Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Alternating Current and Random Noise Stimulation: Possible Mechanisms

Background. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a relatively recent method suited to noninvasively modulate brain oscillations. Technically the method is similar but not identical to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). While decades of research in animals and humans has revealed the main physiological mechanisms of tDCS, less is known about the physiological mechanisms of tACS. Method. Here, we review recent interdisciplinary research that has furthered our understanding of how tACS affects brain oscillations and by what means transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) that is a special form of tACS can modulate cortical functions. Results. Animal experiments have demonstrated in what way neurons react to invasively and transcranially applied alternating currents. Such findings are further supported by neural network simulations and knowledge from physics on entraining physical oscillators in the human brain. As a result, fine-grained models of the human skull and brain allow the prediction of the exact pattern of current flow during tDCS and tACS. Finally, recent studies on human physiology and behavior complete the picture of noninvasive modulation of brain oscillations. Conclusion. In future, the methods may be applicable in therapy of neurological and psychiatric disorders that are due to malfunctioning brain oscillations.
Electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds for tissue engineering: a review

Abstract Polycaprolactone is a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester which has a wide range of applications in tissue engineering. Electrospinning, the versatile technique, used for the fabrication of fibrous scaffolds, which is widely used in tissue engineering, due to the ability of fabrication of nano/micro-scale fiber scaffolds. Polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffolds are widely used in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Polycaprolactone can be used in a wide variety of scaffolds construction. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances in the electrospinning of polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffolds in bone, cardiovascular, nerve, and skin tissue engineering. Graphical Abstract
Measuring population health: costs of alternative survey approaches in the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System in rural Burkina Faso

Background There are more than 40 Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) sites in 19 different countries. The running costs of HDSS sites are high. The financing of HDSS activities is of major importance, and adding external health surveys to the HDSS is challenging. To investigate the ways of improving data quality and collection efficiency in the Nouna HDSS in Burkina Faso, the stand-alone data collection activities of the HDSS and the Household Morbidity Survey (HMS) were integrated, and the paper-based questionnaires were consolidated into a single tablet-based questionnaire, the Comprehensive Disease Assessment (CDA). Objective The aims of this study are to estimate and compare the implementation costs of the two different survey approaches for measuring population health. Design All financial costs of stand-alone (HDSS and HMS) and integrated (CDA) surveys were estimated from the perspective of the implementing agency. Fixed and variable costs of survey implementation and key cost drivers were identified. The costs per household visit were calculated for both survey approaches. Results While fixed costs of survey implementation were similar for the two survey approaches, there were considerable variations in variable costs, resulting in an estimated annual cost saving of about US$45,000 under the integrated survey approach. This was primarily because the costs of data management for the tablet-based CDA survey were considerably lower than for the paper-based stand-alone surveys. The cost per household visit from the integrated survey approach was US$21 compared with US$25 from the stand-alone surveys for collecting the same amount of information from 10,000 HDSS households. Conclusions The CDA tablet-based survey method appears to be feasible and efficient for collecting health and demographic data in the Nouna HDSS in rural Burkina Faso. The possibility of using the tablet-based data collection platform to improve the quality of population health data requires further exploration.
Resource allocation for multiuser cognitive radio with primary user's cooperation

In this paper, we consider a downlink cognitive radio network (CRN) consisting of one cognitive base station (CBS) and multiple secondary users (SUs) that shares multiple channels with a primary network. The CRN is permitted to access the channel licensed to the primary user (PU) only if the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) on that channel at the PU is higher than a predetermined level. The objective is to maximize the total throughput of the CRN with cooperation from the PU. For this, we propose a centralized efficient near-optimal joint channel and power allocation scheme based on dual optimization method. Specifically, the duality gap between the dual scheme and the optimal scheme is nearly zero as the number of channels gets large, while, in contrast to the exponential complexity of the optimal scheme, the complexity of the dual scheme is only linear in the number of channels. Additionally, a low-complexity sub-optimal two-step scheme is also proposed, the complexity of which is further reduced. Simulation results are obtained to verify the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. It is shown that the dual scheme achieves almost the same total throughput compared with that achieved by the optimal scheme even with small number of channels. Moreover, the performance of the two-step scheme is very close to that of the optimal scheme.
There Theoretical and Review Articles the Word-length Effect Provides No Evidence for Decay in Short-term Memory

underlying forgetting in short-term memory, with some theorists proposing that it results from inexorable temporal decay of memory representations (e.g., Page & Norris, 1998) and with others negating any role of time, preferring instead to ascribe forgetting to nontemporal processes, such as interference (e.g., Farrell & Lewandowsky, 2002; Lewandowsky & Farrell, 2008). Although there are several sources of evidence that can constrain these competing theories, decay theorists inevitably cite the wordlength effect (WLE) as a crucial piece of evidence (e.g., Cowan, 1995). The WLE, first reported by Baddeley, Thomson, and Buchanan (1975), refers to the now well-established finding that lists composed of long words (e.g., hippopotamus, retromingent) are recalled less accurately than lists of short words (e.g., rat, cut, hip). Empirical interest in the effect has continued unabated to this date (e.g., Mueller, Seymour, Kieras, & Meyer, 2003). The poorer memory for long words than for short words has been taken to reflect the fact that verbal memory traces inexorably decay over time, and that fewer long words than short words can be recalled or refreshed by rehearsal (if that is possible) in the limited time before decay has rendered the trace irrecoverable. The WLE has often been discussed in the context of the phonological loop model (e.g., Baddeley, 1986), which explains the WLE as a race between decay and articulatory rehearsal. Other models (e.g., Schweickert & Boruff, 1986) have explained the WLE as resulting from a race between decay and overt recall. A particularly elegant attribute of the original WLE was that articulation durations were typically determined outside the experimental context in which memory was tested. For example, people were timed either while articulating single words in isolation or while reading a list of words, and the times were used to predict memory performance of the same people on a different occasion (or the performance of a different set of participants; see, e.g., Lovatt, Avons, & Masterson, 2002, Experiments 1A and 1B). This counterintuitive ability to predict memory from afar, on the basis of a seemingly inconsequential property of linguistic material, has enhanced the impact of the effect and its underlying theorizing. The idea of a race between decay and rehearsal or recall is elegant and parsimonious, and the WLE has been identified as “perhaps the best remaining solid evidence in favor of temporary memory storage” (Cowan, 1995, p. 42). Nevertheless, we argue in this article that although the WLE may be of considerable interest in its own right, it is of limited value in identifying the mechanisms underlying forgetting in short-term memory. To foreshadow our principal conclusion, we propose that the WLE ought to no longer be relied upon to constrain contemporary theorizing about the sources of short-term forgetting.
Double Digest RADseq: An Inexpensive Method for De Novo SNP Discovery and Genotyping in Model and Non-Model Species

The ability to efficiently and accurately determine genotypes is a keystone technology in modern genetics, crucial to studies ranging from clinical diagnostics, to genotype-phenotype association, to reconstruction of ancestry and the detection of selection. To date, high capacity, low cost genotyping has been largely achieved via “SNP chip” microarray-based platforms which require substantial prior knowledge of both genome sequence and variability, and once designed are suitable only for those targeted variable nucleotide sites. This method introduces substantial ascertainment bias and inherently precludes detection of rare or population-specific variants, a major source of information for both population history and genotype-phenotype association. Recent developments in reduced-representation genome sequencing experiments on massively parallel sequencers (commonly referred to as RAD-tag or RADseq) have brought direct sequencing to the problem of population genotyping, but increased cost and procedural and analytical complexity have limited their widespread adoption. Here, we describe a complete laboratory protocol, including a custom combinatorial indexing method, and accompanying software tools to facilitate genotyping across large numbers (hundreds or more) of individuals for a range of markers (hundreds to hundreds of thousands). Our method requires no prior genomic knowledge and achieves per-site and per-individual costs below that of current SNP chip technology, while requiring similar hands-on time investment, comparable amounts of input DNA, and downstream analysis times on the order of hours. Finally, we provide empirical results from the application of this method to both genotyping in a laboratory cross and in wild populations. Because of its flexibility, this modified RADseq approach promises to be applicable to a diversity of biological questions in a wide range of organisms.
Clinical assessment of nutritional status at birth.

OBJECTIVE Clinical assessment of nutritional status of neonate using CAN score and comparison with other methods of determining intrauterine growth. DESIGN Cross sectional study. SETTING Tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS 637 consecutive, liveborn singleton neonates with known gestational age and no major congenital malformation. METHODS Birth weight, length, midarm circumference and head circumference recorded in newborns. Ponderal index and mid arm to head circumference ratio was calculated. Clinical assessment of nutritional status was done on the basis of CAN score and compared with other methods. RESULTS CAN score < 25 separated 60% of the babies as well nourished and 40% as malnourished. Weight for age and Ponderal Index classified 70-75% of babies as well nourished (AGA) and 25-30% as malnourished. Also MAC/HC classified nearly half the babies as well nourished and half as malnourished. CONCLUSION CAN score may be a simple clinical index for identifying fetal malnutrition and for prediction of neonatal morbidity associated with it, without the aid of any sophisticated equipments.
Semantic Enhancement Engine: A Modular Document Enhancement Platform for Semantic Applications over Heterogeneous Content

Traditionally, automatic classification and metadata extraction have been performed in isolation, usually on unformatted text. SCORE Enhancement Engine (SEE) is a component of a Semantic Web technology called the Semantic Content Organization and Retrieval Engine (SCORE). SEE takes the next natural steps by supporting heterogeneous content (not only unformatted text), as well as following up automatic classification with extraction of contextually relevant, domain-specific (i.e., semantic) metadata. Extraction of semantic metadata not only includes identification of relevant entities but also relationships within the context of relevant ontology. This paper describes SEE's architecture, which provides a common API for heterogeneous document processing, with discrete, reusable and highly configurable modular components. This results in exceptional flexibility, extensibility and performance. Referred to as SEE modules (SEEMs), which are divided along functional lines, these processors perform one of the following roles: restriction (determine the segments of the input text to operate upon); enhancement (discover textual features of semantic interest); filtering (augment, remove or supplement the features recognized); or outputting (generate reports, annotate the original, update databases, or other actions). Each SEEM manages its configuration options and is arranged serially in virtual pipelines to perform designated semantic tasks. These configurations can be saved and reloaded on a per-document basis. This allows a single SEE installation to act logically as any number of Semantic Applications, and to compose these Semantic Applications as needed to perform even more complex semantic tasks. SEE leverages SCORE's unique approach of creating and using large knowledge base in semantic processing. It enables SCORE to provide flexible handling of highly heterogeneous content (including raw text, HTML, XML and documents of various formats); reliable automatic classification of documents; accurate extraction of semantic, domain-specific metadata; and extensive management of the enhancement processes including various reporting and semantic annotation mechanisms. This results in SCORE's advanced capability in heterogeneous content integration at a higher semantic level, rather than syntactical and structural level approaches based on XML and RDF, by supporting and exploiting domain specific ontologies. This work also presents an approach to automatic semantic annotation, a key scalability challenge faced in realizing the Semantic Web.
Diffusing wave spectroscopy applied to material analysis and process control

Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS) was studied as a method of laboratory analysis of submicron particles, and developed as a prospective in-line, industrial, process control sensor, capable of near real-time feedback. No sample pre-treatment was required and measurement was via a noninvasive, flexible, dip in probe. DWS relies on the concept of the diffusive migration of light, as opposed to the ballistic scatter model used in conventional dynamic light scattering. The specific requirements of the optoelectronic hardware, data analysis methods and light scattering model were studied experimentally and, where practical, theoretically resulting in a novel technique of analysis of particle suspensions and emulsions of volume fractions between 0.01 and 0.4. Operation at high concentrations made the technique oblivious to dust and contamination. A pure homodyne (autodyne) experimental arrangement described was resilient to environmental disturbances, unlike many other systems which utilise optical fibres or heterodyne operation. Pilot and subsequent prototype development led to a highly accurate method of size ranking, suitable for analysis of a wide range of suspensions and emulsions. The technique was shown to operate on real industrial samples with statistical variance as low as 0.3% with minimal software processing. Whilst the application studied was the analysis of TiO2 suspensions, a diverse range of materials including polystyrene beads, cell pastes and industrial cutting fluid emulsions were tested. Results suggest that, whilst all sizing should be comparative to suitable standards, concentration effects may be minimised and even completely modelled-out in many applications. Adhesion to the optical probe was initially a significant problem but was minimised after the evaluation and use of suitable non stick coating materials. Unexpected behaviour in the correlation in the region of short decay times led to consideration of the effects of rotational diffusion coefficient. The inherent instability of high density suspensions instigated high speed analysis techniques capable of monitoring suspensions that were undergoing rapid change as well as suggesting novel methods for the evaluation of the state of sample dispersion.
Opsonic human antibodies from an endemic population specific for a conserved epitope on the M protein of group A streptococci

This study demonstrates the presence of epitope‐specific opsonic human antibodies in a population living in an area endemic for group A streptococci (GAS) infection. Antibodies recognizing a conserved C‐terminal region epitope (p145, sequence in single letter amino acids: LRRDLDASREAKKQVEKALE) of the M protein of GAS were isolated from human patients by affinity chromatography and were shown to be of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG3 subclasses. These antibodies could reduce the number of colonies of serotype 5 GAS in an in vitro opsonization assay by 71–92%, compared with an equal amount of IgG from control adult donors living in non‐endemic areas and without antibodies to p145. Addition of the peptide, p145, completely inhibited this opsonization. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that p145‐specific antibodies were capable of binding to the surface of M5 GAS whereas control IgG did not. Using chimeric peptides, which contain overlapping segments of p145, each 12 amino acids in length, inserted into a known helical peptide derived from the DNA binding protein of yeast, GCN4, we have been able to further define two minimal regions within p145, referred to as pJ2 and pJ7. These peptides, pJ2 and pJ7, were able to inhibit opsonization by p145 specific antibodies. Finally, we have observed an association between the age‐related development of immunity to GAS and the acquisition of antibodies to the conserved epitope, p145, raising the possibility of using this epitope as a target in a prophylactic vaccine administered during early childhood.
Characterization of α-Synuclein Multimer Stoichiometry in Complex Biological Samples by Electrophoresis

The aberrant aggregation of α-synuclein in the brain is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In vivo soluble α-synuclein occurs as a monomer and several multimers, the latter of which may be important for the biological function of α-synuclein. Currently, there is a lack of reproducible methods to compare α-synuclein multimer abundance between complex biological samples. Here we developed a method, termed “multimer-PAGE,” that combines in-gel chemical cross-linking with several common electrophoretic techniques to measure the stoichiometry of soluble α-synuclein multimers in brain tissue lysates. Results show that soluble α-synuclein from the rat brain exists as several high molecular weight species of approximately 56 kDa (αS56), 80 kDa (αS80), and 100 kDa (αS100) that comigrate with endogenous lipids, detergents, and/or micelles during blue native gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). Co-extraction of endogenous lipids with α-synuclein was essential for the detection of soluble α-synuclein multimers. Homogenization of brain tissue in small buffer volumes (>50 mg tissue per 1 mL buffer) increased relative lipid extraction and subsequently resulted in abundant soluble multimer detection via multimer-PAGE. α-Synuclein multimers captured by directly cross-linking soluble lysates resembled those observed following multimer-PAGE. The ratio of multimer (αS80) to monomer (αS17) increased linearly with protein input into multimer-PAGE, suggesting to some extent, multimers were also formed during electrophoresis. Overall, soluble α-synuclein maintains lipid interactions following tissue disruption and readily forms multimers when this lipid–protein complex is preserved. Once the multimer-PAGE technique was validated, relative stoichiometric comparisons could be conducted simultaneously between 14 biological samples. Multimer-PAGE provides a simple inexpensive biochemical technique to study the molecular factors influencing α-synuclein multimerization.
A model for predicting J-integral of surface cracks in round bars under combined mode I loading

This study presents a method to develop an analytical aspect for J-integral prediction of surface crack in round bars under combined mode I loading. This technique is based on the local limit load approach considering a plastic deformation across the crack ligament. Then, the developed limit load is then combined with the reference stress method to predict J-integral along the crack front of surface crack in cylindrical bars.
Effect of crush and axotomy of phrenic nerves on oxidative stress in diaphragm muscle of rats

Introduction: In this study we investigated the effect of crush and axotomy of phrenic nerves on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in rat diaphragm muscle. Methods: The animals in the first group were not crushed or axotomized and served as controls. Phrenic nerves of the rats in the second and third groups were crushed or axotomized in the diaphragm muscle. Results: The malondialdehyde level increased in diaphragm muscles after both crush and axotomy. The antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, carbonic anhydrase, and catalase, decreased in diaphragm muscles after both crush and axotomy. Conclusions: Crushing or axotomizing the phrenic nerves may produce oxidative stress in the diaphragm muscle of the rat by increasing lipid peroxidation and decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Dealing with Evidence : The Programatica Certificate Abstraction

In software projects, developers often rely on a wide variety of evidence to assure themselves that the system they are building is functioning correctly. There are many ways to generate evidence—from code reviews to testing and theorem proving—but the diversity and volume of evidence can be hard to manage, maintain, or exploit as a project evolves and meaningful levels of assurance are required. In this paper, we describe a new kind of tool that facilitates effective use of evidence throughout a project. Such tools should allow users to capture and collate evidence with source materials; to exploit dependencies; to automate combination and reuse; and to understand, manage, and guide further development and validation efforts. Our work is presented in the context of a prototype built for the Programatica project at OGI where evidence is represented by a certificate abstraction, but the key ideas, we believe, should be more widely useful.
Congestion avoidance for unicast and multicast traffic

This paper proposes a congestion avoidance mechanism that addresses unicast (TCP or UDP) as well as multicast (UDP) best effort flows. Our mechanism originally combine explicit congestion notification (ECN) based on router active queue management to detect congestion, with ICMP source quench messages to inform the involved sources of the network congestion state. The fairness achieved is a trade-off between TCP-like and max-min fairness. We demonstrate through simulation that the proposed mechanism enforces fairness and provides an efficient and simple solution to congestion avoidance.