Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incorporating New Diagnostic Schemas, Genetics, and Proteinopathy into the Evaluation of Frontotemporal Degeneration

Purpose of Review: Within the continuously growing body of knowledge in the field of dementia, frontotemporal degeneration stands out in importance as the second most common cause of early-onset dementia after Alzheimer disease. Neurologists, neuropsychologists, and speech pathologists are particularly involved in the diagnosis and recognition of etiologies for patients with deficits in frontal lobe function and language.Recent Findings: The recent discovery of a novel mutant gene (C9ORF72) and the new nomenclature adopted for subclassification have significantly promoted our understanding of this disorder.Summary: This article relates the most recent consensus criteria for diagnosis of the two forms of frontotemporal degeneration (ie, behavioral and primary progressive aphasia variants) to basic neurologic principles and remind clinicians of the neuropsychiatric and neuroradiologic components that clarify frontotemporal degeneration diagnoses and guide management.
GLCM-based metric for image fusion assessment

This paper introduces a novel metric for image fusion evaluation that is based on texture. Among the applications of image fusion are surveillance and remote sensing, where the combination of relevant information from multiple image sources are preserved in a fused output. From these, the conservation of background textural details is especially important as they help to define the image structure. The concept is brought forth in our work, which aims to evaluate the performance of image fusion algorithms based on their ability to retain textural details from the fusion process. We utilise the GLCM model to extract second-order statistical features for the derivation of an image textural measure. This is used to replace the edge-based calculations in the Petrovic metric. Performance evaluation on established fusion methods verify that the proposed metric is accurate, especially for multimodal scenarios.
Massively Parallel Simulated Annealing and itsRelation to Evolutionary

Simulated annealing and and single trial versions of evolution strategies possess a close relationship when they are designed for optimization over continuous variables. Analytical investigations of their diierences and similarities lead to a cross-fertilization of both approaches, resulting in new theoretical results, new parallel population based algorithms, and a better understanding of the interrelationships.
Lis1 controls dynamics of neuronal filopodia and spines to impact synaptogenesis and social behaviour

LIS1 (PAFAH1B1) mutation can impair neuronal migration, causing lissencephaly in humans. LIS1 loss is associated with dynein protein motor dysfunction, and disrupts the actin cytoskeleton through disregulated RhoGTPases. Recently, LIS1 was implicated as an important protein‐network interaction node with high‐risk autism spectrum disorder genes expressed in the synapse. How LIS1 might participate in this disorder has not been investigated. We examined the role of LIS1 in synaptogenesis of post‐migrational neurons and social behaviour in mice. Two‐photon imaging of actin‐rich dendritic filopodia and spines in vivo showed significant reductions in elimination and turnover rates of dendritic protrusions of layer V pyramidal neurons in adolescent Lis1+/− mice. Lis1+/− filopodia on immature hippocampal neurons in vitro exhibited reduced density, length and RhoA dependent impaired dynamics compared to Lis1+/+. Moreover, Lis1+/− adolescent mice exhibited deficits in social interaction. Lis1 inactivation restricted to the postnatal hippocampus resulted in similar deficits in dendritic protrusion density and social interactions. Thus, LIS1 plays prominently in dendritic filopodia dynamics and spine turnover implicating reduced dendritic spine plasticity as contributing to developmental autistic‐like behaviour.
Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in Symmetric Planar Metamaterial at THz Wavelengths

We report the experimental observation and the evidence of the analogue of electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) in a symmetric planar metamaterial. This effect has been obtained in the THz range thanks to a destructive Fano-interference between the two first modes of an array of multi-gap split ring resonators deposited on a silicon substrate. This structure is a planar thin film material with four-fold symmetry. Thanks to this property, a polarization-independent transmission has been achieved. The proposed metamaterial is well adapted to variety of slow-light applications in the infrared and optical range.
Expression and Inducibility of Cytochrome P 450 s ( CYP 1 A 1 , 2 B 6 , 2 E 1 , 3 A 4 ) in Human Cord Blood CD 34 + Stem Cell – Derived Differentiating Neuronal Cells

The status of xenobiotic metabolism in developing human brain cells is not known. The reason is nonavailability of developing human fetal brain. We investigate the applicability of the plasticity potential of human umbilical cord blood stem cells for the purpose. Characterized hematopoietic stem cells are converted into neuronal subtypes in eight days. The expression and substrate-specific catalytic activity of the cytochrome P450s (CYPs) CYP1A1 and 3A4 increased gradually till day 8 of differentiation, whereas CYP2B6 and CYP2E1 showed highest expression and activity at day 4. There was no significant increase in the expression of CYP regulators, namely, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GSTP1-1) during differentiation. Differentiating cells showed significant induction in the expression of CYP1A1, 2B6, 2E1, 3A4, AHR, CAR, PXR, and GSTP1-1 when exposed to rifampin, a known universal inducer of CYPs. The xenobiotic-metabolizing capabilities of these differentiating cells were confirmed by exposing them to the organophosphate pesticide monocrotophos (MCP), a known developmental neurotoxicant, in the presence and absence of a universal inhibitor of CYPs—cimetidine. Early-differentiating cells (day 2) were found to be more vulnerable to xenobiotics than mature well-differentiated cells. For the first time, we report significant expression and catalytic activity of selected CYPs in human cord blood hematopoietic stem cell–derived neuronal cells at various stages of maturity. We also confirm significant induction in the expression and catalytic activity of selected CYPs in human cord blood stem cell–derived differentiating neuronal cells exposed to known CYP inducers and MCP.
'You Say You Want a Revolution' ... The Next Stage of Public Sector Reform in New Zealand

Over the past 30 years New Zealand’s system of public management has seen a number of positive changes, both systematic and incremental. That process made New Zealand a world leader in public management. Despite this, it remains difficult to gain traction on some of the most complex problems in society. Further, citizens have begun to demand more from their public service than just outputs and efficiency. In order to continue the positive trend of the previous decades, the system must evolve to appreciate the importance of outcomes and effectiveness.
China's Impact on Price Shocks in the World Oil Markets

This paper examines China's influence on price shock transmission in the world oil markets. In this paper, its impact is studied by testing for cointegration, mapping causality using a technique called directed acyclic graphs (DAG), and integrating the results of DAG into an error correction model to conduct variance decomposition. Using data from the period 1997-2007, evidence is presented that China has had little impact on the volatility in international oil markets, and that innovations in the Chinese market (in the long run) are largely driven by innovations from external markets. This study also indicates that the Chinese market is the largest source of its own volatility over short horizons, and that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the US oil markets are responsible for much of the price volatility observed in the world markets.
Systematizing “ Accountability ” in Computer Science

We provide a systematization of approaches to accountability that have been taken in computer-science research. Toward this end, we categorize these approaches along the axes of time, information, and action; within each of these axes, we identify multiple questions of interest. Different researchers have (explicitly or implicitly) used “accountability” to mean different things. Our systematization contributes an articulation of the definitions that have been used in computer science (sometimes only implicitly); it also contributes a perspective on how these different approaches
Dynamic Development of Regional Disparity in Mainland China: An Experimental Study Based on a Multidimensional Index

This paper stems from the previous wisdom to investigate the transitional dynamics of regional disparity in China during the period 1998–2010. This is the very first time that 30 Chinese regions have been benchmarked according to a multidimensional index based on a stochastic kernel density. The multidimensional index contains five domains to capture the socioeconomic development: macroeconomic conditions, science and innovation, environmental sustainability, human capital, and public facilities. This experimental study reveals the existence of a three-peak pattern of convergence during 1998–2010, and improves the understanding of the evolution of regional disparity in China in terms of the comprehensive socioeconomic development.
Analytical History of Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Debt Sustainability Targets

This paper traces the origins of World Bank indicators of debt distress and their employment as HIPC sustainability targets. These targets are interpreted as ‘switching values’, below which countries are (on average) expected to avoid debt service problems, but as such, they do not take into account that countries encounter debt service problems for a variety of reasons and at different levels of debt. It is likely that the ‘true’ switching value of the debt to export ratio of several HIPCs lies below the lower bound of the present target range. Regarding the ‘fiscal window’, the lack of analytical basis for a 280 percent target for the debt to revenue ratio is noted, and the consistency problems raised by the added ‘openness_tax’ condition are discussed. Moreover, the implications for economic performance of the pursuit for a s ustainable debt position remain a concern. It seems uncertain whether the development needs of HIPC countries can be accommodated within sustainable debt paths, as envisioned. The paper concludes that the sustainability targets, as presently applied, are not well supported in analytical terms. The rationale for adopting an average target range for the debt indicators involved remains weak, and the adoption of country_specific targets is suggested as a way to tailor debt relief more accurately to country needs.
BLACK HOLE QUASINORMAL MODE SPECTROSCOPY WITH LISA

The signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for black hole quasinormal mode sources of low-frequency gravitational waves is estimated using a Monte Carlo approach that replaces the all-sky average approximation. We consider an 11-dimensional parameter space that includes both source and detector parameters. We find that in the black hole mass range M ∼ 4–7 × 106 M☉ the S/N is significantly higher than the S/N for the all-sky average case, as a result of the variation of the spin parameter of the sources. This increased S/N may translate to a higher event rate for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). We also study the directional dependence of the S/N, show at which directions in the sky LISA will have greater response, and identify the LISA blind spots.
HYBRID METHODS FOR MULTI-OBJECTIVE EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHMS

Hybrid methods of using evolutionary algorithms with a local search method are often used in the context of singleobjective real-world optimization. In this paper, we discuss a couple of hybrid methods for multi-objective realworld optimization. In the posteriori approach, the obtained non-dominated solutions of a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) run are modified using a local search method. In the online approach, a local search method is applied to each solution obtained by genetic operations in a MOEA run. Both these approaches are compared on two engineering shape optimization problems for a fixed number of trials. Simulation results suggest important insights about the extent of local search and the extent of an MOEA needed to achieve an overall efficient hybrid approach.
"Sequential effects in magnitude scaling: Models and theory": Erratum.

Research on sequential effects in magnitude scaling is reviewed, and its implications about the adequacy of current time series regression models is discussed. A regression model that unifies what at first appear to be contradictory results is proposed. Theoretical models of judgment and perception are introduced, and their relation to alternative regression models is clarified. A theoretical model of relative judgment that clarifies the role of judgmental error and frames of reference in magnitude scaling is examined in detail. Four experiments that test the model are presented. The results, along with recent results presented by Ward (1987), provide support for the model. The importance of being explicit about the relation of theoretical models to regression models and about the role of error in these models is discussed.
Is there life after Zeno? Taking executions past the breaking (Zeno) point

Understanding Zeno phenomena plays an important role in understanding hybrid systems. A natural - and intriguing - question to ask is: what happens after a Zeno point? Inspired by the construction of Filippov (1988), we propose a method for extending Zeno executions past a Zeno point for a class of hybrid systems: Lagrangian hybrid systems. We argue that after the Zeno point is reached, the hybrid system should switch to a holonomically constrained dynamical system, where the holonomic constraints are based on the unilateral constraints on the configuration space that originally defined the hybrid system. These principles are substantiated with a series of examples
Brown bear habitat selection in relation to anthropogenic structures in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland

In Europe, brown bear Ursus arctos habitats frequently overlap with human settlements and infrastructure. We tested whether anthropogenic structures played an important role in habitat selection by brown bears in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland. We analysed 668 signs of brown bear presence recorded during 6 counts along 246 km of transects (total 1,476 km) in spring, summer and autumn of 1993 and 1994. Habitat selection of bears was more related to habitat and altitude than to human factors. Avoidance of roads, settlements and forest clearings influenced habitat selection by brown bears in spring but less in summer and autumn.
Gamma-Ray Bursts from High-Velocity Neutron Stars

We investigate the viability of Galactic corona models of gamma-ray bursts by calculating the spatial distribution expected for a population of high-velocity neutron stars born in the Galactic disk and moving in a gravitational potential that includes contributions from the bulge, disk, and dark matter halo of our Galaxy and also from these same components of our neighboring galaxy M31. We consider two classes of models: one in which the bursts radiate isotropically and one in which the bursts are beamed. We place constraints on these models by comparing the expected brightness and angular distributions with the data in the BATSE 3B catalog. We find that if the bursts radiate isotropically, then the Galactic corona model can reproduce the BATSE peak flux and angular distributions for neutron star kick velocities vkick ≳ 800 km s-1, source turn-on ages ton ≳ 20 Myr, and BATSE sampling distances 130 kpc ≲ dmax ≲ 350 kpc. If the bursts are instead beamed with an opening half-angle θb, no turn-on age is required, and the model can reproduce the BATSE data for 15° ≲ θb ≲ 20° and 80 kpc ≲ dmax ≲ 250 kpc.
Articulatory and acoustic correlates of contrastive focus in French children and adults

This chapter deals with the articulatory and acoustic correlates of contrastive focus in French, in children and adults. Ten speakers (three 4-year-old, three 8-year-old children, and four adult males and females) were recorded while producing repetitions of the [baba] sequence in two prosodic contexts: in neutral condition and under contrastive focus. The opening (from the consonant into the vowel) lip gestures were video-recorded and monitored using the ICP tracking system. Lip area and its first derivative were described under both prosodic conditions, in the first and second [ba] syllables. Analyses of formant frequencies and RMS amplitude were also carried out on the acoustic signal. Results show that the effect of contrastive focus on articulatory measurements is smaller for children compared to adults. Results are discussed with respect to motor control development during childhood.
Clustering Protein Sequence and Structure Space with Infinite Gaussian Mixture Models

We describe a novel approach to the problem of automatically clustering protein sequences and discovering protein families, subfamilies etc., based on the theory of infinite Gaussian mixtures models. This method allows the data itself to dictate how many mixture components are required to model it, and provides a measure of the probability that two proteins belong to the same cluster. We illustrate our methods with application to three data sets: globin sequences, globin sequences with known three-dimensional structures and G-protein coupled receptor sequences. The consistency of the clusters indicate that our method is producing biologically meaningful results, which provide a very good indication of the underlying families and subfamilies. With the inclusion of secondary structure and residue solvent accessibility information, we obtain a classification of sequences of known structure which both reflects and extends their SCOP classifications. A supplementray web site containing larger versions of the figures is available at http://public.kgi. edu/approximately wid/PSB04/index.html
A high efficient 3D SLAM algorithm based on PCA

In this paper, an improved algorithm for 3D SLAM is presented. A data dimensional reduction algorithm-Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is adopted, so as to speed up the rate of feature extraction from RGB-D images(640×480). To overcome the poor efficiency performance on the original RGB-D SLAM, a novel memory management algorithm and an incremental appearance-based loop closure detector are used to realize the 3D mapping and robot's trajectory estimation. In the back-end, the robot's trajectory and global map is optimized by g2o. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is faster and more effective than the original RGB-D SLAM.
Research on Voltage Acquisition System Based on Modbus Industrial Bus and Single Chip

The voltage acquisition system based on modbus industrial bus and single chip is designed and its prototype is also implemented. It consists of MCS51 single chip and multichannel voltage acquisition card. And the single chip communicates with the card through modbus industrial bus protocol, which collects, copes with and real-time display voltage related data. The system can be applied to many areas such as train, factory equipments.
The Economics of Horizontal Government Cooperation (Working Paper)

This paper analyzes the ability of intrastate and interstate cooperative agreements to either minimize or capitalize on interjurisdictional externalities. These agreements are commonly referred to as compacts or joint powers agreements (intrastate compacts). The compact mechanism allows regional governments to enter into contractual agreements with one another to coordinate policy choices and to engage in cooperative endeavors. Given the inter-jurisdictional nature of the issues that affect horizontally situated governments, this mechanism is a powerful tool to achieve welfare-enhancing outcomes for citizens. A review of the legal case law surrounding compacts is conducted to analyze the legal properties from an economic perspective. These economic properties are used to develop a simple game-theoretic environment and a neoclassical growth model. In these two environments, behavior under the compact is compared with regional governments acting in a non-cooperative manner where they take the period actions of the other governments as given. The models demonstrate that the compact mechanism can lead to Pareto-superior outcomes for the signatory governments’ citizenry. ∗This is a working paper. Please do not cite nor distribute without author’s permission.
Windows as a Second Language: An Overview of the Jargon Project

When novice users request help from expert sources, they often have difficulty articulating the nature of their problems due to their unfamiliarity with the appropriate technical terms or “jargon. ” Consequently, in searching for help documents, they struggle to identify query terms that are likely to retrieve the relevant documents. There is often a vocabulary mismatch between the technical language of help documents or experts and the common language of novice users. At Microsoft, as part of the Jargon Project, we are exploring methods to characterize the use of jargon by different communities of users, and techniques to exploit user models based on jargon-related features to provide customized and more appropriate help and support. This paper provides an overview of the Project and presents preliminary results demonstrating the feasibility of distinguishing types of users by their jargon use.
Blending Immersive Gameplay with Intense Exercise Using Asynchronous Exergaming

Exergames are video games that encourage players to do physical exercises (e.g. yoga, aerobics). While exergames provide some motivational and fitness benefits, they are limited by shallow gameplay and low-intensity exercise. This occurs because, in most existing exergames (e.g. Wii Fit), the user plays the game and exercises simultaneously. By developing exergames where gameplay and exercise occur at separate times, we can motivate high-intensity exercise with high-immersion gameplay. We therefore developed such an asynchronous exergaming by modifying the popular game Skyrim to use exercise data from the fitness tracking website Exercise.com. This paper describes the design and implementation of the Skyrim exergaming mod.