Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early and Selective Loss of Neuromuscular Synapse Subtypes with Low Sprouting Competence in Motoneuron Diseases

The addition or loss of synapses in response to changes in activity, disease, or aging is a major aspect of nervous system plasticity in the adult. The mechanisms that affect the turnover and maintenance of synapses in the adult are poorly understood and are difficult to investigate in the brain. Here, we exploited a unique anatomical arrangement in the neuromuscular system to determine whether subtypes of synapses can differ in anatomical plasticity and vulnerability. In three genetic mouse models of motoneuron disease of diverse origin and severity, we observed a gradual and selective loss of synaptic connections that begun long before the onset of clinical deficits and correlated with the timing of disease progression. A subgroup of fast-type (fast-fatiguable) neuromuscular synapses was highly vulnerable and was lost very early on. In contrast, slow-type synapses resisted up to the terminal phase of the disease. Muscle-specific differences were also evident. Similar selective losses were detected in aged mice. These selective vulnerability properties of synapses coincided with hitherto unrecognized major differences in stimulus-induced anatomical plasticity that could also be revealed in healthy mice. Using paralysis and/or growth-associated protein 43 overexpression to induce synaptic sprouting, we found that slow-type, disease-resistant synapses were particularly plastic. In contrast, fast-type synapses with the highest vulnerability failed to exhibit any stimulus-induced change. The results reveal pronounced subtype specificity in the anatomical plasticity and susceptibility to loss of neuromuscular synapses and suggest that degenerative motoneuron diseases involve a common early pathway of selective and progressive synaptic weakening also associated with aging.
ECNU at SemEval-2016 Task 1: Leveraging Word Embedding From Macro and Micro Views to Boost Performance for Semantic Textual Similarity

This paper presents our submissions for semantic textual similarity task in SemEval 2016. Based on several traditional features (i.e., string-based, corpus-based, machine translation similarity and alignment metrics), we leverage word embedding from macro (i.e., ﬁrst get representation of sentence, then measure the similarity of sentence pair) and micro views (i.e., measure the similarity of word pairs separately) to boost performance. Due to the various domains of training data and test data, we adopt three different strategies: 1) U-SEVEN: an unsupervised model, which utilizes seven straight-forward metrics; 2) S1-All: using all available datasets; 3) S2: selecting the most similar training sets for each test set. Results on test sets show that the uniﬁed supervised model (i.e., S1-All) achieves the best averaged performance with a mean correlation of 75.07%.
Attributes of a New Image Quality Model for Color Prints

Evaluation of perceived image quality in color prints is a complex task, due to its subjectivity and dimensionality. Per- ceived image quality is influenced by a number of quality at- tributes. Evaluation of all attributes influence, and their influence on other attributes, is is a difficult and complex task. Because of this the most important attributes should be identified in order to achieve a more effective and manageable evaluation of image quality. In this paper we identify and categorize existing quality attributes, and we propose a refined selection of meaningful qual- ity attributes for the evaluation of color prints. Experimental data verify the proposed set of quality attributes. the IQ of different printing systems. IQ models have been created to establish a link between sub- jective and objective IQ. These models are theories of perception that enable the prediction of IQ (10). They are intended to de- scribe the overall IQ and to help researchers in the evaluation of IQ. IQ models are composed of QAs, and they show how QAs relate to each other and their influence on overall IQ. The goal for IQ models is to evaluate all QAs and their relationships, yet, this is a very difficult and complex task. In order to reduce the com- plexity most IQ models use a subset of QAs composed of the most important QAs. A subset of QAs can be defined based on tech- nological issues, or by asking observers, or by a combination of the two. By defining a subset of QAs, strengths and weaknesses of a given system can be meaningfully represented with a rela- tively small number of QAs (11). Several IQ models have been proposed (3, 8, 12, 13), but the search for better and improved IQ models is still ongoing. The goal of this paper is to identify and categorize existing QAs to propose a refined selection of meaningful QAs for the evaluation of color prints. These QAs can further be used to cre- ate a link between subjective and objective IQ in an IQ model. Identification and categorization of QAs can be used as assistance in the evaluation of color prints, as well as to improve or develop new evaluation methods. This paper is organized as follows: First a survey of QAs and IQ models, then a discussion about the selection of important QAs for the evaluation of color prints. Next, an experiment investigat- ing a color workflow is carried out, where QAs are evaluated by observers. Finally we conclude and suggest directions for further research in this field.
A visual attention and tracking design for a robotic vision system

Many robotic vision systems suffer from unsatisfied recognition rate and high computational load. A solution to the design of a fast and sufficiently accurate robotic vision system requires urgent attention. This paper presents a novel image processing architecture for visual attention and tracking applications using a series of low-level image processing units. The proposed system features a human-mimic way to segment and keep tracking of interested objects. These simplification and tracking schemes help to enhance both the speed and correctness of high level vision applications such as object detection and recognition. Furthermore, the proposed system can be executed under low frame rates, and can adapt itself to changing environments, which often cause problems in practical robotic applications. The experimental results show that the system is robust against pose translation, camera motion, motion blur, and temporal occlusion.
Static Consensus in Passifiable Linear Networks

Sufficient conditions of consensus (synchronization) in networks described by digraphs and consisting of identical deterministic SIMO systems are derived. Identical and nonidentical control gains (positive arc weights) are considered. Connection between admissible digraphs and nonsmooth hypersurfaces (sufficient gain boundary) is established. Necessary and sufficient conditions for static consensus by output feedback in networks consisting of certain class of double integrators are rediscovered. Scalability for circle digraph in terms of gain magnitudes is studied. Examples and results of numerical simulations are presented.
L . Fribourg A Generic Rewrite Method for Proving Self − Stabilization Research Report LSV − 98 −

Self-stabilization is a property of distributed systems. It guarantees that, whatever the initial state, the system always reaches a stable set of states, called \legitimate conngurations", within a nite number of steps. The proof of convergence is generally done by exhibiting a measure that strictly decreases until a legitimate connguration is reached. The discovery of such a measure is very speciic and requires a deep understanding of the studied transition system. In contrast we propose here a simple and generic proof method of convergence, which regards self-stabilizing systems as string rewrite systems, and adapts a procedure initially designed by Dershowitz for proving (non)termination of string rewrite systems.
Speculative impacts on grains price volatility

The paper examines the impact of changes in the positions of financial actors on the volatilities of Chicago grains and vegetable oil prices using a GARCH-X framework within which a variant of Granger-causality tests can be performed. The paper analyses both the position data in the post-2006 CFTC Commitments of Traders reports and the data on index provider positions in the Supplemental reports. A test of the Masters hypothesis that index trading increase volatility fails to find support.
Design of wide-band bandpass filter with tunable notch response of wireless communication system

This paper presents design of wide-band bandpass filter with tunable notch response of wireless communication system. This project is to design a five order tunable band-pass filter by using optimum distributed high-pass integrated with Defected Micro-strip Structure (DMS). The wideband frequency is used from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz. The insertion loss and return loss of this project is set to better than 0.5 dB and 20 dB respectively. The DMS is implemented and design after the design of the band-pass filter to remove undesired frequency in wireless communication system. The pin diode is added to act as a switch to tuning the notch response. When the pin diode off, the notch response need to produce a sharp response at 6.8 GHz (RFID) and 8 GHz (X-band satellite communication). When the pin diode on, the notch response is tuned to 4 GHz (C-band satellite communication) with a 400 MHz bandwidth characteristic and a sharp response 6.8 GHz (RFID). All the band reject response must be better than 20 dB. This design is simulated by ADS software and using Roger Duroid 4350B with a dielectric constant of 3.48, substrate thickness 0.508 mm and loss tangent 0.0019.
OeNB Euro Survey: Growing Uncertainty, but Overall Euroization Not Affected

Based on descriptive evidence obtained from the latest OeNB Euro Survey, this contribution examines whether the widespread use of the euro among households in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) has been affected by the ongoing sovereign debt crisis in the euro area. Although households’ confidence in the euro has decreased substantially in all CESEE countries, it is still stronger than confidence in the respective local currencies in all countries except the Czech Republic. Despite this loss of trust in the euro, the relative weight of euro cash in the total economy is still substantial in several Southeastern European countries. Aggregate data on the development of foreign currency deposits in total deposits provide a mixed picture across countries. The overall degree of euroization – comprising cash holdings and deposits – has remained surprisingly stable in CESEE over time and has hardly been affected by the crisis in the euro area. Interestingly, in some countries the relative contribution of foreign currency deposits to overall euroization has increased against precrisis levels, whereas euro cash holdings have lost in relative importance.
Regularized nuclear norm spectrum estimation in frequency domain

Subspace-based methods have been effectively used to estimate multi-input/multi-output, discrete-time, linear-time invariant systems from spectrum samples. A critical step in these methods is the splitting of causal and noncausal invariant subspaces of a Hankel matrix built from spectrum measurements via singular-value decomposition in order to determine the model order. Quite often, in particular when signal-to-noise ratio is low, unmodelled dynamics is present, and when the number of measurements is small, this step is not conclusive since the assumed mirror image symmetry with respect to the unit circle between the eigenvalues of the invariant spaces is lost. In this paper, we propose a robust model order selection scheme based on the regularized nuclear norm optimization in combination with a particular subspace method. By a numerical example, efficacy of the proposed scheme is shown for a broad range of signal-to-noise ratio and short data records. Then, in a real-life example, the proposed scheme, integrated into a recently developed subspace-based algorithm, is used to estimate cross-power spectra of induction motors from sound data collected by a microphone array in a test rig.
Behavioral Neuroscience

to A and B, thus exhibiting an apparent lack of discrimination. This performance results from the fact that A and B acquired the same associative strength across trials. The honeybee, Apis mellifera, constitutes an excellent model for studying the strategies implemented by a relatively simple and yet cognitively sophisticated brain (Menzel and Giurfa, 2001; Giurfa, 2007) to solve multiple reversal learning. In a natural context , honeybees are constant pollinators that remain faithful to a single floral species as long as it provides a profitable nectar and/ or pollen reward. The basis for such constancy is the fact that bees learn the floral features (colors, odors, etc) associated with reward (Menzel, 1985, Giurfa, 2007). Changes in food source profitability occur rapidly so that bees have to quickly switch to another floral species to ensure efficient foraging. This scenario could promote, therefore, fast solving of multiple reversal learning and eventually mastering the concept of alternation. On the other hand, it may also be efficient to solve this ecological problem by averaging positive and negative experiences over time, thus deciding whether or not it is timely to switch to another species. In the laboratory, appetitive learning in honeybees is studied using a Pavlovian conditioning protocol, the olfactory conditioning of the proboscis extension reflex (PER) (Takeda, 1961; Bitterman et al., 1983). In this protocol, a hungry bee that is harnessed and whose antennae are touched with sucrose solution exhibits a PER to reach out and suck the sucrose. Odors to the antennae do not release such a reflex in naive animals. If an odor is presented immediately before sucrose solution (forward pairing), an association is formed that enables the odor to release PER in a following test. Thus, the odor can be viewed as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the sucrose solution as the unconditioned stimulus (US).
Popper's propensity interpretation of probability and quantum mechanics

This paper is a critique of Popper's interpretation of quantum mechanics and the claim that the propensity interpretation of probability resolves the foundational problems of the theory. The first two sections are purely expository. In section 1, I sketch Popper's conception of a formal theory of probability and outline the propensity interpretation. Section 2 is a brief description of the gist of Popper's critique of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and his proposed solution to the measurement problem (the problem of the "reduction of the wave packet"). In section 3, I show that the propensity interpretation of probability cannot resolve the foundational problems of quantum mechanics, and I argue for a thesis concerning the significance of the transition from classical to quantum mechanics, which I propose as a complete solution to these problems. Finally, section 4 contains some general critical remarks on Popper's approach to the axiomatization and interpretation of formal theories of probability.
Modeling the relativistic runaway electron avalanche and the feedback mechanism with GEANT4

This paper presents the first study that uses the GEometry ANd Tracking 4 (GEANT4) toolkit to do quantitative comparisons with other modeling results related to the production of terrestrial gamma ray flashes and high‐energy particle emission from thunderstorms. We will study the relativistic runaway electron avalanche (RREA) and the relativistic feedback process, as well as the production of bremsstrahlung photons from runaway electrons. The Monte Carlo simulations take into account the effects of electron ionization, electron by electron (Møller), and electron by positron (Bhabha) scattering as well as the bremsstrahlung process and pair production, in the 250 eV to 100 GeV energy range. Our results indicate that the multiplication of electrons during the development of RREAs and under the influence of feedback are consistent with previous estimates. This is important to validate GEANT4 as a tool to model RREAs and feedback in homogeneous electric fields. We also determine the ratio of bremsstrahlung photons to energetic electrons Nγ/Ne. We then show that the ratio has a dependence on the electric field, which can be expressed by the avalanche time τ(E) and the bremsstrahlung coefficient α(ϵ). In addition, we present comparisons of GEANT4 simulations performed with a “standard” and a “low‐energy” physics list both validated in the 1 keV to 100 GeV energy range. This comparison shows that the choice of physics list used in GEANT4 simulations has a significant effect on the results.
No Association Between Variant N-acetyltransferase Genes, Cigarette Smoking and Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Among Men of African Descent

Objective We evaluated the individual and combination effects of NAT1, NAT2 and tobacco smoking in a case-control study of 219 incident prostate cancer (PCa) cases and 555 disease-free men. Methods Allelic discriminations for 15 NAT1 and NAT2 loci were detected in germ-line DNA samples using Taqman polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Single gene, gene-gene and gene-smoking interactions were analyzed using logistic regression models and multi-factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) adjusted for age and subpopulation stratification. MDR involves a rigorous algorithm that has ample statistical power to assess and visualize gene-gene and gene-environment interactions using relatively small samples sizes (i.e., 200 cases and 200 controls). Results Despite the relatively high prevalence of NAT1*10/*10 (40.1%), NAT2 slow (30.6%), and NAT2 very slow acetylator genotypes (10.1%) among our study participants, these putative risk factors did not individually or jointly increase PCa risk among all subjects or a subset analysis restricted to tobacco smokers. Conclusion Our data do not support the use of N-acetyltransferase genetic susceptibilities as PCa risk factors among men of African descent; however, subsequent studies in larger sample populations are needed to confirm this finding.
AW-Kernel: A Simulation Prototype for Distribution of Bytecodes in Kernel Level

Distributed systems are designed to explore transparently computational resources of hosts connected by some communication technology. Transparency can be obtained through software designed specifically for this purpose. In this paper, the problems of the distribution of the processing of the system components is investigated with the objective of improve the load balancing to obtain the best performance. In order to do that, an extension of the Linux Kernel denominated AW-Kernel was developed with the purpose of providing a processes scheduling load balancing according to the load of each host. To provide these improvements, the Linux Kernel have to be modified because of the implementation of new functionalities that allowed the initialization of Java virtual machines in the hosts, the storage and retrieving of the system processing load rate and the transference and automatic initialization of bytecodes in remote hosts. Those new functionalities have the same execution priority of Kernel, once they were implemented as a kernel module.
The risk of fall and fracture with the initiation of a prostate-selective α antagonist: a population based cohort study

Study question Do men starting treatment with prostate-specific α antagonists have increased risk of fall and fracture? Methods Administrative datasets from the province of Ontario, Canada, that contain patient level data were used to generate a cohort of 147 084 men aged ≥66 years who filled their first outpatient prescription for prostate-specific α antagonists tamsulosin, alfuzosin, or silodosin between June 2003 and December 2013 (exposed men) plus an equal sized cohort matched 1:1 (using a propensity score model) who did not initiate α antagonist therapy. The primary outcome was a hospital emergency room visit or inpatient admission for a fall or fracture in the 90 days after exposure. Study answer and limitations The men exposed to prostate-specific α antagonist had significantly increased risks of falling (odds ratio 1.14 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.21), absolute risk increase 0.17% (0.08 to 0.25%)) and of sustaining a fracture (odds ratio 1.16 (1.04 to 1.29), absolute risk increase 0.06% (0.02 to 0.11%)) compared with the unexposed cohort. This increased risk was not observed in the period before α antagonist use. Secondary outcomes of hypotension and head trauma were also significantly increased in the exposed cohort (odds ratios 1.80 (1.59 to 2.03) and 1.15 (1.04 to 1.27) respectively). The two cohorts were similar across 98 different covariates including demographics, comorbid conditions, medication use, healthcare use, and prior medical investigation. Potential unmeasured confounders, such as physical deconditioning, mobility impairment, and situational risk factors, may exist. The data used to identify the primary outcomes had limited sensitivity, so the absolute risks of the outcomes are probably underestimates. The study only included men ≥66 years old, and 84% of exposed men were prescribed tamsulosin, so results may not be generalizable to younger men, and there may not be statistical power to show small differences in outcomes between the drugs. What this study adds Prostate-specific α antagonists are associated with a small but significant increased risk of fall, fracture, and head trauma, probably as a result of induced hypotension. Funding, competing interests, data sharing This project was conducted at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) Western Site through the Kidney, Dialysis, and Transplantation (KDT) research program. BW has received a research grant from Astellas, and L-AF does consultancy for Amgen.
Estimating the reaction function for Hungarian monetary policy

A reakciofuggveny nepszerű eszkoz a monetaris politika ertekelesehez. A reakciofuggvenyre epulő elemzeseknek ketfele celja lehet: az egyik, hogy alkalmas viszonyitasi erteket talaljunk az aktualis kamatszintnek, a masik pedig, hogy leirjuk a kamatok es mas makrovaltozok kozotti osszefuggest. A tanulmany az inflacios celkovetes rendszerenek bevezetese ota eltelt időszakra vonatkozoan targyalja ezt a ket kerdest. Osszessegeben megallapithato, hogy a nepszerű Taylor-szabaly jol illeszkedik a hazai kamatokhoz, de ha figyelembe vesszuk, hogy nyitott gazdasagrol van szo, akkor mas reakciofuggveny hasznalataval az illeszkedes tovabb javithato. A kamatszabalyok altal indokolt kamatszinttől valo jelentősebb elteresek vagy az arfolyamsav jelenletevel, vagy a kockazati premium valtozasaival magyarazhatok. Ami a kamatok es mas makrovaltozok osszefuggeset illeti, megallapithato, hogy Magyarorszag eseteben a kibocsatasi res szerepe az altalunk hasznalt okonometriai modszerekkel nem mutathato ki a kamatok alakulasaban. Kiemelkedő szerepe az inflacios varakozasoknak es az arfolyamnak van. A hazai kamatok ezek valtozasaira hasonloan reagalnak ahhoz, mint amit mas orszagok eseteben tapasztalhatunk. Az inflacios varakozasok novekedesevel egyutt jar a nominalis kamat meg nagyobb emelkedese. Az arfolyam szerepe pedig fugg a vizsgalt időhorizonttol: havi sűrűseg eseten a kamat hatarozottan reagal az arfolyamvaltozasokra, mig a jegybanki időtavhoz kozelebb allo negyedeves periodusokat tekintve az arfolyamnak főleg az inflacios varakozasokon keresztul kifejtett, kozvetett szerep jut. Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kod: E52, E58.