Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pattern Recognition

Existing monocular depth estimation methods are unsatisfactory due to the inaccurate inference of depth details and the loss of spatial information. In this paper, we present a novel detail-preserving network (DPNet), i.e., a dual-branch network architecture that fully addresses the above problems and facilitates the depth map inference. Speciﬁcally, in contextual branch (CB), we propose an effective and eﬃcient nonlocal spatial attention module by introducing non-local ﬁltering strategy to explicitly exploit the pixel relationship in spatial domain, which can bring signiﬁcant promotion on depth details inference. Mean-while, we design a spatial branch (SB) to preserve the spatial information and generate high-resolution features from input color image. A reﬁnement module (RM) is then proposed to fuse the heterogeneous features from both spatial and contextual branches to obtain a high quality depth map. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms SOTA methods on benchmark RGB-D datasets.
Low-cost SDR-based ground receiving station for LEO satellite operations

This paper outlines the feasibility of using Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology for space applications by developing and setup of a low-cost VHF/UHF ground receiving station in order to support existing and future university missions. The proposed solution is based on the integration of commercial off-the-shelf components available on the market. The paper will present some of the hardware and software related issues regarding the implementation of an educational ground station for operation with Low-Earth Orbit satellites.
Dysfunctional Calcium and Glutamate Signaling in Striatal Astrocytes from Huntington's Disease Model Mice

Astrocytes tile the entire CNS, but their functions within neural circuits in health and disease remain incompletely understood. We used genetically encoded Ca2+ and glutamate indicators to explore the rules for astrocyte engagement in the corticostriatal circuit of adult wild-type (WT) and Huntington's disease (HD) model mice at ages not accompanied by overt astrogliosis (at approximately postnatal days 70–80). WT striatal astrocytes displayed extensive spontaneous Ca2+ signals, but did not respond to cortical stimulation, implying that astrocytes were largely disengaged from cortical input in healthy tissue. In contrast, in HD model mice, spontaneous Ca2+ signals were significantly reduced in frequency, duration, and amplitude, but astrocytes responded robustly to cortical stimulation with evoked Ca2+ signals. These action-potential-dependent astrocyte Ca2+ signals were mediated by neuronal glutamate release during cortical stimulation, accompanied by prolonged extracellular glutamate levels near astrocytes and tightly gated by Glt1 glutamate transporters. Moreover, dysfunctional Ca2+ and glutamate signaling that was observed in HD model mice was largely, but not completely, rescued by astrocyte specific restoration of Kir4.1, emphasizing the important contributions of K+ homeostatic mechanisms that are known to be reduced in HD model mice. Overall, our data show that astrocyte engagement in the corticostriatal circuit is markedly altered in HD. Such prodromal astrocyte dysfunctions may represent novel therapeutic targets in HD and other brain disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We report how early-onset astrocyte dysfunction without detectable astrogliosis drives disease-related processes in a mouse model of Huntington's disease (HD). The cellular mechanisms involve astrocyte homeostasis and signaling mediated by Kir4.1, Glt1, and Ca2+. The data show that the rules for astrocyte engagement in a neuronal circuit are fundamentally altered in a brain disease caused by a known molecular defect and that fixing early homeostasis dysfunction remedies additional cellular deficits. Overall, our data suggest that key aspects of altered striatal function associated with HD may be triggered, at least in part, by dysfunctional astrocytes, thereby providing details of an emerging striatal microcircuit mechanism in HD. Such prodromal changes in astrocytes may represent novel therapeutic targets.
Loss of telomeric DNA during aging of normal and trisomy 21 human lymphocytes.

The telomere hypothesis of cellular aging proposes that loss of telomeric DNA (TTAGGG) from human chromosomes may ultimately cause cell-cycle exit during replicative senescence. Since lymphocytes have a limited replicative capacity and since blood cells were previously shown to lose telomeric DNA during aging in vivo, we wished to determine: (a) whether accelerated telomere loss is associated with the premature immunosenescence of lymphocytes in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and (b) whether telomeric DNA is also lost during aging of lymphocytes in vitro. To investigate the effects of aging and trisomy 21 on telomere loss in vivo, genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of 140 individuals (age 0-107 years), including 21 DS patients (age 0-45 years). Digestion with restriction enzymes HinfI and RsaI generated terminal restriction fragments (TRFs), which were detected by Southern analysis using a telomere-specific probe (32P-(C3TA2)3). The rate of telomere loss was calculated from the decrease in mean TRF length, as a function of donor age. DS patients showed a significantly higher rate of telomere loss with donor age (133 +/- 15 bp/year) compared with age-matched controls (41 +/- 7.7 bp/year) (P < .0005), suggesting that accelerated telomere loss is a biomarker of premature immunosenescence of DS patients and that it may play a role in this process. Telomere loss during aging in vitro was calculated for lymphocytes from four normal individuals, grown in culture for 10-30 population doublings. The rate of telomere loss was approximately 120 bp/cell doubling, comparable to that seen in other somatic cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Chinese Phillips curve – inflation dynamics in the presence of structural change

Abstract This paper models inflation dynamics in China from 1987 to 2014 using a Phillips curve framework. The Phillips curve is generally estimated under the assumption of linearity and parameter constancy. The existence of structural breaks in China’s inflation dynamics make standard linear models inappropriate tools for analysis however. Our results find that the Chinese Phillips curve is characterised by a non-linear relationship. The inflation/output relationship takes the form of a concave curve. This suggests that changes in the level of output effect inflation in China more strongly in periods when output is operating below its potential but the relationship is weaker when output is operating at or above potential. Based on these findings, the People’s Bank of China (PBC) could consider output cost and policy response on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of output in relation to potential.
Issues in Islamic Equities: A Literature Survey

ABSTRACT This article reviews the current literature on Islamic equities. Our survey indicates that the bulk of articles is quantitative or empirical in nature, with a notable dearth of theoretical works. Among the common research themes explored by these articles are comparative performances of Islamic equities vis-à-vis their conventional counterparts, comparisons of Islamic portfolios with SRI funds, and empirically articulating portfolio diversification benefits associated with Islamic equities. In addition, numerous articles discuss idiosyncrasies of Shari’ah compliant stocks and portfolios under subthemes such as volatility, risk factors, and performance attributes. This survey also includes articles addressing efficiency perspectives, calendar anomalies, and issues in Shari’ah stock screening norms. We summarize general findings and offer suggestions for future research. Literature surveys on Islamic equities are few and far between, and this article, to date, represented the most recent and comprehensive attempt at that.
Information Asymmetry and Conditional Financial Sector Development

Purpose- The purpose of this study is to examine the role of reducing information asymmetry (IA) on conditional financial sector development in 53 African countries for the period 2004-2011. Design/methodology/approach- The empirical evidence is based on contemporary and non-contemporary quantile regressions. Instruments for reducing IA include pubic credit registries (PCRs) and private credit bureaus (PCBs). Hitherto unexplored dimensions of financial sector development are employed, namely: financial sector dynamics of formalization, informalization, semi-formalization and non-formalization. Findings- The following findings are established. First, the positive (negative) effect of information sharing offices (ISO) on formal (informal) financial development is consistent with theory. Second, ISOs consistently increase: (i) formal financial development, with the incidence of PCRs higher in terms of magnitude and (ii) financial sector formalization, with the impact of PCBs higher for the most part. Third, only PCBs significantly decrease informal financial development and both ISOs decrease financial sector informalization. Policy implications are discussed. Originality/value- The study assesses the effect of reducing information asymmetry on financial development when existing levels of it matter because current studies based on mean values of financial development provide blanket policy implications which are unlikely to be effective unless they are contingent on prevailing levels of financial development and tailored differently across countries with high, intermediate and low initial levels of financial development.
New parameters and transit timing studies for OGLE2-TR-L9 b

Context. Repeated observations of exoplanet transits allow us to refine the planetary parameters and probe them for any time dependent variations. In particular deviations of the period from a strictly linear ephemeris, transit timing variations (TTVs), can indicate the presence of additional bodies in the planetary system. Aims. Our goal was to reexamine the largely unstudied OGLE2-TR-L9 system with high cadence, multi-color photometry in order to refine the planetary parameters and probe the system for TTVs. Methods. We observed five full transits of OGLE2-TR-L9 with the GROND instrument at the ESO/MPG 2.2 m telescope at La Silla
How Revolutions Shape (or Rather Blur) Markets: Initial Insights from the Arab Spring

How do revolutions shape markets? Prior social movement research has focused on those movements that seek to work with the existing state to change markets. Yet, revolutions are a unique outcome of social movement activity that seeks to create change through removing, rather than working with, the existing state. Using a novel sampling methodology to construct a unique dataset of both Tunisian and Egyptian entrepreneurs during the Arab Spring, we find that because revolutions seek to disrupt the state, they delegitimize formal firms (i.e. those registered with the state) and legitimize informal firms (i.e. those unregistered with the state). In so doing, revolutions improve the ability of informal firms to access formal resources from state banks. Moreover, any firms that have a structure similar to that of informal firms (i.e. sole proprietorships) also have an easier time accessing these formal state resources after the revolution, irrespective of their registration status. This study contributes to the social movements literature, particularly as it relates to markets and the state.
Fitness self-perception and Vo2max in firefighters.

Firefighters work at maximal levels of exertion. Fitness for such duty requires adequate aerobic capacity (maximum oxygen consumption [Vo2max]). Aerobic fitness can both improve a worker's ability to perform and offer resistance to cardiopulmonary conditions. Inactive firefighters have a 90% greater risk of myocardial infarction than those who are aerobically fit. Participants (101 firefighters) completed a questionnaire that asked them to rank their fitness level from 0 to 7; e.g., Level 0 was low fitness: "I avoid walking or exertion, e.g., always use elevator, drive whenever possible. " The level of activity rating increased to Level 7: "I run over 10 miles per week or spend 3 hours per week in comparable physical activity. " Each participant then completed two measures of Vo2max: a 5-minute step test and a submaximal treadmill test. There was no association between the firefighters' self-perception of their level of fitness and their aerobic capacity as measured by either step test or submaximal treadmill. Because of the critical job demands of firefighting and the negative consequences of inadequate fitness and aerobic capacity, periodic aerobic capacity testing with individualized exercise prescriptions and work--community support may be advisable for all active-duty firefighters.
Prolonged Fasting Identifies Heat Shock Protein 10 as a Sirtuin 3 Substrate

Background: A distinct mechanism linking fasting-associated mitochondrial protein acetylation and increased fat oxidation is unknown. Results: Acetylation of heat shock protein 10 enhances medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase folding, enzyme activity, and fat oxidation. Conclusion: A novel acetylation-dependent mechanism modulates fat oxidation via regulating mitochondrial metabolic enzyme folding. Significance: A Sirtuin 3 deacetylase-linked mechanism to control fat oxidation via modulation of enzyme folding has been identified. Although Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrially enriched deacetylase and activator of fat oxidation, is down-regulated in response to high fat feeding, the rate of fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial protein acetylation are invariably enhanced in this dietary milieu. These paradoxical data implicate that additional acetylation modification-dependent levels of regulation may be operational under nutrient excess conditions. Because the heat shock protein (Hsp) Hsp10-Hsp60 chaperone complex mediates folding of the fatty acid oxidation enzyme medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, we tested whether acetylation-dependent mitochondrial protein folding contributes to this regulatory discrepancy. We demonstrate that Hsp10 is a functional SIRT3 substrate and that, in response to prolonged fasting, SIRT3 levels modulate mitochondrial protein folding. Acetyl mutagenesis of Hsp10 lysine 56 alters Hsp10-Hsp60 binding, conformation, and protein folding. Consistent with Hsp10-Hsp60 regulation of fatty acid oxidation enzyme integrity, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity and fat oxidation are elevated by Hsp10 acetylation. These data identify acetyl modification of Hsp10 as a nutrient-sensing regulatory node controlling mitochondrial protein folding and metabolic function.
Elevated hair cortisol concentrations in children with adrenal insufficiency on hydrocortisone replacement therapy

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency needs to be tailored to the individual patient based on body composition and clinical signs and symptoms as no objective method for assessment of treatment adequacy is available. Current treatment regimens are often not satisfactory, which is shown by the adverse metabolic profile and doubled mortality rates in treated adrenal insufficiency patients. Measurement of cortisol concentrations in hair reflect the long‐term systemic cortisol exposure and may be of use in refinement of hydrocortisone treatment.
Can percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy prevent gastroesophageal reflux in patients with preexisting esophagitis?

OBJECTIVE:Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy has been used for preventing pulmonary aspiration arising from gastric contents by concomitant jejunal feeding and gastric decompression in susceptible patients. Our objective was to evaluate gastroesophageal reflux in patients with percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube feeding.METHODS:Eight cerebrovascular accident patients with percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube placement caused by reflux esophagitis with hematemesis, food regurgitation or vomiting, and/or recurrent aspiration pneumonia were tested for gastroesophageal reflux using 24-h esophageal pH monitoring during continuous jejunal liquid meal or saline infusion with concomitant gastric decompression. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring was also performed during intragastric feeding on a different day.RESULTS:During the liquid meal feeding period, percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy feeding reduced esophageal acid exposure 46% [12.9% (4.9–28.2%) versus 24.0% (19.0–40.6%), p= 0.01], compared to intragastric feeding. However, in the period of the jejunal tube infusion, esophageal acid exposure was significantly lower during saline infusion than during meal infusion [3.2 (0.0%–10.8%) versus 12.9% (4.9–28.2%), p= 0.008]. CONCLUSION:Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy feeding reduced but did not eliminate gastroesophageal reflux, compared to intragastric feeding in patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux. However, gastroesophageal reflux during percutaneous jejunal feeding was associated with meal infusion. This might, in part, explain the failure of percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube placement to prevent pulmonary aspiration.
Long-Term Outcomes from Australian Vocational Education

This study uses longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to study the long-run effects of completing vocational education and training (VET) on a set of labour market outcomes (employment, wages, earnings, hours and occupational status). It uses two novel approaches. First, it uses fixed effects regression methods to estimate effects from acquiring new qualifications. Second, it measures effects of acquiring qualifications at lower, the same and at higher levels than previously attained. This is important, since one half of the VET qualifications observed being completed in the HILDA data are at the same or lower levels. The use of fixed effects generates estimates that differ from those found previously in the literature, at least by gender. Here, the estimated improvements in outcomes for females following the completion of a VET qualification are often larger than they are for males. In the longer term, these results point to considerable stability in estimated effects – significant effects apparent in the first year after course completion tend to remain evident up to five years later. Completed qualifications that are not higher than those already held by individuals do not consistently improve the labour market outcomes studied here, but may provide other benefits.
Specific aneusomies in Chinese hamster cells at different stages of neoplastic transformation, initiated by nitrosomethylurea

Aneuploidy is ubiquitous in cancer, and its phenotypes are inevitably dominant and abnormal. In view of these facts we recently proposed that aneuploidy is sufficient for carcinogenesis generating cancer-specific aneusomies via a chain reaction of autocatalytic aneuploidizations. According to this hypothesis a carcinogen initiates carcinogenesis via a random aneuploidy. Aneuploidy then generates transformation stage-specific aneusomies and further random aneusomies autocatalytically, because it renders chromosome segregation and repair mechanisms error-prone. The hypothesis predicts that several specific aneusomies can cause the same cancers, because several chromosomes also cooperate in normal differentiation. Here we describe experiments on the Chinese hamster (CH) that confirm this hypothesis. (i) Random aneuploidy was detected before transformation in up to 90% of CH embryo cells treated with the carcinogen nitrosomethylurea (NMU). (ii) Several specific aneusomies were found in 70–100% of the aneuploid cells from colonies transformed with NMU in vitro and from tumors generated by NMU-transformed cells in syngeneic animals. Among the aneuploid in vitro transformed cells, 79% were trisomic for chromosome 3, and 59% were monosomic for chromosome 10, compared with 8% expected for random distribution of any aneusomy among the 12 CH chromosomes. Moreover, 52% shared both trisomy 3 and monosomy 10 compared with 0.6% expected for random distribution of any two aneusomies. Among the tumor cells, 65% were trisomic for chromosome 3, 51% were trisomic for chromosome 5, and 30% shared both trisomies. Aneuploid cells without these specific aneusomies may contain minor transformation-specific aneusomies or may be untransformed. (iii) Random aneusomies and structurally altered chromosomes increased with the generations of transformed cells to the point where their origins became unidentifiable in tumors. We conclude that specific aneusomies are necessary for carcinogenesis.
Comparison of delirium assessment tools in a mixed intensive care unit*

Objective:Delirium is a frequent problem in the intensive care unit (ICU) associated with poor prognosis. Delirium in the ICU is underdiagnosed by nursing and medical staff. Several detection methods have been developed for use in ICU patients. The aim of this study was to compare the value of three detection methods (the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU [CAM-ICU], the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist [ICDSC] and the impression of the ICU physician with the diagnosis of a psychiatrist, neurologist, or geriatrician). Design:Prospective study. Setting and patients:During an 8-month period, 126 patients (mean age 62.4 years, sd 15.0; mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score 20.9, sd 7.5) admitted to a 32-bed mixed medical and surgical ICU were studied. Measurements:The included patients were assessed independently by trained ICU nurses using either the CAM-ICU or the ICDSC. Furthermore, the ICU physician was asked whether a patient was delirious or not. A psychiatrist, geriatrician, or neurologist serving as reference rater diagnosed delirium using established criteria. Main results:The CAM-ICU showed superior sensitivity and negative predictive value (64% and 83%) compared with the ICDSC (43% and 75%). The ICDSC showed higher specificity and positive predictive value (95% and 82% vs. 88% and 72%). The sensitivity of the physicians view was only 29%. Conclusions:ICU physicians underdiagnose delirium in the ICU, which underlines the necessity of standard evaluation in all critically ill patients. In our mixed ICU population, the CAM-ICU had a higher sensitivity than the ICDSC.