Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity within the frontoparietal control network and its relationship to the default and dorsal attention networks

Significance The frontoparietal control network (FPCN) contributes to executive control, the ability to deliberately guide action based on goals. While the FPCN is often viewed as a unitary domain general system, it is possible that the FPCN contains a fine-grained internal organization, with separate zones involved in different types of executive control. Here, we use graph theory and meta-analytic functional profiling to demonstrate that the FPCN is composed of two separate subsystems: FPCNA is connected to the default network and is involved in the regulation of introspective processes, whereas FPCNB is connected to the dorsal attention network and is involved in the regulation of perceptual attention. These findings offer a distinct perspective on the systems-level circuitry underlying cognitive control. The frontoparietal control network (FPCN) plays a central role in executive control. It has been predominantly viewed as a unitary domain general system. Here, we examined patterns of FPCN functional connectivity (FC) across multiple conditions of varying cognitive demands, to test for FPCN heterogeneity. We identified two distinct subsystems within the FPCN based on hierarchical clustering and machine learning classification analyses of within-FPCN FC patterns. These two FPCN subsystems exhibited distinct patterns of FC with the default network (DN) and the dorsal attention network (DAN). FPCNA exhibited stronger connectivity with the DN than the DAN, whereas FPCNB exhibited the opposite pattern. This twofold FPCN differentiation was observed across four independent datasets, across nine different conditions (rest and eight tasks), at the level of individual-participant data, as well as in meta-analytic coactivation patterns. Notably, the extent of FPCN differentiation varied across conditions, suggesting flexible adaptation to task demands. Finally, we used meta-analytic tools to identify several functional domains associated with the DN and DAN that differentially predict activation in the FPCN subsystems. These findings reveal a flexible and heterogeneous FPCN organization that may in part emerge from separable DN and DAN processing streams. We propose that FPCNA may be preferentially involved in the regulation of introspective processes, whereas FPCNB may be preferentially involved in the regulation of visuospatial perceptual attention.
Assessment of the effectiveness of NSM-CFRP flexural strengthening configuration for continuous RC slabs

The experimental programs for the flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using the Near Surface Mounted (NSM) technique with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) laminates were, in general, conducted with simply supported beams. Therefore, there is a lack of experimental and theoretical studies on the moment redistribution of statically indeterminate RC elements strengthened with NSM technique. This work explores the influence of the amount of FRP in terms of load carrying capacity, ductility and moment redistribution capacity of continuous RC slab strips. In this way, two span slab strips strengthened in the hogging region were tested. The obtained results were used to assess the predictive performance of a finite element model in the simulation of the nonlinear behavior of the tested slabs. Finally, a parametric study is carried out to investigate the influence of the strengthening arrangement and FRP percentage in terms of load carrying capacity and moment redistribution capacity of continuous RC slab strips flexurally strengthened by the NSM technique.
Pairwise Difference Estimation of High Dimensional Partially Linear Model

This paper proposes a regularized pairwise difference approach for estimating the linear component coefficient in a partially linear model, with consistency and exact rates of convergence obtained in high dimensions under mild scaling requirements. Our analysis reveals interesting features such as (i) the bandwidth parameter automatically adapts to the model and is actually tuning-insensitive; and (ii) the procedure could even maintain fast rate of convergence for $\alpha$-Holder class of $\alpha\leq1/2$. Simulation studies show the advantage of the proposed method, and application of our approach to a brain imaging data reveals some biological patterns which fail to be recovered using competing methods.
RobustevidenceforfivenewGraves ’ diseaserisk loci from a staged genome-wide association analysis

Graves’ disease (GD), characterized by autoantibodies targeting antigens specifically expressed in thyroid tissues causing hyperthyroidism, is triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, only a few loci for GD risk were confirmed in the various ethnic groups, and additional genetic determinants have to be detected. In this study, we carried out a three-stage study in 9529 patients with GD and 9984 controls to identify new risk loci for GD and found genome-wide significantassociations in the overall populations for five novel susceptibility loci: the GPR174-ITM2A at Xq21.1, C1QTNF6-RAC2 at 22q12.3–13.1,SLAMF6 at 1q23.2, ABO at 9q34.2 and an intergenic region harboring two non-coding RNAs at 14q32.2 and one previous indefinite locus, TG at 8q24.22 (Pcombined < 5 3 10 ). The genotypes of corresponding variants at 14q32.2 and 8q24.22 were correlated with the expression levels of C14orf64 and a TG transcript skipping exon 46, respectively. This study
Conducting interactive experiments online

Online labor markets provide new opportunities for behavioral research, but conducting economic experiments online raises important methodological challenges. This particularly holds for interactive designs. In this paper, we provide a methodological discussion of the similarities and differences between interactive experiments conducted in the laboratory and online. To this end, we conduct a repeated public goods experiment with and without punishment using samples from the laboratory and the online platform Amazon Mechanical Turk. We chose to replicate this experiment because it is long and logistically complex. It therefore provides a good case study for discussing the methodological and practical challenges of online interactive experimentation. We find that basic behavioral patterns of cooperation and punishment in the laboratory are replicable online. The most important challenge of online interactive experiments is participant dropout. We discuss measures for reducing dropout and show that, for our case study, dropouts are exogenous to the experiment. We conclude that data quality for interactive experiments via the Internet is adequate and reliable, making online interactive experimentation a potentially valuable complement to laboratory studies.
Differences in globus pallidus neuronal firing rates and patterns relate to different disease biology in children with dystonia

Background The pathophysiology underlying different types of dystonia is not yet understood. We report microelectrode data from the globus pallidus interna (GPi) and globus pallidus externa (GPe) in children undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for dystonia and investigate whether GPi and GPe firing rates differ between dystonia types. Methods Single pass microelectrode data were obtained to guide electrode position in 44 children (3.3–18.1 years, median 10.7) with the following dystonia types: 14 primary, 22 secondary Static and 8 progressive secondary to neuronal brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Preoperative stereotactic MRI determined coordinates for the GPi target. Digitised spike trains were analysed offline, blind to clinical data. Electrode placement was confirmed by a postoperative stereotactic CT scan. Findings We identified 263 GPi and 87 GPe cells. Both GPi and GPe firing frequencies differed significantly with dystonia aetiology. The median GPi firing frequency was higher in the primary group than in the secondary static group (13.5 Hz vs 9.6 Hz; p=0.002) and higher in the NBIA group than in either the primary (25 Hz vs 13.5 Hz; p=0.006) or the secondary static group (25 Hz vs 9.6 Hz; p=0.00004). The median GPe firing frequency was higher in the NBIA group than in the secondary static group (15.9 Hz vs 7 Hz; p=0.013). The NBIA group also showed a higher proportion of regularly firing GPi cells compared with the other groups (p<0.001). A higher proportion of regular GPi cells was also seen in patients with fixed/tonic dystonia compared with a phasic/dynamic dystonia phenotype (p<0.001). The GPi firing frequency showed a positive correlation with 1-year outcome from DBS measured by improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS-m) score (p=0.030). This association was stronger for the non-progressive patients (p=0.006). Interpretation Pallidal firing rates and patterns differ significantly with dystonia aetiology and phenotype. Identification of specific firing patterns may help determine targets and patient-specific protocols for neuromodulation therapy. Funding National Institute of Health Research, Guy's and St. Thomas’ Charity, Dystonia Society UK, Action Medical Research, German National Academic Foundation.
Carbon ion radiography and tomography: a Monte Carlo study

Imaging techniques play an increasingly important role for treatment planning and insitu monitoring in ion beam therapy. In this thesis, a Monte Carlo study was performed in order to support a prototype detector for carbon ion radiography and tomography. The dedicated prototype detector, developed by GSI Darmstadt and the Heidelberg University Clinic on the basis of a stack of 61 ionizations chambers, was assembled and tested experimentally. Its applicability to carbon ion based transmission imaging was investigated and the first results showed the potential of carbon ion radiography as an attractive low dose imaging modality. Although the feasibility of carbon radiography was demonstrated and encouraging results were obtained, it is necessary to investigate some of the still open questions. The ultimate goal of the Monte Carlo simulations in this work is to develop a reliable tool to investigate some details related to ion transmission imaging applications that are difficult or time consuming to explore experimentally. At the same time, we want to support and complement the experimental work. Overall, the findings of this thesis support the large potential of carbon ion radiography and tomography. We achieved low dose radiographies, 0.05 mGy, and low dose tomographies, 17.47 mGy, while maintaining the image quality.
Development of Hydroalcoholic Gels of Griseofulvin Containing Terpenes for the Treatment of Topical Fungal Infections

Gels are transparent to opaque, semi-rigid systems which possess a wide variety of applications in topical, intranasal, vaginal and rectal delivery of drugs. Gels are particularly useful for application to mucous membranes and abraded or ulcerated or inflamed and infected tissue, as their high water content reduces irritancy. Furthermore, these are easily removed by gentle rinsing or natural flushing with body fluids, reducing propensity of more abrasion. In the present study hydroalcoholic topical gels of griseofulvin were developed with an objective to target the drug to the infected sites as this may result in lower systemic exposure ensuring fewer side effects and better patient compliance. The conventional oral route of administration of griseofulvin, a BCS Class II water insoluble drug, is associated with number of problems including poor and erratic bioavailability, numerous adverse effects and interactions with other drugs. The hydroalcoholic gel formulations of griseofulvin were developed using Carbopol 980 NF as base; and different essential oils like eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and menthol in varying proportions as penetration enhancers. The gels were assessed for various parameters like drug content, pH, viscosity, transparency, ex vivo permeation etc. Franz cell diffusion method using Laca mice skin was employed for performing ex-vivo permeation studies. Antifungal activity was checked against Microsporum gypseum and M. canis. Results suggest that minimal inhibitory concentration (14-46 µg/ml) is attained using these formulations. Histopathological and skin sensitivity studies revealed the safety of the formulations. These studies suggest that griseofulvin may be administered safely and effectively as topical gel to treat superficial skin and nail fungal infections.
Field Performance of a Genetically Engineered Strain of Pink Bollworm

Pest insects harm crops, livestock and human health, either directly or by acting as vectors of disease. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) – mass-release of sterile insects to mate with, and thereby control, their wild counterparts – has been used successfully for decades to control several pest species, including pink bollworm, a lepidopteran pest of cotton. Although it has been suggested that genetic engineering of pest insects provides potential improvements, there is uncertainty regarding its impact on their field performance. Discrimination between released and wild moths caught in monitoring traps is essential for estimating wild population levels. To address concerns about the reliability of current marking methods, we developed a genetically engineered strain of pink bollworm with a heritable fluorescent marker, to improve discrimination of sterile from wild moths. Here, we report the results of field trials showing that this engineered strain performed well under field conditions. Our data show that attributes critical to SIT in the field – ability to find a mate and to initiate copulation, as well as dispersal and persistence in the release area – were comparable between the genetically engineered strain and a standard strain. To our knowledge, these represent the first open-field experiments with a genetically engineered insect. The results described here provide encouragement for the genetic control of insect pests.
Bone scintigraphy after osteochondral autograft transplantation in the knee

Background and purpose Autologous osteochondral transplantation (OCT) is an established method of treating articular cartilage defects in the knee. However, the potential for donor site morbidity remains a concern. Both the restoration of the original cartilage defect and the evolution of the donor site defects can be evaluated by bone scintigraphy. Thus, we performed a prospective bone scintigraphic evaluation in patients who were treated with OCT. Patients and methods In 13 patients with a symptomatic articular cartilage defect, bone scintigraphies were obtained preoperatively, 1 year after osteochondral transplantation, and finally at an average follow-up of 4 (2.5–5.5) years. The evolution of scintigraphic activity was evaluated for both the recipient and the donor site. Parallel, clinical scoring was performed using the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the Cincinnati knee rating system, and the Tegner activity score. Results The bone scintigraphic uptake was elevated at the involved femoral condyle preoperatively, and gradually decreased to normal levels in 7 of 11 cases. The originally normal uptake at the trochlea increased 1 year after transplantation. Then, a gradual decrease in uptake occurred again at this donor site to remain elevated at the final scintigraphy. A correlation was found between elevated scintigraphic activity and the presence of retropatellar crepitus. The mean Lysholm and Cincinnati scores had increased 1 year after transplantation. The mean Tegner score had increased 3 years after transplantation. Interpretation Elevated bone scintigraphic activity from an osteochondral lesion in the knee can be restored with OCT. However, increased scintigraphic activity is introduced at the donor site, which becomes reduced with longer follow-up. The use of fairly large osteochondral plugs appears to correlate with retropatellar crepitus and increased scintigraphic activity, and is not therefore recommended.
Improving Lexical Choice in Neural Machine Translation

We explore two solutions to the problem of mistranslating rare words in neural machine translation. First, we argue that the standard output layer, which computes the inner product of a vector representing the context with all possible output word embeddings, rewards frequent words disproportionately, and we propose to fix the norms of both vectors to a constant value. Second, we integrate a simple lexical module which is jointly trained with the rest of the model. We evaluate our approaches on eight language pairs with data sizes ranging from 100k to 8M words, and achieve improvements of up to +4.3 BLEU, surpassing phrase-based translation in nearly all settings.
Manifold Learning for Rank Aggregation

We address the task of fusing ranked lists of documents that are retrieved in response to a query. Past work on this task of rank aggregation often assumes that documents in the lists being fused are independent and that only the documents that are ranked high in many lists are likely to be relevant to a given topic. We propose manifold learning aggregation approaches, ManX and v-ManX, that build on the cluster hypothesis and exploit inter-document similarity information. ManX regularizes document fusion scores, so that documents that appear to be similar within a manifold, receive similar scores, whereas v-ManX first generates virtual adversarial documents and then regularizes the fusion scores of both original and virtual adversarial documents. Since aggregation methods built on the cluster hypothesis are computationally expensive, we adopt an optimization method that uses the top-k documents as anchors and considerably reduces the computational complexity of manifold-based methods, resulting in two efficient aggregation approaches, a-ManX and a-v-ManX. We assess the proposed approaches experimentally and show that they significantly outperform the state-of-the-art aggregation approaches, while a-ManX and a-v-ManX run faster than ManX, v-ManX, respectively.
Synchronization of local integral controllers for frequency restoration in islanded microgrids

In islanded microgrids, parallel operation of voltage source inverters is commonly enabled by primary droop control to achieve power sharing and secondary control that removes the frequency deviation by mimicking at some extend the operation of an integral controller. Often the main task of the distinct secondary control approaches is to compute a corrective term considering the frequency error that is then used by the droop mechanism for frequency compensation. This paper considers the secondary control approach where local integral controllers that compute the frequency corrective term are implemented at each inverter. And considering that integrals are performed in different nodes, the paper shows that global time between nodes achieved through clock synchronization is mandatory for accurate power sharing and frequency restoration.
Valproic acid: A neural outgrowth model for the autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder has been dramatically on the rise since the early 1990s, with one in forty-five children being diagnosed in 2014. It is known that contributing factors to autism spectrum disorder may have genetic and epigenetic origins, as well as environmental triggers. What is still unclear, however, is the impact of teratogenic drugs, consumed by the mother, have on a developing fetus in utero. How can they lead to the child developing autistic-like behaviors? The current study documents the effects of one teratogenic drug Valproic acid, a known histone deacetylase inhibitor. It establishes the role it plays on developing neurites and synapses within the brain. This study supports Markram's proposal of an "intense world theory" characterized by autistic-like behaviors due to hyper-functioning microcircuits within the brain. Dorsal root ganglia were dissected out of eight day old chick embryos, some of which were exposed to varying concentrations of Valproic Acid, to serve as a model for this study. The dorsal root ganglia were cultured for 48 hours and then underwent a three day immunostaining procedure in order for their neurites and synapses to be observed clearly under the microscope. Composite images of each dorsal root ganglia were constructed using the tiling program ImagePro Premier. This program was also then used to count neurites and measure their lengths. Another program ImageJ was used to measure the area of synaptogenesis. Dorsal root ganglia exposed to Valproic Acid developed more and longer neurites when compared to controls. When exposed to a specific concentration they began to develop larger synaptogenic areas. These findings support Markram's "intense world theory" in demonstrating that in utero exposure to Valproic Acid may cause hyper-functioning synapses; begging to question as to whether or not other histone deacetylase inhibitors have the same effect. VALPROIC ACID: A NEURAL OUTGROWTH MODEL FOR THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science Hannah M Bergan University of Northern Iowa December 2017
The Significance of Squamosal Suture Synostosis

AbstractThe squamosal suture is one of the lateral minor skull sutures, separating the parietal and squamous temporal bones. While the phenotypic appearances and sequelae of synostosis of the major cranial vault sutures are well documented, little is reported concerning synostosis of the squamosal suture (SQS). The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of squamosal suture synostosis, and to document the significance of this entity.A retrospective review of the diagnostic imaging for all new pediatric patients (aged ⩽16 years) referred to the Oxford Craniofacial Unit between January 2008 and February 2013 was completed to identify patients with SQS. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was available in 422 patients and the axial and three-dimensional reconstructed images reviewed.Squamosal suture synostosis was confirmed in 38 patients (9%). It was present in conjunction with major suture synostosis in 33 patients and in isolation in 5. The incidence increased with age. It was more common in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis (18%) and associated syndromic conditions (36%) than in those with isolated major suture synostosis (6%). It was found to occur with coronal, lambdoid, and sagittal synostosis, but was most frequent with multisuture fusion patterns. Squamosal suture synostosis was not associated with a consistent calvarial deformity either in isolation or when associated with a major suture fusion. No patient underwent surgery specifically to correct SQS.In conclusion, contrary to previous reports, squamosal suture synostosis is a relatively frequent finding in the general case mix of a typical craniofacial unit, but is of limited clinical significance.