Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symbol Statistics for Concept Formation in AI Agents

High level conceptual thought seems to be at the basis of the impressive human cognitive ability. Classical top-down (Logic based) and bottom-up (Connectionist) approaches to the problem have had limited success to date. We identify a small body of work that represents a different approach to AI. We call this work the Bottom Up Symbolic (BUS) approach and present a new BUS method to concept construction. The main novelty of our work is that we apply statistical methods in the concept construction process. Our findings here suggest that such methods are necessary since a symbolic description of the true agent-environment interaction dynamics is often hidden among a background of non-representative descriptions, especially if data from unconstrained real-world experiments is considered. We consider such data (from a mobile robot randomly roaming an office environment) and show how our method can correctly grow a set of true concepts from the data.
Robust network traffic estimation via sparsity and low rank

Accurate estimation of origin-to-destination (OD) traffic flows provides valuable input for network management tasks. However, lack of flow-level observations as well as intentional and unintentional anomalies pose major challenges toward achieving this goal. Leveraging the low intrinsic-dimensionality of OD flows and the sparse nature of anomalies, this paper proposes a convex program with nuclear-norm and ℓ1-norm regularization terms to estimate the nominal and anomalous traffic components, using a small subset of (possibly anomalous) flow counts in addition to link counts. Analysis and simulations confirm that the said estimator can exactly recover sufficiently low-dimensional nominal traffic and sparse enough anomalies when the routing matrix is column-incoherent, and an adequate amount of flow counts are randomly sampled. The results offer valuable insights about the measurement types and network scenaria giving rise to accurate traffic estimation. Tests with real Internet data corroborate the effectiveness of the novel estimator.
Comorbid Internalizing and Externalizing Disorders Predict Lability of Negative Emotions Among Children With ADHD

Objective: A subset of children with ADHD experience more frequent, sudden, and intense shifts toward negative emotions. The current study utilized ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to provide a valid assessment of the impact of comorbid internalizing and externalizing disorders on negative emotional lability (EL) among children with ADHD. Method: Parents of 58, 8- to 12-year-old children with ADHD were administered a diagnostic interview to assess for ADHD and for the presence of comorbid disorders. Parents completed EMA-based ratings of their child’s negative emotions three times daily for a total of 28 days. Results: Children with a comorbid internalizing disorder or children with comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) experienced significantly greater EMA-derived negative EL than children without comorbid disorders over time. Children with multiple comorbidities experienced greater EL than children with single comorbidities. Conclusion: Overall, this study suggested that both comorbid ODD and comorbid internalizing disorders contribute to negative EL among children with ADHD.
Impact of Anatomic Features in the Endovascular Embolization of 181 Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

Background and Purpose— We analyzed the impact of detailed anatomic characteristics on the results of endovascular coil embolization for anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms and developed a predictive model estimating the probability of successful endovascular treatment. Methods— One hundred eighty-one AcoA aneurysms were treated with endovascular coil embolization between August 1991 and November 2005. Morphological characteristics that were analyzed included direction of the dome, location of the neck, association with hypoplasia or aplasia of AcoA complex vessels, sac, and neck size. Immediate clinical and anatomic results, long-term morbidity/mortality, recanalization rate, and delayed aneurysm thrombosis were analyzed. ORs were calculated for each anatomic and clinical result and logistic regression was used in formulating a predictive model. Results— There were 115 females and 66 males. Age range was 9 to 86 years (mean 57). Factors significantly associated with complete embolization included small aneurysms (<10 mm), small neck (<4 mm), and anterior dome orientation. Factors significantly associated with aneurysm recanalization after long-term follow-up included aneurysm domes >10 mm, neck location on the AcoA, posterior dome orientation, and incomplete original embolization. Globally, the majority of patients remained neurologically intact or unchanged after the procedure (92.8%). Mortality was significantly influenced by the preoperative condition of the patient. The predictive model successfully represented the likely outcomes based on morphological features. Conclusions— AcoA aneurysm coil embolization can be safely performed with acceptable rates of morbidity. Dome and neck orientation, sack and neck size, sac-to-neck ratio, and associated anomalies should be considered to accurately assess the probability of successful treatment for AcoA aneurysms.
Allelic Heterogeneity and Trade-Off Shape Natural Variation for Response to Soil Micronutrient

As sessile organisms, plants have to cope with diverse environmental constraints that may vary through time and space, eventually leading to changes in the phenotype of populations through fixation of adaptive genetic variation. To fully comprehend the mechanisms of evolution and make sense of the extensive genotypic diversity currently revealed by new sequencing technologies, we are challenged with identifying the molecular basis of such adaptive variation. Here, we have identified a new variant of a molybdenum (Mo) transporter, MOT1, which is causal for fitness changes under artificial conditions of both Mo-deficiency and Mo-toxicity and in which allelic variation among West-Asian populations is strictly correlated with the concentration of available Mo in native soils. In addition, this association is accompanied at different scales with patterns of polymorphisms that are not consistent with neutral evolution and show signs of diversifying selection. Resolving such a case of allelic heterogeneity helps explain species-wide phenotypic variation for Mo homeostasis and potentially reveals trade-off effects, a finding still rarely linked to fitness.
Description of Novel Babesia Species and Associated Lesions from Common Murres (Uria aalge) from California

Abstract A novel Babesia species is described from blood collected from 3 common murres (also known as common guillemots) (Uria aalge) from California. This is the first report of a Babesia species from the Alcidae and the second from the Charadriiformes. Babesia uriae n. sp. is morphologically similar to several other avian Babesia species but can be differentiated from Babesia bennetti, the only other species from a host in the Charadriiformes, by size of round and amoeboid forms. Phylogenetic analysis of near–full length 18S rRNA, ITS-1, 5.8S rRNA, and ITS-2 sequences indicated that the Babesia sp. from the common murre is closely related to Babesia poelea, a parasite of brown boobies (Sula leucogaster).
An Empirical Analysis of Incremental Capital Structure Decisions Under Managerial Entrenchment

Abstract We study incremental capital structure decisions of Dutch companies. From 1977 to 1996 these companies have made 110 issues of public and private seasoned equity and 137 public issues of straight debt. Managers of Dutch companies are entrenched. For this reason a discrepancy exists between managerial decisions and shareholder reactions. Confirming Zwiebel [American Economic Review (1996) 1197–1215] we find that Dutch managers avoid the disciplining role of debt allowing them to overinvest. However, the market reactions show that this overinvestment behavior is recognized. We do not find a confirmation of the adverse selection model of Myers and Majluf [Journal of Financial Economics (1984) 187–221]. This is probably due to the entrenchment of managers and the prevalence of rights issues.
New Results on Structural Macrokinetics Obtained on Multilayer Nanofoils

SHS process in the multilayer nanofoils possesses many unique properties, such as unexpectedly high propagating rate (up to 102 m/s) and extremely short time of reaction and product phase formation (10-7 – 10-6 s). Understanding of the mechanism of this process has critical significance not only for the theory of SHS, but also for various applications of the reactive nanofilms, e.g., joining of dissimilar materials and items. An overview of new experimental results shows existence of complex structure of the reaction waves in the multilayer foils and reveals some new “solid-flame” combustion phenomena at macroscopic level. Comparison of these data with the study of the micro- and nano-scale processes by different experimental methods sheds new light on the intrinsic mechanism of the process. The roles of the melts, reactive exothermic dissolution and methastable phases are discussed.
Low calorie commercial sugar is a sensitive marker of glomerular filtration rate.

BACKGROUND Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in humans and animals might be determined with precision by measuring the clearance of an ideal marker, such as inulin. However, the use of inutest, an inulin analog, is limited by its cost and accessibility. The present study tested whether low calorie commercial sugar (LC sugar) can be used to measure GFR during normal and renal dysfunction. METHODS Two groups of 6 male Wistar rats weighing 300 to 350 g were included. One group was treated with a daily dose of cyclosporine (CsA) 30 mg/kg subcutaneously for 7 days and the other group was formed by nontreated control rats. In one half of each group, GFR was evaluated by using inutest and in the other half by using LC sugar. GFR was also evaluated by using a wide LC sugar plasma concentration range in an additional group. RESULTS In nontreated rats, the mean GFR evaluated with LC sugar was 2.2 +/- 0.1 mL/min. This value is equal to that obtained with inutest: 2.3 +/- 0.1 mL/min. CsA administration produced a significant reduction of renal blood flow and renal function. The GFR reduction induced by CsA was similarly determined by both LC sugar and inutest to be at 1.0 +/- 0.2 and 1.1 +/- 0.2 mL/min (P= NS), respectively. In addition, GFR did not change when LC sugar plasma concentration gradually increased. CONCLUSION Our results show that in both normal and pathophysiologic conditions, LC sugar is a good marker of GFR similar to the gold standard inutest.
A longitudinal study of well-being, confidence and competence in junior doctors and the impact of emergency medicine placements

Objectives To measure levels of, and change in junior doctor well-being, confidence and self-reported competence over their second postgraduate training year and the impact of emergency department (ED) placements on these outcomes. Design A longitudinal study using an online survey administered at four time points (2010–2011). Setting 28 Acute Hospital Trusts, drawn from nine participating Postgraduate Deaneries in England. Participants Junior doctors who had a placement in an ED as part of their second postgraduate training year. Main outcome measures Levels of anxiety, depression, motivation, job satisfaction, confidence and self-reported competence, collected at four time points spread over the period of the doctor's second training year (F2). Results 217 junior doctors were recruited to the study. Over the year there was a significant increase in their overall job satisfaction, confidence and self-reported competence. Junior doctors also reported significantly increased levels of motivation and anxiety, and significantly decreased levels of extrinsic job satisfaction when working in ED compared with other specialties. There were also significant increases in both junior doctor confidence and self-reported competence after their placement in ED relative to other specialties. Conclusions While elements of junior doctor well-being worsened in their ED placement compared with their time spent in other specialties, the increased levels of anxiety and reduced extrinsic job satisfaction were within the normal range for other healthcare workers. These deficits were also balanced by greater improvements in motivation, confidence in managing common acute clinical conditions and perceived competence in performing acute procedures compared with benefits offered by placements in other specialties.
Editorial

Since the late 1970s, China has experienced the most rapid and remarkable industrial development in history. The emergence of China, along with India and some other developing countries, potentially challenges Western hegemony in innovation. These challenges are not only for research institutes and universities, the business sector and government; they are also interesting research questions for students of innovation management and policy. The challenges in the research sector have to be seen in the context of over 20 years of major organizational reform, and a substantial expansion in research investments in the last decade. The challenge for innovation in the business sector lies in how to change the business model from one of imitation to one that is truly innovative. One of the major issues of innovation, which highlights some of the challenges facing business and government, is sustainability. The transformation of innovation in China experienced over the past two decades has resulted from strong political leadership.
Adult videogame consumption as individualised, episodic progress

Drawing from phenomenological interviews with 24 adult videogamers, we explore videogame consumption as a source of individualised, episodic progress. We first consider the relationship between play, progress, technology and the market. We then document adults' accounts of progress through the acquisition of new consoles and software, in the accumulation of in-game resources, and in creative achievements within videogames. Alongside an understanding of technological improvements as representing both technological and personal progress, we see how individuals may also turn to videogames in search of quick and easy episodes of achievement; here, progress is not some grand plan, but a series of small events helpfully structured by the latest game releases. Thus, in a society which aspires to a life where things ‘get better’ and time is usefully spent, adults who fail to actualise progress elsewhere may use videogames and related hardware to perform the idea of achievement as individualised episodes of play. In integrating the accepted cultural idea of progress, perceptions of adult play as ‘frivolous’ can be overcome and such practices may be normalised as a legitimate adult activity. However, play emerges from its frivolousness as legitimate only in compensating for working practices that remain alienated through technology-driven productivity, and through the latest technological commodities. The enjoyable nature of games as a leisure pursuit can become overshadowed by an obligation to achieve at the same time as distancing players from areas of their lives where progress is not experienced.
Correlates of postfledging survival, the timing of dispersal, and local recruitment in American Dippers

Natal dispersal is a complex process that involves decisions about when to leave the natal territory, how to move through the landscape, and where to settle. We investigated what factors influence the timing of dispersal and local recruitment of American Dippers (Cinclus mexicanus Swainson, 1827) in Chilliwack, British Columbia. We monitored 102 fledglings from 30 broods between 2003 and 2005. Survival to 5 days after fledging was high (>80%), but individuals fledging early in the season and at an older age had higher survival than those fledging later and younger. Fifty-four per- centage of surviving fledglings dispersed within 14 days of nest departure. Females and individuals that spent more time foraging were more likely to disperse within 14 days than males and individuals that foraged less. For those that dispersed, individuals that fledged early in the season and at older ages spent less time in their natal territory. Approximately 10% (10/82) of dispersing individuals were known to recruit locally. Local recruitment of individuals that delayed dispersal was higher than local recruitment of individuals dispersing early. Our study demonstrates that fitness benefits associated with extended natal philopatry are not restricted to cooperatively breeding birds. Resume´ : La dispersion apres la naissance est un processus complexe qui implique des decisions sur quand quitter le terri- toire natal, comment se deplacer atravers le paysage et ous'etablir. Nous avons etudieles facteurs qui determinent le mo- ment de la dispersion et le recrutement local chez des cincles d'Amerique (Cinclus mexicanus Swainson, 1827) a Chilliwack, Colombie-Britannique. Nous avons suivi 102 jeunes al'envol provenant de 30 couvees entre 2003 et 2005. La survie jusqu'a` 5 jours apres l'envol est elevee (>80 %), mais les petits qui prennent leur envol tot dans la saison ou a un age plus avanceont des taux de survie plus grands que ceux qui s'envolent plus tard ou a un age moins avance´. Cin- quante-quatre pourcentage des petits qui survivent al'envol se dispersent en moins de 14 jours apresl e depart du nid. Les femelles et les individus qui passent plus de temps a s'alimenter sont plus susceptibles de se disperser en dedans de 14 jours que les males et les individus qui s'alimentent moins. Chez ceux qui se dispersent, les individus qui prennent leur en- vol tot dans la saison ou aun age plus avancepassent moins de temps dans leur territoire natal. Nous avons observe´ qu'environ 10% (10/82) des individus qui se dispersent s'integrent a la population locale. Le recrutement local des indi- vidus qui retardent leur dispersion est plus eleveque le recrutement local des individus qui se dispersent tot. Notre etude demontre que les benefices de fitness associesaune philopatrie natale prolongee ne sont pas restreints aux oiseaux qui se reproduisent de maniere cooperative. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: development of a questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES--To develop and test a questionnaire for measuring quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS--An item pool was developed based on the experience of patients with Parkinson's disease and of neurologists; medical literature on the problems of patients with Parkinson's disease; and other quality of life questionnaires. To reduce the item pool, 13 patients identified items that were a problem to them and rated their importance. Items which were most often chosen and rated most important were included in the Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQL). The PDQL consists of 37 items. To evaluate the discriminant validity of the PDQL three groups of severity of disease were compared. To test for convergent validity, the scores of the PDQL were tested for correlation with standard indices of quality of life. RESULTS--The PDQL was filled out by 384 patients with Parkinson's disease. It consisted of four subscales: parkinsonian symptoms, systemic symptoms, emotional functioning, and social functioning. The internal-consistency reliability coefficients of the PDQL subscales were high (0.80-0.87). Patients with higher disease severity had significantly lower quality of life on all PDQL subscales (P < 0.05). Almost all PDQL subscales correlated highly (P < 0.001) with the corresponding scales of the standard quality of life indices. CONCLUSION--The PDQL is a relevant, reliable, and valid measure of the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease.
Spectatoring and the relationship between body image and sexual experience: Self‐focus or self‐valence?

A recently reported finding that negative body image is associated with lower levels of sexual experience was replicated in a large, ethnically diverse sample of undergraduates. Additional analyses failed to support a proposed spectatoring, or chronic self‐focus, interpretation of this association (e.g., Faith & Schare, 1993). First, correlations between body image and a variety of dispositional self‐focus measures were either nonsignificant or in a direction opposite to that assumed by the spectatoring hypothesis. Second, a composite of self‐focus ratings on three trait adjectives shown to be associated with a narcissistic personality profile, flirtatiousness, seductive, and fashionable, explained most of the correlation between body image and sexual experience. These findings suggest body image‐related sexual inexperience may have more to do with motivational mechanisms associated with self‐valence (e.g., expectancy‐mediated disengagement or avoidance) than with cognitive mechanisms associated with self.
A Discriminative Latent Variable Model for Statistical Machine Translation

Large-scale discriminative machine translation promises to further the state-of-the-art, but has failed to deliver convincing gains over current heuristic frequency count systems. We argue that a principle reason for this failure is not dealing with multiple, equivalent translations. We present a translation model which models derivations as a latent variable, in both training and decoding, and is fully discriminative and globally optimised. Results show that accounting for multiple derivations does indeed improve performance. Additionally, we show that regularisation is essential for maximum conditional likelihood models in order to avoid degenerate solutions.
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: The Pharmacogenomics from Research to Clinical Implementation

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), previously thought to be idiosyncratic or unpredictable, are a deadly form of adverse drug reactions with skin manifestations. Current pharmacogenomic studies of SCARs have made important strides, as the prevention of SCARs, to some extent, appears attainable with the identification of genetic variants for genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes and human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). Despite the improvement of incidence, a treatment guideline for this devastating condition is still unavailable, highlighting the inadequacy of contemporary accepted therapeutic interventions. As such, prompt withdrawal of causative drugs is believed to be a priority of patient management. In this review, we discuss recent cutting-edge findings concerning the discovery of biomarkers for SCARs and their clinical utilities in the better prediction and early diagnosis of this disease. The knowledge compiled herein provides clues for future investigations on deciphering additional genetic markers for SCARs and the design of clinical trials for the prospective identification of subjects at genetic risk for this condition, ultimately personalizing the medicine.