Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online Artifact Removal for Brain-Computer Interfaces Using Support Vector Machines and Blind Source Separation

We propose a combination of blind source separation (BSS) and independent component analysis (ICA) (signal decomposition into artifacts and nonartifacts) with support vector machines (SVMs) (automatic classification) that are designed for online usage. In order to select a suitable BSS/ICA method, three ICA algorithms (JADE, Infomax, and FastICA) and one BSS algorithm (AMUSE) are evaluated to determine their ability to isolate electromyographic (EMG) and electrooculographic (EOG) artifacts into individual components. An implementation of the selected BSS/ICA method with SVMs trained to classify EMG and EOG artifacts, which enables the usage of the method as a filter in measurements with online feedback, is described. This filter is evaluated on three BCI datasets as a proof-of-concept of the method.
Micromachined acoustic device for diagnostic applications

Monolithic integrated lab-on-a-chip systems are gaining more and more attention. The ability of having everything on a single chip allows for miniaturization and flexibility. However, some of the currently applied devices are based on materials non-compatible with semiconductor processing techniques; in this paper, a micromachined device based on a high-quality semiconductor material is presented and evaluated for its potential to diagnostics.
Performance Optimization for Multi-User Orthogonal Space-Time Block Coding with Maximum Likelihood and Zero-Forcing Receivers

A multi-user MIMO channel is characterized by multiple degrees of freedom that can be alternatively exploited for increasing the link quality through diversity or improving the achievable data-rate through spatial multiplexing. A convenient trade-off between diversity and multiplexing gain is achieved by multi-user orthogonal space-time block coding (OSTBC): an independent space-time code is employed on each user link, while multiple users are spatially multiplexed for additional capacity. This paper addresses the optimization of multi-user OSTBC systems where the receiver is provided with multiple antennas. The study explicitly addresses both ideal maximum likelihood receivers and linear zero-forcing receivers in a general setting that is able to model, e.g., a multiple access channel with uncorrelated receive antennas. Assuming K scheduled users, it is shown that system performance optimization can be decoupled into K simpler independent convex optimization problems that are conveniently solved in a distributed fashion.
Calibration Weighting in Stratified Random Sampling

A new calibration estimator is proposed to estimate the population mean in the stratified random sampling. The corrected expression of Tracy et al. (2003) calibrated weights are presented and new improved calibration weights are introduced. Theoretical variance of the suggested estimator is discussed. Also a simulation study is carried out to show the properties of the proposed estimator.
String-Stable CACC Design and Experimental Validation: A Frequency-Domain Approach

The design of a cooperative adaptive cruise-control (CACC) system and its practical validation are presented. Focusing on the feasibility of implementation, a decentralized controller design with a limited communication structure is proposed (in this case, a wireless communication link with the nearest preceding vehicle only). A necessary and sufficient frequency-domain condition for string stability is derived, taking into account heterogeneous traffic, i.e., vehicles with possibly different characteristics. For a velocity-dependent intervehicle spacing policy, it is shown that the wireless communication link enables driving at small intervehicle distances, whereas string stability is guaranteed. For a constant velocity-independent intervehicle spacing, string stability cannot be guaranteed. To validate the theoretical results, experiments are performed with two CACC-equipped vehicles. Implementation of the CACC system, the string-stability characteristics of the practical setup, and experimental results are discussed, indicating the advantages of the design over standard adaptive-cruise-control functionality.
The Influence of Known Genetic Variants on Subclinical Cardiovascular Outcomes in Childhood: Generation R Study

Background—Genome-wide association studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for subclinical cardiovascular outcomes in adults. We examined the influence of these variants on the same outcomes in childhood. Methods and Results—In a population-based prospective cohort study among 4137 children, we examined the associations of SNPs, individually and incorporated in genetic risk scores, which were identified in adults for cardiac (2 SNPs for left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and 5 SNPs for aortic root diameter) and blood pressure outcomes (29 SNPs for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, 22 SNPs for mean arterial pressure, and 10 SNPs for pulse pressure) with the same outcomes in children (median age of 6.0 years [95% range, 4.5–8.7]). Weighted and unweighted risk scores for aortic root diameter were associated with childhood aortic root diameter (difference per additional average risk allele 0.09 mm [95% CI: 0.05, 0.13]). Weighted and unweighted risk scores for pulse pressure were associated with childhood pulse pressure (difference per additional average risk allele 0.22 mm Hg [95% CI: 0.08, 0.35] and 0.18 mm Hg [95% CI: 0.05, 0.31], respectively), but not with childhood systolic or diastolic blood pressure or mean arterial pressure. The risk scores for blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were not associated with any of the childhood blood pressure outcomes. Conclusions—Genetic risk scores based on SNPs for aortic root diameter and pulse pressure in adults are associated with the same outcomes in children. SNPs related to cardiovascular outcomes in adulthood at least partly influence cardiovascular development from early life onwards.
Analysis of the Performance of MMC Under Fault Conditions in HVDC-Based Offshore Wind Farms

This paper analyzes the behavior of a modular multilevel converter-high-voltage direct-current (MMC-HVDC)-connected offshore wind power plant (WPP) during dc faults. For that purpose, detailed models of the dc cable, MMC stations, and transformers have been used in order to obtain reliable results. The influence of the WPP control method in the short-circuit behavior of the HVDC link has also been studied. Results show that the dynamics of the WPP contribution to pole-to-ground faults are slightly slower than those of the wind turbines current control loops. Therefore, the wind turbine front-end converters can be used to reduce the peak and average value of the fault current in such a system. Moreover, it has been found that ferroresonant oscillations can appear in the offshore ac grid when the WPP delivers constant power during faults.
The Effects of Self-Controlled Video Feedback on the Learning of the Basketball Set Shot

Allowing learners to control some aspect of instructional support (e.g., augmented feedback) appears to facilitate motor skill acquisition. No studies, however, have examined self-controlled (SC) video feedback without the provision of additional attentional cueing. The purpose of this study was to extend previous SC research using video feedback about movement form for the basketball set shot without explicitly directing attention to specific aspects of the movement. The SC group requested video feedback of their performance following any trial during the acquisition phase. The yoked group received feedback according to a schedule created by a SC counterpart. During acquisition participants were also allowed to view written instructional cues at any time. Results revealed that the SC group had significantly higher form scores during the transfer phase and utilized the instructional cues more frequently during acquisition. Post-training questionnaire responses indicated no preference for requesting or receiving feedback following good trials as reported by Chiviacowsky and Wulf (2002, 2005). The nature of the task was such that participants could have assigned both positive and negative evaluations to different aspects of the movement during the same trial. Thus, the lack of preferences along with the similarity in scores for feedback and no-feedback trials may simply have reflected this complexity. Importantly, however, the results indicated that SC video feedback conferred a learning benefit without the provision of explicit additional attentional cueing.
The role of preschool quality in promoting child development: evidence from rural Indonesia*

ABSTRACT This article examines the relationship between preschool quality and children’s early development in a sample of over 7900 children enrolled in 578 preschools in rural Indonesia. Quality was measured by: (1) classroom observations using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R); (2) teacher characteristics; and (3) structural characteristics of preschools. Children’s development was measured using the Early Development Instrument (EDI). The article proposes two methodological improvements to preschool quality studies. First, an instrumental variable approach is used to correct for measurement error. Second, ECERS-R is adjusted to the local context by contrasting items with Indonesia’s national preschool standards. Results show that observed classroom quality is a significant and meaningful positive predictor of children’s development once models correct for measurement error and apply a locally-adapted measure of classroom quality. In contrast, teacher characteristics and structural characteristics are not significant predictors of child development, while holding observed classroom quality constant.
Degrees of Freedom of Multiple Broadcast Channels in the Presence of Inter-Cell Interference

In this paper, we provide lower and upper bounds for the number of degree of freedom (DOF) of B multiple-input single-output (MISO) broadcast channels (BC) where each base station (BS) equipped with M antennas supports its corresponding K single antenna users suffering from inter-cell interference. The sufficient and necessary condition for tightness of two bounds is presented. From the derived result, it can be observed that in-cell receiver cooperation does not help in most of the cases in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) interference channel (IFC) except for one special case. Even for that special case, the DOFs with and without in-cell receive cooperation approach the same value for large K. Also, in a MIMO IFC with symmetric antenna settings (i.e., M = K), if both transmit and receive cooperations are removed to make it a single-input single-output (SISO) IFC, we show that the DOF is not affected. In addition, the DOF is studied for two mutually interfering broadcast channels in the presence of a cognitive BS. We obtain an interesting result that disabling in-cell receive cooperation of the MIMO IFC causes no DOF loss if at least one of two transmitters is a cognitive BS.
Whole body heat stress attenuates the pressure response to muscle metaboreceptor stimulation in humans.

The effects of whole body heat stress on sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to stimulation of muscle metaboreceptors and mechanoreceptors remains unclear. We examined the muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), blood pressure, and heart rate in 14 young healthy subjects during fatiguing isometric handgrip exercise, postexercise circulatory occlusion (PECO), and passive muscle stretch during PECO. The protocol was performed under normothermic and whole body heat stress (increase internal temperature ~0.6°C via a heating suit) conditions. Heat stress increased the resting MSNA and heart rate. Heat stress did not alter the mean blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, and MSNA responses (i.e., changes) to fatiguing exercise. During PECO, whole body heat stress accentuated the heart rate response [change (Δ) of 5.8 ± 1.5 to Δ10. 0 ± 2.1 beats/min, P = 0.03], did not alter the MSNA response (Δ16.4 ± 2.8 to Δ17.3 ± 3.8 bursts/min, P = 0.74), and lowered the MAP response (Δ20 ± 2 to Δ12 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.001). Under normothermic conditions, passive stretch during PECO evoked significant increases in MAP and MSNA (both P < 0.001). Of note, heat stress prevented the MAP and MSNA responses to stretch during PECO (both P > 0.05). These data suggest that whole body heat stress attenuates the pressor response due to metaboreceptor stimulation, and the sympathetic nerve response due to mechanoreceptor stimulation.
Seeing by touching: Cross-modal matching for tactile and vision measurements

In this paper, we investigate the visual-tactile cross-modal matching problem which is formulated as retrieving the relevant samples in unlabeled gallery visual dataset in response to the tactile query sample. Such a problem exhibits non-trivial challenges because there does not exist sample-to-sample pairing relation between tactile and visual modalities, which exhibit significantly different characteristics. To this end, we design a dictionary learning model which can simultaneously learn the projection subspace and the latent common dictionary for the visual and tactile measurements. In addition, an optimization algorithm is developed to effectively solve the common dictionary learning problem. Based on the obtained solutions, the visual-tactile cross-modal matching method can be easily established. Finally, we perform experimental validations on the PHAC-2 datasets to show the effectiveness of the proposed visual-tactile cross-modal matching framework and method.
hSSB1 rapidly binds at the sites of DNA double-strand breaks and is required for the efficient recruitment of the MRN complex

hSSB1 is a newly discovered single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein that is essential for efficient DNA double-strand break signalling through ATM. However, the mechanism by which hSSB1 functions to allow efficient signalling is unknown. Here, we show that hSSB1 is recruited rapidly to sites of double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) in all interphase cells (G1, S and G2) independently of, CtIP, MDC1 and the MRN complex (Rad50, Mre11, NBS1). However expansion of hSSB1 from the DSB site requires the function of MRN. Strikingly, silencing of hSSB1 prevents foci formation as well as recruitment of MRN to sites of DSBs and leads to a subsequent defect in resection of DSBs as evident by defective RPA and ssDNA generation. Our data suggests that hSSB1 functions upstream of MRN to promote its recruitment at DSBs and is required for efficient resection of DSBs. These findings, together with previous work establish essential roles of hSSB1 in controlling ATM activation and activity, and subsequent DSB resection and homologous recombination (HR).
Are Capital Jurors Willing To Serve Again? Investigating Race And Perceptions Of Procedural Fairness In The Deliberation Room

iv INTRODUCTION . 1 WILLINGNESS TO SERVE ON A JURY . 2 Why citizens may be unwilling to serve as jurors . 3 What differentiates satisfaction and willingness to serve again? 5 RACE AND PROCEDURAL FAIRNESS . 9 Race and perceptions . 9 Applying the sense of injustice and group position models to capital juries . 10 Procedural justice in the deliberation room . 11 THE PRESENT STUDY . 13 DATA AND METHODS . 17 Dependent variables . 18 Independent variables . 19 Control variables . 20 Analysis plan . 21 RESULTS . 22 Correlations . 22 Race, procedural justice, and other factors . 22 DISCUSSION . 24 Mediating effects of procedural justice . 24 Mediating effects of emotion . 26 Other considerations for willingness to serve again . 28 Limitations and future research . 30 CONCLUSION . 32 REFERENCES . 36 APPENDICES . 44
Hepatic lipid accumulation in apolipoprotein C-I-deficient mice is potentiated by cholesteryl ester transfer proteins⃞ Published, JLR Papers in Press, October 19, 2006.

The impact of apolipoprotein C-I (apoC-I) deficiency on hepatic lipid metabolism was addressed in mice in the presence or the absence of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). In addition to the expected moderate reduction in plasma cholesterol levels, apoCIKO mice showed significant increases in the hepatic content of cholesteryl esters (+58%) and triglycerides (+118%) and in biliary cholesterol concentration (+35%) as compared with wild-type mice. In the presence of CETP, hepatic alterations resulting from apoC-I deficiency were enforced, with up to 58% and 302% increases in hepatic levels of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides in CETPTg/apoCIKO mice versus CETPTg mice, respectively. Biliary levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, and bile acids were increased by 88, 77, and 20%, respectively, whereas total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in plasma were further reduced in CETPTg/apoCIKO mice versus CETPTg mice. Finally, apoC-I deficiency was not associated with altered VLDL production rate. In line with the previously recognized inhibition of lipoprotein clearance by apoC-I, apoC-I deficiency led to decreased plasma lipid concentration, hepatic lipid accumulation, and increased biliary excretion of cholesterol. The effect was even greater when the alternate reverse cholesterol transport pathway via VLDL/LDL was boosted in the presence of CETP.
A Single-Stage AC/DC Converter With High Power Factor, Regulated Bus Voltage, and Output Voltage

Unlike existing single-stage AC/DC converters with uncontrolled intermediate bus voltage, a new single-stage AC/DC converter achieving power factor correction (PFC), intermediate bus voltage output regulation, and output voltage regulation is proposed. The converter is formed by integrating a boost PFC converter with a two-switch clamped flyback converter into a single power stage circuit. The current stress of the main power switch is reduced due to separated conduction period of the two source currents flowing through the power switch. A dual-loop current mode controller is proposed to achieve PFC, and ensure independent bus voltage and output voltage regulations. Experimental results on a 24-V/100-W hardware prototype are given to confirm the theoretical analysis and performance of the proposed converter.
3-D IMAGING AND COMPRESSION – SYNTHETIC HYBRID OR NATURAL FIT?

International Workshop on Synthetic-Natural Hybrid Coding and Three Dimensional Imaging IWSNHC3DI’99, Santorini, Greece, September 1999. This paper highlights recent advances in image compression aided by 3-D geometry information. As two examples, we present a modelaided video coder for efficient compression of head-and-shoulder scenes and a geometry-aided coder for 4-D light fields for image-based rendering. Both examples illustrate that an explicit representation of 3-D geometry is advantageous if many views of the same 3-D object or scene have to be encoded. Waveform-coding and 3-D model-based coding can be combined in a ratedistortion framework, such that the generality of waveform coding and the efficiency of 3-D models are available where needed.
Development of Career Beliefs Scale: Establishing Construct and Criterion related Validity for Pakistani Employees

Career beliefs play a significant role in determining career related outcomes. Therefore, development of an indigenous Career Beliefs Scale was undertaken in this study. In Phase I, the items were generated. Phase II the scale was administered on employees (N=228) for determining Factor Structure of the scale. Principal Component factor analysis revealed two factors labeled as Facilitating Career Beliefs and Career Myths. The alpha coefficients demonstrated high internal consistency (.85 and .78) of subscales of Career Beliefs Scale. Evidence for concurrent validity was established by correlating Career Beliefs Scale with Career Satisfaction Scale (Greenhaus, Parasuraman, & Wormley, 1990) scores. The results showed positive relationship between facilitating career beliefs and career satisfaction while a non-significant relationship between career myths and career satisfaction. Discriminant validity was established by correlating Career Beliefs Scale with Minimarker Personality Inventory (Saucier, 1994). Facilitating Career Beliefs and Career Myths correlated with five factors of personality in theoretically justified direction. Since, analysis provided sufficient psychometric properties of Career Beliefs Scale, hence; it is a reliable and valid measure for assessing career beliefs in indigenous context.
Devil's advocate versus authentic dissent: stimulating quantity and quality

Given the relationship between uniformity of views, premature adoption of a preferred solution and poor decision making, many suggestions have been aimed at fostering dissent, including the usage of a ‘devil's advocate. ’ The hope is that such a mechanism will stimulate the kinds of reconsideration, better information processing and decision making as has been found to be stimulated by authentic dissent. In a prior study comparing these two processes, devil's advocate appeared to foster thinking that was primarily aimed at cognitive bolstering of the initial viewpoint rather than stimulate divergent thought. While that study left the actual position of the DA unknown, the present study compared conditions where the devil's advocate position was known (and consistent or inconsistent with the assigned position) or unknown. It further utilized quantity and quality of solutions as a dependent measure rather than simply cognitive activity. Results indicated that the authentic minority was superior to all three forms of ‘devil's advocate,’ again underscoring the value and importance of authenticity and the difficulty in cloning such authenticity by role-playing techniques. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver stiffness measurement reliability and main determinants of point shear‐wave elastography in patients with chronic liver disease

Liver stiffness (LS) measured by transient elastography (TE) accurately predicts the severity of chronic liver diseases (CLD). Point quantification shear‐wave elastography (pSWE) is a new technique incorporated into a conventional ultrasound system for measuring LS. We evaluated pSWE feasibility, reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy in consecutively recruited CLD patients who concomitantly underwent TE and liver biopsy.
Proliferation, migration, neuronal differentiation, and long‐term survival of new cells in the adult zebrafish brain

In contrast to mammals, fish exhibit an enormous potential to produce new cells in the adult brain. By labeling mitotically dividing cells with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU), we have characterized the development of these cells in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Proliferation zones were located in specific regions of the olfactory bulb, dorsal telencephalon (including a region presumably homologous to the mammalian hippocampus), preoptic area, dorsal zone of the periventricular hypothalamus, optic tectum, torus longitudinalis, vagal lobe, parenchyma near the rhombencephalic ventricle, and in a region of the medulla oblongata lateral to the vagal motor nucleus, as well as in all three subdivisions of the cerebellum, the valvula cerebelli, the corpus cerebelli, and the lobus caudalis cerebelli. In the valvula cerebelli and the corpus cerebelli, the young cells migrated from their site of origin in the molecular layers to the corresponding granule cell layers. By contrast, in the lobus caudalis cerebelli and optic tectum, no indication of a migration of the newly generated cells over wider distances could be obtained. BrdU‐labeled cells remained present in the brain over at least 292 days post‐BrdU administration, indicating a long‐term survival of a significant portion of the newly generated cells. The combination of BrdU immunohistochemistry with immunolabeling against the neural marker protein Hu, or with retrograde tracing, suggested a neuronal differentiation in a large portion of the young cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 488:290–319, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.