Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Alterations in Neural Substrates of Geometric Reasoning in Adults with High-Functioning Autism

Individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC) are known to excel in some perceptual cognitive tasks, but such developed functions have been often regarded as “islets of abilities” that do not significantly contribute to broader intellectual capacities. However, recent behavioral studies have reported that individuals with ASC have advantages for performing Raven's (Standard) Progressive Matrices (RPM/RSPM), a standard neuropsychological test for general fluid intelligence, raising the possibility that ASC′s cognitive strength can be utilized for more general purposes like novel problem solving. Here, the brain activity of 25 adults with high-functioning ASC and 26 matched normal controls (NC) was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine neural substrates of geometric reasoning during the engagement of a modified version of the RSPM test. Among the frontal and parietal brain regions involved in fluid intelligence, ASC showed larger activation in the left lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC) during an analytic condition with moderate difficulty than NC. Activation in the left LOTC and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) increased with task difficulty in NC, whereas such modulation of activity was absent in ASC. Furthermore, functional connectivity analysis revealed a significant reduction of activation coupling between the left inferior parietal cortex and the right anterior prefrontal cortex during both figural and analytic conditions in ASC. These results indicate altered pattern of functional specialization and integration in the neural system for geometric reasoning in ASC, which may explain its atypical cognitive pattern, including performance on the Raven's Matrices test.
RESTRICTION OF FOURIER TRANSFORMS TO CURVES II: SOME CLASSES WITH VANISHING TORSION

Abstract We consider the Fourier restriction operators associated to certain degenerate curves in ℝd for which the highest torsion vanishes. We prove estimates with respect to affine arclength and with respect to the Euclidean arclength measure on the curve. The estimates have certain uniform features, and the affine arclength results cover families of flat curves.
Visual loop closure detection with a compact image descriptor

In this paper, we present a method for visual loop closure detection using a compact image descriptor, Gabor-Gist. In contrast to the Bag-of-Words (BoW) approach, which is dominant in recent studies of the loop closure detection problem that derives an image descriptor from locally extracted keypoint descriptors, our method relies on a single efficient image descriptor of low dimension to describe and measure similarities among images. We employ PCA to transform a high dimensional Gabor-Gist descriptor to a lower dimensional form to improve both the computational efficiency of our method and the discriminative power of the image descriptor. In addition, we use a particle filter to exploit the correlation among images in a sequence captured by the robot in the process of identifying loop closure candidates. Our method is highly scalable due to the compactness of the image descriptor and the simplicity of particle filtering. To validate our method, we used the Oxford City dataset. Our experimental results show that for this dataset, high recall (up to 87%) can be obtained at 100% precision, with only a few particles.
Labor Hoarding and Inventories

Labor hoarding is a widely believed empirical behavior of rms and a prominent explanation for procyclical labor productivity. Conventional wisdom attributes labor hoarding to labor adjustment costs. This paper argues that the conventional wisdom is inadequate for understanding labor hoarding because it ignores the role of inventories. Since idle labor can be used to produce inventories, why do rms hoard labor when inventory is an option? Using a dynamic rational expectations model of pro t-maximizing rms facing demand uncertainty, this paper studies the dynamic interactions between labor hoarding and inventory accumulation. Closed-form decision rules for labor and inventory decisions are derived. The analysis shows that labor adjustment costs alone are far from su¢ cient for explaining labor hoarding. JEL Classi cation: E22, E24, E32.
Hybrid neural systems: from simple coupling to fully integrated neural networks

This paper describes techniques for integrating neural networks and symbolic components into powerful hybrid systems. Neural networks have unique processing characteristics that enable tasks to be performed that would be di cult or intractable for a symbolic rule-based system. However, a stand-alone neural network requires an interpretation either by a human or a rule based system. This motivates the integration of neural/symbolic techniques within a hybrid system. A number of integration possibilities exist: some systems consist of neural network components performing symbolic tasks while other systems are composed of several neural networks and symbolic components, each component acting as a self-contained module communicating with the others. Other hybrid systems are able to transform subsymbolic representations into symbolic ones and vice-versa. This paper provides an overview and evaluation of the state of the art of several hybrid neural systems for rule-based processing.
A free calcium wave traverses the activating egg of the medaka, Oryzias latipes

Aequorin-injected eggs of the medaka (a fresh water fish) show an explosive rise in free calcium during fertilization, which is followed by a slow return to the resting level. Image intensification techniques now show a spreading wave of high free calcium during fertilization. The wave starts at the animal pole (where the sperm enters) and then traverses the egg as a shallow, roughly 20 degrees-wide band which vanishes at the antipode some minutes later. The peak free calcium concentration within this moving band is estimated to be about 30 microM (perhaps 100-1,000 times the resting level). Eggs activated by ionophore A23187 may show multiple initiation sites. The resulting multiple waves never spread through each other; rather, they fuse upon meeting so as to form spreading waves of compound origin. The fertilization wave is nearly independent of extracellular calcium because it is only slightly slowed (by perhaps 15%) in a medium containing 5 mM ethylene glycol-bis[beta-aminoethyl ether]N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and no deliberately added calcium. It is also independent of the large cortical vesicles, which may be centrifugally displaced. Normally, however, it distinctly precedes the well-known wave of cortical vesicle exocytosis. We conclude that the fertilization wave in the medaka egg is propagated by calcium-stimulated calcium release, primarily from some internal sources other than the large cortical vesicles. A comparison of the characteristics of the exocytotic wave in the medaka with that in other eggs, particularly in echinoderm eggs, suggests that such a propagated calcium wave is a general feature of egg activation.
A Wavelet-Based Approach to Fall Detection

Falls among older people are a widely documented public health problem. Automatic fall detection has recently gained huge importance because it could allow for the immediate communication of falls to medical assistance. The aim of this work is to present a novel wavelet-based approach to fall detection, focusing on the impact phase and using a dataset of real-world falls. Since recorded falls result in a non-stationary signal, a wavelet transform was chosen to examine fall patterns. The idea is to consider the average fall pattern as the “prototype fall”. In order to detect falls, every acceleration signal can be compared to this prototype through wavelet analysis. The similarity of the recorded signal with the prototype fall is a feature that can be used in order to determine the difference between falls and daily activities. The discriminative ability of this feature is evaluated on real-world data. It outperforms other features that are commonly used in fall detection studies, with an Area Under the Curve of 0.918. This result suggests that the proposed wavelet-based feature is promising and future studies could use this feature (in combination with others considering different fall phases) in order to improve the performance of fall detection algorithms.
GRB 050509b : the elusive optical/nIR/mm afterglow of a short-duration GRB

We present multiwavelength (optical/near infrared/millimetre) observations of a short duration gamma-ray burst detected by Swift (GRB 050509b) collected between 0 seconds and ~18.8 days after the event. No optical, near infrared or millimetre emission has been detected in spite of the well localised X-ray afterglow, confirming the elusiveness of the short duration events. We also discuss the possibility of the burst being located in a cluster of galaxies at $z = 0.225$ or beyond. In the former case, the spectral energy distribution of the neighbouring, potential host galaxy, favours a system harbouring an evolved dominant stellar population (age ~360 Myr), unlike most long duration GRB host galaxies observed so far, i.e. thus giving support to a compact binary merger origin. Any underlying supernova that could be associated with this particular event should have been at least 3 magnitudes fainter than the type Ib/c SN 1998bw and 2.3 mag fainter than a typical type Ia SN.
Network Performance Analysis of an Adaptive OSPF Routing Strategy-Effective Bandwidth Estimation

Currently Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is the most commonly used and promising intra-domain internet routing protocol where packets are routed along shortest paths to the destination. The shortest path computation is based on some static link costs and the change of the paths only happens when existing link components become unreachable or when new link components are added. In other words, the network congestion doesn't affect the routing decisions and, as a consequence, alternative paths, which could result in a better traffic performance, remain unused. This paper introduces and analyzes an adaptive OSPF routing strategy based on effective bandwidth estimation. Simulations carried out in the OPNET network simulator showed some preliminary, interesting results. Better network throughput (sometimes until 25,673 % better) can be reached using this adaptive routing other than the traditional OSPF, sacrificing an increase in network delay.
A new beginning

This past year proved to be yet another successful one for HMPA . Building on a long-standing tradition to promote the growth of the paralegal professional in the Houston metropolitan area, HMPA will continue to foster professional development of the paralegal profession and individual paralegals (working in all areas of the law) and maintain a high order of ethical and professional standards.
Neuroprotective Sirtuin ratio reversed by ApoE4

Significance This manuscript links ApoE4-mediated signaling with Sirtuin function. Specifically, we show that ApoE4, but not ApoE3, reduces neuroprotective SirT1 levels. Our data support the hypothesis that neuronal connectivity, as reflected in the ratios of critical mediators such as sAPPα:Aβ, SirT1:SirT2, APP:p-APP, and Tau:p-Tau, is programmatically altered by ApoE4. Thus ApoE4, SirT1/2, p-Tau, and p-APP, all may be part of a signaling network that is affected in AD, providing a model for therapeutic candidate screening in AD drug discovery. These findings offer a unique insight into the mechanism by which ApoE4 confers risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The canonical pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease links the expression of apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (ApoE) to amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and Aβ peptide accumulation by a set of mechanisms that is incompletely defined. The development of a simple system that focuses not on a single variable but on multiple factors and pathways would be valuable both for dissecting the underlying mechanisms and for identifying candidate therapeutics. Here we show that, although both ApoE3 and ApoE4 associate with APP with nanomolar affinities, only ApoE4 significantly (i) reduces the ratio of soluble amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPPα) to Aβ; (ii) reduces Sirtuin T1 (SirT1) expression, resulting in markedly differing ratios of neuroprotective SirT1 to neurotoxic SirT2; (iii) triggers Tau phosphorylation and APP phosphorylation; and (iv) induces programmed cell death. We describe a subset of drug candidates that interferes with the APP–ApoE interaction and returns the parameters noted above to normal. Our data support the hypothesis that neuronal connectivity, as reflected in the ratios of critical mediators such as sAPPα:Aβ, SirT1:SirT2, APP:phosphorylated (p)-APP, and Tau:p-Tau, is programmatically altered by ApoE4 and offer a simple system for the identification of program mediators and therapeutic candidates.
Effects of DCA on Cell Cycle Proteins in Colonocytes

Purpose Evidence that indicates bile acid is a promoter of colon cancer exists. Deoxycholic acid (DCA) modifies apoptosis or proliferation by affecting intracellular signaling and gene expression. However, because previous studies have been based on studies on colon cancer cell lines, the effect of DCA on normal colonocytes is unknown. Methods Normal colonocytes and Caco-2 and HCT116 cells were treated with 20 µM and 250 µM of DCA, and the effect of different concentrations of DCA was measured based on the expression of cell-cycle-related proteins by using Western blots. Results The expressions of CDK2 and cyclin D1 for different concentrations of DCA in normal colonocytes and colon cancer cells were similar, but the expressions of cyclin E and A were significantly different. In HCT116 colon cancer cells, the expression of cyclin E increased regardless of the DCA concentration, but in normal colonocytes and Caco-2 cells, the expression of cyclin E was not changed or decreased. In HCT116 colon cancer cells, the expression of cyclin A was not changed or decreased regardless of the DCA concentration, but in normal colonocytes and Caco-2 cells, the expression of cyclin A was increased at a DCA concentration of 20 µM. Conclusion The effect of DCA on stimulating cell proliferation suggests that DNA synthesis is stimulated by an increased expression of cyclin E in colon cancer cells. Our results suggest that a low dose of DCA induces cellular proliferation through increased expression of cyclin A and that a high dose of DCA induces decreased expression of cyclin E and CDK2 in normal colonocytes.
Evaluating Environmental Impacts on Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification Predictability Utilizing Statistical Models

AbstractNew multi-lead-time versions of three statistical probabilistic tropical cyclone rapid intensification (RI) prediction models are developed for the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins. These are the linear-discriminant analysis–based Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme Rapid Intensification Index (SHIPS-RII), logistic regression, and Bayesian statistical RI models. Consensus RI models derived by averaging the three individual RI model probability forecasts are also generated. A verification of the cross-validated forecasts of the above RI models conducted for the 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-h lead times indicates that these models generally exhibit skill relative to climatological forecasts, with the eastern Pacific models providing somewhat more skill than the Atlantic ones and the consensus versions providing more skill than the individual models. A verification of the deterministic RI model forecasts indicates that the operational intensity guidance exhibits some limited RI predic.
Low Cost Reliable Traceback based on MAC Address Identifier in Wireless Mesh Network

As Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are continuously gathering momentum, security has become a pivotal i ssue. Denial of Service (DoS) attack is a serious threat looming over WMNs due to their plug-and-play architecture. Unfor tunately, a DoS attack is very difficult to stop due to the ram pant spoofing of source IP addresses by the attackers. The best a nti-dote, is to fix the problem at its root by identifying the sour ce of attack. As a solution to this problem, we present a novel tech nique that elegantly performs hop-by-hop traceback using MAC i dentifiers. We use OPNET as the simulation tool to model WMNs a nd modify the wireless module of OPNET to incorporate each node, a trace table to record the trace information . We record in the trace table of each forwarding mesh router, two tuple entries of the incoming MAC address and source IP address o f the packet. This information is then used to perform ho p-by-hop traceback from the victim back to the source. We f inally illustrate the effectiveness of our scheme in attac k path reconstruction through simulation in OPNET.
Functional Class and Targeted Therapy Are Related to the Survival in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Purpose Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an orphan disease showing poor prognosis. The purpose of study was to evaluate clinical factors influencing outcomes in PAH. Materials and Methods Patients who were diagnosed with PAH at a single center were reviewed retrospectively. Forty patients (34.9±14.5 years, 80% of female) were enrolled. Results Causes were congenital heart disease in 24 (60%), connective tissue disease in 8 (20%) and idiopathic PAH in 6 (15%). Sixteen patients (40%) were WHO functional class III or IV at the time of diagnosis. Twenty seven patients (67.5%) received molecular targeted therapy. During follow-up (53.6±45.5 months), 10 patients (25%) died and 1-, 2-, and 8 year survival rates were 91.3%, 78.7%, and 66.8%, respectively. As expected, median survival of patients with functional class I or II were significantly longer than patients with III or IV (p=0.041). Interestingly, patients with molecular targeted therapy showed longer survival than conventional therapy (p=0.021). Conclusion WHO functional class at the time of diagnosis was the strong predictor of survival, and molecular targeted therapy could significantly improve the survival. Therefore, early screening and intensive management would be crucial to improve the prognosis in the patient with PAH.
Representing and sharing folksonomies with semantics

Websites that provide content creation and sharing features have become quite popular recently. These sites allow users to categorize and browse content using ‘tags’ or free-text keyword topics. Since users contribute and tag social media content across a variety of social web platforms, creating new knowledge from distributed tag data has become a matter of performing various tasks, including publishing, aggregating, integrating, and republishing tag data. However, there are a number of issues in relation to data sharing and interoperability when processing tag data across heterogeneous tagging platforms. In this paper we introduce a semantic tag model that aims to explicitly offer the necessary structure, semantics and relationships between tags. This approach provides an improved opportunity for representing tag data in the form of reusable constructs at a semantic level. We also demonstrate a prototype that consumes and makes use of shared tag metadata across heterogeneous sources.
Mass loss and rotational CO emission from Asymptotic Giant Branch stars

We present submillimeter observations of rotational transitions of carbon monoxide from J= 2! 1u p to 7! 6 for a sample of Asymptotic Giant Branch stars and red supergiants. It is the first time that the high transitions J = 6 ! 5 and 7! 6 are included in such a study. With line radiative transfer calculations, we aim to determine the mass-loss history of these stars by fitting the CO line intensities. We find that the observed line intensities of the high transitions, including the J= 4! 3 transition, are significantly lower than the predicted values. We conclude that the physical structure of the outflow of Asymptotic Giant Branch stars is more complex than previously thought. In order to understand the observed line intensities and profiles, a physical structure with a variable mass-loss rate and/or a gradient in stochastic gas velocity is required. A case study of the AGB star WX Psc is performed. We find that the CO line strengths may be explained by variations in mass-loss on time scales similar to those observed in the separated arc-like structures observed around post-AGB stars. In addition, a gradient in the stochastic velocity may play a role. Until this has been sorted out fully, any mass loss determinations based upon single CO lines will remain suspect.
HerMES: SPIRE galaxy number counts at 250, 350, and 500 μm

Emission at far-infrared wavelengths makes up a significant fraction of the total light detected from galaxies over the age of Universe. Herschel provides an opportunity for studying galaxies at the peak wavelength of their emission. Our aim is to provide a benchmark for models of galaxy population evolution and to test pre-existing models of galaxies. With the Herschel Multi-tiered Extra-galactic survey, HerMES, we have observed a number of fields of different areas and sensitivity using the SPIRE instrument on Herschel. We have determined the number counts of galaxies down to ~20 mJy. Our constraints from directly counting galaxies are consistent with, though more precise than, estimates from the BLAST fluctuation analysis. We have found a steep rise in the Euclidean normalised counts <100 mJy. We have directly resolved ~15% of the infrared extra-galactic background at the wavelength near where it peaks.
Discriminability of Prediction Artifacts in a Time-Delayed Virtual Environment

Overall latency remains an impediment to perceived image stability and consequently to human performance in virtual environment (VE) systems. Predictive compensators have been proposed as a means to mitigate these shortcomings, but they introduce rendering errors because of induced motion overshoot and heightened noise. Discriminability of these compensator artifacts was investigated by a protocol in which head tracked image stability for 35 ms baseline VE system latency was compared against artificially added (16.7 to 100 ms) latency compensated by a previously studied Kalman Filter (KF) predictor. A control study in which uncompensated 16.7 to 100 ms latencies were compared against the baseline was also performed. Results from 10 subjects in the main study and 8 in the control group indicate that predictive compensation artifacts are less discernible than the disruptions of uncompensated time delay for the shorter but not the longer added latencies. We propose that noise magnification and overshoot are contributory cues to the presence of predictive compensation.