Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuronal Correlates of Perception, Imagery, and Memory for Familiar Tunes

We used fMRI to investigate the neuronal correlates of encoding and recognizing heard and imagined melodies. Ten participants were shown lyrics of familiar verbal tunes; they either heard the tune along with the lyrics, or they had to imagine it. In a subsequent surprise recognition test, they had to identify the titles of tunes that they had heard or imagined earlier. The functional data showed substantial overlap during melody perception and imagery, including secondary auditory areas. During imagery compared with perception, an extended network including pFC, SMA, intraparietal sulcus, and cerebellum showed increased activity, in line with the increased processing demands of imagery. Functional connectivity of anterior right temporal cortex with frontal areas was increased during imagery compared with perception, indicating that these areas form an imagery-related network. Activity in right superior temporal gyrus and pFC was correlated with the subjective rating of imagery vividness. Similar to the encoding phase, the recognition task recruited overlapping areas, including inferior frontal cortex associated with memory retrieval, as well as left middle temporal gyrus. The results present new evidence for the cortical network underlying goal-directed auditory imagery, with a prominent role of the right pFC both for the subjective impression of imagery vividness and for on-line mental monitoring of imagery-related activity in auditory areas.
High HIV Incidence and Sexual Behavior Change among Pregnant Women in Lilongwe, Malawi: Implications for the Risk of HIV Acquisition

Background HIV incidence is higher among pregnant women than their non-pregnant counterparts in some sub-Saharan African settings. Our aims were (1) to estimate HIV incidence during pregnancy and (2) to compare sexual activity between pregnant, postpartum, and non-pregnant women. Methods We examined a retrospective cohort of 1087 women to identify seroconverters using antenatal and labor ward HIV test results. We also conducted a cross-sectional survey, including a quantitative questionnaire (n = 200) and in-depth interviews (n = 20) among women in early pregnancy, late pregnancy, postpartum, and non-pregnancy. Outcomes included measures of sexual activity, reported spouse’s risky behavior, and beliefs about abstinence. Results 11 of 1087 women seroconverted during pregnancy yielding a 1% seroconversion risk and an incidence rate of 4.0/100 person years (95% CI 2.2–7.2). The reported sexual activity of the early pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups was similar, but significantly higher than the late pregnancy and postpartum groups (p<0.001). During pregnancy, sex acts decreased as gestation increased (p = 0.001). There was no reported difference in the spouse’s risky behavior. Most women believed that sex should cease between the 6th and 8th month of pregnancy and should not resume until 6 months postpartum. Some talked about conflict between their cultural obligation to abstain and fear of HIV infection if their spouses find other partners. Conclusions HIV incidence is high among pregnant women in Malawi, and sexual activity decreases during pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant women need to be informed of their increased risk for HIV and the importance of using condoms throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Deep phenotyping to predict live birth outcomes in in vitro fertilization

Nearly 75% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments do not result in live births and patients are largely guided by a generalized age-based prognostic stratification. We sought to provide personalized and validated prognosis by using available clinical and embryo data from prior, failed treatments to predict live birth probabilities in the subsequent treatment. We generated a boosted tree model, IVFBT, by training it with IVF outcomes data from 1,676 first cycles (C1s) from 2003–2006, followed by external validation with 634 cycles from 2007–2008, respectively. We tested whether this model could predict the probability of having a live birth in the subsequent treatment (C2). By using nondeterministic methods to identify prognostic factors and their relative nonredundant contribution, we generated a prediction model, IVFBT, that was superior to the age-based control by providing over 1,000-fold improvement to fit new data (p < 0.05), and increased discrimination by receiver–operative characteristic analysis (area-under-the-curve, 0.80 vs. 0.68 for C1, 0.68 vs. 0.58 for C2). IVFBT provided predictions that were more accurate for ∼83% of C1 and ∼60% of C2 cycles that were out of the range predicted by age. Over half of those patients were reclassified to have higher live birth probabilities. We showed that data from a prior cycle could be used effectively to provide personalized and validated live birth probabilities in a subsequent cycle. Our approach may be replicated and further validated in other IVF clinics.
Relations Among Detection of Syllable Stress, Speech Abnormalities, and Communicative Ability in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

PURPOSE To date, the literature on perception of affective, pragmatic, and grammatical prosody abilities in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been sparse and contradictory. It is interesting to note that the primary perception of syllable stress within the word structure, which is crucial for all prosody functions, remains relatively unexplored in ASD. Thus, in the current study, we explored syllable stress perception sensitivity and its relationship to speech production abnormalities and communicative ability in adults with ASD. METHOD A same-different syllable stress perception task using pairs of identical 4-syllable words was delivered to 42 adults with/without high-functioning ASD, matched for age, to investigate primary speech perception ability in ASD. Speech production and communicative ability in ASD was measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (Lord et al., 2000). RESULTS As predicted, the results showed that adults with ASD were less sensitive in making judgments about syllable stress relative to controls. Also, partial correlations revealed a key association of speech production abnormalities with stress perception sensitivity, rather than communicative ability. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide empirical evidence for deficits on primary syllable stress perception in ASD and its role on sociocommunicative difficulties. This information could facilitate the development of effective interventions for speech and language therapy and social communication.
Comparative Analysis of HRU and Grid-Based SWAT Models

A grid-based version of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, SWATgrid, was developed to perform simulations on a regularized grid with a modified routing algorithm to allow interaction between grid cells. However, SWATgrid remains largely untested with little understanding of the impact of user-defined grid cell size. Moreover, increases in computation time effectively preclude direct calibration of SWATgrid. To gain insight into defining appropriate strategies for future development and application of SWATgrid, this research considers the simulated differences between commonly-employed hydrologic response unit (HRU)-based and grid-based SWAT models and the implications of resolution on their simulation and calibrated parameter values for a Midwestern, agricultural watershed. Results indicate that: (1) the gridded approach underpredicted simulated streamflow between 5% and 50% relative to the baseline model, depending upon the input spatial resolution and routing algorithm implemented; (2) gridded models generally underpredicted total phosphorous and sediment loads while overpredicting nitrate load; and (3) ranges of values of optimized model parameters remained similar up to 90 m. Results from this analysis should help in defining future applications of the SWATgrid model and the effects of differing spatial resolution of the model input data.
Robust Signature-Based Copyright Protection Scheme Using the Most Significant Gray-Scale Bits of the Image

The most significant bit- (MSB-) plane of an image is least likely to change by the most signal processing operations. This paper presents a novelmultibit logo-based signature, using themost significant gray-scale bits, which is then used to develop an extremely simple but robust copyright protection scheme, where images along with their signatures are sent to a trusted third party when a dispute arises. Different ways of processing the MSB-plane before calculating the robust signature have been developed. This paper then presents an innovative classifier-based technique to test the robustness and uniqueness of any signature-based scheme. A new MSB-based attack, which would defeat our scheme most, has also been proposed. Experimental results have clearly demonstrated the superiority of the proposed scheme showing the high robustness of differentMSB-based signatures over the existing signaturebased schemes.
Establishment of a Bluetongue Virus Infection Model in Mice that Are Deficient in the Alpha/Beta Interferon Receptor

Bluetongue (BT) is a noncontagious, insect-transmitted disease of ruminants caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). A laboratory animal model would greatly facilitate the studies of pathogenesis, immune response and vaccination against BTV. Herein, we show that adult mice deficient in type I IFN receptor (IFNAR(−/−)) are highly susceptible to BTV-4 and BTV-8 infection when the virus is administered intravenously. Disease was characterized by ocular discharges and apathy, starting at 48 hours post-infection and quickly leading to animal death within 60 hours of inoculation. Infectious virus was recovered from the spleen, lung, thymus, and lymph nodes indicating a systemic infection. In addition, a lymphoid depletion in spleen, and severe pneumonia were observed in the infected mice. Furthermore, IFNAR(−/−) adult mice immunized with a BTV-4 inactivated vaccine showed the induction of neutralizing antibodies against BTV-4 and complete protection against challenge with a lethal dose of this virus. The data indicate that this mouse model may facilitate the study of BTV pathogenesis, and the development of new effective vaccines for BTV.
Simultaneous EEG-Correlated Ictal fMRI

The ability to continuously acquire simultaneous EEG and fMRI data during seizures presents a formidable challenge both clinically and technically. Published ictal fMRI reports have so far been unable to benefit from simultaneous electrographic recordings and remain largely assumptive. Unique findings from a Continuous EEG-correlated fMRI experiment are presented in which a focal subclinical seizure was captured in its entirety. For the first time dynamic and biphasic Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) signal changes are shown using statistical parametric mapping time-locked to the ictal EEG activity localizing seizure generation and propagation sites, with millimeter resolution, to electroclinically concordant gray matter structures. Though presently of limited clinical applicability, a new avenue is opened for further research.
Temperature variability and moisture synergistically interact to exacerbate an epizootic disease

Climate change is altering global patterns of precipitation and temperature variability, with implications for parasitic diseases of humans and wildlife. A recent study confirmed predictions that increased temperature variability could exacerbate disease, because of lags in host acclimation following temperature shifts. However, the generality of these host acclimation effects and the potential for them to interact with other factors have yet to be tested. Here, we report similar effects of host thermal acclimation (constant versus shifted temperatures) on chytridiomycosis in red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens). Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) growth on newts was greater following a shift to a new temperature, relative to newts already acclimated to this temperature (15°C versus 25°C). However, these acclimation effects depended on soil moisture (10, 16 and 21% water) and were only observed at the highest moisture level, which induced greatly increased Bd growth and infection-induced mortality. Acclimation effects were also greater following a decrease rather than an increase in temperature. The results are consistent with previous findings that chytridiomycosis is associated with precipitation, lower temperatures and increased temperature variability. This study highlights host acclimation as a potentially general mediator of climate–disease interactions, and the need to account for context-dependencies when testing for acclimation effects on disease.
Effect of different seed extraction methods for rapid extraction of seeds from the cones of Aleppo pine ( Pinus halepensis ) under controlled conditions in Kashmir Valley, India

The mature cones of Aleppo pine were collected during the first fortnight of March from Shankar Acharyas hill forest of Kashmir valley. The cones were packed in gunny bags and were brought to the laboratory of Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, Shalimar. The 15 cones per experimental unit in three replications were used. Oven with rotator fan was used for the cones subjected to various seed extraction methods (T1-T6) at constant temperatures. Analysis of variance was carried out using completely randomized design. The seeds extracted by the different methods (T1-T7) were subjected to germination test in the laboratory. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. Among different seed extraction methods, the maximum seed extraction (per cent basis) in minimum number of days was recorded as 74.23 per cent and 63.03 per cent under treatment T6 (alternate dipping for 10 minute followed by drying at 50 OC) and T3 (dry heating at 50 OC for 24 hours), respectively. The significantly minimum rate of seed extraction of 1.12 per cent was observed when the cones were dried in the sun (T7). The almost similar trend was observed in both the years of investigation i.e. 2009 and 2010 (Table-1).
Effects of indole-3-acetic acid on arsenic uptake and antioxidative enzymes in Pteris cretica var. nervosa and Pteris ensiformis

ABSTRACT A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on arsenic (As) uptake and antioxidative enzymes in fronds of Pteris cretica var. nervosa (As hyperaccumulator) and Pteris ensiformis (non-hyperaccumulator). Plants were exposed to 2 mg L−1 As(III), As(V) or dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and IAA concentrations for 14 d. The biomass and total As in the plants significantly increased at 30 mg L−1 IAA. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities significantly increased with IAA addition. Catalase (CAT) activities showed a significant increase in P. ensiformis exposed to three As species at 30 or 50 mg L−1 IAA but varied in P. cretica var. nervosa. Peroxidase (POD) activities were unchanged in P. ensiformis except for a significant decrease at 50 mg L−1 IAA under As(III) treatment. However, a significant increase was observed in P. cretica var. nervosa at 10 mg L−1 IAA under As(III) or DMA treatment and at 50 mg L−1 IAA under As(V) treatment. Under DMA stress, malondialdehyde contents in fronds of P. cretica var. nervosa showed a significant decrease at 10 mg L−1 IAA but remained unchanged in P. ensiformis. Therefore, IAA enhanced As uptake and frond POD activity in P. cretica var. nervosa under As stress.
Where do security policies come from?

We examine the password policies of 75 different websites. Our goal is understand the enormous diversity of requirements: some will accept simple six-character passwords, while others impose rules of great complexity on their users. We compare different features of the sites to find which characteristics are correlated with stronger policies. Our results are surprising: greater security demands do not appear to be a factor. The size of the site, the number of users, the value of the assets protected and the frequency of attacks show no correlation with strength. In fact we find the reverse: some of the largest, most attacked sites with greatest assets allow relatively weak passwords. Instead, we find that those sites that accept advertising, purchase sponsored links and where the user has a choice show strong inverse correlation with strength. We conclude that the sites with the most restrictive password policies do not have greater security concerns, they are simply better insulated from the consequences of poor usability. Online retailers and sites that sell advertising must compete vigorously for users and traffic. In contrast to government and university sites, poor usability is a luxury they cannot afford. This in turn suggests that much of the extra strength demanded by the more restrictive policies is superfluous: it causes considerable inconvenience for negligible security improvement.
Forming a constant density medium close to long gamma-ray bursts

Aims. The progenitor stars of long Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are thought to be Wolf-Rayet stars, which generate a massive and energetic wind. Nevertheless, about 25 percent of all GRB afterglows light curves indicate a constant density medium close to the exploding star. We explore various ways to produce this, by creating situations where the wind termination shock arrives very close to the star, as the shocked wind material has a nearly constant density. Methods. Typically, the distance between a Wolf-Rayet star and the wind termination shock is too large to allow afterglow formation in the shocked wind material. Here, we investigate possible causes allowing for a smaller distance: A high density or a high pressure in the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM), a weak Wolf-Rayet star wind, the presence of a binary companion, and fast motion of the Wolf-Rayet star relative to the ISM. Results. We find that all four scenarios are possible in a limited parameter space, but that none of them is by itself likely to explain the large fraction of constant density afterglows. Conclusions. A low GRB progenitor metallicity, and a high GRB energy make the occurrence of a GRB afterglow in a constant density medium more likely. This may be consistent with constant densities being preferentially found for energetic, high redshift GRBs.
Audio detection (Audition): Android based sound detection application for hearing-impaired using AdaBoostM1 classifier with REPTree weaklearner

AudiTion is an application that will help the hearing-impaired people to detect sound around them and to recognize the sound. The algorithms used in this application for Machine Learning are AdaBoostM1 functioning as a classifier and REPTree as weak learner, and it's built for Android operating system. Machine Learning is a study of computer algorithms which can improve its learning ability automatically through experience. AdaBoostM1 is one of the algorithms with Boosting method. Boosting uses all instances in each repetition, but keeping the load on any instance in the training set. REPTree is a fast decision tree learner which builds a decision/regression tree using information gain as the splitting criterion and prunes it using reduced-error pruning. Testing processes are done in four environment conditions to determine the sound prediction accuracy level. The four conditions are environments with low and high noise, far and near sound sources. AudiTion has two sound databases, the first database is indoor sounds and the second database is outdoor sounds with a total of 23 sounds. The results show that the average level of accuracy is relatively low at around 26.25% for the detection in the four conditions using both sound databases. Due to the low accuracy, we conducted trials by reducing indoor databases only for five sounds. This trial shows the accuracy of 40%. Since the accuracy results are still less than 50%, we conclude that AudiTion applications need to use another approach.
Aerosols properties as retrieved from the GARRLIC synergetic approach applied to multi wavelength Raman LiDAR observations performed over Lille and Dakar sites

Les aerosols sont une composante tres variable de l’atmosphere terrestre et font l’objet d’une attention croissante de la communaute scientifique et de la societe. Depuis 2005, le LOA developpe une activite reconnue en instrumentation, observation et inversion LiDAR pour la mesure des profils verticaux des parametres descriptifs de ces aerosols. Depuis 2011, cette nouvelle thematique est soutenue par le projet europeen ACTRIS (Aerosol Cloud and Trace gas Infrastructure) et le Labex CaPPA (Chemical And Physical Processes in the Atmosphere). Le premier objectif de cette these visait a deployer un nouveau LiDAR multi-longueur d’onde-Raman-polarise, LILAS, d’une part sur la plateforme de mesures atmospheriques de l’universite de Lille et d’autre part sur la station de geophysique de l’IRD a Dakar dans le cadre de la campagne de terrain SHADOW-2. Le second objectif visait a restituer puis etudier les proprietes optiques et microphysiques des couches aerosols detectees. Une methodologie d’inversion innovante GARRLIC/GRASP a ete mise en oeuvre et amelioree pour interpreter une serie d’evenements aerosols (pollution locale, poussieres minerales d’origine desertique transportees jusqu’a Lille mais egalement observes a Dakar, proche des zones sources). Cette nouvelle technique d’inversion combine les mesures primaires issues de la photometrie solaire (epaisseur optique et luminance spectrales) avec les profils de retrodiffusion LiDAR a 355, 532 et 1064 nm. Les proprietes des aerosols ambiants etant egalement fonction de l’humididite atmospherique, une derniere partie a porte sur la mesure du profil de rapport de melange de la vapeur d’eau accessible a partir de LILAS.
Experiences of Using Pair Programming in an Agile Project

The interest in pair programming (PP) has increased recently, e.g. by the popularization of agile software development. However, many practicalities of PP are poorly understood. We present experiences of using PP extensively in an industrial project. The fact that the team had a limited number of high-end workstations forced it in a positive way to quick deployment and rigorous use of PP. The developers liked PP and learned it easily. Initially, the pairs were not rotated frequently but adopting daily, random rotation improved the situation. Frequent rotation seemed to improve knowledge transfer. The driver/navigator roles were switched seldom, but still the partners communicated actively. The navigator rarely spotted defects during coding, but the released code contained almost no defects. Test-driven development and design in pairs possibly decreased defects. The developers considered that PP improved quality and knowledge transfer, and was better suited for complex tasks than for easy tasks