Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Off-policy learning with eligibility traces: a survey

In the framework of Markov Decision Processes, we consider linear off-policy learning, that is the problem of learning a linear approximation of the value function of some fixed policy from one trajectory possibly generated by some other policy. We briefly review on-policy learning algorithms of the literature (gradient-based and least-squares-based), adopting a unified algorithmic view. Then, we highlight a systematic approach for adapting them to off-policy learning with eligibility traces. This leads to some known algorithms-- off-policy LSTD(λ), LSPE(λ), TD(λ), TDC/GQ(λ)--and suggests new extensions--off-policy FPKF(λ), BRM(λ), gBRM(λ), GTD2(λ). We describe a comprehensive algorithmic derivation of all algorithms in a recursive and memory-efficent form, discuss their known convergence properties and illustrate their relative empirical behavior on Garnet problems. Our experiments suggest that the most standard algorithms on and off-policy LSTD(λ)/LSPE(λ)--and TD(λ) if the feature space dimension is too large for a least-squares approach--perform the best.
Youth and political participation — empirical results for Germany within a European context

Impatience with politics in Germany, disenchantment with political commitment and individualization are labels frequently attached to the political involvement of young people. Empirical analyses, however, show a rather more complex picture. A basic willingness to become politically involved and to express political opinions is apparent. Indeed, many young people make use of numerous and varied opportunities to express themselves politically, although usually no more than occasionally. Not surprisingly, participation in traditional associations has fallen in some cases. On the other hand, affinity and commitment to ‘New Social Movements’(NSMs) remain fairly consistent. Participation patterns among young people differ according to gender, education level and place of origin: federal states of former West Germany (the ‘old’ states) or the former German Democratic Republic (the ‘new’ states). One focus of the article is on the differences between West and East Germany. The results are then discussed within a European context.
Community College Choice and the Role of Undermatching in the Lives of African Americans

ABSTRACT African American students enroll in 2-year colleges at disproportionately high rates. Little exploration has been conducted on students within this population who could have attended 4-year institutions—a phenomenon known as undermatching (Bastedo & Flaster, 2014). This study explores their college choice process, the factors that influence their decision to attend a community college, and their experience in this type of institution. Findings reveal the role of familial influences in their decision, student perspectives about their choice, and the social and academic impacts of undermatching. Important implications for future research and practice are highlighted.
DISSIPATION AND EXTRA LIGHT IN GALACTIC NUCLEI. IV. EVOLUTION IN THE SCALING RELATIONS OF SPHEROIDS

We develop a model for the physical origin and redshift evolution of spheroid scaling relations. We consider spheroid sizes, velocity dispersions, dynamical masses, profile shapes (Sérsic indices), stellar and supermassive black hole (BH) masses, and their related scalings. Our approach combines advantages of prior observational constraints in halo occupation models and libraries of high-resolution hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy mergers. This allows us to separate the relative roles of dissipation, dry mergers, formation time, and evolution in progenitor properties, and identify their impact on observed scalings at each redshift. We show that, at all redshifts, dissipation is the most important factor determining spheroid sizes and fundamental plane scalings, and can account (at z = 0) for the observed fundamental plane tilt and differences between observed disk and spheroid scaling relations. Because disks (spheroid progenitors) at high redshift have characteristically larger gas fractions, this predicts more dissipation in mergers, yielding systematically more compact, smaller spheroids. In detail, this gives rise to a mass-dependent evolution in the sizes of spheroids of a given mass, which agrees well with observations. This relates to a subtle weakening of the tilt of the early-type fundamental plane with redshift, important for a number of studies that assume a nonevolving stellar mass fundamental plane. This also predicts evolution in the BH–host mass relations, toward more massive BHs at higher redshifts. Dry mergers are also significant, but only for large systems which form early—they originate as compact systems, but undergo a number of dry mergers (consistent with observations) such that they have sizes at any later observed redshift similar to systems of the same mass formed more recently. Most of the observed, compact high-redshift ellipticals will become the cores of present brightest cluster galaxies, and we show how their sizes, velocity dispersions, and BH masses evolve to become consistent with observations. We also predict what fraction might survive intact from early formation and identify their characteristic z = 0 properties. We make predictions for residual correlations as well, e.g., the correlation of size and fundamental plane residuals with formation time of a given elliptical, that can be used as additional tests of these models.
FILTERING OF AIRBORNE LASER SCANNER DATA BASED ON SEGMENTED POINT CLOUDS

The extraction of points on the bare Earth from point clouds acquired by airborne laser scanning is the most time consuming and expensive part in the production of digital elevation models with laser scanning. Current algorithms for filtering point clouds assume the Earth’s surface to be continuous in all directions. This assumption leads to smoothed terrain representations in case of height discontinuities as they are often found in urban environments. This paper presents a new approach to filtering point clouds in which the point cloud is segmented into smooth segments that may still contain height discontinuities. The resulting segments are subsequently classified bare earth or object surfaces based on the geometric relationships with the surrounding segments. The paper demonstrates the advantages of segment-based classification with an analysis of data sets used in the ISPRS filter test.
Inflammatory cytokines are associated with response and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer

Background Esophageal cancer is often marked by aggressive tumor growth and poor prognosis. Patient groups who benefit from perioperative therapy are not yet defined. The tumor microenvironment and circulating factors as possible predictors of response and prognosis gain interest. This study aimed to investigate cytokines in patients’ serum and tumor tissue with regard to response and prognosis. Results Median survival between SCC and AC was not different (published previously). Lower levels of CCL11 (Eotaxin-1) and CXCL10 (IP-10) in the tumor tissue were associated with a better prognosis (p = 0.022; p = 0.002). In the AC subgroup higher concentrations of TGF-β3 in serum and corresponding tumor tissue were associated with adverse prognosis (p = 0.035; p = 0.006). An association with histopathological response was found for IL-12(p70) and CXCL10 in patients’ sera (p = 0.041; p = 0.032). The tissue levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 were significantly lower in histopathological responders than in nonresponders (p = 0.033; p = 0.007). A similar trend was seen for TGF-β3, without statistical significance (p = 0.097). Materials and Methods Preoperative serum samples and corresponding tumor tissue (n = 54), only serum (n = 20) or only tissue (n = 4) were collected from patients undergoing surgery for cT3/4 esophageal squamous cell cancer (SCC) (n = 34) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (n = 44). All samples were taken after neoadjuvant treatment. All patients received perioperative chemo(radio)therapy. Cytokine levels of 17 different cytokines were measured by multiplex immunoassay and correlated with clinicopathological factors. Conclusions Two chemokines (CCL11 and CXCL10) in posttherapeutic tumor tissue were associated with prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer, lower levels indicating a better prognosis. Lower levels of TGF-β were associated with better response and prognosis in patients with AC.
Venom Proteins of the Parasitoid Wasp Nasonia vitripennis: Recent Discovery of an Untapped Pharmacopee

Adult females of Nasonia vitripennis inject a venomous mixture into its host flies prior to oviposition. Recently, the entire genome of this ectoparasitoid wasp was sequenced, enabling the identification of 79 venom proteins. The next challenge will be to unravel their specific functions, but based on homolog studies, some predictions already can be made. Parasitization has an enormous impact on hosts physiology of which five major effects are discussed in this review: the impact on immune responses, induction of developmental arrest, increases in lipid levels, apoptosis and nutrient releases. The value of deciphering this venom is also discussed.
In Vitro Antiprotozoal Activity of Abietane Diterpenoids Isolated from Plectranthus barbatus Andr.

Chromatographic separation of the n-hexane extract of the aerial part of Plectranthus barbatus led to the isolation of five abietane-type diterpenes: dehydroabietane (1); 5,6-didehydro-7-hydroxy-taxodone (2); taxodione (3); 20-deoxocarnosol (4) and 6α,11,12,-trihydroxy-7β,20-epoxy-8,11,13-abietatriene (5). The structures were determined using spectroscopic methods including one- and two-dimensional NMR methods. Compounds (1)–(3) and (5) are isolated here for the first time from the genus Plectranthus. The isolated abietane-type diterpenes tested in vitro for their antiprotozoal activity against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. Cytotoxicity was determined against fibroblast cell line MRC-5. Compound (2) 5,6-didehydro-7-hydroxy-taxodone showed remarkable activity with acceptable selectivity against P. falciparum (IC50 9.2 μM, SI 10.4) and T. brucei (IC50 1.9 μM, SI 50.5). Compounds (3)–(5) exhibited non-specific antiprotozoal activity due to high cytotoxicity. Compound (1) dehydroabietane showed no antiprotozoal potential.
SIGN LEFT BY BRUSHTAIL POSSUMS AFTER FEEDING ON BIRD EGGS AND CHICKS

Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) have been identified as predators of adult birds, eggs and chicks. A captive possum caught and partially ate a house sparrow (Passer domesticus L.) (Morgan, 1981), and time-lapse video photography recorded wild possums eating kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni Gmelin) eggs (Brown, Innes and Shorten, 1993) and chicks (Innes, Crook and Jansen, 1994). Anecdotal accounts implicated possums as predators of at least five other bird species, and feeding trials linked sign left at preyed-on kokako nests to possum feeding (Brown et al., 1993). Possum predation has direct and potentially enormous implications for protected species management on the New Zealand mainland because possums are ubiquitous and abundant (up to 25 ha in some mixed hardwood forests; Coleman, Gillman and Green, 1980). Conservation managers need to know the significance of possums as predators in different forest communities if they are to develop effective control programmes to protect species at risk. However the impacts of possums on bird populations is unknown. Determining impacts of predators on bird populations relies on linking predator identity to predation events. Predation at nests is virtually never observed (Major, 1991), therefore the sample size of evidence linking predator species to sign left after predation K.P. BROWN, H. MOLLER and J. INNES Ecosystems Consultants, P.O. Box 6161, Dunedin, New Zealand. Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, P.O. Box 3127, Hamilton, New Zealand.
How to Conduct a Functional Magnetic Resonance (fMRI) Study in Social Science Research

This research essay outlines a set of guidelines for conducting functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies in social science research in general and also, accordingly, in Information Systems research. Given the increased interest in using neuroimaging tools across the social sciences, this study aims at specifying the key steps needed to conduct an fMRI study while ensuring that enough detail is provided to evaluate the methods and results. The outline of an fMRI study consists of four key steps: (1) formulating the research question, (2) designing the fMRI protocol, (3) analyzing fMRI data, and (4) interpreting and reporting fMRI results. These steps are described with an illustrative example of a published fMRI study on trust and distrust in this journal (Dimoka 2010). The paper contributes to the methodological literature by (1) providing a set of guidelines for designing and conducting fMRI studies, (2) specifying methodological details that should be included in fMRI studies in academic venues, and (3) illustrating these practices with an exemplar fMRI study. Future directions for conducting high-quality fMRI studies in the social sciences are discussed.
Animal Protein, Animal Fat, and Cholesterol Intakes and Risk of Cerebral Infarction Mortality in the Adult Health Study

Background and Purpose— A traditional diet that is poor in animal products is thought to explain the high rate of stroke in Asian populations. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a diet rich in animal protein, animal fat, and cholesterol on the risk of cerebral infarction mortality in a Japanese population. Methods— A prospective study of 3731 Japanese men and women aged 35 to 89 years was conducted from 1984 to 2001. Nutrient intake was estimated at baseline from the responses to a 24-hour diary. During the follow-up period, cases of cerebral infarction deaths (as entered on death certificates) were monitored. Results— During the follow-up period, 60 deaths were attributed to cerebral infarction. A high intake of animal fat and cholesterol was significantly associated with a reduced risk of cerebral infarction death. The risk was reduced by 62% (CI, 82% to 18%) for those in the third tertile of animal fat intake, compared with those in the first tertile, with a significant linear dose-response relationship (P =0.0073). The risk of death from infarction was reduced by 63% (CI, 82% to 22%) in the high cholesterol consumption group, compared with the low consumption group. A significant linear dose–response relationship was observed. Animal protein was not significantly associated with infarction mortality after adjustment for animal fat and cholesterol. Conclusions— This study suggests that in Japan, where animal product intake is lower than in Western countries, a high consumption of animal fat and cholesterol was associated with a reduced risk of cerebral infarction death.
Factors Contributing to Reading Performance: An In-Depth Analysis of the “Boy Crisis”

ii Acknowledgements iii List of Tables vii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY 1 Background of the Problem 2 Statement of the Problem 4 Purpose of the Study 4 Research Questions 5 Theoretical Framework 6 Importance of the Study 7 Scope and Limitations of the Study 8 Outline of the Remainder of the Document 8 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 10 The Boy Crisis Debate 10 Large-Scale Assessment: A Closer Look 13 Pointing Fingers 17 The Real Story – Boys, Girls, and Literacy 21 What is the Real Crisis? A Look at Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status 23 Implications of the Boy Crisis: Gender-Inclusive Teaching 25 Summary of the Chapter 29 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES 30 Research Design 30 Instrumentation 31 PCAP Questionnaire and Test Scoring 34 Sample 34 Variables Examined 34 Data Analysis 38 Methodological Assumptions 38 Limitations 39 Summary of the Chapter 41 CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS 42 Analysis of Variables 42 Summary of the Chapter 59
Radical settlements to conflict: Conflict management and its implications for institutional change

Abstract This paper theorizes that conflict management strategies influence radical settlements in institutional fields. Radical settlements are truces to conflict reached between field constituents that significantly change constituents’ relations and their institutional context. We develop theory on the concept of radical settlements by introducing a typology of conflict management strategies that predicts variance in the likelihood of a radical settlement in institutional fields. We ground this typology within a framework of two key antecedents – ideological salience and field polarization – proposed to influence conflict management strategies. Our paper provides new insights to the literature on conflict and institutional change by shedding new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon of conflict settlement or cessation as a catalyst for change within institutional fields.
The Ability of PVX p25 to Form RL Structures in Plant Cells Is Necessary for Its Function in Movement, but Not for Its Suppression of RNA Silencing

The p25 triple gene block protein of Potato virus X (PVX) is multifunctional, participating in viral movement and acting as a suppressor of RNA silencing. The cell-to-cell movement of PVX is known to depend on the suppression function of p25. GFP-fused p25 accumulates in rod-like (RL) structures with intense fluorescence in cells. By monitoring the location of fluorescence at different times, we have now shown that the RL structure is composed of filaments. P25 mutants without the conditional ability to recover movement function could not form RL structures while the mutants that had the ability did form the structure, suggesting that the ability of p25 to form RL structures is necessary for its function in cell-to-cell movement, but not for its suppressor function. Moreover, chemical inhibition of microfilaments in cells destroyed the formation of the complete RL structure. Additionally, TGBp2 and TGBp3 were recruited into the RL structure, suggesting a relationship between the TGBps in virus movement.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic mitotic cycles continue in Drosophila embryos in which DNA synthesis is inhibited with aphidicolin

We have microinjected aphidicolin, a specific inhibitor of DNA polymerase alpha, into syncytial Drosophila embryos. This treatment inhibits DNA synthesis and, as a consequence, nuclear replication. We demonstrate that under these conditions several cycles of both centrosome replication and cortical budding continue, although the cycles have a longer periodicity than is normally found. As in uninjected embryos, when the cortical buds are present, the embryos have nuclei containing decondensed chromatin surrounded by nuclear membranes as judged by bright annular staining with an anti-lamin antibody. As the buds recede, the unreplicated chromatin condenses and lamin staining becomes weak and diffuse. Thus, both cytoplasmic and nuclear aspects of the mitotic cycle continue following the inhibition of DNA replication in the Drosophila embryo.
Multiple lymphoid nodules in bone marrow have the same clonality as underlying myelodysplastic syndrome recognized with fluorescent in situ hybridization technique

Benign nodular lymphoid lesions are not rare in the bone marrow of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Herein, we report a case of MDS with clonal lymphoid aggregates in the bone marrow but without evidence of systemic lymphoma. The case of a 71‐year‐old man was evaluated for cytopenia. His bone marrow was initially hypocellular, with 10% blasts and a few small lymphoid aggregates. The diagnosis of refractory anemia with excess blasts was made. The disease progressed gradually, and he received erythropoietin and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor for a short time. Forty‐two months later, acute leukemia (M1) developed, with 60% to 70% blasts in the bone marrow. The bone marrow also showed large aggregates of lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical study of these cells in the nodular lesions showed 50% CD3+ and 50% CD20+. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies revealed monosomy 7 and T‐ and B‐cell clonal gene rearrangement. Fluorescent in situ hybridization study with centromere‐specific probes of a bone marrow specimen showed monosomy 7 in both nodular lymphoid lesions and surrounding bone marrow cells, indicating that both processes originated from the same abnormal pluripotential progenitor. Am. J. Hematol. 59:252–257, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Network-based metabolite ratios for an improved functional characterization of genome-wide association study results

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with metabolite ratios as quantitative traits have successfully deepened our understanding of the complex relationship between genetic variants and metabolic phenotypes. Usually all ratio combinations are selected for association tests. However, with more metabolites being detectable, the quadratic increase of the ratio number becomes challenging from a statistical, computational and interpretational point-of-view. Therefore methods which select biologically meaningful ratios are required. We here present a network-based approach by selecting only closely connected metabolites in a given metabolic network. The feasibility of this approach was tested on in silico data derived from simulated reaction networks. Especially for small effect sizes, network-based metabolite ratios (NBRs) improved the metabolite-based prediction accuracy of genetically-influenced reactions compared to the ‘all ratios’ approach. Evaluating the NBR approach on published GWAS association results, we compared reported ‘all ratio’-SNP hits with results obtained by selecting only NBRs as candidates for association tests. Input networks for NBR selection were derived from public pathway databases or reconstructed from metabolomics data. NBR-candidates covered more than 80% of all significant ratio-SNP associations and we could replicate 7 out of 10 new associations predicted by the NBR approach. In this study we evaluated a network-based approach to select biologically meaningful metabolite ratios as quantitative traits in GWAS. Taking metabolic network information into account facilitated the analysis and the biochemical interpretation of metabolite-gene association results. For upcoming studies, for instance with case-control design, large-scale metabolomics data and small sample numbers, the analysis of all possible metabolite ratios is not feasible due to the correction for multiple testing. Here our NBR approach increases the statistical power and lowers computational demands, allowing for a better understanding of the complex interplay between individual phenotypes, genetics and metabolic profiles.