Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Working memory and spontaneous activity of cell assemblies. A biologically motivated computational model

Many cognitive tasks require the ability to maintain and manipulate simultaneously several chunks of information. Numerous neurobiological observations have reported that this ability, known as the working memory, is strongly associated with the activity of the prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, during resting state, the spontaneous activity of the cortex exhibits exquisite spatiotemporal patterns sharing similar features with the ones observed during specific memory tasks. Here, we propose a computational model of the prefrontal cortex within the framework of the cell assembly theory. In that framework, dasiaa chunk of informationpsila refers to an associative memory and consists of an ensemble of neurons which activates coherently due to their strong interconnections. Our model consists of a recurrent network of cells whose dynamics results from the interplay between the membrane potential and the theta local field potential.
Combining Target-independent Analysis with Dynamic Profiling to Build the Performance Model of a DSP

Fast and accurate performance estimation is a key aspect of heterogeneous embedded systems design flow, since cycle-accurate simulators, when exist, are usually too slow to be used during design space exploration. Performance estimation techniques are usually based on combination of estimation of the single processing elements which compose the system. Architectural characteristics of Digital Signal Processors (DSP), such as the presence of Single Instruction Multiple Data operations or of special hardware units to control loop executions, introduce peculiar aspects in the performance estimation problem. In this paper we present a methodology to estimate the performance of a function on a given dataset on a DSP. Estimation is performed combining the host profiling data with the function GNU GCC GIMPLE representation. Starting from the results of this analysis, we build a performance model of a DSP by exploiting the Linear Regression Technique. Use of GIMPLE representation allows to take directly into account the target-independent optimizations performed by the DSP compiler. We validate our approach by building a performance model of the MagicV DSP and by testing the model on a set of significative benchmarks.
Underground Structure Monitoring with Wireless Sensor Networks

Environment monitoring in coal mines is an important application of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that has commercial potential. We discuss the design of a structure-aware self-adaptive WSN system, SASA. By regulating the mesh sensor network deployment and formulating a collaborative mechanism based on a regular beacon strategy, SASA is able to rapidly detect structure variations caused by underground collapses. A prototype is deployed with 27 Mica2 motes. We present our implementation experiences as well as the experimental results. To better evaluate the scalability and reliability of SASA, we also conduct a large-scale trace-driven simulation based on real data collected from the experiments.
Fast Block Based Motion Estimation 1. Overview 2. Full Search Block Based Motion Estimation

Motion estimation (ME) techniques have been successfully applied in motion compensated predictive coding for reducing temporal redundancies. They belong to the class of nonlinear predictive coding techniques. An efficient representation of motion is critical in order to reach high performance in video coding. ME techniques should on one hand provide good prediction, but on the other hand should have low computational load. The purpose of ME is indeed to globally minimize the sum of these two terms. As a compromise, block matching ME, even though not optimal, has been universally used [1]-[3] in interframe motion compensated (MC) predictive coding since its computational complexity is much lower than optical flow and pel recursive methods. In block based ME image is partitioned into blocks and the same displacement vector is assigned to all pixels within a block. The motion model assumes that an image is usually composed of rigid objects in translational motion. Although the assumption of translational motion is often considered to be a major drawback in the presence of zoom but the block matching technique is able to estimate closely the true zooming motion. And hence the block matching ME results globally in motion fields more representative of true motion in the scene [4]. The basic idea of block ME is depicted in Figure 1. In full search (FS) block matching ME, the motion of a block of MxN pixels centered at point (x,y) within a frame interval is estimated as shown in Figure 2. The goal is to find the best match or the least distortion block between the MxN blocks in the frame k (current frame) and a corresponding block in the frame (k-1) (previous frame) within a search area of size
USING AUTOMATIC SPEECH PROCESSING FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE PRONUNCIATION TUTORING: SOME ISSUES AND A PROTOTYPE

In this article I will discuss the possible use of automatic speech recognition (ASR) for training students to improve their accents in a foreign language. Principles of good language training as well as the limits of the use of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and how to deal with them will be discussed first. I will then use the example of the Carnegie Mellon FLUENCY system to show concretely how such a system may function. Prosody training as well as phonetics will be emphasized. Finally, I will underscore the importance of having a system that adapts to the user, again using the FLUENCY system as an example.
The Drosophila formin Fhos is a primary mediator of sarcomeric thin-filament array assembly

Actin-based thin filament arrays constitute a fundamental core component of muscle sarcomeres. We have used formation of the Drosophila indirect flight musculature for studying the assembly and maturation of thin-filament arrays in a skeletal muscle model system. Employing GFP-tagged actin monomer incorporation, we identify several distinct phases in the dynamic construction of thin-filament arrays. This sequence includes assembly of nascent arrays after an initial period of intensive microfilament synthesis, followed by array elongation, primarily from filament pointed-ends, radial growth of the arrays via recruitment of peripheral filaments and continuous barbed-end turnover. Using genetic approaches we have identified Fhos, the single Drosophila homolog of the FHOD sub-family of formins, as a primary and versatile mediator of IFM thin-filament organization. Localization of Fhos to the barbed-ends of the arrays, achieved via a novel N-terminal domain, appears to be a critical aspect of its sarcomeric roles. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.16540. 001
A fault detection mechanism for context-aware systems

The consideration of information describing the context in interactive applications, where the context of object is changing rapidly, is important for the decision making. The dynamics of these applications and the large number of components they include may generate problems. This leads to errors and dysfunction of the overall system. The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion of context, and to propose a mechanism for fault detection on context-aware systems.
Prototype active AFO with ankle joint brake for Achilles tendon ruptures

This document proposes a new ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for Achilles tendon ruptures. The patient can walk with a fixed ankle with the help of a mechanical brake on the active AFO. The mechanism is described, and gait test results using a prototype AAFO reveal the importance of controlling the ankle brake friction electrically.
A Multi-Atlas Labeling Approach for Identifying Subject-Specific Functional Regions of Interest

The functional region of interest (fROI) approach has increasingly become a favored methodology in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) because it can circumvent inter-subject anatomical and functional variability, and thus increase the sensitivity and functional resolution of fMRI analyses. The standard fROI method requires human experts to meticulously examine and identify subject-specific fROIs within activation clusters. This process is time-consuming and heavily dependent on experts’ knowledge. Several algorithmic approaches have been proposed for identifying subject-specific fROIs; however, these approaches cannot easily incorporate prior knowledge of inter-subject variability. In the present study, we improved the multi-atlas labeling approach for defining subject-specific fROIs. In particular, we used a classifier-based atlas-encoding scheme and an atlas selection procedure to account for the large spatial variability across subjects. Using a functional atlas database for face recognition, we showed that with these two features, our approach efficiently circumvented inter-subject anatomical and functional variability and thus improved labeling accuracy. Moreover, in comparison with a single-atlas approach, our multi-atlas labeling approach showed better performance in identifying subject-specific fROIs.
Parametrization of semi-dynamical quantum reflection algebra

We construct sets of structure matrices for the semi-dynamical reflection algebra, solving the Yang–Baxter-type consistency equations extended by the action of an automorphism of the auxiliary space. These solutions are parametrized by dynamical conjugation matrices, Drinfel'd twist representations and quantum non-dynamical R-matrices. They yield factorized forms for the monodromy matrices.
Feature Weighting via Optimal Thresholding for Video Analysis

Fusion of multiple features can boost the performance of large-scale visual classification and detection tasks like TRECVID Multimedia Event Detection (MED) competition [1]. In this paper, we propose a novel feature fusion approach, namely Feature Weighting via Optimal Thresholding (FWOT) to effectively fuse various features. FWOT learns the weights, thresholding and smoothing parameters in a joint framework to combine the decision values obtained from all the individual features and the early fusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to consider the weight and threshold factors of fusion problem simultaneously. Compared to state-of-the-art fusion algorithms, our approach achieves promising improvements on HMDB [8] action recognition dataset and CCV [5] video classification dataset. In addition, experiments on two TRECVID MED 2011 collections show that our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art fusion methods for complex event detection.
How can we define intrinsic motivation ? ∗

Intrinsic motivation is a crucial mechanism for open-ended cognitive development since it is the driver of spontaneous exploration and curiosity. Yet, it has so far only been conceptualized in ad hoc manners in the epigenetic robotics community. After reviewing different approaches to intrinsic motivation in psychology, this paper presents a unified definition of intrinsic motivation, based on the theory of Daniel Berlyne. Based on this definition, we propose a landscape of types of computational approaches, making it possible to position existing and future models relative to each other, and we show that important approaches are still to be explored.
Trk Receptor Expression and Inhibition in Neuroblastomas

Neuroblastoma, the most common and deadly solid tumor in children, exhibits heterogeneous clinical behavior, from spontaneous regression to relentless progression. Current evidence suggests that the TRK family of neurotrophin receptors plays a critical role in these diverse behaviors. Neuroblastomas expressing TrkA are biologically favorable and prone to spontaneous regression or differentiation, depending on the absence or presence of its ligand (NGF) in the microenvironment. In contrast, TrkB-expressing tumors frequently have MYCN amplification and are very aggressive and often fatal tumors. These tumors also express the TrkB ligand (BDNF), resulting in an autocrine or paracrine survival pathway. Exposure to BDNF promotes survival, drug resistance, and angiogenesis of TrkB-expressing tumors. Here we review the role of Trks in normal development, the different functions of Trk isoforms, and the major Trk signaling pathways. We also review the roles these receptors play in the heterogeneous biological and clinical behavior of neuroblastomas, and the activation of Trk receptors in other cancers. Finally we address the progress that has been made in developing targeted therapy with Trk-selective inhibitors to treat neuroblastomas and other tumors with activated Trk expression.
Drug Repositioning on the Cloud

Market pressures have driven pharmaceutical companies to reassess their current drug development model and reach out to new innovative business models such as drug repositioning. Various techniques that are used in drug repositioning lend themselves to the distributed computing model. The \cloud is one such computing model that optimizes resource usage and represents the current trend for drug repositioning companies in various pilot projects. Security and provenance of data remains the biggest challenge for wider adoption of the \cloud in drug repositioning.
Heart Valve Development: Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease

In recent years, significant advances have been made in the definition of regulatory pathways that control normal and abnormal cardiac valve development. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the early development of valve progenitors and establishment of normal valve structure and function. Regulatory hierarchies consisting of a variety of signaling pathways, transcription factors, and downstream structural genes are conserved during vertebrate valvulogenesis. Complex intersecting regulatory pathways are required for endocardial cushion formation, valve progenitor cell proliferation, valve cell lineage development, and establishment of extracellular matrix compartments in the stratified valve leaflets. There is increasing evidence that the regulatory mechanisms governing normal valve development also contribute to human valve pathology. In addition, congenital valve malformations are predominant among diseased valves replaced late in life. The understanding of valve developmental mechanisms has important implications in the diagnosis and management of congenital and adult valve disease.
UPGRADE: Building Interactive Tools for Visual Languages

Construction of interactive tools for visual languages is a challenging task. The UPGRADE framework leverages tool builders by integrating application logic and GUI components. It is based on attributed graphs as its internal data model. At the user interface (external representation), graphs can be rendered in multiple ways, including graphics, trees, text and tables. The framework is open, e.g., third-party viewer components may be plugged into the framework.
An Electronic Publication Dedicated to Early Stellar Evolution and Molecular Clouds X-rays from the Vicinity of the Protostar L1551 Irs 5: Reflection or Fast Shocks? the Formation of a Star Cluster: Predicting the Properties of Stars and Brown Dwarfs

We present new Chandra X-ray Observatory observations of the L1551 molecular cloud in Taurus. We find a compact, but slightly resolved X-ray source, displaced westward from the IRS 5 binary protostar by about 50 to 100 AU, which coincides with the base of the HH 154 protostellar jet. The column density of material lying in front of the X-ray source is more than an order of magnitude lower than the column density towards L1551 IRS 5. Thus, it is highly improbable that the X-rays come directly from the embedded proto-binary. It is possible, however, that X-rays produced by one or both members of the IRS 5 binary escape through the outflow cavity and are scattered into the line of sight by a dense infalling envelope or material in the outflow. Constraints on the physical properties of the scattering medium are discussed. It is also possible that the X-rays are produced in-situ by fast shocks at the base of the HH 154 jet. We consider several possible geometries for such shocks. The radiating plasma may be located behind standing shocks where a wide-angle wind from one member of the IRS 5 binary is collimated into a jet, or behind shocks formed on the axis of the outflow where winds from each member of the binary collide, or where these winds impact a tilted circumbinary disk. To produce the observed X-ray luminosity and plasma temperature, shock velocities larger than 350 km s −1 are required with a pre-shock hydrogen density of 1 − 5 × 10 3 cm −3. The implied post-shock cooling length is around 800 AU, close to the observed length of the bright near-infrared [Fe ii] emission in the inner portion of the HH 154 jet. We present results from the largest numerical simulation of star formation to resolve the fragmentation process down to the opacity limit. The simulation follows the collapse and fragmentation of a large-scale turbulent molecular cloud to form a stellar cluster and, simultaneously, the formation of circumstellar discs and binary stars. This large range of scales enables us to predict a wide variety of stellar properties for comparison with observations.
EVOLUTION OF A SMALL‐MUSCLE POLYMORPHISM IN LINES OF HOUSE MICE SELECTED FOR HIGH ACTIVITY LEVELS

Abstract To study the correlated evolution of locomotor behavior and exercise physiology, we conducted an artificial selection experiment. From the outbred Hsd:ICR strain of Mus domesticus, we began eight separate lines, each consisting of 10 breeding pairs. In four of the lines, we used within‐family selection to increase voluntary wheel running. The remaining four lines were random‐bred (within lines) to serve as controls. Various traits have been monitored to test for correlated responses. Here, we report on organ masses, with emphasis on the triceps surae muscle complex, an important extensor of the ankle. Mice from the selected lines exhibit reduced total body mass, increased relative (mass‐corrected) kidney mass, and reduced relative triceps surae mass. In addition, a discrete muscle‐mass polymorphism was observed: some individuals had triceps surae that were almost 50% lighter than normal for their body mass. This small‐muscle phenotype was observed in only three of the eight lines: in one control line, it has fluctuated in frequency between zero and 10%, whereas in two of the selected lines it has increased in frequency to approximately 50% by generation 22. Data from a set of parents and offspring (generations 23 and 24) are consistent with inheritance as a single autosomal recessive allele. Evidence for the adaptive significance of the small‐muscle allele was obtained by fitting multiple‐generation data to hierarchical models that include effects of genetic drift and/or selection. The small‐muscle allele is estimated to have been present at low frequency (approximately 7%) in the base population, and analysis indicates that strong selection favors the allele in the selected but not control lines. We hypothesize that the small muscles possess functional characteristics and/or that the underlying allele causes pleiotropic effects (e.g., reduced total body mass; increased relative heart, liver, and kidney mass) that facilitate high levels of wheel running. Nevertheless, at generation 22, wheel running of affected individuals did not differ significantly from those with normal‐sized muscles, and the magnitude of response to selection has been similar in all four selected lines, indicating that multiple genetic “solution” are possible in response to selection for high activity levels.
Real-time Ethernet for automotive applications: A solution for future in-car networks

Data networks of today's automobiles form a complex conglomerate of heterogeneously interconnected components. At the same time, high additional demands for future in-car communication systems are emerging from chassis control, camera based driver assistance and infotainment that cannot be accommodated by established technologies. A new approach towards a flexible highly scalable in-car network is real-time Ethernet. In this paper we discuss the upcoming requirements and argue why current in-car network designs are not suitable for future tasks. By demonstrating how a camera based time-critical driver assistance application can be integrated into a real-time Ethernet based in-car network, we present a typical use case for automotive broadband real-time communication and show application related design and configuration decisions.
Jane 2: Open Source Phrase-based and Hierarchical Statistical Machine Translation

We present Jane 2, an open source toolkit supporting both the phrase-based and the hierarchical phrase-based paradigm for statistical machine translation. It is implemented in C++ and provides efficient decoding algorithms and data structures. This work focuses on the description of its phrase-based functionality. In addition to the standard pipeline, including phrase extraction and parameter optimization, Jane 2 contains several state-of-the-art extensions and tools. Forced alignment phrase training can considerably reduce rule table size while learning the translation scores in a more principled manner. Word class language models can be used to integrate longer context with a reduced vocabulary size. Rule table interpolation is applicable for different tasks, e.g. domain adaptation. The decoder distinguishes between lexical and coverage pruning and applies reordering constraints for efficiency.
Connecting System Identification and Robust Control for Next-Generation Motion Control of a Wafer Stage

Next-generation precision motion systems are lightweight to meet stringent requirements regarding throughput and accuracy. Such lightweight systems typically exhibit lightly damped flexible dynamics in the controller cross-over region. State-of-the-art modeling and motion control design procedures do not deliver the required model complexity and fidelity to control the flexible dynamical behavior. The aim of this paper is to develop a combined system identification and robust control design procedure for high performance motion control and apply it to a wafer stage. Hereto, new connections between system identification and robust control are employed. The experimental results confirm that the proposed procedure significantly extends existing results and enables next-generation motion control design.
Classical and 3 D QSAR studies on inverse agonists of human histamine H 1 receptor

Classical and 3D QSAR studies on inverse agonists of human histamine H1 receptor Sundarapandian Thangapandian a , Shalini John a & Keun Woo Lee a a Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Program), Systems and Synthetic Agrobiotech Center (SSAC), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Gazha-dong, Jinju, 660-701, Republic of Korea