Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parallel Motion Processing for the Initiation of Short-Latency Ocular Following in Humans

With the scleral search coil technique, we recorded ocular following responses elicited by either grating or plaid pattern motions. Grating motion elicited tracking responses at short latencies (∼85 msec). Type I plaid motion made by summing two orthogonal moving gratings elicited ocular following with identical short latencies. Trial-by-trial vector decomposition showed that plaid-driven responses were best predicted by a vector average of the component-driven responses. Similar results were found with micropatterns made of 16 Gabor patches with drifting carriers of two different orientations. “Unikinetic” plaids were constructed by summing a moving and stationary grating, with a 45° orientation difference, so that component and pattern motion directions were separated by 45°. Eye movements exhibited two components. Ocular following was first initiated in the grating motion direction, at ultra-short latency. A second component was initiated ∼20 msec later, curving the responses toward the pattern motion direction. The later component was specifically, and independently, affected by both relative spatial frequency and contrast between component gratings. The early response components showed a much steeper contrast response function than the late component. These results suggest that initial ocular following is underpinned by parallel processing of component- and pattern-related velocities followed by an integrative stage that computes the two-dimensional surface motion.
Determination of Response Latency and Its Application to Normalization of Cross-Correlation Measures

It is often of interest experimentally to assess how synchronization between two neurons changes following a stimulus or other behaviorally relevant marker. The joint peristimulus time histogram (JPSTH) achieves this, but assumes that changes in the cells' firing rate following the stimulus are stereotyped from one sweep to the next. Erroneous results can be generated if this is not the case. We here present a method to assess whether there are variations in response latency or amplitude from sweep to sweep. We then describe how the effects of response latency variation can be mitigated by realigning sweeps to their individual latencies. Three methods of detecting response latency are presented and their performance compared on simulated data. Finally, the effect on the JPSTH of sweep realignment using detected latencies is illustrated.
A Variable Step Maximum Power Point Tracking Method Using Differential Equation Solution

Solar power is considered as a kind of "clean power". The problems of using solar power include varying weather condition brings different power output of the photovoltaic cells, which may cause a serious waste of solar power. For solving this problem, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) strategy is required to make Solar cells keep giving maximum power under different environment condition. In this paper, a variable step MPPT method is proposed for faster and more precise tracking process, based on an applicable solar cell model. The new MPPT method gives a second order convergence speed, compared with the traditional MPPT methods, which always behave as one order convergence. According to the applicable solar cell model, a series of differential equations are established to describe the MPPT process, and the maximum power point is present as the solution of those equations. Using a Newton iterative method can not only get the solution of the equations, but also set up ever search step of the tracking process. A matlab-simulink model was established as a two stage PV system including a DC/DC regulator and a load converter to analysis the performance of the proposed MPPT strategy. Simulation result in the last part proved that this MPPT method is practical with a better performance than the traditional strategies.
Causes and associations of amblyopia in a population-based sample of 6-year-old Australian children.

OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence of amblyopia and associated factors in a representative sample of 6-year-old Australian children. METHODS Logarithm of minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (VA) was measured in both eyes before and after pinhole correction, correcting cylindrical refractive components greater than 0.50 diopter (D), and with spectacles (if worn) in a population-based sample of 1741 schoolchildren. Retinal pathological abnormalities were excluded based on photographs. Amblyopia was defined using various best-available corrected VA measures in the absence of significant organic pathological abnormalities. RESULTS Using the criteria of corrected VA less than 20/40 and at least a 2-line difference between eyes, amblyopia was diagnosed in 13 children (0.7%). The inclusion of children with amblyopia who had been successfully treated (n = 19) increased the amblyopia prevalence to 1.8%. Strabismus or strabismus surgery history was present in 37.5% of the children with amblyopia, anisometropia in 34.4%, both conditions in 18.8%, and isoametropia in 6.3%. Mean corrected VA in amblyopic eyes was 37.7 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution letters (Snellen VA equivalent < 20/40), ranging from 0 to 48 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution letters (Snellen VA equivalent < 20/200-20/25). Most amblyopic eyes (58.7%) were significantly hyperopic (spherical equivalent > or = +3.00 D); 8.7% were myopic. CONCLUSIONS A relatively low prevalence of amblyopia in a sample of 6-year-old children is documented. The majority of these children had already been diagnosed and treated for this condition.
Women with impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy have significantly poor pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE This article tests the hypothesis that women with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have the same pregnancy outcomes as those of their counterparts with normal glucose tolerance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS From December 1998 to December 1999, 84 of 90 antenatal care base units (ACBUs) under the Tianjin Antenatal Care Network in China participated in the first screening program for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 9,471 pregnant women under the care of participating ACBUs were screened. Of the women screened, 154 were positive for IGT. Of the 154 women, 102 opted for conventional obstetric care. The comparison group was 302 women of normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The initial screening consisted of a 50-g 1-h glucose test, and was carried out at 26-30 gestational weeks. Women with a serum glucose > or =7.8 mmol/l were followed up with a 75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. The World Health Organization's diagnostic criteria for GDM were used. RESULTS Women with IGT were at increased risk for premature rupture of membranes (P-ROM) (odds ratio [OR] 10.07; 95% CI 2.90-34.93); preterm birth (6.42; 1.46-28.34); breech presentation (3.47; 1.11-10.84); and high birth weight (90th percentile or 4,000 g) (2.42; 1.07-5.46); adjusting for maternal age, pregravid BMI, hospital levels, and other confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS The presence of IGT in pregnancy is predictive of poor pregnancy outcomes.
Exponential Bounds Implying Construction of Compressed Sensing Matrices, Error-Correcting Codes, and Neighborly Polytopes by Random Sampling

In "Counting faces of randomly projected polytopes when the projection radically lowers dimension " the authors proved an asymptotic sampling theorem for sparse signals, showing that n random measurements permit to reconstruct an N-vector having k nonzeros provided n > 2 · k-log(N/n)(1 + o(1)) reconstruction uses ¿1 minimization. They also proved an asymptotic rate theorem, showing existence of real error-correcting codes for messages of length N which can correct all possible k-element error patterns using just n generalized checksum bits, where n > 2e · k log(N/n)(1 + o(1)) decoding uses ¿1 minimization. Both results require an asymptotic framework, with N growing large. For applications, on the other hand, we are concerned with specific triples k, n, N. We exhibit triples (k, n, N) for which Compressed Sensing Matrices and Real Error-Correcting Codes surely exist and can be obtained with high probability by random sampling. These derive from exponential bounds on the probability of drawing 'bad' matrices. The bounds give conditions effective at finite-N, and converging to the known sharp asymptotic conditions for large N. Compared to other finite-N bounds known to us, they are much stronger, and much more explicit. Our bounds derive from asymptotics in "Counting faces of randomly projected polytopes when the projection radically lowers dimension" counting the expected number of k-dimensional faces of the randomly projected simplex TN-1 and cross-polytope CN. We develop here finite-N bounds on the expected discrepancy between the number of k-faces of the projected polytope AQ and its generator Q, for Q = TN-1 and CN. Our bounds also imply existence of interesting geometric objects. Thus, we exhibit triples (k, n, N) for which polytopes with 2N vertices can be centrally k-neighborly.
Spatial Profile and Differential Recruitment of GABAB Modulate Oscillatory Activity in Auditory Cortex

The interplay between inhibition and excitation is at the core of cortical network activity. In many cortices, including auditory cortex (ACx), interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons generate synchronous network gamma oscillations (30–70 Hz). Here, we show that differences in the connection patterns and synaptic properties of excitatory–inhibitory microcircuits permit the spatial extent of network inputs to modulate the magnitude of gamma oscillations. Simultaneous multiple whole-cell recordings from connected fast-spiking interneurons and pyramidal cells in L2/3 of mouse ACx slices revealed that for intersomatic distances <50 μm, most inhibitory connections occurred in reciprocally connected (RC) pairs; at greater distances, inhibitory connections were equally likely in RC and nonreciprocally connected (nRC) pairs. Furthermore, the GABAB-mediated inhibition in RC pairs was weaker than in nRC pairs. Simulations with a network model that incorporated these features showed strong, gamma band oscillations only when the network inputs were confined to a small area. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which oscillatory activity can be modulated by adjusting the spatial distribution of afferent input.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of LiBH4-LiCl Solid Solution

Anion substitution is at present one of the pathways to destabilize metal borohydrides for solid state hydrogen storage. In this work, a solid solution of LiBH4 and LiCl is studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, thermodynamic modeling, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. It is shown that Cl substitution has minor effects on thermodynamic stability of either the orthorhombic or the hexagonal phase of LiBH4. The transformation into the orthorhombic phase in LiBH4 shortly after annealing with LiCl is for the first time followed by infrared measurements. Our findings are in a good agreement with an experimental study of the LiBH4-LiCl solid solution structure and dynamics. This demonstrates the validity of the adopted combined theoretical (DFT calculations) and experimental (vibrational spectroscopy) approach, to investigate the solid solution formation of complex hydrides.
Plasma enzymes in tumor-bearing rats.

Summary The plasma enzymes, lactic dehydrogenase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, and malic dehydrogenase, increased progressively in tumor-bearing rats. The amount of increase varied markedly with the type of tumor and the site of implantation. A lactic dehydrogenase agent could not be demonstrated in any of these animals. Isozyme patterns indicated the tumor was a significant contributor to the increased lactic dehydrogenase in the plasma of these rats. The plasma lactic dehydrogenase was increased less in animals that bore a tumor contaminated with bacteria. The clearance rate of lactic dehydrogenase was slower than normal in tumor-bearing rats, and it decreased progressively with tumor growth.
Rock physics interpolation Used for velocity modeling of chalks: Ontong Java plateau example

Pore geometries of carbonates are more complex than that of siliciclastics. This complexity makes their velocity interpretation and consequently their reservoir characterization more difficult than for sandstones. In this paper, we try to reduce this complexity by combing geological information and rock physics modeling. This strategy leads to a predictive model for pore aspect ratio changes within the whole area. Well and core data from Ontong Java plateau, which has been drilled by DSDP/ODP project are used to examine this approach. The pore texture seems to follow a predictive pattern in chalks of Ontong Java plateau and it can be predicted and modeled by geology information.
Corporate Payout, Cash Retention, and the Supply of Credit: Evidence from the 2008-09 Credit Crisis

We document significant reductions in corporate payouts-both dividends and (to a larger extent) share repurchases-during the 2008–2009 financial crisis. Payout reductions are more likely in firms with higher leverage, more valuable growth options, and lower cash balances, i.e., those more susceptible to the negative consequences of an external financing shock. Moreover, firms appear to use the proceeds from the reduction in payout to maintain cash levels and to fund investment. These findings are consistent with the view that a shock to the supply of credit (net of demand effects) during the financial crisis increased the marginal benefit of cash retention, leading some firms to turn to payout reductions as a substitute form of financing.
Instructors' attitudes and perceptions toward critical thinking: A case study of interior design instructors in Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study was to investigate how critical thinking is defined by interior design female instructors in Saudi Arabia. Also, it aimed to examine instructors’ perceptions and attitudes toward critical thinking. In addition, it served to illuminate potential obstacles and biases that prevent female instructors from teaching critical thinking skills at the schools and universities in Saudi Arabia. The research targeted female Interior Design instructors in particular, to examine their perceptions toward critical thinking. There were three research questions: 1What are female Interior Design instructors’ perceptions toward critical thinking? Do they teach critical thinking skills in the classes? If so, how do they do it? 2What are the potential obstacles that prevent them from teaching critical thinking in their classes? 3Does the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia require instructors to teach critical thinking? If so, how closely is that requirement followed by the instructors? This research used a qualitative design. A Semi-structured interview format was used to collect data about Interior Design instructors’ perception toward critical thinking, the strategies they use in their classes, and the potential barriers they encounter when teaching critical thinking in the classroom. The results indicated that there is a general lack of understanding of the term critical thinking in Saudi Arabian schools and universities. Also, results showed that rote – learning is basically the preferred method used in the classroom. Moreover, the findings illustrated five major obstacles that prevent utilizing critical thinking in Saudi Arabian schools and universities. The participants indicated the five obstacles which are students’ interest, instructors’ interest, society and culture, language issue and education system. Based on the finding of the study, implication for educational development are drawn and suggestions for future research are offered. INSTRUCTORS’ ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARD CRITICAL THINKING: A CASE STUDY OF INTERIOR DESIGN INSTRUCTORS IN SAUDI ARABIA A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in Education
Voluntary Contributions to Property Rights

This paper reports the results of an experimental test of the Nash equilibrium prediction of voluntary provision of property rights in a contest under anarchy. Speci cally, the experiment investigates whether pre-commitment induces positive provision of property rights. As pre- dicted, zero contributions to property rights are observed without pre- commitment. Positive voluntary contributions are observed with pre- commitment, but are less than predicted. Nonetheless, as predicted, stronger property rights with pre-commitment results in less con ict and more production. The experiment also tests predictions for group- size e ects. While average contributions to property rights are un- a ected by group-size, mean con ict increases and mean production decreases with larger groups. Key Words: Property Rights; Con ict; Public Goods; Experiments
Anticancer efficacy of the hypoxia‐activated prodrug evofosfamide (TH‐302) in osteolytic breast cancer murine models

Tumor hypoxia is a major cause of treatment failure for a variety of malignancies. However, hypoxia offers treatment opportunities, exemplified by the development of compounds that target hypoxic regions within tumors. Evofosfamide (TH‐302) is a prodrug created by the conjugation of 2‐nitroimidazole to bromo‐isophosphoramide mustard (Br‐IPM). When evofosfamide is delivered to hypoxic regions, the DNA cross‐linking effector, Br‐IPM, is released. This study assessed the cytotoxic activity of evofosfamide in vitro and its antitumor activity against osteolytic breast cancer either alone or in combination with paclitaxel in vivo. A panel of human breast cancer cell lines were treated with evofosfamide under hypoxia and assessed for cell viability. Osteolytic MDA‐MB‐231‐TXSA cells were transplanted into the mammary fat pad, or into tibiae of mice, allowed to establish and treated with evofosfamide, paclitaxel, or both. Tumor burden was monitored using bioluminescence, and cancer‐induced bone destruction was measured using micro‐CT. In vitro, evofosfamide was selectively cytotoxic under hypoxic conditions. In vivo evofosfamide was tumor suppressive as a single agent and cooperated with paclitaxel to reduce mammary tumor growth. Breast cancer cells transplanted into the tibiae of mice developed osteolytic lesions. In contrast, treatment with evofosfamide or paclitaxel resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth and an overall reduction in tumor burden in bone, whereas combined treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in tumor burden in the tibia of mice. Evofosfamide cooperates with paclitaxel and exhibits potent tumor suppressive activity against breast cancer growth in the mammary gland and in bone.
Compressed sensing of approximately-sparse signals: Phase transitions and optimal reconstruction

Compressed sensing is designed to measure sparse signals directly in a compressed form. However, most signals of interest are only “approximately sparse”, i.e. even though the signal contains only a small fraction of relevant (large) components the other components are not strictly equal to zero, but are only close to zero. In this paper we model the approximately sparse signal with a Gaussian distribution of small components, and we study its compressed sensing with dense random matrices. We use replica calculations to determine the mean-squared error of the Bayes-optimal reconstruction for such signals, as a function of the variance of the small components, the density of large components and the measurement rate. We then use the G-AMP algorithm and we quantify the region of parameters for which this algorithm achieves optimality (for large systems). Finally, we show that in the region where the G-AMP algorithm for the homogeneous measurement matrices is not optimal, a special “seeding” design of a spatially-coupled measurement matrix allows to restore optimality.
Efficient Subcarrier and Power Allocation Algorithm in OFDMA Uplink System

This letter focuses on uplink transmission in OFDMA systems. A subcarrier and power allocation problem is formulated that maximizes the throughput of OFDMA uplink systems while satisfying each user's power constraints. A greedy algorithm known to be the most efficient algorithm for this problem can provide a high quality near-optimal solution, but has the disadvantage of incurring a long computation time. As this problem should be solved in a real-time environment, computation time is a very important performance measure of algorithms. In this letter, a computationally efficient algorithm that provides a nearly identical quality, near-optimal solution as the greedy algorithm but requires less than 10% of the computation time of the greedy algorithm is proposed.
Phylogeny, Ecology, and Heart Position in Snakes

The cardiovascular system of all animals is affected by gravitational pressure gradients, the intensity of which varies according to organismic features, behavior, and habitat occupied. A previous nonphylogenetic analysis of heart position in snakes—which often assume vertical postures—found the heart located 15%–25% of total body length from the head in terrestrial and arboreal species but 25%–45% in aquatic species. It was hypothesized that a more anterior heart in arboreal species served to reduce the hydrostatic blood pressure when these animals adopt vertical postures during climbing, whereas an anterior heart position would not be needed in aquatic habitats, where the effects of gravity are less pronounced. We analyzed a new data set of 155 species from five major families of Alethinophidia (one of the two major branches of snakes, the other being blind snakes, Scolecophidia) using both conventional and phylogenetically based statistical methods. General linear models regressing log10 snout‐heart position on log10 snout‐vent length (SVL), as well as dummy variables coding for habitat and/or clade, were compared using likelihood ratio tests and the Akaike Information Criterion. Heart distance to the tip of the snout scaled isometrically with SVL. In all instances, phylogenetic models that incorporated transformation of the branch lengths under an Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck model of evolution (to mimic stabilizing selection) better fit the data as compared with their nonphylogenetic counterparts. The best‐fit model predicting snake heart position included aspects of both habitat and clade and indicated that arboreal snakes in our study tend to have hearts placed more posteriorly, opposite the trend identified in previous studies. Phylogenetic signal in relative heart position was apparent both within and among clades. Our results suggest that overcoming gravitational pressure gradients in snakes most likely involves the combined action of several cardiovascular and behavioral adaptations in addition to alterations in relative heart location.
A multimodal fNIRS and EEG-based BCI study on motor imagery and passive movement

In EEG-based motor imagery Brain-Computer interface (BCI), EEG data collected in the calibration phase is used as a subject-specific model to classify the EEG data in the evaluation phase. Previous study has shown the feasibility of calibrating EEG-based BCI from passive movement. This paper investigates the primary sensorimotor area activation from fNIRS on 4 subjects using multimodal NIRS and EEG-based BCI system while performing motor imagery and passive movement of the hand by a Haptic Knob robot. NIRS_SPM is used to compute the changes in hemoglobin response and to generate brain activation map based on the contrasts of motor imagery versus idle and passive movement versus idle. The results on the contrasts showed that passive movement versus idle yielded significant differences compared to motor imagery versus idle. In addition, the results of classifying the NIRS and EEG data separately also showed that the accuracies on classifying passive movement versus idle are better than that of motor imagery versus idle. The results suggest a potential of using passive movement data to calibrate motor imagery in a multimodal NIRS and EEG-based BCI.