Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of executive function training on mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition in healthy older adults: A double‐blind randomized controlled trials

AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of executive function training on mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition for healthy older adults. BACKGROUND Executive functions control and guide individuals' behaviours through a top-down cognitive model and have been regarded as the exhibition and integration of various high-level cognitive functions. However, prior studies have rarely focused on the subcomponent indicators of executive function, such as mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition in healthy older adults. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS A total of 62 participants were recruited between January 2015 - March 2017, with both groups attending a 30-min training session three times per week for 8 weeks. Executive function training group received the training content that focused on the mental set shifting, working memory and inhibition. Active control group engaged in passive information activities. The primary outcome was mental set shifting, measured by the Wisconsin card sort test. The secondary outcomes were working memory measured by digit span and inhibition measured by the Stroop color word test. RESULTS The executive function training group had statistically significant higher scores of mental set shifting and working memory at immediate follow-up and that its effect on mental set shifting could be maintained for 3-6 months. However, this training did not have any statistically significant results on inhibition. CONCLUSION The executive function training may be an effective preventive intervention for healthy older adults. Future studies are recommended to include a broader range of participants with different levels of cognitive function.
Design Principles for Long-Range Energy Transfer at Room Temperature

Typical room temperature conditions hinder ballistic long-range transfer of excitations, rendering quantum phenomena unimportant as potential tools for the design of efficient and controllable energy transfer over significant time and length scales. However, it is well-known that many properties of macroscopic systems depend on the quantum properties of minimal repeating units and, as we show here, excitonic energy transfer is no exception. With the support of an exactly solvable model, we are able to show how exciton delocalization and the ensuing formation of dark states within unit cells can be harnessed to support classical propagation over macroscopic distances. We specifically discuss the role of such factors in nano-fabricated arrays of bacterial photosynthetic complexes via extensive simulations. This allows us to resolve the to-date unexplained experimental observation of exciton diffusion lengths in such arrays in terms of an interplay between intra-unit cell thermalization and delocalization, which conspire to create and use robust dark states at room temperature.
Defining the Interaction of Human Soluble Lectin ZG16p and Mycobacterial Phosphatidylinositol Mannosides

ZG16p is a soluble mammalian lectin that interacts with mannose and heparan sulfate. Here we describe detailed analysis of the interaction of human ZG16p with mycobacterial phosphatidylinositol mannosides (PIMs) by glycan microarray and NMR. Pathogen‐related glycan microarray analysis identified phosphatidylinositol mono‐ and di‐mannosides (PIM1 and PIM2) as novel ligand candidates of ZG16p. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR and transferred NOE experiments with chemically synthesized PIM glycans indicate that PIMs preferentially interact with ZG16p by using the mannose residues. The binding site of PIM was identified by chemical‐shift perturbation experiments with uniformly 15N‐labeled ZG16p. NMR results with docking simulations suggest a binding mode of ZG16p and PIM glycan; this will help to elucidate the physiological role of ZG16p.
Automated, High-resolution Mobile Collection System for the Nitrogen Isotopic Analysis of NOx

Nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) are a family of atmospheric trace gases that have great impact on the environment. NOx concentrations directly influence the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere through interactions with ozone and hydroxyl radicals. The main sink of NOx is the formation and deposition of nitric acid, a component of acid rain and a bioavailable nutrient. NOx is emitted from a mixture of natural and anthropogenic sources, which vary in space and time. The collocation of multiple sources and the short lifetime of NOx make it challenging to quantitatively constrain the influence of different emission sources and their impacts on the environment. Nitrogen isotopes of NOx have been suggested to vary amongst different sources, representing a potentially powerful tool to understand the sources and transport of NOx. However, previous methods of collecting atmospheric NOx integrate over long (week to month) time spans and are not validated for the efficient collection of NOx in relevant, diverse field conditions. We report on a new, highly efficient field-based system that collects atmospheric NOx for isotope analysis at a time resolution between 30 min and 2 hr. This method collects gaseous NOx in solution as nitrate with 100% efficiency under a variety of conditions. Protocols are presented for collecting air in urban settings under both stationary and mobile conditions. We detail the advantages and limitations of the method and demonstrate its application in the field. Data from several deployments are shown to 1) evaluate field-based collection efficiency by comparisons with in situ NOx concentration measurements, 2) test the stability of stored solutions before processing, 3) quantify in situ reproducibility in a variety of urban settings, and 4) demonstrate the range of N isotopes of NOx detected in ambient urban air and on heavily traveled roadways.
Anomalously high variation in postnatal development is ancestral for dinosaurs but lost in birds

Significance Birds—the fastest growing terrestrial vertebrates—develop unlike all other living reptiles. As part of this postnatal developmental mode, birds possess a low amount of intraspecific variation, and the timing of the origin of this low variation is poorly constrained. By studying well-sampled growth series of nonavian dinosaurs and their closest relatives, we were able to identify this transition within Mesozoic theropod dinosaurs. Surprisingly, the earliest dinosaurs and their close relatives possessed an extremely high amount of variation, higher than either crocodylians or birds. This high variation is the ancestral dinosaurian scheme and was lost in more derived nonavian theropods, including Allosaurus and Tyrannosaurus. High variation could have contributed to the rise of dinosaurian dominance during the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction. Compared with all other living reptiles, birds grow extremely fast and possess unusually low levels of intraspecific variation during postnatal development. It is now clear that birds inherited their high rates of growth from their dinosaurian ancestors, but the origin of the avian condition of low variation during development is poorly constrained. The most well-understood growth trajectories of later Mesozoic theropods (e.g., Tyrannosaurus, Allosaurus) show similarly low variation to birds, contrasting with higher variation in extant crocodylians. Here, we show that deep within Dinosauria, among the earliest-diverging dinosaurs, anomalously high intraspecific variation is widespread but then is lost in more derived theropods. This style of development is ancestral for dinosaurs and their closest relatives, and, surprisingly, this level of variation is far higher than in living crocodylians. Among early dinosaurs, this variation is widespread across Pangaea in the Triassic and Early Jurassic, and among early-diverging theropods (ceratosaurs), this variation is maintained for 165 million years to the end of the Cretaceous. Because the Late Triassic environment across Pangaea was volatile and heterogeneous, this variation may have contributed to the rise of dinosaurian dominance through the end of the Triassic Period.
Online Appendices for ”Margins of Labor Market Adjustment to Trade” by Rafael Dix-Carneiro and Brian K. Kovak

A Data and Definitions 2 A.1 Tariffs . 2 A.2 RAIS Data . 5 A.3 Demographic Census . 5 A.4 Regional Tariff Reductions . 6
Performance Assessment for Brain MR Imaging Registration Methods

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinical brain MR imaging registration algorithms are often made available by commercial vendors without figures of merit. The purpose of this study was to suggest a rational performance comparison methodology for these products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were imaged on clinical 3T scanners by using 4 sequences: T2-weighted, FLAIR, susceptibility-weighted angiography, and T1 postcontrast. Fiducial landmark sites (n = 1175) were specified throughout these image volumes to define identical anatomic locations across sequences. Multiple registration algorithms were applied by using the T2 sequence as a fixed reference. Euclidean error was calculated before and after each registration and compared with a criterion standard landmark registration. The Euclidean effectiveness ratio is the fraction of Euclidean error remaining after registration, and the statistical effectiveness ratio is similar, but accounts for dispersion and noise. RESULTS: Before registration, error values for FLAIR, susceptibility-weighted angiography, and T1 postcontrast were 2.07 ± 0.55 mm, 2.63 ± 0.62 mm, and 3.65 ± 2.00 mm, respectively. Postregistration, the best error values for FLAIR, susceptibility-weighted angiography, and T1 postcontrast were 1.55 ± 0.46 mm, 1.34 ± 0.23 mm, and 1.06 ± 0.16 mm, with Euclidean effectiveness ratio values of 0.493, 0.181, and 0.096 and statistical effectiveness ratio values of 0.573, 0.352, and 0.929 for rigid mutual information, affine mutual information, and a commercial GE registration, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a method for comparing the performance of registration algorithms and suggest the Euclidean error, Euclidean effectiveness ratio, and statistical effectiveness ratio as performance metrics for clinical registration algorithms. These figures of merit allow registration algorithms to be rationally compared.
Lifetime Sexual Victimization and Poor Risk Perception

The present study examined whether and which facets of emotion dysregulation serve an intervening role in the association between prior victimization and risk perception in an analogue sexual assault vignette. Participants were 714 university women who completed self-report measures of sexual victimization, emotion dysregulation, and a computer-administered written vignette of a college party scene that culminates in acquaintance rape. Approximately 42% of the sample reported lifetime sexual victimization during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Two individual aspects of emotion dysregulation, limited access to emotion regulation strategies and impulse control difficulties, mediated the association between lifetime victimization and leaving the scenario later. Findings suggest the importance of emotion dysregulation in predicting risk perception among victims and of improving victims’ emotion regulation skills in revictimization risk reduction interventions.
$H_\infty $ Disturbance Attenuation for Nonlinear Coupled Parabolic PDE–ODE Systems via Fuzzy-Model-Based Control Approach

An <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${H_\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> fuzzy control design is presented for the disturbance attenuation of a class of coupled systems described by a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and a semi-linear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE). The fuzzy control scheme consists of an ODE state feedback fuzzy subcontroller for the ODE subsystem and a PDE static output feedback fuzzy subcontroller for the PDE subsystem by using piecewise uniform actuators and pointwise sensors. Initially, the original nonlinear system is accurately represented by employing a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy coupled parabolic PDE–ODE model. Then, an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${H_\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> fuzzy controller is developed to exponentially stabilize the fuzzy coupled system while satisfying a prescribed <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${H_\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> performance of disturbance attenuation, whose existence condition is given by linear matrix inequalities. Finally, simulation results on a hypersonic rocket car are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Predicting Yield and Stability Analysis of Wheat under Different Crop Management Systems across Agro-Ecosystems in India

The objectives of the study were as follows: 1) to evaluate the GxExM for wheat genotypes; 2) to predict yield performance and identify high stable wheat genotypes in different management practices; and 3) to make genotype-specific management and high performing genotype recommendations within and across agro-ecological regions. A diverse set of twenty-one genotypes was evaluated over three years (2012, 2013 and 2014) under two levels of crop management practices (CT and ZT) across three agro-ecological regions (BR, MP and PB) of India in replicated trials. Data were analyzed with SASGxE and RGxE programs using SAS and R programming languages, respectively. Across and within a location(s), the pattern of GxExM and GxMxY interactions (respectively) among univariate and multivariate stability statistics, grouping of genotypes in divisive clusters and estimates (with a prediction interval) of genotype varied in management practice CT and ZT. Across locations, the genotypes “Munal” and “HD-2967” were the best performers and high stable in CT and ZT, respectively. Genotypes “HD-2824” and “DPW-621-50”, and “Munal” may serve as diverse parents for developing high quality, climate smart, locally adapted genotypes for BR in CT and ZT, respectively. Genotypes “HD-2932”, “BAZ” and “JW-3288”, and “GW-322” and “HD-2967” are suitable for developing locally adapted stress tolerant genotypes for MP in management practices CT and ZT, respectively. Relatively small GxM and GxExM interactions in PB preclude in making definitive conclusions.
Microsoft Word - Table of Contents_nicu

1.1. Definition of bioMEMS. 1 1.2. Transduction techniques . 2 1.2. 1. Optical transduction . 2 1.2. 2. Electro (chemical) transduction . 6 1.2. 3. Mechanical transduction . 10 1.3. MEMS transducers . 17 1.4. One specific application of MEMS biosensors: detection of pathogen agents. 20 1.5. Bibliography . 25
Quantile Regression for Duration Data with Time-varying Regressors and Endogeneity

For duration data two fundamental features are censoring and time-varying regressors. The popular Cox proportional hazards model and other conventional duration models are highly restrictive in modelling how regressors affect the conditional duration distribution. Endogeneity such as selective compliance is also common in duration data, which cannot be accommodated by the Cox model and the associated partial likelihood approach. In this paper, we develop a quantile regression framework that allows for censoring, time-varying regressors and endogeneity, and we propose an easy-to-implement two-step quantile regression estimator. We present large sample results. Monte Carlo experiments indicate that our estimator performs well in finite samples.
Non-commutative Special Relativity ⬆ Generalized Quantum Dynamics ⬆ The Classical World

Quantum theory depends on an external classical time, and there ought to exist an equivalent reformulation of the theory which does not depend on such a time. The demand for the existence of such a reformulation suggests that quantum theory is an approximation to a stochastic nonlinear theory. The stochastic non-linearity provides a dynamical explanation for the collapse of the wave-function during a quantum measurement. Hence the problem of time and the measurement problem are related to each other: the search for a solution for the former problem naturally implies a solution for the latter problem. Based on a talk given at the conference Quantum Malta 2012: Fundamental Problems in Quantum Physics University of Malta, Malta, April 24-27, 2012 Submitted to the volume The Forgotten Present (running title), Thomas Filk and Albrecht von Müller (Editors) Dedicated to Malala Yousafzai, for her extraordinary courage and support for the cause of education and knowledge 1 ar X iv :1 21 0. 81 10 v1 [ qu an tph ] 3 0 O ct 2 01 2 I. WHY REMOVE CLASSICAL TIME FROM QUANTUM THEORY? Dynamical evolution in quantum theory is described by the Schrödinger equation. The time parameter which is used for describing this evolution is part of a classical spacetime. By classical spacetime we mean both the underlying spacetime manifold, as well as the gravitational field [equivalently the metric] which resides on it. As we know, the gravitational field is determined by the distribution of classical matter according to the laws of the general theory of relativity. What is perhaps not so well appreciated is that, in accordance with the Einstein hole argument, a physical meaning cannot be attached to the points of the underlying manifold unless a dynamically determined metric tensor field resides on it [1, 2]. Thus one can reasonably assert that classical spacetime, and hence also the time parameter used to describe evolution in quantum theory, is determined by classical bodies and fields. Now, the dynamics of classical objects is itself a limiting case of quantum dynamics. We see here the circularity of time in quantum theory. Quantum theory depends on classical time. But classical time is well-defined only after one considers the classical limit of quantum theory (Fig. 1).
Aspects of carotid structure and function in health and different stages of chronic kidney disease

Arterial remodelling and stiffening have been demonstrated in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The presence of vascular alterations in earlier‐stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less studied. We evaluated vascular structure and function in mild‐to‐moderate CKD (stages 2–3) compared with healthy subjects and advanced CKD (stages 4–5).
Sheath Properties in Two-Temperature Non-Maxwellian Electron Plasmas

The sheath criterion is modified for a plasma consisting of two-temperature nonextensively distributed electrons and positive ions with finite temperature. Using a two-fluid model, effects of the plasma parameters, such as temperature and density of positive ions and temperature ratio and degree of nonextensivity of both electron species on the allowable velocity of ions at the sheath edge (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$u_{0i}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) are investigated. The results show that <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$u_{0i}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> depends on temperature and density of ions and electron species as well as degree of nonextensivity of cold and hot electrons (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q_{c}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q_{h}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). Using our derived sheath criterion, the effects of temperature of ions and temperature and density of hot electrons on the properties of the sheath region of a superthermal two-temperature electrons plasma are studied numerically.
Vertical Field Effect Transistors for High-Power Electronics 31 Investigations of GaN-Based Vertical Field Effect Transistors for Applications in High-Power Electronics

In this report, some pre-studies for our research project “Investigations of GaN-based vertical field effect transistors (FETs) for applications in high-power electronics” will be shown. In particular, we have re-established decent hydride vapor phase epitaxy sample quality as confirmed by Hall, high-resolution X-ray diffraction and as well by mercury probe measurements. In addition we started with the growth of classical two-dimensional FET test structures by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy.
Asking Better Questions: How Presentation Formats Influence Information Search

While the influence of presentation formats have been widely studied in Bayesian reasoning tasks, we present the first systematic investigation of how presentation formats influence information search decisions. Four experiments were conducted across different probabilistic environments, where subjects (N = 2,858) chose between 2 possible search queries, each with binary probabilistic outcomes, with the goal of maximizing classification accuracy. We studied 14 different numerical and visual formats for presenting information about the search environment, constructed across 6 design features that have been prominently related to improvements in Bayesian reasoning accuracy (natural frequencies, posteriors, complement, spatial extent, countability, and part-to-whole information). The posterior variants of the icon array and bar graph formats led to the highest proportion of correct responses, and were substantially better than the standard probability format. Results suggest that presenting information in terms of posterior probabilities and visualizing natural frequencies using spatial extent (a perceptual feature) were especially helpful in guiding search decisions, although environments with a mixture of probabilistic and certain outcomes were challenging across all formats. Subjects who made more accurate probability judgments did not perform better on the search task, suggesting that simple decision heuristics may be used to make search decisions without explicitly applying Bayesian inference to compute probabilities. We propose a new take-the-difference (TTD) heuristic that identifies the accuracy-maximizing query without explicit computation of posterior probabilities.