Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A General Exponential Framework for Dimensionality Reduction

As a general framework, Laplacian embedding, based on a pairwise similarity matrix, infers low dimensional representations from high dimensional data. However, it generally suffers from three issues: 1) algorithmic performance is sensitive to the size of neighbors; 2) the algorithm encounters the well known small sample size (SSS) problem; and 3) the algorithm de-emphasizes small distance pairs. To address these issues, here we propose exponential embedding using matrix exponential and provide a general framework for dimensionality reduction. In the framework, the matrix exponential can be roughly interpreted by the random walk over the feature similarity matrix, and thus is more robust. The positive definite property of matrix exponential deals with the SSS problem. The behavior of the decay function of exponential embedding is more significant in emphasizing small distance pairs. Under this framework, we apply matrix exponential to extend many popular Laplacian embedding algorithms, e.g., locality preserving projections, unsupervised discriminant projections, and marginal fisher analysis. Experiments conducted on the synthesized data, UCI, and the Georgia Tech face database show that the proposed new framework can well address the issues mentioned above.
Developmental and physical disabilities

Developmental and physical disabilities represent a significant and increasingly prevalent source of diversity in educational settings. Consequently, it is important for educators to gain a basic understanding of the learning and behavioral characteristics associated with the various types of developmental and physical disabilities. This chapter describes the most common types of developmental and physical disabilities that affect school-aged children and highlights their associated learning and behavioral characteristics. The specific disability categories described are: (a) attention-deficit, hyperactivity disorder, (b) autism spectrum disorder, (c) cerebral palsy, (d) intellectual disability, (e) learning disabilities, and (f) multiple disabilities. This general overview is intended to increase understanding of the educational needs of children with these types of developmental and physical disabilities.
Clinical Features, Short-Term Mortality, and Prognostic Risk Factors of Septic Patients Admitted to Internal Medicine Units

AbstractOnly a few studies provided data on the clinical history of sepsis within internal Medicine units.The aim of the study was to assess the short-term mortality and to evaluate the prognostic risk factors in a large cohort of septic patients treated in internal medicine units.Thirty-one internal medicine units participated to the study. Within each participating unit, all admitted patients were screened for the presence of sepsis.A total of 533 patients were included; 78 patients (14.6%, 95%CI 11.9, 18.0%) died during hospitalization; mortality rate was 5.5% (95% CI 3.1, 9.6%) in patients with nonsevere sepsis and 20.1% (95%CI 16.2, 28.8%) in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Severe sepsis or septic shock (OR 4.41, 95%CI 1.93, 10.05), immune system weakening (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.12, 3.94), active solid cancer (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.16, 3.94), and age (OR 1.03 per year, 95% CI 1.01, 1.06) were significantly associated with an increased mortality risk, whereas blood culture positive for Escherichia coli was significantly associated with a reduced mortality risk (OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.24, 0.88). In-hospital mortality of septic patients treated in internal medicine units appeared similar to the mortality rate obtained in recent studies conducted in the ICU setting.
Detection of Wind-Induced Response by Wavelet Transformed GPS Solutions

Global positioning system (GPS) solutions offer direct measurements for the dynamic monitoring of long-span and tall civil structures. Timely and correct interpretation of the solutions is essential to improve monitoring and reduce the number of false alarms. In this article, a new approach has been developed that employs the principal component analysis (PCA) of wavelet transformed GPS solutions to detect out-of-control signals. The methodology consists of prefiltering the original GPS solutions via finite infinite response median hybrid (FMH) filter and applying the PCA to Haar wavelet transform (HWT) of the FMH-filtered results. It has been tested off-line using observation data from a tall building monitoring experiment involving GPS and multisensors. Observation data were collected for about seven days in February 2000, including two strong wind periods. The PCA control chart of the wavelet transformed solutions was found to respond better to the wind periods as compared with that of the “raw” solutions. The proposed method can be applied to monitor wind/earthquake or thermally induced responses in the long-term deformation monitoring of large engineering structures by GPS.
City-Scale Social Event Detection and Evaluation with Taxi Traces

A social event is an occurrence that involves lots of people and is accompanied by an obvious rise in human flow. Analysis of social events has real-world importance because events bring about impacts on many aspects of city life. Traditionally, detection and impact measurement of social events rely on social investigation, which involves considerable human effort. Recently, by analyzing messages in social networks, researchers can also detect and evaluate country-scale events. Nevertheless, the analysis of city-scale events has not been explored. In this article, we use human flow dynamics, which reflect the social activeness of a region, to detect social events and measure their impacts. We first extract human flow dynamics from taxi traces. Second, we propose a method that can not only discover the happening time and venue of events from abnormal social activeness, but also measure the scale of events through changes in such activeness. Third, we extract traffic congestion information from traces and use its change during social events to measure their impact. The results of experiments validate the effectiveness of both the event detection and impact measurement methods.
Real time search user behavior

Real time search is an increasingly important area of information seeking on the Web. In this research, we analyze 1,005,296 user interactions with a real time search engine over a 190 day period. We investigate aggregate usage of the search engine, such as number of users, queries, and terms. We also investigate the structure of queries and terms submitted by these users. The results are compared to Web searching on traditional search engines. Results show that 60% of the traffic comes from the engine's application program interface, indicating that real time search is heavily leveraged by other applications. Of the queries, 30% were unique (used only once in the entire dataset). The most frequent query accounted for 0.003% of the query set. Less than 8% of the terms were unique. The most frequently used terms accounted for only 0.03% of the total terms. Concerning search topics, the most used terms dealt with technology, entertainment, and politics, reflecting both the temporal nature of the queries and, perhaps, an early adopter user-based. Sexual queries were quite low, relative to traditional Web search. Searchers of real time content often repeat queries overtime, perhaps indicating long term interest in a topic. We discuss the implications for search engines and information providers as real time content increasingly enters the main stream.
Numerical investigation of isospectral cavities built from triangles.

We present computational approaches as alternatives to a recent microwave cavity experiment by S. Sridhar and A. Kudrolli [Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 2175 (1994)] on isospectral cavities built from triangles. A straightforward proof of isospectrality is given, based on the mode-matching method. Our results show that the experiment is accurate to 0.3% for the first 25 states. The level statistics resemble those of a Gaussian orthogonal ensemble when the integrable part of the spectrum is removed.
A Multi-Component Model for Assessing Learning Objects: The Learning Object Evaluation Metric (LOEM)

While discussion of the criteria needed to assess learning objects has been extensive, a formal, systematic model for evaluation has yet to be thoroughly tested. The purpose of the following study was to develop and assess a multi-component model for evaluating learning objects. The Learning Object Evaluation Metric (LOEM) was developed from a detailed list of criteria gathered from a comprehensive review of the literature. A sample of 1113 middle and secondary students, 33 teachers, and 44 learning objects was used to test this model. A principal components analysis revealed four distinct constructs: interactivity, design, engagement, and usability. These four constructs showed acceptable internal and inter-rater reliability. They also correlated significantly with student and teacher perceptions of learning, quality, and engagement. Finally, all four constructs were significantly and positively correlated with student learning performance. It is reasonable to conclude that the LOEM is reliable, valid, and effective approach to evaluating the effectiveness of learning objects in middle and secondary schools.
Hydrogen sulphide decreases IL-1β-induced activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with osteoarthritis

Balneotherapy employing sulphurous thermal water is still applied to patients suffering from diseases of musculoskeletal system like osteoarthritis (OA) but evidence for its clinical effectiveness is scarce. Since the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulphide (H2S) seems to affect cells involved in degenerative joint diseases, it was the objective of this study to investigate the effects of exogenous H2S on fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS), which are key players in OA pathogenesis being capable of producing pro‐inflammatory cytokines and matrix degrading enzymes. To address this issue primary FLS derived from OA patients were stimulated with IL‐1β and treated with the H2S donor NaHS. Cellular responses were analysed by ELISA, quantitative real‐time PCR, phospho‐MAPkinase array and Western blotting. Treatment‐induced effects on cellular structure and synovial architecture were investigated in three‐dimensional extracellular matrix micromasses. NaHS treatment reduced both spontaneous and IL‐1β‐induced secretion of IL‐6, IL‐8 and RANTES in different experimental settings. In addition, NaHS treatment reduced the expression of matrix metallo‐proteinases MMP‐2 and MMP‐14. IL‐1β induced the phosphorylation of several MAPkinases. NaHS treatment partially reduced IL‐1β‐induced activation of several MAPK whereas it increased phosphorylation of pro‐survival factor Akt1/2. When cultured in spherical micromasses, FLS intentionally established a synovial lining layer‐like structure; stimulation with IL‐1β altered the architecture of micromasses leading to hyperplasia of the lining layer which was completely inhibited by concomitant exposure to NaHS. These data suggest that H2S partially antagonizes IL‐1β stimulation via selective manipulation of the MAPkinase and the PI3K/Akt pathways which may encourage development of novel drugs for treatment of OA.
Independent measurement of the total active 8B solar neutrino flux using an array of 3He proportional counters at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory.

The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) used an array of 3He proportional counters to measure the rate of neutral-current interactions in heavy water and precisely determined the total active (nu_x) 8B solar neutrino flux. This technique is independent of previous methods employed by SNO. The total flux is found to be 5. 54_-0.31;+0.33(stat)-0.34+0.36(syst)x10(6) cm(-2) s(-1), in agreement with previous measurements and standard solar models. A global analysis of solar and reactor neutrino results yields Deltam2=7. 59_-0.21;+0.19x10(-5) eV2 and theta=34. 4_-1.2;+1.3 degrees. The uncertainty on the mixing angle has been reduced from SNO's previous results.
Effect of Culture Conditions on Viability of Mouse and Rat Embryos Developed in Vitro

Currently in vitro culture of mouse preimplantation embryos has become a very important technique to investigate different mechanisms of early embryogenesis. However, there is a big difference in the preimplantation development between mammalian species. Despite close relatedness to mice, in vitro cultivation of rat preimplantation embryos is still delicate and needs further investigation and optimizations. In this study we have compared the in vitro developmental potential of mouse and rat embryos cultured at different culture conditions in parallel experiments. Interestingly, mouse zygotes developed in vitro until blastocyst stage even in inadequate medium without any phosphates and with low osmolarity which was formulated especially for cultivation of rat embryos. Rat parthenotes and zygotes developed in M16 medium formulated for mouse embryos only till 2-cell stage and further development is blocked completely at this stage. Moreover, developmental ability of rat embryos in vitro was significantly lower in comparison with mouse even in special rat mR1ECM medium. Mouse and rat embryos at 2-cell stage obtained in vivo developed until blastocyst stages significantly more efficiently compared to zygotes. Culture of mouse zygotes in glass capillaries resulted in a significantly higher rate of morula and blastocyst development compared with dishes. The Well-of-the-Well system resulted in a significant improvement when compared with dishes for the culture of rat zygotes only until morula stage. Reduced oxygen tension increased the developmental rate of rat but not mouse zygotes until blastocyst stage. This study demonstrates that development of early preimplantation embryos is altered by different culture conditions and show strong differences even between two related species such as mice and rats. Therefore, for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of early mammalian development it is very important to use embryos of various species.
An examination of bullying within middle school physical education

” Mr. Valley and Mrs. Westcott, however, indicated that the class policy is, “Be respectful,” although Mrs. Westcott also suggested that physical education rules “should be a little bit more exact. ” Lack of strategies to stop bullying. In addition to an absence of clear rules governing student interactions, teachers also lacked consistency and knowledge when reporting strategies for addressing bullying. Mr. Valley expressed that he handles bullying on a “case-by-case basis. ” He indicated that the threat of removing participation privileges
Non-geometric string backgrounds and worldsheet algebras

Using worldsheet Hamiltonian methods we derive a charge algebra which generalizes the Courant bracket to include fluxes of general index type. This is achieved by coupling a bi-vector to the usual string Hamiltonian. This bracket is useful to describe so-called non-geometric backgrounds and has been discussed in the mathematics literature by Dmitry Roytenberg.
Square q, t-lattice paths and ∇(pn)

The combinatorial q,t-Catalan numbers are weighted sums of Dyck paths introduced by J. Haglund and studied extensively by Haglund, Haiman, Garsia, Loehr, and others. The q,t-Catalan numbers, besides having many subtle combinatorial properties, are intimately connected to symmetric functions, algebraic geometry, and Macdonald polynomials. In particular, the n'th q,t-Catalan number is the Hilbert series for the module of diagonal harmonic alternants in 2n variables; it is also the coefficient of s 1 n in the Schur expansion of ∇(e n ). Using q,t-analogues of labelled Dyck paths, Haglund et al. have proposed combinatorial conjectures for the monomial expansion of ∇(e n ) and the Hilbert series of the diagonal harmonics modules. This article extends the combinatorial constructions of Haglund et al. to the case of lattice paths contained in squares. We define and study several q,t-analogues of these lattice paths, proving combinatorial facts that closely parallel corresponding results for the q,t-Catalan polynomials. We also conjecture.an interpretation of our combinatorial polynomials in terms of the nabla operator. In particular, we conjecture combinatorial formulas for the monomial expansion of ∇(p n ), the "Hilbert series" (∇(p n ), h 1 n), and the sign character (∇(p n ),s 1 n).
Ordered nanoporous silica as carriers for improved delivery of water insoluble drugs: a comparative study between three dimensional and two dimensional macroporous silica

The goal of the present study was to compare the drug release properties and stability of the nanoporous silica with different pore architectures as a matrix for improved delivery of poorly soluble drugs. For this purpose, three dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) silica with 3D continuous and interconnected macropores of different sizes (200 nm and 500 nm) and classic mesoporous silica (ie, Mobil Composition of Matter [MCM]-41 and Santa Barbara Amorphous [SBA]-15) with well-ordered two dimensional (2D) cylindrical mesopores were successfully fabricated and then loaded with the model drug indomethacin (IMC) via the solvent deposition method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to systematically characterize all IMC-loaded nanoporous silica formulations, evidencing the successful inclusion of IMC into nanopores, the reduced crystallinity, and finally accelerated dissolution of IMC. It was worth mentioning that, in comparison to 2D mesoporous silica, 3DOM silica displayed a more rapid release profile, which may be ascribed to the 3D interconnected pore networks and the highly accessible surface areas. The results obtained from the stability test indicated that the amorphous state of IMC entrapped in the 2D mesoporous silica (SBA-15 and MCM-41) has a better physical stability than in that of 3DOM silica. Moreover, the dissolution rate and stability of IMC loaded in 3DOM silica was closely related to the pore size of macroporous silica. The colorimetric 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assays in combination with direct morphology observations demonstrated the good biocompatibility of nanoporous silica, especially for 3DOM silica and SBA-15. The present work encourages further study of the drug release properties and stability of drug entrapped in different pore architecture of silica in order to realize their potential in oral drug delivery.
Macroeconomic Risk and Hedge Fund Returns

This paper estimates hedge fund and mutual fund exposure to newly proposed measures of macroeconomic risk that are interpreted as measures of economic uncertainty. We find that the resulting uncertainty betas explain a significant proportion of the cross-sectional dispersion in hedge fund returns. However, the same is not true for mutual funds, for which there is no significant relationship. After controlling for a large set of fund characteristics and risk factors, the positive relation between uncertainty betas and future hedge fund returns remains economically and statistically significant. Hence, we argue that macroeconomic risk is a powerful determinant of cross-sectional differences in hedge fund returns.
Reliability and Validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Life Skills in Late Childhood.

This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Life Skills in Late Childhood, an instrument designed to measure a concept similar to “zest for living” in late childhood. A total of 1,888 elementary school students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades residing in urban and suburban areas as well as in remote islands of 3 prefectures (Okinawa, Kagoshima, and Nagasaki) were surveyed. On the basis of our analysis, 24 items and seven factors were extracted. These factors are problem-solving/synthesis, relationship with friends, personal manners, decision-making and future planning, self-learning, collecting and using information, and leadership. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients were computed for each subscale and ranged from 0.71 to 0.87. Test-retest reliability coefficient values ranged from 0.68 to 0.79. To examine the construct validity of the scales, a goodness-of-fit model was determined by confirmatory factor analysis, and satisfactory values were found (GFI = 0.952, AGFI = 0.937, CFI = 0.966, RMSEA = 0.016). The validity of the goodness-of-fit model and the reliability of the scales indicate that the Multidimensional Scale of Life Skills in Late Childhood is an effective assessment tool.
Bundle-Size Pricing as an Approximation to Mixed Bundling

Multiproduct firms can set separate prices for all possible bundled combinations of its products "mixed bundling"). However, this is impractical for firms with more than a few products, because the number of prices increases exponentially with the number of products. We find that simple pricing strategies are often nearly optimal. Specifically, we show that bundle-size pricing--setting prices that depend only on the size of bundle purchased--tends to be more profitable than offering the individual products priced separately and tends to closely approximate the profits from mixed bundling. (JEL D24, D42, L11, L13, L25)
CPAP Adherence of Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP) are the gold standard treatments for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but CPAP/BPAP is not well tolerated and requires long-term follow-up. OBJECTIVE: We prospectively assessed subjective and objective adherence and factors that affect adherence in OSAS patients. METHODS: Subjects using CPAP/BPAP were questioned about adverse effects of CPAP/BPAP and were assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at the first, third, sixth, and twelfth month, and once every 6 months after the first year. CPAP/BPAP use and objective and subjective adherence were assessed. Subjects who used CPAP/BPAP for at least 4 hours per night for at least 70% of the days monitored were regarded as adherent, and those who did not were considered non-adherent. The relationships between adherence and demographic data, polysomnography findings, ESS scores, and adverse effects were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Six-hundred forty-eight subjects who were diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography and accepted to use CPAP/BPAP in our sleep center between January 2005 and June 2011 were included. Four-hundred fifty-one subjects (69.6%) were men, and 197 (30.4%) were women. Two-hundred forty-eight (38.3%) subjects attended follow-ups, 246 (37.9%) were called by telephone, and 154 (23.8%) could not be reached. Of the whole population, 63.9% had obtained their CPAP/BPAP machine. In the 248 subjects who attended follow-ups, subjective adherence was 85.1% and objective adherence was 64.5%. Improvement in ESS score (P < .001) and satisfactory sleep (P < .001) were found to be significantly higher in the adherent group. Chest discomfort, difficulty falling asleep, and sleep disturbances were significantly higher in the non-adherent group (all P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Of the whole population, just 38.3% attended follow-ups. The objective adherence was lower than the subjective adherence in subjects who attended follow-ups. Younger subjects were more adherent, and the most important factors that correlated with adherence were substantial improvement of daytime sleepiness and effect of CPAP/BPAP on satisfactory sleep. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP/BPAP adherence should be followed with objective monitoring.