Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A causal role for dopamine in incentive motivation : evidence from Parkinson ’ s disease and medication

The tradeoff between short-term and long-term consequences is inherent in many important decisions, as retirement savings or health behavior. Different neural accounts have been proposed to underlie intertemporal choice behavior via differences in valuation or selfcontrol mechanisms. Recent studies showed that imagining specific future events reduced reward delay discounting and was associated with increased prefrontal-mediotemporal coupling. We investigated whether temporal lobe epilepsy patients who suffer from hippocampal sclerosis exhibit increased discounting of future rewards, dependent on the side of the sclerosis. Methods: Up to now, 12 patients with right (RMTL), 8 patients with left (LMTL) and 11 patients with bilateral (BMTL) hippocampal sclerosis have been included together with 30 patients with extra temporal lobe epilepsy (ETL). The groups did not differ with respect to age or gender. We elicited time-preferences using three different lists of choices. Subjects had to decide between a sooner and an increasing later amount of money in each row. The three lists differed with respect to the time horizons. Future discounting was measured by taking the switching points from the sooner to the later option. To control for effects of general risk aversion we also conducted an incentivized risk experiment. Subjects had to decide between a lottery with a winning probability of 0.5 and an increasing amount of a safe option. Again the switching point served as a measure for preference. In both time and risk experiments we adapted a similar design as in Dohmen et al. (American Economic Review, 2009). Results: MTL patients with leftor bilateral hippocampal sclerosis showed higher discounting of future rewards compared to right – MTL and ETL patients (mean switching points: LMTL 16.1; BMTL: 18.2; RMTL: 9.7; ETL 10.9, Kurskal-Wallis-Test of independent groups p=0.034). Conclusions: Our results show that patients with bilateral or pure left sided hippocampal sclerosis discount future rewards more steeply, highlighting the importance of the medial temporal lobe in intertemporal choices. Two processes could underlie this effect: first, damage to the hippocampus itself – which is involved in episodic future thinking (Addis et al., Human Neurosci., 2012; Schacter et al., Nat. Neurosci., 2007); second, the inhibition of the neural self-control mechanism through interictal discharges to the left lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC). Further studies will have to investigate these effects in more detail. Acknowledgements: BW is funded by a Heisenberg-Grant of the German Research Council (WE 4427/3-1)
Elevated Serum Leptin Level Is Associated with Body Mass Index But Not with Serum C-reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Values in Hemodialysis Patients

Objectives: Aim of the present study was to investigate serum concentration of leptin and its association with values of body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 HD patients (34 male, 26 female) and 30 age- and sex-matched (4 males, 26 females) apparently healthy subjects. Serum leptin concentration was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum CRP concentration was measured by means of particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. ESR value was determined by Western Green method. BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). Results: Results have shown that median serum leptin concentration (30.65 ng/mL; 12.48-86.40 ng/mL) was statistically significantly higher in HD patients compared to median serum leptin concentration (15.75 ng/mL; 9.15-30.65 ng/mL) in the control group of healthy subjects (p<0.05). Likewise, median serum CRP concentration (5.5 mg/L; 1.93-8.9 mg/L) and median ESR value (57.5 mm/h; 40.5-77.0 mm/h) were significantly higher in HD patients compared to median serum CRP concentration (0.8 mg/L; 0.38-1.43 mg/L) (p<0.001) and median ESR value (10.0 mm/h; 6.5-14.0 mm/h) (p<0.001) determined in the control group. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between BMI values and serum leptin concentration in HD patients (rho=0.434; p<0.001). Positive, although not significant, correlation was observed between serum CRP and leptin levels in HD patients (rho=0.171; p>0.05). Negative correlation between ESR values and serum leptin concentrations in HD patients was determined but it was not statistically significant (rho= -0.029; p>0.05). Conclusions: Increased serum concentration of leptin as pro-inflammatory cytokine as well as elevated serum values of CRP and ESR indicate presence of systemic micro inflammation in HD patients. Results of the present study point to possible use of serum leptin concentration as an indicator of nutritional status in HD patients based on observed significant positive correlation between serum leptin concentrations and BMI values. However, absence of significant association between serum leptin and CRP levels as well as between serum leptin concentrations and ESR values in HD patients requires further investigation and clarification.
Graph summarization with bounded error

We propose a highly compact two-part representation of a given graph G consisting of a graph summary and a set of corrections. The graph summary is an aggregate graph in which each node corresponds to a set of nodes in G, and each edge represents the edges between all pair of nodes in the two sets. On the other hand, the corrections portion specifies the list of edge-corrections that should be applied to the summary to recreate G. Our representations allow for both lossless and lossy graph compression with bounds on the introduced error. Further, in combination with the MDL principle, they yield highly intuitive coarse-level summaries of the input graph G. We develop algorithms to construct highly compressed graph representations with small sizes and guaranteed accuracy, and validate our approach through an extensive set of experiments with multiple real-life graph data sets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to compute graph summaries using the MDL principle, and use the summaries (along with corrections) to compress graphs with bounded error.
Bumper: Sheltering Transactions from Conflicts

This paper addresses the issue of maximizing the efficiency and scalability of distributed transactional platforms, by introducing Bumper, a set of innovative techniques to minimize aborts of transactions in high-contention scenarios. At its core, Bumper relies on two key ideas: (1) sparing update transactions from spurious aborts when they access concurrently updated data, by attempting to serialize them in the past via a novel distributed concurrency control scheme that we call Distributed Time-Warping (DTW), and (2) avoiding aborts due to contention hot spots (that cannot be tackled by DTW) via a novel programming abstraction, called delayed actions, which allows to efficiently serialize, in an abort-free fashion, the execution of conflict-prone data manipulations. The techniques used in Bumper can be applied to a wide variety of transactional replication protocols to enhance their performance in contention intensive workloads. In this paper we show how they can be integrated with SCORe, a recent, highly-scalable genuine partial replication protocol. By means of an extensive evaluation using well-known benchmarks and a cluster of 160 nodes, we show that Bumper can boost performance up to 3x in conflict-intensive workloads, while imposing negligible (2.5%) overheads in uncontended scenarios.
Sen's capability approach and Nussbaum's capabilities ethic

The paper assesses Sen's more abstract version of capabilities theory, Nussbaum's more substantive Aristotelian version and attempts to apply such conceptions to women's lives. Sen's capability approach is a helpful intervention in the discourses of mainstream Western welfare economics and moral philosophy. To influence these, it retains some of their assumptions, and appears limited by its conceptions of the person and of agency. In both areas Nussbaum goes deeper, but her emphatically Aristotelian style is controversial and can short-circuit the debate she sought to advance. Priority areas for further work are: more adequate pictures of ‘culture’ and ‘the individual’ than she or Sen have used, to combine insights from communitarian critics with the strengths of the capabilities approach. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrocorticographic effects of stimulation of posterior orbital, temporal and cingulate areas of Macaca mulatta.

IN A PREVIOUS study, the electrocorticographic effects of electrical stimulation of the anterior cingulate gyrus were described (2). In addition to suppression of strychnine spikes, previously obtained by McCulloch (11) after application of strychnine to the cingulate gyrus, three other effects were noted: suppression of spindles (like suppression of strychnine spikes, this was an ipsilateral effect), flattening of the spontaneous electrocortical activity, and production of a seizure discharge. All these electrocorticographic effects occurred independently of each other and of the motor and respiratory effects of cingulate gyrus stimulation. Kaada, Pribram and Epstein (8) have recently reviewed anatomical and physiological evidence indicating the functional similarity of the continuous band of tissue which includes the tip of the temporal lobe, the anterior insula, the posterior orbital surface of the frontal lobe, the anterior perforate space, the suband pre-callosal areas and the anterior cingulate gyrus. The authors were able to elicit similar vascular and respiratory responses after electrical stimulation of these areas, and they discussed the evidence suggesting that these areas belong functionally to the so-called rhinencephalon. Neuronographic study of these areas has shown them to be interconnected (13). In the course of the neuronographic study a record of the electrocorticographic effects of electrical stimulation was obtained in order to see whether any effects could be elicited and whether these effects bore any resemblance to the electrocorticographic effects of stimulation of the anterior cingulate gyrus. Evidence was sought concerning the functional simHarity of these areas with respect to electrographic effects in view of the evidence presented for their functional similarity with respect to vascular and respiratory effects (8).
Contribution and Fusion Degree Study between IT and Advanced Orbital Traffic Equipment Manufacturing

this article analyzed domestic and foreign contribution and fusion research actuality between informationization and advanced orbital transportation equipment manufacturing industry, introduced China emphatically about the informationization and the advanced orbital transportation equipment manufacturing industry policy development environment. First, the Informationization to advanced orbital transportation equipment manufacturing industry contribution model was built. Fusion stage model based on the stratagem, operation, fusion degree between technology and advanced orbital transportation equipment manufacturing industry was proposed. Information and advanced orbital transportation equipment manufacturing industry evaluation index system was built. Then their evaluation index system of hierarchical model was choice. On the base of this, this paper promotes information technology and advanced orbital transportation equipment manufacturing integration measures. For example between the competent authorities at all levels of Information and advanced orbital transportation equipment manufacturing, coordination mechanisms should be the established.
An empirical study of innate consumer innovativeness, personal characteristics, and new-product adoption behavior

This article explores the relationships between innate consumer innovativeness, personal characteristics, and new-product adoption behavior. To do this, the authors analyze cross-sectional data from a household panel using a structural equation modeling approach. They also test for potential moderating effects using a two-stage least square estimation procedure. They find that the personal characteristics of age and income are stronger predictors of new-product ownership in the consumer electronics category than innate consumer innovativeness as a generalized personality trait. The authors also find that personal characteristics neither influence innate consumer innovativeness nor moderate the relationship between innate consumer innovativeness and new-product adoption behavior.
Selection method of an appropriate response in chat-oriented dialogue systems

Chat functionality is currently considered an important factor in spoken dialogue systems. In this paper, we explore the architecture of a chat-oriented dialogue sys-tem that can continue a long conversation with users and can be used for a long time. To achieve this goal, we propose a method combining various types of response generation modules, such as a statistical model-based module, a rule-based module, and a topic transition-oriented module. The core of this architecture is a method for selecting the most appropriate response based on a breakdown index and a willingness index.
PPLib: towards systematic crowd process design using recombination and auto-experimentation

variants of the well-known Find-Fix-Verify pattern (FFV). We and found that 5 automatically created processes reliably better in terms of text length than the best variant of FFV (Mann-Whitney test, P < 0.0001) – while still having very high scores in terms of adequacy. The best FFV process performed well and was ranked 6 th
Bacteria Binding by DMBT1/SAG/gp-340 Is Confined to the VEVLXXXXW Motif in Its Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-rich Domains*

The scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) proteins form an archaic group of metazoan proteins characterized by the presence of SRCR domains. These proteins are classified in group A and B based on the number of conserved cysteine residues in their SRCR domains, i.e. six for group A and eight for group B. The protein DMBT1 (deleted in malignant brain tumors 1), which is identical to salivary agglutinin and lung gp-340, belongs to the group B SRCR proteins and is considered to be involved in tumor suppression and host defense by pathogen binding. In a previous study we used nonoverlapping synthetic peptides covering the SRCR consensus sequence to identify a 16-amino acid bacteria-binding protein loop (peptide SRCRP2; QGRVEVLYRGSWGTVC) within the SRCR domains. In this study, using overlapping peptides, we pinpointed the minimal bacteria-binding site on SRCRP2, and thus DMBT1, to an 11-amino acid motif (DMBT1 pathogen-binding site 1 or DMBT1pbs1; GRVEVLYRGSW). An alanine substitution scan revealed that VEVL and Trp are critical residues in this motif. Bacteria binding by DMBT1pbs1 was different from the bacteria binding by the macrophage receptor MARCO in which an RXR motif was critical. In addition, the homologous consensus sequences of a number of SRCR proteins were synthesized and tested for bacteria binding. Only consensus sequences of DMBT1 orthologues bound bacteria by this motif.
Genetic Mapping of Variation in Spatial Learning in the Mouse

Inbred strains of mice are known to differ in their performance in the Morris water maze task, a test of spatial discrimination and place navigation in rodents, but the genetic basis of individual variation in spatial learning is unknown. We have mapped genetic effects that contribute to the difference between two strains, DBA/2 and C57BL6/J, using an F2 intercross and methods to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL). We found two QTL, one on chromosome 4 and one on chromosome 12, that influence behavior in the probe trial of the water maze (genome-wide significance p = 0.017 and 0.015, respectively). By including tests of avoidance conditioning and behavior in a novel environment, we show that the QTL on chromosomes 4 and 12 specifically influence variation in spatial learning. QTL that influence differences in fearful behavior (on chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 15, and 19) operate while mice are trained in the water maze apparatus.
The role of humour in therapy for aphasia

Background & Aims: A diverse literature exists touting the positive effects of humour on mental and physical health. While speech-language pathologists frequently use humour in therapeutic interactions, the role of humour in therapy for individuals with communication disorders is not clear. Therefore, this study was undertaken to describe humour in therapy for aphasia and to analyse the functions of humour in therapy. Such information will contribute to developing effective and efficient therapy and to training student clinicians. Methods & Procedures: Qualitative methods employed by ethnographers of communication were used to study humour in aphasia therapy. Descriptive data were drawn from videotapes of eight individual aphasia therapy sessions and from interviews with therapy participants. Instances of humour on videotapes were identified, and patterns of humour occurrence were analysed using methodology adapted from Hymes (1966) and Spradley (1980). Findings of the analysis were verified via ethnographic interviews with therapists and re-cycling through videotapes to confirm or refute findings. The result was a detailed description of the modalities, content, occurrence pattern, and functions of humour within the analysed sessions. Outcomes & Results: Humour was used in the sessions in order to manage the interpersonal interaction between therapist and client and to lubricate the therapy process. Overall, humour was a “helpful” tool that served to build solidarity, to mitigate embarrassment, and to solicit cooperation with tasks. However, there was an asymmetry to humour occurrence, with therapists doing most of the “joking”. Conclusions: The results suggest that humour is not a frivolous endeavour, but a tool to aid in managing therapy interactions; thus, natural humour within sessions is not only acceptable, but also important. In addition, the possibility of encouraging greater “humour equality” between therapists and clients should be considered. For example, clinicians might consider encouraging clients to feel comfortable initiating humour in sessions as a method of expanding social communication and building communicative confidence.
Fast sequential circuit test generation using high-level and gate-level techniques

A new approach for sequential circuit test generation is proposed that combines software based testing techniques at the high level with test enhancement techniques at the gate level. Several sequences are derived to ensure 100% coverage of all statements in a high-level VHDL description, or to maximize coverage of paths. The sequences are then enhanced at the gate level to maximize coverage of single stuck-at faults. High fault coverages have been achieved very quickly on several benchmark circuits using this approach.
From stem cells to neural networks: recent advances and perspectives for neurodevelopmental disorders

Embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, available in mouse and human, have emerged as powerful tools to address complex questions in neurobiology. This review focuses on major advances relating to brain development and developmental disorders. Stem cells can differentiate into many different neuronal subtypes using in vitro models mimicking relevant in vivo developmental processes, and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Disease–specific human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are now available and allow for the study in vitro of the pathophysiology of degenerative and neurodevelopmental hereditary and sporadic disorders, including in the near future those of the human cortex. Finally, some recent studies have shown that stem cell‐derived neural progenitors and neurons could help to rebuild damaged brain circuitry, opening the possibility of cell therapy.
Improving Spectral Efficiency of MIMO Ad Hoc Network via Greedy MCS Packing

This paper presents a solution for improving the network spectral efficiency (NSE) of a MIMO ad hoc network by simultaneously increasing the number of concurrent links in the network while maximizing the spectral efficiency of each. Our approach combines multiple physical layer techniques and balances the trade-offs of them. Assuming only the channel state information to the intended receiver, a two-level iterative algorithm is designed and presented. The inner loop uses an algorithm, which we refer to as the "greedy MCS packing"(GMP), generates the generalized (eigen-) beam forming, performs power allocation and chooses proper modulation and coding scheme (MCS). The GMP attempts to maximize the rate while packing them in as few eigen-channels as possible. The outer loop is used for frequency sub-band selection. It uses a heuristic algorithm to choose the number of "spectral segments" used by each TX-RX pair to further reduce overall network interference. Simulation results show that our algorithm yields as much as 71% improvement over a related previous work, which also combines multiple MIMO techniques and considers finite MCS rate with imperfect channel information. We further investigate the improvements in network spectral efficiency (NSE) when our baseline GMP approach is augmented by nonlinear Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) at the receiver. While the NSE gain brought by this SIC-enhanced receiver is quite limited, our simulation shows that more concurrent links can be supported compared with GMP scheme using an MMSE receiver.
Organizational restructuring and the achievement of an equal opportunity culture

The Opportunity 2000 Campaign has recognized that equal opportunity policy change has to be accompanied by a process of culture change in organizations. However, sustaining commitment to an equal opportunity culture may be a difficult task in times of rapid and varied organizational change. In particular, the volume and scope of 'restructuring' that follow mergers, acquisitions, divestment, the introduction of internal markets, and other changes in business strategy often lead to 'downsizing', 'delayering', and outsourcing of business functions. This can have very variable outcomes for the careers of women managers. For them the experience of organizational restructuring is akin to participation in a lottery in which they are occasionally winners, but usually losers. This is the main finding from in-depth case studies of three large organizations in the public sector, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, which have all experienced some form of 'restructuring' over the last five years. The main conclusion of this research is that unless restructuring involves an expansion of managerial positions it is likely to disadvantage women managers. The reasons for this are that it leads to job losses in functions where women are concentrated; highlights the disadvantages of poor line manager support; reinforces exclusion from the valuable informal organizational networks that provide access to career development opportunities; and renders formal equal opportunity policy monitoring ineffective. These findings have considerable implications for organizational and national policy initiatives to achieve an equal opportunity business culture.