Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Role of the Pedunculopontine Nucleus and Mesencephalic Reticular Formation in Locomotion in Nonhuman Primates

The mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) is formed by the pedunculopontine and cuneiform nuclei, two neuronal structures thought to be key elements in the supraspinal control of locomotion, muscle tone, waking, and REM sleep. The role of MRF has also been advocated in modulation of state of arousal leading to transition from wakefulness to sleep and it is further considered to be a main player in the pathophysiology of gait disorders seen in Parkinson's disease. However, the existence of a mesencephalic locomotor region and of an arousal center has not yet been demonstrated in primates. Here, we provide the first extensive electrophysiological mapping of the MRF using extracellular recordings at rest and during locomotion in a nonhuman primate (NHP) (Macaca fascicularis) model of bipedal locomotion. We found different neuronal populations that discharged according to a phasic or a tonic mode in response to locomotion, supporting the existence of a locomotor neuronal circuit within these MRF in behaving primates. Altogether, these data constitute the first electrophysiological characterization of a locomotor neuronal system present within the MRF in behaving NHPs under normal conditions, in accordance with several studies done in different experimental animal models. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We provide the first extensive electrophysiological mapping of the two major components of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF), namely the pedunculopontine and cuneiform nuclei. We exploited a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of bipedal locomotion with extracellular recordings in behaving NHPs at rest and during locomotion. Different MRF neuronal groups were found to respond to locomotion, with phasic or tonic patterns of response. These data constitute the first electrophysiological evidences of a locomotor neuronal system within the MRF in behaving NHPs.
Alembic: An Efficient Algorithm for CNF Preprocessing

Satisfiability (SAT) solvers often benefit from a preprocessing of the formula to be decided. For formulae in conjunctive normal form (CNF), subsumed clauses may be removed or partial resolution may be applied. Preprocessing aims at simplifying the formula and at increasing the deductive power of the solver. These two objectives are sometimes competing. We present a new algorithm that combines simplification and increase of deductive power and we show its effectiveness in speeding up SAT solvers.
Efficient Group Key Establishing Scheme with Resource-and-Location-Aware

Time efficiency in key establishment and rekeying is one of the major problems contributory key managements strive to address. Most schemes which have been put forward improved time efficiency of contributory key management, but they did not consider the scenario where users have varying costs and capabilities. Although conference key tree based on Huffman coding has been proposed to obtain minimum total cost on key establishment considering users computation differences, it did not take communication cost into account. We propose a location-based Huffman (L-Huffman) scheme to minimize the longest key generation time, which is the dominative factor of the group key establishment time. L-Huffman scheme separates users into subgroups according to users' locations and lets the combined users locate in a higher place of the key tree in each subgroup. Simulations demonstrate that L-Huffman has much better performance than Huffman in wide-area networks and is slightly better in local-area networks.
Processing the gist of natural scenes : sentence verification with intrinsic and extrinsic configurations of objects

There is much evidence to suggest that the gist of a scene can be identified extremely rapidly from global information within the scene. The present study examines the course of processing once gist has been identified using a sentence verification paradigm. Sentences referred to intrinsic/extrinsic information and could be true or false. Sentences were presented with photographs of real world scenes. Several researchers have observed that in dual-format displays the first three fixations fall on the picture before a more detailed analysis of the text. This study examines the purpose of these initial fixations by using three preview conditions – 0ms, 750ms and 2250ms – during which time participants were presented with the picture only. A between-group design was used with 24 participants. Preview was the between group factor, with Question (intrinsic/extrinsic) and Response (true/false) as within group factors. Response times to sentences were measured. Reliable effects of preview and question type, and an unreliable falsification effect were observed. Participants in the 2250ms condition responded more quickly than those in the 0ms preview condition. Participants responded more quickly to intrinsic than extrinsic information in all conditions. These results challenge existing models of sentence-verification, and also suggest that the early acquisition of gist does not inevitably facilitate the search of foregrounded information.
Emotional Capacities and Sensitivity in Psychopaths

Although psychopaths demonstrate emotional abnormalities such as shallow affect, lack of empathy, incapacity for love, lack of guilt or remorse, lack of fear, and emotional processing and response deficiencies they may show normal emotional responses or emotional hypersensitive in other areas. The correlates of emotional incapacities, emotional hypersensitivity, and normal emotional activities in psychopaths are studied and discussed in this paper. Emotional hypersensitivity might be linked with: a history of neglect, rejection and abuse; insult; changes which are forced or not under control of the psychopath; obstacles that prevent the psychopath to do what he or she wants to do; narcissistic injury; broken friendships or relationship. Normal emotional functioning might be associate with grief, warm relationship, adequate attention, disease, academic and/or occupational success, impressive events, confrontations, contemplation and maturation, hidden suffering (also as a result of neurobiological determination).
Director Networks and Firm Governance

In this paper we show that firms whose directors have tied social networks among the corporate elite exhibit weaker firm governance. Using data on 25,621 unique directors who served on the boards of S&P 1,500 firms between the years 1996-2004, we map the entire social network of directors, and generate different measures that account for each director’s importance in the network. We find strong evidence that in firms that have more connected directors, i.e., whose directors are more central in the network, CEO pay is higher, CEO pay is less sensitive to firm performance, CEO turnover is less sensitive to firm performance, and forced CEO turnover is less likely to occur. Moreover, well-connected directors are more likely to be awarded more directorships in the future. These results continue to hold when looking only at the connectedness level of independent directors. Our results suggest that social networks among directors affect firm governance and that these social connections are an important board characteristic. ∗Both authors are from the Department of Finance, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712. Barnea: 512-471-2012, amir.barnea@mccombs.utexas. edu. Guedj: 512-471-5781, guedj@mail.utexas. edu. The authors thank Shirley Birman, Jay Hartzell, Yael Hochberg, Mark Huson, Camelia Kuhnen, Wayne Mikkelson, Adair Morse, Robert Parrino, Charu Raheja, Michael Roberts, Laura Starks, Sheridan Titman, Chendi Zhang and seminar participants at the 2006 First Annual Conference on Empirical Legal Studies, the 2006 Oregon Corporate Finance Conference, the 2006 University of Texas Finance-Accounting Conference, the 2006 Northern Finance Association Conference, the 2007 Annual International Industrial Organization Conference, the 2007 European Finance Association meetings, the 2007 UBC Summer Conference, the 4th Annual Academic Conference of the Caesarea Center IDC, the 2007 Contractual Corporate Governance Conference at the University of Sheffield, Ben-Gurion University, Carleton University, Claremont McKenna College, HEC Montreal, University of Houston, University of Waterloo, SUNY Buffalo, Tel-Aviv University, Vanderbilt University, and Wake Forest University for their helpful comments. presented by Ilan Guedj FRIDAY, April 25, 2008 1:30 pm 3:00 pm, Room: HOH-706 USC FBE APPLIED ECONOMICS WORKSHOP
Long-Term Consolidation and Retention of Learning-Induced Tuning Plasticity in the Auditory Cortex of the Guinea Pig

The major goal of this study was to determine whether classical conditioning produces long-term neural consolidation of frequency tuning plasticity in the auditory cortex. Local field potentials (LFPs) were obtained from chronically implanted adult male Hartley guinea pigs that were divided into conditioning (n = 4) and sensitization control (n = 3) groups. Tuning functions were determined in awake subjects for average LFPs (approximately 0.4 to 36.0 kHz, -20 to 80 dB) immediately before training as well as 1 h and 1, 3, 7, and 10 days after training; sensitization subjects did not have a 10-day retention test. Conditioning consisted of a single session of 30 to 45 trials of a 6-s tone (CS, 70 dB) that was not the best frequency (BF, peak of a tuning curve), followed by a brief leg shock (US) at CS offset. Sensitization control animals received the same density of CS and US presentations unpaired. Heart rate recordings showed that the conditioning group developed conditioned bradycardia, whereas the sensitization control group did not. Local field potentials in the conditioning group, but not in the sensitization group, developed tuning plasticity. The ratio of responses to the CS frequency versus the BF were increased 1 h after training, and this increase was retained for the 10-day period of the study. Both tuning plasticity and retention were observed across stimulus levels (10-80 dB). Most noteworthy, tuning plasticity exhibited consolidation (i.e., developed greater CS-specific effects across retention periods), attaining asymptote at 3 days. The findings indicate that LFPs in the auditory cortex have three cardinal features of behavioral memory: associative tuning plasticity, long-term retention, and long-term consolidation. Potential cellular and subcellular mechanisms of LFP tuning plasticity and long-term consolidation are discussed.
Attention problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in discordant and concordant monozygotic twins: evidence of environmental mediators.

OBJECTIVE To study familial and nonfamilial environmental influences on attention problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in monozygotic twins discordant and concordant-high and low for these traits. METHOD Ninety-five twin pairs from The Netherlands Twin Register were selected. Longitudinal survey data were collected at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12 years from parents, twins, and teachers. Mothers participated in a structured clinical interview when twins were between 10 and 17 years of age. RESULTS Affected twins from discordant pairs scored higher than unaffected cotwins on multiple measures of attention problems, ADHD, and other behavior problems according to mother, teacher, and self. Behavioral discordance was evident at age 2 and all subsequent measurements. Compared with unaffected cotwins, affected twins had lower birth weight and delayed physical growth and motor development. Differences between discordant and concordant groups were reported for maternal smoking, sleeping in different rooms, and living with only one parent. CONCLUSIONS Significant markers of ADHD are found in infancy and include low birth weight and delayed motor development. As the knowledge of specific genetic and environmental influences on ADHD increases, future studies may focus on their complex interplay.
A Two-Stage Distributed Architecture for Voltage Control in Power Distribution Systems

In this paper, we propose an architecture for voltage regulation in distribution networks that relies on controlling reactive power injections provided by distributed energy resources (DERs). A local controller on each bus of the network monitors the bus voltage and, whenever there is a voltage violation, it uses locally available information to estimate the amount of reactive power that needs to be injected into the bus in order to correct the violation. If the DERs connected to the bus can collectively provide the reactive power estimated by the local controller, they are instructed to do so. Otherwise, the local controller initiates a request for additional reactive power support from other controllers at neighboring buses through a distributed algorithm that relies on a local exchange of information among neighboring controllers. We show that the proposed architecture helps prevent voltage violations and shapes the voltage profile in radial distribution networks, even in the presence of considerable penetration of variable generation and loads. We present several case studies involving 8-, 13-, and 123-bus distribution systems to illustrate the operation of the architecture.
The PSI–U1 snRNP interaction regulates male mating behavior in Drosophila

Significance How gene regulation orchestrates brain activities that lead to cognition and behavior remains a challenging question in biology. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS) is a crucial mechanism that is extensively used in the brain to generate diverse and functionally distinct protein products from a limited number of eukaryotic genes, and can thereby switch neuron functions and rewire neural circuits for different behaviors. Here, we elucidate the function of an essential AS regulatory protein, P-element somatic inhibitor (PSI), in coordinating male courtship behavior in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We show that PSI fine-tunes the AS patterns of a dynamic network of neural gene transcripts and exerts precise control of male mating behavior. Our results provide important information into mechanisms for behavior control in animals. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS) is a critical regulatory mechanism that operates extensively in the nervous system to produce diverse protein isoforms. Fruitless AS isoforms have been shown to influence male courtship behavior, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using genome-wide approaches and quantitative behavioral assays, we show that the P-element somatic inhibitor (PSI) and its interaction with the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex (snRNP) control male courtship behavior. PSI mutants lacking the U1 snRNP-interacting domain (PSIΔAB mutant) exhibit extended but futile mating attempts. The PSIΔAB mutant results in significant changes in the AS patterns of ∼1,200 genes in the Drosophila brain, many of which have been implicated in the regulation of male courtship behavior. PSI directly regulates the AS of at least one-third of these transcripts, suggesting that PSI–U1 snRNP interactions coordinate the behavioral network underlying courtship behavior. Importantly, one of these direct targets is fruitless, the master regulator of courtship. Thus, PSI imposes a specific mode of regulatory control within the neuronal circuit controlling courtship, even though it is broadly expressed in the fly nervous system. This study reinforces the importance of AS in the control of gene activity in neurons and integrated neuronal circuits, and provides a surprising link between a pleiotropic pre-mRNA splicing pathway and the precise control of successful male mating behavior.
Executive Functions in Girls With and Without Childhood ADHD Followed Through Emerging Adulthood: Developmental Trajectories

Using an all-female sample, we examined trajectories of executive functioning (EF) performance from childhood through emerging adulthood—and their prediction of key emerging-adult outcomes. One hundred forty girls carefully diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 88 matched comparison girls were administered EF measurements assessing global EF, response inhibition, and verbal working memory during childhood (M age = 9.5 years), adolescence (M age = 14.1 years), the earliest years of adulthood (M age = 19.6 years), and the end of emerging adulthood (M age = 25.6 years). Retention rates were excellent. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to estimate growth curves for each EF measure. The linear EF slopes were then used to explore how changes in EF interacted with each participant’s persistence/remission of ADHD over time to influence behavioral, emotional, and academic impairment in emerging adulthood. Although all women experienced absolute improvements in EF performance across time, women with histories of ADHD consistently lagged behind comparison women, even if their ADHD symptoms had remitted by early adulthood. However, EF performance over time did not significantly influence the link between ADHD status and (a) maternal reports of associated behavioral and emotional impairment or (b) objective measures of academic achievement. These findings indicate that EF deficits should be considered when developing and implementing treatments for ADHD through emerging adulthood. Future research should be aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind these observed trajectory differences.
Control of the Lumbar Neutral Zone Decreases Low Back Pain and Improves Self-Evaluated Work Ability: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Study

Study Design. A randomized controlled study with 12 months intervention. Objective. To study the effectiveness of a training intervention with emphases on the control of lumbar neutral zone (NZ) and behavior modeling as secondary prevention of low back pain (LBP) and disability. Summary of Background Data. Improving the control of lumbar NZ and enhancing muscle activation patterns ensuring spinal stability have been proposed as means for secondary prevention of LBP and disability. In addition, cognitive behavior interventions have been shown to lower the risk of recurrence of LBP and long-term disability. Methods. Middle-aged working men with recent LBP but without severe disability were randomly allocated to either a training (TG, n = 52) or control group (CG, n = 54). The aim was to exercise twice a week for 12 months, once guided and once independently. The outcome measures were the changes in intensity of LBP, disability, self-evaluated future work ability, and neuromuscular fitness. Results. The intensity of LBP decreased significantly more (39%) in the TG than in CG at 12 months. The proportion of subjects with negative expectations about their future work ability decreased in both groups at 6 and 12 months; however, the proportion was significantly bigger in TG compared with CG (P = 0.028). There effects on disability indexes and fitness were not statistically significant. Conclusions. Controlling lumbar NZ is a specific form of exercise and daily self-care with potential for prevention of recurrent nonspecific LBP and disability among middle aged working men.
Isolation and Evaluation of Oil-Producing Microalgae from Subtropical Coastal and Brackish Waters

Microalgae have been widely reported as a promising source of biofuels, mainly based on their high areal productivity of biomass and lipids as triacylglycerides and the possibility for cultivation on non-arable land. The isolation and selection of suitable strains that are robust and display high growth and lipid accumulation rates is an important prerequisite for their successful cultivation as a bioenergy source, a process that can be compared to the initial selection and domestication of agricultural crops. We developed standard protocols for the isolation and cultivation for a range of marine and brackish microalgae. By comparing growth rates and lipid productivity, we assessed the potential of subtropical coastal and brackish microalgae for the production of biodiesel and other oil-based bioproducts. This study identified Nannochloropsis sp. , Dunaniella salina and new isolates of Chlorella sp. and Tetraselmis sp. as suitable candidates for a multiple-product algae crop. We conclude that subtropical coastal microalgae display a variety of fatty acid profiles that offer a wide scope for several oil-based bioproducts, including biodiesel and omega-3 fatty acids. A biorefinery approach for microalgae would make economical production more feasible but challenges remain for efficient harvesting and extraction processes for some species.
Safe male circumcision in Botswana: Tension between traditional practices and biomedical marketing

Botswana has been running Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) since 2009 and has not yet met its target. Donors like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Africa Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership (funded by the Gates Foundation) in collaboration with Botswana's Ministry of Health have invested much to encourage HIV-negative men to circumcise. Demand creation strategies make use of media and celebrities. The objective of this paper is to explore responses to SMC in relation to circumcision as part of traditional initiation practices. More specifically, we present the views of two communities in Botswana on SMC consultation processes, implementation procedures and campaign strategies. The methods used include participant observation, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders (donors, implementers and Ministry officials), community leaders and men in the community. We observe that consultation with traditional leaders was done in a seemingly superficial, non-participatory manner. While SMC implementers reported pressure to deliver numbers to the World Health Organization, traditional leaders promoted circumcision through their routine traditional initiation ceremonies at breaks of two-year intervals. There were conflicting views on public SMC demand creation campaigns in relation to the traditional secrecy of circumcision. In conclusion, initial cooperation of local chiefs and elders turned into resistance.
Predicting bug-fixing time: An empirical study of commercial software projects

For a large and evolving software system, the project team could receive many bug reports over a long period of time. It is important to achieve a quantitative understanding of bug-fixing time. The ability to predict bug-fixing time can help a project team better estimate software maintenance efforts and better manage software projects. In this paper, we perform an empirical study of bug-fixing time for three CA Technologies projects. We propose a Markov-based method for predicting the number of bugs that will be fixed in future. For a given number of defects, we propose a method for estimating the total amount of time required to fix them based on the empirical distribution of bug-fixing time derived from historical data. For a given bug report, we can also construct a classification model to predict slow or quick fix (e.g., below or above a time threshold). We evaluate our methods using real maintenance data from three CA Technologies projects. The results show that the proposed methods are effective.