Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are Risk Aversion and Impatience Related to Cognitive Ability?

Is the way that people make risky choices, or tradeoffs over time, related to cognitive ability? This paper investigates whether there is a link between cognitive ability, risk aversion, and impatience, using a representative sample of the population and incentive compatible measures. We conduct choice experiments measuring risk aversion, and impatience over an annual time horizon, for a randomly drawn sample of roughly 1,000 German adults. Subjects also take part in two different tests of cognitive ability, which correspond to sub-modules of one of the most widely used IQ tests. Interviews are conducted in subjects' own homes. We find that lower cognitive ability is associated with greater risk aversion, and more pronounced impatience. These relationships are significant, and robust to controlling for personal characteristics, educational attainment, income, and measures of credit constraints. We perform a series of additional robustness checks, which help rule out other possible confounds.
The Role of Cyclic Adenosine 3',5'‐Monophosphate and Calcium in the Regulation of Contractility and Glycogen Phosphorylase Activity in Guinea Pig Papillary Muscle

We studied the relationships between the positive inotropic effects of isoproterenol, increased frequency of contraction or paired electrical stimulation, and cyclic AMP concentration and phosphorylase activity in isolated guinea pig papillary muscles. The minimum concentration of isoproterenol (10 hm) that augmented isometric force development increased cyclic AMP concentration. However 100 avi isoproterenol was required to increase the phosphorylase activity ratio (-AMP/+AMP) from 0.15 ± 0.03 to 0.25 ± 0.03. After addition of 1 &mgr;m isoproterenol to the bath, cyclic AMP increased within 0.5 minute from 0.58 ± 0.03 to 1.04 ± 0.13 mol/kg (wet weight), peak contractile force was elevated 2-foW at 1 minute, and the phosphorylase activity ratio rose to 0.40 ± 0.02 in 4 minutes. Although an increase in contraction frequency (6/min to 36/min)and paired stimulation produced more than a 3-fold increase in peak contractile force, there were no changes in cyclic AMP and phosphorylase activity. The cydic AMP concentration during diastole was 0.60 ± 0.04 and in midsystole, 0.55 ± 0.03 &mgr;mol/kg. Anoxia increased the phosphorylase activity ratio from 0.19 ± 0.02 to 0.41 ± 0.04 without elevation of cyclic AMP concentration. Removal of Ca2+ from the bathing medium prevented active force development and the anoxic increase in phosphorylase activity, but did not prevent the isoproterenol-induced increase in cyclic AMP and phospborylase. These results suggest that cyclic AMP is a factor in the catechola-mine-induced enhancement of inotropic state. However, it does not appear to play a role in the maintained augmentation of inotropic state produced by increased contraction frequocy and paired stimulation, nor does the concentration of tbe cydic nudeotide appear to vary during the contraction cyde or during anoxia. Extracellular Ca2+ is required for contraction, the positive inotropic action of catecbolamines and phosphorylase b to a conversion by anoxia.
Stroke-Based Stylization Learning and Rendering with Inverse Reinforcement Learning

Among various traditional art forms, brush stroke drawing is one of the widely used styles in modern computer graphic tools such as GIMP, Photoshop and Painter. In this paper, we develop an AI-aided art authoring (A4) system of non-photorealistic rendering that allows users to automatically generate brush stroke paintings in a specific artist's style. Within the reinforcement learning framework of brush stroke generation proposed by Xie et al. [Xie et al., 2012], our contribution in this paper is to learn artists' drawing styles from video-captured stroke data by inverse reinforcement learning. Through experiments, we demonstrate that our system can successfully learn artists' styles and render pictures with consistent and smooth brush strokes.
Traumatic brain injury in adults

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major public health problem. This review aims to present the principles upon which modern TBI management should be based. The early management phase aims to achieve haemodynamic stability, limit secondary insults (eg hypotension, hypoxia), obtain accurate neurological assessment and appropriately select patients for further investigation. Since 2003, the mainstay of risk stratification in the UK emergency departments has been a system of triage based on clinical assessment, which then dictates the need for a CT scan of the head. For patients with acute subdural or extradural haematomas, time from clinical deterioration to operation should be kept to a minimum, as it can affect their outcome. In addition, it is increasingly recognised that patients with severe and moderate TBI should be managed in neuroscience centres, regardless of the need for neurosurgical intervention. The monitoring and treatment of raised intracranial pressure is paramount for maintaining cerebral blood supply and oxygen delivery in patients with severe TBI. Decompressive craniectomy and therapeutic hypothermia are the subject of ongoing international multi-centre randomised trials. TBI is associated with a number of complications, some of which require specialist referral. Patients with post-concussion syndrome can be helped by supportive management in the context of a multi-disciplinary neurotrauma clinic and by patient support groups. Specialist neurorehabilitation after TBI is important for improving outcome.
A general strategy for generating intact, full-length IgG antibodies that penetrate into the cytosol of living cells

Full-length IgG antibodies cannot cross cell membranes of living cells; this limits their use for direct targeting of cytosolic proteins. Here, we describe a general strategy for the generation of intact, full-length IgG antibodies, herein called cytotransmabs, which internalize into living cells and localize in the cytosol. We first generated a humanized light chain variable domain (VL) that could penetrate into the cytosol of living cells and was engineered for association with various subtypes of human heavy chain variable domains (VHs). When light chains with humanized VL were co-expressed with 3 heavy chains (HCs), including 2 HCs of the clinically approved adalimumab (Humira®) and bevacizumab (Avastin®), all 3 purified IgG antibodies were internalized into the cytoplasm of living cells. Cytotransmabs primarily internalized into living cells by the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway through interactions with heparin sulfate proteoglycan that was expressed on the cell surface. The cytotransmabs escaped into the cytosol from early endosomes without being further transported into other cellular compartments, like the lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and nucleus. Furthermore, we generated a cytotransmab that co-localized with the targeted cytosolic protein when it was incubated with living cells, demonstrating that the cytotransmab can directly target cytosolic proteins. Internalized cytotransmabs did not show any noticeable cytotoxicity and remained in the cytosol for more than 6 h before being degraded by proteosomes. These results suggest that cytotransmabs, which efficiently enter living cells and reach the cytosolic space, will find widespread uses as research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents.
Observations of hydroxyl in early-type galaxies

We used Arecibo Observatory and the Green Bank Telescope to observe OH in twelve early type galaxies with known reservoirs of dense gas. We present three new detections of OH in absorption in the 1667 MHz line. One objective of our survey was to find evidence of molecular outflows, but our sensitivity, and the strength of the OH absorption, were insufficient to detect outflows. The detected sources have infrared luminosities and dust temperatures among the lowest of any galaxy detected in OH absorption. The ratio L_(HCN)=L_(CO), a measure of the dense gas fraction in galaxies, is a powerful selector of OH megamasers for galaxies with high infrared luminosity. In early-type galaxies, which have much lower infrared luminosities, L_(HCN)=L_(CO) is also a promising tool for discovering OH, but in absorption rather than in maser emission. In addition to dense molecular gas, a radio continuum source and a favorable line-of-sight to the observer are likely key factors in detecting OH absorbers.
Modeling the effects of myocardiac fiber architecture and material properties on the left ventricle mechanics during rapid filling phase

The objective of this research is to study the effects of myofiber volume fraction and fiber orientation on the deformation mechanics of left ventricular (LV) during diastole. The human LV was simulated by three-dimensional finite element (3D-FE) model. The LV geometrical model was represented as a thick-walled ellipsoid truncated at two thirds of major axis. 3D Fiber network, with parallel myofiber bundles to reproduce the globally anisotropic behavior of cardiac tissue, were embedded within the LV model. The LV wall thickness in the reference unstressed state (at hypothetical zero pressure applied inside the LV internal cavity) is divided into n different concentric thin layers (n = 3, 5, 7 and 9 layers). The presence of blood (incompressible fluid) inside the LV cavity was also simulated. Fourschememodelsoffiberangledefinition(onesymmetric, twoasymmetricand onecomplex pattern)wereusedthroughout this study. Complex pattern of fiber-structures are derived from diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) data. Simulation results have shown that the proposed FE model was able to reproduce experimental ventricular volume during the rapid filling phase and that the complex fiber orientations are in good agreement with the measurements.
Modeling and Characterization of the on-Resistance in 4H-SiC Power BJTs

The on-resistance of silicon carbide bipolar transistors is characterized and simulated. Output characteristics are compared at different base currents and different temperatures in order to validate the physical model parameters. A good agreement is obtained, and the key factors, which limit the improvement of RON, are identified. Surface recombination and material quality play an important role in improving device performances, but the device design is also crucial. Based on simulation results, a design that can enhance the conductivity modulation in the lowly doped drift region is proposed. By increasing the base doping in the extrinsic region, it is possible to meet the requirements of having low voltage drop, high current density, and satisfactory forced current gain. According to simulation results, if the doping is 5 ×1018 cm-3, it is possible to conduct 200 A/cm2 at VCE = 1 V by having a forced current gain of about 8, which represents a large improvement, compared with the simulated value of only one in the standard design.
Frequency of Aneuploidy Related to Age in Porcine Oocytes

It is generally accepted that mammalian oocytes are frequently suffering from chromosome segregation errors during meiosis I, which have severe consequences, including pregnancy loss, developmental disorders and mental retardation. In a search for physiologically more relevant model than rodent oocytes to study this phenomenon, we have employed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), combined with whole genome amplification (WGA), to study the frequency of aneuploidy in porcine oocytes, including rare cells obtained from aged animals. Using this method, we were able to analyze segregation pattern of each individual chromosome during meiosis I. In contrast to the previous reports where conventional methods, such as chromosome spreads or FISH, were used to estimate frequency of aneuploidy, our results presented here show, that the frequency of this phenomenon was overestimated in porcine oocytes. Surprisingly, despite the results from human and mouse showing an increase in the frequency of aneuploidy with advanced maternal age, our results obtained by the most accurate method currently available for scoring the aneuploidy in oocytes indicated no increase in the frequency of aneuploidy even in oocytes from animals, whose age was close to the life expectancy of the breed.
Can assignment tests measure dispersal?

Individual‐based assignment tests are now standard tools in molecular ecology and have several applications, including the study of dispersal. The measurement of natal dispersal is vital to understanding the ecology of many species, yet the accuracy of assignment tests in situations where natal dispersal is common remains untested in the field. We studied a metapopulation of the grand skink, Oligosoma grande, a large territorial lizard from southern New Zealand. Skink populations occur on isolated, regularly spaced rock outcrops and are characterized by frequent interpopulation dispersal. We examined the accuracy of assignment tests at four replicate sites by comparing long‐term mark‐and‐recapture records of natal dispersal with the results of assignment tests based on microsatellite DNA data. Assignment tests correctly identified the natal population of most individuals (65–100%, depending on the method of assignment), even when interpopulation dispersal was common (5–20% dispersers). They also provided similar estimates of the proportions of skinks dispersing to those estimated by the long‐term mark‐and‐recapture data. Fully and partially Bayesian assignment methods were equally accurate but their accuracy depended on the stringency applied, the degree of genetic differentiation between populations, and the number of loci used. In addition, when assignments required high confidence, the method of assignment (fully or partially Bayesian) had a large bearing on the number of individuals that could be assigned. Because assignment tests require significantly less fieldwork than traditional mark‐and‐recapture approaches (in this study < 3 months vs. > 7 years), they will provide useful dispersal data in many applied and theoretical situations.
The Effect of Dramatic Play on Children's Graphic Representation of Emotion

Drawing is valued as a non-verbal assessment tool to measure children’s conceptual development and emotional state. Drawing has also been described as a problem-solving activity and unique symbol system. Although drama has been known to facilitate learning in other symbol systems, such as reading and writing, and to bring about advances in perspective taking and understanding of emotion, its impact on drawing has not been previously examined. In this study Kindergarten and first grade children were instructed to draw a happy tree, sad tree, and angry tree before and after a 10-hour drama intervention. Half of the children participated in the intervention while the remaining children were members of a control group who participated in the regular school program. Consistent with expectations, children who participated in the drama program showed significantly greater improvement from pretest to posttest in drawing emotion compared to control children. Their drawings improved more in clearly depicting the emotion they were instructed to convey and in the use of higher level drawing strategies. The results suggest that experience in emotional perspective taking of drama may generalize to the domain of drawing and enhance expression. The Effect of Dramatic Play on Children’s Graphic Representation of Emotion by L. A. Kapsch A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia 2006 Copyright by L.A. Kapsch 2006
Sudden unexpected death in heart failure may be preceded by short term, intraindividual increases in inflammation and in autonomic dysfunction: a pilot study

Objective: To see whether sudden unexpected death in chronic heart failure is preceded by intraindividual worsening in inflammation and in ECG criteria. Design and setting: Prospective cohort study conducted in the community. Patients: 34 patients with chronic heart failure were studied. Their mean (SD) age was 68 (8) years, 29 were men, mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 29 (9)%, and they were in New York Heart Association functional class II (n = 20), III (n = 11), and IV (n = 3). The patients were examined monthly over 24 months, with sequential measurement of C reactive protein and neutrophil counts and 24 hour ambulatory ECG monitoring measuring heart rate variability, mean heart rate, and arrhythmias. Intraindividual changes in these parameters were related to subsequent cardiac deaths. Results: During follow up, nine patients died: five patients had a sudden unexpected death (SUD) and four died of progressive heart failure (PHF). There were significant intraindividual changes in neutrophil counts (p = 0.02), C reactive protein (p = 0.039), and heart rate variability (p ⩽ 0.018) in those who died of SUD and PHF. In contrast no significant changes were seen in ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia episodes, brain natriuretic peptide, or aldosterone in the SUD group, but all of these parameters did increase as expected in those who died of PHF. Conclusions: This is preliminary evidence that SUD may be preceded by intraindividual increases in both inflammation and autonomic dysfunction. Both may be causal in genesis but, even if they are not, intraindividual increases in either may be convenient markers to identify patients at high risk of impending SUD. Larger studies are needed to confirm the observation from this pilot study.
An Analysis of Events in Online Game Industry and Stock Price Reactions

The online game industry is an emerging entertainment software industry. It is successful and fast growing. Prior studies have identified characteristics of this industry that are distinctive from traditional entertainment industries. Currently one of the most important business challenges this industry faces is securing investments for development or evaluation of development projects. An online game development project requires large-scale investments during production and initial marketing stage. The reason for this challenge lies in difficulties in forecasting future market success of online games. Hence, capital market is desperately seeking good signals of quality of projects. We maintain that stock price reaction is one of signals generated by market evaluation. We analyze the relationship between events that occurred in the development process, such as the game content rating information or public announcements, and stock market prices of the online game companies. We examine the information of 10 online game companies that are listed on Korean stock markets between the periods of 2002 to 2009. In this study we adopt event study methodology, which is widely used in finance and MIS literature. Our results show positive and significant correlation between the game rating events and stock price reaction. We show the existence of direct network externalities, positive stock price reaction of casual games, and companies that have development organizations or adopt vertical integration model are preferred in the market. Finally we suggest implications that may improve the value of the online game industry.
Methotrexate related adverse effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are associated with the A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene

Background: There is an association between C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and methotrexate related toxicity. Objective: To examine the relations between the recently described A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene, plasma homocysteine, methotrexate toxicity, and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Design: A cross sectional study on 93 methotrexate treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis, comprising a clinical interview and physical examination to determine disease activity and methotrexate related adverse reactions. Genotype analysis of the MTHFR gene was carried out and fasting plasma homocysteine and serum folate concentrations were measured. The data were analysed using univariate analysis. Allele and genotype distributions were compared with those of a healthy control group. Results: The frequency of the 1298CC genotype (24.7%) in the rheumatoid study group was greater than expected in the general population (12.8%, p<0.001). This genotype was associated with a significantly low rate of methotrexate related side effects. The odds ratio for side effects in patients with wild type 1298AA genotype v 1298CC genotype was 5.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 20). No correlation of disease activity variables or plasma homocysteine with MTHFR A1298C and C677T polymorphisms was observed. Conclusions: 1298CC polymorphism was more common in methotrexate treated rheumatoid patients than expected in the population, and was associated with a reduction in methotrexate related adverse effects. The A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene may indicate a need to adjust the dose of methotrexate given to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Rethinking Computer Architectures and Software Systems for Phase-Change Memory

With dramatic growth of data and rapid enhancement of computing powers, data accesses become the bottleneck restricting overall performance of a computer system. Emerging phase-change memory (PCM) is byte-addressable like DRAM, persistent like hard disks and Flash SSD, and about four orders of magnitude faster than hard disks or Flash SSDs for typical file system I/Os. The maturity of PCM from research to production provides a new opportunity for improving the I/O performance of a system. However, PCM also has some weaknesses, for example, long write latency, limited write endurance, and high active energy. Existing processor cache systems, main memory systems, and online storage systems are unable to leverage the advantages of PCM, and/or to mitigate PCM’s drawbacks. The reason behind this incompetence is that they are designed and optimized for SRAM, DRAM memory, and hard drives, respectively, instead of PCM memory. There have been some efforts concentrating on rethinking computer architectures and software systems for PCM. This article presents a detailed survey and review of the areas of computer architecture and software systems that are oriented to PCM devices. First, we identify key technical challenges that need to be addressed before this memory technology can be leveraged, in the form of processor cache, main memory, and online storage, to build high-performance computer systems. Second, we examine various designs of computer architectures and software systems that are PCM aware. Finally, we obtain several helpful observations and propose a few suggestions on how to leverage PCM to optimize the performance of a computer system.
A data-reduction process for long-term EEGs. Feature extraction through digital processing in a multiresolution framework

Describes a contribution to a data-reduction process to be used with long-term EEGs. Since typical long-term EECs recorded from depth electrodes are extended over several days, while epilepsy may be characterized by occasional transients, data reduction is an important consideration for the electroencephalographer. The electroencephalographer detects epileptic activity by visual inspection of the EEG, which is a time-consuming procedure for records that are days long. The result obtained with the authors' proposed algorithm is the selection of segments of EEG where a transient is detected; then these segments are reviewed by an expert. The authors' primary objective is to minimize the visual inspection process, presenting to the clinician only selected segments of the EEG. Throughout this article, no distinction is made among the wide variety of epileptiform transients. The only objective of the algorithm is to separate background activity from epileptiform activity.