Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frontoparietal Cortex Controls Spatial Attention through Modulation of Anticipatory Alpha Rhythms

A dorsal frontoparietal network, including regions in intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and frontal eye field (FEF), has been hypothesized to control the allocation of spatial attention to environmental stimuli. One putative mechanism of control is the desynchronization of electroencephalography (EEG) alpha rhythms (∼8–12 Hz) in visual cortex in anticipation of a visual target. We show that brief interference by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with preparatory activity in right IPS or right FEF while subjects attend to a spatial location impairs identification of target visual stimuli ∼2 s later. This behavioral effect is associated with the disruption of anticipatory (prestimulus) alpha desynchronization and its spatially selective topography in parieto-occipital cortex. Finally, the disruption of anticipatory alpha rhythms in occipital cortex after right IPS- or right FEF-rTMS correlates with deficits of visual identification. These results support the causal role of the dorsal frontoparietal network in the control of visuospatial attention, and suggest that this is partly exerted through the synchronization of occipital visual neurons.
To What Extent Can Matching Algorithms Based on Direct Outputs of Low Level Generic Descriptors Account for Human Object Recognition

A number of recent successful models of face recognition posit only two layers, an input layer consisting of a lattice of spatial filters and a single subsequent stage by which those descriptor values are mapped directly onto an object representation layer by standard matching methods such as stochastic optimization. Is this approach sufficient for modeling human object recognition? We tested whether a highly efficient version of such a two-layer model would manifest effects similar to those shown by humans when given the task of recognizing images of objects that had been employed in a series of psychophysical experiments. System accuracy was quite high overall, but was qualitatively different from that evidenced by humans in object recognition tasks. The discrepancy between the system's performance and human performance is likely to be revealed by all models that map filter values directly onto object units. These results suggest that human object recognition (as opposed to face recognition) may be difficult to approximate by models that do not posit hidden units for explicit representation of intermediate entities such as edges, viewpoint invariant classifiers, axes, shocks and/or object parts.
Mathematical modelling of polyamine metabolism in bloodstream-form T . brucei

In this paper, we present a first computational kinetic model of polyamine metabolism in bloodstream-form Trypanosoma brucei . The kinetic model is constructed based on information gleaned from the experimental biology literature and defined as a set of ordinary differential equations. We apply Michaelis-Menten kinetics featuring regulatory factors to describe enzymatic activities that are well defined. Uncharacterized enzyme kinetics are approximated and justified with available physical properties of the system. Optimization-based dynamic simulations were performed and inconsistent predictions prompted an iterative procedure of model refinement. General agreement between simulation results and measured data reported in various experimental conditions shows that the model has good applicability in spite of there being serious gaps in the required data. Different chemotherapeutic strategies against T. brucei were investigated using this model and interruption of polyamine synthesis via joint inhibition of enzymes catalyzing reactions of de novo ornithine or AdoMet production together with other polyamine enzymes was identified as an optimal therapeutic strategy.
European Conference on Information Systems ( ECIS ) 5-15-2012 ERP PROJECT IN SMES : A MATTER OF RISKS , A MATTER OF COMPETENCIES . A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

The paper proposes to assess the salient topics related to ERP systems implementation in the context of small firms: do the risks occurrence and the competencies used during the project influence the success of the ERP project in SMEs? A survey investigated the IT policy of 2000 representative SMEs. The results are analyzed from a final sample of 81 firms which effectively adopted an ERP. Multiple projects patterns are observed, but no “one best way” is found: no specific modality offers a higher rate of success for the project. Among external supports, the integrator appears to play a key role in the resolution of operational difficulties. Although the projects may encounter multiple risks, they are – most of the time not allowed to fail. This quantitative analysis offers a first confirmation and generalization of the existing case studies on ERP projects in SMEs.
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Globalization and Monetary Policy Institute the Adverse Feedback Loop and the Effects of Risk in Both the Real and Financial Sectors

Recessions that are accompanied by financial crises tend to be more severe and are followed by slower recoveries than ordinary recessions. This paper introduces a new Keynesian model with financial frictions on both the demand and supply side of the credit markets that can explain this empirical finding. Following a shock that leads to a decline in economic activity, an adverse feedback loop arises where falling profits and asset values lead to increased defaults in the real sector, and these increased defaults lead to increased loan losses in the banking sector. Following this increase in loan losses, financial frictions in the banking sector imply that the banking sector itself may face difficulty obtaining funds. This disruption in the intermediation process leads to a further decline in output and asset prices in the real sector. In simulations of the model it is found that this feedback loop operating through the balance sheets of financial intermediaries can lead to as much as a 20% increase in business cycle volatility, and impulse response analysis shows that in the presence of financial frictions the path back to the steady state after a shock is much slower. for many helpful comments and suggestions. I would also like to thank the participants at the 2010 ASSA meetings, the 2010 Midwest Macro Meetings, and the 6th Annual Dynare Conference. The views in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas or the Federal Reserve System.
The dimensional accuracy of preparation of femoral cavity in cementless total hip arthroplasty

Objective: To observe the accuracy of femoral preparation and the position of the cementless prosthesis in femoral cavity, and to compare the results between the computer-assisted surgical group (CASPAR) and the conventional group. Methods: Ten femoral components were implanted either manually or by CASPAR in cadaver femurs. The specimens were cut to 3 mm thick slices. Microradiograms of every slice were sent to a computer for analysis with special software (IDL). The gaps and the medullary cavities between component and bone, the direct bone contact area of the implant surface, the gap width and the percentage of gap and bone contact area were measured in every slice. Results: In the proximal implant coated with HA of the CASPAR group, the average percentage of bone contact reached 93.2% (ranging from 87.6% to 99.7%); the average gap percentage was 2.9% (ranging from 0.3% to 7.8%); the maximum gap width was 0.81 mm and the average gap width was only 0.20 mm. While in the conventional group, the average percentage of bone contact reached 60.1% (ranging from 49.2% to 70.4%); the average gap percentage was 32.8% (ranging from 25.1% to 39.9%); the maximum gap width was 2.97 mm and the average gap width was 0.77 mm. The average gap around the implant in the CASPAR group was only 9% of that in the manual group; the maximum and average gap widths were only about 26% of those in the manual group. On the other hand, the CASPAR group showed 33% higher bone contact than the manual group. Conclusion: With the use of robotics-assisted system, significant progress can be achieved for femoral preparation in total hip arthroplasty.
Discounting versus risk aversion: their effects on individual demands for climate change mitigation

Risk aversion and time preferences are important sources of heterogeneity in preferences for public policies with near-term costs and uncertain future benefits. Using stated preference data, we first jointly estimate individual-specific risk aversion and discount rate parameters then use these as individual “characteristics” in a separate model to explain preferences for climate change mitigation policies. The more risk-averse the individual, and/or the lower their discount rate, the higher is their willingness to pay. We also simulate expected demand under counterfactual conditions—such as risk neutrality, or the lower social discount rates that would be used by a benevolent central planner. JEL Classification: H43, D81
Distribution of Cadmium and Lead in Aswan Reservoir and River Nile Water at Aswan

The present study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of cadmium and lead in the water of Aswan Dam Reservoir and River Nile. Results showed a temporal variation in Cd and Pb concentrations, concurrently with the physicochemical conditions of water as Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and wastes discharged. The concentrations of lead in Nile water at Aswan was obviously higher than Aswan Reservoir, exceeding of permissible limits at the eastern side. Contrarily, the water quality of River Nile at Aswan was lower than the opposite values of the Aswan Reservoir. The concentration of Pb during spring is higher than the other periods, while Cd levels are higher in summer and autumn. Both Pb and Cd levels exceeded the permissible limits in most sites. Increasing the tourist ships discharging its wastes into the Nile at Aswan and wastewater input of Kema fertilizer factory through El- Sail Drain may be the main reason for elevation lead and cadmium concentrations at the studied sites. As well as, results showed that Pb and Cd levels exceeded of permissible limits in most sites during the period of study as compared with those reported before the transplantation program of grass carp fish fry since 1995.
What can we learn from slow self-avoiding adaptive walks by an infinite radius search algorithm?

Slow self-avoiding adaptive walks by an infinite radius search algorithm (Limax) are analyzed as themselves, and as the network they form. The study is conducted on several NK problems and two HIFF problems. We find that examination of such "slacker" walks and networks can indicate relative search difficulty within a family of problems, help identify potential local optima, and detect presence of structure in fitness landscapes. Hierarchical walks are used to differentiate rugged landscapes which are hierarchical (e.g. HIFF) from those which are anarchic (e.g. NK). The notion of node viscidity as a measure of local optimum potential is introduced and found quite successful although more work needs to be done to improve its accuracy on problems with larger K.
For children's sleep assessment: Can we trace the change of sleep depth based on ECG data measured at their respective home with a wearable device?

We tried to improve the sleep assessment method from the accelerations (ACC) and RR interval variations (RRIV) thar were measured with newly developed small and light-weight wearable ECG and ACC measuring devices (M-BIT). We performed the simultaneous measurement of M-BIT and polygraph, and verified the validity of our ACC-based sleep/awake identification method, and studied the relationships among parameters obtained through the time frequency analysis of M-BIT ECG RRIV, para-sympathetic (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system's activity (SNS), coefficients of variation of RR intervals (CVRR), RRIV based respiration frequency (RFRE), its variation width in an epoch (VRFRE), heart rate (HR), and polygraph sleep stages.
Prevention of Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Dysfunction Utilizing a CDK Inhibitor in a Mouse Model

Background Treatment of head and neck cancer with radiation often results in damage to surrounding normal tissues such as salivary glands. Permanent loss of function in the salivary glands often leads patients to discontinue treatment due to incapacitating side effects. It has previously been shown that IGF-1 suppresses radiation-induced apoptosis and enhances G2/M arrest leading to preservation of salivary gland function. In an effort to recapitulate the effects of IGF-1, as well as increase the likelihood of translating these findings to the clinic, the small molecule therapeutic Roscovitine, is being tested. Roscovitine is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that acts to transiently inhibit cell cycle progression and allow for DNA repair in damaged tissues. Methodology/Principal Findings Treatment with Roscovitine prior to irradiation induced a significant increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. In contrast, mice treated with radiation exhibit no differences in the percentage of cells in G2/M when compared to unirradiated controls. Similar to previous studies utilizing IGF-1, pretreatment with Roscovitine leads to a significant up-regulation of p21 expression and a significant decrease in the number of PCNA positive cells. Radiation treatment leads to a significant increase in activated caspase-3 positive salivary acinar cells, which is suppressed by pretreatment with Roscovitine. Administration of Roscovitine prior to targeted head and neck irradiation preserves normal tissue function in mouse parotid salivary glands, both acutely and chronically, as measured by salivary output. Conclusions/Significance These studies suggest that induction of transient G2/M cell cycle arrest by Roscovitine allows for suppression of apoptosis, thus preserving normal salivary function following targeted head and neck irradiation. This could have an important clinical impact by preventing the negative side effects of radiation therapy in surrounding normal tissues.
Constructing GIS: Actor Networks of Collaboration

The social coordination of geographic information technologies relies on collaboration between actors from the public, private, and education sectors. Diffusion, implementation, information sharing, and studies of the use of geographic information systems (GISs) examine the collaboration in relation to specific activities. Applying concepts from actor network theories, this article examines the socio-technical context. The construction metaphor distinguishes social network approaches from actor network approaches. This research provides insight into the relationships of GIS socio-technical networks, which are invaluable for understanding the alliances, data sharing arrangements, and standards necessary for specific GIS tasks or functions. The results of research suggest that collaboration involve the construction and maintenance of hybrid networks that connect multiple human and non-human actors into strategic alliances. An important finding is that technologies are among the “key players” in the GIS community. Standards, an organizational technology, focus strategic alliances and involve diverse groups in mutually beneficial projects. These groups are in long-term relationships that the introduction of GIS technologies can substantially alter. the context in which social coordination of GIS occurs. Where social networks study specific interactions between individuals and groups, actor network theories focus on examining actors’ wide-ranging relationships and tracing activities in networks. The social coordination involved in developing and using a GIS can be understood through a construction metaphor and the collaboration necessary to construct a building. Where implementation and use studies examine construction in terms of the tasks involved, the construction metaphor looks at how activities are coordinated. A construction metaphor is also useful for distinguishing actor network studies from social networks. From the functionalist viewpoint that characterizes most social network studies, construction is an undertaking defined by an objective and realized through the coordination of many individuals and groups. It orients itself to a plan and follows it closely. In actor network studies, the emphasis is on the skills and expert knowledge of the workers, craftspeople, and artisans, and their many relationships. In practical work, they must resolve unexpected challenges and maximize opportunities through solutions that ensure the stability of the construction and augment their position in society. In addition to acquiring and maintaining skills, craftspeople and artisans must collaborate with persons from other trades. They are engaged in multiple networks that go beyond the construction project at hand. Systems engineering and diffusion literature consider contingent networks of relationships only with regard to a particular activity. The study presented here explores the nature of relationships without limiting the analysis to a par-
Functional Display of Platelet-Binding VWF Fragments on Filamentous Bacteriophage

von Willebrand factor (VWF) tethers platelets to sites of vascular injury via interaction with the platelet surface receptor, GPIb. To further define the VWF sequences required for VWF-platelet interaction, a phage library displaying random VWF protein fragments was screened against formalin-fixed platelets. After 3 rounds of affinity selection, DNA sequencing of platelet-bound clones identified VWF peptides mapping exclusively to the A1 domain. Aligning these sequences defined a minimal, overlapping segment spanning P1254–A1461, which encompasses the C1272–C1458 cystine loop. Analysis of phage carrying a mutated A1 segment (C1272/1458A) confirmed the requirement of the cystine loop for optimal binding. Four rounds of affinity maturation of a randomly mutagenized A1 phage library identified 10 and 14 unique mutants associated with enhanced platelet binding in the presence and absence of botrocetin, respectively, with 2 mutants (S1370G and I1372V) common to both conditions. These results demonstrate the utility of filamentous phage for studying VWF protein structure-function and identify a minimal, contiguous peptide that bind to formalin-fixed platelets, confirming the importance of the VWF A1 domain with no evidence for another independently platelet-binding segment within VWF. These findings also point to key structural elements within the A1 domain that regulate VWF-platelet adhesion.
An Overview of Embedding Strategies in Cloud Computing Backbone Networks

This paper is an overview of virtual network embedding strat egies within cloud infrastructure backbone networks. We will first of all summarise and define the main principles of cloud computing and its different supplied services. Cloud computing can be defined as the combination of three com ponents: grid computing, cluster computing and virtualisation. We will propose a new cloud infrastructure a chitecture, named the Cloud Infrastructure using Virtualisation within Data centers and Backbone (CIVDB), which makes use of virtualisation in all the cloud’s equip ment (i.e. routers and data centres). We will then describe, anal yse, and compare the main virtual network mapping algorithms for cloud infrastructure networks found in exis ting literature: i)VNE-Least, ii) VNE-Cluster, iii) VNE-Subdividing, iv) VNE-Greedy and v) VNE-AC. We will evaluate the above strategies in terms of: i) virtual network request reject rate, ii) embedding cost of v irtual network request, iii) embedding revenue of virtual network request and iv) average usage rate of physical resou rces.
Semiparametric Profile Likelihood Estimation of Varying Coefficient Models with Nonstationary Regressors

We study a partially linear varying coefficient model where the regressors are generated by the multivariate unit root I(1) processes. The influence of the explanatory vectors on the response variable satisfies the semiparametric partially linear structure with the nonlinear component being functional coefficients. The profile likelihood estimation methodology with the first-stage local polynomial smoothing is applied to estimate both the constant coefficients in the linear component and the functional coefficients in the nonlinear component. The asymptotic distribution theory for the proposed semiparametric estimators is established under some mild conditions, from which both the parametric and nonparametric estimators are shown to enjoy the well-known super-consistency property. Furthermore, a simulation study is conducted to investigate the finite sample performance of the developed methodology and results.
Social Movement Unionism or Social Justice Unionism? Disentangling Theoretical Confusion within the Global Labor Movement

After the election of John Sweeney as President of the AFL-CIO in October 1995, activists and supportive intellectuals in the United States began thinking about how to revitalize the almost moribund American labor movement. A key part of this literature has revolved around the concept of “social movement unionism. ” This term touched a nerve, and has garnered widespread usage in North America over the past two decades. However, most researchers using this term have no idea that it was initially developed to understand the new unionism developed by members of specific labor movements in Brazil, the Philippines and South Africa, a type of unionism qualitatively different from that found in North America. This paper argues that the term “social movement unionism” should be confined only to labor organizations developing the same type of unionism, wherever in the world such should be found. Accordingly, this concept should not be utilized in North America today as there are no labor centers or unions present that are developing this type of trade unionism. It is important to clarify this confusion because it is leads to incorrect understandings and miscommunication. Accordingly, the current situation—whereby the same term is used to refer to two qualitatively different social phenomena —theoretically works against efforts to build global labor solidarity. What about the progressive, broad-scope unionism emerging in North America over the past two decades? Taking a page from labor history, this article argues that the proper precedent is progressive unionism developed by the United Packinghouse Workers of America, CIO, and others, and therefore should be referred to as “social justice unionism. ” An Appendix provides a measurement tool. The argument is empirically grounded and theoretically developed, allowing us to better understand trade unionism around the globe.
With Age Comes Wisdom

In two experiments, younger and older adults performed decision-making tasks in which reward values available were either independent of or dependent on the previous sequence of choices made. The choice-independent task involved learning and exploiting the options that gave the highest rewards on each trial. In this task, the stability of the expected reward for each option was not influenced by the previous choices participants made. The choice-dependent task involved learning how each choice influenced future rewards for two options and making the best decisions based on that knowledge. Younger adults performed better when rewards were independent of choice, whereas older adults performed better when rewards were dependent on choice. These findings suggest a fundamental difference in the way in which younger adults and older adults approach decision-making situations. We discuss the results in the context of prominent decision-making theories and offer possible explanations based on neurobiological and behavioral changes associated with aging.