Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of tonic voluntary activity on the excitability of human motor cortex.

1. The threshold for obtaining EMG responses after transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain is reduced by voluntary contraction of the target muscle. The present experiments tested whether some of this effect is due to increased cortical, as opposed to spinal, excitability during the contraction. 2. Magnetic stimulation was delivered with a figure‐of‐eight coil oriented with the junction region along the interaural line and also (in 4 of 7 subjects) with a circular coil centred at the vertex. The intensity of the conditioning stimulus was subthreshold for evoking a motor response in the relaxed wrist flexor muscles of the forearm. The presence of a small descending corticospinal volley in both the relaxed and active conditions was detected by measuring the facilitation of test H reflexes elicited in the flexor muscles of the forearm. 3. In all subjects, magnetic stimulation with either coil facilitated the H reflex at conditioning‐test intervals of ‐1 to ‐3 ms (median nerve stimulus before magnetic). This was followed by a long‐lasting facilitation. In three of the seven subjects stimulation with the figure‐of‐eight coil elicited an additional, earlier peak of facilitation at a conditioning‐test interval of ‐3 to ‐5 ms. 4. In all subjects, the threshold for obtaining facilitation of the H reflex using a conditioning‐test interval of ‐1 to ‐3 ms was reduced, and the amount of facilitation was larger, if subjects performed a weak tonic voluntary contraction. In contrast, with a conditioning‐test interval of ‐3 to ‐5 ms voluntary contraction had no effect on the threshold. 5. It is suggested that H reflex facilitation at the conditioning‐test interval of ‐1 to ‐3 ms was produced by indirect activation of corticospinal neurones by the magnetic stimulus, whereas at ‐3 to ‐5 ms, the facilitation was produced by direct activation of corticospinal axons. It is concluded that tonic voluntary contraction of a target muscle decreases the threshold for indirect activation of corticospinal neurones but not for direct stimulation of their axons.
Networking solutions in the federation of clouds An approach implemented by the NOVI project and dynamic circuit systems as the extensions for inter-cloud connectivity

This paper presents the cloud federation concept implemented by the NOVI project and ideas of possible extensions. The authors pay much attention to the networking aspect and available bandwidth provisioning systems which offer reliable network transfer services to the cloud systems and their federations. Keywords—cloud; federation; infrastructures, networking; bandwidth on demand; circuit provisioning
The immersive visualization probe for exploring n-dimensional spaces

A new tool uses two types of dimensional navigation to display continuous 4D subsets of n-dimensional data. Thanks to the tool's embedded coordinate systems, researchers can better understand a model's underlying physical or mathematical process. Here, we describe a new method for visualizing data structure or models defined in higher-dimensional spaces. This technique is suitable for applications in which a scalar function, defined mathematically or procedurally, depends on n variables or parameters. The function's values essentially describe a set of points in n-dimensional space. To visualize these sets, we fix all but three of the parameters and then sample the resulting 4D set (the three parameters and the function's resulting value) on several discrete grids located on planes in the 3D space. We compose the image by using color to represent the fourth dimension (the function's value) at discrete locations on these grids. Interactive control over the way the parameters are fixed results in a highly dynamic system that researchers can easily use to explore the n-dimensional space's structure.
Effects of Voltage and Wire Feed Speed on Weld Fume Characteristics

Welding generates high concentrations of ultrafine particles, which research suggests may be more toxic than larger particles. Fume characteristics were measured in a controlled apparatus as a function of voltage level and wire feed speed. Particles were sampled close to the welding process on mixed cellulose ester membrane filters and analyzed for iron, manganese, and total particulate matter at an accredited industrial hygiene laboratory. An ultrafine condensation particle counter measured the particle number concentration, and an optical particle counter measured the particle size distribution. Submicrometer particle number concentrations and iron, manganese, and total particle mass concentrations all depended on voltage levels but not on wire feed speed at a constant voltage. Ultrafine particle concentrations were more than three times greater at 23.5 V than at 16 V. Particles 0.5–0.7 μ m in diameter counted by the optical particle counter increased from 9800 particles/cm 3 at 16 V to 82,800 particles/cm 3 at 23.5 V. Manganese concentration was 1.7 mg/m 3 at 16 V vs. 6.4 mg/m 3 at 23.5 V. The data suggest that welders should use lower voltage levels whenever possible.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES THE PRICE IMPACT OF JOINING A CURRENCY UNION: EVIDENCE FROM LATVIA

Does membership in a currency union matter for a country's international relative prices? The answer to this question is critical for thinking about the implications of joining (or exiting) a common currency area. This paper is the first to use high-frequency good-level data to provide evidence that the answer is yes, at least for an important subset of consumption goods. We consider the case of Latvia, which recently dropped its pegged exchange rate and joined the euro zone. We analyze the prices of thousands of differentiated goods sold by Zara, the world's largest clothing retailer. Price dispersion between Latvia and euro zone countries collapsed swiftly following entry to the euro. The percentage of goods with nearly identical prices in Latvia and Germany increased from 6 percent to 89 percent. The median size of price differentials declined from 7 percent to zero. If a large number of firms also behave this way, these results suggest that membership in a currency union has significant implications for a country's real exchange rate. Alberto Cavallo MIT Sloan School of Management 100 Main Street, E62-512 Cambridge, MA 02142 and NBER acavallo@mit.edu Brent Neiman University of Chicago Booth School of Business 5807 South Woodlawn Avenue Chicago, IL 60637 and NBER brent.neiman@chicagobooth.edu Roberto Rigobon MIT Sloan School of Management 100 Main Street, E62-516 Cambridge, MA 02142 and NBER rigobon@mit.edu
Teacher Quality Policy When Supply Matters

Recent proposals would strengthen the dependence of teacher pay and retention on performance, in order to attract those who will be effective teachers and repel those who will not. I model the teacher labor market, incorporating dynamic self-selection, noisy performance measurement, and Bayesian learning. Simulations indicate that labor market interactions are important to the evaluation of alternative teacher contracts. Typical bonus policies have very small effects on selection. Firing policies can have larger effects, if accompanied by substantial salary increases. However, misalignment between productivity and measured performance nearly eliminates the benefits while preserving most of the costs.
A Transformerless PCB-Based Medium-Voltage Multilevel Power Converter With a DC Capacitor Balancing Circuit

This paper presents a new method of constructing a transformerless voltage-sourced medium-voltage multilevel converter using existing discrete power semiconductor devices and printed circuit board technology. While the approach is general, it is particularly well suited for medium-voltage converters and motor drives in the 4.16 kV 500-1000 kW range. A novel way of visualizing the power stage topology is developed, which allows simplified mechanical layouts, while managing the commutation paths. Using so many discrete devices typically drives cost and complexity of the gate-drive system including its control and isolation; a gate-drive circuit is presented to address this problem. As with most multilevel topologies, the dc-link voltages must be balanced during operation. This is accomplished using an auxiliary circuit made up of the same power stage and an associated control algorithm. Experimental results are presented for a 4.16-kV 746-kW five-level power converter prototype.
The HPV Vaccination Strategy: Could Male Vaccination Have a Significant Impact?

We investigate the potential success of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, taking into consideration possible waning immunity and the influence of behavioural parameters. We use a compartmental, population-level ordinary differential equation (ODE) model. We find the effective reproductive value for HPV, Re0, which measures the threshold for infection outbreak in a population that is not entirely susceptible, together with infection prevalence. We study the effects of different parameters on both of these quantities. Results show that waning immunity plays a large part in allowing infection to persist. The proportion of the population not sexually active when vaccination occurs affects Re0, as does the rate at which individuals become sexually active. In several cases, infection persists as a result of an infection reservoir in the male cohort. To explore this further, we introduce male vaccination and find the conditions for which vaccination of males could be considered appropriate.
A pr 2 00 4 Quantum Correlation Games

A new approach to play games quantum mechanically is proposed. We consider two players who perform measurements in an EPR-type setting. The payoff relations are defined as functions of correlations, i.e. without reference to classical or quantum mechanics. Classical bi-matrix games are reproduced if the input states are classical and perfectly anti-correlated, that is, for a classical correlation game. However, for a quantum correlation game, with an entangled singlet state as input, qualitatively different solutions are obtained. For example, the Prisoners’ Dilemma acquires a Nash equilibrium if the players both apply a mixed strategy. It appears to be conceptually impossible to reproduce the properties of quantum correlation games within the framework of classical games. PACS: 03.67. -a, 02.50. Le
Value of low dose combination treatment with blood pressure lowering drugs: analysis of 354 randomised trials

Abstract Objective To determine the average reduction in blood pressure, prevalence of adverse effects, and reduction in risk of stroke and ischaemic heart disease events produced by the five main categories of blood pressure lowering drugs according to dose, singly and in combination. Design Meta-analysis of 354 randomised double blind placebo controlled trials of thiazides, β blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and calcium channel blockers in fixed dose. Subjects 40 000 treated patients and 16 000 patients given placebo. Main outcome measures Placebo adjusted reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and prevalence of adverse effects, according to dose expressed as a multiple of the standard (recommended) doses of the drugs. Results All five categories of drug produced similar reductions in blood pressure. The average reduction was 9.1 mm Hg systolic and 5.5 mm Hg diastolic at standard dose and 7.1 mm Hg systolic and 4.4 mm Hg diastolic (20% lower) at half standard dose. The drugs reduced blood pressure from all pretreatment levels, more so from higher levels; for a 10 mm Hg higher blood pressure the reduction was 1.0 mm Hg systolic and 1.1 mm Hg diastolic greater. The blood pressure lowering effects of different categories of drugs were additive. Symptoms attributable to thiazides, β blockers, and calcium channel blockers were strongly dose related; symptoms caused by ACE inhibitors (mainly cough) were not dose related. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists caused no excess of symptoms. The prevalence of symptoms with two drugs in combination was less than additive. Adverse metabolic effects (such as changes in cholesterol or potassium) were negligible at half standard dose. Conclusions Combination low dose drug treatment increases efficacy and reduces adverse effects. From the average blood pressure in people who have strokes (150/90 mm Hg) three drugs at half standard dose are estimated to lower blood pressure by 20 mm Hg systolic and 11 mm Hg diastolic and thereby reduce the risk of stroke by 63% and ischaemic heart disease events by 46% at age 60-69.
MAPPING THE RISK OF FOREST WIND DAMAGE USING AIRBORNE SCANNING LiDAR

Abstract. Wind damage is known for causing threats to sustainable forest management and yield value in boreal forests. Information about wind damage risk can aid forest managers in understanding and possibly mitigating damage impacts. The objective of this research was to better understand and quantify drivers of wind damage, and to map the probability of wind damage. To accomplish this, we used open-access airborne scanning light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. The probability of wind-induced forest damage (PDAM) in southern Finland (61°N, 23°E) was modelled for a 173 km2 study area of mainly managed boreal forests (dominated by Norway spruce and Scots pine) and agricultural fields. Wind damage occurred in the study area in December 2011. LiDAR data were acquired prior to the damage in 2008. High spatial resolution aerial imagery, acquired after the damage event (January, 2012) provided a source of model calibration via expert interpretation. A systematic grid (16 m x 16 m) was established and 430 sample grid cells were identified systematically and classified as damaged or undamaged based on visual interpretation using the aerial images. Potential drivers associated with PDAM were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. Risk model predictors were extracted from the LiDAR-derived surface models. Geographic information systems (GIS) supported spatial mapping and identification of areas of high PDAM across the study area. The risk model based on LiDAR data provided good agreement with detected risk areas (73 % with kappa-value 0,47). The strongest predictors in the risk model were mean canopy height and mean elevation. Our results indicate that open-access LiDAR data sets can be used to map the probability of wind damage risk without field data, providing valuable information for forest management planning.
Moment by Moment: Creating Movement Sketches with Camera Stillframes

While mobile authoring applications are proliferating, choreographic tools that support the generation and transformation of user-created movement `samples' are less readily available. iDanceForms is a novel mobile choreographic application that generates unique movement choices through a camera stillframing technique to provoke movement catalysts. In keeping with the principles of whole body interaction (and principles of `defamiliarization'), the design of iDanceForms supports opportunities for surprise, unexpected movement choices and meaning-making. This paper presents data collected from an observational study of choreographers using iDanceForms. In the study we found that choreographers appropriated the intended functionality of iDanceForms to create highly individualized and unexpected movement sequences. They found inspiration in exploring unexpected framing of form and content, which resulted in creative explorations that produced unique movement possibilities provided by the system. Drawing from our observations we discuss possible roles that sensor-enabled mobile devices could play in movement generation through personal meaning-making, creative choreographic strategies and discovery, and in provoking whole body interaction through principles of `defamiliarization' in the context of HCI.
Sub-Nyquist Cognitive Radio System

We demonstrate of a real-time sub-Nyquist sampling and reconstruction system, based on prototype hardware and an embedded proprietary card, the subNyquist Cognitive Radio setup (CogRadio). Our system detects the support and reconstructs a wide-band sparse signals with arbitrary support from sub-Nyquist samples. This process takes place in real-time. The CogRadio system is shown to comply with cognitive radios requirements.
Maladaptive Family Dysfunction and Parental Death as Risk Markers of Childhood Abuse in Women

Abstract This study aims to examine the prevalence and characteristics of physical, emotional and sexual childhood abuse. It also examines whether other non-abuse types of childhood adversities related to maladaptive family functioning and separations during childhood can be used as markers for the presence of childhood abuse. Participants (N = 237) were women at 2–3 days after delivery that completed the Spanish-validated version of the Early Trauma Inventory Self Report (ETI-SR; Bremner, Bolus, & Mayer, 2007; Plaza et al., 2011), designed to assess the presence of childhood adversities. Results show that 29% of the women had experienced some type of childhood abuse, and 10% more than one type. Logistic regression analyses indicate that childhood parental death is a risk marker for childhood emotional abuse (OR: 3.77; 95% CI: 1.327–10.755; p <.013), childhood parental substance abuse is a risk marker for childhood sexual (OR: 3.72; 95% CI: 1.480–9.303; p < .005) and physical abuse (OR: 2.610; 95% CI: 1.000–6.812; p < .05) and that childhood family mental illness is a risk marker for childhood emotional (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.175–7.441; p < .021) and sexual abuse (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.168–5.580; p < .019). The high prevalence of childhood abuse indicates a need for assessment during the perinatal period. Screening for childhood family mental illness, parental substance abuse, and parental death - all identified risk factors for reporting childhood abuse - can help to identify women that should be assessed specifically regarding abuse.
Generalised Loop Deactivation Method An Extension of Ford's Behavioural Approach to Loop Dominance Analysis and its Applications

This paper presents progress on the conceptualisation and implementation of an extended version of Ford’s behavioural approach (Ford 1999) to feedback loop dominance analysis. The need for the extension of the original method is discussed, as are the methodological consequences of changing and implementing the method. The changed method presented here is refered to as the Generalised Loop Deactivation Method. The automated version of this method is tested on three models. The first of these is used to check the results of the method, the second to discuss several methodological changes and the third model is used to demonstrate how to detect superfluous structure in a larger model. Significant findings include recommendations on how to eliminate loops from a model, a fully automated version of the loop deactivation method and an extension of its use into model simplification, moving the method beyond loop dominance analysis.
Gender Differences in Impulsivity

Criminological theories have often stressed the importance of impulsivity in the etiology of delinquency. Whether this construct is termed impulsivity, self-control, or low constraint/ negative emotionality, the theoretical importance of impulsivity is clear. What is also clear is that boys and girls differ significantly on impulsivity; however, research is ambiguous on why this occurs. Some researchers suggest that socialization and parenting create different levels of impulsivity, whereas others suggest that cognitive and/or motor deficits early in life may be the source. Using longitudinal National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79)–Child data and variables derived from past research on impulsivity, the authors investigate whether biological, structural, and familial predictors of impulsivity differ by gender. Through multiple group path analysis, the authors find that the relationships between discipline and impulsivity and attachment and impulsivity differ significantly by gender. The authors discuss the implications of this finding for the etiology of impulsivity.
A novel approach to improve hamstring flexibility: A single-blinded randomised clinical trial

Background The hamstrings play a major role in body posture. Shortening or tightness of the hamstrings affects postural alignment and results in possible musculoskeletal pain. Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to improve hamstring flexibility in young adults. Method A single-blinded randomised clinical trial included 60 participants aged 18–24 with shortened hamstrings recruited from the Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan. The range of motion of knee extension was measured with the hip at 90° flexion using a simple goniometer to detect the level of hamstring flexibility. Participants received either a passive hamstring stretch (PS), followed by two sets of 10 tibial nerve neurodynamic technique (ND), or PS followed by three sets of 10 repetitions of active knee extension–quadriceps activation (QA), or PS only. Results There was a significant improvement of hamstring flexibility in the QA group compared to the PS group (13.4 ± 12.1° vs. 6.2 ± 6.4°, p = 0.05). There was a significant improvement in hamstring flexibility post-intervention compared to pre-intervention in the PS group by 6.2 ± 6.4 (30.5 ± 10.8° vs. 36.6 ± 9.5°, p = 0.001), ND group by 9.3 ± 6.2 (26.7 ± 10.9° vs. 36.0 ± 9.5°, p = 0.001) and QA group by 13.4 ± 12.1 (20.3 ± 9.0° vs. 33.4 ± 8.9°, p = 0.001). Conclusion Quadriceps muscle activation following passive stretching of the hamstrings appears to be superior to the PS and ND techniques in improving hamstring muscle flexibility. Clinical implications Quadriceps activation following passive hamstring stretching can be used in physiotherapy settings to improve hamstring muscle flexibility.
Optimal block size for matrix multiplication using blocking

Matrix multiplication is a widely used algorithm in today's computing. Speeding up the multiplication of huge matrices is imperative for scientists and they are trying to discover the fastest algorithm. Blocking the matrices reduces the cache misses since both blocks can be stored in L1 cache and thus only the first access of an element will result in cache miss and all other access will be a cache hit. However, choosing the block size is not the only optimization. In this paper we analyze the impact of various block size (M ·K and K ·N) on the performance. The realized experiments use different parameter values for K and predefined values of the parameters M and N, to test algorithm behavior in different cache regions. The results of the experiments show three phenomena. The first phenomenon is that if M is greater than N, then choosing the first block M ·N will achieve a significantly greater speed. The second states that, if the second parameter N is increased for constant M has no significant influence on the performance. Finally, the third phenomenon is that the speed decreases significantly if N is increasing for constant M.