Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Area‐specific laminar distribution of cortical feedback neurons projecting to cat area 17: Quantitative analysis in the adult and during ontogeny

Corticocortical pathways can be classified as feedback and feedforward, in part according to the laminar distribution of the parent cell bodies. Here, we have developed exhaustive sampling procedures to determine unambiguously this laminar distribution. This shows that individual extrastriate areas in the adult cat have highly stereotyped proportions of supragranular layer neurons with respect to the total population of neurons back‐projecting to area 17. During development, these adult laminar patterns emerge from an initially uniform radial distribution through a process of selective reorganization, which is highly specific to each area. Injections of fluorescent retrograde tracers were made in area 17. In areas 19, 20, posteromedial lateral suprasylvian area, and anteromedial lateral suprasylvian area, we defined a projection zone as the region containing retrogradely labeled neurons. In the neonate, counts of labeled neurons throughout the projection zones show constant percentages of 40% in the supragranular layers. During development, there is an area‐specific reduction in the percentage of supragranular labeled neurons generating the laminar distributions characteristic of each area. Numbers of labeled neurons were estimated at different eccentricities of the projection zone. This finding indicates that during development there is a relative decrease in the numbers of labeled neurons of the periphery of the projection zone in the supragranular layers but not in the infragranular layers. This decrease is accompanied by a relative decrease in the dimensions of the supragranular projection zone with respect to the infragranular projection zone. These findings suggest that each extrastriate area precisely adjusts the proportions of supragranular layer neurons back‐projecting to striate cortex in part by developmental changes in the divergence‐convergence values of individual neurons. This shaping of corticocortical connectivity occurs relatively late in postnatal development and could, therefore, be under epigenetic control. J. Comp. Neurol. 396:493–510, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of acute alcohol intoxication on social inhibition and theory of mind : a social lubricant or social depressant?

Alcohol intoxication is associated with socially disinhibited behaviours that may reflect impaired social cognitive abilities that guide social behaviour. The effects of alcohol on social cognition, and how this may contribute to disinhibited behaviour is relatively poorly studied. The aims of this study were to examine whether intoxicated individuals could inhibit negative responses to negative social information, whether these difficulties were reliant on theory of mind ability, and whether intoxicated individuals were able to adjust verbal responses when provided with guidelines about how to respond. Sixty-four males and females aged between 18 and 34 were recruited from the University of Tasmania and wider community to participate in the study. Participants consumed a beverage containing either alcohol or placebo before completing a Flanker task, a Go/No-Go task, and a newly developed measure of social disinhibition, the Social Disinhibition Task. Results indicate that alcohol intoxicated individuals can inhibit negative responses to negative social information, but display difficulty inhibiting negative responses to social information requiring ToM ability. Intoxicated individuals were able to adjust responses when required. These findings extend current understandings of the mechanisms involved in negative social behaviours following acute alcohol administration and may have important implications for development of public policy.
Building a Paraphrase Corpus for Speech Translation

When a machine translation (MT) system receives input sentences of spoken language, the following two types of sentences are difficult to translate: (1) long sentences and (2) sentences having redundant expressions often seen in spoken language. To reduce these difficulties, we are developing methods to paraphrase input sentences into more translatable ones. In this paper, we report a preliminary Japanese paraphrase corpus. The corpus consists of original sentences derived from travel conversation and versions of them paraphrased by humans. We use three paraphrasing methods: plain, segment, and summary paraphrasing. Plain paraphrasing is applied to short sentences, where redundant expressions are replaced with plain ones. Segment and summary paraphrasing is applied to long sentences, where long sentences are converted into one or several short sentences. We also report a comparison of machine translation quality between the original sentences and the paraphrased sentences. We use two corpus-based machine translation systems in the experiment.
Clinical Ophthalmology Dovepress Prevalence of Comorbid Retinal Disease in Patients with Glaucoma at an Academic Medical Center

Background: Patients with various retinal diseases and patients who have undergone retinal procedures and surgeries have an increased risk of developing ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Little is known about the epidemiology of comorbid retinal diseases in glaucoma patients. This study evaluated the prevalence of retinal comorbidities in a population of patients with five types of glaucoma. Methods: A longitudinal, retrospective study was conducted using International Classification of Disease (ICD-9) billing records from 2003 to 2010 at an academic medical center. Patients were classified as having primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), low tension open-angle glau-coma (NTG), pigmentary open-angle glaucoma, chronic-angle closure glaucoma (CACG), or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) if they had at least three clinic visits with the same ICD-9 code. Patients were classified as having a retinal comorbidity if they had two visits with the same code. Variables were analyzed with the independent t-test, χ 2 test, analysis of variance, or Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 5,154 patients had glaucoma, and 14.8% of these had a retinal comorbidity. The prevalence of comorbid retinal disease was higher in patients with POAG (15.7%) than in those with NTG (10.7%), PXG (10.1%), or pigmentary open-angle glaucoma (3.7%; P,0.05). Two hundred and two patients had diabetic retinopathy, with POAG patients (4.5%) having a higher prevalence than those with CACG (1.4%) or PXG (0.6%; P,0.001). There were 297 patients who had macular degeneration and both POAG (2.0%) and PXG patients (2.9%) had a higher prevalence of nonexudative macular degeneration than those with CACG (0%; P,0.01). Patients with comorbid retinal disease had a higher prevalence of blindness and low vision than those without comorbid retinal disease (1.97% versus 1.02%, P=0.02). Conclusion: The high prevalence of comorbid retinal disease and the nearly twofold increase in blindness and low vision in this population demonstrate the need for ophthalmologists to determine if patients have multiple etiologies for their vision loss. The higher prevalence of certain retinal diseases in POAG patients may reflect common pathophysiological processes that warrant further investigation.
THE GENERATION OF TEST DATA USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND CASE BASED REASONING FOR SAFETY CRITICAL SYSTEMS

The primary aim of the research was to investigate the effectiveness of the approach, which depends on dividing and classifying the specifications in terms of workable pieces, or generic functional modules. For each module defining the path- predicate representation with an expression in disjunction normal form. This expression is then used to create a genetic template (schema) in a special genetic system model. The secondary aim of this work was to construct a prototype system designed and implemented to employ a specially designed Case Based Management and Retrieval Mechanism and also to provide maintenance of the case library. This library was constructed from data drawn from the testing of an integrated data base management system developed in the Arab Academy for Science and Technology.
Efficient Resource Allocation of Mobile Multi-View 3D Videos with Depth-Image-Based Rendering

Depth-Image-Based Rendering (DIBR) is a popular technology and enables the viewers to watch multi-view 3D videos via TV or smart phone. In this paper, we propose a game-theoretical framework over a multi-view and multi-video network where one server delivers multiple multi-view 3D videos to multiple viewers. In a mobile network, any individual viewers can subscribe to a video with any viewing angle within a specified viewing range in 3D-enabled mobile handsets. To facilitate efficient resource allocation for multi-view 3D videos, we formulate a new resource allocation problem, named Price-based 3D Viewing Range Control problem (PVRC), as a Stackelberg game in Game Theory, in which the server and the viewers are modeled as the leader and the followers, respectively, to jointly consider the revenue of the server and the utilities of the viewers. We analyze the price setting problem by investigating the Stackelberg equilibrium between the server and viewers. Simulation results demonstrate that compared to popular uniform-price setting, non-uniform pricing is an effective approach for reducing the difference of utilities among the viewers, effectively controlling the viewing ranges and avoiding starvation of the network resources to only few viewers. Moreover, we also derive the social optimum in the problem, and the simulation results show that the derived Stackelberg equilibrium is close to the social optimum.
An hybrid representation for set constraint satisfaction problems

Many combinatorial problems can be formulated as set constraint satisfaction problems (set CSP). Two representations of the domains of set variables are usually adopted in generic as well as specialised constraint solvers that handle set CSP: either the domain is described in an enumerated form or in a set interval form. We show that the relevance of each of both representations depends on the treated set CSP. We then propose to combine these both representations in an hybrid one. This hybrid representation reveals itself worthwhile for CSP involving certain constraints we characterise. It helps us to localise «holes» in the domains of set variables which correspond to inconsistent sets of values.
Automatic Repair of Overflowing Expressions with Abstract Interpretation

We consider the problem of synthesizing provably non-overflowing integer arithmetic expressions or Boolean relations among integer arithmetic expressions. First we use a numerical abstract domain to infer numerical properties among program variables. Then we check if those properties guarantee that a given expression does not overflow. If this is not the case, we synthesize an equivalent, yet not-overflowing expression, or we report that such an expression does not exists. The synthesis of a non-overflowing expression depends on three, orthogonal factors: the input expression (e.g., is it linear, polynomial,. ? ), the output expression (e.g., are case splits allowed? ), and the underlying numerical abstract domain - the more precise the abstract domain is, the more correct expressions can be synthesized. We consider three common cases: (i) linear expressions with integer coefficients and intervals; (ii) Boolean expressions of linear expressions; and (iii) linear expressions with templates. In the first case we prove there exists a complete and polynomial algorithm to solve the problem. In the second case, we have an incomplete yet polynomial algorithm, whereas in the third we have a complete yet worst-case exponential algorithm.
Gender Diversity in Computing: An Environmental Perspective

Previous research conducted by the author investigated the socio-political backgrounds of two groups of female students studying computer-related university programmes. They came from distinctly different backgrounds and were enrolled at two institutions with very different legacies. The author found that socio-political factors, in particular the role of a dominant female household head and aggressive governmental affirmative action, had a significant effect on the girls’ levels of confidence and subsequently on their decision to study computer-related courses. Based on this insight, the researcher undertook to look further into gender diversity with respect to selfperceived general computer confidence and self-perceived ability to program a computer. A sample of both female and male Information T echnology students from very similar disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds was surveyed. T he sample of 204 students was drawn from all three years of the National Diploma in Information Technology. The author considered the following research questions:
Populating Knowledge Based Decision Support Systems

Knowledge-based decision support systems KBDSS hold up business and organizational decision-making activities on the basis of the knowledge available concerning the domain under question. One of the main problems with knowledge bases is that their construction is a time-consuming task. A number of methodologies have been proposed in the context of the Semantic Web to assist in the development of ontology-based knowledge bases. In this paper, we present a technique for populating knowledge bases from semi-structured text which take advantage of the semantic underpinnings provided by ontologies. This technique has been tested and evaluated in the financial domain
C-Reactive Protein Attenuates Endothelial Progenitor Cell Survival, Differentiation, and Function: Further Evidence of a Mechanistic Link Between C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Disease

Background—Myocardial ischemia provides a potent stimulus to angiogenesis, and the mobilization and differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be important in this process. An elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) has emerged as one of the most powerful predictors of cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of CRP on EPC biology is unknown. Methods and Results—EPCs were isolated from the peripheral venous blood of healthy male volunteers. Cells were cultured in endothelial cell basal medium-2 in the absence and presence of CRP (5 to 20 μg/mL), rosiglitazone (1 μmol/L), and/or vascular endothelial growth factor. EPC differentiation, survival, and function were assayed. CRP at concentrations ≥15 μg/mL significantly reduced EPC cell number, inhibited the expression of the endothelial cell–specific markers Tie-2, EC-lectin, and VE-cadherin, significantly increased EPC apoptosis, and impaired EPC-induced angiogenesis. EPC-induced angiogenesis was dependent on the presence of nitric oxide, and CRP treatment caused a decrease in endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression by EPCs. However, all of these detrimental CRP-mediated effects on EPCs were attenuated by pretreatment with rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPARγ ) agonist. Conclusions—Human recombinant CRP, at concentrations known to predict adverse vascular outcomes, directly inhibits EPC differentiation, survival, and function, key components of angiogenesis and the response to chronic ischemia. This occurs in part via an effect of CRP to reduce EPC eNOS expression. The PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone inhibits the negative effects of CRP on EPC biology. The ability of CRP to inhibit EPC differentiation and survival may represent an important mechanism that further links inflammation to cardiovascular disease.
Sum Secrecy Rate in Full-Duplex Wiretap Channel with Imperfect CSI

In this paper, we consider the achievable sum secrecy rate in full-duplex wiretap channel in the presence of an eavesdropper and imperfect channel state information (CSI). We assume that the users participating in full-duplex communication and the eavesdropper have single antenna each. The users have individual transmit power constraints. They also transmit jamming signals to improve the secrecy rates. We obtain the achievable perfect secrecy rate region by maximizing the sum secrecy rate. We also obtain the corresponding optimum powers of the message signals and the jamming signals. Numerical results that show the impact of imperfect CSI on the achievable secrecy rate region are presented.
A locking protocol for resource coordination in distributed databases

A locking protocol to coordinate access to a distributed database and to maintain system consistency throughout normal and abnormal conditions is presented in this paper. The proposed protocol Is robust in the face of crashes of any participating site, as well as communication failures. Recovery from any number of failures during normal operation or any of the recovery stages is supported. Integration of virtually any locking discipline including predicate lock methods is permitted by this protocol. The 1ocMng algorithm operates, and operates correctly, when the network is partitioned, either intentionally or by failure of communication lines. Each partition is able to continue with work local to it, and operation merges gracefully when the partitions are reconnected.
Coordinated Control Strategy for Microgrid in Grid-Connected and Islanded Operation

Abstract As usual, the microgrid operates in grid-connect mode, but, when a fault occurs in the upstream grid, it should disconnect and shift into islanded operation mode. In grid-connect mode, the controlling power at the PCC is necessary management function rather than the frequency and voltage. However, the controlling the frequency and voltage is asked in islanded mode. To achieve these management goals appropriately, the cooperative control strategy among microsources is needed. This supervisory control action is executed at MMS. In this paper, the cooperative control strategy of microgrid components is presented and the management performance is evaluated by using microgrid pilot plant. The pilot plant consists of the PV, PV/Wind Hybrid system, BESS, diesel generators, and RLC loads, which are connected to 380V low voltage lines. The test results show that the proper control strategy can ensure stability of microgrid in islanded mode and maintain the power at the PCC at desired value successfully.
The Sesquiterpenes β-Caryophyllene and Caryophyllene Oxide Isolated from Senecio salignus Act as Phytogrowth and Photosynthesis Inhibitors

The n-hexane extract of S. salignus plants inhibited ATP synthesis and two sesquiterpenes, the β-caryophyllene (1) and caryophyllene oxide (2) were isolated from this nonpolar fraction. Compound 1 inhibited by 42% the root elongation of Physalis ixocarpa seedlings at 50 µg/mL and by 53% at 150 µg/mL, whereas at 150 µg/mL this compound only inhibited root elongation of Echinochloa crus-galli by 30%. On the other hand, compound 2 had no effect on either germination or root and stem growth of E. cruss galli and P. ixocarpa. However, 1 and 2 inhibited the dry biomass of P. ixocarpa plants grown for 18 days previous to treatment and it was found that 1 was the most active biomass inhibitor. The Chl a fluorescence transient in vivo experiment indicates that 1 (100 µg/mL) has a major effect at 72 h after treatment on leaves of P. ixocarpa plants by inhibiting photosystem II (PS II) transforming active reaction centers to “heat sinks” or the formation of silent reaction centers unable to reduce QA. β-Caryophyllene also induces chlorosis on treated leaves.
Implementation and evaluation of a pothole detection system on TI C6678 Digital Signal Processor

This paper describes the implementation of a previously proposed pothole detection system on Texas Instruments C6678 Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The system employs disparity maps as input followed by surface fitting and Connected Component Labelling (CCL) for pothole detection. Optimisations of the matrix calculation in the system algorithm have been made DSP friendly. Memory management has also been applied for high resolution input images as well as compiler optimisation for efficient code pipelining. The paper also discusses the use of parallel and multi-core programming of IPC and OpenMP API on TI C6678. The core system sections have been evaluated in terms of runtime and accuracy under different optimisation approaches.
A Scalable Lightweight Distributed Crawler for Crawling with Limited Resources

Web page crawlers are an essential component in a number of Web applications. The sheer size of the Internet can pose problems in the design of Web crawlers. All currently known crawlers implement approximations or have limitations so as to maximize the throughput of the crawl, and hence, maximize the number of pages that can be retrieved within a given time frame. This paper proposes a distributed crawling concept which is designed to avoid approximations, to limit the network overhead, and to run on relatively inexpensive hardware. A set of experiments, and comparisons highlight the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Evaluation of dietary patterns among Norwegian postmenopausal women using plasma carotenoids as biomarkers

A number of studies have examined dietary patterns in various populations. However, to study to what extent such patterns capture meaningful differences in consumption of foods is of interest. In the present study, we identified important dietary patterns in Norwegian postmenopausal women (age 50–69 years, n 361), and evaluated these patterns by examining their associations with plasma carotenoids. Diet was assessed by a 253-item FFQ. These 253 food items were categorised into forty-six food groups, and dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. We used the partial correlation coefficient (r adj) and multiple linear regression analysis to examine the associations between the dietary patterns and the plasma carotenoids α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Overall, four dietary patterns were identified: the ‘Western’; ‘Vegetarian’; ‘Continental’; ‘High-protein’. The ‘Western’ dietary pattern scores were significantly inversely correlated with plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and total carotenoids ( − 0·25 ≤ r adj≤ − 0·13). The ‘Vegetarian’ dietary pattern scores were significantly positively correlated with all the plasma carotenoids (0·15 ≤ r adj≤ 0·24). The ‘Continental’ dietary pattern scores were significantly inversely correlated with plasma lutein and α-carotene (r adj= − 0·13). No significant association between the ‘High-protein’ dietary pattern scores and the plasma carotenoids was found. In conclusion, the healthy dietary pattern, the ‘Vegetarian’ pattern, is associated with a more favourable profile of the plasma carotenoids than our unhealthy dietary patterns, the ‘Western’ and ‘Continental’ patterns.
Object shape recognition approach for sparse point clouds from tactile exploration

In this paper a novel approach is proposed for tactile shape recognition, which uses tactile point location and normal information. Superquadric functions are applied to construct several shape primitives and k-means unsupervised clustering method is used to partition the objects as several patches. By extracting geometrical features from each patch and rearranging features, object feature vectors are constructed for Gaussian process (GP) classifier to identify object shapes. Simulations results prove that our approach can achieve a high recognition rate in object shape classification task from sparse and noisy tactile point clouds.