Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and comparison of most prevalent artifact reduction methods for EEG acquired simultaneously with fMRI

Multimodal neuroimaging using EEG and fMRI provides deeper insights into brain function by improving the spatial and temporal resolution of the acquired data. However, simultaneous EEG-fMRI inevitably compromises the quality of the EEG and fMRI signals due to the high degree of interaction between the two systems. Fluctuations in the magnetic flux flowing through the participant and the EEG system, whether due to movement within the magnetic field of the scanner or to changes in magnetic field strength, induce electrical potentials in the EEG recordings that mask the much weaker electrical activity of the neuronal populations. A number of different methods have been proposed to reduce MR artifacts. We present an overview of the most commonly used methods and an evaluation of the methods using three sets of diverse EEG data. We limited the evaluation to open-access and easy-to-use methods and a reference signal regression method using a set of six carbon-wire loops (CWL), which allowed evaluation of their added value. The evaluation was performed by comparing EEG signals recorded outside the MRI scanner with artifact-corrected EEG signals recorded simultaneously with fMRI. To quantify and evaluate the quality of artifact reduction methods in terms of the spectral content of the signal, we analyzed changes in oscillatory activity during a resting-state and a finger tapping motor task. The quality of artifact reduction in the time domain was assessed using data collected during a visual stimulation task. In the study we utilized hierarchical Bayesian probabilistic modeling for statistical inference and observed significant differences between the evaluated methods in the success of artifact reduction and associated signal quality in both the frequency and time domains. In particular, the CWL system proved superior to the other methods evaluated in improving spectral contrast in the alpha and beta bands and in recovering visual evoked responses. Based on the results of the evaluation study, we proposed guidelines for selecting the optimal method for MR artifact reduction.
Phenotype-Genotype analysis of caucasian patients with high risk of osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of disability and pain around the world. Epidemiologic studies of family history have revealed evidence of genetic influence on OA. Although many efforts have been devoted to exploring genetic biomarkers, the mechanism behind this complex disease remains unclear. The identified genetic risk variants only explain a small proportion of the disease phenotype. Traditional genome-wide association study (GWAS) focuses on radiographic evidence of OA and excludes sex chromosome information in the analysis. However, gender differences in OA are multifactorial, with a higher frequency in women, indicating that the chromosome X plays an essential role in OA pathology. Furthermore, the prevalence of comorbidities among patients with OA is high, indicating multiple diseases share a similar genetic susceptibility to OA. Methods: In this study, we performed GWAS of OA and OA-associated key comorbidities on 3366 OA patient data obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). We performed Mendelian randomization to identify the possible causal relationship between OA and OA-related clinical features. Results: One significant OA-associated locus rs2305570 was identified through sex-specific genome-wide association. By calculating the LD score, we found OA is positively correlated with heart disease and stroke. A strong genetic correlation was observed between knee OA and inflammatory disease, including eczema, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. Our study also found that knee alignment is one of the major risk factors in OA development, and we surprisingly found knee pain is not a causative factor of OA, although it was the most common symptom of OA. Conclusion: We investigated several significant positive/negative genetic correlations between OA and common chronic diseases, suggesting substantial genetic overlaps between OA and these traits. The sex-specific association analysis supports the critical role of chromosome X in OA development in females.
EEG background frequency is associated with discharge outcomes in non-ICU hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Objective To assess risk factors for encephalopathy in non-ICU hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the effect of encephalopathy on short-term outcomes. Methods We collected clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of fifty patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to a ward service and who had an electroencephalogram (EEG) performed. Associations with short-term outcomes including hospital length of stay and discharge disposition were determined from univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Results Clinical delirium was associated with encephalopathy on EEG, cefepime use was associated with increased length of stay, and of all factors analyzed, background frequency on EEG alone was correlated with discharge disposition. Conclusion Encephalopathy is one of the major determinants of short-term outcomes in hospitalized non-ICU patients with COVID-19.
Temporal Dynamics of Socioeconomic Inequalities in COVID-19 Outcomes Over the Course of the Pandemic—A Scoping Review

Objectives: International evidence of socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes is extensive and growing, but less is known about the temporal dynamics of these inequalities over the course of the pandemic. Methods: We systematically searched the Embase and Scopus databases. Additionally, several relevant journals and the reference lists of all included articles were hand-searched. This study follows the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Results: Forty-six studies were included. Of all analyses, 91.4% showed stable or increasing socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes over the course of the pandemic, with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations being most affected. Furthermore, the study results showed temporal dynamics in socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19, frequently initiated through higher COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates in better-off populations and subsequent crossover dynamics to higher rates in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations (41.9% of all analyses). Conclusion: The identified temporal dynamics of socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes have relevant public health implications. Socioeconomic inequalities should be monitored over time to enable the adaption of prevention and interventions according to the social particularities of specific pandemic phases.
Fluorinated co-solvent electrolytes for high-voltage Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) positive electrodes

Nickel-rich LiNi0.8Co0. 1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) is one of the most promising positive electrodes for utilization in the next-generation of lithium-ion batteries. Charging the NCM cells above 4.3 V is proposed to be beneficial for its reversible capacity. However, the high reactivity of the NCM811 usually results in parasitic electrolyte degradation, which is accelerated with the increase of the Ni content in the NCM positive electrodes, leading to the thickening of the positive electrode-electrolyte interphase during cycling. Herein, to counter this issue, we select partially fluorinated solvents, such as methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropanoate (MTFP) and 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluoro-4-methoxybutane (NFMB), as a co-solvent for fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)-based electrolytes, and detailed investigate theirs physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties for applications in NCM811 materials. Compared to the carbonate-based electrolyte without a fluorinated solvent, the electrolytes with a fluorinated co-solvent display an obviously enhanced cycling performance of the Li/NCM811 cells charged to above 4.5 V. This work suggests that fluorinated co-solvent electrolytes provide an alternative way to the high-concentration electrolyte for the design of new electrolyte systems for high energy density lithium-ion batteries.
Saltwater-responsive bubble artificial muscles using superabsorbent polymers

Robots operating in changing underwater environments may be required to adapt to these varying conditions. In tidal estuaries, for example, where the degree of salinity cycles in step with the level of the water, a robot may need to adapt its behaviour depending on the position of the tide. In freshwater bodies, the unexpected presence of a pollutant may also require the robot to respond by altering its behaviour. Embodying this sensing and response in the body of the robot means that adaptivity to the environment can be achieved without resorting to centralised control. This can also allow direct responsivity using ‘free’ environmental energy, actuating without requiring stored onboard energy. In this work we present a soft artificial muscle, the contraction of which varies in response to the salinity the water surrounding it. The novel actuator uses a super-absorbent polymer gel encapsulated within a series of discrete cells. This gel readily absorbs water through the membrane wall of the actuator, and can swell to over 300 times its initial volume. This swelling generates significant pressure, changing the shape of the cells and driving the contraction of the muscle. The degree of swelling is significantly reduced by the presence of salts and pollutants in the surrounding water, so transitioning from a freshwater to a saltwater environment causes the muscle to relax. In this paper, we discuss the design and fabrication of these superabsorbent polymer-based Bubble Artificial Muscle (SAP-BAM) actuators. The tensile properties of the muscle under actuated (fresh water) and relaxed (salt water) conditions are characterised, showing a maximum generated force of 10.96N. The length response under constant load for a full actuation cycle is given, showing a maximum contraction of 27.5% of the initial length at 1N load, and the performance over repeated actuation and relaxation cycles is shown. The SAP-BAM muscles are straightforward to fabricate and are composed of low-cost, freely-available materials. Many existing pneumatically-actuated muscles can be modified to use the approach taken for this muscle. The muscle presented in this work represents the first example of a new class of super-absorbent polymer-driven environmental soft artificial muscles.
Adoption intensity of a standardized technical system: The higher the better?—Evidence from China

Under contract farming, companies usually develop compulsory standardized technical systems for farmers in developing economies. However, in actual production, farmers often have differences in adoption intensity. Using data from 384 households and multinomial endogenous treatment effect regression, this study analyzes factors affecting the adoption intensity of farmers regarding standardized technical systems and estimates the impacts of adoption intensity of the standardized technical systems on household incomes in Chongqing, China. We adapt a multinomial endogenous treatment effect regression framework to correct for selection bias and endogeneity originating from both observed and unobserved heterogeneity. The results show that some factors could significantly affect the adoption intensity, such as farmers, satisfaction with technicians, perception of technology, attitude toward risks of adopting technologies, number of technical trainings, the proportion of leased land, and distances to townships and technology extension stations. Different from current perspectives, the results also indicate that the highest adoption intensity of farmers regarding standardized technical systems does not bring the greatest benefits. Based on the characteristics of a plot, medium adoption intensity has a significant effect on quality improvements and income growth. The conclusion of this study provides an empirical basis for the formulation and evaluation of policies for farmers that apply standardized technology systems in developing countries.
Climate Variability and Its Effects on Gender and Coping Strategies in Baringo

: Climate variability has often been described as one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Our lifestyles, economy, health, income, livelihood and our social well-being are all affected by climate. This paper therefore, assessed climate variability, its effect of gender and coping strategies they adopt in Baringo County, Kenya. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data obtained for the study. Findings show that there is consisent decrease in rainfall and increase in temperature in recent times. Male gender dominates household decisions and roles such as land preparation, livestock keeping/feeding, pesticide application and fence construction in Baringo County, Kenya while the female gender dominates household roles such as water supply, domestic home chores and more of agricultural activities. Livestock migration was the major traditional coping strategy adopted in Baringo County. 56.8% of the respondents shows that cutting grasses for livestock was the major short term coping strategy adopted while Rainfall harvesting and storage (5.92%) was the least adopted in the studied area. Long term coping strategy to climate variability mostly adopted by the rural populace in is livestock migration (48.52%), it was also observed here that the least long term coping strategy adopted is finding alternative job as reputed by 4.44% of the respondents. Special intervention projects such as rain water harvesting techniques, drought resistant crops, short term crops etc, should be provided to rural populace/dwellers in Baringo County, and other parts of Kenya experiencing severe variability in climate, resulting to drought.
2/TRPM2/p38 MAPK Signaling a Glycine·GlyR Granule-Phagosome Fusion via Enhancement of Azurophil Neutrophil Bactericidal Activity by Lysophosphatidylcholine Increases

Neutrophils are the ﬁrst-line defense against microbes. Enhancing the microbicidal activity of neutrophils could complement direct antimicrobial therapy for controlling intractable microbial infections. Previously, we reported that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), an endogenous lipid, enhances neutrophil bactericidal activity (Yan et al. 2004. Nat. Med . 10: 161–167). In this study we show that LPC enhancement of neutrophil bactericidal activity is dependent on glycine, and is mediated by translocation of intracellularly located glycine receptor (GlyR) a 2 to the plasma membrane, and subsequent increase in azurophil granule-phagosome fusion/ elastase release. LPC induced GlyR a 2-mediated [Cl 2 ] i increase, leading to transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM)2-mediated Ca 2+ inﬂux. Studies using human embryonic kidney 293 cells heterologously expressing TRPM2 and neutrophils showed that TRPM2 channel activity is sensitive to [Cl 2 ] i . Finally, LPC induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation in an extracellular calcium/ glycine dependent manner. SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, blocked LPC-induced enhancement in Lucifer yellow uptake, azurophil granule-phagosome fusion, and bactericidal activity. These results propose that enhancement of azurophil granule-phagosome fusion via GlyR a 2/TRPM2/p38 MAPK signaling is a novel target for enhancement of neutrophil bactericidal activity. The Journal Immunology , 2010, 184: 000–000. protease g/ml, N -tosyl- L - leucin chloromethyl ketone m g/ml, pepstatin A m g/ml, aprotinin 10 m g/ml, and PMSF 1 or (10 M). To evaluate the effect of glycine on LPC-induced enhancement of bactericidal activity, glycine-supplemented (mM) 15.13, dibasic sodium phosphate 0.34, potassium phos- phate calcium gluconate potassium gluconate 5.4, sodium gluconate subset
Perceptual-cognitive expertise in combat sports: a narrative review and model

Despite the many studies on physical and physiological features of combat sport athletes, there has been considerably less consideration of psychological factors. Here, we present a narrative review of literature related to perceptual-cognitive skill in combat sports that require the athlete to score points by hitting or touching the opponent’s body with the hands, feet or weapon: boxing, French boxing, fencing, kung fu (wushu), karate, taekwondo and other martial arts. Based on a thorough search of literature, we synthesised findings from empirical studies on Reaction Time, Anticipation, Visual Search and Information Pick-up. Contrary to the belief of coaches, there was no clear consensus regarding Reaction Time being a good predictor of success in combat sports. However, consistent with findings from other sports, expert combat sport athletes better anticipate the opponent’s actions based on information perceived before and during the attack. This is likely facilitated by experts using a gaze fixation strategy (i.e., visual pivot) that facilitates information pick-up. In the final section, we present a model that describes how the evolving perception-action relationship between the attacking athlete and opponent depends on distance, attack progression and opponent reaction. Suggestions are provided for training and for future research in combat sports.
Contracts and Technology Adoption The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters

We develop a tractable framework for the analysis of the relationship between contractual incompleteness, technological complementarities, and technology adoption. In our model a (cid:133)rm chooses its technology and investment levels in contractible activities by suppliers of intermediate inputs. Suppliers then choose investments in noncontractible activities, anticipating payo⁄s from an ex post bargaining game. We show that greater contractual incompleteness leads to the adoption of less advanced technologies and that the impact of contractual incompleteness is more pronounced when there is greater complementary among the intermediate inputs. We study a number of applications of the main framework and show that the mechanism proposed in the paper can generate sizable productivity di⁄erences across countries with di⁄erent contracting institutions and that di⁄erences in contracting institutions lead to endogenous comparative advantage di⁄erences. contracting productivity dispersion and dispersion. This prediction of the model is empirical evidence Tybout are signi(cid:133)cantly fewer medium-sized in economies, have worse contracting
IRAC Band Period‐Luminosity Relations from LMC Cepheids: Application to Three Nearby Galaxies

It is well‐known in the cosmology community that an accurate determination of the Hubble constant (H0), to within few percent, can be used to break the degeneracy between ΩM and w in CMB measurements. The current uncertainty in H0 from the HST Key Project is about 10%. In contrast future observations by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have the potential to deliver an H0 measurement accurate to under a few percent. This is because JWST will operate in the near‐ and mid‐infrared, thus significantly reducing the influence of extinction. Motivated by this, we derive Spitzer IRAC band period‐luminosity (PL) relations (the Leavitt Law) from the Large Magellanic Cloud Cepheids which can be applied to future distance scale measurements with JWST. To test these PL relations, we applied the IRAC band PL relations to the three nearby galaxies (NGC 6822, IC 1613 & WLM), where the Cepheid data were found from the Spitzer Archival data, and derive the distance moduli (in IRAC bands) to these galaxies. We also com.
efficacy at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction.

A postsynaptic spectrin scaffold defines active zone size, spacing, and that, when mutated, affect synapse size. These signaling Liprin- α Dlar, and Dally-like It remains to be determined how these signaling molecules mediate their infl uence on synapse size. We investigate the role of the postsynaptic Spectrin skeleton in the regulation of synapse size. The Spectrin skeleton con-sists of heterotetramers of two α - and two β -Spectrin subunits that, together with short actin fi laments, form a cytoplasmic Spectrin–actin network that parallels the plasma membrane. The Spectrin skeleton can be recruited to the plasma membrane in several ways, including interactions with the adaptor protein Ankyrin, direct interactions with integral membrane proteins, or through interactions with plasma membrane phospholipids and Baines, 2001). In the vertebrate nervous system, Spectrin and Ankyrin are required for the organization of ion connections are established with characteristic, cell type–speciﬁ c size and spacing. In this study, we document a role for the postsynaptic Spectrin skeleton in this process. We use transgenic double-stranded RNA to selectively eliminate α -Spectrin, β -Spectrin, or Ankyrin. In the absence of postsynaptic α - or β -Spectrin, active zone size is increased and spacing is perturbed. In addition, subsynaptic muscle membranes are signiﬁ cantly altered. However, despite these changes, the subdivision of the synapse into active zone and periactive zone domains remains intact, both pre- and
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 ICP27-Dependent Activation of NF- (cid:2) B (cid:1)

The ability of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to activate NF- (cid:1) B has been well documented. Beginning at 3 to 5 h postinfection, HSV-1 induces a robust and persistent nuclear translocation of an NF- (cid:1) B-dependent (p50/p65 heterodimer) DNA binding activity, as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Activation requires virus binding and entry, as well as de novo infected-cell protein synthesis, and is accompanied by loss of both I (cid:1) B (cid:2) and I (cid:1) B (cid:3) . In this study, we identiﬁed loss of I (cid:1) B (cid:2) as a marker of NF- (cid:1) B activation, and infection with mutants with individual immediate-early (IE) regulatory proteins deleted indicated that ICP27 was necessary for I (cid:1) B (cid:2) loss. Analysis of both N-terminal and C-terminal mutants of ICP27 identiﬁed the region from amino acids 21 to 63 as being necessary for I (cid:1) B (cid:2) loss. Additional experiments with mutant viruses with combinations of IE genes deleted revealed that the ICP27-dependent mechanism of NF- (cid:1) B activation may be augmented by functional ICP4. We also analyzed two additional markers for NF- (cid:1) B activation, phosphorylation of the p65 subunit on Ser276 and Ser536. Phosphorylation of both serines was induced upon HSV infection and required functional ICP4 and ICP27. Pharmacological inhibitor studies revealed that both I (cid:1) B (cid:2) and Ser276 phosphorylation were dependent on Jun N-terminal protein kinase activity, while Ser536 phosphory- lation was not affected during inhibitor treatment. These results demonstrate that there are several layers of regulation of NF- (cid:1) B activation during HSV infection, highlighting the important role that NF- (cid:1) B may play in infection.
Sustainable Certification for Future Generations: The Case of Family Business

The measurement of corporate performance is central to strategic management research. A common objective of this research is to identify top performers in an industry and their sources of competitive advantage. Despite this focus on best ﬁrms and practices, most researchers utilize statistical methods that identify average effects in a sample, and they assess a single performance dimension while ignoring other relevant dimensions. Emphasis on purely ﬁnancial measures can overlook the fact that a ﬁrm’s efﬁciency in transforming resources has been shown as a major source of competitive advantage. In this article we demonstrate how frontier methodologies, such as Data Envelopment Analysis and the Stochastic Frontier approach, can address these challenges. We provide an illustration based on longitudinal data from U.S. and Japanese automobile producers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.