Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
If music is the food of love, what about survival and reproductive success?

This article departs from many discussions of the origin, evolution, and adaptive function(s) of music by treating music not as perceptual qualities (pitch, timbre, meter), formal elements (prosody, melody, harmony, rhythm), performed activity (singing, drumming), or genre (lullaby, song, dance). Rather, music is conceptualized as a behavioral and motivational capacity: what is done to sounds and pulses when they are “musified” — made into music — and why. For this new view, I employ the ethological notion of ritualization, wherein ordinary communicative behaviors (e.g., sounds, movements) are altered through formalization, repetition, exaggeration, and elaboration, thereby attracting attention and arousing and shaping emotion. The universal sensitivity of infants as young as 8 weeks to such alterations of (or operations on) voice, facial expression, and body movements, when these are presented to them by adults in intimate dyadic interactions within a shared temporal framework, suggests an evolved, adaptive capacity that enabled and reinforced emotional bonding. Such proto-aesthetic (proto-musical) operations existed as a reservoir from which individual cultures could draw when inventing art-saturated ritual ceremonies that united groups temporally and emotionally as they did mother-infant pairs. Music in its origins and evolution is assumed to be multimodal (visual and kinesic, as well as aural) and a social — not solitary — activity. An appendix describes important structural and functional resemblances between music, mother-infant interaction, ceremonial ritual, and adult courtship and lovemaking (as differentiated from copulation). These resemblances suggest not only an evolutionary relationship among these behaviors but argue for the existence of an evolved amodal neural propensity in the human species to respond — cognitively and emotionally — to dynamic temporal patterns produced by other humans in contexts of affiliation.
Scorpion Venom Causes Upregulation of p53 and Downregulation of Bcl-xL and BID Protein Expression by Modulating Signaling Proteins Erk1/2 and STAT3, and DNA Damage in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

Scorpion venoms efficiently block the normal neurotransmitter signaling pathway by prejudicing the ion channel operating mechanism in the body system. Besides its negative effect, venoms also possess some beneficial qualities for humans. They have also been shown to exhibit anticancer properties in various cancer types. This unique property of the venom as an anticancer agent is mainly a result of its role in initiating apoptosis and inhibiting several signaling cascade mechanisms that promote cancer cell proliferation and growth. In this study, we examine the effect of venom on phenotypic changes as well as changes at the molecular levels in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. A dramatic decrease in cell invasion was observed in both cancer cell lines on venom treatment. Additionally, there was decrease in IL-6, RhoC, Erk1/2, and STAT3 in venom-treated cell lines, providing strong evidence of its anticancer properties. Furthermore, decrease in the expression of antiapoptotic proteins and also upregulation of proapoptotic ones by these lines were observed on venom treatment. Moreover, a vivid picture of DNA damage was also detected on venom treatment. In conclusion, scorpion venom possesses significant potential as an anticancer agent against colorectal and breast cancer cell lines.
IPv6-to-IPv6 Network Prefix Translation

This document describes a stateless, transport-agnostic IPv6-to-IPv6 Network Prefix Translation (NPTv6) function that provides the address independence benefit associated with IPv4-to-IPv4 NAT (NAPT44), and in addition provides a 1:1 relationship between addresses in the "inside" and "outside" prefixes, preserving end to end reachability at the network layer. Requirements Terminology
Supporting Negotiations over Influence Diagrams

We deal with issues concerning negotiation support for group decisions over influence diagrams, when the group members disagree about utility and probability assessments. We base our discussion on a modification of the balanced increment solution, which guarantees a final negotiated Pareto optimal alternative. As in standard decision analysis textbooks, we deal first with negotiation tables, then with negotiation trees, and finally with negotiation influence diagrams. We show through an example that a naive application of the balanced increment method at each joint decision node in a dynamic decision-making problem, and, more generally, of any standard negotiation approach guaranteeing Pareto optimality, may lead to an inferior solution. Therefore, our strategy proposes computing first the set of nondominated alternatives followed by negotiating over that set.
Transfer Student Success: Educationally Purposeful Activities Predictive of Undergraduate GPA.

Students attending more than one postsecondary institute in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree have been on the rise since the end of the 20 century (NCES, 2005, 2007). During the 21 century almost 60% of students attended multiple institutes, transferred, and/or co-enrolled prior to graduating. These mobility patterns referred to as student swirling are today more the norm than the exception in higher education (Borden, 2004; Marling, 2013; Wang, 2009). Several reasons are responsible for the change. First, affordable tuition is attracting students to take core courses at community colleges before transferring to 4-year institutions (Ashmore, 2011; Marling, 2013). Second, students are finding community colleges a convenient buffer between high school and a best-fit institution. Third, states are encouraging enrollment in community colleges to help limit 4-year public institutional expenditures (Bautsch, 2013; Marling, 2013).
Blind channel estimation for long code multiuser CDMA systems

In CDMA systems with long codes, the users' signatures change in each bit period, impeding the estimation of the time-invariant multipath parameters. In this paper, correlation-matching methods are employed to blindly estimate those multipath parameters. For given code sequences, the output correlation matrix (parameterized by the unknown channel coefficients) is compared with its instantaneous approximation. By minimizing the Frobenius norm of the resulting error matrix, the channel parameters can be estimated up to a complex scalar ambiguity. Both batch and adaptive algorithms are derived. Under the assumption of i.i. d. code sequences, identifiability up to a complex scalar ambiguity for each channel is guaranteed, and the asymptotic convergence of the proposed algorithm is established. Furthermore, step-size selection for the adaptive version is investigated. When only the code sequence of the user of interest is available, a single user receiver is also derived. Simulation results verify those claims and provide comparisons with other methods.
Metric tree-like structures in real-life networks: an empirical study

Based on solid theoretical foundations, we present strong evidences that a number of real-life networks, taken from different domains like Internet measurements, biological data, web graphs, social and collaboration networks, exhibit tree-like structures from a metric point of view. We investigate few graph parameters, namely, the tree-distortion and the tree-stretch, the tree-length and the tree-breadth, the Gromov's hyperbolicity, the cluster-diameter and the cluster-radius in a layering partition of a graph, which capture and quantify this phenomenon of being metrically close to a tree. By bringing all those parameters together, we not only provide efficient means for detecting such metric tree-like structures in large-scale networks but also show how such structures can be used, for example, to efficiently and compactly encode approximate distance and almost shortest path information and to fast and accurately estimate diameters and radii of those networks. Estimating the diameter and the radius of a graph or distances between its arbitrary vertices are fundamental primitives in many data and graph mining algorithms.
Regulation of p53-MDMX Interaction by Casein Kinase 1 Alpha

ABSTRACT MDMX is a homolog of MDM2 that is critical for regulating p53 function during mouse development. MDMX degradation is regulated by MDM2-mediated ubiquitination. Whether there are other mechanisms of MDMX regulation is largely unknown. We found that MDMX binds to the casein kinase 1 alpha isoform (CK1α) and is phosphorylated by CK1α. Expression of CK1α stimulates the ability of MDMX to bind to p53 and inhibit p53 transcriptional function. Regulation of MDMX-p53 interaction requires CK1α binding to the central region of MDMX and phosphorylation of MDMX on serine 289. Inhibition of CK1α expression by isoform-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) activates p53 and further enhances p53 activity after ionizing irradiation. CK1α siRNA also cooperates with DNA damage to induce apoptosis. These results suggest that CK1α is a functionally relevant MDMX-binding protein and plays an important role in regulating p53 activity in the absence or presence of stress.
Time series prediction by using a connectionist network with internal delay lines

A neural network architecture, which models synapses as Finite Impulse Response (FIR) linear lters, is discussed for use in time series prediction. Analysis and methodology are detailed in the context of the Santa Fe Institute Time Series Prediction Competition. Results of the competition show that the FIR network performed remarkably well on a chaotic laser intensity time series.
Performance evaluation of IR-UWB D-Rake receivers over IEEE 802.15.4a multipath fading channels with Narrow-Band Interference

In this paper, we analyze the performance of a simple receiver architecture for Impulse Radio (IR) Ultra Wide Band (UWB) systems. The receiver makes use of a Differential Binary Phase Shift Keying (DBPSK) modulation, and a Differential Rake (D-Rake) receiver that does not require channel estimation. The performance study is conducted by considering the recently standardized IEEE 802.15. 4a channel model, as well as Narrow-Band Interference (NBI) co-located in the same transmission band of the UWB signal. The analysis will be performed with and without frequency and timing synchronization errors, in order to identify the design constraints of the synchronization unit to guarantee the proper operation of the receiver over realistic propagation environments. The results will show that i) NBI can significantly worsens the performance of the receiver, ii) the maximum tolerable frequency offset should be less than 10KHz for a UWB signal with center frequency equal to 4.5GHz, and iii) the maximum tolerable timing offset should be much less than 4.2ns for a pulse with width of 10ns (500MHz of transmission bandwidth at -10dB with respect to the spectrum peak) and a chip time with duration of 85.3ns.
Significant increase in trisomy 21 in Berlin nine months after the Chernobyl reactor accident: temporal correlation or causal relation?

Abstract Objective: To assess whether the increased prevalence of trisomy 21 in West Berlin in January 1987 might have been causally related to exposure to ionising radiation as a result of the Chernobyl reactor accident or was merely a chance event. Design : Analysis of monthly prevalence of trisomy 21 in West Berlin from January 1980 to20December 1989. Setting : Confines of West Berlin. Results : Owing to the former “island” situation of West Berlin and its well organised health services, ascertainment of trisomy 21 was thought to be almost complete. A cluster of 12 cases occurred in January 1987 as compared with two or three expected. After exclusion of factors that might have explained the increase, including maternal age distribution, only exposure to radiation as a result of the Chernobyl reactor accident remained. In six of seven cases that could be studied cytogenetically the extra chromosome was of maternal origin, confirming that nondisjunction had occurred at about the time of conception. Conclusion : On the basis of two assumptions - (a) that maternal meiosis is an error prone process susceptible to exogenous factors at the time of conception; (b) that owing to the high prevalence of iodine deficiency in Berlin a large amount of iodine-131 would have been accumulated over a short period - it is concluded that the increased prevalence of trisomy 21 in West Berlin in January 1987 was causally related to a short period of exposure to ionising radiation as a result of the Chernobyl reactor accident. A global risk study on the health implications of the Chernobyl reactor accident in 1986 concluded that “probably no adverse health effect will be manifest by epidemiological analysis. ”*RF 1*
Safety and efficacy of sublaminar bands and Ponte osteotomies in rigid deformity: preliminary results in a prospective series of 20 neuromuscular scoliosis patients

This prospective cohort study investigated radiographic outcomes and complications over time in patients with rigid neuromuscular scoliosis treated with sublaminar bands and Ponte osteotomies. Twenty consecutive patients with neuromuscular scoliosis were treated with sublaminar bands in addition to Ponte osteotomies at and around the apex of the deformity and prospectively included. All curves were rigid, with less than 30% reduction on preoperative bending films. Cobb angle, pelvic obliquity, and shoulder obliquity were significantly corrected (P<0.01). Normal thoracic kyphosis was achieved for 85% of patients at the last follow-up. No intraoperative complications were observed. The association between Ponte osteotomies and sublaminar bands appears to be efficient for the management of rigid neuromuscular deformities in children and adolescents. No death and no permanent neurological impairment, as well as no sublaminar bands associated events were recorded.
The Determinants of the European Union Foreign Direct Investments in Turkey

Turkiye’ye gelen dolaysiz yabanci sermaye yatirimlari, 1980’li yillarin basinda uygulanan liberalizasyon politikalari sonucunda artmaya baslamistir. Bununla beraber, 1990’li yillarda yasanan ekonomik krizler Turkiye’ye gelen dolaysiz yabanci sermaye yatirimlarinin yetersiz kalmasina yol acmistir. Turkiye, dunyadan yabanci sermayeyi cekmekte basarisiz olmasina ragmen, Turkiye’ye gelen yatirimlarin yarisindan fazlasi basta Hollanda ve Fransa olmak uzere Avrupa Birligi (AB) ulkelerine aittir. Is adamlari ve politikacilar tarafindan Turkiye-AB arasinda 3 Ekim 2005’te baslayacak muzakere surecinin Turkiye’ye yonelik yabanci sermaye yatirimlarini artirmasi beklenmektedir. Bu calisma, 1991-2003 doneminde yer alan yillara ait verileri kullanarak, panel veri analizi yontemiyle AB’nin butunu, Hollanda ve Fransa’dan Turkiye’ye gelen dolaysiz yabanci sermaye yatirimlarini etkileyen ekonomik faktorleri ve risk faktorlerini belirlemeyi amaclamistir. Ampirik analizler, kisi basina gelir, uluslar arasi kuruluslardan alinan krediler ve alt yapi yatirimlarinin AB ulkelerinden Turkiye’ye gelen dolaysiz yabanci sermaye yatirimlarini etkileyen onemli faktorler oldugunu ortaya koymustur.
An evaluation of the global orientation of English textbooks in Germany

ABSTRACT This article investigates textbooks used in English classes in German schools to evaluate their relevance to current trends of teaching English as an international language. For many European students, English is no longer just a foreign language, but an important European lingua franca. Thus, we argue it is essential for the language to be positioned as such in key textbooks used in English classrooms, which aim to prepare students for future use of English. An analysis of three main textbook series used in Germany was done through an adapted framework that depicts a Global Englishes approach to language teaching, focussing on representations of ownership, users, models, and target interlocutors of English. The analysis found that there was over-reliance of UK models of English, and static depictions of language users and cultures. The findings can be generalized to other countries where the sociolinguistic reality of English may not be accurately represented in English teaching materials.
Two Distributed-State Models For Generating High-Dimensional Time Series

In this paper we develop a class of nonlinear generative models for high-dimensional time series. We first propose a model based on the restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) that uses an undirected model with binary latent variables and real-valued "visible" variables. The latent and visible variables at each time step receive directed connections from the visible variables at the last few time-steps. This "conditional" RBM (CRBM) makes on-line inference efficient and allows us to use a simple approximate learning procedure. We demonstrate the power of our approach by synthesizing various sequences from a model trained on motion capture data and by performing on-line filling in of data lost during capture. We extend the CRBM in a way that preserves its most important computational properties and introduces multiplicative three-way interactions that allow the effective interaction weight between two variables to be modulated by the dynamic state of a third variable. We introduce a factoring of the implied three-way weight tensor to permit a more compact parameterization. The resulting model can capture diverse styles of motion with a single set of parameters, and the three-way interactions greatly improve its ability to blend motion styles or to transition smoothly among them. Videos and source code can be found at http://www.cs. nyu.edu/~gwtaylor/publications/jmlr2011.
Release of a chimeric protein into the medium from Escherichia coli using the C‐terminal secretion signal of haemolysin.

Recently, we have identified a novel topogenic sequence at the C terminus of Escherichia coli haemolysin (HlyA) which is essential for its efficient secretion into the medium. This discovery has introduced the possibility of using this secretion system for the release of chimeric proteins from E. coli directly into the medium. We have now successfully fused this C‐terminal signal to a hybrid protein containing a few residues of beta‐galactosidase and the majority of the E. coli outer membrane porin OmpF lacking its own N‐terminal signal sequence. We find that this chimeric protein is specifically translocated across the inner and outer membranes and is released into the medium. In addition, we have further localized the HlyA secretion signal to the final 113 amino acids of the C terminus. In fact, a specific secretion signal appears to reside at least in part within the last 27 amino acids of HlyA.
Spectral theory of thermal relaxation

We review some results obtained in a recent series of papers on thermal relaxation in classical and quantum dissipative systems. We consider models where a small system I, with a finite number of degrees of freedom, interacts with a large environment R in thermal equilibrium at positive temperature T. The zeroth law of thermodynamics postulates that, independently of its initial configuration, the system I approaches a unique stationary state as t→∞. By definition, this limiting state is the equilibrium state of I at temperature T. Statistical mechanics further identifies this state with the Gibbs canonical ensemble associated with I. For simple models we prove that the above picture is correct, provided the equilibrium state of the environment R is itself given by its canonical ensemble. In the quantum case we also obtain an exact formula for the thermal relaxation time.
Quality assessment and consumer acceptability of bread from wheat and fermented banana flour

Abstract Bread was produced from wheat flour and fermented unripe banana using the straight dough method. Matured unripe banana was peeled, sliced, steam blanched, dried and milled, and sieved to obtain flour. The flour was mixed with water and made into slurry and allowed to stand for 24 h after which it was divided into several portions and blended with wheat flour in different ratios. Proximate and mineral compositions as well as functional, pasting, and sensory characteristics of the samples were determined. The results of proximate analysis showed that crude fiber ranged between 1.95% and 3.19%, carbohydrate was between 49.70% and 52.98% and protein was 6.92% and 10.25%, respectively, while iron was between 27.07 mg/100 g and 29.30 mg/100 g. Swelling capacity of the experimental samples showed a significant difference from that of control. Peak viscosity ranged between 97.00RVU and 153.63RVU for experimental samples compared with 392.35RVU obtained for the control. Most of the sensory properties for the experimental samples were significantly different from the control. This study showed that bread with better quality and acceptability can be produced from wheat–unripe banana blends.
Differences in outcome for positive margins in a large cohort of breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy

A study of the possible difference in outcome for positive margins for invasive carcinoma (IC) versus ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and with regard to different age categories in a large prospective cohort of patients with invasive breast cancer. A total of 2 291 BCT were analyzed. Margins were positive for IC in 8.7% and for DCIS in 4.6%. The median follow-up was 83 months. The 10-year local recurrence-free survival for negative margins vs. positive margins for IC vs. positive for DCIS for women ≤40 years were 84.4% vs. 34.6% (HR 4.5) vs. 67.5%, and for women >40 years 94.7% vs. 92.6% vs. 82.6% (HR4.2). The 10-year distant disease-free survival for negative margins vs. positive margins for IC vs. positive for DCIS women ≤40 years were 72.0% vs. 39.7% (HR 3.4) vs. 77.8%. The disease-specific survival showed a significant relation to positive margins for IC in young women. The effect of positive margin for IC seems to be limited to young women only, and is not only restricted to local control, but also to distant metastasis and survival. On the other hand a positive margin for DCIS is a risk factor for local control in women >40 years.
Interpretation of the infrared NH4+ spectrum of the NH4+ -clays: application to the evaluation of the layer charge

Abstract The IR spectra of NH4+-saturated smectites were examined in terms of their charge characteristics. The ν4 NH4+ band near 1440 cm-1, observed in the DRIFTS spectra (obtained without use of a KBr matrix), was assigned to the vibrations of NH4+ ions compensating the negative charge of the clays. When KBr was used as a diluting matrix, the ν4 NH4+ band was located at 1400 and/or 1440 cm-1. The band at 1400 cm-1, related to NH4Br, originated from the replacement of NH4+ in the clay by K+ from the KBr. For swelling clay minerals this band indicates that layers have permanent low charge density and/or variable charge. For non-swelling clay minerals, the 1400 cm-1 band characterizes the presence of variable charges only. The ν4 NH4+ band at 1440 cm-1 suggests that NH4+ in the clay was not replaced by K+ from KBr and remains in the interlayer space of the clay minerals. This absorption is due to NH4+ compensating only permanent charge in the interlayers, or part of the interlayers with a high charge density. The presence of both bands at 1400 cm-1 and 1440 cm-1 in the IR spectrum suggests that the clays studied have a heterogeneous interlayer charge.