Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positive association of personal distress with testosterone in opiate-addicted patients

ABSTRACT Clinical studies report that substance addictions are associated with sociocognitive impairments. Regarding opiate-addicted patients, the few existing studies point to deficits in empathic abilities. Previous research suggests that testosterone might be a relevant biomarker of these impairments. The authors aimed to investigate whether opiate-addicted patients show specific impairments in emotional (empathic concern, personal distress) and cognitive empathy compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the authors aimed to assess possible associations of testosterone levels with impaired empathic abilities in the patients' group. In this cross-sectional study, 27 opiate-addicted, diacetylmorphine-maintained patients (21 males, age mean 41.67 years, standard deviation 8.814) and 31 healthy controls (23 males, age mean 40.77 years, standard deviation 8.401) matched in age, sex, and educational level were examined. Cognitive and emotional empathy were measured via the German version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and salivary testosterone levels were assessed. The authors found higher personal distress scores (p < 0.01, d = 0.817) and higher testosterone (p < 0.001, d = 1.093) in the patients' group compared to controls. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between testosterone and personal distress among the patients' group (r = 0.399, p < 0.05). Opiate-addicted patients show specific impairments in emotional empathy, namely higher personal distress, which has clinical implications regarding social cognition rehabilitation and relapse prevention. The current data point toward testosterone as a possible biomarker for these sociocognitive impairments and suggest that high personal distress and high testosterone during withdrawal are possible markers for severe opiate addiction.
Mouse models of preterm birth: suggested assessment and reporting guidelines†

Abstract Preterm birth affects approximately 1 out of every 10 births in the United States, leading to high rates of mortality and long-term negative health consequences. To investigate the mechanisms leading to preterm birth so as to develop prevention strategies, researchers have developed numerous mouse models of preterm birth. However, the lack of standard definitions for preterm birth in mice limits our field's ability to compare models and make inferences about preterm birth in humans. In this review, we discuss numerous mouse preterm birth models, propose guidelines for experiments and reporting, and suggest markers that can be used to assess whether pups are premature or mature. We argue that adoption of these recommendations will enhance the utility of mice as models for preterm birth. Summary Sentence To improve reporting of mouse models of preterm birth, a set of universal guidelines and simple assays of developmental markers are proposed to distinguish between mature and premature pups.
On Value Function Representation of Long Horizon Problems

In Reinforcement Learning, an intelligent agent has to make a sequence of decisions to accomplish a goal. If this sequence is long, then the agent has to plan over a long horizon. While learning the optimal policy and its value function is a well studied problem in Reinforcement Learning, this paper focuses on the structure of the optimal value function and how hard it is to represent the optimal value function. We show that the generalized Rademacher complexity of the hypothesis space of all optimal value functions is dependent on the planning horizon and independent of the state and action space size. Further, we present bounds on the action-gaps of action value functions and show that they can collapse if a long planning horizon is used. The theoretical results are verified empirically on randomly generated MDPs and on a grid-world fruit collection task using deep value function approximation. Our theoretical results highlight a connection between value function approximation and the Options framework and suggest that value functions should be decomposed along bottlenecks of the MDP's transition dynamics.
The crystal structure of a multidomain protease inhibitor (HAI-1) reveals the mechanism of its auto-inhibition

Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 (HAI-1) is a membrane-bound multidomain protein essential to the integrity of the basement membrane during placental development and is also important in maintaining postnatal homeostasis in many tissues. HAI-1 is a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, and soluble fragments of HAI-1 with variable lengths have been identified in vivo. The full-length extracellular portion of HAI-1 (sHAI-1) shows weaker inhibitory activity toward target proteases than the smaller fragments, suggesting auto-inhibition of HAI-1. However, this possible regulatory mechanism has not yet been evaluated. Here, we solved the crystal structure of sHAI-1 and determined the solution structure by small-angle X-ray scattering. These structural analyses revealed that, despite the presence of long linkers, sHAI-1 exists in a compact conformation in which sHAI-1 active sites in Kunitz domain 1 are sterically blocked by neighboring structural elements. We also found that in the presence of target proteases, sHAI-1 adopts an extended conformation that disables the auto-inhibition effect. Our results also reveal the roles of non-inhibitory domains of this multidomain protein and explain the low activity of the full-length protein. The structural insights gained here improve our understanding of the regulation of HAI-1 inhibitory activities and point to new approaches for better controlling these activities.
Parallel algorithms for the construction of special subgraphs

of my thesis In this work we are going to study two problems in graph theory and describe two parallel algorithms for solving them. The problem of finding a minimum spanning tree (MST) in a connected graph G = (V,E) with integer-valued edge weights, is the first problem we are going to study. We give a new deterministic parallel algorithm for computing the minimum spanning tree of a given graph. This algorithm runs on graph with n vertices and m edges in O(log n) time using O(n + m) processors on an EREW PRAM. The second problem examined is the derived subgraph problem. We give a parallel algorithm which calculates the number of derived subgraphs denoted nd(G) and finds the set of all derived subgraphs by making a partition of the vertex set V (G). We explain scientific, commercial applications for the derived subgraphs problem and the residual and the non-residual edges in a given graph. If the parallel algorithm runs on graph G0(n,m) with n vertices and m edges. We use a distributed memory model, in which processors form a pyramidconnected computer network. The parallel running time is O(n log n) using p = (4n/ log n − 1)/3 processors.
Balanced Clustering via Exclusive Lasso: A Pragmatic Approach

Clustering is an effective technique in data mining to generate groups that are the matter of interest.Among various clustering approaches, the family of k-means algorithms and min-cut algorithms gain most popularity due to their simplicity and efficacy. The classical k-means algorithm partitions a number of data points into several subsets by iteratively updating the clustering centers and the associated data points. By contrast, a weighted undirected graph is constructed in min-cut algorithms which partition the vertices of the graph into two sets. However, existing clustering algorithms tend to cluster minority of data points into a subset, which shall be avoided when the target dataset is balanced. To achieve more accurate clustering for balanced dataset, we propose to leverage exclusive lasso on k-means and min-cut to regulate the balance degree of the clustering results. By optimizing our objective functions that build atop the exclusive lasso, we can make the clustering result as much balanced as possible. Extensive experiments on several large-scale datasets validate the advantage of the proposed algorithms compared to the state-of-the-art clustering algorithms.
Voltage-Frequency Planning for Thermal-Aware, Low-Power Design of Regular 3-D NoCs

Network-on-Chip combined with Globally Asynchronous Locally Synchronous paradigm is a promising architecture for easy IP integration and utilization with multiple voltage levels. For power reduction, multiple voltage-frequency levels are successfully applied to 2-D NoCs, but never with a generic approach to 3-D counterparts; in which low heat conductivity of insulator layers makes high dense temperature distribution at layers away from heat sink. In this paper, a thermal-aware methodology for regular 3-D NoCs based on multiple voltage levels is proposed. Given an application task graph, this methodology determines an efficient mapping of tasks onto network tiles, considering inherent computation and communication requirements of the tasks and thermal resistance from any silicon layer to the ambient. Then, a heuristic approach is utilized to determine voltage and frequency specifications of all IP cores, such that total power is reduced, dissipated heat is properly conducted to the layers close to the heat sink, and application requirements (in terms of deadline) are satisfied. The experiments confirm a significant saving in total power while performance of the running application is guaranteed.
Chip-level characterization and RTN-induced error mitigation beyond 20nm floating gate flash memory

Vt instability caused by random telegraph noise (RTN) in floating gate flash memories beyond 20nm is studied comprehensively. Experiments reveal that the RTN would cause Vt distribution with a kinked tail which re-distributes to a “Gaussian-like” shape rapidly and was measured by the self-established Budget Product Tester (BPT). A Multi-Times Verify (MTV) algorithm to mitigate the statistical tail, thus enlarging operation window is also exhibited by BPT. In further, a probability model to portray the compact Vt distribution under MTV is proposed. Finally, the impact of MTV on lowering the requirement of Error-correcting code (ECC) bit is also demonstrated.
R&D-Persistency, Metropolitan Externalities and Productivity

Firms display persistent differences as regards both internal and external characteristics, and these differences correspond to asymmetries in the performance of firms with regard to productivity level and growth as well as innovativeness. This paper focuses on one internal characteristic and one external factor by distinguishing between firms with persistent R&D efforts and other firms and firms located in a metropolitan region versus firms with other locations. Applying Swedish data on individual firms and their location, the paper shows that firms that follow a strategy with persistent R&D efforts have a distinctly higher level of productivity across all types of location. In addition, the productivity level of firms with persistent R&D is augmented in a significant way when such firms have a metropolitan location and, in particular, a location in a metropolitan city
$E$ -Band Substrate Integrated Waveguide Orthomode Transducer Integrated With Dual-Polarized Horn Antenna

This paper presents an E-band substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) dual-polarized antenna system, which consists of an orthomode transducer (OMT) and a dual-polarized horn antenna. On the basis of a two-layer substrate design, the function of OMT is realized by utilizing an SIW section to excite TE10 mode for the vertical polarization, a quasi-coaxial stripline to excite quasi-TEM mode for the horizontal polarization. And also, a slot line transition is placed at the common port of the two structures for impedance matching with the ridge SIW dual-polarized horn antenna. In this way, the dual-polarized horn antenna is designed with an exponential ridge structure simultaneously for better impedance matching and higher efficiency of the antenna. To verify the functionality of the proposed integrated OMT-antenna structure, an experimental prototype is fabricated and measured, and a good agreement is found between its simulation and measured results. Over the frequency range of 83–87 GHz, return loss better than 10 dB at all ports and cross-polarization less than −25 dB are obtained. The maximum antenna gain is about 14 dBi for the horizontal polarization and 15.2 dBi for the vertical polarization. It is believed that the proposed OMT-antenna design is suitable for ultrahigh capacity millimeter-wave backhaul applications in future wireless communication systems.
Performance of Indian Commercial Banks (1995-2002): An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Productivity Index

This paper investigates efficiency using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and productivity growth using Malmquist index in a sample of Indian commercial banks over the period 1995-2002. Using total deposits and operating expenses as input and loans and other earning assets as output in the DEA analysis we observe no significant growth in productivity during the sampled period. The rate of increase in technical efficiency though small is likely to be due to scale efficiency compared to managerial efficiency. In general, smaller banks are less efficient and highly DEA-efficient banks have a high equity to assets and high return to average equity ratios. There has been no growth in productivity in private sector banks where as the public sector banks appears to demonstrate a modest positive change through 1995-2002. Technological change in the public sector banks reveals a growth while the private sector banks experienced a negative growth of almost the same magnitude.
Estimating Trends in Weather Series: Consequences for Pricing Derivatives

Predictions of future weather conditions play an important role in pricing weather derivatives. In many instances, the dates for which we require predictions are well beyond the point where physical forecasts have any skill. Under these circumstances, predictions are generated from statistical models of historic data. This paper derives conditions for which the predictive performance in regression is improved by ignoring or shrinking the contribution from some of the explanatory variables. We suggest methods for estimating the degree of shrinkage required in practice. We illustrate our methods using surface temperature data from fifteen stations in the United States.
Multi-armed dexterous manipulator operation using glove/exoskeleton control and sensory feedback

Developments in telepresence have served to demonstrate the requirements for an advanced realistic user interface to remote and virtual entities. Most of these applications have concentrated on visual and audio feedback but recent research has highlighted the need for tactile input, control and feedback. This paper reports on the operator input/feedback robot sensory/control aspects of a dexterous manipulation system possessed of two arms (left and right) and two dexterous multi-jointed skeletal 'hands'. The operator input units developed include a light weight 7 degree of freedom arm exoskeleton combined with a cutaneous tactile feedback glove providing finger input control and tactile feedback of contact force, vibrational and thermal data in a system with an overall mass of less than 0.75 kg. This provides a user friendly system that can be used for extended periods without excessive strain.
Intergenerational Habits, Fiscal Policy, and Welfare

Abstract The present paper explores the fiscal policy implications of intergenerational habit formation in a Blanchard overlapping generations small open economy model. Three main conclusions emerge. (1) When individuals are finitely lived and have habits which they pass on to their descendants, the dynamic response of a small open economy to shocks exhibits sluggishness in consumption in the short run and may display damped cycles in the long run. (2) With habits, optimal fiscal policy takes the form of a social insurance scheme, allowing present and unborn cohorts to share in the consequences of macroeconomic shocks. In contrast, in an economy devoid of habits, the optimal fiscal response to a permanent shock is a one time abrupt adjustment, whereby the present generations bear the entire burden of the shock. (3) If habits exist but policy is conducted as though habits did not exist, the welfare losses for society can be substantial.
From Surveillance to Intervention: Overview and Baseline Findings for the Active City of Liverpool Active Schools and SportsLinx (A-CLASS) Project

This paper outlines the implementation of a programme of work that started with the development of a population-level children’s health, fitness and lifestyle study in 1996 (SportsLinx) leading to selected interventions one of which is described in detail: the Active City of Liverpool, Active Schools and SportsLinx (A-CLASS) Project. The A-CLASS Project aimed to quantify the effectiveness of structured and unstructured physical activity (PA) programmes on children’s PA, fitness, body composition, bone health, cardiac and vascular structures, fundamental movement skills, physical self-perception and self-esteem. The study was a four-arm parallel-group school-based cluster randomised controlled trial (clinical trials no. NCT02963805), and compared different exposure groups: a high intensity PA (HIPA) group, a fundamental movement skill (FMS) group, a PA signposting (PASS) group and a control group, in a two-schools-per-condition design. Baseline findings indicate that children’s fundamental movement skill competence levels are low-to-moderate, yet these skills are inversely associated with percentage body fat. Outcomes of this project will make an important contribution to the design and implementation of children’s PA promotion initiatives.
The Acute Effect of Hip External Rotator Stretches on Hip Internal Rotation Range of Motion

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(1) : 75-84, 2015. The effects of static stretching on range of motion have been widely studied. However, most of the research has focused on hamstring stretching. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of two commonly used static stretches on hip internal rotation passive range of motion (HIRPROM). Participants (N=30, 15 male, 15 female; 22±1.8 yrs.; 173.5±8.5cm; 73.8±12.7 kg) were randomly assigned (with gender controlled) to one of three groups: control, figure 4 stretch and modified lunge stretch. Pre-test and post-test HIR-PROM was measured on each subject’s nondominant hip. HIR-PROM was measured with a goniometer from the prone position. The knee was flexed to 90° and the hip was passively internally rotated. Each subject completed a 10 minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer. Upon completion of the warm-up the two stretching groups completed the respective stretching protocol while the control group rested on a table. A mixed method factorial ANOVA was used to analyze main effects (group, time) and if a significant interaction occurred. There was no interaction or group main effect (p>0.05). However, there was a time main effect regardless of group assignment (F1,27=33.151, p<0.001). There appears to be no enhanced acute effect on HIR-PROM when a figure 4 or modified lunge stretch is implemented in addition to a 10 minute warm-up on a stationary bike. In an effort to improve efficiency clinicians may choose to forgo post-cycle ergometer warm-up figure 4 or modified lunge stretching when attempting to acutely increase HIR-PROM.
Factors influencing electronic commerce adoption in developing countries : the case of Tanzania

Electronic commerce is rapidly replacing the old ways of doing business. Although many studies have been conducted on the adoption of various forms of e-commerce, there are few on this topic in African countries; in particular, there is no research on Tanzania. Therefore, this paper analyzes the factors determining e-commerce and their impact on its adoption in Tanzania. This paper extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) to an empirical study analyzing the factors influencing e-commerce adoption in Tanzania. A survey involving 111 respondents including Tanzanian government officers was conducted, and structural equation modeling was used to assess the model for the influence of three new factors: national policy initiatives, technology infrastructure, and trust in e-commerce adoption. The results show that technology infrastructure is an important factor in e-commerce adoption, and national policy initiatives are important in building online trust and improving technology infrastructure in Tanzania. Therefore, government policy makers need to encourage the presence of good technology infrastructure and build trust in e-commerce through national policy initiatives such as e-commerce promotion. Limitations of this paper are that the respondents are limited to people who have access to the Internet and some might not have enough knowledge about e-commerce. Further, the survey is conducted only in Tanzania; therefore, the results may differ in other African countries.
Predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules: Molecular advances

Over the last several years, a clearer understanding has developed of the genetic alterations underlying thyroid carcinogenesis. This knowledge can be used to tackle 1 of the challenges facing thyroidologists: management of the indeterminate thyroid nodule. Despite the accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology, many patients undergo surgery to diagnose malignancy and better diagnostic tools are required. A number of biomarkers have recently been studied and show promise in this setting. In particular, BRAF, RAS, PAX8‐PPARγ, microRNAs, and loss of heterozygosity have each been demonstrated as useful molecular tools for predicting malignancy and can potentially guide decisions regarding surgical management of nodular thyroid disease. This review summarizes the current literature surrounding each of these markers, highlights our institution's prospective analysis of these markers, and describes the subsequent incorporation of molecular markers into a management algorithm for thyroid nodules. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Efficient Construction of Robust Hedging Strategies Under Jump Models

Markets where asset prices follow processes with jumps are incomplete and any portfolio hedging against large movements in the price of the underlying asset must include other instruments. The standard approach in literature is to minimize the price variance of the hedging portfolio under a certain choice for the jump size distribution. This paper generalizes the hedging strategy of Kennedy, Forsyth, and Vetzal (2009) to minimize the weighted variance of hedging portfolio price and Greeks (sensitivities of portfolio values to changes in the state variables or models parameters). The new approach yields improved hedging portfolios over long horizons (i.e. semi-static and static hedging) and for non-stationary model parameters (e.g. stochastic volatility or jump arrival rate). From the computational perspective, this paper develops a new Fourier transform-based numerical method for computing the Greeks of European options with arbitrary payoffs by extending the work of Jackson, Jaimungal, and Surkov (2008). The new computational method allows to rapidly compute the hedging portfolio weights of the generalized hedging approach. We demonstrate the precision and efficiency of the new numerical scheme and perform a comparative analysis of various hedging approaches.