nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Functional Connectome Architecture of Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Behavioral Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia: A Graph Analysis Study (P4.028)

To investigate functional brain network architecture in late onset (LO) and early onset (EO) Alzheimer's disease (AD) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD)  Graph theory provides a powerful tool to describe quantitatively the topological organization of brain connectivity. A better understanding of network disruption in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases may provide non invasive biomarkers for dementia differential diagnosis and disease monitoring.  The study involved 122 AD patients, 61 MCI patients, and 51 age matched controls. 35 EOAD patients were also compared with 29 bvFTD patients and 35 age matched controls. All subjects underwent 3D T1 weighted and resting state functional MRI. Network nodes were defined parcellating the AAL atlas into 262 regions with equal size. Graph theory analysis was used to measure the global topological properties of functional brain networks and define brain modules. Differences in regional functional networks among groups were investigated using Network based statistic.  While controls showed high densely connected modules, AD groups and bvFTD patients showed a loss of long distance intra module connections, involving all modules in AD and the fronto parietal parahippocampal module in bvFTD. Regardless the age of onset, AD patients showed altered global network measures (lower network degree and clustering coefficient, and longer path length) compared to controls and to the other patient groups. Although MCI patients did not show global network alterations, they were characterized by a decreased regional functional connectivity in the fronto parietal connections compared with controls. A decreased regional functional connectivity was prominent in the parieto occipital connections in EOAD and in the fronto temporal parietal connections in bvFTD patients.  Graph analysis is promising to detect functional changes in the early phase of neurodegenerative diseases and to serve for a prompt differential diagnosis among dementia syndromes. Supported by: Italian Ministry of Health  Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation  Caso has nothing to disclose. Dr. Magnani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Santangelo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Falautano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation for activities with Teva, Novartis, Genzyme, Merck Serono, Biogen, Bayer, Actelion, Almirall, and Serono Symposia International Foundation. Dr. Falini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation for activities for consulting services and/or speaking activities from Biogen Idec, Excemed, Novartis, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
Deep sparse representations for land use scene classification in remote sensing images
Venue: 2016 IEEE 13th International Conference on Signal Processing (ICSP)

Land use scene classification which provides highlevel interpretation for remote sensing images is a challenging task, and the performance of this task mainly lies in the representative ability of extracted scene level features. Motivated by the good generalization ability of deep convolutional neural network (CNN) we design a novel method, called deep sparse representation (DSR) building scene level features via directly transferring CNN models pre trained on general purpose image dataset for land use scene classification. We first extract deep CNN features in a feedforward way, and then compute sparse codes for the deep features through optimizing a sparse coding formulation; we finally max pool the obtained sparse codes to form the image representations. Extensive experiments on a public land use scene benchmark demonstrate that the image features generated by the proposed DSR, even with a simple linear classifier, can result in remarkable classification accuracies, which now become the new state of the art performance on the benchmark.
Back in the saddle: large deviation statistics of the cosmic log density field

We present a first principle approach to obtain analytical predictions for spherically averaged cosmic densities in the mildly non linear regime that go well beyond what is usually achieved by standard perturbation theory. A large deviation principle allows us to compute the leading order cumulants of average densities in concentric cells. In this symmetry, the spherical collapse model leads to cumulant generating functions that are robust for finite variances and free of critical points when logarithmic density transformations are implemented. They yield in turn accurate density probability distribution functions (PDFs) from a straightforward saddle point approximation valid for all density values. Based on this easy to implement modification, explicit analytic formulas for the evaluation of the one and two cell PDF are provided. The theoretical predictions obtained for the PDFs are accurate to a few percent compared to the numerical integration, regardless of the density under consideration and in excellent agreement with N body simulations for a wide range of densities. This formalism should prove valuable for accurately probing the quasi linear scales of low redshift surveys for arbitrary primordial power spectra.
How Product Category Shapes Preferences toward Global and Local Brands: A Schema Theory Perspective

In contrast to the abundance of research on brand and consumer related determinants of global/local brand preference, little is known about whether and how the product category affects consumer choices between local and global brands. Drawing from schema theory, the authors (1) argue that consumers rely on their product category schemata to form perceptions of global versus local brand superiority, (2) introduce a compact scale to measure these perceptions, and (3) identify the key antecedents and consequences of these perceptions. Two studies in developed and emerging markets empirically support the hypotheses across multiple product categories, for both real and fictitious brands. The results indicate that consumers perceive global brands as superior to local brands in product categories with strong functional character and extensive symbolic capacity. Moreover, brands congruent with category superiority perceptions are preferred because of their justifiability, while brands that deviate from these perceptions are avoided because of their proneness to normative criticism. The findings imply that global/local brand preference is largely formed at the product category level and advocate for the use of category specific strategies in global/local brand management.
Multifocal and multicentric glioblastoma: Improved characterisation with FLAIR imaging and prognostic implications
Venue: Journal of Clinical Neuroscience

Glioblastoma usually presents on imaging as a single peripherally enhancing lesion, but multiple enhancing lesions can occur, termed multifocal if there is a connection between enhancing lesions, or multicentric when no communication is demonstrated. We aim to determine the incidence and prognostic implications of multifocal and multicentric glioblastoma in the era of modern MRI, focusing on the added benefit of T2 weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging. Patients with a new diagnosis of glioblastoma were identified. Preoperative MRI were reviewed to determine whether more than one distinct enhancing lesion was present, and whether there was communication between lesions. The findings were compared against survival data. More than one discrete contrast enhancing lesion was present in 51 of the 151 patients (34% Communication between lesions was identified in 47 of these, most commonly direct parenchymal spread (41 patients) The patients with multiple lesions had worse survival (median 176days, compared to 346days) but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.253) These tumours more frequently involved deep structures (p<0.001) and the posterior fossa (p=0.045) both of which were associated with worse survival. The presence of multiple enhancing foci in glioblastoma is common, occurring in about one third of patients, and the majority have multifocal disease. The FLAIR sequence is the crucial sequence for demonstrating a communication between lesions. The worse survival of these patients is, at least in large part related to more extensive tumour dissemination and more frequent involvement of key structures, rather than multiplicity per se.
Sensitivity of left ventricular mechanics to myofiber architecture: A finite element study
Venue: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of engineering in medicine

The goal of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of computational models of the heart to their incorporated myofiber architecture during diastole. This architecture plays a critical role in the mechanical and electrical function of the heart and changes after myocardial tissue remodeling, which is associated with some of the most common heart diseases. In this study, a left ventricular finite element model of the porcine heart was created using magnetic resonance imaging, which represents the in vivo geometry. Various myofiber architectures were assigned to the finite element mesh, in the form of fiber and sheet angles. A structural based material law was used to model the behavior of passive myocardium and its parameters were estimated using measured in vivo strains and cavity volume from magnetic resonance imaging. The final results showed noticeable sensitivity of the stress distribution to both the fiber and sheet angle distributions. This implies that a structural based material law that takes into account the effect of both fiber and sheet angle distributions should be used. The results also show that although the simulation results improve using available data from histological studies of myocardial structure, the need for individualized myofiber architecture data is crucial.
The fall of national identity in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

This article examines Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart within a postcolonial discourse. While the majority of postcolonial critiques argue over indigenous identity, this study explores the deterioration of national identity in Things Fall Apart. Such deterioration is brought about by the spiritual and tentative defeat inherent in the failure of the protagonist, Okonkwo, to face the colonial whites. Ultimately, the protagonist's failure leads to a tragic death. In the novel's context, Achebe exhorts the fall of national identity and its pathetic aftermath. The deterioration in national identity symbolically correlates to the protagonist's personal irresolute experience which is at first physically powerful but in the end spiritually weak. The focus of this article is a textual analysis of Achebe's Things Fall Apart, applying postcolonial theoretical concepts, especially aboriginality, hegemony, subaltern and identity. These concepts facilitate a smouldering conceptualisation of national identity as it is exterminated in the novel. Thus, the these terms will be cited mainly with reference to Bill Ashcroft, Gayatri Spivak, and Laura Chrisman's postcolonial critiques.
Use of biochar compost to improve properties and productivity of the degraded coastal soil in the Yellow River Delta, China
Venue: Journal of Soils and Sediments

PurposeNutrient deficiency and salt stress (sodium, Na+ strongly limited the productivity of the degraded coastal soils in the Yellow River Delta. Biochar based functional materials have been considered as a promising amendment to solving the problem of global soil security (e.g. erosion, fertility loss, acidification, and salinization) Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of using a biochar compost amendment (BCA) to improve the coastal soil properties and productivity.Materials and methodsThe BCA was produced from composting of biochar and additives including seafood shell powder, peanut shell, commercial humate, and inorganic nutrients. Two halophytes, sesbania (Sesbania canabina (Retz. Pers) and seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica) were chosen as the tested plants in a 52 day pot experiment. BCA was added as the rates of 0, 1.5, 5, and 10 (w/w) At the end of the incubation, the shoot height, biomass, and root morphological parameters including length, tips, and surface area were measured, as well as the properties (e.g. soil organic matter (SOM) content and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the rhizosphere and non rhizosphere soils.Results and discussionThe BCA application at 1.5 enhanced the growth of sesbania and seashore mallow and increased their total biomass by 309 and 70.8 respectively, while significantly inhibited both the halophyte growths at 10 Similarly, both the halophyte root morphologies (e.g. length and tips) significantly increased by BCA addition at 1.5 The promoting growth of the both halophytes could be resulted from the improvement of soil properties such as the increased SOM and CEC, the decreased amount of the exchangeable sodium (Ex Na) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and the rhizosphere effect (e.g. decreased soil pH) The higher rate of BCA addition (e.g. 10 sharply increased soil salinity, responsible for the inhibition of both the halophyte growths. Although BCA addition may directly supply much nitrogen (N) for the soils, N bioavailability for both halophytes was not largely improved.ConclusionsThe short term laboratory pot experiments revealed that producing the biochar compost with desired properties (e.g. BCA) could be a feasible alternative to remediate the degraded coastal soil in the Yellow River Delta. Moreover, the addition of BCA should be kept at an optimal level, which may produce expected positive results. Our results will be helpful for supporting the strategy of designing right biochar compost for the right soil.
Restoration of carbon and microbial activity in salt induced soil by application of peanut shell biochar during short term incubation study.
Venue: Chemosphere

For the present study, soil samples of four artificially induced salinity gradients (S0: control, S1: 2.0, S2: 4.0, S3: 6.0 ECiw) was incubated with fine textured peanut shell biochar at various ratios (B0: control, B1: 2.5% B2: 5.0% B3: 10% w/w) for 30 days. At 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 days of incubation, samples were analyzed for soil carbon and selected enzyme activities. Results showed that biochar could increase soil organic carbon on application of highest rate of biochar addition (B3) hence potentially restored the saline soils by less C mineralization, and more sequestration of soil C. However, soil enzyme activities were biochar rate(s) day(s) of incubation and enzyme dependent. The lowest rate of biochar addition (B1) showed highest dehydrogenase (20.5 mg TPF g( 1) soil h( 1) acid phosphatase (29.1 mg PNP g( 1) soil h( 1) and alkaline phosphatase (16.1 mg PNP g( 1) soil h( 1) whereas the higher rate (B2) increased the urease (5.51 mg urea N g( 1) soil h( 1) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activities (3.95 mg fluorescein g( 1) OD soil h( 1) in soil. All the positive changes persisted at higher levels of salinity (S2, S3) suggesting biochar amended soil may be potential for better nutrient cycling. Soil enzymes were found to be correlated with soil carbon and with each other while principal component analysis (PCA) extracted the most sensitive parameters as the acid and alkaline phosphatases and urease activities in the present experimental condition. This is the first time report of examining soil microbial environment using peanut shell biochar under a degraded (saline) soil.
Towards an Abnormal Bridge Location Identification Method Based on Novelty Detection Technique

The bridge structure abnormality recognition is one of the key steps of its health assessment. Using novelty detection technique based on BP neural network, the method to identify and locate abnormal bridge status was presented. It uses non training data in the original sample data to generate novelty indicator and determines threshold. If the difference between detection status indicator and normal value is larger than the threshold, the structure status is determined changed. The method adapts stepwise partition identification method. The method firstly determines damage position within a small range and then analyzes sensor data in detail, so as to locate specific position. The measured data on T beam model verifies the method can accurately carry out status identification and locate cracking position under cracking load conditions.
The European Air Transport Command: A Viable Model for Promoting European Military Cooperation? EU Diplomacy Paper 08/2016

This paper begins with the observation that the top down model of defence cooperation adopted for the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union seems to be in a crisis. It then asks if there are alternative models available, arguing that one is represented by smaller, bottom up initiatives such as the European Air Transport Command (EATC) By looking at the EATC, this paper shows that this type of initiatives provide a positive impact on the CSDP because they improve the overall level of European defence capabilities and because they show that it is possible for European countries to develop defence cooperation initiatives that are both efficient and effective. The EATC's small scale sectoral cooperation presents several advantages, the main ones being an easier decision making process and a higher possible level of ambition, but on the other hand such a model restricts both the number of countries and the size of the impact that it can have. By identifying the key characteristics of the EATC model, this paper tries to determine the areas where the EATC could expand, and those where its business model could be successfully replicated. It argues that the best candidates are domains that combine constancy of use and low political sensibility, such as training or surveillance.
Sedna and the cloud of comets surrounding the Solar System in Milgromian dynamics

We reconsider the hypothesis of a vast cometary reservoir surrounding the Solar System the Oort cloud of comets within the framework of Milgromian Dynamics (MD or MOND) For this purpose we built a numerical model of the cloud assuming QUMOND, a modified gravity theory of MD. In the modified gravity versions of MD, the internal dynamics of a system is influenced by the external gravitational field in which the system is embedded, even when this external field is constant and uniform, a phenomenon dubbed the external field effect (EFE) Adopting the popular pair \nu(x)[1 \exp( x^{1/2} 1} for the MD interpolating function and $a_{0}=1.2\times10^ 10} m s$ 2} for the MD acceleration scale, we found that the observationally inferred Milgromian cloud of comets is much more radially compact than its Newtonian counterpart. The comets of the Milgromian cloud stay away from the zone where the Galactic tide can torque their orbits significantly. However, this does not need to be an obstacle for the injection of the comets into the inner solar system as the EFE can induce significant change in perihelion distance during one revolution of a comet around the Sun. Adopting constraints on different interpolating function families and a revised value of $a_{0} (provided recently by the Cassini spacecraft) the aforementioned qualitative results no longer hold, and, in conclusion, the Milgromian cloud is very similar to the Newtonian in its overall size, binding energies of comets and hence the operation of the Jupiter Saturn barrier. However, EFE torquing of perihelia still play a significant role in the inner parts of the cloud. Consequently Sedna like orbits and orbits of large semi major axis Centaurs are easily comprehensible in MD. In MD, they both belong to the same population, just in different modes of their evolution.
XSHOOTER spectroscopy of the enigmatic planetary nebula Lin49 in the Small Magellanic Cloud

We performed a detailed spectroscopic analysis of the fullerene C60 containing planetary nebula (PN) Lin49 in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) using XSHOOTER at the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope and the Spitzer/Infrared Spectrograph instruments. We derived nebular abundances for nine elements. We used TLUSTY to derive photospheric parameters for the central star. Lin49 is C rich and metal deficient PN (Z 0.0006) The nebular abundances are in good agreement with asymptotic giant branch nucleosynthesis models for stars with initial mass 1.25 M and metallicity Z 0.001. Using the TLUSTY synthetic spectrum of the central star to define the heating and ionizing source, we constructed the photoionization model with CLOUDY that matches the observed spectral energy distribution (SED) and the line fluxes in the UV to far IR wavelength ranges simultaneously. We could not fit the ~1 5 mm SED using a model with 0.005 0.1 mm sized graphite grains and a constant hydrogen density shell owing to the prominent near IR excess, while at other wavelengths the model fits the observed values reasonably well. We argue that the near IR excess might indicate either (1) the presence of very small particles in the form of small carbon clusters, small graphite sheets, or fullerene precursors, or (2) the presence of a high density structure surrounding the central star. We found that SMC C60 PNe show a near IR excess component to lesser or greater degree. This suggests that these C60 PNe might maintain a structure nearby their central star.
The abundance and thermal history of water ice in the disk surrounding HD 142527 from the DIGIT Herschel Key Program

The presence or absence of ice in protoplanetary disks is of great importance to the formation of planets. By enhancing solid surface density and increasing sticking efficiency, ice catalyzes the rapid formation of planetesimals and decreases the timescale of giant planet core accretion.  In this paper, we analyze the composition of the outer disk around the Herbig star HD 142527. We focus on the composition of water ice, but also analyze the abundances of previously proposed minerals.  We present new Herschel far infrared spectra and a re reduction of archival data from the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) We modeled the disk using full 3D radiative transfer to obtain the disk structure. Also, we used an optically thin analysis of the outer disk spectrum to obtain firm constraints on the composition of the dust component.  The water ice in the disk around HD 142527 contains a large reservoir of crystalline water ice. We determine the local abundance of water ice in the outer disk (i.e. beyond 130 AU) The re reduced ISO spectrum differs significantly from that previously published, but matches the new Herschel spectrum at their common wavelength range. In particular, we do not detect any significant contribution from carbonates or hydrous silicates, in contrast to earlier claims.  The amount of water ice detected in the outer disk requires ~80% of oxygen atoms. This is comparable to the water ice abundance in the outer solar system, comets, and dense interstellar clouds. The water ice is highly crystalline while the temperatures where we detect it are too low to crystallize the water on relevant timescales. We discuss the implications of this finding.