Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Neighborhood Component Analysis

Learning a distance metric in feature space potentially improves the performance of the $K$ nearest neighbor classifier and is useful in many real-world applications. Many metric learning (ML) algorithms are, however, based on the point estimation of a quadratic optimization problem, which is time-consuming, susceptible to overfitting, and lacks a natural mechanism to reason with parameter uncertainty—a property useful especially when the training set is small and/or noisy. To deal with these issues, we present a novel Bayesian ML (BML) method, called Bayesian neighborhood component analysis (NCA), based on the well-known NCA method, in which the metric posterior is characterized by the local label consistency constraints of observations, encoded with a similarity graph instead of independent pairwise constraints. For efficient Bayesian inference, we explore the variational lower bound over the log-likelihood of the original NCA objective. Experiments on several publicly available data sets demonstrate that the proposed method is able to learn robust metric measures from small size data set and/or from challenging training set with labels contaminated by errors. The proposed method is also shown to outperform a previous pairwise constrained BML method.
Logic Programming in Tabular Allegories * [technical Communication]

We develop a compilation scheme and categorical abstract machine for execution of logic programs based on allegories, the categorical version of the calculus of relations. Operational and denotational semantics are developed using the same formalism, and query execution is performed using algebraic reasoning. Our work serves two purposes: achieving a formal model of a logic programming compiler and efficient runtime; building the base for incorporating features typical of functional programming in a declarative way, while maintaining 100% compatibility with existing Prolog programs. 1 Introduction Relational algebras have a broad spectrum of applications in both theoretical and practical computer science. In particular, the calculus of binary relations [37], whose main operations are intersection (∪), union (∩), relative complement \, inversion (_) o and relation composition (;) was shown by Tarski and Givant [40] to be a complete and adequate model for capturing all first-order logic and set theory. The intuition is that conjunction is modeled by ∩, disjunction by ∪ and existential quantification by composition. This correspondence is very useful for modeling logic programming. Logic programs are naturally interpreted by binary relations and relation algebra is a suitable framework for algebraic reasoning over them, including execution of queries. Previous versions of this work [24, 32, 9, 22], developed operational and denotational semantics for constraint logic programming using distributive relational algebra with a quasi-projection operator. While pure relational algebraic semantics have very pleasant properties, individual relations range over a unique domain or carrier: the union of the set of all finite sequences of terms generated by the signature of the program. In this approach, operational reasoning is implemented by a rewriting system, but making it efficient is difficult, as we cannot directly reason about the number of logical variables in use. When a predicate call happens, the constraint store is duplicated, with one belonging to the caller environment and one used by the called predicate. At return time, the constraint stores are merged. The propagation of constraints posted inside a procedure call is delayed. We propose to remedy this shortcoming by using typed relations. The theory of allegories [21], provides a categorical setting for distributive relational algebras. In this setting, * The authors wants to acknowledge Wesleyan University for supporting this work with Van Vleck funds.
The R0 Approach to Epidemic-non-Epidemic Phases Revisited

In this work, we revisit the basic reproduction rate $\mathcal{R}_{0}$ definition for analysis of epidemic-non-epidemic phases describing the dynamics of the discrete stochastic version of the epidemic $SIR$ model based on the Master Equation formalism. One shows that it is a very precise and efficient way to determine the epidemic threshold; using its most primitive concept, we can find exact results.
The Assumption of Caregiving: Grandmothers Raising the Children of the Crack Cocaine Epidemic

In this article, selected findings are presented from a study of the experiences of 71 African American women who have become the sole caregivers for at least one grandchild or great-grandchild as a result of the involvement of the parent in use of crack cocaine. Despite the unique circumstances of each situation, three patterns of the assumption of caregiving emerged from analysis of the intensive interviews and participant observation: sudden assumption, negotiated assumption, and inevitable assumption of the permanent caregiver role. Each pattern is described along six dimensions: forewarning, initiation, the trigger event, the caregiver's goal, her assumed trajectory of the caregiving period, and her perceived influence on her own destiny. These accounts provide important information for those who work with women, children, and families, as well as unique insight into the consequences of the crack cocaine epidemic.
On the evaluation of plug-in electric vehicle data of a campus charging network

The mass adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) requires the deployment of public charging stations. Such facilities are expected to employ distributed generation and storage units to reduce the stress on the grid and boost sustainable transportation. While prior work has made considerable progress in deriving insights for understanding the adverse impacts of PEV chargings and how to alleviate them, a critical issue that affects the accuracy is the lack of real world PEV data. As the dynamics and pertinent design of such charging stations heavily depend on actual customer demand profile, in this paper we present and evaluate the data obtained from a 17 node charging network equipped with Level 2 chargers at a major North American University campus. The data is recorded for 166 weeks starting from late 2011. The result indicates that the majority of the customers use charging lots to extend their driving ranges. Also, the demand profile shows that there is a tremendous opportunity to employ solar generation to fuel the vehicles as there is a correlation between the peak customer demand and solar irradiation. Also, we provided a more detailed data analysis and show how to use this information in designing future sustainable charging facilities.
ATP Mediates Calcium Signaling Between Astrocytes and Microglial Cells: Modulation by IFN-γ1

Calcium-mediated intercellular communication is a mechanism by which astrocytes communicate with each other and modulate the activity of adjacent cells, including neurons and oligodendrocytes. We have investigated whether microglia, the immune effector cells involved in several diseases of the CNS, are actively involved in this communication network. To address this issue, we analyzed calcium dynamics in fura-2-loaded cocultures of astrocytes and microglia under physiological conditions and in the presence of the inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. The intracellular calcium increases in astrocytes, occurring spontaneously or as a result of mechanical or bradykinin stimulation, induced the release of ATP, which, in turn, was responsible for triggering a delayed calcium response in microglial cells. Repeated stimulations of microglial cells by astrocyte-released ATP activated P2X7 purinergic receptor on microglial cells and greatly increased membrane permeability, eventually leading to microglial apoptosis. IFN-γ increased ATP release and potentiated the P2X7-mediated cytolytic effect. This is the first study showing that ATP mediates a form of calcium signaling between astrocytes and microglia. This mechanism of intercellular communication may be involved in controlling the number and function of microglial cells under pathophysiologic CNS conditions.
Self-induced Footsteps Sounds in Virtual Reality: Latency, Recognition, Quality and Presence

In this paper we describe the results of experiments whose goal is to investigate the effect of enhancing a virtual reality experience with the sound of synthetic footsteps. Results show that the sense of presence is enhanced when the sound of one’s own motion is added. Furthermore, the experiments show that the threshold for detection of latency between motion and sound is raised when visual stimuli is introduced.
Impact of Muscle Tension Dysphonia on Tone Height and Fundamental Frequency Movements in Vietnamese Tones

Abstract There has been no published study on how voice disorders affect lexical tones in Vietnamese. In this study, we investigated a number of tonal parameters in the Northern Vietnamese dialect in 42 female teachers with muscle tension dysphonia and compared them with 30 control speakers. Speech samples included tone syllables in isolation and in a reading passage. Computerized Speech Lab 4300B was used to measure fundamental frequency. Mean tonal fundamental frequency was evaluated for group and age effects. Parameters representing pitch movement (time, size, and speed of a movement) for tone 2 and tone 5 were compared between the two groups. The results showed that there was a significant effect of muscle tension dysphonia on Vietnamese tones: mean fundamental frequency was decreased in the high tones. Rise size and rise speed of fundamental frequency change were reduced in tone 5 phonated by the muscle tension dysphonia participants. There was a significant effect of age, with decreased tonal fundamental frequency in participants older than 45 years. We concluded that an interaction existed between tonal characteristics in Vietnamese and muscle tension dysphonia. Data on pitch movement may reflect tonal pitch control mechanisms in this voice disorder.
Genome-Wide Transcriptional Reorganization Associated with Senescence-to-Immortality Switch during Human Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis

Senescence is a permanent proliferation arrest in response to cell stress such as DNA damage. It contributes strongly to tissue aging and serves as a major barrier against tumor development. Most tumor cells are believed to bypass the senescence barrier (become “immortal”) by inactivating growth control genes such as TP53 and CDKN2A. They also reactivate telomerase reverse transcriptase. Senescence-to-immortality transition is accompanied by major phenotypic and biochemical changes mediated by genome-wide transcriptional modifications. This appears to happen during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with liver cirrhosis, however, the accompanying transcriptional changes are virtually unknown. We investigated genome-wide transcriptional changes related to the senescence-to-immortality switch during hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Initially, we performed transcriptome analysis of senescent and immortal clones of Huh7 HCC cell line, and identified genes with significant differential expression to establish a senescence-related gene list. Through the analysis of senescence-related gene expression in different liver tissues we showed that cirrhosis and HCC display expression patterns compatible with senescent and immortal phenotypes, respectively; dysplasia being a transitional state. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that cirrhosis/senescence-associated genes were preferentially expressed in non-tumor tissues, less malignant tumors, and differentiated or senescent cells. In contrast, HCC/immortality genes were up-regulated in tumor tissues, or more malignant tumors and progenitor cells. In HCC tumors and immortal cells genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle, telomere extension and branched chain amino acid metabolism were up-regulated, whereas genes involved in cell signaling, as well as in drug, lipid, retinoid and glycolytic metabolism were down-regulated. Based on these distinctive gene expression features we developed a 15-gene hepatocellular immortality signature test that discriminated HCC from cirrhosis with high accuracy. Our findings demonstrate that senescence bypass plays a central role in hepatocellular carcinogenesis engendering systematic changes in the transcription of genes regulating DNA repair, proliferation, differentiation and metabolism.
The Effects of Fiscal Policy in a Small Open Economy: The Role of Useful Government Spending

The aim of this paper is to analyze the positive and normative effects of fiscal policy in a small open economy, making use of a model with utility enhancing government spending. I develop an analytically tractable model that introduces the idea of modelling private and public consumption as substitutes in private utility into the small open economy model contained in the Appendix to Obstfeld and Rogoff (1995). The model offers simple and intuitive predictions on how fiscal expansion affects the economy, and how the effects depend on the marginal rate of substitution between private and public consumption. I show that the introduction of useful government spending induces both a bigger crowding-out effect on private consumption and a smaller positive impact on output compared to the pure waste case. These results are consistent with Ganelli (2003). I also show that fiscal expansion does not affect the exchange rate and, consequently, that the effectiveness of fiscal policy on output is not determined by the exchange rate regime. This casts doubt on the claim that the effectiveness of fiscal policy in a small open economy depends primarily on whether the exchange rate is fixed or flexible.
Hippocampal atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease

SUMMARY New research criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) emphasize the use of imaging biomarkers in clinical diagnosis of these disorders. The volume loss of medial temporal lobe structures, especially hippocampal atrophy, is the best validated marker of AD. Manual tracing on MRI is the present gold standard for evaluating hippocampal volume; however, it is laborious and tracer-dependent. We categorized the most recent full- or semi-automated methods by the nature of the output of the method: size and shape of subcortical structures, cortical thickness, atrophy-rate and voxel- and region-based characteristics. The features of each method are introduced. The findings in structural MRI studies, especially in those studies utilizing the most recent methods, and the accuracies of those new methods in differentiating AD from healthy controls and stable MCI from progressive MCI are reviewed.
Suspicion and Dispositional Inference

The role of suspicion in the dispositional inference process is examined. Perceivers who are led to become suspicious of the motives underlying a target's behavior appear to engage in more active and thoughtful attributional analyses than nonsuspicious perceivers. Suspicious perceivers resist drawing inferences from a target's behavior that reflect the correspondence bias (or fundamental attribution error), and they consciously deliberate about questions of plausible causes and categorizations of the target's behavior They are, however, quite willing to make strong correspondent inferences about the target if they learn additional contextual information that renders alternative explanations for the target's behavior less plausible. Implications of these findings for current multiple-stage models of the dispositional inference process are discussed, and the need for these and other models to give more consideration to the social nature of social perception is asserted.
The Functions of the Ekpo Society of the Ibibio of Nigeria

Like most West African countries, Nigeria abounds in traditional associations or societies often referred to erroneously as “secret” societies. Secret societies (according to a dictionary of social science [Gould and Kolb, 1964: 642]) are those associations in which secret rituals, symbols, signs, medicines, as well as other material paraphernalia make up the main part of their raison d'être and gain psychological significance through being concealed. In the same vein, Hammond (1971: 193) notes that membership in secret societies is limited to only a segment of the total eligible population; members focally protect the secrecy surrounding their rituals, secret rites that are believed to increase the supernatural powers of their members; and that non-initiates are usually permitted to learn just enough about them to be frightened, impressed, and, therefore, enticed to join them. A closer examination, however, shows that, more than nuisance value, secret societies fulfill economic, social, and political functions similar to those of associations based primarily on age and sex. For example, Robert Lowie (1927) was fascinated by functional resemblances between West African secret societies and certain men's organizations among the Plains Indians in America. This led him to suspect that the state might be found latent in sodalities or “associations. ” In the particular case of most Nigerian associations, the esoteric basis of their activities sets them apart from others like medicine societies, that is, societies concerned with the practice of traditional methods of diagnosis and healing.
The Development of Marketplace Persuasion Knowledge in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

Conceptualizations of children's and adolescents' knowledge about advertising and persuasion have evolved considerably over the past three decades. However, empirical research on this topic has been scarce in the past two decades. The authors review the early and current models of children's marketplace persuasion knowledge for insights into the conceptual limits of prior empirical research and opportunities for research grounded in richer models of advertising knowledge. They discuss goals and directions for the next generation of research programs so that such research will yield more complete insights into children's and adolescents' advertising knowledge and provide a basis for future policy decisions.
Conversational agents in virtual worlds: Bridging disciplines

This paper examines the effective deployment of conversational agents in virtual worlds from the perspective of researchers/practitioners in cognitive psychology, computing science, learning technologies and engineering. From a cognitive perspective, the major challenge lies in the coordination and management of the various channels of information associated with conversation/communication and integrating this information with the virtual space of the environment and the belief space of the user. From computing science, the requirements include conversational competency, use of nonverbal cues, animation consistent with affective states, believability, domain competency and user adaptability. From a learning technologies perspective, the challenge is to maximise the considerable affordances provided by conversational avatars in virtual worlds balanced against ecologically valid investigations regarding utility. Finally, the engineering perspective focuses on the technical competency required to implement effective and functional agents, and the associated costs to enable student access. Taken together, the four perspectives draw attention to the quality of the agent–user interaction, how theory, practice and research are closely intertwined, and the multidisciplinary nature of this area with opportunities for cross fertilisation and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
CAR USE: LUST AND MUST

Based on an extensive literature study and an explorative preliminary study, three categories of motives for car use are distinguished: instrumental, social and affective. Instrumental motives refer to the convenience or inconvenience of car use, such as its speed, flexibility, safety, and environmental problems resulting from car use. Social motives refer to the fact that people can express themselves and their social position by using a car, and to social norms. Affect refers to various emotions that are evoked by using a car, i.e., car use may potentially alter people's mood, and people might anticipate these (positive) feelings while making travel mode choices. A survey study was conducted to examine whether these three categories of motives were correlated to car use for commuting during rush hours. Results revealed all three motive categories were significantly correlated with the proportion of car trips. Car use could especially be explained by social and affective motives. Respondents that always commute by car and male drivers evaluate the social and affective motives more favourably compared to respondents that also use other modes of transport and female drivers. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725.
H2A.Z in Neuron: Implications in Pain-Related Social Defect

SUMMARY Cumulating evidence indicated that chronic pain-associated cellular and molecular changes play an essential role in contributing to the development of social defect symptoms, and more recent findings implicated the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in chronic pain-related sensitization. Histone variant exchange, in which canonical histones are replaced with their variant counterparts, is an entire branch of epigenetics that has received limited attention in the brain and has never, to our knowledge, been studied in relation to pain-related social defect. Here we hypothesize that H2A.Z, a variant of histone H2A, is actively involved in the regulation of chronic pain related social defect symptoms, probably through down-stream effects on gene expression. We hope the histone variant H2A.Z regulation may contribute to the molecular basis of cognitive function and serve as a potential therapeutic target for associated social defect. ■
Elevated CO2 levels affect the activity of nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase in the calcifying rhodophyte Corallina officinalis

The concentration of CO2 in global surface ocean waters is increasing due to rising atmospheric CO2 emissions, resulting in lower pH and a lower saturation state of carbonate ions. Such changes in seawater chemistry are expected to impact calcification in calcifying marine organisms. However, other physiological processes related to calcification might also be affected, including enzyme activity. In a mesocosm experiment, macroalgal communities were exposed to three CO2 concentrations (380, 665, and 1486 µatm) to determine how the activity of two enzymes related to inorganic carbon uptake and nutrient assimilation in Corallina officinalis, an abundant calcifying rhodophyte, will be affected by elevated CO2 concentrations. The activity of external carbonic anhydrase, an important enzyme functioning in macroalgal carbon-concentrating mechanisms, was inversely related to CO2 concentration after long-term exposure (12 weeks). Nitrate reductase, the enzyme responsible for reduction of nitrate to nitrite, was stimulated by CO2 and was highest in algae grown at 665 µatm CO2. Nitrate and phosphate uptake rates were inversely related to CO2, while ammonium uptake was unaffected, and the percentage of inorganic carbon in the algal skeleton decreased with increasing CO2. The results indicate that the processes of inorganic carbon and nutrient uptake and assimilation are affected by elevated CO2 due to changes in enzyme activity, which change the energy balance and physiological status of C. officinalis, therefore affecting its competitive interactions with other macroalgae. The ecological implications of the physiological changes in C. officinalis in response to elevated CO2 are discussed.