Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The acoustical properties of brain, liver and kidney soft tissue from small animals over the frequency range 12–33 MHz

In this study the acoustic properties of small animal soft tissue was measured over the frequency range 12–32 MHz. Measurements were taken at 6 minutes after euthanasia. Using phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C as the reference medium a high frequency ultrasound scanner Vevo 770® was employed to measure the acoustical properties. The mean SoS measured from brain, liver and kidney was found to be 1565.9 ± 9.6 ms<sup>−1</sup>, 1604.4 ± 16.5 ms<sup>−1</sup> and 1575.3 ± 10.8 ms<sup>−1</sup> respectively. Using a 2<sup>nd</sup> degree polynomial fit to the attenuation data, the attenuation [α (dBcm<sup>−1</sup>)], was found to vary with frequency f (MHz) as 0.006548f<sup>2</sup> + 0.7419f (R<sup>2</sup>=0.87) for brain tissue, 0.01597f<sup>2</sup> + 0.7073f (R<sup>2</sup>=0.72) for kidney tissue and 0.006818f<sup>2</sup> + 0.5799f (R<sup>2</sup>=0.80) for liver tissue. The results from this study extend the frequency range of acoustical data available from small animal tissue.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment resistant depression: six case reports and review.

BACKGROUND Depressive disorder is a common, recurrent, and chronic disorder that is a leading cause of functional impairment and disability An estimated 20-40% of patients do not benefit sufficiently from existing therapies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging treatment for psychiatric illness. Evidences support its use in depression, either alone or combined with antidepressants. During rTMS, a time-varying current is discharged in an insulated coil attached to the scalp surface, generated a brief dynamic magnetic field that can freely, non-invasively penetrate the skull and induce the eddy current in the neural tissue. The rTMS works as a neuro-stimulator and neuro-modulator at the same time, which can modify the functionality of the brain circuits involved in the pathophysiology of mental illness especially in depressive disorder. MATERIAL AND METHOD The authors reported six cases of various types of depressive disorder, double depression, borderline personality disorder with depression, psychotic depression with nihilistic delusion, post-schizophrenic depression, and treatment resistant depression non-respond to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). RESULTS Four in six cases responded well with 10 daily sessions of rTMS. However, a patient with psychotic depression yielded no response. Five patients with moderate depression reached the remission criteria of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HAM-D-17). The means HAM-D-17 of rTMS responders were decreased from 22.4 (SD = 4.1) to 5.2 (SD = 2.9). A patient with psychotic depression did not show any benefit from rTMS and got subsequent modified ECT. CONCLUSION This is the first cases report of using rTMS for the treatment of depression in Thailand. The rTMS gave promising results in various forms of depression. Due to its safety needing no anesthesia, suitable for out-patient care, rTMS might be a treatment alternative in the acute phase of moderate non-psychotic depression. The authors also reviewed the current evidence.
"CONFESS" an incentive compatible reputation mechanism for the hotel booking industry

Reputation mechanisms provide a promising alternative to the traditional security methods for preventing malicious behavior in online transactions. However, obtaining correct reputation information is not trivial. In the absence of objective authorities (or trusted third parties) which can oversee every transaction, mechanism designers have to ensure that it is rational for the participating parties to report the truth. In this paper we describe a complete reputation mechanism for the online hotel booking industry that is efficient (i.e. the equilibrium behavior is cooperative) and incentive compatible. Our mechanism discovers the true outcome of an interaction by analyzing the two reports coming from the agents involved in the interaction. Based on side payments, such a mechanism makes it profitable for long-run agents to commit to always report the truth.
When Genes Go to Sleep: The Population Genetic Consequences of Seed Dormancy and Monocarpic Perenniality

In many annual plant populations, seeds may be dormant for several seasons before they germinate. Here, we investigate the consequences of both conditional (dispersed seeds cannot enter a dormant stage) and unconditional seed dormancy on the amount and the distribution of neutral genetic diversity within and among populations. We present joint demographic and population genetics models for single and subdivided populations and derive the effective size and population differentiation at both local and metapopulation scales. We suggest that a Wahlund effect is unlikely to result from age structure alone. Furthermore, the differentiation among populations is decreased by the presence of seed banks. We also extend these models to describe monocarpic (semelparous) perennial life cycle, where the nonreproductive stages are vegetative rosettes instead of dormant seeds. The main difference between the models relies in the way the density‐dependent regulation is acting. The effective size of monocarpic perennial species may be less than the census number of individuals, and among‐population differentiation is always larger than in annual species. We discuss our results in the light of recent population genetics surveys of annual plants with seed banks.
Agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ: A new compound with potent gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties

Pioglitazone, a specific ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), was recently implicated in the control of inflammatory processes and in the modulation of the expression of various cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), but its role in the mechanism of gastric mucosal integrity has not been studied extensively. This study was designed to determine the effect of pioglitazone on gastric mucosal lesions induced in rats by topical application of 100% ethanol and by 3.5 h of water immersion and restraint stress (WRS) with or without pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.p.) to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzyme activities and L-NNA (20 mg/kg i.p.) to suppress nitric oxide (NO)-synthase. In addition, the effect of pioglitazone on ulcer healing in rats with chronic acetic acid ulcers (ulcer area 28 mm2) was determined. Rats were killed 1 h and 3.5 h after ethanol administration or WRS exposure or at day 9 upon ulcer induction, and the number and area of gastric lesions were measured by planimetry, the gastric blood flow (GBF) was determined by H2-gas clearance technique and the mucosal PGE2 generation and gene expression and plasma concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β were also evaluated. Pre-treatment with pioglitazone dose-dependently attenuated gastric lesions induced by 100% ethanol and WRS; the dose reducing these lesions by 50% (ID50) being 10 mg/kg and 7 mg/kg, respectively. The protective effect of pioglitazone was accompanied by the significant rise in the GBF, an increase in PGE2 generation and the significant fall in the plasma TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Strong signals for IL-1β-and TNF-α mRNA were recorded in gastric mucosa exposed to ethanol or WRS, and these effects were significantly decreased by pioglitazone. Indomethacin which suppressed PG generation by about 90%, while augmenting WRS damage, and L-NNA, that suppressed NO-synthase activity, significantly attenuated the protective and hyperaemic activity of this PPAR-γ ligand. In the chronic study, pioglitazone significantly reduced the area of gastric ulcers on day 9 and significantly raised the GBF at the ulcer margin. The acceleration of ulcer healing by PPAR-γ ligand was accompanied by a significant increase in the expression of PECAM-1 protein, a marker of angiogenesis. We conclude that (1) pioglitazone exerts a potent gastroprotective and hyperaemic actions on the stomach involving endogenous PG and NO and attenuation of the expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, and (2) PPAR-γ ligand accelerates ulcer healing, possibly due to the enhancement in angiogenesis at ulcer margin.
Combining Support Vector Machines and Markov Random Fields in an Integrated Framework for Contextual Image Classification

In the framework of remote-sensing image classification, support vector machines (SVMs) have lately been receiving substantial attention due to their accurate results in many applications as well as their remarkable generalization capability even with high-dimensional input data. However, SVM classifiers are intrinsically noncontextual, which represents an important limitation in image classification. In this paper, a novel and rigorous framework, which integrates SVMs and Markov random field models in a unique formulation for spatial contextual classification, is proposed. The developed contextual generalization of SVMs, is obtained by analytically relating the Markovian minimum-energy criterion to the application of an SVM in a suitably transformed space. Furthermore, as a second contribution, a novel contextual classifier is developed in the proposed general framework. Two specific algorithms, based on the Ho–Kashyap and Powell numerical procedures, are combined with this classifier to automate the estimation of its parameters. Experiments are carried out with hyperspectral, multichannel synthetic aperture radar, and multispectral high-resolution images and the behavior of the method as a function of the training-set size is assessed.
The Dividend Term Structure

We estimate a model for the term structure of discounted risk-adjusted dividend growth using prices of dividend futures for the Eurostoxx 50. A 2-factor model capturing short-term mean reversion within a year and a medium-term component reverting at the business-cycle horizon gives an excellent fit of these prices. Hence, investors update the valuation of dividends beyond the business cycle only to a limited degree. The 2-factor model, estimated on dividend futures data only, explains a large part of observed daily stock market returns. We also show that the 2 latent factors are related to various economic and financial variables.
High-Resolution Optical Imaging of Zebrafish Larval Ribbon Synapse Protein RIBEYE, RIM2, and CaV 1.4 by Stimulation Emission Depletion Microscopy

Abstract The synaptic ribbon is a unique presynaptic structure with an intricate morphology in photoreceptors. Because of the resolution limit in conventional fluorescence microscopy, investigating ribbon protein locations has been challenging, especially in the early development stages of model animals. Here, we used stimulated emission depletion microscopy, a super-resolution imaging technique, to look at retina sections in 4 days post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish. We observed that in photoreceptor cells, RIBEYE and RIM2 are expressed along the synaptic ribbon, with RIM2 consistently located inside of the horseshoe-shaped synaptic ribbon structure with RIBEYE located on the outside. The L-type calcium channel subunit, CACNA1F, exhibited small spot-like staining beneath the RIM2 and RIBEYE structures. Using morpholino antisense oligonucleotides to knock down RIBEYE expression, we observed fewer and shorter ribbons in the photoreceptor outer plexiform layers of 4 dpf fish retina as well as a reduction in RIM2 expression. The clustering of CACNA1F in these blind fish was no longer observed, but instead showed a diffuse expression in the photoreceptor terminal.
COLONIZATION OF THE KRAKATAU ISLANDS BY PSOCOPTERA (INSECTA)

Eighty species of Psocoptera, of 15 families, were collected on the four Krakatau islands in 1982—86, about a century after the 1883 eruption of Krakatau. The most abundant species on the Krakataus (in the families Lepidopsocidae, Ectopsocidae and Peripsocidae, which are also three of the four most diverse families on the Krakatau group) are typical early colonizing forms, but several ecologically more specialized taxa are also present, and some are limited to particular kinds of vegetation. Families characteristic of forest habitats, Pseudocaeciliidae, Myopsocidae and Psocidae, are poorly represented on the Krakataus. The faunas of Rakata and Panjang are markedly more diverse than those known for Sertung or Anak Krakatau, and the first pair of islands, the only one of the six possible pairs to consist wholly of mixed secondary forest, show the greatest faunal similarity. By reference to the presumed source faunas, there is evidence that the most diverse family on the Krakataus, Caeciliidae, (18 species present) is typical of the order as a whole in colonizing ability, whereas the Lepidopsocidae (11), Ectopsocidae (13) and Peripsocidae (11) are relatively good colonizers, and the Pseudocaeciliidae (3), Myopsocidae (2) and Psocidae (4) relatively poor ones. Within the archipelago, the same trends are apparent for the colonization of the young island of Anak Krakatau, which emerged from the sea in 1930. Taking the three other Krakatau islands as the source, the Caeciliidae again show average colonizing ability, and Lepidopsocidae and Ectopsocidae again are relatively good colonizers. The Peripsocidae, however, show up as rather poorer ones in this model. Because species of this family are predominantly bark dwellers their habitat would not be available as early as that for species of the other families, which are found largely on leaf litter and on living leaves. Progressive development of the psocopteran fauna of the archipelago is discussed in relation to vegetational succession.
Carcinoma of the Esophagus April

Carcinoma of the esophagus or the gastroesophageal junction is uncommon, accounting for approximately 1% of all malignancies in the United States [1]. An estimated 12,100 new cases and 10,900 deaths will occur in 1995 [1]. The diagnosis of esophageal cancer is often made late in the course of the disease in Western countries. Thus, according to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system of staging, T3 or T4 and N-positive lesions are observed frequently. In fact, nearly 50% of patients have advanced incurable disease at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, the prognosis of patients with carcinoma of the esophagus remains poor, and the overall 5-year survival rates are still less than 10% [1]. The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and proximal stomach in the Western world and especially in white males has increased in the past 15 years [2,3]. The proportion of adenocarcinomas has increased from the traditionally reported rate of 5% to 10% to 20% to 40% of all esophageal tumors [2]. It is our estimation that currently in the United States, adenocarcinoma occurs more frequently than does squamous-cell carcinoma. Squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus has the greatest variation in geographical distribution, a fact that provides insight into its pathogenesis. Geographic variations in the incidence often exist within the same country. Unlike squamous-cell carcinoma, for which alcohol and tobacco (among other factors) have been implicated as risk factors, the risk factors for adenocarcinoma remain elusive. Coexistence of Barrett's esophagus does not yet explain this phenomenal rise in the frequency of adenocarcinoma.
Two-dimensional strain profiles in patients with physiological and pathological hypertrophy and preserved left ventricular systolic function: a comparative analyses

Objective This study was designed to examine the utility of two-dimensional strain (2DS) or speckle tracking imaging to typify functional adaptations of the left ventricle in variant forms of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Urban tertiary care academic medical centres. Participants A total of 129 subjects, 56 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 34 with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (H-LVH), 27 professional athletes with LVH (AT-LVH) and 12 healthy controls in sinus rhythm with preserved left ventricular systolic function. Methods Conventional echocardiographic and tissue Doppler examinations were performed in all study subjects. Bi-dimensional acquisitions were analysed to map longitudinal systolic strain (automated function imaging, AFI, GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA) from apical views. Results Subjects with HCM had significantly lower regional and average global peak longitudinal systolic strain (GLS-avg) compared with controls and other forms of LVH. Strain dispersion index, a measure of regional contractile heterogeneity, was higher in HCM compared with the rest of the groups. On receiver operator characteristics analysis, GLS-avg had excellent discriminatory ability to distinguish HCM from H-LVH area under curve (AUC) (0.893, p<0.001) or AT-LVH AUC (0.920, p<0.001). Tissue Doppler and LV morphological parameters were better suited to differentiate the athlete heart from HCM. Conclusions 2DS (AFI) allows rapid characterisation of regional and global systolic function and may have the potential to differentiate HCM from variant forms of LVH.
Bile acids inhibit endotoxin‐induced release of tumor necrosis factor by monocytes: An in Vitro study

Endotoxins play an important role in the pathogenesis of complications of surgery in obstructive jaundice. Preoperative treatment with orally administered deoxycholic acid prevented endotoxin‐related complications, such as renal malfunction. Other bile acids, however, were less effective, and the mechanism of action is not known.
Democracy, Political Stability and Economic performance. A Panel Data Analysis

In the present paper we undertake to link political stability under democracy with a set of indicators for economic freedom and financial crises, using panel data analysis. The sample covers annually the period 2000-2012 for selected European Union (EU) member-states, USA and Japan. The results support our main thesis, that political stability in democratic regimes is positively related to the set of economic freedom indicators and negatively to financial crises, because greater economic freedom influences positively investment and economic growth, while financial crises, which lead to austerity policies, which again lead to recession-depression, increase dissatisfaction among citizens with the workings of democracy and thus, to the rise of extremist parties. Our findings support the idea that political stability in democratic regimes is linked to economic stability and growth and vice-versa.
Evaluation of Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Pre-therapeutic Assessment and Staging of Lymphoma : Results of a Prospective Study in 140 Patients

PURPOSE: To determine the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWIMRI) for pre-therapeutic imaging of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid lymphoma and lymphoma with variable FDG-avidity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Treatment-naïve lymphoma patients that were referred for whole-body staging were included in this prospective study. Group A included patients with FDG-avid lymphoma (e.g., Hodgkin, diffuse large B-cell, and follicular lymphoma), whereas Group B included patients with lymphoma of variable FDG-avidity (e.g., extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT]). All patients underwent DWI-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography). Region-based sensitivity and agreement with Ann Arbor staging, relative to the reference standard, were calculated for DWI-MRI, and, in Group B, also 18F-FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced (CE-)CT. RESULTS: In Group A (100 patients), DWI-MRI had a region-based sensitivity of 97%, and with regard to staging, agreed with the reference standard in 94/100 patients (kappa, 0.92). In Group B (40 patients; 38 MALT lymphomas and 2 small lymphocytic lymphomas/chronic lymphocytic leukemias), DWI-MRI, 18F-FDG-PET/CT, and CE-CT had region-based sensitivities of 94.4%, 60.9%, and 70.7%, respectively. With regard to staging in Group B, DWIResearch. on November 1, 2017. © 2014 American Association for Cancer clincancerres.aacrjournals. org Downloaded from Author manuscripts have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication but have not yet been edited. Author Manuscript Published OnlineFirst on April 2, 2014; DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-3355
A second-generation assembly of the Drosophila simulans genome provides new insights into patterns of lineage-specific divergence

We create a new assembly of the Drosophila simulans genome using 142 million paired short-read sequences and previously published data for strain w501. Our assembly represents a higher-quality genomic sequence with greater coverage, fewer misassemblies, and, by several indexes, fewer sequence errors. Evolutionary analysis of this genome reference sequence reveals interesting patterns of lineage-specific divergence that are different from those previously reported. Specifically, we find that Drosophila melanogaster evolves faster than D. simulans at all annotated classes of sites, including putatively neutrally evolving sites found in minimal introns. While this may be partly explained by a higher mutation rate in D. melanogaster, we also find significant heterogeneity in rates of evolution across classes of sites, consistent with historical differences in the effective population size for the two species. Also contrary to previous findings, we find that the X chromosome is evolving significantly faster than autosomes for nonsynonymous and most noncoding DNA sites and significantly slower for synonymous sites. The absence of a X/A difference for putatively neutral sites and the robustness of the pattern to Gene Ontology and sex-biased expression suggest that partly recessive beneficial mutations may comprise a substantial fraction of noncoding DNA divergence observed between species. Our results have more general implications for the interpretation of evolutionary analyses of genomes of different quality.