Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The expected abundance of Lyman-α emitting primeval galaxies I. General model predictions

We present model calculations for the expected surface density of Ly-α emitting primeval galaxies (PGs) at high redshifts. We assume that elliptical galaxies and bulges of spiral galaxies (=spheroids) formed early in the universe and that the Ly-α emitting PGs are these spheroids during their first burst of star formation at high redshift. One of the main assumptions of the models is that the Ly-α bright phase of this first starburst in the spheroids is confined to a short period after its onset due to rapid formation of dust. The models do not only explain the failure of early surveys for Ly-α emitting PGs but are also consistent with the limits of new surveys (e.g. the Calar Alto Deep Imaging Survey - CADIS). At faint detection limits S lim ≤ 10 −20 Wm −2 the surface density of Ly-α emitters is expected to vary only weakly in the redshift range between z = 3a nd z = 6 with values >10 3 /deg 2 /∆z = 0.1 reaching its maximum at z0 ≈ 4. At shallower detection limits, S lim ≥ 3 × 10 −20 Wm −2 the surface density of high-z Ly-α emitters is expected to be a steep function of redshift and detection limit. This explains the low success in finding bright Ly-α galaxies at z > 5. We demonstrate how the observed surface densities of Ly-α emitting PGs derived from recent surveys constrain the parameters of our models. Finally, we discuss the possibility that two Ly-α bright phases occur in the formation process of galaxies: An initial - primeval - phase in which dust is virtually non-existant, and a later secondary phase in which strong galactic winds as observed in some Lyman break galaxies facilitate the escape of Ly-α photons after dust has already been formed.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure: a topic-based approach

In this study, we investigate the potential differences in topic-specific corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure between companies located in liberal market economies (LMEs) and coordinated market economies (CMEs). We also examine the potential convergence of the reporting practices that characterise these two economies over time. We analyse a sample of 5,939 CSR reports issued by European and U.S. firms over 2008–2019. We use textual analysis to examine how explicitly such reports address specific CSR topics. Following Matten and Moon (2008), we focus on three thematic areas: ‘human resources’, ‘environmental protection’, and ‘society at large’. Each area comprises three distinct topics. Our results show that companies operating in LMEs report more explicitly on these thematic areas, with one exception: those operating in CMEs report more explicitly on parental policies. Additionally, the reporting practices of companies operating in these two types of economies converge for most of the topics under study. For the disclosure of parental leave policies, biodiversity, and waste, no distinct trend is observable.
Paying for Express Checkout: Competition and Price Discrimination in Multi-Server Queuing Systems

We model competition between two firms selling identical goods to customers who arrive in the market stochastically. Shoppers choose where to purchase based upon both price and the time cost associated with waiting for service. One seller provides two separate queues, each with its own server, while the other seller has a single queue and server. We explore the market impact of the multi-server seller engaging in waiting cost-based-price discrimination by charging a premium for express checkout. Specifically, we analyze this situation computationally and through the use of controlled laboratory experiments. We find that this form of price discrimination is harmful to sellers and beneficial to consumers. When the two-queue seller offers express checkout for impatient customers, the single queue seller focuses on the patient shoppers thereby driving down prices and profits while increasing consumer surplus.
Comparison of Fine Motor Skills in Patients With Chronic Stroke in Final Stages of Bronestrum and Healthy Adults

Background: One of the main problems of chronic stroke patients is the inability to move the fingers separately despite the passing of an extended period of time since the onset of the disease. Dexterity is a fine motor skill that allows one to manipulate objects through voluntary movement. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the fine motor skills of patients with chronic stroke to those of healthy controls. Patients and Methods: This analytic and descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out randomly on 50 patients with chronic stroke with a mean age of 57.8 years suffering for 46 - 72 months and on 50 healthy people with a mean age of 51.16 years. Patients did not receive any intervention before or after one week of assessment. The function of both hands of each patient was measured with the nineholepegtest (NHPT) and the box and block test (BBT). Results: The results showed that the mean variation of speed in the BBT test (standard deviation [SD]) in the left hands of the patients (recessive limb) was 57.8 (12.75), greater than in their right hand (dominant limb) (54.76 [8.67]). The rate of speed in healthy people’s right hands was 68.58 (8.31), greater than in their left hands (63.5 [8.54]). In addition, the results of the NHPT showed that the stroke patients needed more time to manipulate the objects than the healthy ones. For the NHPT, the mean (SD) of the right hand (dominant limb) patients (4.89) and healthy controls 36.7 (14.5) 21.98, mean (SD) of the left hand (dominant limb) patients (4.45) and 30.4 in healthy subjects (4.09) 24.18 respectively. Independent T-test showed P < 0.05 in all the results obtained, respectively. Conclusions: The results showed that the dexterity fingers of patients suffering from stroke at the final stages of Bronestrum is much closer to the dexterity of healthy controls.
Do Bank Failures Affect Real Economic Activity? State-Level Evidence from the Pre-Depression Era

This paper provides empirical evidence documenting the existence of a credit channel during the pre-Depression era using a newly constructed, state-level quarterly time series from 1900Q1 through 1931Q2 for the 48 contiguous states. It also investigates the source and size of the credit channel, and it examines the dynamic effects of bank failures on business failures. Granger-causality tests find evidence that bank failures cause commercial failures at the aggregate U.S. level and over half of the 48 states. The cross-sectional variation allows us to test two explanations of the credit channel discussed in the literature: (i) a reduction in consumption spending from the slow liquidation of failed-bank deposits, and (ii) a decrease in investment spending from a disruption of credit to bank-dependent firms. Our results support both theories, but the evidence in favor of the first is stronger statistically. Branch banking restrictions, state-sponsored deposit insurance, and differences in the agricultural-manufacturing share of commerce do not affect the empirical importance of an independent credit channel. Using aggregate U.S. level data, our structural model indicates that bank failures account for about 25% of commercial failures, and that bank failures have only minor subsequent effects within the banking sector.
Valuing recreational benefits of environmental amenity based on contingent valuation method: A case study of Jiuzhaigou

Contingent valuation method (CVM) is an evaluation technique for environmental amenity on the basis of attitude and preference. This paper employs CVM to value the recreational benefits of environmental amenity of Jiuzhaigou, one of the World Natural Heritage sites in China. The results show that: In 2009, Jiuzhaigou's recreational benefits is 346 million RMB, and the per capita value is 137.31 RMB; Among the factors that influence Jiuzhaigou tourists' Willingness to Pay(WTP), psychological perception factors take the greatest effect while demographics and Socio-Economic Characteristics have little correlation with WTP; Although there are varies biases in CVM measurement, it is still an effective valuation method.
Energetic considerations on the effects of inelastic stiffness on nonlinear seismic response

In this paper, the effects of post-yielding stiffness on the response of non-linear structural systems subject to seismic actions are investigated. For this purpose, two hysteretic models are analyzed and then compared. The first is a bilinear plastic model, representing structures that exhibit strain hardening characteristics. The second is the elastic-perfectly-plastic model, that, even if does not simulate post-elastic stiffness effects, is widely used in design codes to predict conservative structural response. For these models, a parametrical study is carried out to assess the influence of post-yielding stiffness ratio on some non-linear response quantities, such as the response modification factors, the ductility demand and the damage index. The analysis is developed on a SDOF system subject to El Centro earthquake confirm the presence of a postyielding stiffness sensitive region of vibration period, and demonstrates that the elastic-plastic constitutive law is excessively conservative to evaluate structural deformations. The study suggests an understanding of the results also from an energetic point of view, considering the energy dissipated by systems under investigation. Key-Words: Post-yield stiffness ratio, Inelastic Displacement Ratio, Strength Reduction Factor, Dissipated energy, Damage Functional
Paternal expression of WT1 in human fibroblasts and lymphocytes.

The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene ( WT1 ) was previously identified as being imprinted, with frequent maternal expression in human placentae and fetal brains. We examined the allele-specific expression of WT1 in cultured human fibroblasts from 15 individuals. Seven of 15 fibroblast lines were heterozygous for polymorphic alleles, and the expression patterns were variable, i.e., equal, unequal or monoallelic paternal expression in three, two and two cases, respectively. Exclusive paternal expression of WT1 was also shown in non-cultured peripheral lymphocytes from the latter two individuals. The allele-specific expression profiles of other imprinted genes, IGF2 and H19, on human chromosome 11 were constant and consistent with those in other tissues. Our unexpected observations of paternal or biallelic expression of WT1 in fibroblasts and lymphocytes, together with the previous findings of maternal or biallelic expression in placentae and brains, suggest that the allele-specific regulatory system of WT1 is unique and may be controlled by a putative tissue- and individual-specific modifier.
Query Adaptive Instance Search using Object Sketches

Sketch-based object search is a challenging problem mainly due to two difficulties: (1) how to match the binary sketch query with the colorful image, and (2) how to locate the small object in a big image with the sketch query. To address the above challenges, we propose to leverage object proposals for object search and localization. However, instead of purely relying on sketch features, e.g., Sketch-a-Net, to locate the candidate object proposals, we propose to fully utilize the appearance information to resolve the ambiguities among object proposals and refine the search results. Our proposed query adaptive search is formulated as a sub-graph selection problem, which can be solved by maximum flow algorithm. By performing query expansion using a smaller set of more salient matches as the query representatives, it can accurately locate the small target objects in cluttered background or densely drawn deformation intensive cartoon (Manga like) images. Our query adaptive sketch based object search on benchmark datasets exhibits superior performance when compared with existing methods, which validates the advantages of utilizing both the shape and appearance features for sketch-based search.
Directional Metropolis-Hastings algorithms on hyperplanes.

In this paper we define and study new directional Metropolis–Hastings algorithms that propose states in hyperplanes. Each iteration in directional Metropolis–Hastings algorithms consist of three steps. First a direction is sampled by an auxiliary variable. Then a potential new state is proposed in the subspace defined by this direction and the current state. Lastly, the potential new state is accepted or rejected according to the Metropolis–Hastings acceptance probability. Traditional directional Metropolis–Hastings algorithms define the direction by one vector and so the corresponding subspace in which the potential new state is sampled is a line. In this paper we let the direction be defined by two or more vectors and so the corresponding subspace becomes a hyperplane. We compare the performance of directional Metropolis–Hastings algorithms defined on hyperplanes with other frequently used Metropolis–Hastings schemes. The experience is that hyperplane algorithms on average produce larger jumps in the sample space and thereby have better mixing properties per iteration. However, with our implementations the hyperplane algorithms is more computation intensive per iteration and so the simpler algorithms in most cases are better when run for the same amount of computer time. An interesting area for future research is therefore to find variants of our directional Metropolis–Hastings algorithms that require less computation time per iteration.
MEDIAN ESTIMATION IN SAMPLE SURVEYS

In a recent paper Maritz and Jarrett (1978) proposed a small-sample estimate of the variance of sample medians from continuous population. In this paper their methods are adapted to median estimation in s~atified sampling without replacement from finite populations. A weighted sample median for estimating the median of heavy-tailed or skewed populations is proposed. Its asymptotic normal distribution is derived, and optimal allocation is discussed. A systematic statistic based on the ordered observations in the complete sample, for the estimation of the variance of the weighted median is proposed. This variance estimate is shown to be a consistent estimate of the weighted median asymptotic variance. Initial simulation results suggest a trimmed version of this estimate to be an efficient and computationally feasible alternative. Some results are also obtained for stratified sampling of clusters. The weighted median, based on the pooled clusters in each atratum, is shown to be a consistent and asymptotically normal estimate of the population median. A "Bookstrap" estimate of the variance of this estimate is proposed.
High-Level Intuitive Features (HLIFs) for Intuitive Skin Lesion Description

A set of high-level intuitive features (HLIFs) is proposed to quantitatively describe melanoma in standard camera images. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. With rising incidence rates and subjectivity in current clinical detection methods, there is a need for melanoma decision support systems. Feature extraction is a critical step in melanoma decision support systems. Existing feature sets for analyzing standard camera images are comprised of low-level features, which exist in high-dimensional feature spaces and limit the system's ability to convey intuitive diagnostic rationale. The proposed HLIFs were designed to model the ABCD criteria commonly used by dermatologists such that each HLIF represents a human-observable characteristic. As such, intuitive diagnostic rationale can be conveyed to the user. Experimental results show that concatenating the proposed HLIFs with a full low-level feature set increased classification accuracy, and that HLIFs were able to separate the data better than low-level features with statistical significance. An example of a graphical interface for providing intuitive rationale is given.
New techniques for untestable fault identification in sequential circuits

This paper presents two low-cost fault-independent techniques that can be used to identify significantly more untestable faults than could be identified by earlier fault-independent techniques. A new theorem and an efficient implementation of the theorem for the purpose of identifying sequentially untestable faults are presented first. Unlike the single-fault theorem where the stuck-at fault is injected exclusively in the last time frame of the k-frame unrolled circuit, this theorem enables a fault injection in any time frame within the unrolled sequential circuit. To efficiently apply the authors' concept to untestable fault identification, sequential implications are used to extend the unobservability propagation of gates to multiple time frames during single-line conflict analysis. Then, a new technique called "maximizing local impossibilities" is proposed. This technique efficiently identifies multiple-node conflicting assignments by analyzing logical relationships local to Boolean gates in the circuit. Using this new concept in conjunction with a powerful implication engine enables identification of many more untestable faults that were missed by the single-line conflict-based approach. Since this approach concentrates on identifying conflicting combinations locally around each Boolean gate in the circuit, its complexity is linear in the size of the circuit. The application of these two proposed techniques to the International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS) 1985 and ISCAS 1989 Sequential Benchmark Circuits showed a significant increase in the number of faults identified as untestable, at practically no overhead in both the memory and the execution time
Long-Term Effects of Safinamide on Dyskinesia in Mid- to Late-Stage Parkinson’s Disease: A Post-Hoc Analysis

Abstract Background: Safinamide is a novel α-aminoamide with dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic properties developed as adjunctive therapy for patients with PD. Results from a 24-month double-blind controlled study suggested that as add-on to levodopa (and other PD medications) the benefits of safinamide on dyskinesia may be related to severity of dyskinesia at baseline. Objective: This post-hoc analysis further characterized the effects of safinamide on dyskinesia in mid- to late-stage PD patients. Methods: Patients were stratified by the presence or absence of dyskinesia at baseline, and by whether or not the dose of levodopa had been changed during the 24-month treatment period. Differences between safinamide and placebo were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: For the overall treated population (with or without baseline dyskinesia), safinamide 100 mg/day significantly improved the dyskinesia rating scale score, compared with placebo, in the subgroup of patients with no change in levodopa dose (p = 0.0488). For patients with baseline dyskinesia, improvements over placebo were also significant (p = 0.0153) in patients with or without changes in levodopa dose, and nearly significant (p = 0.0546) in patients with no change in levodopa dose, suggesting that these improvements were not due to levodopa dose reductions. Conclusions: While no statistically significant difference in mean DRS scores was seen between safinamide and placebo in the original study population, the present post-hoc analysis helps to provide a meaningful interpretation of the long-term effects of safinamide on dyskinesia. These results may be related to safinamide state- and use-dependent inhibition of sodium channels and stimulated glutamate release, and are unlikely due to reduced dopaminergic stimulation.
The Cost-Effectiveness of NBPTS Teacher Certification

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) program suggests that Board certification is less cost-effective than a range of alternative approaches for raising student achievement, including comprehensive school reform, class size reduction, a 10% increase in per pupil expenditure, the use of value-added statistical methods to identify effective teachers, and the implementation of systems where student performance in math and reading is rapidly assessed 2—5 times per week. The most cost-effective approach, rapid assessment, is three magnitudes as cost-effective as Board certification.
Eye-Movement Signatures of Abstract Mental Tasks

Brain regions with visual-spatial characteristics are known to be recruited in mental tasks featuring algorithmic information processing with symbolic concepts. Yet, exactly how they contribute to such processing remains an open question. Here we propose a framework for manipulation of items in memory, which relies on registering memory items in a spatiallyorganized short-term memory store. Switching executive attention to memory items that need processing may then be embodied through shifting spatial attention towards those registry locations. We studied gaze shifts during memory tasks as a proxy for shifts in spatial attention. Analysis of gaze shifts during sorting semi-random sequences of five decimal digits indicates that sorting in memory elicits gaze shifts that correlate with sorting procedure. Our proposal establishes a functional relationship between those general-purpose production mechanisms that support algorithmic memory tasks with amodal symbolic information and modal systems for perception and action.
Diagnosis of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies in Animals: A Review

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in animals include, among others, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie, chronic wasting disease, and atypical forms of prion diseases. Diagnosis of TSEs is based on identification of characteristic lesions or on detection of the abnormal prion proteins in tissues, often by use of their partial proteinase K resistance property. Correctly sampling of target tissues is of utmost importance as this has a considerable effect on test sensitivity. Most of the rapid or screening tests are based on ELISA or Western immunoblot (WB) analysis, and many are officially approved. Confirmatory testing is normally performed by use of histologic examination, immunohistochemical analysis, certain WB protocols, or detection of prion fibrils by use of electron microscopy (scrapie-associated fibril). The discriminatory methods for diagnostic use are mostly based on WB technology and provide initial identification of the prion strain, particularly for differentiation of BSE from scrapie in small ruminants. Definitive prion strain characterization is performed by use of bioassays, usually in mice. A burgeoning number of transgenic mice have been developed for TSE studies. Development of new tests with higher sensitivity and of more reliable diagnostic applications for live animals tested for food safety reasons is a rapidly developing field. Ultimately, the choice of a test for TSE diagnosis depends on the rationale for the testing.