Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep temporal credit assignment with dynamic synapses

Successful behaviour relies on the ability of animals and machines to predict the outcome of their actions. Selecting which synapses (or parameters) to adjust to trigger the right action is a hard problem as it depends on past sensory information. This is one of the most fundamental features of the brain, but exactly how it solves such temporal credit assignment problems has remained largely enigmatic. Inspired by machine learning optimisation methods that underlie the recent deep learning revolution we have recently introduced a novel theoretical optimization framework. This framework allows us to derived a recurrent neural network with multiple layers, neuron types and synaptic learning rules akin to the ones found in the brain [1] (Costa et al. in prep.). One of the most striking observations of this analysis is the need for a synaptic eligibility trace, which tracks incoming activity from presynaptic neurons. Growing evidence suggests that such eligibility traces might be encoded by internal synaptic dynamics [1–5]. In this project, in close interaction with the lab of Jack Mellor, the student will start out by extending the existing theoretical optimization framework to consider the role of synaptic dynamics and test it in simple tasks (Aim 1). The resulting model will be compared with the wide range of experimental neuroscience data available at Jack Mellor’s and Matt Jones’s labs using probabilistic inference in collaboration with Carl Henrik Ek (Aim 2). Finally, this biologically plausible model will be tested in more challenging tasks in collaboration with Dima Almaden and external collaborators (Aim 3). Overall, this project will provide a compelling proposal for how the brain encodes the information needed for temporal credit assignment, which may in turn inspire new machine learning algorithms.
Modeling and Evaluation of Multisource Streaming Strategies in P 2 P VoD Systems

In recent years, multimedia content distribution has largely been moved to the Internet, inducing broadcasters, operators and service providers to upgrade with large expenses their infrastructures. In this context, streaming solutions that rely on user devices such as set-top boxes (STBs) to offload dedicated streaming servers are particularly appropriate. In these systems, contents are usually replicated and scattered over the network established by STBs placed at users’ home, and the video-on-demand (VoD) service is provisioned through streaming sessions established among neighboring STBs following a Peer-to-Peer fashion. Up to now the majority of research works have focused on the design and optimization of content replicas mechanisms to minimize server costs. The optimization of replicas mechanisms has been typically performed either considering very crude system performance indicators or analyzing asymptotic behavior. In this work, instead, we propose an analytical model that complements previous works providing fairly accurate predictions of system performance (i.e., blocking probability). Our model turns out to be a highly scalable, flexible, and extensible tool that may be helpful both for designers and developers to efficiently predict the effect of system design choices in large scale STB-VoD systems. Index Terms — Peer-to-Peer, Video-on-Demand Streaming, Set-Top Box, Queueing Model, Performance Evaluation.
Effect of soil properties and aging on the toxicity of copper for enchytraeus albidus, enchytraeus luxuriosus, and folsomia candida

In the present study, the effect of the heavy‐metal salt copper chloride (CuCl2‐2H2O) in soils freshly spiked (3 d) and aged (70 ± 10 d; mean ± SD) was studied in the test species Enchytraeus albidus, E. luxuriosus, and Folsomia Candida. Up to nine soils were used: Besides the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) artificial soil and the Agricultural Testing and Research Agency (Landwirtschaftliche Untersuchungs‐ und Forschungsanstalt, Speyer, Germany) 2.2 natural standard soils, the others were selected based on the EURO Soil approach, taking into account the effect of different soil parameters (pH, organic matter, grain size distribution, and carbon to nitrogen ratio). Additionally, the effect of the chloride ions was studied separately. The results revealed the following: First, a soil effect was observed; for example, in F. Candida, median effective concentrations (EC50s) varied between 262 mg/kg in a sample from the same site as the original EURO Soil 5 soil and greater than 1,000 mg/kg in OECD soil. Second, an aging effect was observed, mainly in F. Candida. For example, toxicity of offspring survival was increased twofold in the OECD soil and approximately eightfold with aging in the EURO Soil 7 soil, whereas the enchytraeid species did not react differently after aging. Third, an effect of chloride ions on reproduction of the animals was found; however, this effect was independent of the aging period. Fourth, species variation was seen in terms of sensitivity (EC50), decreasing in the following order: E. luxuriosus > E. albidus » F. Candida. Differences in toxicity of offspring survival between enchytraeids and F. Candida might be explained by the different routes of uptake.
A novel photoplethysmography technique to derive normalized arterial stiffness as a blood pressure independent measure in the finger vascular bed

Stiffening of the small artery may be the earliest sign of arteriosclerosis. However, there is no adequate method for directly assessing small arterial stiffness. In this study, the finger arterial elasticity index (FEI) was defined as the parameter n which denotes the curvilinearity of an exponential model of pressure (P)–volume (Va) relationship (Va = a − b exp (−nP)). For the original estimation, the FEI was calculated from a compliance index from the finger photoplethysmogram whilst occluding the finger. A simple estimation of the FEI was devised by utilizing normalized pulse volume instead of the compliance index. Both estimations yielded close agreement with the exponential model in healthy young participants (study 1: n = 19). Since the FEI was dependent on finger mean blood pressure, normalized finger arterial stiffness index (FSI) was defined as standardized residual from their relationship: mean and standard deviation (SD) of the FSI were 50 ± 10 (study 2: n = 174). The mean coefficient of variation of the FSI for four measurements was 5.72% (study 3: n = 6). The mean and SD of the FSI in seven arteriosclerotic patients were 100.0 ± 13.5. In conclusion, the FEI and FSI by simple estimation are valid and useful for arteriosclerosis research.
Unfolded Protein Response Is Required for the Definitive Endodermal Specification of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells via Smad2 and β-Catenin Signaling*

Background: The unfolded protein response (UPR) influences cellular differentiation and function. Results: UPR-inducing agents enhance the differentiation of definitive endoderm cells from mouse ESCs. Inhibition of the UPR prevents the specific differentiation. Conclusion: The UPR is required for the formation of definitive endoderm cells. Significance: This study identifies a new molecular mechanism that interconnects the UPR and cell fate decisions in early embryonic development. Tremendous efforts have been made to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that control the specification of definitive endoderm cell fate in gene knockout mouse models and ES cell (ESC) differentiation models. However, the impact of the unfolded protein response (UPR), because of the stress of the endoplasmic reticulum on endodermal specification, is not well addressed. We employed UPR-inducing agents, thapsigargin and tunicamycin, in vitro to induce endodermal differentiation of mouse ESCs. Apart from the endodermal specification of ESCs, Western blotting demonstrated the enhanced phosphorylation of Smad2 and nuclear translocation of β-catenin in ESC-derived cells. The inclusion of the endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid to the induction cultures prevented the differentiation of ESCs into definitive endodermal cells even when Activin A was supplemented. Also, the addition of the TGF-β inhibitor SB431542 and the Wnt/β-catenin antagonist IWP-2 negated the endodermal differentiation of ESCs mediated by thapsigargin and tunicamycin. These data suggest that the activation of the UPR appears to orchestrate the induction of the definitive endodermal cell fate of ESCs via both the Smad2 and β-catenin signaling pathways. The prospective regulatory machinery may be helpful for directing ESCs to differentiate into definitive endodermal cells for cellular therapy in the future.
Title Design of fuzzy damping controller of UPFC through geneticalgorithm

The addition of a PSS-like supplementary controller to the UPFC main control can provide effective damping to the low frequency oscillation on the heavily loaded tie lines of interconnected power system. However, the conventional controller designed based on a linearized model cannot provide satisfactory performance over a wide range of operation point and under large disturbances. In this paper, the design of the Fuzzy Damping Controller (FDC) for UPFC as a substitute of the conventional supplementary controller is presented. Scaling factors are inserted to the membership functions of both inputs and output for easy design of fuzzifier and defuzzifier. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied to optimize the performance of the FDC thrpugh fine-tuning of the scaling factors. A 4-machine interconnected power system is used as the test system with a UPFC installed in one of the tie lines. Comparisons between the performances of both the fuzzy and the conventional supplementary controllers are studied. Computer test results show that FDC is very effective in damping the oscillation and in the meantime has a better robustness as compared with its conventional counterpart. Keyworuk: Power system stability and control, FACTS, UPFC, fuzzy logic control, genetic algorithms
First-time endoscopy and use of antisecretory medication: A population-based cohort study

Objective Endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnostic evaluation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The relation between endoscopy and use of antisecretory medication on a population level is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe development in the number of patients undergoing first-time endoscopies and their use of antisecretory medication. Material and methods Data on the use of endoscopies and antisecretory medication (H2 blockers and proton-pump inhibitors) were extracted from five population-based databases and included all citizens in Funen County (population 470,000) who had first-time endoscopies between 1993 and 2002. Results A total of 27,829 first-time endoscopy patients were identified. In 2002 the number of first-time endoscopies was 5.6/1000 persons. The proportion that had redeemed prescription(s) on antisecretory medication the last year before endoscopy increased from 33% (1095/3286) in 1993 to 41% (1012/2445) in 2002 (p=0.000). Following endoscopy, average use of antisecretory medication increased by 90 defined daily doses (DDD)/patient/year (95% CI 84–96) in patients with oesophagitis (N=4850), by 59 DDD/patient/year (95% CI 54–64) in peptic ulcer patients (N=4373) and by 18 DDD/patient/year (95% CI 16–20) in patients with normal endoscopies (N=16,400). Conclusions An increasing proportion of patients are treated with antisecretory medication before endoscopy. Following endoscopy, use of antisecretory medication increases irrespective of the diagnostic findings.
The non‐pyramidal cells in layer III of cat primary auditory cortex (AI)

The form and location of non‐pyramidal neurons in layer III of the primary auditory cortex (AI) of adult cats is described in Golgi, Nissl, and other material. The cells were compared to the profiles of retrogradely labeled, commissurally interconnected cells. A principal finding is that certain non‐pyramidal and pyramidal cells project interhemispherically to AI; a second conclusion is that the retrogradely labeled commissural cells form small clusters or narrow strips separated by unlabeled patches even after massive injections in the opposite AI. The non‐pyramidal cells of origin have not yet been conclusively identified, but they must include one (or more) of the following six types of cells observed in Golgi‐impregnated material: (1) tufted or bitufted cells with a radially elongated dendritic arbor; (2) sparsely spinous stellate neurons with thin, smooth dendrites and vertically disposed axonal branches; (3) small stellate cells with varicose dendrites, a restricted dendritic field, and a profusely branched local axon; (4) bipolar neurons with long, thin dendrites; (5) medium‐sized multipolar cells with radiating, sparsely branched dendrites; and (6) small stellate neurons with smooth dendrites and a tiny dendritic field. These non‐pyramidal cells are found throughout layer III but are more numerous in the upper part, layer IIIa, where they mingle with the small pyramidal neurons. As a rule the axonal branches of non‐pyramidal cells are more numerous than those arising from layer III pyramidal neurons, and although they have many axonal collaterals, most project locally and vertically in narrow radial strips. In contrast, pyramidal cell axons have ascending and descending components which invade large, lateral territories in many cortical layers. Layer III non‐pyramidal neurons are similar to those in layer IV in certain respects, although their dendritic fields are more spherical and less tufted than those of layer IV cells, and their axons have more local, limited targets. These axons appear to contribute but little to the conspicuous, lateral fiber striae in layer III. The primary intrinsic targets of non‐pyramidal cell axons appear to be the apical dendrites of medium‐sized and large layer III pyramidal cells, and recurrent branches to the parent cell; their fine, distal branches fortify the vertical plexus in layer III, and certain axons may descend into layer IV. Since layer III in AI receives both commissural and thalamic input, it is possible that these parallel, afferent channels are to some degree segregated, and to some degree convergent, onto particular types of cells. Whether any single cell receives both kinds of input is unknown, but the evidence suggests that not all non‐pyramidal cells project only locally, nor may all project interhemispherically or from AI to AI. This implies that there may be connectionally and perhaps functionally distinct subsets among layer III non‐pyramidal neurons which remain to be identified by experimental methods.
Clinical investigation of the Nucleus Slim Modiolar Electrode

Aims: The Nucleus CI532 cochlear implant incorporates a new precurved electrode array, i.e., the Slim Modiolar electrode (SME), which is designed to bring electrode contacts close to the medial wall of the cochlea while avoiding trauma due to scalar dislocation or contact with the lateral wall during insertion. The primary aim of this prospective study was to determine the final position of the electrode array in clinical cases as evaluated using flat-panel volume computed tomography. Methods: Forty-five adult candidates for unilateral cochlear implantation were recruited from 8 centers. Eleven surgeons attended a temporal bone workshop and received further training with a transparent plastic cochlear model just prior to the first surgery. Feedback on the surgical approach and use of the SME was collected via a questionnaire for each case. Computed tomography of the temporal bone was performed postoperatively using flat-panel digital volume tomography or cone beam systems. The primary measure was the final scalar position of the SME (completely in scala tympani or not). Secondly, medial-lateral position and insertion depth were evaluated. Results: Forty-four subjects received a CI532. The SME was located completely in scala tympani for all subjects. Pure round window (44% of the cases), extended round window (22%), and inferior and/or anterior cochleostomy (34%) approaches were successful across surgeons and cases. The SME was generally positioned close to the modiolus. Overinsertion of the array past the first marker tended to push the basal contacts towards the lateral wall and served only to increase the insertion depth of the first electrode contact without increasing the insertion depth of the most apical electrode. Complications were limited to tip fold-overs encountered in 2 subjects; both were attributed to surgical error, with both reimplanted successfully. Conclusions: The new Nucleus CI532 cochlear implant with SME achieved the design goal of producing little or no trauma as indicated by consistent scala tympani placement. Surgeons should be carefully trained to use the new deployment method such that tip fold-overs and over insertion may be avoided.
Dual conformal symmetry of 1-loop NMHV amplitudes in N = 4 SYM theory

We prove that 1-loop n-point NMHV superamplitudes in N = 4 SYM theory are dual conformal covariant for all numbers n of external particles (after regularization and subtraction of IR divergences). This property was previously established for n ≤ 9 in arXiv:0808.0491. We derive an explicit representation of these superamplitudes in terms of dual conformal cross-ratios. We also show that all the 1-loop ‘box coefficients’ obtained from maximal cuts of NMHV n-point functions are covariant under dual conformal transformations. ar X iv :0 90 5. 43 79 v1 [ he pth ] 2 7 M ay 2 00 9
Nutrition for Health Changing Perspectives on Aging and Energy Requirements : Aging and Digestive Function in Humans , Dogs and Cats 1

When considering the question of energy balance, it is important to take into account energy provision and the ability of aging animals to digest macronutrients and thus obtain their maintenance energy requirement. A large number of studies have been conducted in humans in an effort to establish whether aging of the gastrointestinal tract has a significant effect on availability of dietary energy. The results of these studies have been conflicting, with indications that some aspects of gut functionality do decline with age, but little evidence overall to suggest that aging humans are at risk of energy deficit due to compromised digestive efficiency. A number of digestibility studies carried out with dogs confirm that there is no evidence of an age-related decline in digestive efficiency. This knowledge makes the determination of energy provision to senior dogs relatively straightforward to calculate. Many senior cats appear to exhibit quite a marked reduction in their ability to digest macronutrients, particularly fat, efficiently. Because this reduces the overall capacity to obtain energy from the diet, it is recommended that old cats should not routinely be offered reduced energy diets. For senior cats, the feeding regimen in later life should be to offer highly digestible diets that provide as much energy as adult maintenance rations. J. Nutr. 128: 2632S–2635S, 1998.
Telemedicine can help to ensure that patients receive timely medical care

We describe a case illustrating that telephone consultations can help to lower the psychological threshold for accessing medical care in people who are not aware of the seriousness of their symptoms, or who might otherwise be reluctant to access face-to-face care. A 69-year-old male patient called a teleconsultation service at the weekend because of acute fever. The patient was scheduled to have a hip replacement and the usual pre-operative check-up done the day before had been normal. However, a careful medical history taken during the teleconsultation revealed potentially serious symptoms. We therefore referred the patient to the emergency room immediately with the suspicion of severe infection, possibly due to colon cancer. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with septicaemia and adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid. This demonstrates that teleconsultation is not only a powerful tool for triage and diagnosis, but can also help to reduce delay in diagnosing severe diseases in primary health care.
A Comparative Study of Embeddings Methods for Hate Speech Detection from Tweets

In this work, we review popular representation learning methods for the task of hate speech detection on Twitter data-. Methods in representation learning have been successfully applied to a variety of NLP tasks, including sentiment analysis (Tang et al., 2016), sarcasm detection (Joshi et al., 2016), and text similarity (Kenter et al., 2016). Specifically, for the task of hate speech detection, representation learning methods have shown promising results in comparison to traditional feature-based methods (Badjatiya et al., 2017; Nobata et al., 2016; Djuric et al., 2015). However, there has been no comprehensive study comparing the utility of embedding methods for hate speech detection. To fill this gap in literature, we study the effect of word and sentence embeddings methods for hate speech detection on publicly available data sets. We use the following embedding methods: Word Embeddings: 1) Word2vec pre-trained on Google News and Twitter corpus (Godin et al., 2015) respectively. 2) GloVe , pre-trained on Gigaword corpus and tweet corpus respectively. 3) Word2vec, trained on domain (hate) specific tweets1. 4) Pretrained embeddings using Fasttext (Grave et al., 2017). Sentence Embeddings: 5) Doc2vec, trained on hate speech corpus as described previously. 6) Skipthought, pre-trained on BookCorpus dataset. 7) Tweet2vec (Dhingra et al., 2016), pre-trained on a large tweets corpus. Datasets: We compare performance on three data sets collected on Twitter, that are annotated for hate speech (Waseem and Hovy, 2016; Waseem, 2016; Davidson et al., 2017) (see Table 2). For each data set, we collapse the annotations into a positive and negative classes, where all items annotated as ’hate speech’ retain their annotation while all other labels are collapsed into “Neither”
Multi-Lane Detection in Highway and Urban Driving Environment

Over the past few decades, the need has arisen for multi-lane detection algorithms for use in vehicle safety-related applications. In this thesis dissertation, we propose new multi-lane detection algorithms that work well in highway and urban driving situations. These algorithms detect four lane marks, including driving lane marks and adjacent lane marks. First, in the case of highway driving situations the algorithm ﬁrst detects the two driving lane marks stably, and the algorithm generates ROIs for detecting multiple lanes based on the fact that all lanes are parallel with the same intervals. Additionally, the system recognizes types and colors of each lane. For the urban driving environments, on the other hands, the algorithm basically detects more than four lanes including driving lane marks and adjacent lane marks, and it also aims to detect non-parallel lanes such as are found at intersections, in splitting lanes, and in merging lanes. To detect multi-lane marks successfully in the absence of parallelism, we adopt Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), which are strong models for solving multiple association tasks. We show that CRFs are very effective tools for multi-lane detection because they ﬁnd an optimal association of multiple lane marks in complex and challenging urban road situations. Through simulations, and by using video se-quences and Caltech Lane Datasets with runtime rates of 30 fps, we verify that our algorithm successfully detects non-parallel lanes as well as parallel lanes appearing in highways and urban streets.