Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Action and cognitive processing: functional links between action planning and the processing of perceptual, semantic and mathematical information

The thesis investigates the coupling between the processes involved in the preparation of motoric actions and cognitive information processing. Four studies were reported that demonstrate an involvement of motor representations in different cognitive domains ranging from “low-level" cognitive processes such as visual perception up to “high-level" cognitive processes such as the coding of abstract semantic information (e.g., word and number reading). The outcomes of the empirical work can be summered by four effects: the “priming” of visual motion perception by motor actions (chapter 2), the interaction between action planning and word processing (chapter 3), the “priming” of grasping actions by numbers (chapter 4), and the effect of coding intentions on spatial number representations (chapter 5). All experimental findings show that the functional connections between motor actions and cognitive processes are not restricted to certain types of information or certain representational domains. They provide thus support for the view that the involvement of motor representations is a universal coding principle of the brain to deal with different kinds of cognitive demands.
Early Chronotype and Tissue-Specific Alterations of Circadian Clock Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Malfunction of the circadian timing system may result in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and conversely, these diseases can impair the circadian system. The aim of this study was to reveal whether the functional state of the circadian system of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) differs from that of control Wistar rat. This study is the first to analyze the function of the circadian system of SHR in its complexity, i.e., of the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) as well as of the peripheral clocks. The functional properties of the SCN clock were estimated by behavioral output rhythm in locomotor activity and daily profiles of clock gene expression in the SCN determined by in situ hybridization. The function of the peripheral clocks was assessed by daily profiles of clock gene expression in the liver and colon by RT-PCR and in vitro using real time recording of Bmal1-dLuc reporter. The potential impact of the SHR phenotype on circadian control of the metabolic pathways was estimated by daily profiles of metabolism-relevant gene expression in the liver and colon. The results revealed that SHR exhibited an early chronotype, because the central SCN clock was phase advanced relative to light/dark cycle and the SCN driven output rhythm ran faster compared to Wistar rats. Moreover, the output rhythm was dampened. The SHR peripheral clock reacted to the dampened SCN output with tissue-specific consequences. In the colon of SHR the clock function was severely altered, whereas the differences are only marginal in the liver. These changes may likely result in a mutual desynchrony of circadian oscillators within the circadian system of SHR, thereby potentially contributing to metabolic pathology of the strain. The SHR may thus serve as a valuable model of human circadian disorders originating in poor synchrony of the circadian system with external light/dark regime.
Attaining higher resolution visual prosthetics: a review of the factors and limitations

Visual prosthetics is an expanding subfield of functional electrical stimulation which has gained increased interest recently in light of new advances in treatments and technology. These treatments and technology represent a major improvement over prior art, but are still subject to a host of limitations which are dependent on the manner in which one approaches the topic of visual prosthetics. These limitations pose new research challenges whose solutions are directly applicable to the well-being of blind individuals everywhere. In this review, we will outline and critically compare major current approaches to visual prosthetics, and in particular retinal prosthetics. Then, we will engage in an in-depth discussion of the limitations imposed by current technology, physics, and the underlying biology of the retina to highlight several of the challenges currently facing researchers.
Toward innate leg stability on unmodeled and natural terrain: hexapod walking

A Force Threshold-based Position (FTP) controller is presented for cyclic legged locomotion over irregular terrain. Force feedback in the form of threshold comparison is used to control each leg independently. The FTP controller decouples the control of individual legs and uses only localized feedback to generate joint torques. No feedback of body state is needed and no multi-leg Jacobian is computed. Preliminary results suggest that the FTP controller is robust to terrain elevations without extracting any information about the ground or inertial sensing of the body. The algorithm is applied to a simulated hexapod walking blindly on irregular terrain, and an experimental system has been built. The controller has also been applied and tested on different gaits without modification. The FTP controller also has potential for expansion to bipeds, quadrupeds and other biologically-inspired forms.
Changing Webs of Kinship: Spotlights on West Africa

Changes in kinship relations are part of the broad social change in all African societies. This article highlights trends and characteristics of changing kinship relations in West Africa. Its analysis focuses on the twentieth century, which was shaped by the colonial conquest and profound societal transformations like the political independence of the African colonies. In analysing three important kinship relations – parent–child relations, marriage, and care for the elderly – this article depicts the trends and conditions of historical change of these relationships. It also shows whether and how these changes are accompanied by conflict, and how people refer to the different ways of dealing with those conflicts. The article is based on empirical data from three thematically intertwined research projects.
The causes of esophageal symptoms in human immunodeficiency virus infection. A prospective study of 110 patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES --To determine the prevalence of infectious agents in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection and odynophagia or dysphagia; the utility of endoscopic, histologic, cytologic, and virologic testing for the diagnosis of esophagitis; and the yield of blind brushings of the esophagus in this setting. DESIGN --Prospective clinical case study. SETTING --Urban county hospital. PATIENTS --One hundred ten consecutive patients with esophageal symptoms and documented human immunodeficiency virus infection. INTERVENTION --Blind brushing of the esophagus via orogastric tube followed by endoscopy with esophageal brushing for fungal stain, Papanicolau smear, and viral cultures and esophageal biopsies for histologic examination and viral culture. MAIN RESULTS --Seventy-two (65%) of the 110 patients had a total of 100 esophageal infections. Thirty-three (30%) had Candida alone, 22 (20%) had Candida and cytomegalovirus, two (1.8%) had Candida with cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus, seven (6%) had cytomegalovirus alone, six (5%) had herpes simplex virus alone, and two (1.8%) had both viruses. Fifty of 55 patients with plaques alone had Candida, and two (4%) had only viral infection. Of 19 patients with erosions or ulcers, 11 (58%) had a viral infection, two (11%) had Candida alone, and six (30%) had no etiologic agent identified. The sensitivity of endoscopic brushings (95%) was better than that of histologic examination (70%) in the diagnosis of Candida esophagitis. Likewise, viral cultures of brushings or biopsy specimens were more sensitive (67%) than histologic examination (35%) for viral esophagitis. Blind brushing of the esophagus had a sensitivity and specificity for infectious esophagitis of 84% and 75%, respectively. Oral thrush had a sensitivity of 53% and a positive predictive value of 77% for Candida esophagitis.
Observations and scaling of travelling bubble cavitation

Recent observations of growing and collapsing bubbles in flows over axisymmetric headforms have revealed the complexity of the ' micro-fluid-mechanics ' associated with these bubbles (van der Meulen & van Renesse 1989; Briangon-Marjollet et al. 1990; Ceccio & Brennen 1991). Among the complex features observed were the bubble-tobubble and bubble-to-boundary-layer interactions which leads to the shearing of the underside of the bubble and alters the collapsing process. All of these previous tests, though, were performed on small headform sizes. The focus of this research is to analyse the scaling effects of these phenomena due to variations in model size, Reynolds number and cavitation number. For this purpose, cavitating flows over Schiebe headforms of different sizes (5.08, 25.4 and 50.8 cm in diameter) were studied in the David Taylor Large Cavitation Channel (LCC). The bubble dynamics captured using high-speed film and electrode sensors are presented along with the noise signals generated during the collapse of the cavities. In the light of the complexity of the dynamics of the travelling bubbles and the important bubble/bubble interactions, it is clear that the spherical Rayleigh-Plesset analysis cannot reproduce many of the phenomena observed. For this purpose an unsteady numerical code was developed which uses travelling sources to model the interactions between the bubble (or bubbles) and the pressure gradients in the irrotational flow outside the boundary layer on the headform. The paper compares the results of this numerical code with the present experimental results and demonstrates good qualitative agreement between the two.
Group genius : the creative power of collaboration

Creativity has long been thought to be an individual gift, best pursued alone schools, organizations, and whole industries are built on this idea. But what if the most common beliefs about how creativity works are wrong? Group Genius tears down some of the most popular myths about creativity, revealing that creativity is always collabourative-even when you're alone. Sharing the results of his own acclaimed research on jazz groups, theatre ensembles, and conversation analysis, Keith Sawyer shows us how to be more creative in collabourative group settings, how to change organizational dynamics for the better, and how to tap into our own reserves of creativity.
Exact DCT-based spatial domain interpolation of blocks in images

In many processing and coding techniques, images are decomposed into blocks of pixels and the DCT is used to transform those blocks. In some situations, blocks are dropped or lost, and, at some point in the processing, they must be restored from their neighborhood in the images. It is shown that an exact interpolation of image blocks can be performed in the spatial domain, using the DCT. The conditions for a solution to exist are derived and the corresponding algorithm requires 8 multiplies per restored pixel. The exact interpolation approach outperforms the alternative methods in the simulations presented, at a significantly smaller computation cost.
Follow-up studies of anorectal malformations after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE There are few follow-up studies comparing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) with conventional procedures for patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). The authors have examined retrospectively postoperative anorectal function of patients with ARM treated with PSARP compared with those treated with conventional methods. METHODS Anorectal function in 23 patients with high and intermediate type anorectal malformations (PSARP group), who underwent PSARP more than 4 years previously, were assessed by Kelly's clinical scoring system and objective studies. These results were compared with those in 14 cases (5 high and 9 intermediate type cases; control group), who underwent other conventional surgical procedures. RESULTS Using Kelly's clinical scoring system, scores of the PSARP group compared with the control group were good in 48% versus 21%, fair in 48% versus 58%, and poor in 4% versus 21%, respectively. Barium enema studies suggested better anorectal sphincteric function in patients with high anorectal malformation in the PSARP group. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies showed more correct placement of the rectum through the striated muscle complex in the PSARP group at the I-line level. Manometric studies showed no difference in maximum resting pressure, anal canal length, and the incidence of anorectal reflex between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The favorable results of MRI and barium enema studies can be explained by direct visualization of the striated muscle complex with the aid of electrical stimulation as well as no harmful effects of amputation of the sphincter muscle in PSARP. However, manometric studies suggest anorectal function in patients with high and intermediate anorectal malformations is limited even after PSARP. Long-term postoperative follow-up with adequate bowel management is required for all patients with high or intermediate anorectal malformation.
Does ghee sold by any brand smell as sweet? Quality attributes and hedonic price analysis of Ghee

In the post-WTO scenario processed food industry is witnessing intra-industry trade, i.e., trade in similar products. It also means that there will be intense competition between foreign and Indian companies in the domestic market. This competition will compel companies to focus their attention on product differentiation and branding. This is possible if companies prepare themselves to be quality competitive. In order to be quality competitive, firms have to understand consumers perception and valuation of various quality attributes. Hedonic price analysis, a methodology used for this purpose, is extensively used for processed food products in developed countries. However, it has not been applied to Indian food markets. We conduct a hedonic price analysis of a typical Indian processed food product - ghee. Results indicate that consumers are willing to pay a premium for branded over non-branded ghee, and, for corporate brands over cooperative brands. Flavour is an important quality attribute valued by consumers. While texture is not that important, an agreement needs to be developed on whether or not there is an ideal colour attribute for ghee. The results imply that branding generates reputation, and, cooperatives may want to enhance their brand equity. Firms may do well in improving flavour to enhance ghee quality. Another implication is that large firms and other organizations need to generate data on measurements of food quality attributes so that hedonic price analysis can be effectively used for strategic food quality management.
Practising Uncertainty in the Face of Large-Scale Disease Outbreaks

In contrast to calculable risks, uncertainty—understood here as the unexpected and non-calculable—is under-researched despite its societal and organizational relevance and omnipresence. Against this backdrop, the present study investigates how organizations practise uncertainty in the face of the numerous large-scale outbreaks of disease in Germany between 2000 and 2012. I position this study in the body of knowledge on disasters and crises, normal accident theory, and high-reliability organizations, and propose a practising uncertainty perspective that focuses on how to deal with unexpected external events and/or their latent dangers. I identify two overarching forms of practice, namely, reducing (i.e., coping with unforeseen incidents) and inducing (i.e., championing an overarching cause) uncertainty. I show that actors use both these forms of practice, which constitute the basis of the framework introduced herein, intentionally or unintentionally depending on the differing and sometimes conflicting objectives of the organizations involved.
Up-Regulation of Mesotocin Receptors in the Tammar Wallaby Myometrium Is Pregnancy-Specific and Independent of Estrogen1

Abstract The oxytocin-like peptide of most Australian marsupials is mesotocin, which stimulates uterine contractions and is important for normal birth in the tammar wallaby. Female marsupials have two uteri and, in monovular species such as the tammar, one uterus is gravid with a single fetus, whereas the contralateral uterus is nongravid. A significant increase in myometrial mesotocin receptor concentrations occurs only in the gravid uterus on Day 23 of the 26-day gestation. This study examined whether or not mesotocin receptors are present in the myometrium and are up-regulated at the equivalent stage of the luteal phase in unmated tammars. In contrast to the marked increase in mesotocin receptor mRNA and protein concentrations in the myometrium of the gravid uterus during pregnancy, receptors did not increase in the unmated animals. There were also no significant differences between the two uteri, except on Day 27. Plasma profiles of peripheral estradiol-17β and progesterone did not differ significantly between pregnant and nonpregnant cycles. However, progesterone concentrations were significantly lower on Day 1 postpartum compared with Day 27 of the nonpregnant cycle. In pregnant tammars, the molar ratio of circulating estradiol-17β to progesterone increased significantly between Day 25 of gestation and 1 day postpartum, but was not correlated with an increase in mesotocin receptor concentrations in either uterus. The data confirm that a local fetal influence is more important than systemic factors, such as estrogen, in the regulation of uterine mesotocin receptors in the tammar wallaby.
Adaptive impedance control in haptic teleoperation to improve transparency under time-delay

This paper proposes the application of an adaptive impedance control scheme to alleviate some of the problems associated with the presence of time delays in a haptic teleoperation system. Continuous on-line estimation of the remote environment's impedance is performed, and is then used as a local model for haptic display control. Lyapunov stability of the proposed impedance adaptation law is demonstrated. A series of experiments is performed to evaluate the performance of this teleoperation control scheme. Two performance measures are defined to assess transparency and stability of the teleoperator. Simulation results show the superior performance of the proposed adaptive scheme, with respect to direct teleoperation, particularly in terms of increasing the stability margin and of significantly ameliorating transparency in the presence of large time delays. Experimental results, using a phantom omni as the haptic master device, support this conclusion.
Diversity of Natural Self-Derived Ligands Presented by Different HLA Class I Molecules in Transporter Antigen Processing-Deficient Cells

The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) translocates the cytosol-derived proteolytic peptides to the endoplasmic reticulum lumen where they complex with nascent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Non-functional TAP complexes and viral or tumoral blocking of these transporters leads to reduced HLA class I surface expression and a drastic change in the available peptide repertoire. Using mass spectrometry to analyze complex human leukocyte antigen HLA-bound peptide pools isolated from large numbers of TAP-deficient cells, we identified 334 TAP-independent ligands naturally presented by four different HLA-A, -B, and -C class I molecules with very different TAP dependency from the same cell line. The repertoire of TAP-independent peptides examined favored increased peptide lengths and a lack of strict binding motifs for all four HLA class I molecules studied. The TAP-independent peptidome arose from 182 parental proteins, the majority of which yielded one HLA ligand. In contrast, TAP-independent antigen processing of very few cellular proteins generated multiple HLA ligands. Comparison between TAP-independent peptidome and proteome of several subcellular locations suggests that the secretory vesicle-like organelles could be a relevant source of parental proteins for TAP-independent HLA ligands. Finally, a predominant endoproteolytic peptidase specificity for Arg/Lys or Leu/Phe residues in the P1 position of the scissile bond was found for the TAP-independent ligands. These data draw a new and intricate picture of TAP-independent pathways.
Motor Control: Neural Models and Systems Theory

In this paper, we introduce several system theoretic problems brought forward by recent studies on neural models of motor control. We focus our attention on three topics: (i) the cerebellum and adaptive control, (ii) reinforcement learning and the basal ganglia, and (iii) modular control with multiple models. We discuss these subjects from both neuroscience and systems theory viewpoints with the aim of promoting interplay between the two research communities.
Covered stents for coronary perforations

Covered stents have shown discouraging results when tested on saphenous vein grafts and when attempting to prevent restenosis on native coronary arteries. However, covered stents seem to be a unique tool when a coronary artery perforation complicates percutaneous coronary intervention. Because a randomized clinical trial is not likely to be conducted in this bail‐out scenario, the data supporting its use come from case reports and small‐size retrospective studies. This review summarizes the available evidence supporting the use of covered stents to treat coronary perforations. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LİSE SOSYOLOJİ DERS KİTAPLARI ÜZERİNE ELEŞTİREL BİR DEĞERLENDİRME

After its emergence in the West, it did not take much time for sociology to become a center of interest in the Ottoman Empire. Sociology was a means of finding solutions to the issues of the Empire, which was soon to collapse. As the Empire collapsed and the nation-state was founded, the focus was on the confirmation of choices and conveying them to the public rather than using sociology as a ground for the discussion of certain issues. Sociology undertook the mission of supporting this new point of view as it was acknowledged formally as a course in high schools in 1924. High school sociology textbooks were designed to include information on citizenship and the description of an ideal citizen. They were also heavily influenced by the Durkheim school, which forms the basis of our traditional view of sociology, and positivist approaches, and they included predominantly Western-based knowledge.
Optimization of the Wind Turbine Layout and Transmission System Planning for a Large-Scale Offshore WindFarm by AI Technology

The interest in the utilization of offshore wind power is increasing significantly worldwide. A typical offshore windfarm may have hundreds of generators, which is outspread in the range of several to tens of kilometers. Therefore, there are many feasible schemes for the wind turbine location and internal line connection in a wind farm. The planner must search for an optimal one from these feasible schemes, usually with a maximum wind power output and the lowest installation and operation cost. This paper proposes a novel procedure to determine the optimization wind turbine location and line connection topology by using artificial intelligence techniques: The genetic algorithm is utilized in the optimal layouts for the offshore wind farm, and the ant colony system algorithm is utilized to find the optimal line connection topology. Furthermore, the wake effect, real cable parameters, and wind speed series are also considered in this research. The concepts and methods proposed in this study could help establish more economical and efficient offshore wind farms in the world.