Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Burstiness to Improve Clustering of Topics in News Streams

Specialists who analyze online news have a hard time separating the wheat from the chaff. Moreover, automatic data-mining techniques like clustering of news streams into topical groups can fully recover the underlying true class labels of data if and only if all classes are well separated. In reality, especially for news streams, this is clearly not the case. The question to ask is thus this: if we cannot recover the full C classes by clustering, what is the largest K < C clusters we can find that best resemble the K underlying classes? Using the intuition that bursty topics are more likely to correspond to important events that are of interest to analysts, we propose several new bursty vector space models (B-VSM)for representing a news document. B-VSM takes into account the burstiness (across the full corpus and whole duration) of each constituent word in a document at the time of publication. We benchmarked our B-VSM against the classical TFIDF-VSM on the task of clustering a collection of news stream articles with known topic labels. Experimental results show that B-VSM was able to find the burstiest clusters/topics. Further, it also significantly improved the recall and precision for the top K clusters/topics.
Measuring Internet Advertising Effectiveness

Much of the focus in connection with Internet advertising has been on click-through or other behavioral responses, rather than on ador brand-related responses, which are used by many advertisers to evaluate advertising in traditional media. In this paper results from four empirical studies in which traditional adand brand-related responses were measured for Internet advertising campaigns are presented. Results indicate that web advertising in some cases cause adand brand-related responses and that these can be measured via the World Wide Web. * The authors wish to express their gratitude towards DoubleClick Scandinavia who have contributed data as well as other important input to this paper.
Nanoscale structure of the BMP antagonist chordin supports cooperative BMP binding

Significance Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are essential signaling molecules important in embryo development and maintaining tissue function in adulthood. BMPs are regulated outside the cell by inhibitors such as chordin. The structure of chordin is unknown as extracellular proteins are generally not suitable for high-resolution methods. This study uses electron microscopy and other techniques to determine the shape of human chordin. It has a compact horseshoe-shaped structure with the terminal BMP-binding regions protruding as prongs. The spacing of these domains supports a cooperative binding arrangement with BMPs. We compared BMP binding and inhibition by chordin with two truncated chordin variants. Proteolytic cleavage has little effect on binding of BMP-4 and BMP-7 but C-terminal cleavage makes chordin a better BMP inhibitor. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) orchestrate key cellular events, such as proliferation and differentiation, in development and homeostasis. Extracellular antagonists, such as chordin, are essential regulators of BMP signaling. Chordin binds to BMPs blocking interaction with receptors, and cleavage by tolloid proteinases is thought to relieve this inhibition. A model has been previously proposed where chordin adopts a horseshoe-like arrangement enabling BMP binding cooperatively by terminal domains (1). Here, we present the nanoscale structure of human chordin using electron microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering, and solution-based biophysical techniques, which together show that chordin indeed has a compact horseshoe-shaped structure. Chordin variants were used to map domain locations within the chordin molecule. The terminal BMP-binding domains protrude as prongs from the main body of the chordin structure, where they are well positioned to interact with the growth factor. The spacing provided by the chordin domains supports the principle of a cooperative BMP-binding arrangement that the original model implied in which growth factors bind to both an N- and C-terminal von Willebrand factor C domain of chordin. Using binding and bioactivity assays, we compared full-length chordin with two truncated chordin variants, such as those produced by partial tolloid cleavage. Cleavage of either terminal domain has little effect on the affinity of chordin for BMP-4 and BMP-7 but C-terminal cleavage increases the efficacy of chordin as a BMP-4 inhibitor. Together these data suggest that partial tolloid cleavage is insufficient to ablate BMP inhibition and the C-terminal chordin domains play an important role in BMP regulation.
Direction of Arrival Estimation Using Co-Prime Arrays: A Super Resolution Viewpoint

We consider the problem of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation using a recently proposed structure of nonuniform linear arrays, referred to as co-prime arrays. By exploiting the second order statistical information of the received signals, co-prime arrays exhibit O(MN) degrees of freedom with only M+N sensors. A sparsity-based recovery algorithm is proposed to fully utilize these degrees of freedom. The suggested method is based on the developing theory of super resolution, which considers a continuous range of possible sources instead of discretizing this range onto a grid. With this approach, off-grid effects inherent in traditional sparse recovery can be neglected, thus improving the accuracy of DOA estimation. We show that in the noiseless case it is theoretically possible to detect up to [MN/ 2] sources with only 2M+N sensors. The noise statistics of co-prime arrays are also analyzed to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed optimization scheme. A source number detection method is presented based on the spectrum reconstructed from the sparse method. By extensive numerical examples, we show the superiority of the suggested algorithm in terms of DOA estimation accuracy, degrees of freedom, and resolution ability over previous techniques, such as MUSIC with spatial smoothing and discrete sparse recovery.
Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness: psychometric evaluation of the AEQ-G18 in a representative German survey

Objective: The present study evaluates a questionnaire on ambivalence over emotional expressiveness, the AEQ-G18 [1], [2], with regard to its statistical parameters, the influence of socio-demographic variables, and its interrelationship with depression and quality of life. Methods: A representative German sample (1009 participants from East Germany and 1034 participants from West Germany) completed the AEQ-G18 [1], [2], the depression screener DEP-2 [3], the Profile of Mood States POMS [4], the revised Beck Depression Inventory BDI [5], the short form of the Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-9 [6] and the SF-36 health survey questionnaire [7]. Results: Our study was only partially able to confirm the two factors effect ambivalence and competence ambivalence postulated by Traue et al. [1], [2]. Women scored somewhat higher on the scale effect ambivalence. Participants with a higher educational background exhibited less emotional ambivalence. Emotional ambivalence correlated positively with depression and reduced psychological state of health (depression, fatigue, and anger), whereas it correlated negatively with health-related quality of life and positive attitude (vigor). In addition to the scales of the AEQ-G18, we developed a short form, the AEQ-G10, and provide normative data for the AEQ-G18 and the AEQ-G10. Conclusion: This study presents normative data for two variations of a clinically relevant, valid, and time-efficient diagnostic instrument used for the evaluation of ambivalence over emotional expressiveness, the AEQ-G18 and its short form, the AEQ-G10.
Cluster analysis of mRNA expression levels identifies multiple sequential patterns following focal cerebral ischemia.

AIM The purpose of this study is to detect gene expression patterns following focal cerebral ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS 25 male Wistar rats were divided into control (n = 8) and ischemic (n = 17) groups. In the ischemic group, slowly progressing focal ischemia was simulated by two-vein occlusion with spreading depression (SD) a cortical microinjection of KCl induced. Ischemic tissue was removed at 2, 8, 24, or 72 h postischemia. Using semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we investigated mRNA expression levels of 13 representative genes related to cerebral ischemia. Cluster analysis of the gene expression levels was done. RESULTS In the ischemic group, the expression levels of c-fos, cyclin D1, and COX-2 were significantly higher at 2 h postischemia, and those of bcl-2, bcl-xL, and HO-1 at 72 h. Based on the cluster analysis, we statistically divided examined genes into three groups: group A, early expression (COX-2, c-fos, and bcl-2); group B, s expression (c-jun, SOD-1, bad, p53, SOD-2, bcl-xL, and bax); and group C, late expression (cyclin D1, c-myc, and HO-1). CONCLUSION We statistically classified the genes into three groups after focal ischemia. The genes of the early- and late-expression groups can be possible therapeutic targets for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.
Bioinspired Visuomotor Convergence

In this paper, wide-field integration methods, which are inspired by the spatial decompositions of wide-field patterns of optic flow in the insect visuomotor system, are explored as an efficient means to extract visual cues for guidance and navigation. A control-theoretic framework is developed and used to quantitatively link weighting functions to behaviorally-relevant interpretations such as relative orientation, position, and speed in a corridor environment. It is shown through analysis and demonstration on a ground vehicle that the proposed sensorimotor architecture gives rise to navigational heuristics, namely, centering and speed regulation, which are observed in natural systems.
Investigation of Slug Suppression System in Deepwater Scenario

In pipeline-riser systems, pressure fluctuations which result from the formation of large liquid slugs and gas surges due to operational changes or low mass flow rate from production wells and the profile of pipeline-riser systems often lead to trips at the inlet of the separator; and thereby, the problem causes a a loss of the production.In this study, on a sample deep-water oil field off the coast of West Africa is focused. The field lies in water depths greater than 1000 m. Moreover, the wells are connected via a pipeline-riser system to the topside. The slug suppression system (S3) was changed as a control structure on the field case study.S3 comprises of a mini separator coupled with dynamically controlled valves at the liquid and gas outlets. This control structure was modeled on OLGA, a one-dimensional, and two-fluid equations based commercial multiphase flow simulation tool. In implementing the S3, it was transformed into a parallel configuration of two proportional-integral (PI) controllers (the separator level and pressure controllers) which controls the total volumetric flow and liquid flow respectively by subsequent opening of the valves at the outlets while stabilizing the riser base pressure. In addition, separator sizing was based on the volume of multiphase fluid at the riser-top. Also, controller-tuning parameters were obtained from parametric studies with pressure and liquid level set point at 20.5 bar and 0.5 m.Finally, it is found out that S3 is able to stabilize the riser base pressure and flow rate at the outlet of the mini-separator. Moreover, the comparison of production rates before and after the implementation of the control structure indicated an increase of 12.5% in the production rate.
Blood Lipids and First-Ever Ischemic Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention (BIP) Registry: High Triglycerides Constitute an Independent Risk Factor

Background—Despite unclear associations between blood lipids, including fractionated cholesterol and triglycerides, and stroke, recent evidence demonstrates that lipid-modifying agents decrease the risk of stroke in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods and Results—Patients with documented CHD who were screened for but not included in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention study and had no history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (n=11 177) were followed up. At baseline, medical histories were obtained and blood lipids assessed at a central study laboratory. During a 6- to 8-year follow-up period, 941 patients were identified as having nonhemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, of whom 487 had verified ischemic stroke (per clinical findings and brain CT) or TIA. Patients experiencing an ischemic stroke/TIA had higher mean levels of triglycerides, lower levels of HDL cholesterol, and lower percentages of cholesterol contained in the HDL cholesterol moiety (%HDL;P <0.01 for all). In a logistic regression model, the adjusted ORs for developing an ischemic stroke/TIA were 1.27 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.60) associated with triglycerides >200 mg/dL and 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.97) associated with a 5% decrease in %HDL. The increased risk associated with high triglycerides was found across subgroups of age, sex, patient characteristics, and cholesterol fractions. Conclusions—High triglycerides constitute an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke/TIA across subgroups of age, sex, patient characteristics, and cholesterol fractions, whereas high %HDL was an independent protective factor among patients with CHD. These findings support the role of blood lipids, including triglycerides, as important modifiable stroke risk factors.
Engineering Optimal Network Effects via Social Media Features and Seeding in Markets for Digital Goods and Services

Firms nowadays are increasingly proactive in trying to strategically capitalize on consumer networks and social interactions. In this paper, we complement an emerging body of research on the engineering of word-of-mouth effects by exploring a different angle through which firms can strategically exploit the value-generation potential of the user network. Namely, we consider how software firms should optimize the strength of network effects at utility level by adjusting the level of embedded social media features in tandem with the right market seeding and pricing strategies in the presence of seeding disutility. We explore two opposing seeding cost models where seeding-induced disutility can be either positively or negatively correlated with customer type. We consider both complete and incomplete information scenarios for the firm. Under complete information, we uncover a complementarity relationship between seeding and building social media features that holds for both disutility models. When the cost of any of these actions increases, rather than compensating by a stronger action on the other dimension to restore the overall level of network effects, the firm will actually scale back on the other initiative as well. Under incomplete information, this complementarity holds when seeding disutility is negatively correlated with customer type but may not always hold in the other disutility model, potentially leading to fundamentally different optimal strategies. We also discuss how our insights apply to asymmetric networks.
VOUCHER PROGRAM INCENTIVES AND SCHOOLING PERFORMANCE IN COLOMBIA : A QUANTILE REGRESSION FOR PANEL DATA APPROACH

Abstract. Angrist et al. (2002) study is reconsidered using a relatively new quantile regression approach for panel data models. The evidence suggests that the effect of winning a Colombian voucher is largest in the lower tail of the educational attainment distribution, a possibility that was conjectured by the original authors, but could not be confirmed empirically using existing regression methods. This finding supports the hypothesis that lottery winners’ incentive to study harder could account for the impact of the vouchers, including lower repetition rate.
Reporting and Replicating Trials of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: Do We Know What the Researchers Actually Did?

Background—Complete reporting of all components of complex interventions is essential for translation of research evidence into clinical practice. Previous work has highlighted deficiencies in the reporting of nonpharmacological interventions; however, the reporting quality of exercise-based interventions for coronary heart disease has not been examined. Methods and Results—A systematic search strategy was used to identify randomized controlled trials of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation published until December 2013. Fifty-seven trials were included, reporting on 74 interventions. Intervention description completeness was assessed using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. Missing intervention details were then sought from additional published material and also by emailing corresponding authors. Only 6 interventions (8%) sufficiently described all required items within the main publication; this increased to 11 (15%) after searching for additional published material and 32 (43%) after contacting trial authors. Although location/setting and duration were consistently well reported in publications, complete descriptions of the exercise schedule, as well as details about its tailoring and progression, were missing for over half of interventions (complete for 42% and 36% of interventions, respectively). Although some authors (25/61) were able to provide missing intervention details when contacted, others could not be located (20) or did not respond (16). Conclusions—Inadequate reporting of cardiac rehabilitation interventions is a substantial problem, with essential information frequently missing, and for almost half of all interventions, unobtainable after publication. A conscientious effort to address this problem could facilitate an improvement in the quality of cardiac rehabilitation delivered in clinical practice.
Influence of Field Size on the Physiological and Skill Demands of Small-Sided Games in Junior and Senior Rugby League Players

Gabbett, TJ, Abernethy, B, and Jenkins, DG. Influence of field size on the physiological and skill demands of small-sided games in junior and senior rugby league players J Strength Cond Res 26(2): 487–491, 2012—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in field size on the physiological and skill demands of small-sided games in elite junior and senior rugby league players. Sixteen elite senior rugby league players ([mean ± SE] age, 23.6 ± 0.5 years) and 16 elite junior rugby league players ([mean ± SE] age, 17.3 ± 0.3 years) participated in this study. On day 1, 2 teams played an 8-minute small-sided game on a small field (10-m width × 40-m length), whereas the remaining 2 teams played the small-sided game on a larger sized field (40-m width × 70-m length). On day 2, the groups were crossed over. Movement was recorded by a global positioning system unit sampling at 5 Hz. Games were filmed to count the number of possessions and the number and quality of disposals. The games played on a larger field resulted in a greater (p < 0.05) total distance covered, and distances covered in moderate, high, and very-high velocity movement intensities. Senior players covered more distance at moderate, high, and very-high intensities, and less distance at low and very-low intensities during small-sided games than junior players. Although increasing field size had no significant influence (p > 0.05) over the duration of recovery periods for junior players, larger field size significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the amount of short-, moderate-, and long-duration recovery periods in senior players. No significant between-group differences (p > 0.05) were detected for games played on a small or large field for the number or quality of skill involvements. These results suggest that increases in field size serve to increase the physiological demands of small-sided games but have minimal influence over the volume or quality of skill executions in elite rugby league players.
Developmental Toxicity of Ochratoxin A in Rat Embryo Midbrain Micromass Cultures

Embryonic midbrain micromass cultures were exposed for five days to ochratoxin A (OTA) at seven concentrations (ranging from 0.16 to 10 μg/mL). Cell viability was assessed in neutral red uptake test (NRU), and differentiation – by immunoenzymatic determination of structural proteins (βIII-tubulin, MAP2, GFAP) expression level as well as by computer image analysis. Dose dependent decrease in cell number and differentiation was observed. Concentration-response curves were analysed and the mean inhibition concentrations (μg/mL) for cytotoxicity (IC50) and differentiation (ID50) were calculated. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity of neurons in early and late stage of differentiation and astrocytes to the toxic activity of this compound. For all endpoints ID50 value was very low (< 10 μg/mL) so OTA was classified as a strong teratogen. IC50/ ID50 ratios <2 pointed out that with harmful action of OTA the basic cytotoxicity should be connected.
Net primary production of terrestrial ecosystems as evaluated by the Frankfurt biosphere model (FBM). / Productivité primaire nette des écosystèmes terrestres selon le «Frankfurt Biosphere Model » (FBM)

Productivite primaire nette des ecosystemes terrestres selon le «Frankfurt Biosphere Model» (FBM) Dans le cycle global du carbone, les ecosystemes constituent le maillon le plus sensible aux changements environnementaux. Les variations saisonnieres de CO₂ atmospherique offrent des indices importants pour la comprehension des flux de carbone echanges qui conditionnent le bilan global. Nous avons developpe le «Frankfurt Biosphere Model» (FBM) afin de simuler, par exemple, l'evolution saisonniere de la Productivite Primaire Nette (PPN) et la phenologie de 32 types de vegetation selon une version modifiee de la carte de vegetation potentielle de Matthews (1983). Le modele calcule la photosynthese brute et la respiration autotrophe a la resolution de 0,5° par 0,5° toutes les heures, et actualise quotidiennement la taille de chaque reservoir de carbone. Les variables d'entree que sont la temperature, le rayonnement solaire incident et les precipitations sont issues de la base de donnees climatologiques de Cramer et Leemans (1994). L'humidite du sol est calculee a partir d'un modele de reservoirs utilisant des profondeurs racinaires et d'autres proprietes pedologiques issues de la base de donnees de la FAO. Dans cet article, nous presentons et discutons les resultats de PPN globale, bilan entre la photosynthese brute et la respiration autotrophe.