Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
U.S. Farmers’ Insurance Choices under Expected Utility Theory and Cumulative Prospect Theory

Towards explaining regional differences in U.S. farmers’ crop insurance choices, we propose a budget heuristic effect within the standard Expected Utility Theory (EUT) framework and conduct theoretical and simulation analyses. We also disentangle the effects of various aspects the cumulative prospect theory (CPT) framework in a separate simulation analysis.
Ranking-Based Emotion Recognition for Experimental Music

Emotion recognition is an open problem in Affective Computing the field. Music emotion recognition (MER) has challenges including variability of musical content across genres, the cultural background of listeners, reliability of ground truth data, and the modeling human hearing in computational domains. In this study, we focus on experimental music emotion recognition. First, we present a music corpus that contains 100 experimental music clips and 40 music clips from 8 musical genres. The dataset (the music clips and annotations) is publicly available at: http://metacreation.net/project/emusic/. Then, we present a crowdsourcing method that we use to collect ground truth via ranking the valence and arousal of music clips. Next, we propose a smoothed RankSVM (SRSVM) method. The evaluation has shown that the SRSVM out-performs four other ranking algorithms. Finally, we analyze the distribution of perceived emotion of experimental music against other genres to demonstrate the difference between genres.
Monetary policy transmission: the case of Lithuania

ABSTRACT We study the effect of a (standard) monetary policy shock in the euro area on the Lithuanian economy. We employ a structural vector autoregressive model incorporating variables from both the euro area and Lithuania. The model exhibits a block exogenous structure to account for the fact that Lithuania is a small economy. In general, we find that a monetary policy shock in the euro area has a stronger effect on the Lithuanian than it does on the euro area economy, though the effects are not statistically significant, preventing firm conclusions. We further broaden our analysis employing a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model for the three Baltic states. PVAR model results suggest a stronger impact of monetary policy than that estimated using the Lithuanian model and a quite considerable degree of variation over time in the strength of monetary policy transmission.
Effect of cerebrolysin on dopaminergic neurodegeneration of rat with oxidative stress induced by 3-nitropropionic acid

Abstract The study tested the hypothesis that cerebrolysin protects the brain from free radicals in rats treated with 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA). To address this hypothesis, the levels of dopamine (DA) and some oxidative stress biomarkers were measured after administration of 3-NPA. Young male Fischer rats were treated for three days with cerebrolysin, 3-NPA or both substances. Their brains were extracted, and DA, lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH), calcium, and H2O2 were measured using validated methods. In the cortex, hemispheres and cerebellum/medulla oblongata of the group treated with cerebrolysin and 3-NPA, the levels of DA and LP decreased. In addition, calcium and H2O2 levels decreased in the hemispheres of the same group, while GSH increased in cortex. The increased dopamine metabolism due to the administration of cerebrolysin led to increased formation of radical species and oxidative stress, especially when free radicals were generated by 3-NPA.
Differential response to antidepressants in women with premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Studies show that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective for severe premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This study compares the efficacy of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with that of a tricyclic antidepressant to determine whether efficacy for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a general or more serotonergic effect of antidepressants. METHODS After 3 screening months, 189 subjects were randomized to sertraline hydrochloride, desipramine hydrochloride, or placebo for 3 months of double-blind treatment. The flexible dosage range was 50 to 150 mg/d. The outcome measures included the Penn Daily Symptom Report (DSR), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Scale, the Quality of Life Scale, and Patient Global Ratings of Functioning and Improvement. Analyses included all subjects with treatment data, with the last observation carried forward. RESULTS Sertraline was significantly more effective than placebo or desipramine; desipramine was not better than placebo (F2,163 = 12.47, P<.001). All DSR factors were more improved with sertraline compared with desipramine and placebo; the factors for mood (P<.001) and pain (P = .05) were significant, and the results of all outcome measures were consistent. A history of depression, postmenstrual symptom levels, and other diagnostic variables added individually as covariates did not alter the treatment results. At end point analysis, DSR symptoms had decreased by more than 50% in 40 subjects (65%) in the sertraline group, 18 subjects (36%) in the desipramine group, and 16 subjects (29%) in the placebo group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The comparison of 2 classes of antidepressants strongly favored the serotonergic drug, which effectively reduced symptoms and improved functioning and was well tolerated by women with severe premenstrual syndrome. A history of depression did not alter the treatment results.
Streptococcus-Escherichia coli shuttle vector pSA3 and its use in the cloning of streptococcal genes

A shuttle vector that can replicate in both Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia coli has been constructed by joining the E. coli plasmid pACYC184 (chloramphenicol and tetracycline resistance) to the streptococcal plasmid pGB305 (erythromycin resistance). The resulting chimeric plasmid is designated pSA3 (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and tetracycline resistance) and has seven unique restriction sites: EcoRI, EcoRV, BamHI, SalI, XbaI, NruI, and SphI. Molecular cloning into the EcoRI or EcoRV site results in inactivation of chloramphenicol resistance, and cloning into the BamHI, SalI, or SphI site results in inactivation of tetracycline resistance in E. coli. pSA3 was transformed and was stable in Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans in the presence of erythromycin. We have used pSA3 to construct a library of the S. mutans GS5 genome in E. coli, and expression of surface antigens in this heterologous host has been confirmed with S. mutans antiserum. A previously cloned determinant that specifies streptokinase was subcloned into pSA3, and this recombinant plasmid was stable in the presence of a selective pressure and expressed streptokinase activity in E. coli, S. sanguis (Challis), and S. mutans.
Polyphosphate and stress response in mycobacteria

Polyphosphate (poly P) is present in every living cell. Long considered a ‘molecular fossil’, its role in cell physiology has been neglected. However, in the last few years it has become clear that poly P plays a role in multiple physiological functions, the best characterized of which is rpoS and recA induction during the Escherichia coli stringent response. Sureka et al. in this issue of Molecular Microbiology investigate the role of poly P in mycobacterial stress response and describe its participation in a novel regulatory pathway involving the two‐component system MprAB, the alternative sigma factor σE and Rel, the enzyme responsible for (p)ppGpp metabolism in mycobacteria.
Generic and therapeutic statin switches and disruptions in therapy

ABSTRACT Background: The study objective was to compare dose-equivalence, adherence and subsequent switch rates among patients recently switched from a branded to generic version of the same statin (generic substitution, GS) vs. those switched from branded statin to generic version of a different statin (therapeutic substitution, TS). Methods: In a retrospective cohort analysis among adult enrollees in over 90 US health plans, the authors identified adult patients who switched from a branded to generic statin from July–December 2006 (simvastatin became generic in June 2006). Patients were classified by type of statin switch: GS (e.g., branded simvastatin → generic simvastatin), and TS (e.g., branded atorvastatin → generic simvastatin). Demographic and clinical data were collected from claims before switch through 6 months follow-up. Separate outcomes of interest included proportion of patients that switched to a less potent daily dose, that switched back to previous branded statin after switch, and that were at least 80% adherent during the 6 months after initial switch. Significant predictors of each clinical outcome were identified using multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for differences between groups in covariates and potential confounders. Results: The 6-month TS (n = 3807) and GS (n = 40,165) groups were generally similar demographically. Compared to GS, TS patients were significantly more likely to be switched to a less potent dose (26.2% vs. 0.5%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] in patients with high-potency index medication = 83.4, p < 0.0001); 33% less likely to be adherent in the 6 months after switch (67.7% vs. 75.9%, AOR in patients with no switch in first 6 months follow-up = 0.67, p < 0.0001); and four times more likely to switch back to previous branded statin (11.3% vs. 2.9%, AOR = 4.1, p < 0.0001). Limitations: This study did not account for co-payment changes, lipid measurements, or changes in pill burden. Conclusions: While this study did not have data on why patients had TS (e.g., for cost or clinical reasons), TS was more likely to involve a subsequent disruption to statin therapy than GS. TS could potentially lead to adverse impacts on patients’ outcomes, and should be studied further.
A robust house price index using sparse and frugal data

In this article, we describe a house price index algorithm which requires only sparse and frugal data, namely house location, date of sale and sale price, as input data. We aim to show that our algorithm is as effective for predicting price changes as more complex models which require detailed or extensive data. Although various methods are employed for determining house price indexes, such as hedonic regression, mix-adjusted median or repeat sales, there is no consensus on how to determine the robustness of an index, and hence no agreement on which method is the best to use. We formalise an objective criterion for what a house price index should achieve, namely consistency between time periods. Using this criterion, we investigate whether it is possible to achieve strong robustness using frugal data covering only 66 months of transactions on the Irish property market. We develop a simple multi-stage algorithm and show that it is more robust than the complex hedonic regression model currently employed by the Irish Central Statistics Office.
Autoimmune enteropathy: molecular concepts

Purpose of review Enteropathies causing temporary or permanent intestinal failure are a big diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for pediatric gastroenterologists. A now well-recognized and distinct entity is in the form of “autoimmune enteropathy (AIE)”. Recent advances in the molecular workup of AIE gave first insight into the pathophysiology of AIE. In this review, we discuss new molecular concepts of AIE resulting in new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. Recent findings The identification of disease-causing mutations in the FOXP3 gene as a basic defect resulting in AIE points to a defect in regulatory T-cell homeostasis. FOXP3, primarily expressed by CD4+CD25+regulatory T cells, is a potent transcriptional suppressor and key modulator of T-cell functions. Nonfunctional FOXP3 leads to a tremendous hyperactivation of T cells, resulting in autoimmune aggression, such as seen in patients with immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy autoimmune enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome, a subgroup of AIE. There is recent evidence suggesting that a defect of regulatory factors other than FOXP3 might cause AIE. Anti-enterocyte autoantibodies, another main characteristic of AIE, seem to be of a secondary nature and can no more be considered as directly disease causing. Summary Based on the profound immune dysregulation, new treatment strategies emerged for AIE. The use of T-cell immunosuppressive drugs, such as tacrolimus combined to steroids, seems to be beneficial in some patients; however, long-term remission is not always possible. Bone marrow transplantation might be the treatment of choice in those patients who do not respond to immunosuppression; however, the first encouraging results remain to be confirmed since to date long-term outcome remains mixed.
Harmonic Distortion of Unstrained and Strained FinFETs Operating in Saturation

The harmonic distortion (HD) exhibited by unstrained and biaxially strained fin-shaped field-effect transistors operating in saturation as single-transistor amplifiers has been investigated for devices with different channel lengths L and fin widths Wfin. The study has been performed through device characterization, 3-D device simulations, and modeling. Nonlinearity has been evaluated in terms of second- and third-order HDs (HD2 and HD3, respectively), and a discussion on its physical sources has been carried out. Also, the influence of the open-loop voltage gain AV in HD has been observed.
Neurochemical and behavioral effects of Nigella sativa and Olea europaea oil in rats

Objectives: In the last few decades, therapeutic uses of medicinal compounds present in food as a normal constituent has risen substantially, largely because of their fewer side effects and adequate efficacy. This study is designed to investigate a role of brain serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in the potential nootropic, anxiolytic, and other beneficial effects of Nigella sativa (NS) and Olea europaea (OE) oil in rat models. Methods: Animals were treated with NS and OE oil orally at doses of 0.1 ml/kg and 0.25 ml/kg for 5 weeks. Food intake and body weight change, anxiety-like effects in elevated plus maze and activity in a novel and familiar environment were monitored weekly. Effects on learning and memory after 5 weeks treatment were monitored using Morris water maze test. Neurochemical analysis was carried using HPLC-ECD method. Results: NS and OE oil administration enhanced learning and memory in Morris water maze test and the effects were greater in NS than OE oil-treated animals. Low dose of OE oil increased exploration in an open field, higher dose of OE oil and both doses of NS oil produced no consistent effect on open field exploration. Effects of both oils on anxiety-like behavior, food and water intake, and activity in activity box were either not consistent or did not occur. The treatment increased homovanillic acid (HVA). 5-HT levels increased in high dose of NS oil and low dose of OE oil-treated groups. Low dose NS oil decreased 5-HT. Discussion: The present study suggests that active components in NS and OE oil may prove useful in treating impaired cognition. OE oil may produce psychostimulant-like effect. Modulation of DA and serotonin neurotransmission seems important in the pharmacological effect of these oils.
Prolonged elevated postprandial sugar augments severity in kidney disease: a North Indian hospital-based study

Abstract Aim: Diabetes plays a major role in progression of renal failure. The risk-factor profile changes during the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) from mild/moderate to end-stage renal disease. The relationship between glycemic indices, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and age at diagnosis in Indians has been less investigated. We assessed association of these risk factors with CKD stages in Indian population. Methods: This study was carried out on patients (n = 162) who were diagnosed with CKD and normal control group (n = 155). For BMI, National Institutes for Health criteria were used to categorize the patients. Result: The mean age of CKD patients were significantly increased with the advancement of stage. BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), postprandial sugar level (PP), urea and creatinine were also significantly higher with elevated stages, whereas no differences were observed in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and fasting blood sugar (FBS). The logistic regression study gave a significant result (p = 0.000) when we compared the group of CKD patients with established/prolonged postprandial blood sugar. It was independently associated with mild CKD [odds ratio (OR) = 5.213, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.06–13.21, p = 0.000], moderate CKD (OR = 7.724, 95% CI = 4.05–14.74, p = 0.000) and severe CKD (OR = 7.610, 95% CI = 4.03–14.36, p = 0.000). Conclusion: SBP and PP were the best predictors of prevalent nephropathy in this population, while DBP and FBS were found to be less effective. This may have implication for kidney disease risk stratification and protection.
Phylogenetic Comparisons Reveal Multiple Acquisitions of the Toxin Genes by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Strains of Different Evolutionary Lineages

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli is a diverse bacterial species which is widely distributed in the environment but also exists as a commensal and pathogen of different host species. Human intestinal pathogenic E. coli causes over 160 million cases of diarrhea and an estimated 1 million deaths per year. The majority of deaths are attributable to one pathovar of E. coli, namely, enterotoxigenic E. coli. The pathogenesis of enterotoxigenic E. coli is dependent on the production of a colonization factor to promote adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and the elaboration of heat-labile or heat-stable toxins which induce a secretory diarrhea. Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with enterotoxigenic E. coli infection, little is known of the genetic background of this global pathogen. Here we demonstrate by multilocus sequence typing that enterotoxigenic E. coli isolates are present in all phylogenetic lineages of E. coli, indicating that acquisition of the toxin genes may be sufficient to generate an enterotoxigenic E. coli strain. In addition, screening of diarrheal isolates for the presence of additional genes previously associated with the virulence of enterotoxigenic E. coli revealed that they were not abundant. These observations have significant implications for disease epidemiology and for the design of effective vaccines.
Anatomical Variations of the Coronary Sinus Ostium Area of the Human Heart

Classic anatomical dissection of 150 heart specimens from adults aged 18–80 years was performed. The Thebesian valve was absent in 20% of cases and, in these, 4% had a large ostial valve of the middle cardiac vein in front of the coronary sinus ostium. Fibres of Chiari were found in 10% of cases. Ostia of the middle cardiac vein, posterior veins of the left ventricle, small cardiac vein and deep cardiac veins were present in the distal 10 mm of the coronary sinus. Some samples had ostial and/or parietal valves or antivalves that sometimes contained muscular fibres. Distal accessory parietal valves (2%) and antivalves (1%) of the coronary sinus wall were found at a distance of 4–7 mm from its ostium. The frequency and variability of anatomical structures in the area of the coronary sinus ostium probably influence the haemodynamics of this area. Knowledge of and being able to identify these anatomical variations may help in identifying and overcoming potential difficulties in treating arrythmias and in cardiosurgery.
Argo: A Time-Elastic Time-Division-Multiplexed NOC Using Asynchronous Routers

In this paper we explore the use of asynchronous routers in a time-division-multiplexed (TDM) network-on-chip (NOC), Argo, that is being developed for a multi-processor platform for hard real-time systems. TDM inherently requires a common time reference, and existing TDM-based NOC designs are either synchronous or mesochronous. We use asynchronous routers to achieve a simpler, smaller and more robust, self-timed design. Our design exploits the fact that pipelined asynchronous circuits also behave as ripple FIFOs. Thus, it avoids the need for explicit synchronization FIFOs between the routers. Argo has interesting elastic timing properties that allow it to tolerate skew between the network interfaces (NIs). The paper presents Argo NOC-architecture and provides a quantitative analysis of its ability of absorb skew between the NIs. Using a signal transition graph model and realistic component delays derived from a 65 nm CMOS implementation, a worst-case analysis shows that a typical design can tolerate a skew of 1-5 cycles (depending on FIFO depths and NI clock frequency). Simulation results of a 2 × 2 NOC confirm this.
Boundary Element Octahedral Fields in Volumes

The computation of smooth fields of orthogonal directions within a volume is a critical step in hexahedral mesh generation, used to guide placement of edges and singularities. While this problem shares high-level structure with surface-based frame field problems, critical aspects are lost when extending to volumes, while new structure from the flat Euclidean metric emerges. Taking these considerations into account, this article presents an algorithm for computing such “octahedral” fields. Unlike existing approaches, our formulation achieves infinite resolution in the interior of the volume via the boundary element method (BEM), continuously assigning frames to points in the interior from only a triangle mesh discretization of the boundary. The end result is an orthogonal direction field that can be sampled anywhere inside the mesh, with smooth variation and singular structure in the interior, even with a coarse boundary. We illustrate our computed frames on a number of challenging test geometries. Since the octahedral frame field problem is relatively new, we also contribute a thorough discussion of theoretical and practical challenges unique to this problem.
Modulating Spatial Processes and Navigation via Transcranial Electrical Stimulation: A Mini Review

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) uses low intensity current to alter neuronal activity in superficial cortical regions, and has gained popularity as a tool for modulating several aspects of perception and cognition. This mini-review article provides an overview of tES and its potential for modulating spatial processes underlying successful navigation, including spatial attention, spatial perception, mental rotation and visualization. Also considered are recent advances in empirical research and computational modeling elucidating several stable cortical-subcortical networks with dynamic involvement in spatial processing and navigation. Leveraging these advances may prove valuable for using tES, particularly transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation (tDCS/tACS), to indirectly target subcortical brain regions by altering neuronal activity in distant yet functionally connected cortical areas. We propose future research directions to leverage these advances in human neuroscience.