Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perturbation of auditory feedback causes systematic perturbation in vocal structure in adult cotton-top tamarins

SUMMARY Auditory feedback is critical for the development and maintenance of speech in humans. In contrast, studies of nonhuman primate vocal production generally report that subjects show little reliance on auditory input. We examined the extent to which cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) vocal production is sensitive to perturbation of auditory feedback by manipulating the predictability of presentation of a 1 s burst of white noise during the production of the species-specific contact call, the combination long call (CLC). We used three experimental conditions: the Begin condition, in which white noise was presented only during the first half of a recording session, the End condition, in which white noise was presented only in the last half, and the Random condition, in which each call had a 50% probability of receiving white noise playback throughout the recording session, making the auditory feedback unpredictable. In addition we recorded calls before and after the experimental series (Baseline condition) to determine whether any changes induced by modification of auditory feedback persisted. Results showed that playback of white noise during the production of the CLC produced changes in the temporal structure of the CLC: calls were shorter and had fewer pulses, indicating that modification of auditory feedback can interrupt vocal production. In addition, calls that received modified feedback were louder and had longer inter-pulse intervals than those that did not, consistent with an adaptive response to the masking effect of white noise playback. The magnitude of this compensatory effect and the interruption rate were both sensitive to whether the feedback modification occurred at the beginning or end of the experimental session: early feedback produced less interruption and more compensation. Finally, when auditory feedback modification was unpredictable, adaptive changes were observed in both calls that received modified feedback and those that received normal feedback, suggesting that tamarins can generate an expectation of noise playback and increase vocal amplitude in anticipation of masking.
A Hybrid Simulated Annealing and Simplex Method for Fixed-Cost Capacitated Multicommodity Network Design

The fixed-cost Capacitated Multicommodity Network Design (CMND) problem is a well known NP-hard problem. This paper presents a matheuristic algorithm combining Simulated Annealing (SA) metaheuristic and Simplex method for CMND problem. In the proposed algorithm, a binary array is considered as solution representation and the SA algorithm manages open and closed arcs. Several strategies for opening and closing arcs are proposed and evaluated. In this matheuristic approach, for a given design vector, CMND becomes a Capacitated Multicommodity minimum Cost Flow (CMCF) problem. The exact evaluation of the CMCF problem is performed using the Simplex method. The parameter tuning for the proposed algorithm is done by means of design of experiments approach. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by solving different benchmark instances. The results of the proposed algorithm show that it is able to obtain better solutions in comparison with previous methods in the literature.
Intentional signals during saccadic and reaching delays in the human posterior parietal cortex

In the monkey posterior parietal cortex (PPC), there is clear evidence of anatomically segregated neuronal populations specialized for planning saccades and arm‐reaching movements. However, functional neuroimaging studies in humans have yielded controversial results. Here we show that the human PPC contains distinct subregions responsive to salient visual cues, some of which combine spatial and action‐related signals into ‘intentional’ signals. Participants underwent event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing delayed saccades and long‐range arm reaches instructed by visual cues. We focused on activity in the time period following the cue and preceding the actual movement. The use of individual cortical surface reconstructions with detailed sulcal labeling allowed the definition of six responsive regions with distinctive anatomical locations in the PPC. Each region exhibited a distinctive combination of transient and sustained signals during the delay, modulated by either the cue spatial location (contralateral vs. ipsilateral), the instructed action (saccades vs. reaching) or both. Importantly, a lateral and a medial dorsal parietal region showed sustained responses during the delay preferentially for contralateral saccadic and reaching trials, respectively. In the lateral region, preference for saccades was evident only as a more sustained response during saccadic vs. reaching delays, whereas the medial region also showed a higher transient response to cues signaling reaching vs. saccadic actions. These response profiles closely match the behavior of neurons in the macaque lateral and medial intraparietal area, respectively, and suggest that these corresponding human regions are encoding spatially directed action plans or ‘intentions’.
General purpose parallel computing

A major challenge for computer science in the 1990s is to determine the extent to which general purpose parallel computing can be achieved. The goal is to deliver both scalable parallel performance and architecture independent parallel software. (Work in the 1980s having shown that either of these alone can be achieved.) Success in this endeavour would permit the long overdue separation of software considerations in parallel computing, from those of hardware. This separation would, in turn, encourage the growth of a large and diverse parallel software industry, and provide a focus for future hardware developments. In recent years a number of new routing and memory management techniques have been developed which permit the eecient implementation of a single shared address space on distributed memory architectures. We also now have a large set of eecient, practical shared memory parallel algorithms for important problems. In this paper we discuss some of the current issues involved in the development of systems which support ne grain concurrency in a single shared address space. The paper covers algorithmic, architectural, technological, and programming issues.
Summary A role for GRIP domain proteins and / or their ligands in structure and function of the trans Golgi network

The trans Golgi network (TGN) is a series of interconnected tubules and vesicles at the trans face of the Golgi stack that functions in the processing and sorting of glycoproteins and glycolipids at the interface of the biosynthetic and endosomal pathways (Griffiths and Simons, 1986; Traub and Kornfeld, 1997). TGN structure is dynamic, subject to constant influx and efflux of membrane from and to both secretory and endosomal compartments. Such dynamics require efficient membrane recycling to maintain a constant steady state composition of lipids and proteins. Hence, TGN resident integral membrane proteins, including glycosyl modifying enzymes The best characterized recycling pathways involve retrieval of resident proteins and glycolipids from endosomes (Molloy et al., 1999; Rohn et al., 2000). The molecular mechanisms that regulate both the efflux of membrane to the cell surface and the retrieval from endosomes are only beginning to be understood, and include sorting signals on cargo proteins and specific cytoplasmic components to effect cargo movement
Effect of point defect in the electronic structure of single layer graphene on Cu substrate

Point defect in mono-layer graphene on Cu substrate shows significant change in electronic structure in comparison to without the presence of defect. Our attempt to observe the electronic structure of mono-layer graphene on Cu substrate shows the band-structure, binding energy and density of states. Well established density functional theory (DFT) calculation has been performed to study the stability and scalability and other physical properties of the structure. Study of vacancy in graphene on Cu substrate therefore can be a new platform for study of disordered graphene and such study could be a benchmark for the field of electronics.
RECOLLECTIONS ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF PASCAL

Pascal was defined in 1970 and, after a slow start, became one of the most widely used languages in introductory programming courses. This article first summarizes the events leading to Pascal's design and implementation, and then proceeds with a discussion of some of the language's merits and deficiencies. In the last part, developments that followed its release are recounted. Its influence chiefly derived from its being a vehicle for structured programming and a basis for further development of languages and for experiments in program verification. CONTENTS 3.1 Early History 3.2 The Language 3.3 Later Developments 3.4 In Retrospect Acknowledgments References
Symmetric key authentication using verification in public

Several protocols for authentication using memory-constrained smart cards or tokens based on symmetric key cryptography are de- scribed. Key property of these protocols is that verication on the server can be performed in public based on (more or less) publicly known in- formation. The protocols use a symmetric cipher in an asymmetric fash- ion: the verier uses a verication key that cannot be used to generate a valid authentication response. Verication in public means that the verication server does not have to be equipped with some tamper resistant device storing the verication keys. Nor is it necessary to secure the server to similar strength in a dif- ferent fashion. The protocols are especially suitable for environments in which smart cards or active tokens are used as authentication devices. In these environments symmetric key protocols are extensively used, and will be used for some time to come, to reduce both system cost and trans- action time.
Population differences in fever and sickness behaviors in a wild passerine: a role for cytokines

SUMMARY Immune responses benefit hosts by clearing pathogens, but they also incur physiological costs and tissue damage. While wild animals differ in how they balance these costs and benefits, the physiological mechanisms underlying such differential investment in immunity remain unknown. Uncovering these mechanisms is crucial to determining how and where selection acts to shape immunological defense. Among free-living song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) in western North America, sickness-induced lethargy and fever are more pronounced in Southern California than in Washington and Alaska. We brought song sparrows from two populations (Southern California and Washington) into captivity to determine whether these differences persist in a common environment and what physiological signals facilitate such differences. As in free-living sparrows, captive California birds exhibited more pronounced fever and lethargy than Washington birds in response to lipopolysaccharide, a non-pathogenic antigen that mimics bacterial infection. After treatment, the two populations showed similar reductions in luteinizing hormone levels, food intake and body mass, although treated birds from California lost more breast muscle tissue than treated birds from Washington. Moreover, California birds displayed higher bioactivity of interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and marginally higher levels of corticosterone, a steroid hormone involved in stress, metabolism and regulating inflammatory responses. Our results show that immunological differences between these populations cannot be explained by immediate environment alone and may reflect genetic, maternal or early-life effects. Additionally, they suggest that cytokines play a role in shaping immunological variation among wild vertebrates.
Flexible Key Assignment for a Time-Token Constraint in a Hierarchy

A scheme, which uses flexible key management upon time-token constraint for a user hierarchy access control (UHAC) scheme, is proposed in this paper. For adapting the changeability in a UHAC system, we propose a technique of assigning independent time-token which is distributed by a trusted agency server to reply an authorized user for once secure access request. The key feature of the technique is to adapt some secure parameters in distributed time-token for responding to each legal access request. Further, all class keys will be updated proactively by the concept of proactive key management, which makes the advantage that is proven and free from the scenario of the collusive attack example which proposed by Yi et al. (2003).
Sleep Promotion Program for Improving Sleep Behaviors in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Aims. The purpose of this pilot trial was to determine the efficacy of sleep promotion program to adapt it for the use of adolescents studying in various schools of Mangalore, India, and evaluate the feasibility issues before conducting a randomized controlled trial in a larger sample of adolescents. Methods. A randomized controlled trial design with stratified random sampling method was used. Fifty-eight adolescents were selected (mean age: 14.02 ± 2.15 years; intervention group, n = 34; control group, n = 24). Self-report questionnaires, including sociodemographic questionnaire with some additional questions on sleep and activities, Sleep Hygiene Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, The Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire, and PedsQL™ Present Functioning Visual Analogue Scale, were used. Results. Insufficient weekday-weekend sleep duration with increasing age of adolescents was observed. The program revealed a significant effect in the experimental group over the control group in overall sleep quality, sleep onset latency, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and emotional and overall distress. No significant effect was observed in sleep hygiene and other sleep parameters. All target variables showed significant correlations with each other. Conclusion. The intervention holds a promise for improving the sleep behaviors in healthy adolescents. However, the effect of the sleep promotion program treatment has yet to be proven through a future research. This trial is registered with ISRCTN13083118.
Macs and Macros-the State of the Macintosh Nation

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without the prior written permission of the publishers. ABSTRACT The Apple Macintosh has received little recent attention from virus writers or, indeed, anti-virus researchers. Though the number of native Mac viruses has stayed virtually static for several years, the recent upsurge of macro viruses has not left the Macintosh community unscathed. Many viruses which infect Microsoft Office applications will do so as happily on a Macintosh as on a PC. Even Mac users who don't use vulnerable applications or application versions may, without appropriate anti-virus software, unknowingly pass on infected files. Many Mac sites, however, are only just waking up to these facts, belatedly and expensively. This paper briefly reviews the shared history of viruses and the Mac, summarizes the current situation and considers future possibilities and strategies. 1 INTRODUCTION The Macintosh platform doesn't seem to interest virus-writers or anti-virus vendors much. While the number of PC viruses continues to rise dramatically, the number of Macintosh-specific viruses has been stalled (for years, literally) at around 35, some only a significant threat on older systems running versions of Mac OS earlier than System 7. On the anti-virus side, several companies have abandoned the Mac and only one major player has actually launched a known-virus scanner for the Mac in the last two years. Traditionally, most Mac users have been content to rely on the freeware package Disinfectant, and/or the postcardware package Gatekeeper. Apart from system viruses and a few non-replicating Trojan Horses (which, almost by definition, usually have a fairly short shelf-life), the nearest thing to a growth industry in the land of Mac viruses was a slow trickle of Hypercard infectors-arguably the first wave of in-the-wild macro viruses, but specific to a niche product which has had more impact as a catalyst in hypermedia and multimedia than as a killer application in its own right. Summer 1995, though, shook things up somewhat with the first in-the-wild Word macro virus. From the start, there was a certain fascination with the fact that Concept and its younger siblings had the potential for infecting across hardware platforms. Unfortunately, the existence of this potential bypassed the Mac community altogether, for a while, and even now there is an assumption prevalent among Mac advocates that non-users of Word 6 need not concern themselves with what is seen …
ValidKI: A Method for Designing Key Indicators to Monitor the Fulfillment of Business Objectives

—In this paper we present our method ValidKI for designing key indicators to monitor the fulﬁllment of business objectives. A set of key indicators is valid with respect to a business objective if it can be used to measure the degree to which the business or relevant part thereof complies with the business objective. ValidKI consists of three main steps each of which is divided into sub-steps. We demonstrate the method on an example case focusing on the use of electronic patient records in a hospital environment.
Robust Hypothesis Tests for M�?Estimators with Possibly Non�?Differentiable Estimating Functions

We propose a new robust hypothesis test for (possibly nonlinear) constraints on Mestimators with possibly non-differentiable estimating functions. The proposed test employs a random normalizing matrix computed from recursive M-estimators to eliminate the nuisance parameters arising from the asymptotic covariance matrix. It does not require consistent estimation of any nuisance parameters, in contrast with the conventional heteroskedasticity autocorrelation consistent (HAC)-type test and the KVB-type test of Kiefer, Vogelsang, and Bunzel (2000). Our test reduces to the KVB-type test in simple location models with OLS estimation, so the error in rejection probability of our test in a Gaussian location model is OIP(T−1 log T). We discuss robust testing in quantile regression, and censored regression models in details. In simulation studies, we find that our test has better size control and better finite sample power than the HAC-type and KVB-type tests.
Motion Transformation by Example by Eugene Hsu

Animated characters bring the illusion of life to feature films, television shows, video games, and educational simulations. However, it is difficult for artists to define natural and expressive movement. This challenge is compounded by the fact that people are intrinsically sensitive to subtle inaccuracies in human motion. To address this problem, this thesis presents techniques that adjust existing character animations to meet new stylistic or temporal requirements. The proposed methods learn compact models of the appropriate transformations from examples provided by the user. By doing so, they are able to achieve compelling results without significant user effort or skill. Thesis Supervisor: Jovan PopoviC Title: Associate Professor
Reconfigurable unmanned aerial vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been developing dramatically due to wars and miniaturisation of technology, which has made the UAV industry a very lucrative business. Research organisations have been funded by various research committees or military groups to push UAV developments at a very fast pace. Although these UAVs are high in capability, they are limited to a single use application or mission. This paper will analyse current UAV systems to determine how the use of a novel reconfigurable UAV could benefit the end user.
Semantic Reanalysis in Grammaticalization in Chinese

In this study, the analysis of three processes of grammaticalization (verb > classifier, verb > auxiliary, and verb > preposition) provides evidence that semantic reanalysis is an independent mechanism of semantic change in grammaticalization (Gram) in Chinese. It will be argued that the traditional understanding of metaphoricalization (Meta) and metonymization (Meto) resides at the semantic and discourse/pragmatic levels, whereas semantic reanalysis depends on the position of a lexeme in a construction and its relationship to the surrounding context. As a result, semantic change in Gram in Chinese has emerged as a trifold system supported by three mechanisms: Meta, Meto, and semantic reanalysis.
Reduction of Repolarization Reserve Unmasks the Proarrhythmic Role of Endogenous Late Na Ϩ Current in the Heart Female Rabbit Isolated Heart Model

L. Reduction of repolarization reserve unmasks the proarrhythmic role of endogenous late Na ϩ current in the heart. reserve increases the risk of arrhythmia. We hypothesized that inhibition of K ϩ current (IK) to decrease repolarization reserve would unmask the proarrhythmic role of endogenous, physiological late Na ϩ current (late INa). Monophasic action potentials (MAP) and 12-lead electrocardiogram were recorded from female rabbit isolated hearts. To block I K and reduce repolarization reserve, E-4031, 4-aminopyr-idine, and BaCl 2 were used; to block endogenous late INa, tetrodotoxin (TTX) and ranolazine were used. E-4031 (1– 60 nM) concentration-dependently prolonged MAP duration (MAPD 90) and increased duration of the T wave from T peak to Tend (Tpeak-Tend), transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR), and beat-to-beat variability (BVR) of MAPD 90. E-4031 caused spontaneous and pause-triggered polymor-phic ventricular tachycardia [torsade de pointes (TdP)]. In the presence of 60 nM E-4031, TTX (0.6 –3 ␮M) and ranolazine (5–10 ␮M) shortened MAPD 90, decreased TDR, BVR, and Tpeak-Tend (n ϭ 9 –20, P Ͻ 0.01), and abolished episodes of TdP. In hearts treated with BaCl 2 or 4-amino-pyridine plus E-4031, TTX (0.6 –3 ␮M) shortened MAPD 90 and decreased T peak-Tend. Ranolazine could not reverse the effect of E-4031 to inhibit human ether-ago go related gene (HERG) K ϩ current; thus, the reversal by ranolazine of effects of E-4031 was likely due to inhibition of late I Na and not to antagonism of the HERG-blocking action of E-4031. We conclude that endogenous, physiological late I Na contributes to arrhythmogenesis in hearts with reduced repolarization reserve. Inhibition of this current partially reverses MAPD prolongation and abolishes arrhythmic activity caused by I K inhibitors. THE PLATEAU AND DURATION OF the cardiac action potential (AP) depends on a delicate balance of multiple ion channel currents, including inward (peak and late Na ϩ and Ca 2ϩ) and outward [transient outward (I to), inward-rectifier (I K1), and delayed-rectifier (I K) K ϩ ] currents. A decrease in outward or an increase in inward current prolong the duration of the AP (and its electrocardiographic surrogate, the QT interval) and are associated with an increased incidence of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsade de pointes, TdP). (21) The concept of repolarization reserve suggests that there is normally a reserve of repolarizing current to protect against excessive QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia. (23) Reduction of repolarization reserve has been associated with an increased risk of arrhythmogenesis …