Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on hippocampal brain volumes in treatment resistant depression during vagal nerve stimulation (VNS)

BACKGROUND: Volumetric changes in mood-relevant distributed limbic/paralimbic neurocircuitry have been reported in the recent literature on the course of Major Depression (MD). A decrease in hippocampal gray matter volumes is one of the possible mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of depression [Nifosi et al. 2010]. Converging evidences suggest that a reduced neurogenesis may occur in this area in recurrent depression and its positive modulation is fundamental for antidepressive action. Neurogenesis is stimulated both by plasticity-inducing stimuli (such as environmental enrichment, exercise, and electrical stimulation) and by antidepressant treatments. In functional imaging studies, Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS), a novel approach for treatment resistant depression (TRD), demonstrated that its antidepressive function may be correlated to changes in cerebral blood flow in limbic and prefontal cortex [Zobel et al 2005]. We are exploring if volumetric changes in specific brain areas involved in depression may be obtained with VNS. METHODS: Comparison of data on changes in brain volumes of specific regions of interest in 6 patients affected by TRD treated with VNS (VNS Therapy System™, Cyberonics, Houston, Texas –USA) and 5 TRD cases “treated as usual” (TAU) was performed. Brain MRI scans were detected before the implantation (t0) and after 12 months (t1). Psychopathology was assessed using patient self reports (BDI) and clinical evaluation (HDRS) every three months during the follow-up. RESULTS : Three out of six VNS treated patient showed a good clinical response (Reduction of depressive scores >50% from baseline) in three months of treatment. A significant increase of 22% and 14% of Left and Right hippocampal volumes was found after one year of Vagus Nerve Stimulation. No correlation were found between clinical outcomes measures and increase in volumes. Non responders showed no increase in hippocampal volumes. Preliminary findings from this case series seem to confirm the fundamental role of hippocampal remodelling as a marker for response in TRD.
Young, metal-enriched cores in early-type dwarf galaxies in the Virgo cluster based on colour gradients

Early-type dwarf galaxies are not simply featureless, old objects, but were found to be much more diverse, hosting substructures and a variety of stellar population properties. To explore the stellar content of faint early-type galaxies, and to investigate in particular those with recent central star formation, we study colours and colour gradients within one effective radius in optical (g-r) and near-infrared (i-H) bands for 120 Virgo cluster early types with -19 mag < $M_{r}$ < -16 mag. Twelve galaxies turn out to have blue cores, when defined as g-r colour gradients larger than 0.10 mag/$R_{\rm eff}$, which represents the positive tail of the gradient distribution. For these galaxies, we find that they have the strongest age gradients, and that even outside the blue core, their mean stellar population is younger than the mean of ordinary faint early types. The metallicity gradients of these blue-cored early-type dwarf galaxies are, however, in the range of most normal faint early types, which we find to have non-zero gradients with higher central metallicity. The blue central regions are consistent with star formation activity within the last few 100 Myr. We discuss that these galaxies could be explained by environmental quenching of star formation in the outer galaxy regions, while the inner star formation activity has continued.
Political Business Cycles and Endogenous Elections

Empirical research of political business cycles (PBCs) may suffer from endogeneity bias when incumbent governments have discretion to call for an early election. Using an instrumental variable (IV) routine on data from Japan and the U.K., we find strong evidence to support the notion that election timing is a function of the economy rather than the macroeconomy being driven by elections as assumed in PBC. In single-equation regressions, no evidence of political cycles are found, but Hausman tests suggest elections are endogenous in our regressions. A monetary cycle in Japan and an inflation cycle in the U.K. are uncovered through IV estimation.
Applying the comprehensive development framework to USAID experiences

Despite the potential benefits of globalization, and technological change, world poverty has increased, and growth prospects dimmed for developing countries during the 1980s, and 1990s. The Comprehensive Development Framework (CDF), launched by the World Bank in 1999, responds to these difficult circumstances, whose approach addresses the increasing challenges faced by development practitioners, and its novelty lies in the joint articulation of its basic elements. First, development constraints are structural, and social, and cannot be overcome through economic stabilization, and policy adjustment alone. Second, policy reform, and institutional development cannot be imported, nor imposed, but domestic ownership, reforms, and investments should be sustained. Third, successful development requires partnership among government, local communities, the private sector, civil society, and development agencies. And, fourth, development activities must be guided, and judged by results. Thus, based on these four elements of the CDF, the analysis was applied to six U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activities, selected because of seemingly conspicuous successes - assistance to the Republic of Korea: family planning, agricultural research, university training, and smallpox eradication - and, the sixth case - assistance to Egypt - chosen because of its most conspicuous failure. The analysis sheds light on how the CDF's elements contributed to USAID's performance, and offers suggestions on additional dimensions to be considered in applying the CDF.
Anomalous deepening of a belt of intraslab earthquakes in the Pacific slab crust under Kanto, central Japan: Possible anomalous thermal shielding, dehydration reactions, and seismicity caused by shallower cold slab material

A belt of intraslab seismicity in the Pacific slab crust parallel to iso‐depth contours of the plate interface has been found beneath Hokkaido and Tohoku. Hypocenter relocations have shown that this seismic belt does not run parallel to but obliquely to the iso‐depth contours beneath Kanto, deepening toward the north from ∼100 km to ∼140 km depth. The depth limit of the contact zone with the overlying Philippine Sea slab is located close to and parallel to this obliquely oriented seismic belt, suggesting that the deepening of the seismic belt there is caused by the contact with the overlying slab. The contact with this cold slab hinders the heating of the Pacific slab crust by hot mantle wedge, which would cause delay of eclogite‐forming phase transformations and hence deepening of the seismic belt there. The depth limit of the subducting low‐velocity crust also deepens toward the north, supporting this idea.
Identifying Distinct Quitting Trajectories after an Unassisted Smoking Cessation Attempt: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Objectives: This study aimed at identifying distinct quitting trajectories over 29 days after an unassisted smoking ces- sation attempt by ecological momentary assessment (EMA). In order to validate these trajectories we tested if they predict smoking frequency up to six months later. Methods: EMA via mobile phones was used to collect real time data on smoking (yes/no) after an unassisted quit attempt over 29 days. Smoking frequency one, three and six months after the quit attempt was assessed with online questionnaires. Latent class growth modeling was used to analyze the data of 230 self-quitters. Results: Four different quitting trajectories emerged: quitter (43.9%), late quitter (11.3%), returner (17%) and persistent smoker (27.8%). The quitting trajectories predicted smoking frequency one, three and six months after the quit attempt (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Outcome after a smoking cessation attempt is better described by four distinct trajectories instead of a binary variable for abstinence or relapse. In line with the relapse model by Marlatt and Gordon, late quitter may have learned how to cope with lapses during one month after the quitting attempt. This group would have been allocated to the relapse group in traditional outcome studies.
By promptly reacting to student distress signals, schools can redirect potential dropouts onto the path to graduation.

T he alarm has sounded. The United States has a higb school graduation crisis. The crisis does not stem, however, from any precipitous drop in the percentage of students who graduate. In fact, graduation rates are about as high as they have ever been. What makes current graduation rates alarming Is a reality of the new U.S. economy: It is practically impossible for individuals lacking a high school diploma to earn a living or participate meaningfully in civic life. Adding to the urgency is evidence of disproportionately low graduation rates among low-income and minority youth. Recent estimates suggest that between one-third and one-half of minorities do not earn a high school diploma (Education Week, 2007). Policymakers and educators have tended to view dropping out of high school in two contradictory ways. On the one hand, they view it as predictable, given the high dropout rates in certain demographic categories and geographic locations. At the same time, they view the experiences that precede a specific student's dropping out as mysterious, difficult to predict, and idiosyncratic. Some students unaccountably "hecome bored with school"; "fall in with the wrong crowd"; or experience a jarring life event, such as a pregnancy or a parent's unemployment, that precipitates their dropping out of school.
DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF BLIND CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR VISUAL COMFORT AND ENERGY BALANCE ANALYSIS

The presented study describes a method for evaluating control strategies for shading devices. The method is based on dynamic lighting simulations with RADIANCE and DAYSIM and explores energy, daylight supply and visual comfort parameters at the same time. In order to include the glare aspect more effectively in dynamic building simulations, a simplified glare measure “Daylight Glare Probability simplified (DGPs)” is presented and validated for situations when the sun does not hit the eye directly. For the evaluation of the solar thermal loads, a simplified method based on RADIANCE and DAYSIM is described to calculate dynamically the energy flux through facades for external mounted shading devices. The evaluation of different simulated shading control strategies show that the commonly used manual control strategies hardly activate the shading in summer. Therefore, the solar loads in summer for these strategies are very high and at the same time glare and low contrasts at the visual display unit (VDU) occur. The automated cut-off strategy seems to be a good compromise between energy and comfort aspects, especially in summer.
The Role of Saline Sonohysterography Prior to IVF/ICSI and its Impact on Assisted Reproduction Program Outcome in Egyptian Community

Aim: To assess the incidence of undiagnosed intrauterine pathology based on saline sonohysterography in women with normal transvaginal ultrasound and their impact on the success rate of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection in Egyptian community. Patients and methods: Two hundred qualified patients scheduled for first time Intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment were divided into 2 groups each containing 100 patients. Group 1 did saline sonohysterography and cases with intrauterine lesions were treated by hysteroscopy prior to undergoing Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, while group 2 did Intracytoplasmic sperm injection without prior saline sonohysterography. The main outcome measures were undiagnosed intrauterine abnormalities as uterine anomalies and polyps, in addition to, pregnancy, miscarriage and on-going pregnancy rates. Results: Uterine lesions were found in 35% of cases undergoing sonohysterography, and 27 out of the 35 cases were treated by hysteroscopy. A significant difference in pregnancy rate and on-going pregnancy rate in favour of the sonohysterography group (P=0.04) and (P=0.031) respectively. Conclusion: Saline sonohysterography is a non-invasive method for the diagnosis of uterine abnormalities improving the outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles.
Revenue sharing in second-price auctions

I consider a second-price sealed bid auction in which the seller asks losing bidders to recommend a reservation price for the high bidder. This mechanism is useful in environments where the seller does not know enough about the distribution of values to set the optimal reservation price, but the buyers do. Each bidder is incentivized to report the optimal reserve by giving them a small share of revenue when a sale is made using the suggested price. Revenue sharing aligns the incentives of the seller and losing buyers, but creates incentives to “throw” the auction when a buyer would expect to win at a price close to his valuation. For private value symmetric environments in which bidders’ first-order beliefs satisfy a monotone hazard rate condition, I characterize a symmetric equilibrium in which bids and suggested prices are weakly increasing. As revenue sharing goes to zero, the distortion in bidding behavior disappears, and the auction implements the optimal reserve prices. I also discuss extensions to asymmetric distributions and more general type spaces.
- Chronic Kidney Disease The Effects of Endothelial Injury in Renal Fibrosis Progression

Endothelial injury is very present in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) at a very early stage. Previous studies have focused mainly on the fibrotic mechanism in vascular smooth muscle cells, epithelial cells, mesangial cells, and podocytes, whereas the pathogenic role of endothelial cells in the fibrosis has been neglected. This study reviews the relationship among endothelial injury with CKD, renal hypoxia, renal capillary loss, and renal fibrosis progression, with a particular emphasis of the Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT) in renal fibrosis.
Indebtedness and Macroeconomic Imbalances in a Monetary-Union DSGE Model

We build a two-country open-economy monetary union DSGE model in order to explain some macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area. We fo cus on the role of cyclic al behaviour of public spending and sovereign risk premium. Pro-cyclical primary public expenditures in one country do not lead to higher interest rates on domestic public bonds in the short term as long as output growth helps financing public debt. Spillover effects on th e other country can be positive on output as long as a real effective depreciation of the common currency leads to higher exports to the rest of the world.
Agricultural productivity, efficiency and growth in a semi-arid country: a case study of Botswana.

This paper attempts to examine and revisit the trends in agricultural productivity in Botswana. Using secondary data from six regions of Botswana for the period 1979 to 2012, we estimate components of total factor productivity (TFP) using the Fare-Primont index. Estimates of technical change and changes in technical efficiency, scale efficiency and mix efficiency are obtained. The results show that the annual TFP has declined gradually over the period, predominantly due to a decline in technical efficiency and a slight decline in mix efficiency and scale efficiency. The regions with a significant proportion of arable agriculture performed worse than those that specialise in livestock production, thus confirming the comparative advantage of extensive livestock production in semi-arid countries such as Botswana. This study shows how the finer decomposition of TFP into different measures may assist in the identification of the main drivers of productivity and associated policies.
Metric for the Fusion of Synthetic and Real Imagery from Multimodal Sensors

We described a method to improve night vision for vehicle navigation that combined images from a thermal infrared camera and from a public database of stored images. Such an approach allows a night scene to appear as if it were daytime for automotive applications thereby increasing safety. We described a new metric to evaluate the fusion of such an augmented reality system and compared leading fusion algorithms to determine the efficacy of our approach.
Learning structured transition models for multi-object manipulation

We propose to learn the structure and parameters of rule-based probabilistic transition models for manipulation actions with the presence of multiple objects. For each rule, we use deictic references to myopically select relevant objects and learn a neural network predictor on the transition of their states. Our algorithm simultaneously assigns training data to each rule and learns the rule parameters through clustering and EM-like methods. We evaluate learned rules on variants of a simulated, 3D table-top pushing task involving stacks of objects. Comparing to a baseline that uses a vector representation of all the objects in the scene, our approach with a template representation of the model is more data-efficient and performs better under varying numbers of objects in the scene.
The New Great Game and the new great gamers: Disciples of Kipling and Mackinder

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 one theme that has become fundamental part of the analysis of the politico-military and economic situations of the Caucasus and Central Asia has been the question of a New Great Game within, though not limited to, these regions. Though the idea will be explored later in greater depth, the concept of a New Great Game has been used as shorthand for competition in influence, power, hegemony and profits, often referring to the oil and gas industries and reserves in Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is not limited to these aspects, however, with references being made to religious, cultural and military competition in areas as far apart as Turkey and China, Iran and India, Georgia and Siberia with actors at state, multinational, transnational, local and regional levels. As ‘the romance of Caspian oil struck Western media, industry and government’ this concept of a ‘New Great Game’ became such an integral part of reporting on the region, whether implicitly or explicitly in academic journals, news bulletins, economic analysis or government reports that its use has gained a world-wide following, which has not decreased since the events of 11 September 2001 and the subsequent US-led intervention in Afghanistan. The growing use of this concept has coincided with—or perhaps been caused by—a revival of the interest in and use of geopolitics as a tool for politicosecurity analysis. The linking of these two ideas has, in some cases, been explicit and the New Great Game concept can be used to illustrate the contemporary use of geopolitics in this region. This paper therefore proposes to undertake a study of the New Great Game concept, comparing it to the original Great Game by use of historical, thematic and theoretical comparisons, to see if the term and concept has any value in analysis and as an analytical tool. It is then intended that the concept will be
Weakly Supervised Silhouette-based Semantic Change Detection

This paper presents a novel semantic change detection scheme with only weak supervision. A straightforward approach for this task is to train a semantic change detection network directly from a large-scale dataset in an end-to-end manner. However, a speciﬁc dataset for this new task, which is usually labor-intensive and time-consuming, becomes indispensable. To avoid this problem, we propose to train this kind of network from existing datasets by dividing this task into change detection and semantic extraction. On the other hand, the difference in camera viewpoints, for example images of the same scene captured from a vehicle-mounted camera at different time points, usually brings a challenge to the change detection task. To address this challenge, we propose a new siamese network structure with the introduction of correlation layer. In addition, we create a publicly available dataset for semantic change detection to evaluate the proposed method. Both the robustness to viewpoint difference in change detection task and the effectiveness for semantic change detection of the proposed networks are veri-ﬁed by the experimental results.
Perceptions and Preference of Contemporary Teaching Methods among University Students of Pakistan- A Cross-Sectional Survey

To determine difference in the perceptions and preferences of medical and non-medical students about utilization of different teaching methods. White Board, Overhead Projector, PowerPoint presentations, Computer Assisted (CD ROM's)/Web Based learning and Problem Based learning in order to recommend ways for their optimal utilization. Methods: Cross sectional survey was conducted on a convenient sample of 1173 undergraduate students belonging to medical and non-medical colleges from May 2011 to September 2011. The total response rate was 90.23%. Results: Over all 30.2% of the students chose PBL to be a reliable mode of teaching and 32.4 % believed that it provides a better learning experience. Majority of the students (34.8%, 43.5% and 40.8%) preferred case studies over PBL, Lectures, role playing and video tapes and believed that case studies develops the ability to understand the topic better and it is an interesting and interactive teaching method respectively. Majority of the medical students chose PBL whereas the non-medical students preferred case studies to be the best teaching method.
A Simple HPLC Assay for Ginsenoside-Rh2 in Plasma and Its Application for Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats

Ginsenoside-Rh2 (G-Rh2) is an important constituent in ginseng and has significant anti-tumor property. A simple HPLC assay was developed to study pharmacokinetics of G-Rh2 in rat plasma. The HPLC consisted of a C18 reversed phase analytical column, a variable wavelength ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric detector, and a mobile phase made up of 0.005 M KH2PO4 (pH 7.2): acetonitrile: methanol (23:7:70). The system was operated at ambient temperature isocratically at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and wavelength at 203 nm. Extraction of G-Rh2 from plasma was achieved by solid phase extraction (SPE) using 100 mg/mL C18 SPE columns. The results showed that standard curves using 50 mL of plasma sample were linear from 0.25 to 100 mg/mL, with regression coefficient (r2)>0.99. The intra- and inter-assay variations over a 3-month study period were <10% and <20%, respectively. After 10 mg/kg twice daily for 4 doses by subcutaneous (sc) injection, the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to Cmax (Tmax) of G-Rh2 was 0.79 mg/mL and <0.5 hour, respectively. The described HPLC is readily performed in most laboratories and should have adequate sensitivity and specificity to study pharmacokinetics of G-Rh2 in rats following multiple doses.
Message Passing Algorithm for Solving QBF Using More Reasoning

We present a novel solver for solving Quantified Boolean Formulae problem (QBF). In order to improve the performance, we introduce some reasoning rules into the message passing algorithm for solving QBF. When preprocessing the formulae, the solver incorporates the equality reduction and the hyperbinary resolution. Further, the solver employs the message passing method to obtain more information when selecting branches. By using the unit propagation, conflict driven learning, and satisfiability directed implication and learning, the solver handles the branches. The experimental results also show that the solver can solve QBF problem efficiently.