bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
User-centered design of brain-computer interfaces: OpenBCI.pl and BCI Appliance
Authors: Durka P.J. , Kuś R. , Żygierewicz J. , Michalska M. , Milanowski P. , Łabęcki M. , Spustek T. , Laszuk D. , Duszyk A. , Kruszyński M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) allows for non-muscular communication with external world, which may be the only way of communication for patients in a locked-in state. This paper presents a complete software framework for BCI, a novel hardware solution for stimuli rendering in BCIs based on Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEP), and a univariate algorithm for detection of SSVEP in the EEG time series. OpenBCI is a complete software framework for brain-computer interfaces. Owing to an open license and modular architecture, it allows for flexible implementations of different communication channels in the serial or parallel hybrid mode, minimization of costs and improvements of stability and efficiency. Complete software is freely available from http://openbci.pl. BCI Appliance is a hardware solution that allows for dynamic control of menus with stable generation of stimuli for the SSVEP paradigm. The novelty consists of a design, whereby the LCD screen is illuminated from behind using an array of LEDs. Design pioneers also proposed a new line of thought about the user-centered design of BCI systems: a simple box with one on/off button, minimum embedded software, wireless connections to domotic and EEG acquisition devices, and user-controlled mode switching in a hybrid BCI.
Ensemble of data mining methods for gene ranking
Authors: Wiliński A. , Osowski S. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The paper presents the ensemble of data mining methods for discovering the most important genes and gene sequences generated by the gene expression arrays, responsible for the recognition of a particular type of cancer. The analyzed methods include the correlation of the feature with a class, application of the statistical hypotheses, the Fisher measure of discrimination and application of the linear Support Vector Machine for characterization of the discrimination ability of the features. In the first step of ranking we apply each method individually, choosing the genes most often selected in the cross validation of the available data set. In the next step we combine the results of different selection methods together and once again choose the genes most frequently appearing in the selected sets. On the basis of this we form the final ranking of the genes. The most important genes form the input information delivered to the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, responsible for the final recognition of tumor from non-tumor data. Different forms of checking the correctness of the proposed ranking procedure have been applied. The first one is relied on mapping the distribution of selected genes on the two-coordinate system formed by two most important principal components of the PCA transformation and applying the cluster quality measures. The other one depicts the results in the graphical form by presenting the gene expressions in the form of pixel intensity for the available data. The final confirmation of the quality of the proposed ranking method are the classification results of recognition of the cancer cases from the non-cancer (normal) ones, performed using the Gaussian kernel SVM. The results of selection of the most significant genes used by the SVM for recognition of the prostate cancer cases from normal cases have confirmed a good accuracy of results. The presented methodology is of potential use for practical application in bioinformatics.
Sensitivity analysis of deterministic signaling pathways models
Authors: Puszyński K. , Lachor P. , Kardyńska M. , Śmieja J. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The paper is focused on application of sensitivity methods to analysis of signaling pathway models. Two basic methods are compared: local, based on standard sensitivity functions, and global, based on Sobol indices. Firstly, a general outline of modeling of signaling pathways by means of ordinary differential equations is briefly described. Afterwards, the methods of sensitivity analysis, known from literature, are introduced and illustrated with a simple example of a dynamical system of the second order. Subsequently, the analysis of the p53/Mdm2 regulatory module, which is a key element of any pathway involving p53 protein, is presented. The results of this analysis suggest that no single method should be chosen for investigation of any signaling pathway model but several of them should be applied to answer important questions about sources of heterogeneity in cells behavior, robustness of signaling pathways and possible molecular drug targets.
Generalized ordered linear regression with regularization
Authors: Łęski J.M. , Henzel N. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Linear regression analysis has become a fundamental tool in experimental sciences. We propose a new method for parameter estimation in linear models. The ’Generalized Ordered Linear Regression with Regularization’ (GOLRR) uses various loss functions (including the ǫ-insensitive ones), ordered weighted averaging of the residuals, and regularization. The algorithm consists in solving a sequence of weighted quadratic minimization problems where the weights used for the next iteration depend not only on the values but also on the order of the model residuals obtained for the current iteration. Such regression problem may be transformed into the iterative reweighted least squares scenario. The conjugate gradient algorithm is used to minimize the proposed criterion function. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the validity of the method proposed.
Active Disturbance Rejection Control of a 2DOF manipulator with significant modeling uncertainty
Authors: Przybyła M. , Kordasz M. , Madoński R. , Herman P. , Sauer P. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This paper presents a practical verification of an Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) method in governing a multidimensional system. The experiments were conducted on a two degrees of a freedom planar manipulator with only partial knowledge about the mathematical model of the plant. This multi input multi output system was controlled with a set of two, independent, single input single output ADRC controllers, each regulating one of the manipulator degree of freedom. Modeling uncertainty (nonlinearities, cross-coupling effects, etc.) and external disturbances were assumed to be a part of the disturbance, to be estimated with an observer and cancelled on-line in the control loop. The ADRC robustness was experimentally compared with the results obtained from using two decentralized, classic PID controllers. Both control methods were tested under various conditions, e.g. changing the inertial parameters of the plant. Significantly better results, in terms of parametric robustness, have been reported for the ADRC approach.
Joint reactions in rigid or flexible body mechanisms with redundant constraints
Authors: Wojtyra M. , Frączek J. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The problem of joint reactions indeterminacy, in engineering simulations of rigid body mechanisms is most often caused by redundant constraints which are defined as constraints that can be removed without changing the kinematics of the system. In order to find a unique set of all joint reactions in an overconstrained system, it is necessary to reject the assumption that all bodies are rigid. Flexible bodies introduce additional degrees of freedom to the mechanism, which usually makes the constraint equations independent. Quite often only selected bodies are modelled as the flexible ones, whereas the other remain rigid. In this contribution it is shown that taking into account flexibility of selected mechanism bodies does not guarantee that unique joint reactions can be found. Problems typical for redundant constraints existence are encountered in partially flexible models, which are not overconstrained. A case study of a redundantly constrained spatial mechanism is presented. Different approaches to the mechanism modelling, ranging from a purely rigid body model to a fully flexible one, are investigated and the obtained results are compared and discussed.
A new form of Boussinesq equations for long waves in water of non-uniform depth
Authors: Szmidt J.K. , Hedzielski B. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The paper describes the non-linear transformation of long waves in shallow water of variable depth. Governing equations of the problem are derived under the assumption that the non-viscous fluid is incompressible and the fluid flow is a rotation free. A new form of Boussinesq-type equations is derived employing a power series expansion of the fluid velocity components with respect to the water depth. These non-linear partial differential equations correspond to the conservation of mass and momentum. In order to find the dispersion characteristic of the description, a linear approximation of these equations is derived. A second order approximation of the governing equations is applied to study a time dependent transformation of waves in a rectangular basin of water of variable depth. Such a case corresponds to a spatially periodic problem of sea waves approaching a near-shore zone. In order to overcome difficulties in integrating these equations, the finite difference method is applied to transform them into a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations with respect to the time variable. This final set of these equations is integrated numerically by employing the fourth order Runge - Kutta method.
Photonic integrated circuits – a new approach to laser technology
Authors: Piramidowicz R. , Stopiński S. , Ławniczuk K. , Welikow K. , Szczepański P. , Leijtens X.J.M. , Smit M.K. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this work a brief review on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) is presented with a specific focus on integrated lasers and amplifiers. The work presents the history of development of the integration technology in photonics and its comparison to microelectronics. The major part of the review is focused on InP-based photonic integrated circuits, with a short description of the potential of the silicon technology. A completely new way of fabrication of PICs, called generic integration technology, is presented and discussed. The basic assumption of this approach is the very same as in the case of electronic circuits and states that a limited set of standard components, both active and passive, enables designing of a complex, multifunctional PIC of every type. As a result, functionally advanced, compact, energy efficient and cost-optimized photonic devices can be fabricated. The work presents also selected examples of active PICs like multiwavelength laser sources, discretely tunable lasers, WDM transmitters, ring lasers etc.
Laser nuclear fusion: current status, challenges and prospect
Authors: Badziak J. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In 2009, in Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA, National Ignition Facility (NIF) - the largest thermonuclear fusion device ever made was launched. Its main part is a multi-beam laser whose energy in nanosecond pulse exceeds 1MJ (106 J). Its task is to compress DT fuel to the density over a few thousand times higher than that of solid-state DT and heat it to 100 millions of K degrees. In this case, the process of fuel compression and heating is realized in an indirect way - laser radiation (in UV range) is converted in the so-called hohlraum (1 cm cylinder with a spherical DT pellet inside) into very intense soft X radiation symmetrically illuminating DT pellet. For the first time ever, the fusion device’s energetic parameters are sufficient for the achieving the ignition and self-sustained burn of thermonuclear fuel on a scale allowing for the generation of energy far bigger than that delivered to the fuel. The main purpose of the current experimental campaign on NIF is bringing about, within the next two-three years, a controlled thermonuclear ‘big bang’ in which the fusion energy will exceed the energy delivered by the laser at least ten times. The expected ‘big bang’ would be the culmination of fifty years of international efforts aiming at demonstrating both physical and technical feasibility of generating, in a controlled way, the energy from nuclear fusion in inertial confined plasma and would pave the way for practical realization of the laser-driven thermonuclear reactor. This paper briefly reviews the basic current concepts of laser fusion and main problems and challenges facing the research community dealing with this field. In particular, the conventional, central hot spot ignition approach to laser fusion is discussed together with the more recent ones - fast ignition, shock ignition and impact ignition fusion. The research projects directed towards building an experimental laser-driven thermonuclear reactor are presented as well
Modified current differencing transconductance amplifier – new versatile active element
Authors: Malcher A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This paper introduces a new current mode component called Modified Current Differencing Transconductance Amplifier (MCDTA). Important parameters of the circuit i.e. input resistance, z terminal resistance and transconductance of the output stage can be tuned electrically. The circuit can be implemented in linear and non-linear analog signal processing. The paper presents an example of the MCDTA application - a complete quadrature oscillator with the amplitude regulation. The functionality of the example circuit and its tuning capability were proved by the SPICE simulation results.
Output characteristics of step-down (Buck) power converter
Authors: Janke W. , Bączek M. , Walczak M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The output characteristics of switched-mode dc-dc buck power converter are discussed. The shape of output characteristics is especially important for converters used for supplying modern processors. An output impedance is usually used for description of output characteristics. Many efforts are described in the literature to obtain the satisfastory features of closed-loop output impedance. Another approach, presented in the paper, is based on the concept of the output voltage response corresponding to the load conductance change, and is expressed by hr transmittance. Simulations of output characteristics of the buck converter in frequency and in time-domain have been performed for the ideal case as well as for a more realistic situation, with the parasitic resistances of converter elements included. The measurement results differ substantially from characteristics calculated for an ideal converter and are in good consistency with simulations including parasitics.
Compact QCL driver for free-space transmitter
Authors: Mikołajczyk J. , Garlińska M. , Wesołowski M. , Wojtas J. , Bielecki Z. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The paper presents investigations of a free space optical transmitter operating with quantum cascade lasers. The main goal of the research was to determine influence of lasers driver parameters on an optical data link performance. Using some commercial driving devices, the laser pulse limitations of power, repetition rate and time duration have been observed. In the paper, the preliminary results of the designed laser driver are described. The driver was developed at the Institute of Optoelectronics, MUT in cooperation with scientists from the Faculty Electrical Engineering, WUT. It is characterized by high current efficiency, high pulse repetition rate, and compact construction. Additionally, the driver also includes a controller of Peltier modules
Optimizing the lever propelling system for manual wheelchairs
Authors: Choromański W. , Fiok K. , Dobrzyński G. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The article concerns the optimization of manual wheelchairs with a lever propelling system. Lever-driven manual wheelchairs are a promising wheelchair group, however they still need to be improved in order to compete successfully with classic manual push rim-driven wheelchairs. Also, despite all manual wheelchairs human work efficiency during propulsion plays an important role, there is not enough research carried out that would focus on this problem regarding lever-driven wheelchairs. The research, presented in this paper, according to the authors’ intention, is to make this knowledge gap smaller. The article describes an analytical optimization method for adjusting important lever-drive system parameters - levers length and its axis of rotation position - to individual human anthropometry. The method is based on experimental data regarding maximum human push capabilities acquired in another study. The optimized parameters’ values were determined after assessment of maximum human expendable energy during a single work phase (pushing the levers). As a result of this study authors determined optimal levers length and their axis of rotation position for a 50 percentile French male. The carried out research shows also, that the suboptimal area for positioning the levers axis of rotation is relatively wide.
Baseline Evaluation in Youth Ice Hockey Players: Comparing Methods for Documenting Prior Concussions and Attention or Learning Disorders
Authors: McKay Carly D. , Schneider Kathryn J. , Brooks Brian L. , Mrazik Martin , Emery Carolyn A. 
Published: March 2014

Study Design Cross-sectional. Objective To examine differences in concussion history and attention or learning disorders reported by elite youth ice hockey players, using a questionnaire that allows parental input compared to a clinic-based test battery that does not. Background A history of previous concussion and the presence of attention or learning disorders can affect concussion-management decisions; however, youth athletes may not accurately report their medical history because they may not know or recall important details. Methods The sample included 714 Bantam (ages 12–14 years) and Midget (ages 15–17 years) ice hockey players (601 male, 113 female) from the most elite divisions of play (AA and AAA). Players completed a take-home preseason questionnaire (PSQ) with the input of a parent/guardian, and also independently completed the baseline Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) at the beginning of the 2011–2012 hockey season. Results In 21.1% (95% confidence interval: 18.1%, 24.1%) of cases, there was disagreement between the PSQ and ImPACT in the number of previous concussions reported. Among those who reported an attention disorder on the PSQ, 85.7% also reported an attention disorder on the ImPACT. Only 9.5% of those who reported a learning disorder on the PSQ also reported a learning disorder on the ImPACT. Conclusion In 1 of 5 players, reported concussion history differed between the PSQ and ImPACT, and there was substantial disagreement between instruments for those reporting learning disorders. The method of obtaining medical history may, therefore, affect baseline and postconcussion evaluations. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(5):329–335. Epub 27 March 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5053
Preoperative neuropsychological and behavioral evaluation of children with thalamic tumors
Authors: Chieffo Daniela , Tamburrini Gianpiero , Caldarelli Massimo , Di Rocco Concezio 
Published: March 2014

Object
Functional involvement of the thalamus in cognitive processing has been only anecdotally reported in the literature, and these cases are mostly related to thalamic hemorrhages; there is no available information on cognitive development in children with thalamic tumors.

Methods
All children admitted with a diagnosis of thalamic tumor at the authors' institution between January 2008 and January 2011 were considered for the present study. Exclusion criteria were age less than 18 months and the presence of severe neurological deficits, both of which prevented a reliable neuropsychological evaluation. A complete preoperative neuropsychological evaluation was performed.

Results
Twenty children were selected (mean age 102.4 months). Total IQ was in the normal range in all patients (mean 90.1, SD 13.87) with a significant difference between verbal IQ (mean 97.70, SD 17.77) and performance IQ (mean 84.82, SD 17.01). A significant correlation was found between global cognitive impairment and a histological finding of low-grade tumors (p < 0.001). Children with a mesial thalamic tumor had a higher working memory deficit and delayed recall disorders (p < 0.001). Naming disorders were related to the presence of a bilateral (p < 0.001) or mesial (p < 0.001) thalamic tumor, without a significant difference between left or right hemisphere involvement. A significant correlation was also found between the presence of neurolinguistic disorders and mesially located tumors (p < 0.001). Children with right-sided tumors more frequently had constructional apraxia and executive function disorders (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The present study suggests that thalamic tumors in different locations might have specific neuropsychological profiles.
Riluzole effects on behavioral sensitivity and the development of axonal damage and spinal modifications that occur after painful nerve root compression
Authors: Nicholson Kristen J. , Zhang Sijia , Gilliland Taylor M. , Winkelstein Beth A. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectCervical radiculopathy is often attributed to cervical nerve root injury, which induces extensive degeneration and reduced axonal flow in primary afferents. Riluzole inhibits neuro-excitotoxicity in animal models of neural injury. The authors undertook this study to evaluate the antinociceptive and neuroprotective properties of riluzole in a rat model of painful nerve root compression.MethodsA single dose of riluzole (3 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally at Day 1 after a painful nerve root injury. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated for 7 days after injury. At Day 7, the spinal cord at the C-7 level and the adjacent nerve roots were harvested from a subgroup of rats for immunohistochemical evaluation. Nerve roots were labeled for NF200, CGRP, and IB4 to assess the morphology of myelinated, peptidergic, and nonpeptidergic axons, respectively. Spinal cord sections were labeled for the neuropeptide CGRP and the glutamate transporter GLT-1 to evaluate their expression in the dorsal horn. In a separate group of rats, electrophysiological recordings were made in the dorsal horn. Evoked action potentials were identified by recording extracellular potentials while applying mechanical stimuli to the forepaw.ResultsEven though riluzole was administered after the onset of behavioral sensitivity at Day 1, its administration resulted in immediate resolution of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia (p < 0.045), and these effects were maintained for the study duration. At Day 7, axons labeled for NF200, CGRP, and IB4 in the compressed roots of animals that received riluzole treatment exhibited fewer axonal swellings than those from untreated animals. Riluzole also mitigated changes in the spinal distribution of CGRP and GLT-1 expression that is induced by a painful root compression, returning the spinal expression of both to sham levels. Riluzole also reduced neuronal excitability in the dorsal horn that normally develops by Day 7. The frequency of neuronal firing significantly increased (p < 0.045) after painful root compression, but riluzole treatment maintained neuronal firing at sham levels.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that early administration of riluzole is sufficient to mitigate nerve root–mediated pain by preventing development of neuronal dysfunction in the nerve root and the spinal cord.