Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Daily left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for major depressive disorder: a sham-controlled randomized trial.

CONTEXT Daily left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been studied as a potential treatment for depression, but previous work had mixed outcomes and did not adequately mask sham conditions. OBJECTIVE To test whether daily left prefrontal rTMS safely and effectively treats major depressive disorder. DESIGN Prospective, multisite, randomized, active sham-controlled (1:1 randomization), duration-adaptive design with 3 weeks of daily weekday treatment (fixed-dose phase) followed by continued blinded treatment for up to another 3 weeks in improvers. SETTING Four US university hospital clinics. PATIENTS Approximately 860 outpatients were screened, yielding 199 antidepressant drug-free patients with unipolar nonpsychotic major depressive disorder. INTERVENTION We delivered rTMS to the left prefrontal cortex at 120% motor threshold (10 Hz, 4-second train duration, and 26-second intertrain interval) for 37.5 minutes (3000 pulses per session) using a figure-eight solid-core coil. Sham rTMS used a similar coil with a metal insert blocking the magnetic field and scalp electrodes that delivered matched somatosensory sensations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE In the intention-to-treat sample (n = 190), remission rates were compared for the 2 treatment arms using logistic regression and controlling for site, treatment resistance, age, and duration of the current depressive episode. RESULTS Patients, treaters, and raters were effectively masked. Minimal adverse effects did not differ by treatment arm, with an 88% retention rate (90% sham and 86% active). Primary efficacy analysis revealed a significant effect of treatment on the proportion of remitters (14.1% active rTMS and 5.1% sham) (P = .02). The odds of attaining remission were 4.2 times greater with active rTMS than with sham (95% confidence interval, 1.32-13.24). The number needed to treat was 12. Most remitters had low antidepressant treatment resistance. Almost 30% of patients remitted in the open-label follow-up (30.2% originally active and 29.6% sham). CONCLUSION Daily left prefrontal rTMS as monotherapy produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful antidepressant therapeutic effects greater than sham. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00149838.
Direction finding for non-circular sources based on weighted unitary nuclear norm minimization

In this paper, we propose a weighted unitary nuclear norm minimization approach for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation in the strictly non-circular sources case. The proposed method firstly utilizes the non-circularity characteristics of the source to extend the data model for doubling the array aperture. Then the complex-valued extend date model is turned into a real-valued data model by unitary transformation, which can suppress the noise by the real-valued structure. And then a unitary nuclear norm minimization framework is formulated via a block sparse model which has no influence of the unknown noncircularity phase. In addition, the noncircular Capon (NC-Capon) spectrum is used to design a weight matrix for unitary nuclear norm minimization algorithm. Finally, the DOA estimation is accomplished by searching the non-zero blocks of recovered matrix. Owing to utilizing the noncircularity of source, the real-valued data model and the twofold sparsity structure, the proposed method can provide higher spatial angular resolution and better angle estimation performance. Simulation results are used to verity the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Revita: a Language-learning Platform at the Intersection of ITS and CALL

This paper presents Revita, a Web-based platform for language learning— beyond the beginner level . We anchor the presentation in a survey, where we review the literature about recent advances in the ﬁelds of computer-aided language learning (CALL) and intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). We outline the established desiderata of CALL and ITS and discuss how Revita addresses (the majority of) the theoretical requirements of CALL and ITS. Finally, we claim that, to the best of our knowledge, Revita is currently the only platform for learning/tutoring beyond the beginner level, that is functional, freely-available and supports multiple languages
Model-based DDPG for motor control

The deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) is a recently developed reinforcement learning method that could learn the control policy with a deterministic representation. The policy learning directly follows the gradient of the action-value function with respect to the actions. Similarly, the DDPG provides the gradient of the action-value function to the state readily. This mechanism allows the incorporation of the model information to improve the original DDPG. In this study, a model-based DDPG as an improvement to the original DDPG was implemented. An additional deep network was embedded into the framework of the conventional DDPG, based on which the gradient of the model dynamics for the maximization of the action-value is also exploited to learn the control policy. The model-based DDPG showed a relative advantage over the original DDPG through an experiment of simulated arm reaching movement control.
Impact of split share structure reform on capital structures: empirical evidence from China’s listed companies

ABSTRACT An econometric model based on a natural experiment and the difference-in-differences method is introduced to empirically investigate the impact of split share structure reform on capital structures. A total of 1026 listed companies in Chinese A-share during 2001–2011 are used as the sample for the research and interest-bearing debt ratios (BDRs) are taken as a representative indicator for capital structures. The theoretical and empirical analysis indicates that both market expansion effect and corporate governance effect caused by the split share structure reform are associated with an increase in BDR. As far as the timeliness is concerned, the effects of split share structure reform on capital structures will last 3–4 years.
Quantile regression in high-dimension with breaking

The paper considers a linear regression model in high-dimension for which the predictive variables can change the influence on the response variable at unknown times (called change-points). Moreover, the particular case of the heavy-tailed errors is considered. In this case, least square method with LASSO or adaptive LASSO penalty can not be used since the theoretical assumptions do not occur or the estimators are not robust. Then, the quantile model with SCAD penalty or median regression with LASSO-type penalty allows, in the same time, to estimate the parameters on every segment and eliminate the irrelevant variables. We show that, for the two penalized estimation methods, the oracle properties is not affected by the change-point estimation. Convergence rates of the estimators for the change-points and for the regression parameters, by the two methods are found. Monte-Carlo simulations illustrate the performance of the methods.
Perturbative Neural Networks ( Supplementary Material )

This article provides supplementary materials for [1]. In Section 1, we will show the proof of Sherman-Morrison formula. In Section 2, we will show the distance preserving property of PNN. In Section 3, computational and statistical complexity and efficiency of PNN will be discussed. In Section 4, we will discuss the relationship between noise level and convolutional filter size in detail. Finally, in Section 5, some visualization of intermediate responses of both PNN and CNN will be shown.
YAP, A Component of the Hippo Pathway, is Essential for Antioxidant Defense

The highly conserved Hippo signaling pathway which negatively regulates cell growth and survival is a key regulator of organ size and tumorigenesis. Emerging evidence suggests the important role of Hippo pathway in response to oxidative stress. However the mechanism was rarely explored. Here we reported that YAP protein, which is the terminal effector of Hippo signaling pathway, shuttled between cytoplasm and nucleus following different concentration of sodium arsenite treatment, thereby controlling cell death or survival under arsenite-induced oxidative stress. Low concentration of sodium arsenite inhibited phosphorylation of YAP S127 and promoted YAP translocation to nucleus, thus further enhanced cell proliferation. However, high concentration of sodium arsenite augmented phosphorylation of YAP at S127 and induced translocation of YAP into cytoplasm and further caused cell apoptosis. These results suggest that YAP translocation plays an important role in deciding cell fate under arsenite-induced oxidative stress.
Automatic detection of pelvic lymph nodes using multiple MR sequences

A system for automatic detection of pelvic lymph nodes is developed by incorporating complementary information extracted from multiple MR sequences. A single MR sequence lacks sufficient diagnostic information for lymph node localization and staging. Correct diagnosis often requires input from multiple complementary sequences which makes manual detection of lymph nodes very labor intensive. Small lymph nodes are often missed even by highly-trained radiologists. The proposed system is aimed at assisting radiologists in finding lymph nodes faster and more accurately. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such system reported in the literature. A 3-dimensional (3D) MR angiography (MRA) image is employed for extracting blood vessels that serve as a guide in searching for pelvic lymph nodes. Segmentation, shape and location analysis of potential lymph nodes are then performed using a high resolution 3D T1-weighted VIBE (T1-vibe) MR sequence acquired by Siemens 3T scanner. An optional contrast-agent enhanced MR image, such as post ferumoxtran-10 T2*-weighted MEDIC sequence, can also be incorporated to further improve detection accuracy of malignant nodes. The system outputs a list of potential lymph node locations that are overlaid onto the corresponding MR sequences and presents them to users with associated confidence levels as well as their sizes and lengths in each axis. Preliminary studies demonstrates the feasibility of automatic lymph node detection and scenarios in which this system may be used to assist radiologists in diagnosis and reporting.
Automated frame selection process for high-resolution microendoscopy

Abstract. We developed an automated frame selection algorithm for high-resolution microendoscopy video sequences. The algorithm rapidly selects a representative frame with minimal motion artifact from a short video sequence, enabling fully automated image analysis at the point-of-care. The algorithm was evaluated by quantitative comparison of diagnostically relevant image features and diagnostic classification results obtained using automated frame selection versus manual frame selection. A data set consisting of video sequences collected in vivo from 100 oral sites and 167 esophageal sites was used in the analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.78 (automated selection) versus 0.82 (manual selection) for oral sites, and 0.93 (automated selection) versus 0.92 (manual selection) for esophageal sites. The implementation of fully automated high-resolution microendoscopy at the point-of-care has the potential to reduce the number of biopsies needed for accurate diagnosis of precancer and cancer in low-resource settings where there may be limited infrastructure and personnel for standard histologic analysis.
NUT midline carcinoma of the head and neck: current perspectives

Abstract: NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of squamous carcinoma that typically arises from midline supradiaphragmatic structures, frequently from the head and neck area. NMC is genetically driven by a chromosomal rearrangement involving the NUT gene, which forms oncoproteins considered major pathogenic drivers of cellular transformation. Diagnosis of NMC has been made remarkably easier with the availability of a commercial antibody against NUT, and can be established through positive nuclear immunohistochemical staining. Although NMC remains an underrecognized malignancy, in recent years there has appeared to be increasing awareness of disease and frequency of diagnosis in adults. To date, a standard treatment for head and neck NMC has not been established and a multimodal approach with systemic chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy is currently adopted in clinical practice. Recently, BET inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors have emerged as two promising classes of targeted agents, currently investigated in clinical trials for adults with head and neck NMC. At the same time, combination approaches and novel targeted agents, such as next-generation BET inhibitors and CDK9 inhibitors, have shown preclinical activity. The present review explores the clinical pathological characteristics of NMC of the head and neck and presents the current state of the art on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this rare but lethal disease.
Recent Advances in Distributed Acoustic Sensing Based on Phase-Sensitive Optical Time Domain Reflectometry

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) using coherent Rayleigh backscattering in an optical fiber has become a ubiquitous technique for monitoring multiple dynamic events in real time. It has continued to constitute a steadily increasing share of the fiber-optic sensor market, thanks to its interesting applications in many safety, security, and integrity monitoring systems. In this contribution, an overview of the recent advances of research in DAS based on phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (ϕ-OTDR) is provided. Some advanced techniques used to enhance the performance of ϕ-OTDR sensors for measuring backscattering intensity changes through reduction of measurement noise are presented, in addition to methods used to increase the dynamic measurement capacity of ϕ-OTDR schemes beyond conventional limits set by the sensing distance. Recent ϕ-OTDR configurations which significantly enhance the measurement spatial resolution, including those which decouple it from the probing pulse width, are also discussed. Finally, a review of recent advances in more precise quantitative measurement of an external impact based on frequency shift and phase demodulation methods using simple direct detection ϕ-OTDR schemes is given.
Antidiabetic Effect of Spearmint in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Mentha spicata is a medicinal plant with several beneficial effects on health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of this plant in the experimental diabetic state. METHODS In this work, the effect of Mentha spicata (L.) (M. spicata) aerial part aqueous extract (A.P.A.E) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight on blood glucose levels has been demonstrated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Additionally, a preliminary phytochemical screening for various bioactive constituents was realized and a dosage of polyphenols and flavonoid has been done. Moreover, the histopathological changes in liver and pancreas have been evaluated both in normal and STZ diabetic rats. The effect of M. spicata aqueous extract to improve glucose tolerance in normal rats was also evaluated. RESULTS In normal rats, both a single and repeated administration of the A.P.A.E (20 mg/kg) had not shown a significant reduction in blood glucose levels. However, repeated oral administration of M. spicata aqueous extract showed a significant blood glucose lowering effect (p<0.0001) in STZ diabetic rats. The blood glucose lowering activity of A.P.A.E was comparable to glibenclamide treatment at the dose used. Also, a histopathological study has showed the better act of M. spicata in pancreas and liver. Moreover, the oral glucose tolerance test demonstrated the ability of the aqueous extract (20 mg/kg) to improve the increase in blood glucose levels in normal treated rats. In the current study, no significant changes in body weight in normal and STZ rats have been shown. In addition, the preliminary phytochemical screening of M. spicata A.P.A.E. showed the presence of several beneficial compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, saponins, sterol, glucides, glycosides, terpenoids and reducing sugars. Furthermore, the result of dosage of some bioactive compounds present in this plant showed an important value of polyphenol (424.37±43.93 mg EAG) and showed also a non-negligible content of flavonoid. (9.74 ±0.39 mg EQ/g of extract). CONCLUSION In conclusion, aqueous M. spicata extract exhibits an interesting antidiabetic effect in streptozotocin rats.
Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids

Background: Numerous physical, psychological, and emotional benefits have been attributed to marijuana since its first reported use in 2,600 BC in a Chinese pharmacopoeia. The phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) are the most studied extracts from cannabis sativa subspecies hemp and marijuana. CBD and Δ9-THC interact uniquely with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Through direct and indirect actions, intrinsic endocannabinoids and plant-based phytocannabinoids modulate and influence a variety of physiological systems influenced by the ECS. Methods: In 1980, Cunha et al. reported anticonvulsant benefits in 7/8 subjects with medically uncontrolled epilepsy using marijuana extracts in a phase I clinical trial. Since then neurological applications have been the major focus of renewed research using medical marijuana and phytocannabinoid extracts. Results: Recent neurological uses include adjunctive treatment for malignant brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and the childhood seizure disorders Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. In addition, psychiatric and mood disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, addiction, postconcussion syndrome, and posttraumatic stress disorders are being studied using phytocannabinoids. Conclusions: In this review we will provide animal and human research data on the current clinical neurological uses for CBD individually and in combination with Δ9-THC. We will emphasize the neuroprotective, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory benefits of phytocannabinoids and their applications in various clinical syndromes.
Nocturia is more bothersome than daytime LUTS: Results from an Observational, Real‐life Practice Database including 8659 European and American LUTS patients

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) encompass several diagnoses, including overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nocturia is a standalone symptom, but also included in OAB and BPH. Current discussion addresses whether the overlap of the diagnoses is too broad, leading to misdiagnosis. This study explored the differences in level, causes and consequences for patients with a diagnosis of daytime LUTS compared with a diagnosis of nocturia, and discussed whether people are being treated for the symptoms that truly bother them the most.
Local paclitaxel delivery after coronary stenting in an experimental animal model

Summary The goal of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of local paclitaxel delivery via a newly designed application catheter in an experimental animal study. Drug-eluting stents reduce restenosis in comparison to bare-metal stents. The drug-eluting polymer, however, may exert potential thrombogenic and inflammatory effects. A catheter-based local paclitaxel delivery offers further advantages, particularly a homogenous drug transfer into the vessel wall and a pharmacotherapy of the stent edges. In 30 pigs, both bare-metal stent (3.0 × 13mm) implantation and balloon angioplasty were performed. Ten pigs received subsequent local delivery of paclitaxel-solution via a newly designed catheter (Genie™, ACROSTAK corp., Switzerland), 10 animals served as a sham group and received vehicle (0.9% NaCl solution) and 10 animals were used as a control group. All animals were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel to prevent stent thrombosis. After final angiography the vessels were excised 42 days after intervention and prepared for histological and histomorphometric analysis. All coronary arteries showed complete endothelialization 42 days following treatment. Paclitaxel treatment led to a marked reduction of neointimal proliferation either post stent implantation (neointimal area: 1.04 ± 0.10 mm2 vs. 2.37 ± 0.23 mm2, p<0.001) or post balloon dilatation (neontimal area: 0.35 ± 0.14 mm2, vs. 0.68 ± 0.24 mm2, p<0.01). There were no significant angiographic or histomorphometric differences between the control and the sham group. In both paclitaxel groups neither angiographic edge phenomena nor a significant histomorphometric inflammatory response were found in the treated vessel segments. In conclusion, the local application of paclitaxel via the Genie™ catheter is safe and effective to significantly reduce the proliferative response post-stent implantation or balloon dilatation in an experimental animal model.
Decentralized Scheduling for Offloading of Periodic Tasks in Mobile Edge Computing

Motivated by various surveillance applications, we consider wireless devices that periodically generate computationally intensive tasks. The devices aim at maximizing their performance by choosing when to perform the computations and whether or not to offload their computations to a cloud resource via one of multiple wireless access points. We propose a game theoretic model of the problem, give insight into the structure of equilibrium allocations and provide an efficient algorithm for computing pure strategy Nash equilibria. Extensive simulation results show that the performance in equilibrium is significantly better than in a system without coordination of the timing of the tasks’ execution, and the proposed algorithm has an average computational complexity that is linear in the number of devices.
Imaging Central Nervous System Demyelination and Remyelination by Positron-Emission Tomography

Positron Emission Tomography (PET), an imaging technique based on the injection of radiotracers directed against specific biological targets within brain tissues, within brain tissues, is a specific and sensitive technique which offers the unique opportunity to quantify myelin dynamics in the central nervous system. Several stilbene and benzothiazole derivatives have been repurposed to image myelin by PET. In demyelinating and dysmyelinating models, selected radiotracers were shown to reliably quantify demyelination and remyelination, allowing a translational approach in humans. A pilot study in subjects with active relapsing MS using PET and the most available benzothiazole derivative, [11C]PIB, supported the hypothesis that this technique is able to quantify myelin content in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and to capture dynamic demyelination and remyelination over time. This study highlighted for the first time in vivo the prognostic value of individual profiles of remyelination on the disease course. In future, the clinical application of myelin PET will be pushed forward thanks to the availability of novel fluorinated tracers for myelin, together with the setting up of non invasive quantification procedures and the use of powerful PET-MR systems. This will enable to address in vivo critical unanswered questions about the pathogenesis of remyelination, and to measure the efficacy of emerging promyelinating drugs in early-phase therapeutic trials.