Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discrete, 3D distributed, linear imaging methods of electric neuronal activity. Part 1: exact, zero error localization

This paper deals with the EEG/MEG neuroimaging problem: given measurements of scalp electric potential differences (EEG: electroencephalogram) and extracranial magnetic fields (MEG: magnetoencephalogram), find the 3D distribution of the generating electric neuronal activity. This problem has no unique solution. Only particular solutions with "good" localization properties are of interest, since neuroimaging is concerned with the localization of brain function. In this paper, a general family of linear imaging methods with exact, zero error localization to point-test sources is presented. One particular member of this family is sLORETA (standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography; Pascual-Marqui, Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 2002, 24D:5-12; this http URL). It is shown here that sLORETA has no localization bias in the presence of measurement and biological noise. Another member of this family, denoted as eLORETA (exact low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography; Pascual-Marqui 2005: this http URL), is a genuine inverse solution (not merely a linear imaging method) with exact, zero error localization in the presence of measurement and structured biological noise. The general family of imaging methods is further extended to include data-dependent (adaptive) quasi-linear imaging methods, also with the exact, zero error localization property.
A review of the state of the art of generators and power electronics for wind energy conversion systems

Energy is the most fundamental sector for the progression of a nation. The production of energy is going on from many years for the need of energy in all around the world but the true scenario is that the whole world is currently facing dreadful energy crisis in spite of numerous energy sources. So the production, distribution and the use of the energy should be as technological efficient as possible and incentives to save energy at the end-user should be set up. Two major technologies will play important roles to solve the future problems. One is to change the electrical power production sources from the conventional, fossil (and short term) based energy sources to renewable energy resources. The other is to use high efficient power electronics in power systems, power production and end-user application. This paper discusses trends of the most emerging renewable energy source, wind energy. With rapid development of wind power technologies and significant growth of worldwide installed capacity of wind power, wind energy conversion system has become a focal point in the research of renewable energy sources. This paper presents the recent developments in wind energy conversion systems with different wind turbine generators with their technical features and converter topologies, their classifications, choice of generators and their social and environmental benefits.
Predictors of Return to Driving After Stroke

Objective Although returning to driving is a major concern for many survivors of stroke, predicting who will return to driving after a stroke is often difficult for rehabilitation professionals. The primary aim of this study was to identify patient factors present at admission to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that can be used to identify which patients who have had acute stroke will and will not return to driving. Design After comparing returners and nonreturners on demographic and clinical characteristics, a logistic regression model with return to driving as the outcome variable was built using the backward stepwise method. Results Thirty-one percent (48/156) of the patients who had been driving before their stroke returned to driving 6 mos after stroke. The final regression model, using Functional Independence Measure cognition and lower extremity Motricity Index scores, predicted the driving outcome with an accuracy of 75% (107/143). Conclusions Patients with lower Functional Independence Measure cognition and lower extremity Motricity Index scores at admission to inpatient rehabilitation are less likely to return to driving at 6 mos. This model could be used by rehabilitation professionals to help counsel patients and their families and focus treatment goals.
Effect of Hyperinsulinemia and Type 2 Diabetes-Like Hyperglycemia on Expression of Hepatic Cytochrome P450 and GlutathioneS-Transferase Isoforms in a New Zealand Obese-Derived Mouse Backcross Population

In subgroups of a New Zealand obese mouse-derived backcross population with defined aberrations of glucose homeostasis, a comprehensive study of the hepatic expression of cytochrome P450 and glutathioneS-transferase was performed. Three patterns of alterations in response to insulin resistance (normoglycemia/hyperinsulinemia) or diabetes (hyperglycemia/hypoinsulinemia) were observed: mRNA levels ofCyp2b9, Cyp3a16, Cyp4a14, and Gstt2 as assessed by Northern- and dot-blot analysis were increased markedly in liver from diabetic mice with no or only a slight increase in insulin resistant mice. Western-blot analysis detected the corresponding changes of the CYP2B and CYP4A proteins. In contrast, expression of Cyp2c22, Cyp2c29, and Cyp2c40 was reduced in diabetic, but normal in insulin resistant mice. These alterations were correlated with changes in serum free fatty acid levels and, therefore, seem to be mediated by the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α. Furthermore, expression of Cyp1a2, Cyp7b1,Gstm3, and Gstm6 was reduced in both diabetic and insulin resistant mice. Because this third pattern was not correlated with the alterations of serum free fatty acid levels, it seems to reflect an early alteration in the course of the disease, and may be related to the progression of the syndrome from insulin resistance to the type 2-like diabetes.
An Analysis of Parallel Programming Techniques for Data Intensive Computation

Data intensive applications attempt to extract valuable information from large amounts of data, but the ability to scalably and efficiently do so remains a intimidating challenge. Efficient distributed parallel programming techniques are the key to achieving the performance requirements for such computations. The most common cluster data parallel programming methodology is to use message passing to communicate between computation nodes. Recently, the MapReduce model has been introduced as a more efficient mechanism to enable easy development of parallel applications to process large amounts of data on large clusters. In this paper we analyze and compare the performance of MapReduce and message passing in general and specifically for two data intensive computations: (a) WordCount and (b) Blast Like Alignment Tool (BLAT). This thesis also contributes to analyzing active storage on an iSCSI OSD standards-based object oriented framework. The concept of performing portions of computation directly at disk drives can drastically reduce network contention and greatly improve efficiency of large parallel systems.
During-Treatment Outcomes Among Female Methamphetamine-Using Offenders in Prison-Based Treatments

An increasingly important treatment group is the expanding population of methamphetamine-using female offenders. This study focused on women methamphetamine-using offenders (n = 359) who were treated either in a modified therapeutic community (TC) program (“Clean Lifestyle is Freedom Forever” [CLIFF]-TC: n = 234) designed for non-violent offenders with significant impairment from methamphetamine use, or the standard outpatient (OTP) treatment (OTP: n = 125). All participants were assessed on motivation, psychological and social functioning, and treatment engagement before and during treatment. A multilevel repeated measures analysis examined changes between intake and end of Phase 2 treatment. Both CLIFF-TC and the traditional OTP treatments were shown to improve psychosocial functioning, with significant changes on measures of self esteem, depression, anxiety, decision making, hostility, risk taking, and criminal thinking errors. Effect size comparisons indicated treatment gains were larger in the CLIFF-TC than in the OTP group. Both groups rated treatment engagement measures of participation, satisfaction, and counselor rapport to be very high. These results have positive implications for managing and improving treatment of methamphetamine-using women offenders because psychological improvements during treatment have been linked to better post release outcomes.
Directional mechanical stability of Bacteriophage φ29 motor’s 3WJ-pRNA: Extraordinary robustness along portal axis

φ29 motor’s three-way junction serves as an effective connecting rod through its superb rigidity in the coaxial direction. The molecular motor exploited by bacteriophage φ29 to pack DNA into its capsid is regarded as one of the most powerful mechanical devices present in viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic systems alike. Acting as a linker element, a prohead RNA (pRNA) effectively joins the connector and ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) components of the φ29 motor. During DNA packing, this pRNA needs to withstand enormous strain along the capsid’s portal axis—how this remarkable stability is achieved remains to be elucidated. We investigate the mechanical properties of the φ29 motor’s three-way junction (3WJ)–pRNA using a combined steered molecular dynamics and atomic force spectroscopy approach. The 3WJ exhibits strong resistance to stretching along its coaxial helices, demonstrating its super structural robustness. This resistance disappears, however, when external forces are applied to the transverse directions. From a molecular standpoint, we demonstrate that this direction-dependent stability can be attributed to two Mg clamps that cooperate and generate mechanical resistance in the pRNA’s coaxial direction. Our results suggest that the asymmetric nature of the 3WJ’s mechanical stability is entwined with its biological function: Enhanced rigidity along the portal axis is likely essential to withstand the strain caused by DNA condensation, and flexibility in other directions should aid in the assembly of the pRNA and its association with other motor components.
International Market Linkages between the U.S. And Korea OTC Futures Markets: Information Transmission from Nasdaq100 Index Cash and Futures Markets to Kosdaq50 Index Cash and Futures Markets

This study tests the international transmission from NASDAQ100 index spot and NASDAQ100 index futures to KOSDAQ50 index spot and KOSDAQ50 index futures markets for the period of Jan. 2001 - Dec. 2002. Based on the time-varying AR(1)-GARCH(1,1)-M models, the results show that the open-to-close returns of the NASDAQ100 index spot and futures have predictive power over both the open-to-close and close-to-open returns of KOSDAQ50 index spot and futures. In particular, the open-to-close returns of both NASDAQ100 index spot and futures have much stronger effect over the close-to-open returns of KOSDAQ50 index spot. We also find that the NASDAQ100 index futures returns have strong predictive power over the KOSDAQ50 index futures returns similar to the results from the NASDAQ100 index spot. In addition, the tests show that the close-to-open returns of the NASDAQ100 index futures, rather than those of NASDAQ100 index spot have stronger information spillover effect over the open-to-close returns of both the KOSDAQ50 index spot and futures. The results also represent that there is co-movement between the KOSDAQ50 index spot and the NASDAQ100 index spot and between the KOSDAQ50 index futures and the NASDAQ100 index futures. These findings support that the market efficiency and the international stock market integration are on the increasing trend in terms of both mean and time varying volatility. Specifically, the results of the information spillover effects between NASDAQ100 index futures market and the KOSDAQ50 index futures market would provide useful information in country diversification and industry diversification. EFA Classification code: 630, 620
Encapsulation of poly(d,l-lactide) microparticles with polyelectrolyte multilayers for antigen delivery

Abstract Poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) microparticles containing the ovalbumin (OVA) model antigen were prepared by the double-emulsion and solvent evaporation method, followed by encapsulation with alternating layers of the polyelectrolytes, consisting of protamine sulfate and dextran sulfate of various molecular weights. The physicochemical properties, including particle size and zeta potentials, were characterised. Treatment of mouse macrophages with surface-modified PLA microparticles stimulated the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, which was detected by the fluorescent probes, 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and hydroethidine (HE). Incubation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) with the encapsulated PLA microparticles enhanced the presentation of OVA soluble antigens in B3Z cells, an OVA-specific CD8+ T cell hybridoma. Results obtained in this study demonstrated the potential use of polyelectrolyte-encapsulated biodegradable microparticles for delivery of soluble antigens to the antigen-presenting cells and stimulation of effective antigen presentation in the context of class I major histocompatibility complex.
The Triple-Flash Illusion Reveals a Driving Role of Alpha-Band Reverberations in Visual Perception

The modulatory role of spontaneous brain oscillations on perception of threshold-level stimuli is well established. Here, we provide evidence that alpha-band (∼10 Hz) oscillations not only modulate perception of threshold-level sensory inputs but also can drive perception and generate percepts without a physical stimulus being present. We used the “triple-flash” illusion: Occasional perception of three flashes when only two spatially coincident veridical ones, separated by ∼100 ms, are presented. The illusion was proposed to result from superposition of two hypothetical oscillatory impulse response functions generated in response to each flash: When the delay between flashes matches the period of the oscillation, the superposition enhances a later part of the oscillation that is normally damped; when this enhancement crosses perceptual threshold, a third flash is erroneously perceived (Bowen, 1989). In Experiment 1, we varied stimulus onset asynchrony and validated Bowen's theory: The optimal stimulus onset asynchrony for illusion to occur was correlated, across human subjects (both genders), with the subject-specific impulse response function period determined from a separate EEG experiment. Experiment 2 revealed that prestimulus parietal, but no occipital, alpha EEG phase and power, as well as poststimulus alpha phase-locking, together determine the occurrence of the illusion on a trial-by-trial basis. Thus, oscillatory reverberations create something out of nothing: A third flash where there are only two. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We highlight a novel property of alpha-band (∼10 Hz) oscillations based on three experiments (two EEG and one psychophysics) by demonstrating that alpha-band oscillations do not merely modulate perception, but can also drive perception. We show that human participants report seeing a third flash when only two are presented (the “triple-flash” illusion) most often when the interflash delay matches the period of participant's oscillatory impulse response function reverberating in alpha. Within-subject, the phase and power of ongoing parietal, but not occipital, alpha-band oscillations at the time of the first flash determine illusory percept on a trial-by-trial basis. We revealed a physiologically plausible mechanism that validates and extends the original theoretical account of the triple-flash illusion proposed by Bowen in 1989.
Local nonprofit and government organization conceptualizations of disaster response effectiveness

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv LIST OF TABLES . viii LIST OF FIGURES . ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 Background . 1 Complexity of Dealing with Disasters . 2 A Brief History of How Disasters Have Been Dealt within the United States . 4 Significance . 9 Conclusion . 11 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 12 Differences between Nonprofits and Government in Organizational Literature . 12 Differences between Nonprofits and Government Articulated in the Disaster Literature . 16 Conclusion . 22 CHAPTER THREE: AN INITIAL DATA COLLECTION EFFORT . 23 Methodological Approach . 23 Population and Sampling . 24 Data Collection . 25 Conclusion . 31
Film formation by marine bacteria at a model fluid interface

We have characterized the nonspecific interactions in the initial attachment and film formation by marine bacteria at a dynamic fluid interface: seawater/dropping mercury electrode. Experimental evidence is presented that bacteria readily establish molecular contact with the metal substrate without mediation of a conditioning film. Prevalence of hydrophobic over electrostatic interactions and the possible importance of Ca2+ bridging could be inferred. The attachment of individual bacterial cells is faster than their transport from the aqueous medium, as is the case in the transport-controlled adsorption of hiopolymers. The cell aggregates yield distinct electrical attachment signals, allowing a comparison between cell-cell and cell-substrate affinities. The cell-cell interactions, as well as the interaction of cell aggregates with negatively charged substrate, were greatly enhanced in seawater compared to pure NaCl solutions. The model experiments point out that marine bacteria should represent a sign~flcant component of the initial fllm formed at freshly exposed surfaces in seawater. This was found to hold for bacterial strains whether they were initially isolated as attached or as free-livlng.
Improved δ(13)C analysis of amino sugars in soil by ion chromatography-oxidation-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE Amino sugars build up microbial cell walls and are important components of soil organic matter. To evaluate their sources and turnover, δ(13)C analysis of soil-derived amino sugars by liquid chromatography was recently suggested. However, amino sugar δ(13)C determination remains challenging due to (1) a strong matrix effect, (2) CO2 -binding by alkaline eluents, and (3) strongly different chromatographic behavior and concentrations of basic and acidic amino sugars. To overcome these difficulties we established an ion chromatography-oxidation-isotope ratio mass spectrometry method to improve and facilitate soil amino sugar analysis. METHODS After acid hydrolysis of soil samples, the extract was purified from salts and other components impeding chromatographic resolution. The amino sugar concentrations and δ(13)C values were determined by coupling an ion chromatograph to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The accuracy and precision of quantification and δ(13)C determination were assessed. RESULTS Internal standards enabled correction for losses during analysis, with a relative standard deviation <6%. The higher magnitude peaks of basic than of acidic amino sugars required an amount-dependent correction of δ(13)C values. This correction improved the accuracy of the determination of δ(13)C values to <1.5‰ and the precision to <0.5‰ for basic and acidic amino sugars in a single run. CONCLUSIONS This method enables parallel quantification and δ(13)C determination of basic and acidic amino sugars in a single chromatogram due to the advantages of coupling an ion chromatograph to the isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Small adjustments of sample amount and injection volume are necessary to optimize precision and accuracy for individual soils.
Effects of nitrous oxide on cerebral haemodynamics and metabolism during isoflurane anaesthesia in man

Seven normoventilated and five hyperventilated healthy adults undergoing cholecystectomy and anaesthetized with methohexitone, fentanyl and pancuronium were studied with measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRo2), and quantified electroencephalography (EEG) under two sets of conditions: 1) 1.7% end‐tidal concentration of isoflurane in air/oxygen; 2) 0.85% end‐tidal concentration of isoflurane in nitrous oxide (N2O)/oxygen. The object was to study the effects of N2O during isoflurane anaesthesia on cerebral circulation, metabolism and neuroelectric activity. N2O in the anaesthetic gas mixture caused a 43% (P<0.05) increase in CBF during normocarbic conditions but no significant change during hypocapnia. CMRo2 was not significantly altered by N2O. EEG demonstrated an activated pattern with decreased low frequency activity and increased high frequency activity. The results confirm that N2O is a potent cerebral vasodilator in man, although the mechanisms underlying the effects on CBF are still unclear.
Hybrid Control of Contention Window and Frame Aggregation for Performance Enhancement in Multirate WLANs

The IEEE 802.11 standard has been evolved to support multiple transmission rates in wireless local area networks (WLANs) to cope with diverse channel conditions and to increase throughput. However, when stations with different transmission rates coexist, the basic channel access mechanism of WLAN, distributed coordination function (DCF), not only fails to assure airtime fairness among competing stations but also decreases overall network throughput, because DCF was designed to provide fair opportunity of channel access, regardless of transmission rate. As an effective solution to this problem, we propose a hybrid control mechanism that integrates contention window control and frame aggregation. The former adjusts the size of contention window and differentiates the channel access opportunity depending on the transmission rates of stations. The latter controls the number of packets in the aggregated frame to tightly assure per-station airtime fairness with the reduced channel access overheads. Moreover, we derive an analytical model to evaluate the performance of the proposed mechanism in terms of throughput and fairness. Along with the analysis results, the extensive simulation results confirm that the proposed mechanism significantly increases the overall throughput by about three times compared to the conventional DCF, while assuring airtime fairness strictly.