Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in functional brain organization and behavioral correlations after rehabilitative therapy using a brain-computer interface

This study aims to examine the changes in task-related brain activity induced by rehabilitative therapy using brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies and whether these changes are relevant to functional gains achieved through the use of these therapies. Stroke patients with persistent upper-extremity motor deficits received interventional rehabilitation therapy using a closed-loop neurofeedback BCI device (n = 8) or no therapy (n = 6). Behavioral assessments using the Stroke Impact Scale, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) as well as task-based fMRI scans were conducted before, during, after, and 1 month after therapy administration or at analogous intervals in the absence of therapy. Laterality Index (LI) values during finger tapping of each hand were calculated for each time point and assessed for correlation with behavioral outcomes. Brain activity during finger tapping of each hand shifted over the course of BCI therapy, but not in the absence of therapy, to greater involvement of the non-lesioned hemisphere (and lesser involvement of the stroke-lesioned hemisphere) as measured by LI. Moreover, changes from baseline LI values during finger tapping of the impaired hand were correlated with gains in both objective and subjective behavioral measures. These findings suggest that the administration of interventional BCI therapy can induce differential changes in brain activity patterns between the lesioned and non-lesioned hemispheres and that these brain changes are associated with changes in specific motor functions.
Metformin for Weight Gain and Metabolic Abnormalities Associated With Antipsychotic Treatment: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials

Abstract This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness and safety of metformin to prevent or treat weight gain and metabolic abnormalities associated with antipsychotic drugs. We systematically searched in both English- and Chinese-language databases for metformin randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) using placebo in patients taking antipsychotics. Twenty-one RCTs (11 published in English and 10 in Chinese) involving 1547 subjects (778 on metformin, 769 on placebo) were included in this meta-analysis. Metformin was significantly superior to placebo (standard mean differences, −0.69 to −0.51; P = 0.01–0.0001) in the primary outcome measures (body weight, body mass index, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol). Metformin was significantly superior to placebo in some secondary outcome measures but not in others. Significantly higher frequencies of nausea/vomiting and diarrhea were found in the metformin group, but no differences were found in other adverse drug reactions. In the metformin group, the frequency of nausea/vomiting was 14%, and of diarrhea, 7%. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses demonstrated that primary outcomes were influenced by ethnicity, treatment style (intervention vs prevention), metformin dose, study duration, and mean age. Body weight standard mean difference was −0.91 (confidence interval [CI], −1.40 to −0.41) in 3 prevention RCTs in naive patients, −0.66 (CI, −1.02 to −0.30) in 5 intervention RCTs during the first year, and −0.50 (CI, −0.73 to −0.27) in 9 intervention RCTs in chronic patients. This meta-analysis suggests that adjunctive metformin is an effective, safe, and reasonable choice for antipsychotic-induced weight gain and metabolic abnormalities.
Adoption of Promising Practices: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review about the adoption of promising practices by organizations. The objective of the study was to gather empirical evidence to explain why the UK rate of promising practices adoption is poor compared with that of its competitors. The paper illustrates how a vastly dispersed collection of empirical data results can be integrated through a rigorous review process. The conclusion is that, although there is evidence to suggest that an adoption gap exists, the root causes of this gap cannot at present be diagnosed from the available evidence. Directions for future research are discussed.
Rehearsal and aptitude in foreign vocabulary learning

Foreign language learners rehearse the language they are learning, both vocally and subvocally, as part of inner speech development (Guerrero, 2005). To add to the research on which method of rehearsal is more effective for initial foreign vocabulary learning, this study examined two hypotheses: first, that the manner of rehearsal of foreign vocabulary words influences subsequent recall and recognition of those words and second, that foreign language aptitude, as measured by the Modern Language Aptitude Test, can predict the level of success in initial learning of foreign vocabulary. English speakers ( n = 88) heard a Turkish noun said three times while looking at a picture of that noun. They then rehearsed the 20 Turkish nouns in 1 of 4 conditions: vocal rehearsal with their own auditory feedback, vocal rehearsal with their auditory feedback suppressed by white noise, subvocal rehearsal as part of inner speech, and no rehearsal. Participants were then asked to recall the Turkish word for each picture and recognize the words when said in a sentence. We found that participants with high foreign language (FL) aptitude recalled and recognized more target words than participants with low FL aptitude. Also, the ability to rehearse undisturbed, either vocally or subvocally, yielded the best results in recall and recognition of the foreign vocabulary across all levels of foreign language aptitude. The results suggest that students with L1 cognitive factors correlated with low FL aptitude should receive early training in phonological sensitivity and learning strategies to help them be successful language learners (de Jong, Seveke, & van Veen, 2000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Differential protein expression and peak selection in mass spectrometry data by binary discriminant analysis

MOTIVATION Proteomic mass spectrometry analysis is becoming routine in clinical diagnostics, for example to monitor cancer biomarkers using blood samples. However, differential proteomics and identification of peaks relevant for class separation remains challenging. RESULTS Here, we introduce a simple yet effective approach for identifying differentially expressed proteins using binary discriminant analysis. This approach works by data-adaptive thresholding of protein expression values and subsequent ranking of the dichotomized features using a relative entropy measure. Our framework may be viewed as a generalization of the 'peak probability contrast' approach of Tibshirani et al. (2004) and can be applied both in the two-group and the multi-group setting. Our approach is computationally inexpensive and shows in the analysis of a large-scale drug discovery test dataset equivalent prediction accuracy as a random forest. Furthermore, we were able to identify in the analysis of mass spectrometry data from a pancreas cancer study biological relevant and statistically predictive marker peaks unrecognized in the original study. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The methodology for binary discriminant analysis is implemented in the R package binda, which is freely available under the GNU General Public License (version 3 or later) from CRAN at URL http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/binda/. R scripts reproducing all described analyzes are available from the web page http://strimmerlab.org/software/binda/. CONTACT k.strimmer@imperial.ac. uk.
Complex Eigenvalues for Binary Subdivision Schemes

Convergence properties of binary stationary subdivision schemes for curves have been analyzed using the techniques of z-transforms and eigenanalysis. Eigenanalysis provides a way to determine derivative continuity at specific points based on the eigenvalues of a finite matrix. None of the well-known subdivision schemes for curves have complex eigenvalues. We prove when a convergent scheme with palindromic mask can have complex eigenvalues and that a lower limit for the size of the mask exists in this case. We find a scheme with complex eigenvalues achieving this lower bound. Furthermore we investigate this scheme numerically and explain from a geometric viewpoint why such a scheme has not yet been used in computer-aided geometric design.
Three-State Equilibrium of Escherichia coli Trigger Factor

Abstract Trigger Factor (TF) is the first chaperone that interacts with nascent chains of cytosolic proteins in Escherichia coli. Although its chaperone activity requires association with ribosomes, TF is present in vivo in a 2 3 fold molar excess over ribosomes and a fraction of it is not ribosomeassociated after cell lysis. Here we show that TF follows a threestate equilibrium. Size exclusion chromatography, crosslinking and analytical ultracentrifugation revealed that uncomplexed TF dimerizes with an apparent Kd of 18 M. Dimerization is mediated by the Nterminal ribosome binding domain and the Cterminal domain of TF, whereas the central peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPIase) and substrate binding domain does not contribute to dimerization. Crosslinking experiments showed that TF is monomeric in its ribosomeassociated state. Quantitative analysis of TF binding to ribosomes revealed a dissociation constant for the TFribosome complex of approximately 1.2 M. From these data we estimate that in vivo most of the ribosomes are in complex with monomeric TF. Uncomplexed TF, however, is in a monomerdimer equilibrium with approximately two thirds of TF existing in a dimeric state.
Touch and gesture-based language learning. Some possible avenues for research and classroom practice

Our interaction with digital resources is becoming increasingly based on touch, gestures, and now also eye movement. Many everyday consumer electronics products already include touch-based interfaces, from e-book readers to tablets, and from the last personal computers to the GPS system in your car. What implications do these new forms of interaction offer for language learning and teaching? In this short article, I will first consider some of the most recent technological developments for their pedagogic potential, and in particular for their support for embodied and extended cognition. Next, I will offer some suggestions for researching their impact on learning and teaching, as well as ways in which teachers and materials developers can capitalise on these advances in technology to support more interactive and dynamic forms of learning.
SPRY2 Is an Inhibitor of the Ras/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathway in Melanocytes and Melanoma Cells with Wild-Type BRAF but Not with the V599E Mutant

BRAF mutations result in constitutively active BRAF kinase activity and increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and cell proliferation. Initial studies have shown that BRAF mutations occur at a high frequency in melanocytic nevi and metastatic lesions, but recent data have revealed much lower incidence of these mutations in early-stage melanoma, implying that other factors may contribute to melanoma pathogenesis in a wild-type (WT) BRAF context. To identify such contributing factors, we used microarray gene expression profiling to screen for differences in gene expression between a panel of melanocytic and melanoma cell lines with WT BRAF and a group of melanoma cell lines with the V599E BRAF mutation. We found that SPRY2, an inhibitor homologous to SPRY4, which was previously shown to suppress Ras/ERK signaling via direct binding to Raf-1, had reduced expression in WT BRAF cells. Using small interfering RNA-mediated SPRY2 knockdown, we showed that SPRY2 acts as an inhibitor of ERK signaling in melanocytes and WT BRAF melanoma cells, but not in cell lines with the V599E mutation. We also show that SPRY2 and SPRY4 directly bind WT BRAF but not the V599E and other exon 15 BRAF mutants. These data suggest that SPRY2, an inhibitor of ERK signaling, may be bypassed in melanoma cells either by down-regulation of its expression in WT BRAF cells, or by the presence of the BRAF mutation.
Se p 20 05 Random walks on combs

We develop techniques to obtain rigorous bounds on the behaviour of random walks on combs. Using these bounds we calculate exactly the spectral dimension of random combs with infinite teeth at random positions or teeth with random but finite length. We also calculate exactly the spectral dimension of some fixed non-translationally invariant combs. We relate the spectral dimension to the critical exponent of the mass of the two-point function for random walks on random combs, and compute mean displacements as a function of walk duration. We prove that the mean first passage time is generally infinite for combs with anomalous spectral dimension. durhuus@math.ku. dk thjons@raunvis.hi. is Permanent address: University of Iceland, Dunhaga 3, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland j.wheater1@physics.ox. ac.uk
Evidence for Distinct Intracellular Signaling Pathways in CD34+ Progenitor to Dendritic Cell Differentiation from a Human Cell Line Model

Intracellular signals that mediate differentiation of pluripotent hemopoietic progenitors to dendritic cells (DC) are largely undefined. We have previously shown that protein kinase C (PKC) activation (with phorbol ester (PMA) alone) specifically induces differentiation of primary human CD34+ hemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) to mature DC. We now find that cytokine-driven (granulocyte-macrophage CSF and TNF-alpha) CD34+ HPC-->DC differentiation is preferentially blocked by inhibitors of PKC activation. To further identify intracellular signals and downstream events important in CD34+ HPC-->DC differentiation we have characterized a human leukemic cell line model of this process. The CD34+ myelomonocytic cell line KG1 differentiates into dendritic-like cells in response to granulocyte-macrophage CSF plus TNF-alpha, or PMA (with or without the calcium ionophore ionomycin, or TNF-alpha), with different stimuli mediating different aspects of the process. Phenotypic DC characteristics of KG1 dendritic-like cells include morphology (loosely adherent cells with long neurite processes), MHC I+/MHC IIbright/CD83+/CD86+/CD14- surface Ag expression, and RelB and DC-CK1 gene expression. Functional DC characteristics include fluid phase macromolecule uptake (FITC-dextran) and activation of resting T cells. Comparison of KG1 to the PMA-unresponsive subline KG1a reveals differences in expression of TNF receptors 1 and 2; PKC isoforms alpha, beta I, beta II, and mu; and RelB, suggesting that these components/pathways are important for DC differentiation. Together, these findings demonstrate that cytokine or phorbol ester stimulation of KG1 is a model of human CD34+ HPC to DC differentiation and suggest that specific intracellular signaling pathways mediate specific events in DC lineage commitment.
Retrospective Insights of a Father's Sense of Coherence and Logotherapy

It appears that there are many fathers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to be in a state of denial. The current paper explores retrospectively how a father's strong sense of coherence helps him in not only accepting his children with ASD but also becoming actively involved to make a positive difference. The lessons learnt should provide a potential framework to empower fathers to be overcomers. The study also reveals the potential of Logotherapy as a therapy and salutogenesis as an approach for fathers to move them from negativity (pathogenesis) to positivity (salutogenesis). Prelude Both first and second authors are fathers who have faced challenging circumstances. The former has three children with autism, while the latter has journeyed through an extended time of unsuccessful efforts to save his son from a birth condition. Currently, the first author is working on parent training for his PhD, while his colleague, an assistant professor with Nanyang Technological University, is actively researching how best to help children with challenging learning and behavioural needs. The current paper is a joint effort of both authors in their attempt to share what works according to their findings from the perspective of a father's sense of coherence and from a counselor's perspective of a therapy that is promising for parents who may be still in a state of denial.
LEADERSHIP , SAFETY CULTURE AND CATASTROPHE : LESSONS FROM 10 CASES STUDIES FROM 7 SAFETY CRITICAL INDUSTRIES

In all safety critical industries, catastrophic accidents can happen, and have happened in the past. These accidents are not industry specific and the obvious commonality is the high inherent risk associated with the activities undertaken. However, other common themes can be identified in the root causes of the ten accidents in seven different industrial sectors reviewed in this paper. These are: leadership, cost and business pressure, safety culture, control and enforcement, contractors’ management, and communication.
A piecewise Gaussian model for profiling and differentiating retinal vessels

Accurate measurement and identification of blood vessels could provide useful information to clinical diagnosis. A piecewise Gaussian model is proposed to describe the intensity distribution of vessel profile in this paper. The characteristic of central reflex is specially considered in the proposed model. The comparison with the single Gaussian model is performed, which shows that the piecewise Gaussian model is a more appropriate model for vessel profile. The obtained model parameters could be utilized in the identification of vessel type. The minimum Mahalanobis distance classifier is employed in the classification. 505 segments of vessels were tested. The success rate is 82.46% and 89.03% for the arteries and veins respectively.
Expressing Preferences using Preference Set Constraint Atoms

This paper introduces an extension of Answer Set Programming called Preference Set Constraint Programming which is a convenient and general formalism to reason with preferences. PSC programming extends Set Constraint Programming introduced by Marek and Remmel (Marek and Remmel 2004) by introducing two types of preference set constraint atoms, measure preference set constraint atoms and pre-ordered preference set constraint atoms, which are extensions of set constraint atoms. We show that the question of whether a PSC program has a preferred stable model is CoNP-complete. We give examples of the uses of the preference set constraint atoms and show that Answer Set Optimization (Brewka, Niemel\"a, and Truszczynski 2003) and General Preference (Son and Pontelli 2006) can be expressed using preference set constraint atoms.
A Propagation Environment Modeling in Foliage

Foliage clutter, which can be very large and mask targets in backscattered signals, is a crucial factor that degrades the performance of target detection, tracking, and recognition. Previous literature has intensively investigated land clutter and sea clutter, whereas foliage clutter is still an open-research area. In this paper, we propose that foliage clutter should be more accurately described by a log-logistic model. On a basis of pragmatic data collected by ultra-wideband (UWB) radars, we analyze two different datasets by means of maximum likelihood (ML) parameter estimation as well as the root mean square error (RMSE) performance. We not only investigate log-logistic model, but also compare it with other popular clutter models, namely, log-normal, Weibull, and Nakagami. It shows that the log-logistic model achieves the smallest standard deviation (STD) error in parameter estimation, as well as the best goodness-of-fit and smallest RMSE for both poor and good foliage clutter signals.
Motor selection for centrifugal pump applications made easy

Due to the renewed interest in energy saving, it has become more popular to utilize Electrical Variable Frequency Drives (EVFD) to power pumps which results in significant energy savings versus mechanical means for adjusting the flow of the pumping system. Due to the characteristics of pumps it is easy to misapply motors in EVFD pump applications. This paper will present some of the characteristics of the frequently used pumps and how these characteristics affect the motor selection (speed, torque and power ratings). Included will be real life examples of some often made mistakes in selecting the correct motors for these pumps. Primarily this discussion will be in regard to centrifugal pumps.
Antagonistic selection between adult thorax and wing size in field released Drosophila melanogaster independent of thermal conditions

Attempts to explain size variation in Drosophila and other small insects often focus on the larval stage and association between development time and size, but patterns are also influenced by direct selection on size‐related traits in the adults. Here we use multiple field releases of Drosophila melanogaster to test the association between size and one component of field fitness, the ability of Drosophila to locate resources for feeding and breeding. We find antagonistic selection between wing length and thorax length in both males and females, such that capture at baits is higher for flies with relatively larger thorax lengths and smaller wings. However flies with large wings relative to thoraces disperse further as reflected in the longer distances moved to baits. These patterns did not depend strongly on weather conditions, suggesting that selection on adult size is at least partly independent of temperature. Antagonistic selection between size traits can generate changes in size along gradients if the distribution of resources in the environment varies and selects for different dispersal patterns, particularly as dispersal is relatively higher under warmer conditions.
Weld pool oscillation frequency in pulsed gas tungsten arc welding with varying weld penetration

Control of weld joint penetration is a fundamental issue in intelligentizing the automatic robotic welding to a level comparable with skilled human welders. The oscillation of the weld pool has been found to be closely related to the weld penetration but existing technologies that are based on fluctuation in arc voltage or arc length lack the fundamental to monitor the weld pool oscillation accurately. In this paper, an improved laser vision based measurement system is proposed to capture the reflected laser lines to accurately monitor its oscillation. In this novel system for surface oscillation monitoring, a low-power laser pattern, five lines, is projected onto the specular weld pool surface and the reflection is intercepted by a high speed camera. By observing and analyzing the change of the reflected laser lines, it is found that the change of laser lines is periodic and has a strong relation with the pool oscillation. An image processing algorithm has also been proposed for extracting the oscillation frequency from the image sequence. Experiments verified that the proposed method can successfully measure the weld pool oscillation. Moreover, the oscillation modes with varying weld penetration during stationary and travelling welding process have been investigated and it is found that the oscillation mode is different under different welding process and weld penetration. Practically, during travelling welding process, the weld pool is oscillated from up to down. The oscillation frequency of partial penetration is higher than the complete joint penetration, along with an abrupt transition. The proposed sensing method thus established the foundation for a novel method to monitor and control the weld penetration in real-time for intelligent welding robots which may possess partial human intelligence to not only automate the welding process but also to intelligentize the automatic robotic welding process.