Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting Lexical Priming Effects from Distributional Semantic Similarities: A Replication with Extension

In two experiments, we attempted to replicate and extend findings by Günther et al. (2016) that word similarity measures obtained from distributional semantics models—Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) and Hyperspace Analog to Language (HAL)—predict lexical priming effects. To this end, we used the pseudo-random method to generate item material while systematically controlling for word similarities introduced by Günther et al. (2016) which was based on LSA cosine similarities (Experiment 1) and HAL cosine similarities (Experiment 2). Extending the original study, we used semantic spaces created from far larger corpora, and implemented several additional methodological improvements. In Experiment 1, we only found a significant effect of HAL cosines on lexical decision times, while we found significant effects for both LSA and HAL cosines in Experiment 2. As further supported by an analysis of the pooled data from both experiments, this indicates that HAL cosines are a better predictor of priming effects than LSA cosines. Taken together, the results replicate the finding that priming effects can be predicted from distributional semantic similarity measures.
Off-line Text-independent Writer Identification Using a Mixture of Global and Local Features

The existing works on writer identification consider global feature or local feature, respectively, but not both. Actually, both of global and local features provide the useful information for writer identification. Hence, this paper proposes a method for writer identification by using a mixture of global feature and local feature. In implementation, we utilize 2-D Gabor transformation as the global feature and Local Binary Pattern (LBP) as the local feature for writer identification. The experiment results show that the combination of global and local feature outperforms the utilization of each single one.
Detection of Silent Worms using Anomaly Connection Tree

In this paper we propose a worm detection method that detects silent worms effectively in intranet and LANs. Most existing detection methods use aggressive activities of worms as a clue for detection and are ineffective against worms that propagate silently using a list of vulnerable hosts. To detect such worms, we propose anomaly connection tree method (ACTM). ACTM uses two features present to most worms. First is that the worms's propagation behaviour is expressed as tree-like structures composed of infection connections as edges. Second is that when selecting infection targets, the worm does not consider which hosts its infected host communicates to frequently. Then, by detecting composed of anomaly connections, ACTM detects the existence of worms. Through the simulation results, it has been shown that ACTM can detect the worms in an early stage of the propagation activities.
Subharmonically Pumped Millimeter-Wave Mixers

The two-diode subharmonically pumped stripline mixer has a pair of diodes shunt mounted with opposite polarities in a stripline circuit between the signal and local oscillator inputs. The circuit has low noise and conversion loss and substantial AM local oscillator noise cancellation.The local oscillator frequency is about half the signal frequency. A novel diode chip, the notch-front diode, which has ohmic contacts on the chip faces adjacent the face containing the diode junctions, was developed for these circuits. The notch-front diode permits the low parasitic reactance of the waveguide diode mount to be achieved in stripline circuits. The best performance for a two-diode subharmonically pumped mixer with notch-front diodes was a 400 K mixer noise temperature, obtained at 98 GHz which is comparable to the best fundamental mixers in this frequency range. The performance over a 47-110-GHz frequency range for this circuit with commercial beam-lead diodes is also presented.
Singular shock waves in interactions

In a number of papers it has been shown that there exist one-dimensional systems such that they contain solutions with so-called overcompressive singular shock waves besides the usual elementary waves (shock and rarefaction waves as well as contact discontinuities). One can see their definition for a general 2 × 2 system with fluxes linear in one of the dependent variables in Nedeljkov, Delta and singular delta locus for one dimensional systems of conservation laws, Math. Method Appl. Sci. 27 (2004), 931-955. This paper is devoted to examining their interactions with themselves and elementary waves. After a discussion of systems given in a general form, a complete analysis will be given for the ion-acoustic system given in Keyfitz and Kranzer, Spaces of weighted measures for conservation laws with singular shock solutions, J. Differ. Equations 118 (1995), no. 2, 420-451.
Unique Properties of the Large Antigen of Hepatitis Delta Virus

ABSTRACT The large form of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) protein (L) can be isoprenylated near its C terminus, and this modification is considered essential for particle assembly. Using gel electrophoresis, we separated L into two species of similar mobilities. The slower species could be labeled by the incorporation of [14C]mevalonolactone and is interpreted to be isoprenylated L (Li). In serum particles, infected liver, transfected cells, and assembled particles, 25 to 85% of L was isoprenylated. Isoprenylation was also demonstrated by 14C incorporation in vitro with a rabbit reticulocyte coupled transcription-translation system. However, the species obtained migrated even slower than that detected by labeling in vivo. Next, in studies of HDV particle assembly in the presence of the surface proteins of human hepatitis B virus, we observed the following. (i) Relative to L, Li was preferentially assembled into virus-like particles. (ii) Li could coassemble the unmodified L and the small delta protein, S. (iii) In contrast, a form of L with a deletion in the dimerization domain was both isoprenylated and assembled, but it could not support the coassembly of S. Finally, to test the expectation that the isoprenylation of L would increase its hydrophobicity, we applied a phase separation strategy based on micelle formation with the nonionic detergent Triton X-114. We showed the following. (i) The unique C-terminal 19 amino acids present on L relative to S caused a significant increase in the hydrophobicity. (ii) This increase was independent of isoprenylation. (iii) In contrast, other, artificial modifications at either the N or C terminus of S did not increase the hydrophobicity. (iv) The increased hydrophobicity was not sufficient for particle assembly; nevertheless, we speculate that it might facilitate virion assembly.
The Tail Risk of Emerging Stock Markets

We investigate tail risk in emerging stock markets at the country, regional and world levels, by comparing the investable and non-investable segments in terms of the expected shortfall of standardized returns and tail dependence on the world market. Employing the skewed Student-t GJR-GARCH model and the SJC copula, we show that most investable portfolios have lower tail risk but higher tail dependence than non-investable ones; emerging markets are likely more dependent on the world market during large joint losses than large joint gains; and tail dependence of the aggregate and investable markets on the world market varies across countries and regions.
On the use of Jensen's inequality for MIMO channel capacity estimation

We derive a universal upper bound on the MIMO channel capacity, which is not limited to a particular scenario, using the correlation matrix approach and the Jensen's inequality. This bound accounts for both transmit and receive branch correlation in such a way that the impact of these branches can be estimated separately, which simplifies the procedure substantially. Some simple analytical results, which quantify the impact of correlation on the MIMO capacity in an explicit way, are given. We show that correlation increase is equivalent to SNR decrease in some cases. Finally, we discuss the paradox of zero correlation and provide a statistical explanation for it. We demonstrate why zero mean correlation is not a guarantee of high capacity. The mean magnitude or RMS correlation should be used for the capacity estimation of degenerate MIMO channels.
Motor Development of Cocaine Exposed Children at Age Two Years 1200

OBJECTIVE This article was designed to investigate effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on motor development of young children from a predominately underprivileged, urban population. METHODOLOGY A total of 260 infants and young children were initially recruited from either the newborn nursery or the at-risk pediatric clinic of an urban teaching hospital. Prenatal history and birth outcomes were collected from medical records. Demographic characteristics and additional drug histories were obtained from the mothers. The 199 subjects (98 cocaine-exposed and 101 unexposed) who returned at age 2 years were assessed by examiners blinded to drug exposure status using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, the cocaine-exposed group performed significantly less well on both the fine and the gross motor development indices. Mean scores for both groups were within the average range on the gross motor index, but greater than 1 standard deviation below average on the fine motor index. Differences were significant on the balance and the receipt and propulsion subscales of the gross motor scale, and on the hand use and the eye-hand coordination subscales of the fine motor scale. Cocaine status independently predicted poorer hand use and eye-hand coordination scores. There also was an effect of alcohol exposure on the receipt and propulsion subscale. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that deficiencies in motor development remain detectable at 2 years of age in children exposed to drugs prenatally. Although other environmental variables may influence motor development, children exposed to cocaine and to alcohol in utero may encounter developmental challenges that impede later achievement.
New insights from a delay analysis for cognitive radio networks with and without reservation

In wireless communication systems, the delay remains a crucial factor. In this work, we focus on the design of a new opportunistic cross-layer MAC protocol involving channels allocation and packet scheduling for cognitive networks in order to optimize system performance. Cognitive radio provides the opportunity for secondary users (unlicensed users) to use available portions of the licensed spectrum bands without interfering with primary users (licensed users). We consider that each secondary user is equipped with two transceivers. The role of the first transceiver is to obtain and exchange channels information on the control channel. The second transceiver is devoted to periodically detect and dynamically use the available data channels. The paper deals with channel allocation considering traffic characteristics of secondary users. So, we propose a mechanism of resource reservation to improve Quality of Service (QoS) requirements that favors successful secondary users to transmit data during x time slots without interfering with primary users. We develop a new analytical model, while taking into account the backoff mechanism. We analyze delay parameter for two scenarios with and without resource reservation. We show through simulations that our approach guarantees an optimal response delay.
The earliest phases of high-mass star formation: a 3 square degree millimeter continuum mapping of Cygnus X

Aims. Our current knowledge of high-mass star formation is mainly based on follow-up studies of bright sources found by IRAS, and is thus biased against its earliest phases, inconspicuous at infrared wavelengths. We therefore started searching, in an unbiased way and in the closest high-mass star-forming complexes, for the high-mass analogs of low-mass pre-stellar cores and class 0 protostars. Methods.We have made an extensive 1.2 mm continuum mosaicing study of the Cygnus X molecular cloud complex using the MAMBO cameras at the IRAM 30 m telescope. The ~3°^(σ2) imaged areas cover all the high-column density (A_V ≥ 15 mag) clouds of this nearby (~1.7 kpc) cloud complex actively forming OB stars. We then compared our millimeter maps with mid-infrared images, and have made SiO(2-1) follow-up observations of the best candidate progenitors of high-mass stars. Results. Our complete study of Cygnus X with ~0.09 pc resolution provides, for the first time, an unbiased census of massive young stellar objects. We discover 129 massive dense cores (FWHM size ~0.1 pc, M_(1.2 mm) = 4-950 M_☉, volume-averaged density ~10^5 cm^(-3), among which ~42 are probable precursors of high-mass stars. A large fraction of the Cygnus X dense cores (2/3 of the sample) remain undetected by the MSX satellite, regardless of the mass range considered. Among the most massive (≥40 M_☉) cores, infrared-quiet objects are driving powerful outflows traced by SiO emission. Our study qualifies 17 cores as good candidates for hosting massive infrared-quiet protostars, while up to 25 cores potentially host high-luminosity infrared protostars. We fail to discover the high-mass analogs of pre-stellar dense cores (~0.1 pc, > 10^4 cm^-3)) in Cygnus X, but find several massive starless clumps (~0.8 pc, 7 × 10^3 cm^(-3)) that might be gravitationally bound. Conclusions. Since our sample is derived from a single molecular complex and covers every embedded phase of high-mass star formation, it gives the first statistical estimates of their lifetime. In contrast to what is found for low-mass class 0 and class I phases, the infrared-quiet protostellar phase of high-mass stars may last as long as their better-known high-luminosity infrared phase. The statistical lifetimes of high-mass protostars and pre-stellar cores (~3 × 10^4 yr and < 10^3 yr) in Cygnus X are one and two order(s) of magnitude smaller, respectively, than what is found in nearby, low-mass star-forming regions. We therefore propose that high-mass pre-stellar and protostellar cores are in a highly dynamic state, as expected in a molecular cloud where turbulent processes dominate.
Investigating Organizational Dimensions of Middle School Curricular Leadership: Linkages to School Effectiveness

Abstract This study explores the organizational nature of curricular leadership in middle schools. A conceptual model of the organizational structure and effects of curricular leadership in middle schools is presented. The Organizational Curricular Leadership (OCL) model suggests that the relationship between organizational inputs and effectiveness in middle schools is mediated by a variety of organizational curricular leadership (OCL) variables. Five meaningful dimensions of OCL are empirically derived. The OCL model posits multiple, reciprocal relationships occurring among school inputs, OCL variable dimensions, and school outcomes. OCL variable linkages to various indices of school effectiveness are posited and explored using quantitative methods. The model is operationally defined through the development of a new quantitative measure of overall OCL leadership in middle schools—the Organizational Curricular Leadership Inventory (OCLI). A variety of implications are derived from study findings for: (1) recasting and extending notions of conceptual-based research on middle school organizations; (2) informing curricular leadership in middle schools; and (3) guiding further middle school organizational curricular leadership and effectiveness studies.
The Impact of Task-Technology Fit in Technology Acceptance and Utilization Models

In a recent paper, Venkatesh et al. (2003) examine a series of models that explain or predict user acceptance of information technology. These models included the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis et al., 1989), Computer Self Efficacy (Compeau and Higgins, 1995) and other models of user behavior, intention, or affect. Their study combined these models to form a Unified Model, which the authors call UTAUT. The underlying models as well as the combined model fail to explicitly include task constructs. Typically, users intend to use an information technology if it meets their task requirements. A model that explicitly includes task characteristics is the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model (Goodhue, 1995), which has been shown to add explanatory power to the Technology Acceptance Model (Dishaw and Strong, 1999). Our study adds TTF constructs to the UTAUT with the goal of determining whether this addition produces an improvement in explanatory power, similar to that reported by Dishaw and Strong (1999).
Visual and auditory cues to attention: The effect of visual attentional focus on frequency selectivity

An experiment was carried out to determine whether visual cues to attention could affect frequency selectivity. The 19 participants each completed baseline thresholds for auditory and visual stimulus discrimination. Visual thresholds were defined by contrast while auditory thresholds were defined by sound to noise ratio. Participants then had their accuracy tested in both auditory and visual discrimination tasks under different auditory and visual cue conditions. In order to demonstrate cuing effects crossmodally the experiment worked on the assumption that visual attention could be focused through the use of cues, and that auditory attention could be focused onto limited frequency bands using auditory cues. Visual results indicated that visual cues to attention could improve performance on visual discrimination tasks in line with prior research. However, auditory results failed to show noteworthy frequency selectivity effects. Auditory results did show a marginal interaction however, suggesting that visual cues to attention may affect frequency selectivity. Future research is needed to clarify these findings with greater statistical power.
Journal of

The treatment of rectal cancer has evolved signifi cantly over the last 100 years. Standardization of total mesorectal excision and the development of techniques for sphincter preservation have resulted in signifi cant improvements in the management of this disease. Still, local disease control and functional outcomes of sphincter preserving procedures remain a relevant issue. In this historical paper, the oncological and functional outcomes of patients with rectal cancer treated between 1960 and 1971 by a pioneer woman surgeon using a sphincter preserving approach and a technique resembling total mesorectal excision performed at that time are reported. The results refl ect one
When Consensus Choice Dominates Individualism: Jensen's Inequality and Collective Decisions Under Uncertainty

Research on collective provision of private goods has focused on distributional considerations. This paper studies a class of problems of decision under uncertainty in which the argument for collective choice emerges from the mathematics of aggregating individual payoffs. Consider decision making when each member of a population has the same objective function, which depends on an unknown state of nature. If agents knew the state of nature, they would make the same decision. However, they may have different beliefs or may use different decision criteria. Hence, they may choose different actions even though they share the same objective. Let the set of feasible actions be convex and the objective function be concave in actions, for all states of nature. Then Jensen's inequality implies that consensus choice of the mean privately-chosen action yields a larger aggregate payoff than does individualistic decision making, in all states of nature. If payoffs are transferable, the aggregate payoff from consensus choice may be allocated to Pareto dominate individualistic decision making, in all states of nature. I develop these ideas. I also use Jensen's inequality to show that a planner with the power to assign actions to the members of the population should not diversify. Finally, I give a version of the collective choice result that holds with consensus choice of the median rather than mean action.
A Metamodeling Approach to Pattern Specification and Detection

This report presents the Pattern Modeling Framework (PMF), a new metamodeling approach to pattern specification and detection for MOFcompliant modeling frameworks and languages. Patterns need to be precisely specified before a tool can manipulate them, and though several approaches to pattern specification have been proposed, they do not provide the scalability and flexibility required in practice. PMF provides a pattern specification language called Epattern, which is capable of precisely specifying patterns in MOF-compliant metamodels. The language is defined as an extension to MOF by adding semantics inspired from the UML composite structure diagram. The language also comes with a graphical notation and a recommended iterative specification process. It also contains features to manage the complexity of specifying patterns and simplify their application and detection in user models. Most importantly, the language is implemented using state-of-the-art technologies that are heavily used by major modeling tool vendors, thus facilitating its adoption. The report also presents a systematic way to derive a pattern detection algorithm from an Epattern specification. The algorithm can be configured by special semantics in the specification without compromising the structural definition of the pattern. This allows pattern authors to leverage their knowledge of the pattern’s target language to create more efficient detection algorithms.
THE ACS FORNAX CLUSTER SURVEY. V. MEASUREMENT AND RECALIBRATION OF SURFACE BRIGHTNESS FLUCTUATIONS AND A PRECISE VALUE OF THE FORNAX–VIRGO RELATIVE DISTANCE

We present (g475 − z850) color and z850-band surface brightness fluctuations (SBFs) measurements for 43 early-type galaxies in the Fornax cluster imaged with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys. These are combined with our earlier measurements for Virgo cluster galaxies to derive a revised, nonlinear calibration of the z850-band SBF absolute magnitude as a function of (g475 − z850) color, valid for the AB color range 0.8 < (g475 − z850) < 1.6. In all, we tabulate recalibrated SBF distances for 134 galaxies in Virgo, Fornax, the Virgo W′ group, and NGC 4697 in the Virgo Southern Extension. The calibration procedure yields a highly precise relative distance modulus for Fornax with respect to Virgo of Δ(m − M)FV = 0.42 ± 0.03 mag, or a distance ratio dF/dV = 1.214 ± 0.017. The resulting Fornax distance modulus is (m − M)For = 31.51 ± 0.03 ± 0.15 mag, corresponding to dF = 20.0 ± 0.3 ± 1.4 Mpc, where the second set of error bars reflects the total systematic uncertainty from our assumed Virgo distance of 16.5 Mpc. The rms distance scatter for the early-type Fornax cluster galaxies is σd = 0.49+0.11−0.15 Mpc, or a total line-of-sight depth of 2.0+0.4−0.6 Mpc, consistent with its compact appearance on the sky. This translates to a depth scatter smaller than the intrinsic, or “cosmic,” scatter σcos in the SBF calibration, unlike the case for the larger Virgo cluster. As a result, we are able to place the first tight constraints on the value of σcos. We find σcos = 0.06 ± 0.01 mag, with a firm upper limit of σcos < 0.08 mag, for the subsample of galaxies with (g475 − z850)>1.02, but it is about twice as large for bluer galaxies. We also present an alternative SBF calibration based on the “fluctuation count” parameter , a proxy for galaxy mass. This gives a consistent relative distance but with larger intrinsic scatter, and we adopt the result from the calibration on (g475 − z850) because of its basis in stellar population properties alone. Finally, we find no evidence for systematic trends of the galaxy distances with position or velocity (e.g., no current infall); the Fornax cluster appears both compact and well virialized.