Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Microcircuit Model of Attentional Processing in the Neocortex

Selective attention is a fundamental cognitive function that uses top-down signals to orient and prioritize information processing in the brain. Single-cell recordings from behaving monkeys have revealed a number of attention-induced effects on sensory neurons, and have given rise to contrasting viewpoints about the neural underpinning of attentive processing. Moreover, there is evidence that attentional signals originate from the prefrontoparietal working memory network, but precisely how a source area of attention interacts with a sensory system remains unclear. To address these questions, we investigated a biophysically based network model of spiking neurons composed of a reciprocally connected loop of two (sensory and working memory) networks. We found that a wide variety of physiological phenomena induced by selective attention arise naturally in such a system. In particular, our work demonstrates a neural circuit that instantiates the “feature-similarity gain modulation principle,” according to which the attentional gain effect on sensory neuronal responses is a graded function of the difference between the attended feature and the preferred feature of the neuron, independent of the stimulus. Furthermore, our model identifies key circuit mechanisms that underlie feature-similarity gain modulation, multiplicative scaling of tuning curve, and biased competition, and provide specific testable predictions. These results offer a synthetic account of the diverse attentional effects, suggesting a canonical neural circuit for feature-based attentional processing in the cortex.
Is P2P dying or just hiding? [P2P traffic measurement]

Recent reports in the popular media suggest a significant decrease in peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing traffic, attributed to the public's response to legal threats. Have we reached the end of the P2P revolution? In pursuit of legitimate data to verify this hypothesis, in this paper, we embark on a more accurate measurement effort of P2P traffic at the link level. In contrast to previous efforts, we introduce two novel elements in our methodology. First, we measure traffic of all known popular P2P protocols. Second, we go beyond the "known port" limitation by reverse engineering the protocols and identifying characteristic strings in the payload. We find that, if measured accurately, P2P traffic has never declined; indeed we have never seen the proportion of P2P traffic decrease over time (any change is an increase) in any of our data sources.
Role of macrophage scavenger receptor in endotoxin shock

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to bind to several receptors on macrophages, including CD14 and macrophage scavenger receptor class A types I and II (MSR‐A), and stimulates macrophages to release various inflammatory mediators. MSR‐A recognizes a broad range of polyanionic ligands such as chemically modified lipoproteins, LPS of Gram‐negative bacteria, and lipoteichoic acid of Gram‐positive bacteria, suggesting a role in host defence. In this study, mice lacking MSR‐A were used to elucidate the role of MSR‐A in endotoxin shock. Peritoneal macrophages from MSR‐A‐deficient (MSR‐A−/−) mice bound less remarkably to LPS than those from wild‐type (MSR‐A+/+) mice and the binding activity of MSR‐A+/+ macrophages to LPS was reduced by the addition of an anti‐MSR‐A antibody. Clearance of LPS in serum was retarded in MSR‐A−/− mice after intraperitoneal administration of LPS. LPS‐induced expression of cytokines in the liver was similar in MSR‐A+/+ and MSR‐A−/− mice, but levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β expression and serum IL‐1β were lower in MSR‐A−/− mice. Administration of large doses of LPS resulted in a higher mortality of MSR‐A+/+ mice and pretreatment with an IL‐1 receptor antagonist reduced the mortality. Thus, MSR‐A‐mediated macrophage activation plays a negative role in protecting mice from endotoxin shock by enhancing IL‐1β production by macrophages. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2d touching of 3d stereoscopic objects

Recent developments in the area of touch and display technologies have suggested to combine multi-touch systems and stereoscopic visualization. Stereoscopic perception requires each eye to see a slightly different perspective of the same scene, which results in two distinct projections on the display. Thus, if the user wants to select a 3D stereoscopic object in such a setup, the question arises where she would touch the 2D surface to indicate the selection. A user may apply different strategies, for instance touching the midpoint between the two projections, or touching one of them. In this paper we analyze the relation between the 3D positions of stereoscopically rendered objects and the on-surface touch points, where users touch the surface. We performed an experiment in which we determined the positions of the users' touches for objects, which were displayed with positive, negative or zero parallaxes. We found that users tend to touch between the projections for the two eyes with an offset towards the projection for the dominant eye. Our results give implications for the development of future touch-enabled interfaces, which support 3D stereoscopic visualization.
Right and left as symbols

It is widely felt that the sorts of ideas current in modern Iaterality and split-brain research are largely without precedent in the behavioral and brain sciences. This paper not only challenges that view, but makes a first attempt to define the relevance of older concepts and data to present research programs. In the 19th century, there was a body of literature that held that many mental pathologies could be explained by supposing that each individual potentially had two conscious brains. Madness resulted when these begin to interfere with each other or otherwise functioned independently. The left-sided localization of language by Broca in the 1860s complicated matters by showing that the two brain halves functioned differently. Broca argued that functional asymmetry was a reflection of man's capacity to "perfect" himself; soon, the left hemisphere was transformed into the superior, uniquely human side of the brain. Considerable effort then went into seeing how far the functions of the right hemisphere complemented those of the left. The resulting dichotomies of mind and brain interacted and sometimes also conflicted with "duality of mind" theories. In the 1880s, the Paris school of neurology helped bring about a revival of interest in these theories with its startling metalloscopy and hemihypnosis experiments. A section of this target article is devoted to the views of Hughlings Jackson. Jackson's physiological/philosophical writings on hemisphere specialization and mental duality largely set him outside of the rest of the 19th-century tradition. The article concludes that at least some of the data gathered in the 19th century might prove useful or interesting to certain investigators today. More important, it asks how far an awareness of the "time-bound" nature of 19th-century concepts should change the way in which one surveys the Iaterality scene today.
Building Efficiency and Sustainability in the Tropics ( SinBerBEST )

Real power injections at loads and generators, and real power flows on selected lines in a transmission network are monitored and transmitted over a SCADA network to the system operator. These are used in state estimation algorithms to make dispatch, re-balance and other energy management system [EMS] decisions. Coordinated cyberattacks of power meter readings can be arranged to be undetectable by any bad data detection algorithm. These unobservable attacks present a serious threat to grid operations. Of particular interest are sparse attacks that involve the compromise of a modest number of meter readings. An efficient algorithm to find all unobservable attacks [under standard DC load flow approximations] involving the compromise of exactly two power injection meters and an arbitrary number of power meters on lines is presented. This requires O(nm) flops for a power system with n buses and m line meters. If all lines are metered, there exist canonical forms that characterize all 3, 4, and 5-sparse unobservable attacks. These can be quickly detected with O(n) flops using standard graph algorithms. Known-secure phase measurement units [PMUs] can be used as countermeasures against an arbitrary collection of cyberattacks. Finding the minimum number of necessary PMUs is NP-hard. It is shown that p+1 PMUs at carefully chosen buses are sufficient to neutralize a collection of p cyberattacks.
The Experience of Becoming a Therapist in a Foreign Culture

This phenomenological study explores the experience of becoming a therapist in a foreign culture. The purpose is to better understand the issues adjusting to a new culture and give voice to the lived experience of immigrant therapists. Few studies explore the experience of foreign therapists. Most focus on the experience of mainstream mental health professionals dealing with populations from specific cultural backgrounds. A total of eight therapists, who emigrated from another country to the United States, were asked to describe situations when practicing was challenging because of cultural differences. The descriptive phenomenological psychological approach was used to analyze the collected protocol. The findings focused on four main themes: (a) facing cultural shock and threats on identity, (b) adjusting professionally to a different culture, (c) developing a new identity, and (d) counseling across cultures. These experiences both challenged their professional identity and also developed competencies. The experiences also turned out to be beneficial for the therapist–client relationship and for the client. Not sharing the same culture as clients was not always a limitation, and sometimes an advantage for their professional development and performance.
The Effects of Spirituality and Religiosity on Child Neglect in Substance Use Disorder Families

ABSTRACT The role of spirituality and religiosity in neglect etiology is unknown. Further, the effects of these factors may be influenced by existing familial substance use disorder (SUD). This study examined the role of spirituality as conceptualized multidimensionally, in parental child neglect. A sample of 100 (40 SUD; 60 Control) intact families were given measures of spirituality, religiosity, and multiperspective measures of child neglect. Results demonstrated significant direct protective effects for both paternal and maternal neglect of several religious and spiritual dimensions. Interestingly, several other spirituality dimensions were significant risk factors for child neglect. Discussion of implications is included.
Biofilms in Endodontics—Current Status and Future Directions

Microbiota are found in highly organized and complex entities, known as biofilms, the characteristics of which are fundamentally different from microbes in planktonic suspensions. Root canal infections are biofilm mediated. The complexity and variability of the root canal system, together with the multi-species nature of biofilms, make disinfection of this system extremely challenging. Microbial persistence appears to be the most important factor for failure of root canal treatment and this could further have an impact on pain and quality of life. Biofilm removal is accomplished by a chemo-mechanical process, using specific instruments and disinfecting chemicals in the form of irrigants and/or intracanal medicaments. Endodontic research has focused on the characterization of root canal biofilms and the clinical methods to disrupt the biofilms in addition to achieving microbial killing. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of microbial biofilms in endodontics and review the literature on the role of root canal disinfectants and disinfectant-activating methods on biofilm removal.
Influence of daily oral prophylactic selenium treatment on the dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC)-induced pancreatitis in rats

Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC) is an organotin compound used as model for acute and chronic pancreatitis. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms of propagation of acinar cell injury in acute pancreatitis. Selenium is an essential cofactor in the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase pathway. Selenium levels are described to be subnormal in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. The aim of our studies was to determine the prophylactic effect of Na-selenite [5 mg kg-1 body weight (b.w.) per os (p.o.) 7 days] on the pathogenesis and course of DBTC- induced pancreatitis. Male inbred rats (LEW-1W Charles River) of 150 g body weight were used in this study. Experimental pancreatitis was induced by intravenous administration of 6 mg kg-1 b.w. DBTC in rats. Na-selenite was administered as daily oral dose of 5 mg kg-1 b.w. 7 days before induction of DBTC-pancreatitis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured for monitoring levels of oxidative stress. Elimination of DBTC was reflected as tin concentration in bile and urine. Organ changes were indicated by serum parameters as well as histology. A prophylactic Na-selenite application significantly diminished MDA- and bilirubin concentration in serum, activities of lipase and transaminases as well as organ injuries compared to DBTC- treated rats in the absence of Na-selenite. The prophylactic oral treatment with Na-selenite in the scope of DBTC-induced pancreatitis points to a reduced oxidative stress characterized by diminished MDA serum levels and a milder course of pancreatitis suggesting prophylactic substitution with Na-selenite to probably elicit beneficial effect on the clinical outcome in patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Out-of-Class Communication and Student Perceptions of Instructor Humor Orientation and Socio-Communicative Style

The current study examined student perceptions of instructor humor orientation, assertiveness, and responsiveness as antecedents of out-of-class communication (OCC) between instructors and students. Perceptions of instructor humor orientation were positively associated with the frequency of formal as well as informal OCC, student satisfaction with OCC, and three topics of student-instructor conversation. Perceptions of instructor responsiveness, but not assertiveness, were positively associated with frequency of informal OCC and with satisfaction with OCC. Overall, humor orientation was superior as a predictor of formal and informal OCC frequency, while instructor responsiveness best predicted student satisfaction with OCC. Findings imply that instructors can increase the frequency of OCC with their students, especially informal OCC, by exhibiting humorous dispositions. By using a responsive manner, instructors can promote student satisfaction with OCC.
For Queen and Country? National Frames of Reference in the Talk of Soldiers in England

Social scientists frequently use the iconic figure of the soldier who fights and dies for the nation to exemplify the power of processes of national identification. However, little work has considered how soldiers themselves orient to the possibility of being motivated by a desire to ‘serve the country’. The present study explored this through a series of interviews with members of the British Army and Territorial Army. Although in explicit talk about ‘the country’ the soldiers typically downplayed the importance of ‘serving the country’ as motivation, in discussing the prospect of a European army the national basis of armies was taken for granted. The findings are discussed in terms of the problematic nature of displays of English ‘patriotism’ or ‘pride’. It is argued that the relationship between national identity and military service, often assumed to be straightforward in social scientific texts, is oriented to as a delicate issue by soldiers themselves.
Contour Grouping and Object-Based Attention with Saliency Maps

The key problem of object-based attention is the definition of objects, while contour grouping methods aim at detecting the complete boundaries of objects in images. In this paper, we develop a new contour grouping method which shows several characteristics. First, it is guided by the global saliency information. By detecting multiple boundaries in a hierarchical way, we actually construct an object-based attention model. Second, it is optimized by the grouping cost, which is decided both by Gestalt cues of directed tangents and by region saliency. Third, it gives a new definition of Gestalt cues for tangents which includes image information as well as tangent information. In this way, we can improve the robustness of our model against noise. Experiment results are shown in this paper, with a comparison against other grouping model and space-based attention model.
Interlocking Interactions, the Diffusion of Innovations in Health Care

This article aims to provide a reassessment of the processes of diffusion of innovations into organizations, based on new empirical data. The focus of the article is the latter stages of the diffusion process. The article draws on the results of two studies, which examined the diffusion of innovations in health care in the UK. These projects were a matched pair of qualitative studies, using purposeful selections of comparative case studies. The results demonstrate the ambiguous, contested nature of new scientific knowledge. The highly interactive nature of diffusion, with active adopters is illustrated. There is no evidence of a single adoption decision. The science is socially mediated. The features of context and of actors interlock to influence diffusion.
Cellular-level characterization of lymph vessels in live, unlabeled corneas by in vivo confocal microscopy.

PURPOSE To determine whether in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) of the cornea can be used for the label-free detection and monitoring of lymph vessels in live corneas. METHODS Parallel corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis was induced by the placement of a single suture in one cornea of male Wistar rats. Fourteen days after suture placement and under general anesthesia, laser-scanning IVCM was performed in the vascularized region. Corneas were subsequently excised for flat-mount double immunofluorescence with a pan-endothelial marker (PECAM-1/CD31) and a lymphatic endothelial specific marker (LYVE-1). Using the suture area and prominent blood vessels as points of reference, the identical microscopic region was located in both fluorescent and archived in vivo images. Additionally, vessel diameter, lumen contrast, and cell diameter and velocity within vessels were quantified from in vivo images. RESULTS Comparison of identical corneal regions in fluorescence and in vivo revealed prominent CD31(+)/LYVE-1(3+) lymph vessels that were visible in vivo. In vivo, corneal lymph vessels were located in the vascularized area in the same focal plane as blood vessels but had a darker lumen (P < 0.001) sparsely populated by highly reflective cells with diameters similar to those of leukocytes in blood vessels (P = 0.61). Cell velocity in lymph vessels was significantly reduced compared with blood particle velocity (P < 0.001). Morphologic characteristics enabled subsequent identification of corneal lymphatics in live, vascularized rat corneas before immunofluorescence labeling. CONCLUSIONS IVCM enabled the nondestructive, label-free, in vivo detection of corneal lymphatics. IVCM provides the possibility of observing lymphatic activity in the same live corneas longitudinally and, as a clinical instrument, of monitoring corneal lymphatics in live human subjects.
Development of New Technology Forecasting Algorithm: Hybrid Approach for Morphology Analysis and Conjoint Analysis of Patent Information

Despite being a strong stimulus for the invention of new alternatives, morphology analysis (MA) suffers the limitations of being a nonquantitative, vague, and static methodology. As a consequence, the MA outcomes typically do not provide practical technology opportunities. This paper, therefore, proposes a new hybrid approach that enhances the performance of MA by combining it with conjoint analysis (CA) and citation analysis of patent information. First, keywords are extracted from patent documents using text mining, and the morphology of existing patents is identified by these keywords. Alternatives for new technology development from among the emerging technologies are presented by combining the valuable levels of each attribute in a morphology matrix predefined by domain experts. Then, configurations of new technology are suggested in order of priority using CA, and the technological feasibility of each new configuration is subsequently investigated. The technological competitiveness of a company can be analyzed by a newly suggested index, ldquotechnology share,rdquo which is analogous to the concept of market share in traditional CA. The proposed MA-CA hybrid process is illustrated with a case example of patent information from the thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) patent database.
FES-Induced Torque Prediction With Evoked EMG Sensing for Muscle Fatigue Tracking

This paper investigates a torque estimation method for muscle fatigue tracking, using stimulus evoked electromyography (eEMG) in the context of a functional electrical stimulation (FES) rehabilitation system. Although FES is able to effectively restore motor function in spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals, its application is inevitably restricted by muscle fatigue. In addition, the sensory feedback indicating fatigue is missing in such patients. Therefore, torque estimation is essential to provide feedback or feedforward signal for adaptive FES control. In this paper, a fatigue-inducing protocol is conducted on five SCI subjects via transcutaneous electrodes under isometric condition, and eEMG signals are collected by surface electrodes. A myoelectrical mechanical muscle model based on the Hammerstein structure with eEMG as model input is employed to capture muscle contraction dynamics. It is demonstrated that the correlation between eEMG and torque is time varying during muscle fatigue. Compared to conventional fixed-parameter models, the adapted-parameter model shows better torque prediction performance in fatiguing muscles. It motivates us to use a Kalman filter with forgetting factor for estimating the time-varying parameters and for tracking muscle fatigue. The assessment with experimental data reveals that the identified eEMG-to-torque model properly predicts fatiguing muscle behavior. Furthermore, the performance of the time-varying parameter estimation is efficient, suggesting that real-time tracking is feasible with a Kalman filter and driven by eEMG sensing in the application of FES.