Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semantic Feature Training in Combination with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Progressive Anomia

We examined the effectiveness of a 2-week regimen of a semantic feature training in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for progressive naming impairment associated with primary progressive aphasia (N = 4) or early onset Alzheimer’s Disease (N = 1). Patients received a 2-week regimen (10 sessions) of anodal tDCS delivered over the left temporoparietal cortex while completing a language therapy that consisted of repeated naming and semantic feature generation. Therapy targets consisted of familiar people, household items, clothes, foods, places, hygiene implements, and activities. Untrained items from each semantic category provided item level controls. We analyzed naming accuracies at multiple timepoints (i.e., pre-, post-, 6-month follow-up) via a mixed effects logistic regression and individual differences in treatment responsiveness using a series of non-parametric McNemar tests. Patients showed advantages for naming trained over untrained items. These gains were evident immediately post tDCS. Trained items also showed a shallower rate of decline over 6-months relative to untrained items that showed continued progressive decline. Patients tolerated stimulation well, and sustained improvements in naming accuracy suggest that the current intervention approach is viable. Future implementation of a sham control condition will be crucial toward ascertaining whether neurostimulation and behavioral treatment act synergistically or alternatively whether treatment gains are exclusively attributable to either tDCS or the behavioral intervention.
Export Crops and Civil Conflict

Many experts see a move toward high-value export crops, such as fruits and vegetables, as an important opportunity for economic growth and poverty reduction, but little is known about the effects of export crops in fragile and conflict-affected countries. We exploit movements in world market prices combined with geographic variation in crop production to show that increases in the value of bananas, the country’s biggest export crop, caused an increase in conflict violence and insurgent-controlled territory in the Philippines. This effect was concentrated in provinces where bananas are produced in large plantations with areas greater than 25 hectares. Our results are consistent with a mechanism in which insurgents fund their operations by extorting large agricultural export firms.
Epidemiology of peptic ulcer disease in cirrhotic patients: role of helicobacter pylori infection

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiological factors associated with the appearance of peptic ulcer in patients with cirrhosis and, in particular, the role of Helicobacter pylori infection.Methods:A total of 201 of 220 consecutive patients included in a prospective study that aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary intervention on cirrhotic complications and survival underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. At entry, an epidemiological and clinical questionnaire was completed and the presence of peptic ulcer disease or esophageal varices at endoscopy was prospectively collected. Sera were obtained and stored at −70°C until analyzed, being tested afterward for Helicobacter pylori antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit.Results:Eleven of 201 patients had borderline anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG titers and were excluded from further analysis. In the remaining 190 patients, point prevalence of peptic ulcer was 10.5% and lifetime prevalence 24.7%. Multivariate analysis selected male sex (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.09–4.89) and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity (OR:1.7, 95%CI 1.02–2.81) as the variables independently related to peptic ulcer disease.Conclusions:Male sex and seropositivity for Helicobacter pylori are the major risk factors for peptic ulcer in cirrhosis.
Say-on-Pay: Is Anybody Listening?

There is an ongoing debate about whether executives receive excessive compensation, and if so, how to control it. Several countries have instituted say-on-pay rules (shareholders' right to vote on executive compensation) to reduce excessive compensation. However, determining the effectiveness of say-on-pay is difficult because its tenets vary by country due to political, institutional, cultural, economic, and social factors. Policy issues like say-on-pay are complex, ill-structured problems without definitive assumptions, theories, or solutions. Existing say-on-pay research is inconclusive, since some studies find no change in CEO compensation around its adoption, whereas other studies show that say-on-pay lowers CEO pay or changes its composition. This paper chronicles the history of say-on-pay, compares its implementation by groups (e.g. shareholders-initiated versus legislated and binding versus advisory), discusses the complexities of using say-on-pay to address excessive executive compensation, and recommends future research directions.
Identifying Dornbusch's Exchange Rate Overshooting with Structural VECs: Evidence from Mexico

In this paper we use data from Mexico to identify Dornbusch's (1976) exchange rate overshooting hypothesis. We specify and estimate a structural cointegrated VAR that considers explicitly the presence of a set of long-run theoretical relations on macroeconomic variables (a purchasing power parity, an uncovered interest parity, a money demand, and a relation between domestic and U.S. output levels). We then impose a recursiveness assumption to identify the response of domestic variables to a monetary policy shock. The long-run restrictions embedded in the model are themselves identified, estimated, and tested using an ARDL methodology that is robust to the degree of persistence of the time series and, in particular, to whether they are trend- or first-difference stationary. With this approach, we are able to find that the response of the exchange rate to monetary policy shocks is consistent with Dornbusch's model.
PBK/TOPK, a Proliferating Neural Progenitor-Specific Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase

We performed genomic subtraction coupled to microarray-based gene expression profiling and identified the PDZ (postsynaptic density-95/Discs large/zona occludens-1)-binding kinase/T-LAK (lymphokine-activated killer T cell) cell originating protein kinase (PBK/TOPK) as a gene highly enriched in neural stem cell cultures. Previous studies have identified PBK/TOPK as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase that phosphorylated P38 MAPK but with no known expression or function in the nervous system. First, using a novel, bioinformatics-based approach to assess cross-correlation in large microarray datasets, we generated the hypothesis of a cell-cycle-related role for PBK/TOPK in neural cells. We then demonstrated that both PBK/TOPK and P38 are activated in a cell-cycle-dependant manner in neuronal progenitor cells in vitro, and inhibition of this pathway disrupts progenitor proliferation and self-renewal, a core feature of progenitors. In vivo, PBK/TOPK is expressed in rapidly proliferating cells in the adult subependymal zone (SEZ) and early postnatal cerebellar external granular layer. Using an approach based on transgenically targeted ablation and lineage tracing in mice, we show that PBK/TOPK-positive cells in the SEZ are GFAP negative but arise from GFAP-positive neural stem cells during adult neurogenesis. Furthermore, ablation of the adult stem cell population leads to concomitant loss of PBK/TOPK-positive cells in the SEZ. Together, these studies demonstrate that PBK/TOPK is a marker for transiently amplifying neural progenitors in the SEZ. Additionally, they suggest that PBK/TOPK plays an important role in these progenitors, and further implicates the P38 MAPK pathway in general, as an important regulator of progenitor proliferation and self-renewal.
Impact of a 6-wk olive oil supplementation in healthy adults on urinary proteomic biomarkers of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes (types 1 and 2): a randomized, parallel, controlled, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND Olive oil (OO) consumption is associated with cardiovascular disease prevention because of both its oleic acid and phenolic contents. The capacity of OO phenolics to protect against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation is the basis for a health claim by the European Food Safety Authority. Proteomic biomarkers enable an early, presymptomatic diagnosis of disease, which makes them important and effective, but understudied, tools for primary prevention. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the impact of supplementation with OO, either low or high in phenolics, on urinary proteomic biomarkers of coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes. DESIGN Self-reported healthy participants (n = 69) were randomly allocated (stratified block random assignment) according to age and body mass index to supplementation with a daily 20-mL dose of OO either low or high in phenolics (18 compared with 286 mg caffeic acid equivalents per kg, respectively) for 6 wk. Urinary proteomic biomarkers were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 wk alongside blood lipids, the antioxidant capacity, and glycation markers. RESULTS The consumption of both OOs improved the proteomic CAD score at endpoint compared with baseline (mean improvement: -0.3 for low-phenolic OO and -0.2 for high-phenolic OO; P < 0.01) but not CKD or diabetes proteomic biomarkers. However, there was no difference between groups for changes in proteomic biomarkers or any secondary outcomes including plasma triacylglycerols, oxidized LDL, and LDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION In comparison with low-phenolic OO, supplementation for 6 wk with high-phenolic OO does not lead to an improvement in cardiovascular health markers in a healthy cohort.
Assessment of platelet growth factors in supernatants from rehydrated freeze-dried equine platelets and their effects on fibroblasts in vitro.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether platelet growth factors are preserved in supernatants obtained from rehydrated trehalose-stabilized, freeze-dried (lyophilized) equine platelets and whether those growth factors stimulate fibroblast proliferation and migration and enhance fibroblast-associated contraction in a collagen gel assay. ANIMALS 6 clinically normal adult horses. PROCEDURES Blood samples were obtained from 6 horses, and washed platelets were prepared via differential centrifugation. Washed platelets were freeze-dried in a physiologic buffer with a mixture of trehalose and polyethylene glycol 4000. Rehydrated platelet supernatants and releasates prepared from fresh washed platelets stimulated with thrombin or platelet-activating factor were evaluated for transforming growth factor beta1 and platelet-derived growth factor-BB by use of ELISAs. Effects of rehydrated freeze-dried platelet supernatants on fibroblast proliferation, migration, and collagen gel contraction were compared with effects of 1%, 2.5%, or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). RESULTS Supernatants from freeze-dried platelets contained similar amounts of growth factors as thrombin- and platelet-activating factor-stimulated platelet releasates. The supernatants significantly enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration in a scratch assay, compared with FBS-free control or low (1%) FBS conditions. Additionally, supernatants from freeze-dried platelets enhanced contraction of fibroblast-seeded collagen gels, compared with the effect of 1% FBS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The preparation technique preserved platelet growth factors, enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration, and improved fibroblastseeded collagen gel contraction under conditions of low FBS concentration; these platelet supernatant preparations may prove useful as an aid to conventional wound management.
Lower socioeconomic status is associated with worse outcomes after both listing and transplanting children with heart failure

The relationship between SES and outcomes surrounding pediatric cardiac transplantation is complex and influenced by recipient race. Broad‐based studies of SES have not been performed. A retrospective review of all 5125 primary pediatric heart transplants performed in the United States between 2000 and 2011. Patients were stratified by SES based on zip code of residence and U.S. census data (low SES: 1637; mid‐SES: 2253; high SES: 1235). Survival following listing and transplantation was compared across strata. Risk‐adjusted long‐term mortality on the waitlist was higher among low SES patients (hazard 1.32, CI 1.07–1.63). The relationship between SES and outcomes varied by race. Early risk‐adjusted post‐transplant outcomes were worst among high SES patients (10.8% vs. low SES: 8.9%, p < 0.05). The incidence of non‐compliance was higher among low SES patients (p < 0.0001). Long‐term risk‐adjusted patient survival was poorer among low (hazard 1.41, CI 1.10–1.80) and mid‐SES (1.29, 1.04–1.59) groups. Low SES is associated with worse outcomes on both the waitlist and late following transplantation. Higher SES patients had more complex transplants with higher early mortality. Further research should be directed at identifying and addressing underlying causal factors for these disparities.
A Case Study of Cross-Cultural Complexities and Interpersonal Conflict Faced by Project Managers in Multicultural Software Development Project Teams

ion of a potential interest (Yin, 2014). The grouping and coding process led to seven codes, four for multicultural challenges faced by project managers, and three codes for the skills required by project managers to succeed. The four codes for challenges were competitive attitude, language barriers, trust and collaboration, and punctuality. The three
Evaluation involvement of local HIV/AIDS non-governmental organisations in Benin

Background: For some years, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society have become increasingly involved in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. But even though their role is well appreciated, their actions are perceived as ineffective because of a lack of monitoring and evaluation capacity. Objective: This paper aims to describe local HIV/AIDS NGOs’ involvement in evaluation and the characteristics of this involvement. Method: Descriptive analysis of data collected in questionnaires completed by 34 NGO executives (one per NGO). Results: Most NGOs do not have the minimal conditions required for positive and effective involvement in evaluations. In addition, funding agencies’ expectations for evaluations, total human resources as well as experience as NGO are contextual factors that explain most aspects of their involvement in evaluations. Conclusion: This study provides funding agencies, NGO leaders and all those interested in developing evaluation capacity in these NGOs to understand the extent of the task in this area. They must keep in mind that there is no solution for all, but that solutions must be adapted to the developmental level of each organisation.
On the formation of stripe, sigma, and honeycomb phases in a core-corona system.

Using Monte Carlo simulations and free-energy calculations, we investigate the phase behaviour of a two-dimensional core-corona system. We model this system as particles consisting of an impenetrable hard core of diameter σHD surrounded by a purely repulsive soft corona of diameter δ = 1. 95σHD. At low densities, we observe the spontaneous formation of a phase with a stripe texture as well as a honeycomb-like phase driven by both energy and entropy considerations. At high densities, we find that a two-dimensional analogue of the periodic sigma phase, considered as an approximant of dodecagonal quasicrystals, is energetically stabilised with respect to two distinct dodecagonal quasicrystals, namely, a square-triangle tiling and a square-triangle-shield tiling. We also find the formation of stable hexagonal phases at three distinct density ranges, which are energetically driven, i.e. by minimising the overlap of coronas. Furthermore, our calculations show that the low-density dodecagonal quasicrystal that was previously reported by Dotera et al., [Nature, 2014, 506, 208] is kinetically formed in the coexistence region between the honeycomb and the medium-density hexagonal phase.
Delay asymptotics of the SRPT scheduler

In this paper we look at the shortest-remaining-processing-time (SRPT) scheduling algorithm. It has been long thought that although it exhibits optimal mean packet delay, the larger sized packets will "suffer" a very large delay. In this paper, we consider this scheduling rule for a discrete-time queueing system that is accessed by a large number of flows (a many flows regime). In such an asymptotic regime where the number of flows are large, we derive expressions for the packet delay distributions for batch arrival processes, and with bounded packet sizes. Using these results, we compare the delay asymptote (i.e., for any finite delay, and asymptotic in the number of flows) of the SRPT scheduler with that of a FIFO (first in first out) scheduler, when there is a mix of packet sizes. In particular, we apply the asymptotic delay result to a system accessed by packets which are one of two sizes: '1' or 'k', and the arrival process is i.i. d. in time. We show that the difference in rate function of the delay asymptote between SRPT and FIFO for the size 'k' packet decays as 1/k. Thus, for large packets, the delay distributions under FIFO and SRPT look similar. On the other hand, for the size '1' packet, the delay rate function under SRPT is invariant with k. However for FIFO, the delay rate function for the size '1' packet decays as 1/k. This indicates that for size '1' packets, SRPT performs increasingly better as the range in packet size increases. Thus, these results indicate that SRPT is a good policy to implement for Web-servers, where empirical evidence suggests a large variability in packet sizes.
Financial Indicators as Predictors of Illiquidity

The main objective of this study is the development of the model for predicting illiquidity, i.e. identification of financial indicators on the basis of which one can predict illiquidity. The research focus is on large companies in the Republic of Serbia. Bearing in mind the results of previous research and the assumptions underlying the logistic regression, the paper relied on logistic regression for drawing conclusions. For each of the 426 companies included in the sample, based on data from financial statements, financial ratios were calculated in respect of: liquidity, activity, solvency, profitability, and effectiveness, which were used as independent variables in the study. The research results show that in the prediction of illiquidity of large companies in Serbia, from a total of 23 financial indicators included in the model, the following distinguish themselves as significant - capital turnover ratio, inventory turnover ratio, fixed-asset turnover ratio, real asset coverage ratio, net profit ratio, return on total assets, return on equity, and effectiveness of main business activity.
Comparative Physical Mapping Between Oryza sativa (AA Genome Type) and O. punctata (BB Genome Type)

A comparative physical map of the AA genome (Oryza sativa) and the BB genome (O. punctata) was constructed by aligning a physical map of O. punctata, deduced from 63,942 BAC end sequences (BESs) and 34,224 fingerprints, onto the O. sativa genome sequence. The level of conservation of each chromosome between the two species was determined by calculating a ratio of BES alignments. The alignment result suggests more divergence of intergenic and repeat regions in comparison to gene-rich regions. Further, this characteristic enabled localization of heterochromatic and euchromatic regions for each chromosome of both species. The alignment identified 16 locations containing expansions, contractions, inversions, and transpositions. By aligning 40% of the punctata BES on the map, 87% of the punctata FPC map covered 98% of the O. sativa genome sequence. The genome size of O. punctata was estimated to be 8% larger than that of O. sativa with individual chromosome differences of 1.5–16.5%. The sum of expansions and contractions observed in regions >500 kb were similar, suggesting that most of the contractions/expansions contributing to the genome size difference between the two species are small, thus preserving the macro-collinearity between these species, which diverged ∼2 million years ago.
The effects of dietary naringenin supplementation on physiological changes in molar crestal alveolar bone-cemento-enamel junction distance in young rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary naringenin (NAR) supplementation on physiological molar crestal alveolar bone (CAB)-cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) distances in young male albino rats. The effects of diets supplemented with 0.09%, 0.18%, 0.36%, and 0.72% NAR, at the expense of dextrose, were tested on 40 young rats, divided equally into five groups, for a period of 42 days. Rat skulls were defleshed, and CAB-CEJ distance was scored according to the modified method of Keyes and Gold. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey's test, and Spearman's (R(2)) correlation. P < . 05 was used to reject the null hypothesis. NAR showed a statistically significant inverse dose-dependent relationship on CAB-lingual alveolar bone distance (P < .05). In all cases lingual CAB-CEJ distance was larger than buccal CAB-CEJ distance. Thus dietary NAR supplementation was shown to significantly reduce molar CAB-CEJ distance (P < .001-.05) during alveolar development in young male rats.
Role of free radicals in the limb teratogenicity of L-NAME (N(G)-nitro-(L)-arginine methyl ester): a new mechanistic model of vascular disruption.

In continuing studies of limb effects resulting from fetal exposure to N(G)-nitro-(L)-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), we examined the early time course of vascular changes and the effectiveness of fetal intraamniotic injection. Vascular engorgement and hemorrhage occurred within 4 hr of L-NAME treatment on gestational day (gd) 17, and direct injection appeared to be as effective as maternal intraperitoneal injection in inducing limb hemorrhage. Further studies examined protein nitration and electron transport inhibition in tissues of exposed fetuses. L-NAME caused significant increases in nitrotyrosine (NT) formation in limb but not in heart or brain, and reduced electron transport rates in limb. Three agents, alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone (PBN), a radical trap and inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, and aminoguanidine, a relatively specific inhibitor of iNOS, significantly moderated limb hemorrhage and protein nitration in distal limb. These results suggest that L-NAME works directly on the fetal limb vasculature and indicate a cytotoxic role for peroxynitrite, a potent oxidant and nitrating agent that is the reaction product of nitric oxide and superoxide anion radical. We propose that L-NAME and other vasoactive toxicants disrupt the fetal limb in a sequential process. Initially, nitric oxide (NO) is depleted, causing hemorrhage and edema in the limb. Within hours, iNOS is induced, resulting in cytotoxic tissue concentrations of NO and reactive nitrogen species that induce apoptosis and/or necrosis in the limb. We suggest that L-NAME exposure may serve as a model of vascular disruptive limb malformations.