Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selective Impairment of the Cerebellar C1 Module Involved in Rat Hind Limb Control Reduces Step-Dependent Modulation of Cutaneous Reflexes

The cerebellum is divided into multiple parasagittally organized modules, which are thought to represent functional entities. How individual modules participate in cerebellar control of complex movements such as locomotion remains largely unknown. To a large extent, this is caused by the inability to study the contribution of individual modules during locomotion. Because of the architecture of modules, based on narrow, elongated cortical strips that may be discontinuous in the rostrocaudal direction, lesion of a complete module, without affecting neighboring modules, has not been possible. Here, we report on a new method for inducing a selective dysfunction of spatially separated parts of a single module using a small cortical injection of a retrogradely transported neurotoxin, cholera toxin b-subunit-saporin. We show that such a local injection into the C1 module results in climbing fiber and partial mossy fiber deafferentation of functionally related areas of this module, thereby resulting in a severe impairment of the whole module without affecting neighboring modules. A subsequent functional analysis indicates that such an impairment of the hindlimb part of the C1 module did not have a significant impact on skilled walking or overall stepping pattern. However, the modulation of cutaneously induced reflexes during stepping was severely diminished. We propose that the C1 module is specifically involved in the adaptive control of reflexes.
Impact of Political Event on Trading volume and Stock Returns: The Case of KSE

This paper examines the relationship between aggregate stock market trading volume and of daily stock returns during 18 Feb 200818 Feb 2009, on KSE 100 index, in order to evaluate the impact of noninformational trade due to events. The time horizon of the study is time series analysis with a setting of field study. We employ Phillips Perron unit root test to investigate the relationship between trading volume and stock returns. It indicates that stock returns moved too much due to change in the fundamentals, aggregate expected returns. The same results found in the pre and the post-resignation period of Ex President Pervez Musharaf. Political events affect the stock price due to which the trading volume and stock return fluctuate positively or negatively as per the intensity of the event.
Weakly Informative Prior for Point Estimation of Covariance Matrices in Hierarchical Models

When fitting hierarchical regression models, maximum likelihood (ML) estimation has computational (and, for some users, philosophical) advantages compared to full Bayesian inference, but when the number of groups is small, estimates of the covariance matrix (Σ) of group-level varying coefficients are often degenerate. One can do better, even from a purely point estimation perspective, by using a prior distribution or penalty function. In this article, we use Bayes modal estimation to obtain positive definite covariance matrix estimates. We recommend a class of Wishart (not inverse-Wishart) priors for Σ with a default choice of hyperparameters, that is, the degrees of freedom are set equal to the number of varying coefficients plus 2, and the scale matrix is the identity matrix multiplied by a value that is large relative to the scale of the problem. This prior is equivalent to independent gamma priors for the eigenvalues of Σ with shape parameter 1.5 and rate parameter close to 0. It is also equivalent to independent gamma priors for the variances with the same hyperparameters multiplied by a function of the correlation coefficients. With this default prior, the posterior mode for Σ is always strictly positive definite. Furthermore, the resulting uncertainty for the fixed coefficients is less underestimated than under classical ML or restricted maximum likelihood estimation. We also suggest an extension of our method that can be used when stronger prior information is available for some of the variances or correlations.
Asthma and risk of breakthrough varicella infection in children.

BACKGROUND We recently reported a more rapid waning of vaccine-induced humoral immunity (measles vaccine) in children with asthma. It is unknown if asthma affects susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases. OBJECTIVE To determine whether asthma is associated with an increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease, e.g., breakthrough varicella infection. METHODS This was a retrospective population-based case-control study that examined cases of breakthrough varicella among children between 2005 and 2011. Children with a diagnosis of breakthrough varicella infection in Olmsted County, Minnesota (infection of >42 days after vaccination) between 2005 and 2011 and two age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled for each case. Asthma status was determined by using predetermined criteria. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate matched odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Of the 165 cases and their 330 matched controls, 48% were boys and the mean (standard deviation) age at the index date was 6.6 ± 3.5 years for both cases and controls. Of the 330 controls, 80 (24%) had two doses of the varicella vaccine compared with only 23 (14%) of the 165 cases (OR 0.29 [95% CI, 0.14-0.61]; p = 0.001). Children with a history of asthma ever had a higher risk of developing breakthrough varicella compared with those without a history of asthma (adjusted OR 1.63 [95% CI, 1.04-2.55]; p = 0.032) when adjusting for elapsed time since the first varicella vaccination and the number of varicella vaccine doses. CONCLUSIONS A history of asthma might be an unrecognized risk factor for breakthrough varicella infection. Children with asthma should follow the two-dose varicella vaccine policy.
Managerial Value Diversion and Shareholder Wealth

The agents to whom shareholders delegate the management of corporate affairs may transfer value from shareholders to themselves through a variety of mechanisms, such as self-dealing, insider trading, and taking of corporate opportunities. A common view in the law and economics literature is that such value diversion does not ultimately produce a reduction in shareholder wealth, since value diversion simply substitutes for alternative forms of compensation that would otherwise be paid to managers. We question this view within its own analytical framework by studying, in a principal-agent model, the effects of allowing value diversion on managerial compensation and effort. We suggest that the standard law and economics view of value diversion overlooks a significant cost of such behavior. Many common modes of compensation can provide managers with incentives to enhance shareholder value; replacing such compensation would reduce these incentives. As a result, even if the consequences of a rule permitting value diversion can be fully taken into account in settling managerial compensation, such a rule might still produce a reduction in shareholder wealth -- and would not do so only if value diversion would have some countervailing positive effects (a possibility which our model considers) that are sufficiently significant in size.
Temperature drift compensation technique for a hybrid LTCC oscillator at 20GHz

A temperature drift compensation method for a K-band LTCC hybrid voltage-controlled oscillator is presented. After an initial review of the vertically integrated resonator structure, an extracted temperature drift profile of the ceramic substrate is utilized to estimate the temperature dependence of the oscillation frequency of the entire circuit. Adding a low sensitivity tuning structure combined with a low complexity thermistor-network, the temperature shift can be significantly reduced from ±50MHz to about ±5MHz in an interval of 50K, entirely compensating the drift at around room temperature. Finally, the impact of the additional tuning structure on the phase noise performance is analyzed.
Attribution of Atmospheric Variations in the 1997–2003 Period to SST Anomalies in the Pacific and Indian Ocean Basins

Abstract The individual impacts of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the deep tropical eastern–central Pacific (DTEP) and Indo-western–central Pacific (IWP) on the evolution of the observed global atmospheric circulation during the 1997–2003 period have been investigated using a new general circulation model. Ensemble integrations were conducted with monthly varying SST conditions being prescribed separately in the DTEP sector, the IWP sector, and throughout the World Ocean. During the 1998–2002 subperiod, when prolonged La Nina conditions occurred in DTEP and the SST in IWP was above normal, the simulated midlatitude atmospheric responses to SST forcing in the DTEP and IWP sectors reinforced each other. The anomalous geopotential height ridges at 200 mb in the extratropics of both hemispheres exhibited a distinct zonal symmetry. This circulation change was accompanied by extensive dry and warm anomalies in many regions, including North America. During the 1997–98 and 2002–03 El Nino events, the .
Representation and management of spatiotemporal data in object-relational databases

This paper deals with the design and implementation of a data model and operations for dealing with continuously changing spatial data in object-relational DBMS. The data model relies on abstract data types but we introduce modifications to the internal structure of the spatiotemporal data representations proposed in the literature, to reduce storage requirements and to enable the reutilization of data during the execution of the queries. We show how to implement spatiotemporal operations relying on the spatial functions released by the underlying DBMS and how to use the alternative data representations to reduce the volume of temporary data created in the evaluation of spatiotemporal operations. We also discuss on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solutions.
Analysis of Time Delays in the Gravitational Lens PG 1115+080

We present a new method for determining time delays among the light curves of various images in a gravitational lens. The method is based on constructing a simple model for the source variation and forming a χ2 measure of the agreement of this same variation with all of the light curves. While inspired by Press, Rybicki, & Hewitt, our approach is different since we do not assume a Gaussian process for the source variation. Our method has a number of desirable properties: first, it yields an approximate reconstruction of the source variation and of other parameters such as relative time delays; second, it easily incorporates different assumptions about the relations among the light curves and about the data measurement errors; finally, it can be applied to more than two light curves by the addition of χ2. We apply this method to the light curves of the quadruple gravitational lens PG 1115+080 measured by Schechter et al. Unlike Schechter et al., we include correlated measurement errors in the analysis, as well as the possibility that microlensing may cause different images to vary by different factors in flux. We find a value of 25.0+ 3.3−3.8 days (95% confidence) for the delay between components B and C (close to the 24-day value of Schechter et al., and so leading to a similar value of the Hubble constant for a given lens model). However, the ratio tAC/tBA of the two intermediate delays is poorly determined at 1.13+ 0.18−0.17 (68% confidence), close to the value predicted by the lens models (~1.4), unlike the Schechter et al. value (~0.7). The variation ratios of C with respect to A and of A with respect to B are both different from 1, 1.39+ 0.16−0.20, and 0.79+ 0.10−0.12 (95% confidence), respectively. This is an indication of a microlensing gradient, and this type of microlensing may allow us to conclude that the size of the quasar optical emission region is about 1000 AU.
Long-Run Implications of Investment-Specific Technological Change

The role that investment-specific technological change played in generating postwar U.S. growth is investigated here. The premise is that the introduction of new, more efficient capital goods is an important source of productivity change and an attempt is made to disentangle its effects from the more traditional Hicks-neutral form of technological progress. The balanced growth path for the model is characterized and calibrated to U.S. National Income and Product Account data. The quantitative analysis suggests that investment-specific technological change accounts for the major part of growth. Copyright 1997 by American Economic Association.
Effect of interpregnancy interval on risk of spontaneous preterm birth in Emirati women, United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether a short interpregnancy interval is a risk factor for preterm birth in Emirati women, where there is a wide range of interpregnancy intervals and uniformity in potentially confounding factors. METHODS A case-control design based on medical records was used. A case was defined as a healthy multiparous Emirati woman delivering a healthy singleton spontaneously before 37 weeks of gestation between 1997 and 2000, and a control was defined as the next eligible similar woman delivering after 37 weeks of gestation. Women were excluded if there was no information available about their most recent previous pregnancy or if it had resulted in a multiple or preterm birth. Data collected from charts and delivery room records were analysed using the STATA statistical package. All variables found to be valid, stable and significant by univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis. FINDINGS There were 128 cases who met the eligibility criteria; 128 controls were selected. Short interpregnancy intervals were significantly associated with case status (P<0.05). The multivariate adjusted odds ratios for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quartiles of interpregnancy interval compared with the lowest-risk 3rd quartile were 8.2, 5.4, and 2.0 (95% confidence intervals: 3.5-19.2, 2.4-12.6, and 0.9- 4.5 respectively). CONCLUSION A short interpregnancy interval is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth in Emirati women. The magnitude of the risk and the risk gradient between exposure quartiles suggest that the risk factor is causal and that its modification would reduce the risk of preterm birth.
Some Properties of Bit Decoding Algorithms for Binary Linear Block Codes

In this paper, we study certain properties of the bit decoding algorithms for the case of binary linear block codes. Our focus is on the Probability Density Function (pdf) of the bit Log-Likelihood-Ratio (LLR). A general channel model with discrete input and discrete or continuous output is considered. We prove that under a set of mild conditions on the channel, the pdf of the bit LLR of a specific bit position is independent of the transmitted code-word. It is also shown that the pdf of a given bit LLR when the corresponding bit takes the values of zero and one are symmetric with respect to each other (reflection of one another with respect to the origin). For the case of channels with binary input, a sufficient condition for two bit positions to have the same pdf is presented.
International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology Evidence of Blackhole Entropy

The natural outcome of the most striking similarity between the second laws of blackhole mechanics and thermodynamics is blackhole entropy. In this paper we discuss the evidence of blackhole entropy and the linearity relation between blackhole entropy to its horizon area. Finally, using thermodynamic relations we obtain Bekenstein-Hawking entropy, Hawking temperature and other intensive parameters of different types of blackholes from Smarr(1973) area formula of blackholes.
DNAshapeR: an R/Bioconductor package for DNA shape prediction and feature encoding

Summary: DNAshapeR predicts DNA shape features in an ultra-fast, high-throughput manner from genomic sequencing data. The package takes either nucleotide sequence or genomic coordinates as input and generates various graphical representations for visualization and further analysis. DNAshapeR further encodes DNA sequence and shape features as user-defined combinations of k-mer and DNA shape features. The resulting feature matrices can be readily used as input of various machine learning software packages for further modeling studies. Availability and implementation: The DNAshapeR software package was implemented in the statistical programming language R and is freely available through the Bioconductor project at https://www.bioconductor. org/packages/devel/bioc/html/DNAshapeR.html and at the GitHub developer site, http://tsupeichiu.github. io/DNAshapeR/. Contact: rohs@usc.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Petrography, stable isotope compositions, microRaman spectroscopy, and presolar components of Roberts Massif 04133: A reduced CV3 carbonaceous chondrite

Here, we report the mineralogy, petrography, C‐N‐O‐stable isotope compositions, degree of disorder of organic matter, and abundances of presolar components of the chondrite Roberts Massif (RBT) 04133 using a coordinated, multitechnique approach. The results of this study are inconsistent with its initial classification as a Renazzo‐like carbonaceous chondrite, and strongly support RBT 04133 being a brecciated, reduced petrologic type >3.3 Vigarano‐like carbonaceous (CV) chondrite. RBT 04133 shows no evidence for aqueous alteration. However, it is mildly thermally altered (up to approximately 440 °C); which is apparent in its whole‐rock C and N isotopic compositions, the degree of disorder of C in insoluble organic matter, low presolar grain abundances, minor element compositions of Fe,Ni metal, chromite compositions and morphologies, and the presence of unequilibrated silicates. Sulfides within type I chondrules from RBT 04133 appear to be pre‐accretionary (i.e., did not form via aqueous alteration), providing further evidence that some sulfide minerals formed prior to accretion of the CV chondrite parent body. The thin section studied contains two reduced CV3 lithologies, one of which appears to be more thermally metamorphosed, indicating that RBT 04133, like several other CV chondrites, is a breccia and thus experienced impact processing. Linear foliation of chondrules was not observed implying that RBT 04133 did not experience high velocity impacts that could lead to extensive thermal metamorphism. Presolar silicates are still present in RBT 04133, although presolar SiC grain abundances are very low, indicating that the progressive destruction or modification of presolar SiC grains begins before presolar silicate grains are completely unidentifiable.
Effects of Drought Stress on Soluble Proteins in two Maize Varieties

Drought stress was generated by PEG 6000. Water potentials were: zero as the control, and -0.15, -0.49, -1.03, and -1.76 MPa as treatments. After 24-h treatment the total soluble protein content of 2 maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars (704 and 301) was determined and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis in the first dimension was performed. By decreasing water potentials, total soluble protein content first increased, and then decreased in the roots and leaves of both varieties. The decrease in total soluble protein content in the roots of both varieties was equal, but in the leaves of cv. 301 it was greater than in cv. 704. In drought conditions the decrease in root and shoot fresh weight in cv. 704 was greater than in cv. 301. With water potential -1.76 MPa, the accumulation of dehydrin-like 38, 50, 57, and 65 KDa M.W. root proteins and 15, 17, 20, 27, 30, 37, 54, and 59 KDa M.W. leaf proteins increased. However, the expression of 15, 19, and 27 KDa M.W. root proteins, and 22 KDa M.W. leaf protein was induced in both varieties. The accumulation of dehydrin-like proteins in the roots and leaves of cv. 704 was higher than in cv. 301. There was no relationship between protein changes and drought tolerance.
Empirical QoE study of in-home streaming of online games

In-home streaming of online game content to a wide range of low-end and thin client devices via wired/wireless local area connections mitigates the effects of network limitations that pose challenges in directly delivering cloud-based games to such devices. In this paper, we study whether (and to what extent) the rendering and streaming of game content to client devices (from an in-home server) imposes a degradation in gaming QoE as compared to the case of playing using a traditional online game client. We report on the results of an empirical study whereby an in-home game streaming scenario is set up using the GamingAnywhere platform, and participants are asked to provides subjective QoE assessments while playing a Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing game (World of Warcraft). We test the impact of different delay and loss conditions, emulated along the external Internet link from the online game server to the home. Results show that switching from an online client to a in-home streaming client consistently results in perceived game quality degradations. Further, we report on the “willingness to keep playing” under different network condition in both online and in-home game streaming cases.
Anaesthesia in haemodynamically compromised emergency patients: does ketamine represent the best choice of induction agent?

In rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia in the emergency setting in shocked or hypotensive patients (e.g. ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, polytrauma or septic shock), prior resuscitation is often suboptimal and comorbidities (particularly cardiovascular) may be extensive. The induction agents with the most favourable pharmacological properties conferring haemodynamic stability appear to be ketamine and etomidate. However, etomidate has been withdrawn from use in some countries and impairs steroidogenesis. Ketamine has been traditionally contra‐indicated in the presence of brain injury, but we argue in this review that any adverse effects of the drug on intracranial pressure or cerebral blood flow are in fact attenuated or reversed by controlled ventilation, subsequent anaesthesia and the greater general haemodynamic stability conferred by the drug. Ketamine represents a very rational choice for rapid sequence induction in haemodynamically compromised patients.
Parental preferences for neonatal resuscitation research consent: a pilot study

Objective: Obtaining informed consent for resuscitation research, especially in the newborn, is problematic. This study aimed to evaluate parental preferences for hypothetical consent procedures in neonatal resuscitation research. Design: Mail-out survey questionnaire. Setting/participants: Randomly selected parents who had received obstetrical or neonatal care at a tertiary perinatal centre. Main outcome measures: Parental levels of comfort (Likert-type scale 1–6) regarding different methods of obtaining consent in hypothetical resuscitation research scenarios. Results: The response rate was 34%. The respondents were a group of highly educated women with a higher family income than would be expected in the general population. In terms of results, parents valued the impact the research would have on their baby and the importance of a positive interaction with the physicians conducting the research study. Parents felt most comfortable with prospective consent in the setting of prenatal classes or prenatal visits with a physician, but they were somewhat uncomfortable with prospective consent upon admission to hospital after labour had begun. Parents were uncomfortable with waived consent, deferred consent, and opting out, no matter when during the pregnancy consent was requested. Conclusion: This pilot study reports parental preferences for prenatal information and consent for such research trials of neonatal resuscitation. A low response rate and potentially skewed demographics of the respondents prevent generalisability of this result. Interview studies should be performed to better determine parental preferences for informed consent in a more representative population.