Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards a Unified Query Language for Provenance and Versioning

Organizations and teams collect and acquire data from various sources, such as social interactions, financial transactions, sensor data, and genome sequencers. Different teams in an organization as well as different data scientists within a team are interested in extracting a variety of insights which requires combining and collaboratively analyzing datasets in diverse ways. DataHub is a system that aims to provide robust version control and provenance management for such a scenario. To be truly useful for collaborative data science, one also needs the ability to specify queries and analysis tasks over the versioning and the provenance information in a unified manner. In this paper, we present an initial design of our query language, called VQuel, that aims to support such unified querying over both types of information, as well as the intermediate and final results of analyses. We also discuss some of the key language design and implementation challenges moving forward.
Value biases of sensor-based assistive technology: case study of a GPS tracking system used in dementia care

We investigate a conventional GPS tracking system employed in professional dementia care in search of value biases that contradict central care values. The investigation follows the formal steps of the value-sensitive design approach. Four biases are identified. These are related to: augmentation, privacy, self-esteem, and trust and accountability. Drawing on data gathered through a field experiment and related focus group meetings, professional stakeholders' responses and attitudes towards these biases are accounted for. The main lessons learned form our investigation are as follows: Firstly, this study highlights the situation that stakeholders' concerns about sensor-based assistive technology in dementia care often relate to specific value-laden design aspects or features. Secondly, we consider the identified biases central issues that need to be taken into account in ethical evaluations of the uptake and adoption of sensor-based technologies in dementia care. For designers of assistive technologies the biases identified represent areas for improvements. Thirdly, the study strengthens the argument that ethics and human values need to be paid explicit attention as part of human-centered design processes that target the care sector.
Characterization of a propylthiouracil-insensitive type I iodothyronine deiodinase.

Mammalian type I iodothyronine deiodinase (D1) activates and inactivates thyroid hormone by outer ring deiodination (ORD) and inner ring deiodination (IRD), respectively, and is potently inhibited by propylthiouracil (PTU). Here we describe the cloning and characterization of a complementary DNA encoding a PTU-insensitive D1 from teleost fish (Oreochromis niloticus, tilapia). This complementary DNA codes for a protein of 248 amino acids, including a putative selenocysteine (Sec) residue, encoded by a TGA triplet, at position 126. The 3' untranslated region contains two putative Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) elements. Recombinant enzyme expressed in COS-1 cells catalyzes both ORD of T4 and rT3 and IRD of T3 and T3 sulfate with the same substrate specificity as native tilapia D1 (tD1), i.e. rT3 >> T4 > T3 sulfate > T3. Native and recombinant tD1 show equally low sensitivities to inhibition by PTU, iodoacetate, and gold thioglucose compared with the potent inhibitions observed with mammalian D1s. Because the residue 2 positions downstream from Sec is Pro in tD1 and in all (PTU-insensitive) type II and type III iodothyronine deiodinases but Ser in all PTU-sensitive D1s, we prepared the Pro128Ser mutant of tD1. The mutant enzyme showed strongly decreased ORD and somewhat increased IRD activity, but was still insensitive to PTU. These results provide new information about the structure-activity relationship of D1 concerning two characteristic properties, i.e. catalysis of both ORD and IRD, and inhibition by PTU.
Speech processing in Deep Learning and Computational Neuroscience

Deep learning has being extensively used in various fields like computer vision, natural language processing, etc. but it has not been explored potentially in the field of auditory data classification. In this project, Convolutional Deep Belief Network (CDBN) [1] has been applied on audio data for the task of digit classification. Audio features are extracted from the dataset which are later used for classification. We also present a comparison of our results with traditionally used approaches for audio classification i.e., MFCC and raw spectrogram methods.
Modulation of SOD1 Subcellular Localization by Transfection with Wild- or Mutant-type SOD1 in Primary Neuron and Astrocyte Cultures from ALS Mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by selective degeneration of motor neurons. Mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is often found as aggregates in the cytoplasm in motor neurons of various mouse models and familial ALS patients. The interplay between motor neurons and astrocytes is crucial for disease outcome, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether transient transfection with wild-type and mutant-type SOD1 may lead to amplification of mutant SOD1-mediated toxicity in cortical neurons and astrocytes derived from wild-type and mutant-type (human G93A-SOD1) mice. In transgenic mice expressing either wild- or mutant-type SOD1, we found that green fluorescent protein (GFP)-wtSOD1 was present in the cytoplasm and nuclei of wild-type cortical neurons and astrocytes, whereas GFP-mutant SOD1 was mainly cytoplasmic in wild- and mutant-type cortical neurons and astrocytes. These findings indicate that intracellular propagation of misfolding of GFP-wt or mtSOD1 are possible mediators of toxic processes involved in initiating mislocalization and aggregation. Here, we provide evidence that cytoplasmic aggregates induce apoptosis in G93A-SOD1 mouse cortical neurons and astrocytes and that the toxicity of mutant SOD1 in astrocytes is similar to the pathological effects of ALS on neurons in vitro. Collectively, our results indicate that mtSOD1 probably interacts with wtSOD1 via an unknown mechanism to produce augmented toxicity and may influence aggregate formation and apoptosis.
High Rate LDPC Based Decoder Architectures with High Speed ADC for C-RAN Optical Fronthaul

In this paper we study the design of LDPC decoding scheme for very high throughput optical communications for a full self-seeded optical architecture dedicated to cloud radio access network (C-RAN). The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the potentiality of Bit Flipping (BF) algorithms. It is shown that the Gradient Descent Bit Flipping (GDBF) algorithm with a little improvement is suitable for high speed applications. With a simple high-speed two-bit Analog to Digital Convertor (ADC) we show that we can obtain a BER of as low as 10-9 for an input BER of 10-4. Furthermore, the proposed decoder achieves a BER of at least 10-7 after just one iteration. It is necessary for real time applications to reduce the decoding delay. We propose a simple FPGA implementation that gives 500 Mb/s. The guidelines are also suggested to increase the throughput up to 2.5 Gb/s, required by CRAN application.
Acoustic detection and classification of sound sources using temporal multiple energy detector features

In this work, a classification method using a novel approach for acoustic feature extraction is proposed. Therefore, a multiple energy detector structure (MED) is utilized and features called temporal MED (TMED) features are introduced. The usage of an energy detector enables a pre-classification for the differentiation between impulsive and non-impulsive acoustic events. The actual classification task can be performed by using a MED. Furthermore, investigations regarding the classification accuracy using more than one microphone are presented.
Single-Neuron Mechanisms Underlying Cost-Benefit Analysis in Frontal Cortex

Effective decision-making requires consideration of costs and benefits. Previous studies have implicated orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in cost-benefit decision-making. Yet controversy remains about whether different decision costs are encoded by different brain areas, and whether single neurons integrate costs and benefits to derive a subjective value estimate for each choice alternative. To address these issues, we trained four subjects to perform delay- and effort-based cost-benefit decisions and recorded neuronal activity in OFC, ACC, DLPFC, and the cingulate motor area (CMA). Although some neurons, mainly in ACC, did exhibit integrated value signals as if performing cost-benefit computations, they were relatively few in number. Instead, the majority of neurons in all areas encoded the decision type; that is whether the subject was required to perform a delay- or effort-based decision. OFC and DLPFC neurons tended to show the largest changes in firing rate for delay- but not effort-based decisions; whereas, the reverse was true for CMA neurons. Only ACC contained neurons modulated by both effort- and delay-based decisions. These findings challenge the idea that OFC calculates an abstract value signal to guide decision-making. Instead, our results suggest that an important function of single PFC neurons is to categorize sensory stimuli based on the consequences predicted by those stimuli.
Nonpharmacologic and Complementary Approaches to Cancer Pain Management

Abstract Nonpharmacologic interventions are important adjuncts to treatment modalities for patients with cancer pain. A variety of modalities can be used to reduce pain and concomitant mood disturbance and increase quality of life. Physicians may feel relatively uninformed about which modalities have been used for patients with cancer and which have scientific support. This article reviews a few of the nonpharmacologic and complementary and alternative modalities commonly used by patients with cancer pain. It focuses on those modalities that have empirical support or promising preliminary evidence, with the goal of familiarizing physicians with treatment modalities that may complement regular oncologic care.
Citation metrics of excellence in sports biomechanics research

Abstract This study extended research on key citation metrics of winners of two career scholar awards in sports biomechanics. Google Scholar (GS) was searched using Harzing’s Publish or Perish software for the 13 most recent winners of the ISBS Geoffrey Dyson Award and the ASB Jim Hay Memorial Award. Returned records were corrected for author, and publications excluded for all but peer-reviewed journal articles, proceedings articles, chapters and books in English. These recent award winners had published about 150 publications that had been cited typically 4,082 and 6,648 times over a 26- and 28-year period before receiving these career awards for sports biomechanics research. Estimated median citations at time of their awards were 2,927 and 4,907 for the Dyson and Hay awards, respectively. Award winners had mean Hirsh indexes of 32–45 and mean hi of 19–28. Their mean g indexes (59–84) and their numerous citation classics (C > 100) indicated that they had many influential publications. The citation metrics of these scholars were outstanding and consistent with recent studies of top scholars in biomechanics and kinesiology/exercise science. Careful searching, cleaning and interpretation of several scholar-level citation metrics may provide useful confirmatory evidence for evaluations of awards committees.
A New Single-Phase $\boldsymbol{\Pi}-\text{Type}$ 5-Level Inverter Using 3-Terminal Switch-Network

A new single-phase π-type 5-level inverter using 3-terminal switch-network (3TSN) is proposed in this paper. The topology is considered as a variant of T-type 3-level structure or dual-buck inverter with coupled inductors. This new inverter is suitable for multilevel power inversion with low dc-bus voltage. The merit of the proposed topology is to apply only four active power switches to achieve 5-level operation. Other benefits include double frequency operation of output inductor and equal division of the current that flows through power switches and filter inductor. Hence, it leads to high efficiency and low harmonics. These characteristics allow improvement of losses distribution and volume reduction of output filter inductor. The operation scenario with sinusoidal pulsewidth modulation (SPWM) is described in details. Meanwhile, the magnetic analysis and design are studied and discussed. Finally, a prototype is built to verify the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the benefits of the proposed topology.
Children's use of Meta-Cognition in Solving Everyday Problems: Children'S Monetary Decisionmaking

The purpose of this study was to understand how children use meta-cognition in their everyday problem-solving, particularly making monetary decisions. A particular focus was to identify components of meta-cognition, such as regulation of cognition and knowledge of cognition observed in children's monetary decision-making process, the roles of meta-cognition in children's monetary decisionmaking process, and the emerging factors that help to explain children's monetary decision-making processes. Data were collected from 136 mixed ability fifth-grade students (typically 10 years of age) from six different government primary schools in Singapore through focus group and one-to-one interviews. Using grounded theory, it was found that children's monetary decision-making is a complex process, that children often reflect upon unwise decisions and unpleasant experiences, and that parental involvement was an influential factor in their children's decision-making.
Leadership Preparation Reform in First Person: Making Assumptions Public

The purpose of this study is to capture “insider” perspectives of professors in the forefront of transforming university leadership preparation programs. From interviews, we constructed first person narratives and developed “story threads” demonstrating related sequences of their thought and action in reform work. After developing themes based on their action strategies, we worked backward to identify assumptions underpinning the actions. In all cases there were tensions between assumptions of the traditional order and the intentionally reconstructed assumptions that propelled these reform leaders’ actions toward meeting current needs for school leadership preparation. Stories in first person make available the experience of the deep pulls felt when professors genuinely break with tradition. Transformation of preparation programs through these leaders did not come in response to external pressure, rather it came through first changing themselves in response to deep value commitments.
Proteomic Differences in Blood Plasma Associated with Antidepressant Treatment Response

The current inability of clinical psychiatry to objectively select the most appropriate treatment is a major factor contributing to the severity and clinical burden of major depressive disorder (MDD). Here, we have attempted to identify plasma protein signatures in 39 MDD patients to predict response over a 6-week treatment period with antidepressants. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that differences in the levels of 29 proteins at baseline were found in the group with a favorable treatment outcome. Most of these proteins were components of metabolism or immune response pathways as well as multiple components of the coagulation cascade. After 6 weeks of treatment, 43 proteins were altered in responders of which 2 (alpha-actinin and nardilysin) had been identified at baseline. In addition, 46 proteins were altered in non-responders and 9 of these (alpha-actinin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, apolipoprotein B-100, attractin, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen alpha chain, fibrinogen beta chain, nardilysin and serine/threonine-protein kinase Chk1) had been identified at baseline. However, it should be stressed that the small sample size precludes generalization of the main results. Further studies to validate these as potential biomarkers of antidepressant treatment response are warranted considering the potential importance to the field of psychiatric disorders. This study provides the groundwork for development of novel objective clinical tests that can help psychiatrists in the clinical management of MDD through improved prediction and monitoring of patient responses to antidepressant treatments.
Large scale cooperation in cellular networks with non-uniform user distribution

In conventional wireless cellular networks, each user equipment (UE) is connected to one or a few local base stations (BS). However, the users' distribution in the network area is commonly fluctuating during a day. Especially, if a high density of small cell BSs is available, some user-dense areas or hotspots can be sensed by BSs. When there is some congeries of users in some area, conventional networks waste network resources in sparse areas. To address this issue, we propose a novel cell structuring and clustering to dynamically transfer network resources from sparse cells to crowded cells or hotspots. In our proposed scheme, optimal large cooperative clusters are formed around hotspots and the coverage of BSs are transferred to hotspots by dynamically changing the antennas' beam angles. In this study, a cluster is a group of BSs that cooperatively perform joint transmission (JT) to several UEs. The BSs for each cluster and the antennas' beam angles of each BS are optimized so that the system rate of the network is maximized. Simulation results using 3GPP specifications show that the proposed scheme attains several times higher capacity compared to conventional systems.
Different distribution of abnormal endocardial electrograms within the right atrium in patients with sick sinus syndrome

Background—Prolonged and fractionated right atrial endocardial electrograms are characteristic of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (idiopathic or associated with sick sinus syndrome). The distribution of these abnormal atrial electrograms within the right atrium and the way it is related to the likelihood that patients with sick sinus syndrome will develop paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was studied. Methods—Endocardial catheter mapping of the right atrium during sinus rhythm was performed in 41 control patients with normal sinus node function and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in 33 patients with sick sinus syndrome but without tachycardia, and in 27 patients with sick sinus syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (group 3). The bipolar electrograms were recorded at 12 sites in the right atrium and an abnormal atrial electrogram was defined as lasting ≥100 ms and/or showing eight or more fragmented deflections. Results—1195 atrial endocardial electrograms were assessed and quantitatively measured. In patients with sick sinus syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation 54% of the abnormal atrial electrograms were recorded from the high right atrium, 28% from the mid right atrium, and 18% from the low right atrium. However, in patients with sick sinus syndrome without tachycardia 78% of the abnormal atrial electrograms were recorded from the high right atrium and 22% from the mid right atrium. No abnormal electrograms were recorded from the low right atrium. Conclusions—In patients with sick sinus syndrome without tachycardia abnormal atrial electrograms generally came from the high right atrium but in patients with sick sinus syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation abnormal atrial electrograms were more widely distributed in the right atrium. In patients with sick sinus syndrome the greater the extent of the compromised atrial muscle, the greater the likelihood that paroxysmal atrial fibrillation will develop.
Receptor Avidity and Costimulation Specify the Intracellular Ca Signaling Pattern in CD4 (cid:49) CD8 (cid:49) Thymocytes

Thymocyte maturation is governed by antigen–T cell receptor (TCR) affinity and the extent of TCR aggregation. Signals provided by coactivating molecules such as CD4 and CD28 also influence the fate of immature thymocytes. The mechanism by which differences in antigen–TCR avidity encode unique maturational responses of lymphocytes and the influence of coactivating molecules on these signaling processes is not fully understood. To better under-stand the role of a key second messenger, calcium, in governing thymocyte maturation, we measured the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca 2 (cid:49) ] i ) response to changes in TCR avidity and costimulation. We found that TCR stimulation initiates either amplitude- or fre-quency-encoded [Ca 2 (cid:49) ] i changes depending on (a) the maturation state of stimulated thymocytes, (b) the avidity of TCR interactions, and (c) the participation of specific coactivating molecules. Calcium signaling within immature but not mature thymocytes could be modulated by the avidity of CD3/CD4 engagement. Low avidity interactions induced biphasic calcium responses, whereas high avidity engagement initiated oscillatory calcium changes. Notably, CD28 participation converted the calcium response to low avidity receptor engagement from a biphasic to oscillatory pattern. These data suggest that calcium plays a central role in encoding the nature of the TCR signal received by thymocytes and, consequently, a role in thymic selection.
LKIF Core: Principled Ontology Development for the Legal Domain

In this paper we describe a legal core ontology that is part of the Legal Knowledge Interchange Format: a knowledge representation formalism that enables the translation of legal knowledge bases written in different representation formats and formalisms. A legal (core) ontology can play an important role in the translation of existing legal knowledge bases to other representation formats, in particular as the basis for articulate knowledge serving. This requires that the ontology has a firm grounding in commonsense and is developed in a principled manner. We describe the theory and methodology underlying the LKIF core ontology, compare it with other ontologies, introduce the concepts it defines, and discuss its use in the formalisation of an EU directive.