Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional volumes modeling: Theory and preliminary assessment

A construct for metanalytic modeling of the functional organization of the human brain, termed functional volumes modeling (FVM), is presented and preliminarily tested. FVM uses the published literature to model brain functional areas as spatial probability distributions. The FVM statistical model estimates population variance (i.e., among individuals) from the variance observed among group‐mean studies, these being the most prevalent type of study in the functional imaging literature. The FVM modeling strategy is tested by: (1) constructing an FVM of the mouth region of primary motor cortex using published, group‐mean, functional imaging reports as input, and (2) comparing the confidence bounds predicted by that FVM with those observed in 10 normal subjects performing overt‐speech tasks. The FVM model correctly predicted the mean location and spatial distribution of per‐subject functional responses. FVM has a wide range of applications, including hypothesis testing for statistical parametric images. Hum. Brain Mapping 5:306–311, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental characterization of electromagnetic cloaking structures with bistatic measurements at X-band

Bistatic measurements within the X-band frequency range are carried out to fully characterize the reduction of the total scattering widths of selected metal objects. This reduction is obtained by the use of two distinct cloaking structures. The measurements demonstrate that the total scattering widths of these metallic objects can be dramatically reduced with the studied cloaking structures. In addition, the isotropy of the realized cloaks is studied experimentally by analyzing the dependence of the scattering intensity on the angle of incidence of the illuminating wave.
Service-Oriented Methodology for Systems Development

Despite advances in software development practices, organizations struggle to implement methodologies that match the risk in a project environment with needed coordination capabilities. Plan-driven and agile software development methodologies each have strengths and risks. However, most project environments cannot be classified as entirely "risky" or "stable," suggesting the need for hybrid approaches. We leverage a design science approach to implement a novel hybrid methodology based on concepts from the service-oriented paradigm. We motivate the approach using theory on interdependence and coordination, and design the methodology using theory on modularity and service-dominant logic. We also examine the effects of its adoption at a large electrical power company over a three-year period. The results imply that service-oriented theory should be applied to the human processes involved in systems development in order to achieve better fit between project risk, interdependencies, and the selected methodology(ies) in order to improve overall project performance.
Why and How do Municipal areas Govern Interorganizational ICT Cooperation: Indeed, "the Emperor has no Clothes"

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are significant for the development and production of municipalities’ services and activities. Yet, municipalities typically operate their ICT independently with only limited resources. Limited resources are a key incentive for inter-municipal ICT cooperation. We investigated, how inter-municipal ICT cooperation was executed and governed in 20 Finnish municipal regions including 144 actual municipalities. As the theoretical background, we reviewed Transaction Cost Economics and the Resource Based View theories, and the literature on IT governance practices. These theories and literature were used to identify theory-proposed ICT cooperation benefits and governance practices. We then compared theory-proposed benefits and practices empirically to those perceived in the actual regions. Finally, we used Granovetter’s social network theory to understand the empirical findings on ICT cooperation benefits and IT governance practices. Our findings reveal distinct differences in perceived ICT cooperation benefits, in ICT cooperation, and in the governance of IT between Finnish municipal areas, and the lack of social ties helps to understand detected differences. Our findings also indicate that the emperor will not enjoy new clothes – ICT cooperation benefits – unless ICT cooperation is systematically organized and governed. The extension of the theory base in IT governance research is our main contribution.
Computer-Aided-Design Research at the Ge Microelectronics Center

In late 1980, the GE Microelectronics Center (MEC) was established to develop a proprietary gate array program for infusing JC technology into GE products. One team developed a CAD system helping engineers through the complete design cycle from circuit description capture and simulation to layout, post-layout simulation, processing, and test. Another team developed a gate array CMOS process at the 1 ¿ fabrication facility in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park opened in June 1982.
Comparative rangewide phylogeography of four endemic Taiwanese bat species

Phylogeographic reconstructions of codistributed taxa can help reveal the interplay between abiotic factors, such as altitude and climate, and species‐specific attributes, in shaping patterns of population genetic structure. Recent studies also demonstrate the value of both rangewide sampling and species distribution modelling (SDM) in comparative phylogeography. Here, we combine these approaches to study the population histories of four phylogenetically related forest‐dependent bat species. All are endemic to the mountainous island of Taiwan but show differences in their tolerance to altitude, with Murina gracilis considered to be a high‐altitude specialist, M. recondita and Kerivoula sp. low‐altitude specialists, and M. puta an altitudinal generalist. We tested the prediction that contrasting habitat preferences would impact on patterns of past and contemporary gene flow and found broad concordance between the results of population genetic analyses and species distribution models based on the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate. Both lowland species showed evidence of genetic divergence between the east and west of the island, consistent with SDMs that indicated the Central Mountain Range (CMR) has presented a long‐term and continuous barrier to gene flow since before the Last Glacial Maximum. In contrast, Murina gracilis and M. puta showed lower degrees of historical isolation and genetic differentiation associated with the CMR, reflecting greater gene flow, possibly coupled with past population growth in M. puta. Together our results highlight the usefulness of combining distribution models with phylogeographic analyses to understand the drivers of genetic structure.
Comparison of fix computation and filtering for autonomous acoustic navigation

Oceanographic data acquired by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) must he correlated with accurate position information in order to he of value to scientists. Accurate navigation is therefore an essential requirement which can he fulfilled by use of acoustic long-baseline navigation systems and dead-reckoning sensors. Two approaches are presented in this paper. The fix computation approach consists of dead reckoning between fixes computed from a set of acoustic travel times. The filtering approach consists of correcting the vehicle dead-reckoned motion by taking into account the influence of the measured travel times. Fix computation is widely used for the positioning of manned submersibles and there seems to be some reluctance to switch to a filler-based approach, mainly because of the fear for divergence. After a detailed description of these two approaches, their advantages and drawbacks are compared by applying both algorithms to real data sets collected by the Odyssey II AUV developed at Massachu.
Backbones of evolutionary history test biodiversity theory for microbes

Significance Linking mechanism and data to explain patterns of biodiversity is a central goal in ecology. Microbial communities provide new challenges in addressing this goal, among them the potential for novel ecological mechanisms at work and also the difficulty in applying an unambiguous species concept. Patterns of evolutionary history, or phylogenetic diversity, provide an alternative framework, circumventing the need to define microbial species. We document multiple patterns of phylogenetic diversity, finding striking and unexpected similarities in these patterns across habitats, and we find that these patterns are inconsistent with neutral biodiversity theory, which has been successful in describing patterns of species diversity for macroscopic organisms. Our results suggest that a new, alternative family of models provides a better description for microbes. Identifying the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that determine biological diversity is a central question in ecology. In microbial ecology, phylogenetic diversity is an increasingly common and relevant means of quantifying community diversity, particularly given the challenges in defining unambiguous species units from environmental sequence data. We explore patterns of phylogenetic diversity across multiple bacterial communities drawn from different habitats and compare these data to evolutionary trees generated using theoretical models of biodiversity. We have two central findings. First, although on finer scales the empirical trees are highly idiosyncratic, on coarse scales the backbone of these trees is simple and robust, consistent across habitats, and displays bursts of diversification dotted throughout. Second, we find that these data demonstrate a clear departure from the predictions of standard neutral theories of biodiversity and that an alternative family of generalized models provides a qualitatively better description. Together, these results lay the groundwork for a theoretical framework to connect ecological mechanisms to observed phylogenetic patterns in microbial communities.
Facilitated ethanol metabolism promotes cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction through autophagy in murine hearts

Chronic drinking leads to myocardial contractile dysfunction where ethanol metabolism plays an essential role. Acetaldehyde, the main ethanol metabolite, mediates alcohol-induced cell injury although the underlying mechanism is still elusive. This study was designed to examine the mechanism involved in accelerated ethanol metabolism-induced cardiac defect with a focus on autophagy. Wild-type FVB and cardiac-specific overexpression of alcohol dehydrogenase mice were placed on a 4% nutrition-balanced alcohol diet for 8 weeks. Myocardial histology, immunohistochemistry, autophagy markers and signal molecules were examined. Expression of micro RNA miR-30a, a potential target of Beclin 1, was evaluated by real-time PCR. Chronic alcohol intake led to cardiac acetaldehyde accumulation, hypertrophy and overt autophagosome accumulation (LC3-II and Atg7), the effect of which was accentuated by ADH. Signaling molecules governing autophagy initiation including class III PtdIns3K, phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K were enhanced and dampened, respectively, following alcohol intake. These alcohol-induced signaling responses were augmented by ADH. ADH accentuated or unmasked alcohol-induced downregulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and MiR-30a. Interestingly, ADH aggravated alcohol-induced p62 accumulation. Autophagy inhibition using 3-MA abolished alcohol-induced cardiomyocyte contractile anomalies. Moreover, acetaldehyde led to cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction and autophagy induction, which was ablated by 3-MA. Ethanol or acetaldehyde increased GFP-LC3 puncta in H9c2 cells, the effect of which was ablated by 3-MA but unaffected by lysosomal inhibition using bafilomycin A1, E64D and pepstatin A. In summary, these data suggested that facilitated acetaldehyde production via ADH following alcohol intake triggered cardiac autophagosome formation along with impaired lysosomal degradation, en route to myocardial defect.
on-Resistance Degradation Induced by Hot-Carrier Injection in SOI SJ-LDMOS

In this brief, anomalous hot-carrier degradation phenomenon in n-type superjunction lateral DMOS transistors on a SOI substrate is investigated. An unexpected on-resistance (Ron) decrease was observed at the beginning of stress, but Ron increases with the stress time. The reason was analyzed with the 3-D simulation of electrical field and impact ionization generation. The injection of hot holes into the field oxide near the drain region leads to the Ron decrease during the early stress period. With the increase of stress time, trapped hot holes accumulated in the field oxide and act as electron defects to trap electrons, altogether with hot electrons trapped in gate oxide above the accumulation region, contributing to Ron increase.
Cost‐effectiveness of screening for HLA‐A*31:01 prior to initiation of carbamazepine in epilepsy

Carbamazepine causes severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions that may be predicted by the presence of the HLA‐A*31:01 allele in northern European populations. There is uncertainty as to whether routine testing of patients with epilepsy is cost‐effective. We conducted an economic evaluation of HLA‐A*31:01 testing from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.
Skin Cancer in an Atomic Veteran: Cause or Coincidence?

BACKGROUND Some military personnel who were exposed to ionizing radiation during atomic weapons tests subsequently developed skin cancer, but the cause–effect relationship is unclear. OBJECTIVE To explore the possible relationship between exposure to atomic tests and the development of skin cancer. METHODS We reviewed available literature regarding the effects of radiation on the skin and the case history of a patient in whom more than 300 basal cell carcinomas developed over a 30-year period after exposure to radiation during atomic testing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Ionizing radiation can cause skin cancer, usually basal cell carcinoma. In some veterans of atomic testing, skin cancer may have been initiated by ionizing radiation and promoted by ultraviolet radiation. We conclude that exposure to ionizing radiation during atomic weapons testing contributed to the excessive number and location of basal cell carcinomas in our patient.
Acute myeloid leukemia in patients infected with HIV-1

ObjectivesMyelodysplasia is a frequent consequence of HIV infection, but acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is rare. Clinical presentations and outcomes of patients with HIV and subsequent AML are reviewed. MethodsFive HIV-infected individuals who were subsequently diagnosed with AML were evaluated and treated. A further 42 cases of AML among patients with antecedent HIV infection were identified using MEDLINE, AIDSLINE, and CancerLit searches. ResultsHIV infection was present for a median of 48 months (71–180) before AML was diagnosed and the median reported CD4 cell count was 210 × 106 cells/l. In five instances, a delay in diagnosis occurred when cytopenias were initially attributed to HIV or zidovudine-based therapy. In 45 patients, diagnosis was according to the French–American–British (FAB) leukemia classification schema and in two the FAB type was not specified. M2 (n = 15) and M4 (n = 14) subtypes represented 64% (29/45) of reported cases. Patients with a CD4 cell count < 200 × 106 cells/l (n = 11) had a median survival time of 7 weeks, while patients with a CD4 cell count ⩾ 200 × 106 cells/l (n = 7) had a median survival of 7 months (P = 0.005). Although long-lasting chemotherapy-induced responses were rare, the majority of treated patients did achieve complete hematologic remissions. Treatment-related morbidity did not appear to be excessive. ConclusionIn the absence of randomized and prospective clinical studies to guide decision making, this analysis indicates that induction chemotherapy may be a reasonable option for selected HIV-infected patients with AML and adequate immune function.
Histamine H1‐Receptor in Heart: Unique Electrophoretic Mobility and Autoradiographic Localization

Histamine H1‐receptors, visualized in the guinea pig heart by autoradiography using [125I]iodoboipyramine as a specific probe, are abundant in the nodal tissue and cardiac vessels but also occur heterogeneously in the myocardium. Following photoaffinity labeling with [125I]iodoazidophenpyramine and electrophoresis, the ligand binding domain of the heart H1‐receptor was shown to be present on a major 68‐kDa and a less abundant 54‐ to 58‐kDa protein. The 68‐kDa protein displayed a molecular size higher in heart than in all other tissues (56 kDa). This indicates the existence of at least two isoforms of the H1‐receptor; the cardiac isoform, however, was pharmacologically indistinguishable from the common isoform studied in cerebellar membranes using available ligands. Its distinct electrophoretic properties suggest that the cardiac isoform may have a unique function.
Effects of Bonded Tyres on Leachate Recirculation of Bioreactor Landfills

Results and Conclusion: In this study, a numerical two-permeability flow model was used to investigate the effects of tyres embedding on the outflow rate of leachate injection. Furthermore, it was coupled with momentum balance equations to determine the local factor of safety of slope stability. The established model was applied to a simplified bioreactor landfill. The simulation results demonstrated that the tyre net can accelerate the rate of leachate injection and contribute to distribute the liquid more uniformly. Meanwhile, the slope stability was improved due to the enforcement of waste in the presence of tyres.
Construct Validity of the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire

Chara (1989) recently questioned the construct validity of the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) on empirical grounds. Unfortunately, Chara in that paper has erroneously construed construct validity as independent of criterion-related validity. This error is compounded by Chara and Verplanck's 1986 assumption that the VVIQ assesses purely memory imagery. Further problems arise from Chara's 1989 selective reporting of the relevant literature. Comprehensive review of the VVIQ literature in its totality is necessary before conclusions are possible concerning the questionnaire's construct validity.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Combined Species Identification and Drug Sensitivity Testing in Mycobacteria

ABSTRACT Species identification and drug susceptibility testing (DST) of mycobacteria are important yet complex processes traditionally reserved for reference laboratories. Recent technical improvements in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has started to facilitate routine mycobacterial identifications in clinical laboratories. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of performing phenotypic MALDI-based DST in mycobacteriology using the recently described MALDI Biotyper antibiotic susceptibility test rapid assay (MBT-ASTRA). We randomly selected 72 clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) strains, subjected them to MBT-ASTRA methodology, and compared its results to current gold-standard methods. Drug susceptibility was tested for rifampin, isoniazid, linezolid, and ethambutol (M. tuberculosis, n = 39), and clarithromycin and rifabutin (NTM, n = 33). Combined species identification was performed using the Biotyper Mycobacteria Library 4.0. Mycobacterium-specific MBT-ASTRA parameters were derived (calculation window, m/z 5,000 to 13,000, area under the curve [AUC] of >0.015, relative growth [RG] of <0.5; see the text for details). Using these settings, MBT-ASTRA analyses returned 175/177 M. tuberculosis and 65/66 NTM drug resistance profiles which corresponded to standard testing results. Turnaround times were not significantly different in M. tuberculosis testing, but the MBT-ASTRA method delivered on average a week faster than routine DST in NTM. Databases searches returned 90.4% correct species-level identifications, which increased to 98.6% when score thresholds were lowered to 1.65. In conclusion, the MBT-ASTRA technology holds promise to facilitate and fasten mycobacterial DST and to combine it directly with high-confidence species-level identifications. Given the ease of interpretation, its application in NTM typing might be the first in finding its way to current diagnostic workflows. However, further validations and automation are required before routine implementation can be envisioned.
Mechanical stabilization of a microrod-resonator optical frequency comb

We present line-spacing frequency control of a microresonator-based optical frequency comb by way of mechanical actuation. Using this novel technique, we have achieved a record level of residual stability in the line spacing of 5×10-15 for 1s averaging. This demonstrates the potential of microresonator combs to support clocks with stability derived from optical frequencies. This work has been performed with newly developed microrod optical resonators fabricated by use of CO2-laser machining.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Imipenem in Combination with Vancomycin or Teicoplanin against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus ep iderm idis

The interaction between imipenem and two glycopeptides against staphylococci was examined for pot ential synergy. Imipenem in combination with vancomycin or teicoplanin exerted a synergistic or additive effect against a majority of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates tested by the checkerboard method. Synergistic inhibitory effects were frequently accompanied by synergistic bactericidal effects. For a proportion of bacterial isolates of both species, the demonstration of synergy by the checkerboard method was confirmed by time-kill studies using antibiotic combinations at the MICs or at achievable serum antibiotic levels. Only with a single isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis was antagonism with either antibiotic combination recorded.
Serum bilirubin concentration in breast-fed newborn babies at Larantuka General Hospital, East Flores

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem not only to pediatricians but also to the parents. Breast- feeding is known as one of the factors associated with hyperbilirubinemia. The aim of the study was to determine serum bilirubin concentration and factors related to hyperbilirubinemia in breast-fed newborn babies. A cross sectional study was done on 45 well babies born at Larantuka General Hospital, East Flores, from August to October 1998. Data including personal data, frequency of breast-feeding, frequency of urination, meconium passage, and weight loss, were collected through questionnaires, presented in tables, and analyzed using chi-square test. The prevalence of hyperbilirubinemia in breast-fed babies was 13%. It was correlated significantly with the frequency of breast-feeding (p<0.01), meconium passage (p<0.02), sufficiency of breast milk (p<0.05), and weight loss (p<0.05). The significant risk factors for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were the frequency of breast-feeding, meconium passage, sufficiency of breast milk, and weight loss. Immediate and frequent breast-feeding is recommended for the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. (Paediatr Indones 2001; 41:284-287)
Modeling approaches for time series forecasting and anomaly detection

Accurate time series forecasting is critical for business operations for optimal resource allocation, budget planning, anomaly detection and tasks such as predicting customer growth, or understanding stock market trends. This project focuses on applying machine learning techniques for forecasting on time series data. The dataset chosen is web traffic time series for Wikipedia webpages. We explore three different approaches including K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), LSTM-based recurrent networks (LSTM), and Sequence to Sequence with Causal CNN (SeqtoSeq CNN). These approaches will be verified through error analyses using SMAPE and time series plots.