Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spotlight on pain: optogenetic approaches for interrogating somatosensory circuits

The implementation of optogenetic tools to manipulate neuronal activity with light is transforming our ability to investigate neural systems. By expressing light-sensitive proteins, or opsins, in genetically defined neuronal populations, optogenetic approaches permit new experimental questions that span from the specific properties of defined synaptic connections to their roles in complex behaviors. In this review, we focus on opsins for manipulating neuronal activity and discuss their biophysical properties, delivery strategies, and how these techniques have been adapted to unravel somatosensory circuits.
The Task of Social Psychology Is to Explain Behavior not Just to Observe it

Doliński (2018, this issue) deplores the decline of behavior observation in social psychology since the 1960’s and asks whether (social-) psychology is still a behavioral science. I question both, that there was a decline and that direct behavior observations are essential for a science of behavior. After all, behavior can also be inferred from outcomes and other traces of behavior. During the alleged heydays of behavioral observation, social psychology was threatened by a crisis partly precipitated by Wicker’s (1969) demonstration that verbal attitude measures were often unrelated to behavioral responses towards attitude objects. His critique was devastating, because social psychology at that time relied heavily on rating scales as dependent measure. The advance of the social cognition movement in the 1970’s was to provide social psychology with new techniques (e.g., priming, cognitive load, reaction time techniques) that eased the reliance on rating scales. At the same time, it became insufficient to merely show a relationship between an external event and a behavioral response and to rely on speculations about the internal processes that might have been responsible for this relationship. Instead, studies had to assess the cognitive and motivational processes assumed to link those external events, typically – but not always – using social cognition techniques. This required additional studies leading to a decline in the proportion of studies reporting behavioral observations. I illustrate this development with one of my own research programs and also suggest that in this example an outcome may be a more valid measure of behavior than behavioral observations.
An enhanced reactive dynamic source routing algorithm applied to mobile ad hoc networks

Even though the reactive dynamic source routing protocol (RDSR) has been shown via simulations to be mostly efficient among all the existed routing protocols, it increases transmission delay. To overcome the above drawback in the reactive ad hoc routing protocol, this paper proposes an enhanced reactive ad hoc network routing protocol: ERDSR (enhanced reactive dynamic source routing protocol). ERDSR chooses the route by using the bandwidth and the number of hops of the available paths, and regulates the value of send/spl I.bar/timeout dynamically. Compared with RDSR by using ns-2 under various environments, ERDSR reduces the transmission delay and the average path length, and significantly improves the packet delivery ratio.
Theoretical modelling of fibrinogen supplementation with therapeutic plasma, cryoprecipitate, or fibrinogen concentrate

Background We aimed to create a theoretical tool to model the effect of three haemostatic agents containing fibrinogen (therapeutic plasma, cryoprecipitate, and fibrinogen concentrate) on the patient's plasma fibrinogen level. Methods A mathematical model was developed step-wise. The relationship between the amount of haemostatic agent and plasma fibrinogen level was plotted for each agent. A fibrinogen concentration simulator (FCSamount) was developed, where the amount of haemostatic agent was calculated from patient characteristics, agent characteristics, and target plasma fibrinogen level. Refinements were introduced so that (i) FCSamount would account for in vivo fibrinogen recovery, (ii) circulatory volume would not increase ad infinitum with increasing amounts, and (iii) red blood cells would be included in the simulation if haematocrit decreased below a certain level. A second FCS (FCSlevel) was created to calculate fibrinogen levels resulting from specified amounts of haemostatic agents. Results Fibrinogen concentration in haemostatic agents has a critical impact on their ability to increase patients' fibrinogen levels. If the target plasma fibrinogen level approaches the concentration of the fibrinogen source, the required amounts increase exponentially; it is impossible to achieve a target above the concentration of the fibrinogen source. Conclusions We successfully developed two theoretical tools answering the questions: ‘How much therapeutic plasma, cryoprecipitate, or fibrinogen concentrate would be needed to achieve a specified target fibrinogen level? ’ and ‘What would be the resultant fibrinogen level for a specified amount of haemostatic agent? ’ The current tools are not intended for clinical application, but they are potentially useful for educational purposes.
Non-Relevance Feedback Document Retrieval based on One Class SVM and SVDD

This paper reports a new document retrieval method using non-relevant documents. Especially, this paper reports a comparison of retrieval efficiency between one class support vector machine (SVM) based and support vector data description (SVDD) based interactive document retrieval method using non-relevant documents only. From a large data set of documents, we need to find documents that relate to human interesting in as few iterations of human testing or checking as possible. In each iteration a comparatively small batch of documents is evaluated for relating to the human interesting. We applied active learning techniques based on support vector machine for evaluating successive batches, which is called relevance feedback. Our proposed approach has been very useful for document retrieval with relevance feedback experimentally. The traditional relevance feedback needs a set of relevant and non-relevant documents to work usefully. However, the initial retrieved documents, which are displayed to a user, sometimes don't include relevant documents. In order to solve this problem, we propose a new feedback method using information of non-relevant documents only. We named this method non-relevance feedback document retrieval. The non-relevance feedback document retrievals are based on one class support vector machine and support vector data description. Our experimental results show that one class support vector machine based method can retrieve relevant documents efficiently using information of non-relevant documents only.
Transfer Function Models with Time-Varying Coefficients

We consider a transfer function model with time-varying coefficients. We propose an estimation procedure, based on the least squares method and wavelet expansions of the time-varying coefficients. We discuss some statistical properties of the estimators and assess the validity of the methodology through a simulation study. We also present an application of the proposed procedure to a real pair of series.
Document Clustering Evaluation: Divergence from a Random Baseline

Divergence from a random baseline is a technique for the evaluation of document clustering. It ensures cluster quality measures are performing work that prevents ineffective clusterings from giving high scores to clusterings that provide no useful result. These concepts are defined and analysed using intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to the evaluation of document cluster quality. This includes the classical clusters to categories approach and a novel approach that uses ad hoc information retrieval. The divergence from a random baseline approach is able to differentiate ineffective clusterings encountered in the INEX XML Mining track. It also appears to perform a normalisation similar to the Normalised Mutual Information (NMI) measure but it can be applied to any measure of cluster quality. When it is applied to the intrinsic measure of distortion as measured by RMSE, subtraction from a random baseline provides a clear optimum that is not apparent otherwise. This approach can be applied to any clustering evaluation. This paper describes its use in the context of document clustering evaluation.
VLSI Implementation of Channel Estimation for MIMO-OFDM Transceiver

In this study the VLSI architecture for MIMO-OFDM transceiver and the algorithm for the implementation of MMSE detection in MIMO-OFDM system is proposed. The implemented MIMO-OFDM system is capable of transmitting data at high throughput in physical layer and provides optimized hardware resources while achieving the same data rate. The proposed architecture has low latency, high throughput and efficient resource utilization. The result obtained is compared with the MATLAB results for verification. The main aim is to reduce the hardware complexity of the channel estimation.
Minimizing the risk of cancer: tissue architecture and cellular replication limits

Normal somatic cells are capable of only a limited number of divisions, which prevents unlimited cell proliferation and the onset of tumours. Cancer cells find ways to circumvent this obstacle, typically by expressing the enzyme telomerase and less often by alternative recombination strategies. Given this fundamental link between cellular replication limits and cancer, it is important to understand how a tissue's architecture affects the replicative capacity of a cell population. We define this as the average number of remaining divisions at equilibrium. The lower the replication capacity, the lower the chances to escape the replication limit during abnormal growth when a tumour develops. In this paper, we examine how the replication capacity is influenced by defining characteristics of cell lineages, such as the number of intermediate cell compartments, self-renewal capability of cells and division rates. We describe an optimal tissue architecture that minimizes the replication capacity of dividing cells and thus the risk of cancer. Interestingly, some of the features that define an optimal tissue architecture have been documented in a variety of tissues, suggesting that they may have evolved as a cancer-protecting strategy in multicellular organisms.
Prevalence and Trends of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia in Hospitalized Patients in South Africa, 2010 to 2012: Laboratory-Based Surveillance Mapping of Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Epidemiology

Introduction We aimed to obtain an in-depth understanding on recent antimicrobial resistance trends and molecular epidemiology trends of S. aureus bacteraemia (SAB). Methods Thirteen academic centres in South Africa were included from June 2010 until July 2012. S. aureus susceptibility testing was performed on the MicroScan Walkaway. Real-time PCR using the LightCycler 480 II was done for mecA and nuc. SCCmec and spa-typing were finalized with conventional PCR. We selected one isolate per common spa type per province for multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results S. aureus from 2709 patients were included, and 1231 (46%) were resistant to methicillin, with a significant decline over the three-year period (p-value = 0.003). Geographical distribution of MRSA was significantly higher in Gauteng compared to the other provinces (P<0.001). Children <5 years were significantly associated with MRSA with higher rates compared to all other age groups (P = 0.01). The most prevalent SCCmec type was SCCmec type III (531 [41%]) followed by type IV (402 [31%]). Spa-typing discovered 47 different spa-types. The five (87%) most common spa-types were t037, t1257, t045, t064 and t012. Based on MLST, the commonest was ST612 clonal complex (CC8) (n = 7) followed by ST5 (CC5) (n = 4), ST36 (CC30) (n = 4) and ST239 (CC8) (n = 3). Conclusions MRSA rate is high in South Africa. Majority of the isolates were classified as SCCmec type III (41%) and type IV (31%), which are typically associated with hospital and community- acquired infections, respectively. Overall, this study reveals the presence of a variety of hospital-acquired MRSA clones in South Africa dominance of few clones, spa 037 and 1257. Monitoring trends in resistance and molecular typing is recommended to detect changing epidemiological trends in AMR patterns of SAB.
A maximum entropy approach to information extraction from semi-structured and free text

In this paper, we present a classification-based approach towards single-slot as well as multi-slot information extraction (IE). For single-slot IE, we worked on the domain of Seminar Announcements, where each document contains information on only one seminar. For multi-slot IE, we worked on the domain of Management Succession. For this domain, we restrict ourselves to extracting information sentence by sentence, in the same way as (Soderland 1999). Each sentence can contain information on several management succession events. By using a classification approach based on a maximum entropy framework, our system achieves higher accuracy than the best previously published results in both domains.
A hybrid software-based self-testing methodology for embedded processor

Software-based self-test (SBST) is emerging as a promising technology for enabling at-speed testing of high-speed embedded processors testing in an SoC system. For SBST, test routine development or generation can base on deterministic and random methodology. The deterministic test methodology develops the test program for a pipeline processor using the information abstracted from its architecture model, RTL descriptions, and gate-level net-list for different types of processor circuits. The random test methodology tries to make the pseudo-exhaustive testing possible using random instructions or patterns. The proposed methodology improves coverage for structural faults using both deterministic and random development of the test code. Not only can the deterministic test program test lots of faults using very small code size, but also the random test program can help detect some of the faults that the deterministic test program is difficult to test. We demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed methodology by the achieved fault coverage, test program size, and testing cycle count on a complex pipeline processor core. Comparisons with previous work are also made. Experimental results show its potential as an effective method for practical use.
Distributed control of parallel AC to DC converter

This paper presents the distributed control of parallel AC to DC converter using power balance control technique. Three single-phase CUK converters based on power factor correction (PFC) are parallel connected at dc outputs. Each converter operates in continuous conduction mode. The control systems consist of the voltage loop control and hysteresis control techniques apply to the current loop control. The microcontroller is used to communication between each controller of each module for adaptive power balance technique. The simulation results, three of 250 W/module are as follows : the inductor current sharing equally, fast transient response, tight dc bus voltage regulation, system modularity, redundancy and high power factor. So, the simulation results are used to illustrate the operation and investigation of the distributed control technique.
Relation of Vmax to Different Models of Cardiac Muscle

The present study was undertaken to reevaluate the effects of preload on maximum velocity of shortening at zero load, Vmax, relative to the length-tension curve. Force-velocity relations were measured from afterloaded isotonic contractions and were calculated from isometric contractions of isolated cat papillary muscles. Results were interpreted in the light of three alternative mechanical models of muscle. Vmax was obtained by mathematical extrapolation of each force-velocity relation to zero load using a hyperbolic least-squares analysis performed on an IBM 360 computer. With the application of all three muscle models to isotonic force-velocity relations, Vmax was relatively constant at low preloads but was reduced substantially as muscle length approached Lmax (the length at the peak of the active length-tension curve). In force-velocity relations from isometric contractions, similar results were obtained with the two-element and Voigt models of muscle. With the Maxwell model, Vmax remained more nearly constant near Lmax. Peak developed force (isometric contraction), maximum dP/dt, peak calculated velocity of the contractile element (VCE), and Vmax were compared in terms of their dependence on preload and length over the entire length-tension curve (using the Maxwell model). Peak VCE and Vmax were similar and were less dependent on preload than maximum dP/dt or developed force.
The ATP-Binding Cassette Proteins of the Deep-Branching Protozoan Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis

The ATP binding cassette (ABC) proteins are a family of membrane transporters and regulatory proteins responsible for diverse and critical cellular process in all organisms. To date, there has been no attempt to investigate this class of proteins in the infectious parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. We have utilized a combination of bioinformatics, gene sequence analysis, gene expression and confocal microscopy to investigate the ABC proteins of T. vaginalis. We demonstrate that, uniquely among eukaryotes, T. vaginalis possesses no intact full-length ABC transporters and has undergone a dramatic expansion of some ABC protein sub-families. Furthermore, we provide preliminary evidence that T. vaginalis is able to read through in-frame stop codons to express ABC transporter components from gene pairs in a head-to-tail orientation. Finally, with confocal microscopy we demonstrate the expression and endoplasmic reticulum localization of a number of T. vaginalis ABC transporters.
Spatial changes in climate across Mongolia

Previous research using meteorological station data suggests that temperatures and precipitation have been changing more across the semi-arid and arid country of Mongolia than in many other locations across the globe. We used gridded monthly data to determine the annual and seasonal rate of change in total precipitation (P), maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin), as computed from the nonparametric Thiel-Sen slope estimator method. The significance of those changes were computed from the Mann-Kendall test. The University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit (CRU) dataset was used for the 50-year time period from 1963 through 2012 at a 0.5 degree (~55 km) resolution. For the first 30 years, 30 to 35 meteorological stations from across Mongolia were used to create the spatially distributed “High Resolution Gridded Data of Month-by-Month Variation in Climate” CRU product; 20 to 30 stations were used for the last 20 years due to a decrease in the number of operational stations. Results are presented as maps of 1) mean total annual P, and mean annual Tmax and Tmin, and ii) annual trends over the length of record (1963-2012) with significance overlain, for the three variables. Rates of change at annual and seasonal time scales varied spatially with more consistent increases in temperature; significant precipitation trends were observed over smaller areas than significant temperature trends.
Vocabulary for Linked Data Visualization Model

There is already a vast amount of Linked Data on the web. What is missing is a convenient way of analyzing and visualizing the data that would benefit from the Linked Data principles. In our previous work we introduced the Linked Data Visualization Model (LDVM). It is a formal base that exploits the principles to ensure interoperability and compatibility of compliant components. In this paper we introduce a vocabulary for description of the components and an analytic and visualization pipeline composed of them. We demonstrate its viability on an example from the Czech Linked Open Data cloud.
Mediation of transfer motivation on the relationship between trainee characteristics and transfer of training: evidence from educational sector in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This paper is ambitious of investigating the mediating role of transfer motivation on trainee characteristics in transferring training on the population of Nigerian teachers. An aggregate of 1,000 copies of the questionnaire was distributed to the respondents in an Education Board in Nigeria. Totally, 605 copies of the questionnaire were finally retained for analysis. Smart-PLS’s measurement model, structural model and Sobel test were the techniques employed to assess and evaluate the statistical significance of relevant path coefficients. The findings showed that the extent to which employees are engrossed in organizational commitment and fully involved in their jobs would drive them to be desirous in making persistent and intense efforts towards utilizing skills and knowledge learned in the work settings. Also, the findings of this study highlighted that transfer motivation is a fundamental element in the transfer of training processes.
Spatial navigation by congenitally blind individuals

Spatial navigation in the absence of vision has been investigated from a variety of perspectives and disciplines. These different approaches have progressed our understanding of spatial knowledge acquisition by blind individuals, including their abilities, strategies, and corresponding mental representations. In this review, we propose a framework for investigating differences in spatial knowledge acquisition by blind and sighted people consisting of three longitudinal models (i.e., convergent, cumulative, and persistent). Recent advances in neuroscience and technological devices have provided novel insights into the different neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation by blind and sighted people and the potential for functional reorganization. Despite these advances, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the extent to which locomotion and wayfinding depend on amodal spatial representations. This challenge largely stems from methodological limitations such as heterogeneity in the blind population and terminological ambiguity related to the concept of cognitive maps. Coupled with an over‐reliance on potential technological solutions, the field has diffused into theoretical and applied branches that do not always communicate. Here, we review research on navigation by congenitally blind individuals with an emphasis on behavioral and neuroscientific evidence, as well as the potential of technological assistance. Throughout the article, we emphasize the need to disentangle strategy choice and performance when discussing the navigation abilities of the blind population. WIREs Cogn Sci 2016, 7:37–58. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1375 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.