Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synaptic Mechanisms for Auditory‐Vocal Integration and the Correction of Vocal Errors

Abstract: A central goal of neuroscience is to understand the cellular mechanisms enabling the cultural transmission of behaviors, such as speech and music. Birdsong is a rare non‐human instance of a culturally transmitted vocal behavior. The songbird's brain provides a powerful system in which to study the cellular mechanisms underlying auditory‐guided vocal learning. Identifying those mechanisms requires an analysis of synaptic function, because the synapse is the fundamental organizational unit of the neuronal networks that mediate behavior. Intracellular recordings provide a powerful method for simultaneously probing the activities of a single neuron and the synaptic networks in which that cell is embedded. This chapter details initial steps in the in vivo intracellular analysis of the synaptic connectivity of neurons important to singing and song learning. Our analysis is focused upon HVC and involves studies of interneurons as well as projection neurons of the two major output pathways of HVC. We test predictions derived from several models of how such learning may take place, including contributions from “comparator” and “corollary discharge” auditory feedback cancellation mechanisms. Our studies in anesthetized animals and brain slices provide insight into the synaptic properties of HVC that might be well suited for these mechanisms, although extrapolation to synaptic behavior in the awake, singing bird must be made with caution. We suggest that future work must extend the analysis of synaptic properties into the intact brain of the songbird, preferably as the bird learns to sing.
A STUDY OF EXERCISE ENVIRONMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON CHANGES IN MOOD: INDOORS VS OUTDOORS

Exercising in a green outdoor environment has been shown to have psychological and physiological benefits when compared to indoor, or non-green, exercise environments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether positive mood traits could be enhanced during a group fitness class in a green outdoor environment. Participants (n = 44) exercised in two separate groups: group A exercised indoors first and outdoors second, and group B exercised outdoors first and indoors second. Each group participated in a total for four exercise classes (i.e., two in each environment) and completed each class at their own pace. The Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD-ACL) was administered before and after each exercise session to determine changes in mood. Based on previous research it was hypothesized that exercising in a green outdoor environment would better enhance positive changes in mood traits. Results revealed that only the feelings of elatedness and energized were significantly shown to be more enhanced by exercising in a green outdoor environment. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would first like to say that it is by the grace of God that I am who I am and apart from Him I would not be where I am today. My first thanks goes out to Dr. Jared Porter and Dr. Julie Partridge for working with me to bring my passion for the exercise and the outdoors together into a research project. Without their patience, persistence, understanding, and constructive feedback none of this would have been possible. I would like also like to thank Leah Belsley pointing me in the direction of outdoor recreation as a major and Whitney Ward and Evan Coulson for showing me how rewarding that direction could be. I would like to thank my friend and church small group leader Stephen Putbrese for helping to keeping me level headed when I would get discouraged with my progress. I would like to thank the Kinesiology and Health Education and Recreation departments of Southern Illinois University for the many opportunities they afforded me in my tenure as a masters student. Special thanks goes out to lifelong friends Tim Luczkiw and Reed Davis for their persistence in getting me to attend Southern Illinois University. Finally, I would like to thank my mother Patti Knorre (mama) and father Colin Fannon (daddyo) for their continually support and encouragement throughout the entirety of my life.
Statistical Aspects of Quasi-Brittle Size Effect and Lifetime, with Consequences for Safety and Durability of Large Structures

This paper presents an overview of the statistical aspects of the size effect law on the strength of quasibrittle structures. Two types of size effect law, corresponding to two different failure mechanisms, can be distinguished. The Type 1 size effect law (SEL) applies to the situations in which the maximum load of unnotched structure is attained after the stable formation of a large fracture process zone (FPZ) with distributed cracking. The Type 1 SEL can be explained by size effect on the type of probability distribution of nominal strength based on the weakest-link model with a finite number of links. These links represent the representative volume elements of material whose random strength is derived from atomistic fracture mechanics. The theory is further extended to model the size effect on structural lifetime, which is important for durability of infrastructure. The Type 2 size effect law, which applies to structures that have a deep notch or contain at peak load a large traction-free (i.e., fatigued) crack, has a deterministic mean and the material strength statistics only affects the variance of load, which means that the safe margin may be considered to be uniform for the size range of interest. An example based on experimental data shows that if the Type 2 size effect is ignored, the failure probability may increase from 10 -6 for small sizes to 10 -3 for large sizes.
Modelling an Attacker With Cryptanalytical Capabilities

na segurança do protocolo. Abstract The formal approach to the analysis of security protocols, introduced by Dolev and Yao 25 years ago, has been very popular among the scientific community. These models tipically use the " perfect criptography " assumption, abstracting the specific details of the cryptographic primitives used in the protocol. This simplicity has allowed the development of several tools for automated analysis of protocols based on this approach. However, it is hard to justify that these abstractions are sound, since in practice cryptographic primitives have properties which may be explored by the attacker. Computational approaches deal with this problem, by treating cryptographic primitives as algorithms and dealing with concepts like complexity and probability. Computational models, however, are quite complex, and it is generally hard to prove theorems in such a setting. The goal of this work is to develop a formal framework for the analysis of security protocols which allows the attacker to use known properties of cryptographic primitives. We will show how to represent cryptographic properties and partial information about secret messages. We will also study how to estimate the probability of success of an attack and assess the impact of cryptographic properties on the security of protocols. Shannon entropy ii Acknowledgements I would like to leave here my thanks to the people whose support and affection have given me the strength and ability to complete this thesis. First of all I must thank my mother, for the support she has always given me through so many hard times. Her wise counsel has always lead me and still leads me in my life, and her strength inspires me to be a better person. I also leave my greatest thanks to my advisor, Professor Carlos Caleiro. I thank him for estimulating my creativity and for believing in my work; mostly, however, I acknowledge his wisdom and understanding. A thankful word is also due to ETH Zurich's information security group, namely Professor David Basin, Professor Cas Cremers and Simon Meiers, for giving me the opportunity to present my work in their group seminar and for a lot of helpful input. I should also thank my friends, who have made the last five years so thoroughly enjoyable and whose diverse and extraordinary personalities have helped shape mine: André Vascon-Finally I must leave a special thanks to Lídia del Rio, for her unending support during the last year and for always …
ROI-based Video Quality Assessment and Regulation for Mobile Videoconferencing

ROI (Region of Interest) based transcoding is widely believed to be an effective solution to mobile video adaption. But few research efforts have been done on the model of ROI-based video quality estimation for designing a real-time mobile video adaption scheme. This paper proposes a real-time quality adaption scheme based on user-end visual quality assessment for the ROI-based mobile video conferencing. Firstly, this paper extends ITU G.1070 model to assess the real-time ROI-based video. Secondly, this paper introduces a prototype system to test and verify the scheme. The experimental results show that our adaption scheme can effectively perform bitrate allocation of ROI video streams to make sure that mobile video viewers can perceive the optima video quality based on constrained network connections.
Gene transfer of active Akt1 by an infectivity-enhanced adenovirus impacts β-cell survival and proliferation differentially in vitro and in vivo

Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency due to the autoimmune destruction of insulin producing β-cells in the pancreatic islets. Akt1/Protein Kinase B is the direct downstream target of PI3 Kinase activation, and has shown potent anti-apoptotic and proliferation-inducing activities. This study was designed to explore whether gene transfer of constitutively active Akt1 (CA-Akt1) would promote β-cell survival and proliferation, thus be protective against experimental diabetes. In the study, a fiber-modified infectivity-enhanced adenoviral vector, Ad5RGDpK7, was used to deliver rat insulin promoter (RIP)-driven CA-Akt1 into β-cells. Our data showed this vector efficiently delivered CA-Akt1 into freshly isolated pancreatic islets, and promoted islet cell survival and β-cell proliferation in vitro. The therapeutic effect of the vector in vivo was assessed using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mice. Two means of vector administration were explored: intravenous and intra-bile ductal injections. While direct vector administration into pancreas via bile-ductal injection resulted in local adverse effect, intravenous injection of the vectors offered therapeutic benefits. Further analysis suggests systemic vector administration caused endogenous Akt expression and activation in islets, which may be responsible, at least in part, for the protective effect of the infectivity-enhanced CA-Akt1 gene delivery vector. Taken together, our data suggest CA-Akt1 is effective in promoting β-cell survival and proliferation in vitro, but direct in vivo use is compromised by the efficacy of transgene delivery into β-cells. Nonetheless, the vector evoked the expression and activation of endogenous Akt in the islets, thus offering beneficial bystander effect against STZ-induced diabetes.
Notions of State Equivalence under Partial Observability

We explore equivalence relations between states in Markov Decision Processes and Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes. We focus on two different equivalence notions: bisimulation (Givan et al, 2003) and a notion of trace equivalence, under which states are considered equivalent roughly if they generate the same conditional probability distributions over observation sequences (where the conditioning is on action sequences). We show that the relationship between these two equivalence notions changes depending on the amount and nature of the partial observability. We also present an alternate characterization of bisimulation based on trajectory equivalence.
Time in (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity

General relativity in three spacetime dimensions is used to explore three approaches to the ``problem of time'' in quantum gravity: the internal Schr\"odinger approach with mean extrinsic curvature as a time variable, the Wheeler-DeWitt equation, and covariant canonical quantization with ``evolving constants of motion. '' (To appear in {\em Proc.\ of the Lanczos Centenary Conference}, Raleigh, NC, December 1993.)
Structural poisson mixtures for classification of documents

Considering the statistical text classification problem we approximate class-conditional probability distributions by structurally modified Poisson mixtures. By introducing the structural model we can use different subsets of input variables to evaluate conditional probabilities of different classes in the Bayes formula. The method is applicable to document vectors of arbitrary dimension without any preprocessing. The structural optimization can be included into the EM algorithm in a statistically correct way.
Cortical Effects of User Learning in a Motor-Imagery BCI Training

The aim of this work was to investigate cortical effects of user learning in a BCI training. 15 participants absolved six sessions of a two-class BCI training (right hand vs. feet motor imagery), whereby the classifier gained from an initial screening session was not adapted. Good performers showed distinct patterns right from the beginning and no changes due to the training could be observed. In bad performers a cortical effect of BCI training was found. A significant difference in brain activity pattern between right hand and feet motor imagery developed in the course of the training.
Paenibacillus dendritiformis Bacterial Colony Growth Depends on Surfactant but Not on Bacterial Motion

ABSTRACT Most research on growing bacterial colonies on agar plates has concerned the effect of genetic or morphotype variation. Some studies have indicated that there is a correlation between microscopic bacterial motion and macroscopic colonial expansion, especially for swarming strains, but no measurements have been obtained for a single strain to relate the microscopic scale to the macroscopic scale. We examined here a single strain (Paenibacillus dendritiformis type T; tip splitting) to determine both the macroscopic growth of colonies and the microscopic bacterial motion within the colonies. Our multiscale measurements for a variety of growth conditions revealed that motion on the microscopic scale and colonial growth are largely independent. Instead, the growth of the colony is strongly affected by the availability of a surfactant that reduces surface tension.
Aspects of U-duality in BLG models with Lorentzian metric 3-algebras

In [1], it was shown that BLG model based on a Lorentzian metric 3-algebra gives Dp-brane action whose worldvolume is compactified on torus Td (d = p−2). Here the 3-algebra was a generalized one with d+1 pairs of Lorentzian metric generators and expressed in terms of a loop algebra with central extensions. In this paper, we derive the precise relation of the coupling constant of the super Yang-Mills, the moduli of Td and some R-R flux to VEV's of ghost fields associated with Lorentzian metric generators. In particular, for d = 1, we derive the Yang-Mills action with θ term and show that SL(2,Z) Montonen-Olive duality is realized as the rotation of two VEV's. Furthermore, some moduli parameters such as NS-NS 2-form flux are identified as the deformation parameters of the 3-algebras. By combining them, we recover most of the moduli parameters which are required by U-duality symmetry.
Forecasting commodity prices by classification methods : The cases of crude oil and natural gas spot prices

In this article, we forecast crude oil and natural gas spot prices at a daily frequency based on two classification techniques: artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector machines (SVM). As a benchmark, we utilize an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) specification. We evaluate outof-sample forecast based on encompassing tests and mean-squared prediction error (MSPE). We find that at short-time horizons (e.g., 2-4 days), ARIMA tends to outperform both ANN and SVM. However, at longertime horizons (e.g., 10-20 days), we find that in general ARIMA is encompassed by these two methods, and linear combinations of ANN and SVM forecasts are more accurate than the corresponding individual forecasts. Based on MSPE calculations, we reach similar conclusions: the two classification methods under consideration outperform ARIMA at longer time horizons. JEL classification: C22, E32
Engineered Resistance to Plasmodium falciparum Development in Transgenic Anopheles stephensi

Transposon-mediated transformation was used to produce Anopheles stephensi that express single-chain antibodies (scFvs) designed to target the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The scFvs, m1C3, m4B7, and m2A10, are derived from mouse monoclonal antibodies that inhibit either ookinete invasion of the midgut or sporozoite invasion of salivary glands. The scFvs that target the parasite surface, m4B7 and m2A10, were fused to an Anopheles gambiae antimicrobial peptide, Cecropin A. Previously-characterized Anopheles cis-acting DNA regulatory elements were included in the transgenes to coordinate scFv production with parasite development. Gene amplification and immunoblot analyses showed promoter-specific increases in transgene expression in blood-fed females. Transgenic mosquito lines expressing each of the scFv genes had significantly lower infection levels than controls when challenged with P. falciparum.
Arthropods in Relation to Plant Diseases Better Together: Association With ‘Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus’ Increases the Reproductive Fitness of Its Insect Vector, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

The duration of the evolutionary association between a pathogen and vector can be inferred based on the strength of their mutualistic interactions. A well-adapted pathogen is likely to confer some benefit or, at a minimum, exhibit low pathogenicity toward its host vector. Coevolution of the two toward a mutually beneficial association appears to have occurred between the citrus greening disease pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), and its insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama). To better understand the dynamics facilitating transmission, we evaluated the effects of Las infection on the fitness of its vector. Diaphorina citri harboring Las were more fecund than their uninfected counterparts; however, their nymphal development rate and adult survival were comparatively reduced. The finite rate of population increase and net reproductive rate were both greater among Las-infected D. citri as compared with uninfected counterparts, indicating that overall population fitness of infected psyllids was improved given the greater number of offspring produced. Previous reports of transovarial transmission, in conjunction with increased fecundity and population growth rates of Las-positive D. citri found in the current investigation, suggest a long evolutionary relationship between pathogen and vector. The survival of Las-infected adult D. citri was lower compared with uninfected D. citri, which suggests that there may be a fitness trade-off in response to Las infection. A beneficial effect of a plant pathogen on vector fitness may indicate that the pathogen developed a relationship with the insect before secondarily moving to plants.
Beyond Epistemology and Axiology: Locating an Emerging Philosophy of Mathematics Education

This paper explores the need to move beyond epistemological and axiological discussions in philosophy of mathematics education by reframing the inquiry to include an ontological perspective. The main goal of this work is to envision a new relationship between philosophical discourse and mathematics education, one that takes into account ontological assumptions in mathematics and relates it to axiological objectives and epistemological claims. I begin with a description of the dominant view of mathematics education as depicted in U.S. policy reform discourses and contrast it with critical views of philosophy of mathematics education. I show that the deficiency of both perspectives is their lack of attention to the ontological assumptions inherent in mathematics education. Lastly, I provide a preliminary sketch of a new type of philosophy of mathematics education, which brings ontological inquiry to the forefront, and I speculate on how this emerging philosophy of mathematics education might impact the field.
Diagnostic performance of a combination of Mini-Mental State Examination and Clock Drawing Test in detecting Alzheimer’s disease

Objective Because of the growing need for quick cognitive screening tests to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we compare the diagnostic performance of a combination of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a Clock Drawing Test (CDT) to the Japanese version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-J cog) in differentiating between patients with AD, patients with MCI, and healthy controls (HC). Methods Data from 146 subjects with AD and 60 subjects with MCI, as well as 49 HC, was retrospectively analyzed. We used logistic regression analysis with diagnosis as dependent variables and scores of the MMSE, the CDT-command, and the CDT-copy as independent variables, and receiver operating characteristic analysis to distinguish patients with AD from patients with MCI or HC. Results When patients with AD were compared to HC, the independent predictors of AD were scores on the MMSE and the CDT-command. This combination was more sensitive than the MMSE alone and has nearly the same sensitivity and specificity as the ADAS-J cog. When patients with AD were compared to patients with MCI, the independent predictors were the MMSE and the CDT-copy. This combination was more sensitive and specific than the MMSE alone and was almost as sensitive and specific as the ADAS-J cog. Conclusion The combination of the MMSE and the CDT could be a powerful screening tool for differentiating between patients with AD, patients with MCI, and HC. Its sensitivity and specificity are comparable to ADAS-J cog, which takes more time.
Coupled Phases and Combinatorial Selection in Fluctuating Hydrothermal Pools: A Scenario to Guide Experimental Approaches to the Origin of Cellular Life

Hydrothermal fields on the prebiotic Earth are candidate environments for biogenesis. We propose a model in which molecular systems driven by cycles of hydration and dehydration in such sites undergo chemical evolution in dehydrated films on mineral surfaces followed by encapsulation and combinatorial selection in a hydrated bulk phase. The dehydrated phase can consist of concentrated eutectic mixtures or multilamellar liquid crystalline matrices. Both conditions organize and concentrate potential monomers and thereby promote polymerization reactions that are driven by reduced water activity in the dehydrated phase. In the case of multilamellar lipid matrices, polymers that have been synthesized are captured in lipid vesicles upon rehydration to produce a variety of molecular systems. Each vesicle represents a protocell, an “experiment” in a natural version of combinatorial chemistry. Two kinds of selective processes can then occur. The first is a physical process in which relatively stable molecular systems will be preferentially selected. The second is a chemical process in which rare combinations of encapsulated polymers form systems capable of capturing energy and nutrients to undergo growth by catalyzed polymerization. Given continued cycling over extended time spans, such combinatorial processes will give rise to molecular systems having the fundamental properties of life.