Using guiding heuristics to improve the dynamic checking of temporal properties in data dominated high-level designs

To extract high-level information from natural scenes, the visual system has to cope with a wide variety of ambient lights, reflection properties of objects, spatio-temporal contexts, and geometrical complexity. By pre-processing the visual information, the retina plays a key role in the functioning of the whole visual system. It is crucial to reproduce such a pre-processing in artificial devices aiming at replacing or substituting the damaged vision system by artificial means. In this paper, we present a biologically plausible model of the retina at the cell level and its implementation as a real-time retinal simulation software. It features the non-uniform sampling of the visual information by the photoreceptor cells, the non-separable spatio-temporal properties of the retina, the subsequent generation of the Parvocellular and Magnocellular pathways, and the non-linear equalization of luminance and contrast at the local level. For each of these aspects, a description of the model is provided and illustrated. Their respective interest for the replacement or substitution of vision is discussed.

Download Full-text

Temporal Properties of Apparent Motion in Subjective Figures

Perception ◽

10.1068/p170729 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 729-736 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

George Mather

Keyword(s):

Apparent Motion ◽

Motion Detection ◽

Time Interval ◽

Temporal Properties ◽

Motion Process ◽

Motion Percept ◽

High Level ◽

Level Process

In ‘Kanizsa’ figures, vivid subjective shapes are seen in the absence of explicit contours to define them. When two or more such figures are presented sequentially, so that the subjective shape occupies different positions, good apparent motion of the shape is usually reported. This motion percept must be mediated by a high-level process, in which form extraction precedes motion detection. Some spatial and temporal properties of this motion process are investigated. A major finding is that motion is only perceived when the time interval between successive frames falls below about 500 ms, and the duration of each frame exceeds about 80 ms.

Download Full-text

Temporal Patterns for Document Verification

10.29007/dclv ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Mirjana Jaksic ◽

Burkhard Freitag

Keyword(s):

Temporal Logic ◽

Temporal Patterns ◽

Web Documents ◽

Limited Knowledge ◽

Temporal Properties ◽

Incremental Construction ◽

High Level ◽

User Friendly

In this paper we present a novel user-friendly high-level approach to the specification of temporal properties of web documents which can be used for verification purposes. The method described is based on specification patterns supporting an incremental construction of commonly used consistency criteria. We show that our approach fills the gap between a temporal logic such as CTL as a powerful tool for specifying consistency criteria for web documents and users that maintain documents but have no or very limited knowledge about the specification formalism. An empiric assessment of the usability of specification patterns for web documents confirms that a pattern based specification shows significantly better results than the direct specification with CTL.

Download Full-text

A Case Study in Automated Verification Based on Trace Abstractions

BRICS Report Series ◽

10.7146/brics.v2i54.19955 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 2 (54) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nils Klarlund ◽

Mogens Nielsen ◽

Kim Sunesen

Keyword(s):

Reactive Systems ◽

Main Tool ◽

Automated Analysis ◽

Reactive System ◽

Finite State Automaton ◽

Symbolic Language ◽

Temporal Properties ◽

Finite State ◽

High Level ◽

Recursive Data Structures

In [14], we proposed a framework for the automatic verification of reactive systems. Our main tool is a decision procedure, Mona, for Monadic Second-order Logic (M2L) on finite strings. Mona translates a formula in M2L into a finite-state automaton. We show in [14] how traces, i.e. finite executions, and their abstractions can be described behaviorally. These state-less descriptions can be formulated in terms of customized temporal logic operators or idioms. In the present paper, we give a self-contained, introductory account of our method applied to the RPC-memory specification problem of the 1994 Dagstuhl Seminar on Specification and Refinement of Reactive Systems. The purely behavioral descriptions that we formulate from the informal specifications are formulas that may span 10 pages or more. Such descriptions are a couple of magnitudes larger than usual temporal logic formulas found in the literature on verification. To securely write these formulas, we introduce Fido [16] as a reactive system description language. Fido is designed as a high-level symbolic language for expressing regular properties about recursive data structures. All of our descriptions have been verified automatically by Mona from M2L formulas generated by Fido. Our work shows that complex behaviors of reactive systems can be formulated and reasoned about without explicit state-based programming. With Fido, we can state temporal properties succinctly while enjoying automated analysis and verification.

Download Full-text

Transcription factor/DNA interactions visualized by electron spectroscopic imaging

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100122654 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 450-451

Author(s):

David P. Bazett-Jones ◽

Mark L. Brown

Keyword(s):

Transcription Factor ◽

Dna Sequences ◽

Transcription Initiation ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Phosphorus Content ◽

Spectroscopic Imaging ◽

Electron Spectroscopic Imaging ◽

Dna Backbone ◽

Two Parameters ◽

High Level

A multisubunit RNA polymerase enzyme is ultimately responsible for transcription initiation and elongation of RNA, but recognition of the proper start site by the enzyme is regulated by general, temporal and gene-specific trans-factors interacting at promoter and enhancer DNA sequences. To understand the molecular mechanisms which precisely regulate the transcription initiation event, it is crucial to elucidate the structure of the transcription factor/DNA complexes involved. Electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) provides the opportunity to visualize individual DNA molecules. Enhancement of DNA contrast with ESI is accomplished by imaging with electrons that have interacted with inner shell electrons of phosphorus in the DNA backbone. Phosphorus detection at this intermediately high level of resolution (≈lnm) permits selective imaging of the DNA, to determine whether the protein factors compact, bend or wrap the DNA. Simultaneously, mass analysis and phosphorus content can be measured quantitatively, using adjacent DNA or tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) as mass and phosphorus standards. These two parameters provide stoichiometric information relating the ratios of protein:DNA content.

Download Full-text

Advances in Stem Instrumentation for Biology

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100180562 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 362-363

Author(s):

J. S. Wall

Keyword(s):

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope ◽

Carbon Films ◽

Specimen Preparation ◽

Material Deposition ◽

Active User ◽

Percent Improvement ◽

Scanning Transmission ◽

The Moment ◽

Film Substrate ◽

High Level

The forte of the Scanning transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) is high resolution imaging with high contrast on thin specimens, as demonstrated by visualization of single heavy atoms. of equal importance for biology is the efficient utilization of all available signals, permitting low dose imaging of unstained single molecules such as DNA.Our work at Brookhaven has concentrated on: 1) design and construction of instruments optimized for a narrow range of biological applications and 2) use of such instruments in a very active user/collaborator program. Therefore our program is highly interactive with a strong emphasis on producing results which are interpretable with a high level of confidence.The major challenge we face at the moment is specimen preparation. The resolution of the STEM is better than 2.5 A, but measurements of resolution vs. dose level off at a resolution of 20 A at a dose of 10 el/A2 on a well-behaved biological specimen such as TMV (tobacco mosaic virus). To track down this problem we are examining all aspects of specimen preparation: purification of biological material, deposition on the thin film substrate, washing, fast freezing and freeze drying. As we attempt to improve our equipment/technique, we use image analysis of TMV internal controls included in all STEM samples as a monitor sensitive enough to detect even a few percent improvement. For delicate specimens, carbon films can be very harsh-leading to disruption of the sample. Therefore we are developing conducting polymer films as alternative substrates, as described elsewhere in these Proceedings. For specimen preparation studies, we have identified (from our user/collaborator program ) a variety of “canary” specimens, each uniquely sensitive to one particular aspect of sample preparation, so we can attempt to separate the variables involved.

Download Full-text

Auditory Training to Improve Speech Perception and Self-Efficacy in Aging Adults

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/2019_jslhr-19-00355 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 1270-1281

Author(s):

Leah Fostick ◽

Riki Taitelbaum-Swead ◽

Shulamith Kreitler ◽

Shelly Zokraut ◽

Miriam Billig

Keyword(s):

Speech Perception ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Temporal Order Judgment ◽

Auditory Training ◽

Intensity Discrimination ◽

Training Design ◽

Auditory Temporal Processing ◽

Temporal Properties ◽

Computer Based ◽

Aging Adults

Purpose Difficulty in understanding spoken speech is a common complaint among aging adults, even when hearing impairment is absent. Correlational studies point to a relationship between age, auditory temporal processing (ATP), and speech perception but cannot demonstrate causality unlike training studies. In the current study, we test (a) the causal relationship between a spatial–temporal ATP task (temporal order judgment [TOJ]) and speech perception among aging adults using a training design and (b) whether improvement in aging adult speech perception is accompanied by improved self-efficacy. Method Eighty-two participants aged 60–83 years were randomly assigned to a group receiving (a) ATP training (TOJ) over 14 days, (b) non-ATP training (intensity discrimination) over 14 days, or (c) no training. Results The data showed that TOJ training elicited improvement in all speech perception tests, which was accompanied by increased self-efficacy. Neither improvement in speech perception nor self-efficacy was evident following non-ATP training or no training. Conclusions There was no generalization of the improvement resulting from TOJ training to intensity discrimination or generalization of improvement resulting from intensity discrimination training to speech perception. These findings imply that the effect of TOJ training on speech perception is specific and such improvement is not simply the product of generally improved auditory perception. It provides support for the idea that temporal properties of speech are indeed crucial for speech perception. Clinically, the findings suggest that aging adults can be trained to improve their speech perception, specifically through computer-based auditory training, and this may improve perceived self-efficacy.

Download Full-text

A Questionnaire Survey of Current Rehabilitation Practices for Adults With Normal Hearing Sensitivity Who Experience Auditory Difficulties

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2020_aja-20-00027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 738-761

Author(s):

Tess K. Koerner ◽

Melissa A. Papesh ◽

Frederick J. Gallun

Keyword(s):

Hearing Aids ◽

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Patient Population ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Normal Hearing ◽

Auditory Training ◽

Training Methods ◽

Hearing Sensitivity ◽

Considerable Benefit ◽

High Level

Purpose A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from clinical audiologists about rehabilitation options for adult patients who report significant auditory difficulties despite having normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity. This work aimed to provide more information about what audiologists are currently doing in the clinic to manage auditory difficulties in this patient population and their views on the efficacy of recommended rehabilitation methods. Method A questionnaire survey containing multiple-choice and open-ended questions was developed and disseminated online. Invitations to participate were delivered via e-mail listservs and through business cards provided at annual audiology conferences. All responses were anonymous at the time of data collection. Results Responses were collected from 209 participants. The majority of participants reported seeing at least one normal-hearing patient per month who reported significant communication difficulties. However, few respondents indicated that their location had specific protocols for the treatment of these patients. Counseling was reported as the most frequent rehabilitation method, but results revealed that audiologists across various work settings are also successfully starting to fit patients with mild-gain hearing aids. Responses indicated that patient compliance with computer-based auditory training methods was regarded as low, with patients generally preferring device-based rehabilitation options. Conclusions Results from this questionnaire survey strongly suggest that audiologists frequently see normal-hearing patients who report auditory difficulties, but that few clinicians are equipped with established protocols for diagnosis and management. While many feel that mild-gain hearing aids provide considerable benefit for these patients, very little research has been conducted to date to support the use of hearing aids or other rehabilitation options for this unique patient population. This study reveals the critical need for additional research to establish evidence-based practice guidelines that will empower clinicians to provide a high level of clinical care and effective rehabilitation strategies to these patients.

Download Full-text