Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward Conversational Human-Computer Interaction

The belief that humans will be able to interact with computers in conversational speech has long been a favorite subject in science fiction, reflecting the persistent belief that spoken dialogue would be the most natural and powerful user interface to computers. With recent improvements in computer technology and in speech and language processing, such systems are starting to appear feasible. There are significant technical problems that still need to be solved before speech-driven interfaces become truly conversational. This article describes the results of a 10-year effort building robust spoken dialogue systems at the University of Rochester.
Introversion–Extra Version, Tempo, and Guided Imagery

This research tested the hypotheses that (a) introverts would produce more vivid imagery than would extraverts, and (b) introverts would produce better mental imagery if the background auditory tempo was slow, and extraverts would produce better mental imagery of the background auditory tempo was fast. Participants (N = 240) were classified as introverts or extraverts and were randomly assigned one of three tempo conditions: slow, fast, or none. They were instructed to form mental images while listening individually to one of two stories Clicks (slow or fast) sounded in the background during the stories. All participants then completed detailed questionnaires about the vividness of their mental imagery. Analysis showed that introverts reported significantly more vividness in their imagery than did extraverts. The hypothesized interaction between personality and tempo was not found. Implications were drawn for therapeutic applications of mental imagery.
The Disposition Effect on Optimal Stopping Decisions: a Direct Test∗

This paper develops a laboratory test of a distinctive prediction of reference-dependent preferences, testable only in dynamic settings: decision makers suboptimally delay realizing disappointing outcomes (procrastination) but suboptimally rush to realize outcomes that are better-than-expected (rushing). In the experiment, subjects invest in a risky asset, whose price evolves in near-continuous time, and they are provided with the option to liquidate it at a fixed salvage value. Optimal behavior is characterized by an upper and a lower stopping thresholds in the asset price space, thus producing a clear rational benchmark and eliminating known confounds. Most subjects indeed tend to delay liquidating losing assets beyond the optimal point and to sell winning assets before reaching the optimal stopping time. Among subjects who show the effect, the median stopping points imply the probability of realizing a winner conditional on stopping is 70% larger than optimal. Such behavior is shown to be consistent with a model of a decision maker who evaluates payoffs relative to an expectation-based reference point, is risk-averse over gains and risk-seeking over losses.
Molecular Studies and Possible Relatedness Between R Plasmids from Groups B and D Streptococci

Resistance plasmids isolated from Streptococcus agalactiae (group B) and S. faecalis (group D) have been compared in regard to resistance markers, molecular weight, and DNA-DNA homology. Three of them (pIP501, pIP612, and pIP613) have been found to confer identical (or very similar) resistance patterns (erythromycin, lincomycin, and streptogramin B, respectively) and to have similar molecular weights (19.8 × 106, 22.7 × 106, and 17.6 × 106, respectively) and a high level of DNA-DNA homology in hybridization experiments (90 to 100%). These results are compatible with the view that these plasmids may derive from one common ancestor, and/or that they can be transferred between unrelated Streptococcus strains belonging to the same or different groups.
Extraction of MDE Architectures from Parallel Streaming Applications

We present an incremental approach to extract an MDE architecture from parallel streaming applications. We begin with a sequential pipe-and-filter architecture as our initial model. We then use transformations to refine (the standard technique that reveals hierarchical detail), extend (expose extra ports, functionality, components, and connectors), and optimize (break encapsulation boundaries to achieve efficiency or availability) this model to derive a parallel architecture. We show the generality of our approach with two significant case studies: join parallelizations in database machines and asynchronous crash-fault-tolerant servers.
Are we ready for autonomous driving? The KITTI vision benchmark suite

Today, visual recognition systems are still rarely employed in robotics applications. Perhaps one of the main reasons for this is the lack of demanding benchmarks that mimic such scenarios. In this paper, we take advantage of our autonomous driving platform to develop novel challenging benchmarks for the tasks of stereo, optical flow, visual odometry/SLAM and 3D object detection. Our recording platform is equipped with four high resolution video cameras, a Velodyne laser scanner and a state-of-the-art localization system. Our benchmarks comprise 389 stereo and optical flow image pairs, stereo visual odometry sequences of 39.2 km length, and more than 200k 3D object annotations captured in cluttered scenarios (up to 15 cars and 30 pedestrians are visible per image). Results from state-of-the-art algorithms reveal that methods ranking high on established datasets such as Middlebury perform below average when being moved outside the laboratory to the real world. Our goal is to reduce this bias by providing challenging benchmarks with novel difficulties to the computer vision community. Our benchmarks are available online at: www.cvlibs. net/datasets/kitti.
Halothane minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration and neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity of the dorsal horn and the locus ceruleus in rats.

UNLABELLED There is some evidence of a relationship between nitric oxide and pain control pathways. However, it is still controversial whether nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors affect minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC). We examined the effects of 7-nitro indazole (7-NI), a selective neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor, on halothane MAC. With nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase histochemistry, we also investigated the nNOS activity of the dorsal horn and the locus ceruleus in 26 Sprague-Dawley rats. 7-NI (100, 500, 1000 mg/kg intraperitoneally) reduced halothane MAC to 0.34% +/- 0.12%, 0.1% +/- 0.03%, and 0.05% +/- 0.12%, dose dependently (P < 0.01). 7-NI also reduced the number of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase-positive cells by 20% to 65% (P < 0.05 or 0.01) and the staining intensity of the axons in the locus ceruleus and lumbar and thoracic spinal cord as compared with the control group. 7-NI reduced the MAC observed with halothane anesthesia, which was accompanied by nNOS activity suppression in the spinal cord and the locus ceruleus. Our results support the hypothesis that the nitric oxide signaling pathway is related to MAC. IMPLICATIONS We examined the effects of a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 7-nitro indazole, on halothane minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration and measured the nitric oxide synthase activity in the spinal cord and the locus ceruleus of Sprague-Dawley rats using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase staining method. 7-Nitro indazole decreased both the minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration and neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity.
Temporal Changes in Coupled Vegetation Phenology and Productivity are Biome-Specific in the Northern Hemisphere

Global warming has greatly stimulated vegetation growth through both extending the growing season and promoting photosynthesis in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Analyzing the combined dynamics of such trends can potentially improve our current understanding on changes in vegetation functioning and the complex relationship between anthropogenic and climatic drivers. This study aims to analyze the relationships (long-term trends and correlations) of length of vegetation growing season (LOS) and vegetation productivity assessed by the growing season NDVI integral (GSI) in the NH (>30°N) to study any dependency of major biomes that are characterized by different imprint from anthropogenic influence. Spatial patterns of converging/diverging trends in LOS and GSI and temporal changes in the coupling between LOS and GSI are analyzed for major biomes at hemispheric and continental scales from the third generation Global Inventory Monitoring and Modeling Studies (GIMMS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset for a 32-year period (1982–2013). A quarter area of the NH is covered by converging trends (consistent significant trends in LOS and GSI), whereas diverging trends (opposing significant trends in LOS and GSI) cover about 6% of the region. Diverging trends are observed mainly in high latitudes and arid/semi-arid areas of non-forest biomes (shrublands, savannas, and grasslands), whereas forest biomes and croplands are primarily characterized by converging trends. The study shows spatially-distinct and biome-specific patterns between the continental land masses of Eurasia (EA) and North America (NA). Finally, areas of high positive correlation between LOS and GSI showed to increase during the period of analysis, with areas of significant positive trends in correlation being more widespread in NA as compared to EA. The temporal changes in the coupled vegetation phenology and productivity suggest complex relationships and interactions that are induced by both ongoing climate change and increasingly intensive human disturbances.
Centre de Referència en Economia Analítica Barcelona Economics Working Paper Series Working Paper n o 85 Elicited Bid Functions in ( a ) symmetric First-Price Auctions

We report on a series of experiments that examine bidding behavior in first-price sealed bid auctions with symmetric and asymmetric bidders. To study the extent of strategic behavior, we use an experimental design that elicits bidders’ complete bid functions in each round (auction) of the experiment. In the aggregate, behavior is consistent with the basic equilibrium predictions for risk neutral or homogenous risk averse bidders (extent of bid shading, average seller’s revenues and deviations from equilibrium). However, when we look at the extent of best reply behavior and the shape of bid functions, we find that individual behavior is not in line with the received equilibrium models, although it exhibits strategic sophistication.
The Culture of Generativity: Exploring the Manifestation of Generativity in the Manifestation of Generativity in the Mexican/Mexican-American Population

THE CULTURE OF GENERATIVITY: EXPLORING THE MANIFESTATION OF GENERATIVITY IN THE MEXICAN/ MEXICAN-AMERICAN POPULATION Mara J. Bach, B.S.W. , M.S.W. Marquette University, 2014 Generativity is a developmental stage in adulthood where an individual makes a conscious decision to leave their mark on the world with the intent to make the world a better place for future generations. Research has shown that engaging in generativite acts benefits both the person engaging in such practices as well as the recipient, and thus generativity is positively correlated with reported wellbeing. It has also been shown that adults engaging in such practices are psychologically healthier and ease into old age with less resistance than their non-generative counterparts. Generativity is a strengths-based approach. It is shaped by one’s cultural values and beliefs and also serves as a window into one’s particular culture. Through the use of quantitative and qualitative measures of generativity, researchers are able to get a snap shot of individual differences in generativity as well as better understanding how it is manifested in one’s own cultural group. However, the majority of generativity measures, are normed on Caucasian individuals of Western held beliefs and traditions. As the values and traditions of this group are very different from those held by other cultures, the necessity to create culturally specific measures of generativity is imperative. This project focuses on a sample population of Mexican/ Mexican Americans living within Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first goal of the project was to create a culturally specific qualitative measure, The Mexican Measure of Self-Narrative Generativity (MMSNG) to uncover generative themes and behaviors unique to this population. The second goal was to then compare this new measure, to existing measures of generativity, The Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) and the Generative Behavior Checklist (GBC) in order to determine which measure is most correlated and which is the best predictor of participants report of their own Satisfaction With Life (SWLS). Results indicated that the GBC was the only variable significantly correlated and predictive of Satisfaction of Life. Although the MMSNG was not significantly correlated with Satisfaction with Life, the measure itself gives much information about the unique practices and beliefs of the sampled population that they deemed to be generative practices within their own culture
Cross Country Differences in Productivity: The Role of Allocative Efficiency

A growing body of empirical evidence suggests that, even in narrowly defined industries, there is significant heterogeneity in firm productivity and firm size. Moreover, consistent with core theoretical models of the size distribution of firms, the productivity and size distributions are closely related – that is, more productive firms are larger. However, the relationship between productivity and size varies across countries. A working conjecture is that this variation in the productivity/size relationship reflects differences in market distortions to allocative efficiency across countries. This is not a new hypothesis, but the burgeoning development of firm-level databases permits exploring it in richer and new ways. In this paper, we present empirical evidence of the within industry covariance between firm level productivity and market share using a widely-used decomposition proposed by Olley and Pakes (1996). We show that within the typical U.S. manufacturing industry, labor productivity is almost 50 percent higher than it would be if employment was allocated randomly. However, we also show that this empirical measure of the covariance between size and productivity is much lower on average in Western European countries and, in particular, in transition economies of Eastern Europe even if, in the latter, this covariance measure has increased significantly during their transition to a marketbased system. While these findings are interesting and suggestive, there remain open questions as to the theoretical underpinnings behind these empirical measures that have been interpreted as measures of allocative efficiency. Thus, the paper also presents a theoretical model that provides a rationale for the existence of persistent differences in allocative efficiency. In the numerical analysis of this model, we evaluate the extent to which the Olley and Pakes decomposition is a useful summary measure of the impact of distortions to allocative efficiency.
Foster Parents' Perceptions of Their Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in Relation to the Behavioral Challenges of Foster Youth

The complex, long-term, and prevalent behavioral problems and needs of foster children and youth continue to be documented (Farmer et al., 2010; United States Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2005). However, research indicates that foster parents are not adequately prepared or trained to address these challenging behaviors (e.g. Dorsey et al., 2008; Lee & Holland, 1991; Puddy & Jackson, 2003). Foster parent perspectives and the inclusion of their input concerning foster parenting and the behavioral problems of foster youth are needed to examine this crucial problem area (Park & Helton, 2010). The intent of this multi-case study was to explore foster parents’ perceptions of their knowledge, skills, and abilities to address the behavioral challenges of foster youth. More specifically, this study examined what foster parents perceive they need to help successfully fulfill their fostering role. This dissertation is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. Dissertation Director: _______________________________________ Dr. Kristin Higgins Dissertation Committee: _______________________________________ Dr. Daniel Kissinger _______________________________________ Dr. Christopher Lucas _______________________________________ Prof. Michael Collie DISSERTATION DUPLICATION RELEASE I hereby authorize the University of Arkansas Libraries to duplicate this dissertation when needed for research and/or scholarship. Agreed __________________________________________ Melissa Hall Refused __________________________________________ Melissa Hall
Modular semantics for object-oriented models

This paper describes a formal, modular approach to the semantics of object-oriented models. These models are expressed in the UML notation augmented with the Object Constraint language (OCL), which provides a precise textual language for expressing assertions: invariant constraints and operation specifications. The approach to semantics we adopt could easily be applied to other, similar notation sets. An important aspect of our approach is to treat every component of a model, down to the level of individual diagram elements, as distinct semantic entities which, here, are theories in Larch. The semantics of a model or part of a model is then the composition of the semantic entities corresponding to the individual model elements. This leads to a highly modular approach, allowing reuse of generic semantic entities, resulting in an elegant, transparent semantics for individual models. The fine-grained modularity promises to support the extraction and manipulation of different "views" of a model. The composition of model elements supported by the semantics promises to underpin the development of systems from reusable components. Larch is used as it supports theory composition, ensures that the semantics is relatively accessible (essentially theories of FOPL), is well-defined, and is close to technologies most likely to provide automated tool support (including a toolset to support it directly).
The enhancement and impairment of learning by stimulants

Stimulants are prescribed widely to treat a number of disorders, including narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These prescription stimulants are also commonly, illicitly used for studying and general cognitive enhancement, a trend referred to today as academic doping. Higher doses of stimulants may also be self-administered with a rapid route of administration (e.g., smoking, intravenous injection), leading instead to cognitive impairments and addiction. Few studies have examined the parameters outlining when stimulants switch from being nootropic to harmful. This dissertation proposes that, along with route of administration, dose is the critical component dictating the cognitive effects of stimulants. Chapter 1 describes our first study examining the dose-dependent effects of stimulants on fear conditioning, using cocaine. The lowest dose of cocaine enhanced learning, while the highest dose impaired it. Chapter 2 follows with a description of the dose-dependent effects of amphetamine on fear conditioning. Similarly, the lowest doses of amphetamine enhanced learning, while the highest doses led to impairment. Chapter 3 outlines our attempts to extrapolate the amphetamine results to a related form of learning, extinction. We utilized low dose amphetamine to increase extinction learning, but found that no dose facilitated extinction, compared to placebo. Chapter 4 looks further into the structure of fear conditioning, examining the relationships between the most commonly reported training and testing measures. Our analyses demonstrate that post-shock freezing is highly correlated with context fear, confirming that the post-shock measure is better described as a context measure rather than a conditioned response. Our analyses also indicate that tone baseline freezing is not independent from tone test freezing, confounding the most common ways of reporting tone fear. Chapter 5 concludes the dissertation with a broad overview of popular stimulants today, their mechanisms of action, and effects on cognition. A continuum of activation is proposed, in which low doses of stimulants lead to increased concentration and cognitive performance, while high doses lead to cognitive impairments and addiction
HERG potassium channels are more frequently expressed in human endometrial cancer as compared to non-cancerous endometrium

HERG K+channels, besides contributing to regulate cardiac and neuronal excitability, are preferentially expressed in tumour cell lines of different histogenesis, where their role in the development and maintenance of the neoplastic phenotype is under study. We show here that both herg gene and HERG protein are expressed with high frequency in primary human endometrial cancers, as compared to normal and hyperplastic endometrium. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, using specific anti-HERG antibodies developed in our laboratory, were applied to tissue specimens obtained from 18 endometrial cancers and 11 non-cancerous endometrial tissues. herg RNA and HERG protein are expressed in 67% and 82%, respectively, of cancerous, while in only 18% of non-cancerous tissues. In particular, no expression was found in endometrial hyperplasia. Moreover, electrophysiological experiments confirmed the presence of functioning HERG channels on the plasma membrane of tumour cells. On the whole, these data are the first demonstration of the presence of HERG channels in primary human neoplasias, and could candidate HERG as a potential tool capable of marking cancerous versus hyperplastic endometrial growth. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer. com
On the Power of Membership Queries in Agnostic Learning

We study the properties of the agnostic learning framework of Haussler (1992) and Kearns, Schapire, and Sellie (1994). In particular, we address the question: is there any situation in which membership queries are useful in agnostic learning? Our results show that the answer is negative for distribution-independent agnostic learning and positive for agnostic learning with respect to a specific marginal distribution. Namely, we give a simple proof that any concept class learnable agnostically by a distribution-independent algorithm with access to membership queries is also learnable agnostically without membership queries. This resolves an open problem posed by Kearns et al. (1994). For agnostic learning with respect to the uniform distribution over {0,1}n we show a concept class that is learnable with membership queries but computationally hard to learn from random examples alone (assuming that one-way functions exist).