Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Network Model of Vestibular Nuclei Reaction to Onset of Vestibular Prosthetic Stimulation

The vestibular system incorporates multiple sensory pathways to provide crucial information about head and body motion. Damage to the semicircular canals, the peripheral vestibular organs that sense rotational velocities of the head, can severely degrade the ability to perform activities of daily life. Vestibular prosthetics address this problem by using stimulating electrodes that can trigger primary vestibular afferents to modulate their firing rates, thus encoding head movement. These prostheses have been demonstrated chronically in multiple animal models and acutely tested in short-duration trials within the clinic in humans. However, mainly, due to limited opportunities to fully characterize stimulation parameters, there is a lack of understanding of “optimal” stimulation configurations for humans. Here, we model possible adaptive plasticity in the vestibular pathway. Specifically, this model highlights the influence of adaptation of synaptic strengths and offsets in the vestibular nuclei to compensate for the initial activation of the prosthetic. By changing the synaptic strengths, the model is able to replicate the clinical observation that erroneous eye movements are attenuated within 30 minutes without any change to the prosthetic stimulation rate. Although our model was only built to match this time point, we further examined how it affected subsequent pulse rate modulation (PRM) and pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). PAM was more effective than PRM for nearly all stimulation configurations during these acute tests. Two non-intuitive relationships highlighted by our model explain this performance discrepancy. Specifically, the attenuation of synaptic strengths for afferents stimulated during baseline adaptation and the discontinuity between baseline and residual firing rates both disproportionally boost PAM. Comodulation of pulse rate and amplitude has been experimentally shown to induce both excitatory and inhibitory eye movements even at high baseline stimulation rates. We also modeled comodulation and found synergistic combinations of stimulation parameters to achieve equivalent output to only amplitude modulation. This may be an important strategy to reduce current spread and misalignment. The model outputs reflected observed trends in clinical testing and aspects of existing vestibular prosthetic literature. Importantly, the model provided insight to efficiently explore the stimulation parameter space, which was helpful, given limited available patient time.
Eecient Methods of Validating Timing Constraints

Analytical and eecient validation methods to determine whether all jobs always complete by their deadlines are not yet available for systems using modern dynamic scheduling strategies. Exhaustive methods are often infeasible or unreliable since the execution time and release time of each job may vary. This chapter presents several worst-case bounds and eecient algorithms for determining how late the completion times of independent jobs with arbitrary release times can be in a dynamic multiprocessor or distributed system when their release times and execution times may vary from one instance to another. The special cases considered here are when the jobs are (1) preemptable and migratable, or (2) preemptable and nonmigratable, or (3) nonpreemptable. 9.1 Introduction In a real-time system, many jobs are time-critical. Here, by job, we mean a unit of work to be scheduled and executed. A job may be the computation of a control law, the transmission of an operator command, the retrieval of a le, and so on. To execute, it requires a computer, a data link, a console, and a disk; we refer to them all as processors. The processors are identical if they can be used interchangeably. Otherwise they are functionally dedicated, as exempliied by the processors listed above. The length of time a job requires to complete if it were to execute alone is called its execution time. The execution of a time-critical job cannot begin until its release time and must complete by its deadline. To validate a real-time system, its builder must demonstrate convincingly that all time-critical jobs will always complete by their deadlines, after making sure that the scheduler works correctly; that is, it never schedules any job before its release time. Hereafter, we assume that the scheduler works correctly and focus on the problem of how to demonstrate 196 Sec. 9.1 Introduction 197 that all jobs always complete by their deadlines. Traditionally, real-time systems have been validated by exhaustive simulation and testing. Because the execution time and release time of each job may vary, exhaustive methods are often infeasible or unreliable. This is especially true when the algorithm used to schedule the jobs is priority-driven. A scheduling algorithm is priority-driven if it does not leave any processor idle intentionally. Such an algorithm can be implemented by assigning priorities to jobs and placing all jobs that have been released and, therefore, are ready for execution in a queue ordered by their …
Making choices: a within-family study of caregiver selection.

PURPOSE This article reports on a within-family study to identify factors that lead mothers to expect that a particular child will serve in the role of primary caregiver. DESIGN AND METHODS Data for this study were collected by in-person interviews with a representative sample of 566 mothers between the ages of 65 and 75 years residing in the greater Boston area, who provided detailed information regarding all of their adult children. Both multivariate and qualitative data analyses were conducted. RESULTS Emotional closeness and similarity of gender and attitudes were strongly associated with which children mothers identified as probable caregivers. Findings regarding exchange were mixed. Mothers were more likely to name adult children who had provided them with support; however, mothers' past provision of assistance to children was unrelated to expectations regarding care. No aspects of children's availability besides proximity and employment of adult children affected mothers' expectations. In selecting a primary caregiver, mothers emphasized expressive characteristics of intergenerational relationships, rather than instrumental and contextual factors associated with children's availability. IMPLICATIONS The findings indicated a discrepancy between maternal preference for care and actual patterns of support from adult children. Practitioners who work with older adults and their families should incorporate parents' views of the "likely" caregiver into family counseling protocols. Family counseling in both the precaregiving and actual care provision stages may be useful to clarify expected roles for children.
Automatic transcription of piano polyphonic music

A novel algorithm for automatic transcription of piano polyphonic music is proposed. It is based on a processing scheme that incorporates the following subtasks: segmentation of notes in time domain, estimation of frequency components based on the structure of time segments, extraction of pitches of underlying notes, and tracking of notes to obtain the final music score. A combination of multiresolution techniques, such as multiresolution Fourier transform and maximum likelihood frequency estimator, enables the user to successfully cope with the problems of constant time-frequency resolution and frequency masking. The algorithm demonstrates a better performance then results obtained by means of existing commercial software.
Drift rate control of a Brownian processing system

A system manager dynamically controls a diffusion process Z that lives in a finite interval [0,b]. Control takes the form of a negative drift rate \theta that is chosen from a fixed set A of available values. The controlled process evolves according to the differential relationship dZ=dX-\theta(Z) dt+dL-dU, where X is a (0,\sigma) Brownian motion, and L and U are increasing processes that enforce a lower reflecting barrier at Z=0 and an upper reflecting barrier at Z=b, respectively. The cumulative cost process increases according to the differential relationship d\xi =c(\theta(Z)) dt+p dU, where c(\cdot) is a nondecreasing cost of control and p>0 is a penalty rate associated with displacement at the upper boundary. The objective is to minimize long-run average cost. This problem is solved explicitly, which allows one to also solve the following, essentially equivalent formulation: minimize the long-run average cost of control subject to an upper bound constraint on the average rate at which U increases. The two special problem features that allow an explicit solution are the use of a long-run average cost criterion, as opposed to a discounted cost criterion, and the lack of state-related costs other than boundary displacement penalties. The application of this theory to power control in wireless communication is discussed.
Inhibition of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity by Cucurbitacin R through the Curbing of Lymphocyte Proliferation and Cytokine Expression by Means of Nuclear Factor AT Translocation to the Nucleus

Cucurbitacin R is known to exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect in different experimental models of inflammation. In this article, we outline the effect of cucurbitacin R on T lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production, and nuclear factor activation, as well as its influence on various experimental models of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice. Cucurbitacin R reduced the proliferation of phytohemagglutinin A-stimulated human T lymphocytes (IC50, 18 μM), modifying the cell cycle, as well as the production of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, and especially interferon-γ] and the induction of the principal cyclins implicated in the cell cycle (A1, B1, D2, and E). These effects are brought on by a novel, selective inhibition of nuclear factor AT (NFAT) by cucurbitacin R, with no concomitant effect on other transcription factors such as activator protein-1. In addition, we tested the in vivo effects of cucurbitacin R in three experimental models of DTH, as well as its effects on T lymphocyte proliferation, the cell cycle, cytokines, and cyclins. Although cucurbitacin R was found to reduce the inflammatory response brought on by both oxazolone and dinitrofluorobenzene, its activity was even more pronounced against sheep red blood cell-induced edema in mouse paws, with a clear reduction in the production of IL-1β, IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor α in the inflamed paw. In conclusion, cucurbitacin R has the potential to be a new immunosuppressive agent with antiproliferative effects through the inhibition of the NFAT with anti-inflammatory activity in DTH reactions.
Approach of the TWB partition based on level set method

Currently, the design of tailor welded blank (TWB) is receiving more attention owing to the extensive use of TWB. One of the most promising methods is the topology optimization design. Generally, a thickness distribution contour is obtained after optimization, and then the piece shape is determined by manual. The process is cumbersome. Therefore, An approach based on topology optimization and image segmentation is proposed in this paper, which improves GAC model and provide the process of automatic segment TWB. At last, an example using the approach is provided, and the results show that the method is practicable.
PENGARUH PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT TERHADAP EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT PADA KARYAWAN

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui secara empiris pengaruh perceived organizational support terhadap employee engagement . Penelitian melibatkan 108 karyawan PT Pertamina EP Field Sangasanga dengan menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Data penelitian diperoleh menggunakan dua jenis skala yaitu perceived organizational support dan skala employee engagement . Data penelitian dianalisis menggunakan teknik regresi linear sederhana dengan bantuan program statistik SPSS 18 for windows. Berdasarkan hasil analisa diketahui bahwa perceived organizational support berpengaruh positif terhadap employee engagement dengan nilai p = 0,000 (p < 0,05). Pengaruh yang diberikan oleh variabel perceived organizational support terhadap employee engagement ditunjukan oleh nilai R2 sebesar 0,167 yang berarti bahwa variasi employee engagement dipengaruhi oleh variabel perceived organizational support sebesar 16,7%.
On a variant of the Ailon–Rudnick theorem in finite characteristic

Let L be a field of characteristic p, and let a, b, c, d ∈ L(T ). Assume that a and b are algebraically independent over Fp. Then for each fixed positive integer n, we prove that there exist at most finitely many λ ∈ L satisfying f(a(λ)) = c(λ) and g(b(λ)) = d(λ) for some polynomials f, g ∈ Fpn [Z] such that f(a) 6= c and g(b) 6= d. Our result is a characteristic p variant of a related statement proven by Ailon and Rudnick.
Remnant Lipoprotein-Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation Involves Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation

Background—Remnant lipoproteins (RLPs) have been shown to play a causative role during atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it is known that vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation is crucial for the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. We examined the direct effect of RLPs on the proliferation and signal transduction of SMCs. Methods and Results—Incubation in the presence of RLPs (20 mg cholesterol per dL) for 48 hours induced rat aortic SMC proliferation (2.3-fold over medium alone). RLPs also induced the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in SMCs, which was followed by the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Moreover, the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) as well as the shedding of membrane-bound soluble heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) was observed after RLP treatment of SMCs, whereas PKC inhibitors and metalloprotease inhibitors inhibited RLP-induced EGF receptor transactivation and HB-EGF shedding in SMCs. Furthermore, anti-HB-EGF neutralizing antibody inhibited RLP-induced EGF receptor transactivation. Phosphorylation of EGF receptor and HB-EGF shedding were also observed in the aortas of apolipoprotein E–knockout mice but not in those of C57BL6 mice. Conclusions—These results suggest that RLPs transactivate EGF receptor via PKC and HB-EGF shedding from SMCs, resulting in SMC proliferation.
A Simple Theory of Industry Location and Residence Choice

This paper provides a simple theory of geographical mobility which simultaneously explains people’s choice of residences in space and the location of industry. Residences are chosen on the basis of the utility which mobile households obtain across locations. The spatial pattern of industry is determined by the location decision of a scarce essential factor of production which seeks to obtain the highest possible economic return. Our theory comprehends applications to commuting and physical capital mobility. Referring to the decline in mobility costs, we are able to explain that long-distance commuting and foreign direct investment have increased and that industrial activity has become more concentrated both within as well as across countries.
Platelet thrombin receptor antagonism and atherothrombosis

Clinical manifestations of atherothrombotic disease, such as acute coronary syndromes, cerebrovascular events, and peripheral arterial disease, are major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Platelet activation and aggregation are ultimately responsible for the progression and clinical presentations of atherothrombotic disease. The current standard of care, dual oral antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and the P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor inhibitor clopidogrel, has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with atherothrombotic disease. However, aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors target the thromboxane A2 and the ADP P2Y12 platelet activation pathways and minimally affect other pathways, while agonists such as thrombin, considered to be the most potent platelet activator, continue to stimulate platelet activation and thrombosis. This may help explain why patients continue to experience recurrent ischaemic events despite receiving such therapy. Furthermore, aspirin and P2Y12 receptor antagonists are associated with bleeding risk, as the pathways they inhibit are critical for haemostasis. The challenge remains to develop therapies that more effectively inhibit platelet activation without increasing bleeding complications. The inhibition of the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) for thrombin has been shown to inhibit thrombin-mediated platelet activation without increasing bleeding in pre-clinical models and small-scale clinical trials. PAR-1 inhibition in fact does not interfere with thrombin-dependent fibrin generation and coagulation, which are essential for haemostasis. Thus PAR-1 antagonism coupled with existing dual oral antiplatelet therapy may potentially offer more comprehensive platelet inhibition without the liability of increased bleeding.
Visual Monocular Obstacle Avoidance for Small Unmanned Vehicles

This paper presents and extensively evaluates a visual obstacle avoidance method using frames of a single camera, intended for application on small devices (ground or aerial robots or even smartphones). It is based on image region classification using so called relative focus maps, it does not require a priori training, and it is applicable in both indoor and outdoor environments, which we demonstrate through evaluations using both simulated and real data.
Large-Scale Temperature Patterns in Past Centuries: Implications for North American Climate Change

Recent climate reconstructions are analyzed specifically for insights into those patterns of climate variability in past centuries with greatest impact on the North American region. Regional variability, largely associated with the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and multidecadal patterns of natural variability, are found to mask the emergence of an anthropogenic temperature signal in North America. Substantial recent temperature anomalies may however indicate a possible recent emergence of this signal in the region. Multidecadal North Atlantic variability is likely to positively reinforce any anthropogenic warming over substantial parts of North America in coming decades. The recent magnitudes of El Nino events appear to be unprecedented over the past several centuries. These recent changes, if anthropogenic in nature, may outweigh the projection of larger-scale climate change patterns onto the region in a climate change scenario. The implications of such changes for North America, however, are not yet clear. These observations suggest caution in assessing regional climate change scenarios in North America without a detailed consideration of possible anthropogenic changes in climate patterns influencing the region.
Effects of CO2 enrichment on photosynthesis, growth, and nitrogen metabolism of the seagrass Zostera noltii

Seagrass ecosystems are expected to benefit from the global increase in CO2 in the ocean because the photosynthetic rate of these plants may be Ci-limited at the current CO2 level. As well, it is expected that lower external pH will facilitate the nitrate uptake of seagrasses if nitrate is cotransported with H+ across the membrane as in terrestrial plants. Here, we investigate the effects of CO2 enrichment on both carbon and nitrogen metabolism of the seagrass Zostera noltii in a mesocosm experiment where plants were exposed for 5 months to two experimental CO2 concentrations (360 and 700 ppm). Both the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pm) and photosynthetic efficiency (α) were higher (1.3- and 4.1-fold, respectively) in plants exposed to CO2-enriched conditions. On the other hand, no significant effects of CO2 enrichment on leaf growth rates were observed, probably due to nitrogen limitation as revealed by the low nitrogen content of leaves. The leaf ammonium uptake rate and glutamine synthetase activity were not significantly affected by increased CO2 concentrations. On the other hand, the leaf nitrate uptake rate of plants exposed to CO2-enriched conditions was fourfold lower than the uptake of plants exposed to current CO2 level, suggesting that in the seagrass Z. noltii nitrate is not cotransported with H+ as in terrestrial plants. In contrast, the activity of nitrate reductase was threefold higher in plant leaves grown at high-CO2 concentrations. Our results suggest that the global effects of CO2 on seagrass production may be spatially heterogeneous and depend on the specific nitrogen availability of each system. Under a CO2 increase scenario, the natural levels of nutrients will probably become limiting for Z. noltii. This potential limitation becomes more relevant because the expected positive effect of CO2 increase on nitrate uptake rate was not confirmed.
Overview Chapter 4: Changing family and partnership behaviour: Common trends and persistent diversity across Europe

Following the era of the ‘golden age of marriage’ and the baby boom in the 1950s and 1960s, marriage has declined in importance, and its role as the main institution on which family relations are built has been eroded across Europe. Union formation most often takes place without a marriage. Family and living arrangements are currently heterogeneous across Europe, but all countries seem to be making the same shifts: towards fewer people living together as a couple, especially in marriage; an increased number of unmarried couples; more children born outside marriage; and fewer children living with their two parents. The relationship between these changing living arrangements, especially the decline of marriage, on the one hand, and the overall level of fertility, on the other, is not straightforward. In most countries, marriage rates and fertility declined simultaneously. However, the aggregate relationship between marriage and fertility indices has moved from negative (fewer marriages imply fewer births) to positive (fewer marriages imply more births). Thus, the decline of marriage, which is a part of the second demographic transition (see Overview Chapter 6), cannot be considered an important cause of the current low fertility level in many European countries. On the contrary, in European countries where the decline of marriage has been less pronounced, fertility levels are currently lower than in countries where new living arrangements have become most common.
Software Architecture for Immersipresence

Immersive, interactive applications grouped under the concept of Immersipresence require on-line processing and mixing of multimedia data streams and structures. One critical issue seldom addressed is the integration of different solutions to technical challenges, developed independently in separate fields, into working systems, that operate under hard performance constraints. In order to realize the Immersipresence vision, a consistent, generic approach to system integration is needed, that is adapted to the constraints of research development. This document describes SAI, a new software architecture model for designing, analyzing and implementing applications performing distributed, asynchronous parallel processing of generic data streams. SAI provides a universal framework for the distributed implementation of algorithms and their easy integration into complex systems that exhibit desirable software engineering qualities such as efficiency, scalability, extensibility, reusability and interoperability. The SAI architectural style and its properties are described. The use of SAI and of its supporting open source architectural middleware (MFSM) is illustrated with integrated, distributed interactive systems, designed and developed in various research and educational contexts.