Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of neurons in the cat lateral geniculate nucleus: in vivo electrophysiology and computational modeling.

1. We investigated the time domain transformation that thalamocortical relay cells of the cat lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) perform on their retinal input, and used computational modeling to explore the biophysical properties that determine the dynamics of the LGN relay cells in vivo. 2. We recorded simultaneously the input (S potentials) and output (action potentials) of 50 cat LGN relay cells stimulated by drifting sinusoidal gratings of varying temporal frequency. The temporal modulation transfer functions (TMTFs) of the neurons were derived from these data. The burstiness of the LGN spike trains was also assessed using objective criteria. 3. We found that the form of the TMTF was quite variable among cells, ranging from low-pass to strongly band-pass. The optimal temporal frequency of band-pass neurons was between 2 and 8 Hz. In addition, the TMTF of some cells was nonstationary: their temporal tuning changed with time. 4. The temporal tuning of a cell was directly related to the degree of burstiness of its spike train. Tonically firing relay cells had low-pass TMTFs, whereas the most bursty neurons exhibited the most sharply band-pass transfer functions. This was also true for single cells that altered their temporal tuning: a shift to more band-pass tuning was associated with increased burstiness of the spike train, and vice versa. 5. We constructed a computer simulation of the LGN relay cell. The model was a simplified five-channel version of the thalamocortical neuron model of McCormick and Huguenard. It incorporated the quantitative kinetics of the Ca2+ T channel, as well as the Hodgkin-Huxley Na+ and K+ channels, as the only active membrane currents. To simulate the in vivo dynamics of the relay cell, the input to the model consisted of trains of synaptic potentials, recorded as S potentials in our physiological experiments. 6. When the resting membrane potential of the model neuron was relatively depolarized, the model's TMTF was low-pass, with no bursting evident in the simulated spike train. At hyperpolarized resting membrane potentials, however, the modeled TMTF was band-pass, with frequent burst discharges. Thus the biophysical model reproduced not only the range of dynamics seen in real LGN relay cells, but also the dependence of the overall dynamics on the burstiness of the spike train. However, neither of these phenomena could be simulated without the T channel. Thus the simulations demonstrated that the T-type Ca2+ channel was necessary and sufficient to explain the LGN dynamics observed in physiological experiments. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Kernel-based methods for bandit convex optimization

We consider the adversarial convex bandit problem and we build the first poly(T)-time algorithm with poly(n) √T-regret for this problem. To do so we introduce three new ideas in the derivative-free optimization literature: (i) kernel methods, (ii) a generalization of Bernoulli convolutions, and (iii) a new annealing schedule for exponential weights (with increasing learning rate). The basic version of our algorithm achieves Õ(n9.5 #8730;T)-regret, and we show that a simple variant of this algorithm can be run in poly(n log(T))-time per step at the cost of an additional poly(n) To(1) factor in the regret. These results improve upon the Õ(n11 #8730;T)-regret and exp(poly(T))-time result of the first two authors, and the log(T)poly(n) #8730;T-regret and log(T)poly(n)-time result of Hazan and Li. Furthermore we conjecture that another variant of the algorithm could achieve Õ(n1.5 #8730;T)-regret, and moreover that this regret is unimprovable (the current best lower bound being Î©(n #8730;T) and it is achieved with linear functions). For the simpler situation of zeroth order stochastic convex optimization this corresponds to the conjecture that the optimal query complexity is of order n3 / ϵ2.
Issues Facing the Field of Learning Disabilities

Four issues facing the field of learning disabilities are discussed: (a) defining learning disabilities in terms of discrepancy scores, (b) delineating the boundaries of how specific a learning disability must be, (c) identifying treatments with scientific credibility, and (d) implementing instructional policy that is in the best interest of the child. Although these issues have been discussed in the literature for some time, some deeper conceptual issues lie below the surface. These issues are related to (a) a weak research foundation for operationalizing learning disabilities; (b) too narrow a research focus, thereby excluding work in other areas; (c) few answers to some practical instructional questions; and (d) implementation of policy independent of data. Illustrations and possible redresses are provided.
Mark Scheduling sales force training : Theory and evidence

To have a productive sales force, firms must provide their salespeople with sales training. But from a profit-maximizing perspective, there are also reasons to limit training: training is expensive, it has diminishing returns, and trained salespeople need to be compensated at a higher level since their value in the outside labor market has increased. Due to these reasons, the following inter-related questions are not straightforward to answer: (1) How much training should be provided and how should training be scheduled over time? (2) How should compensation vary with training? (3) Should salespeople be asked to pay for some or all of their training? An analytical model is developed and analyzed using optimal control theory to provide answers to these questions. Thereafter, an empirical investigation is undertaken that broadly corroborates the analytical findings. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Low complexity DSP block design methodology for road speed monitoring

The paper presents the development and implementation of a Digital Signal Processing algorithm for the Speed Indication Display with a 24 GHz continuous wave Doppler radar. The algorithm is based on a well-known zerocrossing algorithm and filtering. This paper is focused on implementing this algorithm into a widely used microcontroller, which is usually mounted on the Arduino Uno board. MATLAB/Simulink is used as a development environment to design filters, estimate the necessary word length and simulate the algorithm using fixed-point arithmetic before implementation into the microcontroller.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Methionine Uptake and Methionine Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Gliomas

The present most common image diagnostic tracer in clinical practice for glioma is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) for brain tumors diagnosis and prognosis. PET is a promising molecular imaging technique, which provides real-time information on the metabolic behavior of the tracer. The diffusive nature of glioblastoma (GBM) and heterogeneity often make the radiographic detection by FDG-PET inaccurate, and there is no gold standard. FDG-PET often leads to several controversies in making clinical decisions due to their uptake by normal surrounding tissues, and pose a challenge in delineating treatment-induced necrosis, edema, inflammation, and pseudoprogression. Thus, it is imperative to find new criteria independent of conventional morphological diagnosis to demarcate normal and tumor tissues. We have provided proof of concept studies for 11C methionine-PET (MET-PET) imaging of gliomas, along with prognostic and diagnostic significance. MET-PET is not widely used in the United States, though clinical trials from Japan and Germany suggesting the diagnostic ability of MET-PET imaging are superior to FDG-PET imaging for brain tumors. A major impediment is the availability of the onsite cyclotron and isotopic carbon chemistry facilities. In this article, we have provided the scientific rationale and advantages of the use of MET-PET as GBM tracers. We extend our discussion on the expected pitfalls of using MET-PET and ways to overcome them by incorporating a translational component of profiling gene status in the methionine metabolic pathway. This translational correlative component to the MET-PET clinical trials can lead to a better understanding of the existing controversies and can enhance our knowledge for future randomization of GBM patients based on their tumor gene signatures to achieve better prognosis and treatment outcome.
Academic Achievement and Individual Differences in Learning Processes

This study was concerned with the degree of re lationship between academic achievement, as as sessed by college grade-point average, and infor mation-processing habits relevant to learning, as as sessed by the scales of the Inventory of Learning Processes (ILP). The ILP scales of Synthesis-Analy sis, Fact Retention, and Elaborative Processing were significantly related to GPA and scores on the American College Testing (ACT) Program Assess ment. Thus, the successful student seems to process information in depth and encode it elaboratively, while simultaneously retaining the details of the original information. Unexpectedly, the Study Methods scale demonstrated a small but significant negative relationship with ACT scores. A path analysis suggested that the effects which Fact Re tention and Elaborative Processing have upon GPA are mainly direct, while the effect of Synthesis- Analysis is mostly interpreted by ACT.
Monitoring Global Supply Chains

Outsourcing firms increasingly rely on social auditors to provide strategic information about the conduct of their suppliers to manage the reputational risks that can arise from dangerous, illegal, and unethical behavior at supply chain factories. But little is known about what influences auditors’ ability to identify and report poor supplier conduct. We find evidence that private supply chain auditors’ reporting practices are shaped by several social factors including their experience, gender, and professional training; their ongoing relationships with suppliers; and the gender diversity of their audit teams. By providing the first comprehensive and systematic findings on supply chain auditing practices, our study suggests strategies companies can pursue to develop more credible monitoring regimes to reduce information asymmetries between themselves and their suppliers.
Annual Survey of Hearing Impaired Children and Youth: 1989-90 School Year

The summary data reported in the following tables represent information reported to the 1989-90 Annual Survey of Hearing Impaired Children and Youth, conducted by the Center for Assessment and Demographic Studies (CADS) at Gallaudet University's Research Institute. In Table 1, these 1989-90 data are compared with data from the 1984-85 Annual Survey to indicate possible trends within the recent educational environment of hearing impaired children and youth. In Tables 2 through 6, the data are for 1989-90 only.
1kHz 2D silicon retina motion sensor platform

This paper proposes an optical motion sensor aimed towards small robotic platforms. It incorporates a 20×20 pixel continuous-time CMOS silicon retina vision sensor with pixels that have local gain control and adapt to background lighting and a DSP microcontroller which computes the global optical flow from the sampled sensor output. The system allows the user to validate various motion algorithms suitable for the platform. Measurements are presented that show that the system can compute global 2D translational motion from complex natural scenes using the image interpolation algorithm at a sample rate of 1 kHz and for speeds up to ±1000 pixels/s using <;5k instruction cycles per frame.
‘You Could Damage Somebody's Life’: Student and Lecturer Perspectives on Commitment

Retention problems in the social work profession have been well documented. There is evidence that social workers experience a shorter working life compared to many other professional groups. Despite existing links between commitment to the job role and important work outcomes such as retention, few studies have investigated commitment in social work students. This study utilised qualitative data to examine this issue from the perspective of seven social work students and three lecturers. Aspects of commitment, as well as associated concepts such as perceptions of support and perspectives on the social work profession were explored. Commitment was primarily seen by students and lecturers as synonymous with dedication to the profession and its values. The extent and nature of support from a range of sources was seen as varying in quality, although peer support was generally seen in positive terms. It is suggested that interventions to enhance peer support have the potential to enhance student commitment and, consequently, retention.
Difference of Body Compositional Changes According to the Presence of Weight Cycling in a Community-based Weight Control Program

Many obese people who try to control body weight experience weight cycling (WC). The present study evaluated the importance of WC in a community-based obesity intervention program. We analyzed the data of 109 Korean participants (86% women) among 177 subjects who had completed a 12-week intervention program at two public health centers in Korea from April to December, 2007. Completion of a self-administrated questionnaire at baseline was used to obtain anthropometric measurements, and laboratory testing was done before and after the program. Differences in body composition change and obesity-related life style between the two groups were compared with respect to WC and non-weight cycling (NWC). After 12 weeks, both groups showed reductions in weight, waist circumference, and body mass index. The group differences were not significant. However, significant differences were evident for the WC group compared to the NWC group in fat percent mass (WC vs. NWC, -3.49+/-2.31% vs. -4.65+/-2.59%, P=0.01), fat free mass (WC vs. NWC, -0.95+/-1.37 kg vs. -0.38+/-1.05 kg, P=0.01), and total cholesterol (WC vs. NWC, -3.32+/-14.63 vs. -16.54+/-32.39, P=0.005). In conducting a community-based weight control program that predominantly targets women, changes of body composition and total cholesterol may be less effective in weight cyclers than in non-weight cyclers.
Mining business databases

a phenomenal rate. From the financial sector to telecommunications operations , companies increasingly rely on analysis of huge amounts of data to compete. Although ad hoc mixtures of statistical techniques and file management tools once sufficed for digging through mounds of corporate data, the size of modern data warehouses, the mission-critical nature of the data, and the speed with which analyses need to be made now call for a new approach. A new generation of techniques and tools is emerging to intelligently assist humans in analyzing mountains of data and finding critical nuggets of useful knowledge, and in some cases to perform analyses automatically. These techniques and tools are the subject of the growing field of knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) [5]. KDD is an umbrella term describing a variety of activities for making sense of data. We use the term to describe the overall process of finding useful patterns in data, including not only the data mining step of running specific discovery algorithms but also pre-and postprocessing and a host of other important activities. Our goal here is to provide a brief overview of the key issues in knowledge discovery in an industrial context and outline representative applications. The different data mining methods at the core of the KDD process can have different goals. In general, we distinguish two types: • Verification, in which the system is limited to verifying a user's hypothesis, and • Discovery, in which the system finds new patterns. Ad hoc techniques—no longer adequate for sifting through vast collections of data—are giving way to data mining and knowledge discovery for turning corporate data into competitive business advantage.
Selection and Self‐selection at German Mass Universities

Abstract In many countries university expansion in recent decades has led to a process of institutional differentiation between mass and elite universities, between state and private universities, and between long‐ and short‐term courses. Selection into these different types of higher education is practised not only by the university itself, since the students subject themselves to a certain self‐selection. The effect of both forms of selection is to reproduce the institutional differentiation at the level of the university in a social differentiation at the level of the student body. The data analysed here are from a survey conducted during the winter semester 1989‐1990 among university beginners at three German universities with the following results: arabic Students enrolling in various subjects differ substantially from one another in terms of motives, expectations regarding future career, and cognitive abilities. As the survey was carried out among those just beginning their studies, the differences .
Commonalities and specificities of authentic leadership in Ghana and New Zealand

The authentic leadership literature suggests that there are three critical elements that precede the bestowal of authentic leadership: first, the espoused values and actions of authentic leaders must be congruent; second, the expectation of the leaders and the followers must be congruent; and, third, the leaders must behave with high moral integrity for the good of their subordinates, the organization and the community. These features of authentic leadership involve subjective interpretation, and therefore evaluations of it may vary in different settings. This study used the Q method to compare leaders’ and followers’ constructs of authentic leadership in Ghana and New Zealand. Thirty leaders and followers in each of the organizations studied in Ghana and New Zealand sorted selected statements about authentic leadership. Three factors or types of authentic leadership were identified and named for each of the four settings. While these results suggest that authentic leadership is idiosyncratic, further analysis showed that some attributes of authentic leadership were common to the organizations, and some were common to the countries. These findings confirmed that in order to encourage and support authentic leadership, it is necessary to consider an ‘employee-centric’ approach in which followers’ viewpoints are given full recognition. Further, effective leadership training programmes needed to be tailored to specific organizations in specific contexts to achieve desirable outcomes for organizations.
Reader responses to literary depictions of rape

This study explored reader responses to different literary depictions of rape. Four literary excerpts were used and divided as aesthetic versus nonaesthetic (style) and allusive versus explicit (detail). The general question was how readers would react to literary fragments depicting rape and whether the level of aesthetics and the level of explicitness influenced readers' thoughts and feelings. An open-ended question asked readers to report how the style had influenced their thoughts and feelings, whereas 7-point scales addressed the following variables: experienced distance, perceptions of realism and of beauty, emotional versus intellectual reaction, empathy, tension, and arousal. In a 2 (detail: explicit vs. allusive) × 2 (style: aesthetic vs. nonaesthetic) within-participant design (N = 34), gender functioned as a between-participants variable. Results indicate that the personal tendency to feel engaged with fiction overrides effects of aesthetics and explicitness. Principal-components factor analysis suggests that readers who are easily engaged with the characters feel unsettled when reading rape scenes they find brutal and intellectualize to handle these feelings. These “high empathizers” are not likely to be detached or to appreciate the fragment negatively: once absorbed, they will try to take something positive even from an unsettling experience.
Posttranslational modifications of recombinant myotube-synthesized human factor IX.

Recent data demonstrate that the introduction into skeletal muscle of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing blood coagulation factor IX (F.IX) can result in long-term expression of the transgene product and amelioration of the bleeding diathesis in animals with hemophilia B. These data suggest that biologically active F.IX can be synthesized in skeletal muscle. Factor IX undergoes extensive posttranslational modifications in the liver, the normal site of synthesis. In addition to affecting specific activity, these posttranslational modifications can also affect recovery, half-life in the circulation, and the immunogenicity of the protein. Before initiating a human trial of an AAV-mediated, muscle-directed approach for treating hemophilia B, a detailed biochemical analysis of F.IX synthesized in skeletal muscle was carried out. As a model system, human myotubes transduced with an AAV vector expressing F.IX was used. F.IX was purified from conditioned medium using a novel strategy designed to purify material representative of all species of rF.IX in the medium. Purified F.IX was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), N-terminal sequence analysis, chemical gamma-carboxyglutamyl analysis, carbohydrate analysis, assays for tyrosine sulfation, and serine phosphorylation, and for specific activity. Results show that myotube-synthesized F.IX has specific activity similar to that of liver-synthesized F.IX. Posttranslational modifications critical for specific activity, including removal of the signal sequence and propeptide, and gamma-carboxylation of the N-terminal glutamic acid residues, are also similar, but carbohydrate analysis and assessment of tyrosine sulfation and serine phosphorylation disclose differences. In vivo experiments in mice showed that these differences affect recovery but not half-life of muscle-synthesized F.IX.
Prevalence of Childhood Sexual Abuse among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People: A Meta-Analysis

In order to determine the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals, we conducted a meta-analysis that compiled the results of 65 articles across 9 countries. The results revealed no significant difference in the prevalence of child sexual abuse between homosexual and bisexual people for both sexes. The prevalence of child sexual abuse among female sexual minorities was significantly higher than that among male sexual minorities. The lowest prevalence was found in South America, followed by Asia. The definition of child sexual abuse, dimension used to measure sexual orientation, year of data collection, and the mean age of participants at the time of assessment influenced the estimated prevalence of child sexual abuse. We conclude that many variables influence the reported prevalence of child sexual abuse among sexual minorities.
Two-Player Reachability-Price Games on Single-Clock Timed Automata

We study two player reachability-price games on single-clock timed automata. The problem is as follows: given a state of the automaton, determine whether the first player can guarantee reaching one of the designated goal locations. If a goal location can be reached then we also want to compute the optimum price of doing so. Our contribution is twofold. First, we develop a theory of cost functions, which provide a comprehensive methodology for the analysis of this problem. This theory allows us to establish our second contribution, an EXPTIME algorithm for computing the optimum reachability price, which improves the existing 3EXPTIME upper bound.