Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pre-stimulus Alpha Oscillations and Inter-subject Variability of Motor Evoked Potentials in Single- and Paired-Pulse TMS Paradigms

Inter- and intra-subject variability of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to TMS is a well-known phenomenon. Although a possible link between this variability and ongoing brain oscillations was demonstrated, the results of the studies are not consistent with each other. Exploring this topic further is important since the modulation of MEPs provides unique possibility to relate oscillatory cortical phenomena to the state of the motor cortex probed with TMS. Given that alpha oscillations were shown to reflect cortical excitability, we hypothesized that their power and variability might explain the modulation of subject-specific MEPs to single- and paired-pulse TMS (spTMS, ppTMS, respectively). Neuronal activity was recorded with multichannel electroencephalogram. We used spTMS and two ppTMS conditions: intracortical facilitation (ICF) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI). Spearman correlations were calculated within and across subjects between MEPs and the pre-stimulus power of alpha oscillations in low (8–10 Hz) and high (10–12 Hz) frequency bands. Coefficient of quartile variation was used to measure variability. Across-subject analysis revealed no difference in the pre-stimulus alpha power among the TMS conditions. However, the variability of high-alpha power in spTMS condition was larger than in the SICI condition. In ICF condition pre-stimulus high-alpha power variability correlated positively with MEP amplitude variability. No correlation has been observed between the pre-stimulus alpha power and MEP responses in any of the conditions. Our results show that the variability of the alpha oscillations can be more predictive of TMS effects than the commonly used power of oscillations and we provide further support for the dissociation of high and low-alpha bands in predicting responses produced by the stimulation of the motor cortex.
Preliminary Version Improving Constructiveness in Code Generators

Perfectly synchronous systems immediately react to the inputs of their environment. These instantaneous reactions may result in so-called causality cycles between the actions of a system and their preconditions. Programs with causality cycles may or may not have consistent and unambiguous behaviors. For this reason, compilers have to perform a causality analysis before code generation. In this paper, we analyze the impact of different code generation schemes on causality analysis and propose translations that yield different degrees of causality. To this end, we first translate the program to an equation system as an intermediate representation, which may alternatively be viewed as a hardware circuit. The second step then analyzes the equation system as known from ternary simulation of hardware circuits with combinational feedback loops. In particular, we consider alternative ways to obtain logically equivalent equation systems that show, however, different results in causality analysis.
Cancer and Its Association With the Development of Coronary Artery Calcification: An Assessment From the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background Although cancer and its corresponding therapies are associated with increased ischemic heart disease, the temporal relationship between cancer and the development of coronary artery calcium (CAC), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, is unknown. Methods and Results Among 3122 men and women free of cardiovascular disease and cancer in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis trial, CAC scoring was performed at baseline (2000–2002) and at follow‐up (2010–2012). Over this 10‐year period, 85 men (age 63.6±8.3 years) and 50 women (age 62.1±9.8 years) were diagnosed with cancer (predominantly breast, lung, or uterine [52%] in women and prostate or colorectal [78%] in men). The other 2987 subjects (age 59.6±9.2 years for men, 59.7±9.4 years for women) remained cancer free. The incidence of new CAC (baseline Agatston score of zero converting to detectable CAC) was modeled with relative risk regression and compared for cancer versus no cancer. Increase in pre‐existing CAC was compared in these groups using linear regression of log transformed CAC. The incidence of CAC was independently associated with cancer history (relative risk 1.32 [P=0.04] and 1.29 [P=0.01] for women and men, respectively). In participants with CAC at baseline, a clear difference of CAC progression was not observed between cancer and noncancer participants (P=0.6 for women, P=0.2 for men). Conclusions A diagnosis of cancer is associated with the development of CAC even after accounting for atherosclerotic risk factors. However, in individuals with pre‐existing CAC, it is not clear whether the presence of cancer accelerates CAC over time.
How caregivers perceive and mediate children’s books featuring media characters in the United States

ABSTRACT Caregivers manage pre-school children’s media choices; however, most research has examined electronic and digital media, while books remain the predominant medium for this age group. We explore how caregivers perceive and mediate children’s books, with an emphasis on those portraying popular media characters, through two qualitative studies. Through non-participant observation at the public library, we capture how caregivers and children negotiate and choose books. While a few caregivers employed restrictive mediation, most valued children’s book choices, irrespective of content. Our interview study of parents largely supports the findings of our observation study. Some parents revealed their concerns about age-inappropriate or problematic characters and passively avoided the books with those characters. However, parents primarily respected their children’s book preferences. The ways in which caregivers shape their children’s media and book reading are discussed.
Sets of Globally Optimal Stream Surfaces for Flow Visualization

Stream surfaces are a well‐studied and widely used tool for the visualization of 3D flow fields. Usually, stream surface seeding is carried out manually in time‐consuming trial and error procedures. Only recently automatic selection methods were proposed. Local methods support the selection of a set of stream surfaces, but, contrary to global selection methods, they evaluate only the quality of the seeding lines but not the quality of the whole stream surfaces. Global methods, on the other hand, only support the selection of a single optimal stream surface until now. However, for certain flow fields a single stream surface is not sufficient to represent all flow features.
Classifying Patterns in a Spiking Neural Network

Learning rules for spiking neural networks have emerged that can classify spatio-temporal spiking patterns as precise target spike trains, although there remains uncertainty in which rule to select that offers the greatest performance. Here, we quantify the performance of a stochastic neuron model in learning to classify input patterns by precise target re- sponses as outputs, and compare its performance against other learning rules. We achieve a level of performance that is comparable with that found previously for alternative neuron models, and demonstrate the ad- vantages of classifying inputs by multiple-spike timings: both by increasing the performance and the reliability of classifications.
A runtime model for fUML

With the introduction of fUML, an OMG standard defining the operational semantics of a subset of UML and the conforming virtual machine, UML models can be used not only for informal design sketching but also for completely building executable systems. Although this has been an important step for UML, the full potential of having executable UML models, such as enabling runtime analysis and adaptation, cannot be realized using the standardized virtual machine due to the lack of the adequate means for accessing important runtime information and controlling the execution of UML models. In this paper, we aim at establishing the necessary basis to overcome this limitation. Therefore, we introduce extensions of the standardized fUML virtual machine in terms of a dedicated trace model, an event model, and a command API. We provide an open-source implementation of the proposed extensions, as well as a model debugger for UML models based on this implementation to demonstrate the feasibility of the presented concepts.
The relation between design patterns and schema theory

Patterns capture the design knowledge of experts. But how is this expertise represented by the expert? When we mine for patterns, what is the ground in which we seek? Are there patterns in our head? And if so, how do the patterns in our head relate to the design patterns in the real world and the patterns we document? This paper tries to give some answers by referring to the principles of psychological schema theory. Schemas are some sort of patterns in our heads. A special type of schema, the problem schema, has many features in common with design patterns. The paper will discuss how schemata are organized in memory, how they are activated and constructed. At the end, we will discuss implications for the mining of patterns.
Fuzzy Logic Control for active suspension of a Non-Linear Full-Vehicle Model

This paper describes the suspension control of a seven-degree of freedom (7-DOF) Non-Linear Full-Vehicle Model. The system is controlled by a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) using Skyhook theory. The proposed model takes into consideration heave, pitch and roll motions of the vehicle. Multiple road input effects on the vehicle are evaluated through simulations. The simulation results show that the developed fuzzy controller improves ride comfort without sacrificing safety.
Human osteogenic protein-1 induces both chondroblastic and osteoblastic differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells derived from newborn rat calvaria

Osteogenetic protein-1 (OP-1), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, induces endochondrial bone formation at subcutaneous sites in vivo and stimulates osteoblastic phenotypic expression in vitro. Primary cultures of newborn rat calvarial cells contain a spectrum of osteogenic phenotypes ranging from undifferentiated mesenchymal osteoprogenitor cells to parathyroid hormone (PTH)-responsive osteoblasts. We examined whether treatment of this cell population with recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 could induce chondrogenesis in vitro. Markers of chondroblastic versus osteoblastic differentiation included alcian blue staining at pH 1, alkaline phosphatase-specific activity, osteocalcin radioimmunoassay, and expression of collagen mRNAs. 6 d of treatment (culture days 1-7) with 4-100 ng OP-1/ml caused dose-dependent increases in alcian blue staining intensity and alkaline phosphatase activity (4.7- and 3.4-fold, respectively, at 40 ng/ml), while osteocalcin production decreased twofold. Clusters of round, refractile, alcian blue-stained cells appeared by day 3, increased in number until day 7, and then became hypertrophic and gradually became less distinct. Histochemically, the day 7 clusters were associated with high alkaline phosphatase activity and became mineralized. mRNA transcripts for collagen types II and IX were increased by OP-1, peaking at day 4, while type X collagen mRNA was detectable only on day 7 in OP-1-treated cultures. Delay of OP-1 exposure until confluence (day 7) amplifies expression of the normal osteoblastic phenotype and accelerates its developmental maturation. In contrast, early OP-1 treatment commencing on day 1 strongly amplifies chondroblastic differentiation. In the same protocol, TGF-beta 1 alone at 0.01-40 ng/ml fails to induce any hypertrophic chondrocytes, and in combination with OP-1, TGF-beta 1 blocks OP-1-dependent chondroinduction. OP-1 is believed to act on a subpopulation of primitive osteoprogenitor cells to induce endochondrial ossification, but does not appear to reverse committed osteoblasts to the chondrocyte phenotype.
Managing the Enriched Experience Network - Learning-Outcome Approach to the Experimental Design Life-Cycle

Experimental design methods have long been used in scientific areas such as agriculture, biology and physics to minimise error and assure validity. Although most network researchers performing experiments with testbeds and simula- tions implicitly follow scientific method, until recently there has been little emphasis on improving experimental design methods. Traditional experimental design focuses on experiments where the scope and objectives are relatively constrained, however network research in innovative areas where there is little or no precedence often has changing objectives that evolve over time. We describe the learning-outcome approach to the experimental design life-cycle that applies the concepts of systems development life-cycle models used in software engineering, as well as learning taxonomies used in education. Our approach extends traditional experimental design by providing a more comprehensive and efficient way of decomposing an experimental research project into manageable stages that are designed rather than improvised, leading to a well-structured way of assessing the knowledge gained. We provide an insight into our experiences with this approach in the context of experimental research in manage- ment of Alcatel Australia's new-generation Enriched Experience Network.
Woody Biomass Estimation in a Southwestern U.S. Juniper Savanna Using LiDAR-Derived Clumped Tree Segmentation and Existing Allometries

The rapid and accurate assessment of above ground biomass (AGB) of woody vegetation is a critical component of climate mitigation strategies, land management practices and process-based models of ecosystem function. This is especially true of semi-arid ecosystems, where the high variability in precipitation and disturbance regimes can have dramatic impacts on the global carbon budget by rapidly transitioning AGB between live and dead pools. Measuring regional AGB requires scaling ground-based measurements using remote sensing, an inherently challenging task in the sparsely-vegetated, spatially-heterogeneous landscapes characteristic of semi-arid regions. Here, we test the ability of canopy segmentation and statistic generation based on aerial LiDAR (light detection and ranging)-derived 3D point clouds to derive AGB in clumps of vegetation in a juniper savanna in central New Mexico. We show that single crown segmentation, often an error-prone and challenging task, is not required to produce accurate estimates of AGB. We leveraged the relationship between the volume of the segmented vegetation clumps and the equivalent stem diameter of the corresponding trees (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.001) to drive the allometry for J. monosperma on a per segment basis. Further, we showed that making use of the full 3D point cloud from LiDAR for the generation of canopy object statistics improved that relationship by including canopy segment point density as a covariate (R2 = 0.91). This work suggests the potential for LiDAR-derived estimates of AGB in spatially-heterogeneous and highly-clumped ecosystems.
Real-time facial feature extraction and emotion recognition

In this paper, the implementation details of a real-time facial feature extraction and emotion recognition system are discussed. The proposed method uses edge counting and image-correlation optical flow techniques to calculate the local motion vectors of facial feature. Thereafter the determination of the emotional state of a subject using a neural network is discussed. The main objective of the paper is the real-time implementation of a facial emotion recognition system. The techniques used in conventional off-line calculations are modified to make real-time implementation possible. A variety of improved techniques to the general algorithms such as edge focusing, global motion cancellation are proposed and implemented. In this paper, a maximum frame rate of 11.1 per second for a resolution of 320 by 240 is achieved. Feature extraction accuracy as high as 93.3% for best combination facial feature extraction was achieved. Emotion recognition accuracy as high as 60% was achieved based on the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) face database. Speed improvement achieved over previous off-line processing method is in excess of 20 times.
Collective Bargaining and Innovation

At the level of theory, the effect of collective bargaining on innovation is disputed. The U.S. evidence clearly points to adverse effects, but other-country experience suggests that certain industrial relations systems, or the wider regulatory apparatus, might even tip the balance in favor of unions. Our pooled cross section and difference-in-differences estimates provide weak evidence that German collective bargaining inhibits innovation. However, in conjunction with workplace representation, it might even foster innovative activity.
HYPANT : A Hypergame Analysis Tool

vii 1 Previous Research . 1 1.1 Game Theory . 1 1.1.1 Prisoner’s Dilemma . 2 1.2 Metagames . 3 1.3 Conflict Analysis . 3 1.4 Shortcomings of Game Theory . 4 1.5 Hypergames . 5 1.5. 1 Strategic Surprise in Hypergames . 6 1.5. 2 Deception in Hypergames . 7 1.6 Computerised Tools for Game Analysis . 8 2 Research Methods . 9 2.1 Specifications . 9 2.2 Implementation . 10 2.2.1 Hypergame Modelling Language (HML) . 10 2.2.2 Client Output . 13 2.2.3 Algorithm Implementation . 13 2.3 Testing . 14 2.3.1 Parser . 14 2.3.2 Analysis Algorithm . 15 3 Results . 16 3.1 Cuban Missile Crisis . 17 3.2 Operation Overlord . 18 3.3 Fall of France . 19
The quest for hot gas in the halo of NGC 1511

XMM-Newton observations of the starburst galaxy NGC 1511 reveal the presence of a previously unknown extended hot gaseous phase of its ISM, which partly extends out of the disk plane. The emission distribution is asymmetric, being brightest in the eastern half of the galaxy, where also radio continuum observations suggest the highest level of star formation. Spectral analysis of the integral 0.2–12 keV X-ray emission from NGC 1511 indicates a complex emission composition. A model comprising a power law plus thermal plasma component, both absorbed by foreground gas, cannot explain all details of the observed spectrum, requiring a third spectral component to be added. This component can be a second thermal plasma, but other spectral models can be fitted as well. Its X-ray properties characterize NGC 1511 as a starburst galaxy. The X-ray-to-infrared luminosity ratio is consistent with this result. Together with the X-ray data, XMM-Newton obtained UV images of NGC 1511, tracing massive stars heating the ambient gas, which is then seen in H α emission. UV, H α and near-infrared imagery suggest that NGC 1511 is disturbed, most likely by its two small companions, NGC 1511a and NGC 1511b.
Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization with Scout Particles for Library Materials Acquisition

Materials acquisition is one of the critical challenges faced by academic libraries. This paper presents an integer programming model of the studied problem by considering how to select materials in order to maximize the average preference and the budget execution rate under some practical restrictions including departmental budget, limitation of the number of materials in each category and each language. To tackle the constrained problem, we propose a discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO) with scout particles, where each particle, represented as a binary matrix, corresponds to a candidate solution to the problem. An initialization algorithm and a penalty function are designed to cope with the constraints, and the scout particles are employed to enhance the exploration within the solution space. To demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed DPSO, a series of computational experiments are designed and conducted. The results are statistically analyzed, and it is evinced that the proposed DPSO is an effective approach for the studied problem.
Efficient Bidirectional Decision-Feedback Receiver for MBOK Direct Sequence

A highly efficient receiver, called the RAKE with bidirectional decision-feedback receiver, for M -ary biorthogonal keying (MBOK) direct-sequence ultra-wideband (UWB) radio is proposed. Based on a compact signal model for UWB channel dispersion over many consecutive symbols, the proposed receiver is designed to cancel all the post- and precursor intersymbol interferences as well as multicode interference at symbol rate. For practical implementation, a fast computation algorithm is also derived. Under the 802.15. 3a CM2 and CM4 UWB channels, simulation results show the receiver can attain a near-optimum performance in terms of the matched filter bound, with only a moderate increase in the receiver complexity compared with the baseline RAKE receiver.
Predictability of Motor Outcome According to the Time of Motor Evoked Potentials From the Onset of Stroke in Patients With Putaminal Hemorrhage

Objective To determine the predictability of motor evoked potentials (MEP) in patients with putaminal hemorrhage (PH) according to the time of MEP from the onset of stroke. Methods Sixty consecutive patients with PH from January 2006 to November 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Motor function of affected extremities was measured at onset time and at six months after the onset. Patients were classified into two groups according to the time of MEP from the onset of stroke: early MEP group (within 15 days from onset) and late MEP group (16-30 days from onset). Patients were also classified into two groups according to the presence of MEP on the affected abductor pollicis brevis (APB): MEP (+) group-patients (showing MEP in the affected APB) and MEP (-) group-patients (no MEP in the affected APB). Motor outcome was compared between the two early and late MEP groups or between the presence and absence of MEP in the affected APB groups. Results For patients with MEP (+), a larger portion in the late MEP group showed good prognosis compared to the early MEP group (late MEP, 94.4%; early MEP, 80%). In contrast, in patients with MEP (-), a larger portion of patients in the late MEP group showed bad prognosis compared to the early MEP group (late MEP, 80%; early MEP, 71.4%). No significant improvement of MI between MEP (+) and MEP (-) was observed when MEP was performed early or late. Conclusion Our results revealed that the predictability of motor outcome might be better if MEP is performed late compared to that when MEP is performed early in patients with PH.