory sensory progression, thereby driving affectively charged olfactory perception. These findings could constitute an olfactory etiology model of emotional disorders, as exaggerated emotion–olfaction interaction in negative mood states turns innocuous odors aversive, fueling anxiety and depression with rising ambient sensory stress.
One, Two, ... , Many : The Outcomes of Paired Peer Assessment, Group Peer Assessment, and Teacher Assessment in EFL Writing

The learning potential of pair/team work in language assessment has been demonstrated in the literature, albeit with little concern about challenges faced by the educators to implement it. To contribute to this line of research, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of paired peer assessment, teacher feedback, and group peer assessment on students’ writing performance. To do so, 69 second-year university students of the English language were assigned to three classes. The first class received regular teacher feedback, the second class was instructed to work in pairs and assess each other’s work, and students in the third class were divided into groups of four members and a group leader was assigned to each group by the teacher. Team leaders’ responsibility was assessing and providing feedback on their fellow members’ writing samples. The results showed a growth in the performance of students in paired peer assessment class in comparison to the other two classes. In group peer assessment class, the group heads outperformed their peers but the overall performance of the class was lower than paired peer assessment class. The findings suggest careful consideration of the circumstances under which peer assessment can be employed and call for more research on the contribution of non-pedagogical factors to assessment designs.
a Presence of TNF-Mycobacterium-Reactive Lymphocytes in the IL-4 Influences Apoptosis of

T cell apoptosis is associated with defective cell-mediated effector functions in several infectious diseases. In tuberculosis, there is evidence that T cell apoptosis may be cytokine mediated, but the mechanisms are not clearly understood. Type 2 cytokines have recently been associated with disease extent in human tuberculosis, but they have not previously been linked to apoptosis in mycobacterium-reactive T cells. This study presents evidence that PBLs from healthy donors respond to sonicated Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ags with increased IL-4 gene activation, CD30 expression, and apoptosis. The changes were signiﬁcantly greater than those observed when cells were stimulated with Ags from nonpathogenic Mycobacterium vaccae . A hypothesis linking these observations was tested. CD30 expression and TNF- a -mediated lymphocyte apoptosis were both down-regulated by inhibiting IL-4 in this model. TNFR-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) expression was down-regulated in CD30 1 cells, and addition of anti-TNF- a Ab signiﬁcantly reduced apoptosis in the CD30 1 but not the CD30 2 population. These observations support the hypothesis that increased IL-4 expression in M. tuberculosis -activated lymphocytes promotes CD30 expression, which sensitizes the lymphocytes to TNF- a -mediated apoptosis via TRAF2 depletion. This may be one mechanism by which IL-4 is associated with immunopathological consequences in human tuberculosis. The Journal of Immunology, 2001, 167: 1230–1237.
Reduced-rank equalization for EDGE via conjugate gradient implementation of multi-stage nested Wiener filter

The Wiener filter solves the Wiener-Hopf equation and may be approximated by the multi-stage nested Wiener filter (MSNWF) which lies in the Krylov subspace of the covariance matrix of the observation and the cross-correlation vector between the observation and the desired signal. Moreover, since the covariance matrix is Hermitian, the Lanczos algorithm can be used to compute the Krylov subspace basis. The conjugate gradient (CG) method is another approach to solving a system of linear equations. We derive the relationship between the CG method and the Lanczos based MSNWF and finally transform the formulas of the MSNWF into those of the CG algorithm. Consequently, we present a CG based MSNWF where the filter weights and the mean square error (MSE) are updated at each iteration step. The resulting algorithm is used for linear equalization of the received signal in an enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) system. Simulation results demonstrate the ability of the MSNWF to reduce receiver complexity while maintaining the same level of system performance.
Changes of Internal State Are Expressed in Coherent Shifts of Neuromuscular Activity in Aplysia Feeding Behavior

The multitasking central pattern generator (CPG) that drives consummatory feeding behaviors of Aplysia can produce ingestive, egestive, and intermediate motor programs. External stimuli trigger the programs but, remarkably, do not directly specify which type of program is produced. Rather, recent work has proposed, the type of program is determined by the internal network state of the CPG that has developed in response to the previous history of the stimulation. Here we have tested a key prediction of this network-state hypothesis. If the network state has a real existence and governs real functional behavior, changes in the state should be seen as coherent, coordinated changes along many dimensions of interneuron and motor neuron activity, muscle contraction, and ultimately movement, that underlie functional behavior. In reduced neuromuscular preparations, we elicited repetitive motor programs by continued stimulation of the esophageal nerve while recording the firing of motor neurons B8, B15, B16, B4/5, and B48, and contractions of the accessory radula closer and I7-I10 muscles that respectively close and open the animal's food-grasping organ, the radula. Using sonomicrometric techniques, we similarly recorded the movement of the radula in the complete buccal mass. Successive esophageal nerve programs indeed exhibited clear progressive changes in motor neuron firing, muscle contractions, and the phasing of radula movements within each cycle, from an initially intermediate or even ingestive character to a strongly egestive character. We conclude that the Aplysia feeding CPG really has a coherent internal network state whose dynamics are likely to be reflected in the real behavior of the animal.
Threading Homotopies and DC Operating Points of Nonlinear Circuits

This paper studies continuation methods for finding isolated zeros of nonlinear functions. Given a nonlinear function $F : {\Bbb R}^n \rightarrow {\Bbb R}^n$, a {\em threading homotopy} is a function $H( \mathbf{x} , \lambda ) : {\Bbb R}^{n+1} \rightarrow {\Bbb R}^n$ with $H( \mathbf{x} , 0) \equiv F( \mathbf{x} )$, such that the zero set of $H$ is a single connected curve containing all zeros of $F( \mathbf{x} )$. For a $C^1$ function $F$, a necessary condition for the existence of a nondegenerate $C^1$ threading homotopy is that the topological degree of $F(\mathbf{x} )$ be 1, 0, or $-1$. For $C^2$ mappings in all dimensions, except possibly $n = 2$, this condition is also a sufficient condition for existence of a $C^2$ threading homotopy which is weakly proper over 0. A homotopy $H$ is {\em weakly proper over }0 if, for every interval $[a,b]$, the set $H^{-1} ({\bf 0}) \cap ( {\Bbb R}^n \times [a,b])$ is compact. This condition rules out any part of the zero set escaping to infinity at a finite value of the homotopy parameter. Threading homotopies are potentially applicable in continuation methods for finding all dc operating points of nonlinear circuits. We show that most transistor circuits have dc operating point equations $F(\mathbf{x} ) = {\bf 0}$ with $\deg (F) = \pm 1$, so that threading homotopies exist in principle for such operating point equations. The explicit construction of such threading homotopies remains an open problem.
Interactive Learning through Wireless Grids

Facilitating interactive or collaborative learning through the capabilities of wireless devices can be challenging due to the heterogeneity of technologies used in the many devices available. As wireless networks become increasingly “smart,” the idea of wireless grids becomes more practical. Wireless grid specifications are emerging through research efforts following over a decade of support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) program grants #0227879 and #0917973, corporations, foundations, university partners, and state government. Wireless Grids Innovation Testbed (WiGiT) focuses on the development of a new class of software, called edgeware, which can enable ad hoc connection of people, devices, software, and services in a personal cloud, supported by personal cyber infrastructure. This paper discusses some of the interactive learning approaches undertaken by this test bed.
Design of a class-E inverter for piezoelectric ultrasound generation against load variation

Piezoelectric transducers are used for generating ultrasound around their resonant frequencies. Single-ended class-E resonant inverter has a simple configuration and high conversion efficiency; therefore, was investigated for driving piezoelectric transducer for ultrasound generation. However, both piezoelectric transducer and class-E circuit are sensitive to load variation. This paper studies the susceptibility of output power and conversion efficiency of a class-E based piezoelectric ultrasound generator under different load conditions. By using the iteration-free extended impedance method, the integration of class-E inverter and piezoelectric transducer can be efficiently analyzed; parameters can be properly designed and optimized. An in-situ adapting approach, which tunes the duty ratio and dc supply voltage for maximizing the conversion efficiency at constant output power against load variation, is investigated. Simulation results show that, by taking this parameter tuning, the susceptibility of output power and conversion efficiency can be alleviated within a wide range of load.
Prevalence Of Narcissism In Adolescents Of Karachi

Narcissism may describe as be in love with own self. The individual may have variety of such behavior that are unfavorable for society such as rudeness, aggressive and violent behavior, selfishness, blaming and discourage others on their own faults, carelessness toward other feelings and emotions, inflated sense of supremacy and self-importance. More likely to involve in crimes and conflicts. Although Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is the serious issue but very little amount of work was done on this issue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of narcissistic traits in the general youth population . The randomly selected sample of 1145 individuals falls in age group 18 to 25 were selected to estimate the prevalence of NPD . The Narcissistic Personality inventory (NPI-40) based on DSM III criteria was used to find out the prevalence of Narcissism in Study group. The result showed high scores of NPI in youth population167 male (47.44%) and 346 females (43.63%) scored >20 numbers in NPI. But NPI can only show relative idea of the frequency of narcissism, by scoring high in NPI it could not say certainly that individual lie in category of narcissistic so there is necessitate to more work should be done on this least studied topic to evaluate the true picture of narcissistic behavior in population.
Prognostic Factors and Treatment Results of High-Grade Osteosarcoma in Norway: A Scope Beyond the “Classical” Patient

Purpose. A retrospective study of prognostic factors and treatment outcome of osteosarcoma (OS) during modern chemotherapy era with focus on patients with primary metastatic disease, nonextremity localisation, or age >40 years (nonclassical OS). Methods. A nationwide cohort, comprising 424 high-grade Norwegian bone OS patients, was based on registry sources supplemented with clinical records from hospitals involved in sarcoma management between 1975 and 2009. Results. Only 48% were younger patients with tumour in the extremities and without metastasis at diagnosis (classical OS). A considerable discrepancy in survival between classical and nonclassical OS was observed: 61% versus 26% 10-year sarcoma specific survival. Twice as many of the former received both adequate surgery and chemotherapy compared to the latter. This could only partly explain the differences in survival due to inherent chemoresistance in primary metastatic disease and a higher rate of local relapse among patients with axial tumours. Metastasis at diagnosis, increased lactate dehydrogenase, age > 40 years, and tumour size above median value were all adverse prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion. We confirm a dramatic difference in outcome between classical and nonclassical high-grade OS patients, but treatment variables could only partly explain the dismal outcome of the latter.
Multiple-Scent Enhanced Multimedia Synchronization

This study looked at users' perception of interstream synchronization between audiovisual media and two olfactory streams. The ability to detect skews and the perception and impact of skews on user Quality of Experience (QoE) is analyzed. The olfactory streams are presented with the same skews (i.e., delay) and with variable skews (i.e., jitter and mix of scents). This article reports the limits beyond which desynchronization reduces user-perceived quality levels. Also, a minimum gap between the presentations of consecutive scents is identified, necessary to ensuring enhanced user-perceived quality. There is no evidence (not considering scent type) that overlapping or mixing of scents increases user QoE levels for olfaction-enhanced multimedia.