Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Box-Trees and R-Trees with Near-Optimal Query Time

A box-tree is a bounding-volume hierarchy that uses axis-aligned boxes as bounding volumes. The query complexity of a box-tree with respect to a given type of query is the maximum number of nodes visited when answering such a query. We describe several new algorithms for constructing box-trees with small worst-case query complexity with respect to queries with axis-parallel boxes and with points. We also prove lower bounds on the worst-case query complexity for box-trees, which show that our results are optimal or close to optimal. Finally, we present algorithms to convert box-trees to R-trees, resulting in R-trees with (almost) optimal query complexity.
Structural Correlates of Implicit Learning Deficits in Subjects with Developmental Dyslexia

Several neuroimaging studies in developmental dyslexia (DD) have mainly focused on brain regions subserving phonological processes. However, additional deficits characterize subjects with DD, such as an impairment of visual and rapid stimuli processing and deficits in implicit learning (IL). Little is known about structural abnormalities in brain regions not directly related to phonology and reading processes. The aim of this study was to investigate, using voxel‐based morphometry, whether subjects with DD exhibit any structural grey matter (GM) abnormalities in regions that have previously shown abnormal functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation during an IL task. Significantly smaller GM volumes were found in the right posterior superior parietal lobule and precuneus and in the right supplementary motor area (SMA) of subjects with DD compared to controls. Moreover, a larger GM volume in parietal cortex was associated with an increase of IL effect in controls but not in subjects with DD. These structural abnormalities are consistent with functional changes and reinforce the hypothesis that an impairment of IL might play a relevant role in learning to read.
THE INTERFACE BETWEEN EFL LEARNERS' SELF-EFFICACY CONCERNING LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND LISTENING PROFICIENCY

Since the focus of education has shifted from teacher-directed to learner-oriented instruction in recent decades, a growing body of research in the field of EFL/ESL learning involves issues relevant to learners and their individual differences. It should be pointed out that one of the important factors affecting test scores is test takers" characteristics. Therefore, the present study concentrated on one of these individual differences; namely self- efficacy. To narrow down the focus of investigation, this study aimed at exploring the role of EFL learner's self- efficacy regarding listening comprehension in their listening test performance. Hence, the main research question addressed by the present study was "Are there any relationships between EFL learners" self-efficacy regarding listening comprehension and listening proficiency? " A group of 61 freshmen undergraduate learners of English consented to participate in the present study. Data on the learners" self-efficacy were collected through an author- designed questionnaire. The listening proficiency was quantified and extracted based on the students" answers to a listening test performance titled as 'Listening Diagnostic Pre-test' adopted from paper-based Longman TOEFL(2001, pp.3-6). The results of statistical analyses indicated that listening comprehension self- efficacy was significantly related to listening proficiency.
Comparative effectiveness of medication versus cognitive-behavioral therapy in a randomized controlled trial of low-income young minority women with depression.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether there are latent trajectory classes in response to treatment and whether they moderate the effects of medication versus psychotherapy. METHOD Data come from a 1-year randomized controlled trial of 267 low-income, young (M = 29 years), minority (44% Black, 50% Latina, 6% White) women with current major depression randomized to antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or referral to community mental health services. Growth mixture modeling was used to determine whether there were differential effects of medication versus CBT. Depression was measured via the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Hamilton, 1960). RESULTS We identified 2 latent trajectory classes. The first was characterized by severe depression at baseline. At 6 months, mean depression scores for the medication and CBT groups in this class were 13.9 and 14.9, respectively (difference not significant). At 12 months, mean depression scores were 16.4 and 11.0, respectively (p for difference = .04). The second class was characterized by moderate depression and anxiety at baseline. At 6 months, mean depression scores for the medication and CBT groups were 4.4 and 6.8, respectively (p for difference = .03). At 12 months, the mean depression scores were 7.1 and 7.8, respectively, and the difference was no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS Among depressed women with moderate baseline depression and anxiety, medication was superior to CBT at 6 months, but the difference was not sustained at 1 year. Among women with severe depression, there was no significant treatment group difference at 6 months, but CBT was superior to medication at 1 year.
Molecular chaperones protect against JNK- and Nmnat-regulated axon degeneration in Drosophila

Summary Axon degeneration is observed at the early stages of many neurodegenerative conditions and this often leads to subsequent neuronal loss. We previously showed that inactivating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway leads to axon degeneration in Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neurons. To understand this process, we screened candidate suppressor genes and found that the Wallerian degeneration slow (WldS) protein blocked JNK axonal degeneration. Although the nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat1) portion of WldS is required, we found that its nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) enzyme activity and the WldS N-terminus (N70) are dispensable, unlike axotomy models of neurodegeneration. We suggest that WldS-Nmnat protects against axonal degeneration through chaperone activity. Furthermore, ectopically expressed heat shock proteins (Hsp26 and Hsp70) also protected against JNK and Nmnat degeneration phenotypes. These results suggest that molecular chaperones are key in JNK- and Nmnat-regulated axonal protective functions.
Generative models of noisy translations with applications to parallel fragment extraction

The development of broad domain statistical machine translation systems is gated by the availability of parallel data. A promising strategy for mitigating data scarcity is to mine parallel data from comparable corpora. Although comparable corpora seldom contain parallel sentences, they often contain parallel words or phrases. Recent fragment extraction approaches have shown that including parallel fragments in SMT training data can significantly improve translation quality. We describe efficient and effective generative models for extracting fragments, and demonstrate that these algorithms produce competitive improvements on cross-domain test data without suffering in-domain degradation even at very large scale.
Properties of stimulus-dependent synchrony in retinal ganglion cells

Neighboring retinal ganglion cells often spike synchronously, but the possible function and mechanism of this synchrony is unclear. Recently, the strength of the fast correlation between ON-OFF directionally selective cells of the rabbit retina was shown to be stimulus dependent. Here, we extend that study, investigating stimulus-dependent correlation among multiple ganglion-cell classes, using multi-electrode recordings. Our results generalized those for directionally selective cells. All cell pairs exhibiting significant spike synchrony did it for an extended edge but rarely for full-field stimuli. The strength of this synchrony did not depend on the amplitude of the response and correlations could be present even when the cells' receptive fields did not overlap. In addition, correlations tended to be orientation selective in a manner predictable by the relative positions of the receptive fields. Finally, extended edges and full-field stimuli produced significantly greater and smaller correlations than predicted by chance respectively. We propose an amacrine-network model for the enhancement and depression of correlation. Such an apparently purposeful control of correlation adds evidence for retinal synchrony playing a functional role in vision.
Planting Soybean With A Grain Drill Inconsistently Increases Yield And Profit

Growers can plant soybean (Glycine max( L.) Merr. ) with a grain drill or row crop planter, which can affect seed and weed control costs and yield. Farmers planted soybean with a drill in 0.19-m rows and row crop planter in 0.38- and 0.76-m rows at two seeding rates (420,000 and 321,000 seeds ha -1 ) in two field-scale studies in New York to obtain agronomic information and conduct partial budget analyses to aid in future planter selection and purchase decisions. Soybean intercepted more light at flowering in 0.19 (65-70%) compared with 0.76-m rows (50-55%), despite lower early plant establishment (~70 and ~85%, respectively) at both locations. At a no-till location, 0.76-m rows compared with narrower rows had greater weed density at full pod stage (19.7 vs. 6.3 and 5.1 weeds m -2 ) and weed biomass at harvest (13.7 vs. 6.6 and 7.3 g m -2 , respectively) but similar yield (~3.30 Mg ha -1 ). At a chisel tillage location, soybean in 0.19-m rows at the recommended 420,000 seeds ha -1 yielded 4% more (4.27 Mg ha -1 ) than in 0.76-m rows at the recommended 321,000 seeds ha -1 (4.11 Mg ha -1 ). Partial budget analyses indicated that soybean in 0.19-m rows at 420,000 seeds ha -1 had ~$30 ha -1 greater profit compared with 0.76-m rows at 321,000 seeds ha -1 . Partial budget analyses indicated that at present prices the 4% yield advantage offset purchasing and owning costs of a new drill and added seed costs, if planting 250 and 500 ha of soybean.
Gaussian Process Regression Stochastic Volatility Model for Financial Time Series

Traditional economic models have rigid-form transition functions when modeling time-varying volatility of financial time series data and cannot capture other time-varying dynamics in the financial market. In this paper, combining the Gaussian process state-space model framework and the stochastic volatility (SV) model, we introduce a new Gaussian process regression stochastic volatility (GPRSV) model building procedures for financial time series data analysis and time-varying volatility modeling. The GPRSV extends the SV model. The flexible stochastic nature of the Gaussian process state description allows the model to capture more time-varying dynamics of the financial market. We also present the model estimation methods for the GPRSV model. We demonstrate the superior volatility prediction performance of our model with both simulated and empirical financial data.
Long-term effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome due to non bacterial prostatitis

Background: There is limited evidence about the chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) treatment by shockwave therapy, and the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on CPPS due to non bacterial prostatitis in a long-term period. Materials and Methods: In a follow-up survey, 40 patients with CPPS (that were randomly distributed into the treatment or sham groups were evaluated at 16, 20, and 24 weeks. In the treatment group, patients were treated by extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) once a week for 4 weeks by a protocol of 3000 impulses, 0.25 mJ/m2 and 3 Hz of frequency. 0.05 mJ/m2 were added in each week. In the sham group, the same protocol was applied, but with the probe being turned off. The follow-up assessments were done by visual analog scale for pain and National Institutes of Health-developed Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Data were compared using independent t-test or analysis of variences. Results: Three patients did not complete the study protocol, 37 patients were evlauated (19 patients in treatment and 18 patients in the sham group). At week 24, the mean of pain score, urinary score, quality-of-life and NIH-CPSI score between two groups were not statistically different. Conclusion: Although, ESWT therapy as a safe and effective therapy in CPPS in short-term follow-up has been established, its long-term efficacy was not supported by this study.
How Different Are Users and Non-Users of Alternative Medicine?

Purpose: To determine whether users and non-users of alternative medicine in the province of Quebec differ in terms of demographic characteristics, health profile or utilization of medical services.Methods: The Quebec Health Insurance Board (QHIB) medical service records of the Quebec Health Survey (1987) respondents for the 12 months before the survey were linked with respondents’ survey answers. Those who saw an alternative medicine practitioner at their last professional consultation (the “users”, n=169) were matched by diagnosis and area of residence with those who saw a physician instead (the “non-users”, n=169). Results: Users and non-users of alternative medicine differed in age, activity, education and income. After adjustment for age, education and income, the two groups had a similar health profile, but users of alternative medicine had made fewer medical visits in the previous year.Conclusion: Alternative medicine attracts a particular clientele. More research is needed to understand the reasons people look to alternative therapies instead of conventional medicine. RésuméObjectif: Déterminer si les utilisateurs et les non utilisateurs de médecine alternative au Québec diffèrent quant à leurs caractéristiques démographiques, leur profil de santé et leur utilisation de services médicaux. Méthodologie: Les dossiers de services médicaux de la Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec des répondants à l’Enquête Santé Québec (1987) pour les 12 mois précédant l’enquête ont été appariés à leurs réponses à l’enquête. Les personnes qui ont vu un praticien de médecine alternative (les “utilisateurs”) à leur dernière consultation professionnelle (n=169) ont été jumelées à celles (les “non utilisateurs”) qui ont vu un médecin (n=169). Résultats: Les deux groupes se distinguent sur l’âge, l’activité, l’éducation et le revenu. En contrôlant pour l’âge, l’éducation et le revenu, les deux groupes ont un profil de santé semblable, mais les utilisateurs de médecine alternative ont visité moins souvent les médecins dans l’année précédente. Conclusion: Les médecines alternatives attirent une clientèle particulière. Plus de recherche est requise pour comprendre pourquoi certaines personnes utilisent les médecines alternatives plutôt que la médecine conventionnelle.
The impact of a physical activity intervention program on academic achievement in a Swedish elementary school setting.

BACKGROUND Despite the emerging body of research on the potential of physical activity to improve learning and academic achievement, conclusive evidence regarding the effects of physical activity on academic achievement is lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a physical activity intervention program on academic performance. METHODS A controlled cross-sectional design was used to investigate the hypothesis that the intervention program would increase the proportion of students in grade 5 who achieved the national learning goals in Swedish, mathematics, and English compared with 3 reference schools. Academic results from the years prior to and during the intervention program were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses assessed the odds of achieving the national learning goals when the intervention program was integrated into the elementary curricula. RESULTS Higher proportions of students in the intervention school achieved the national goals in all 3 subjects compared with the reference schools after initiation of the intervention program. The odds for achieving the national learning goals in the intervention school increased 2-fold (p < .05), whereas these odds either did not change or decreased in the reference schools. CONCLUSION Promoting physical activity in school by means of a curriculum-based intervention program may improve children's educational outcome.
Caloric consumption and activity levels after weight recovery in anorexia nervosa: A prolonged delay in normalization

tn the 2 to 6 weeks after completion of refeeding and termination of a weight restoration program, patients with anorexia nervosa required greater than normal caloric intake to maintain a stable weight and had elevated levels of activity. By contrast, such patients studied 6 months or longer after weight recovery had normal caloric intake and activity levels. The prolonged delay in normalization of caloric intake and activity is mirrored by the slow resolution to normal of the neuroendocrine dysregulation that characterizes this disorder. This suggests that treatment for weight maintenance in anorexia nervosa should be extended aggressively for months after the return of a healthy weight so as to restore normal neuroendocrine function and thereby enhance the likelihood of permanent recovery. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder with a significant rate of morbidity and mortality. After weight restoration, about 50% of patients with an
Mittelfristige Effekte des Präventionsprogramms EFFEKT-E für emotional belastete Mütter und ihre Kinder unter besonderer Berücksichtigung psychosozialer Risikofaktoren

Zusammenfassung. Kinder (subklinisch) depressiver Mutter haben ein erhohtes Risiko, Verhaltensauffalligkeiten auszubilden. Einige der Faktoren der Transmission liegen direkt in der Interaktion, wie das Erziehungsverhalten. Weitere Risikofaktoren wie Alleinerziehendenstatus oder geringe soziale Unterstutzung konnen die Auswirkungen auf die Kinder noch verstarken. Da Erlebens- und Verhaltensprobleme haufig bereits im Vorschulalter auftreten, sollten Praventionsprogramme moglichst fruh ansetzen. Dem folgt die vorliegende Studie, die in 13 Mutter-Kind-Kliniken durchgefuhrt wurde. Gepruft wurde, ob Kinder von emotional und sozial belasteten Muttern von einem Praventionsprogramm (EFFEKT-E) profitieren, das einen Erziehungskurs fur Mutter und ein soziales Kompetenztraining fur Kinder umfasst. Dazu wurden 194 Mutter mit 4- bis 7-jahrigen Kindern in der Kontrollgruppe und 169 Mutter in der Interventionsgruppe in einem Vortest-Nachtest-Design untersucht. Abhangige Variablen waren kindliche Erlebens- und Verhaltensp.
Incomplete Suppression of Distractor-Related Activity in the Frontal Eye Field Results in Curved Saccades

Saccades in the presence of distractors show significant trajectory curvature. Based on previous work in the superior colliculus (SC), we speculated that curvature arises when a movement is initiated before competition between the target and distractor goals has been fully resolved. To test this hypothesis, we recorded frontal eye field (FEF) activity for curved and straight saccades in search. In contrast to the SC, activity in FEF is normally poorly correlated with saccade dynamics. However, the FEF, like the SC, is involved in target selection. Thus if curvature is caused by incomplete target selection, we expect to see its neural correlates in the FEF. We found that saccades that curve toward a distractor are accompanied by an increase in perisaccadic activity of FEF neurons coding the distractor location, and saccades that curve away are accompanied by a decrease in activity. In contrast, for FEF neurons coding the target location, there is no significant difference in activity between curved and straight saccades. To establish that the distractor-related activity is causally related to saccade curvature, we applied microstimulation to sites in the FEF before saccades to targets presented without distractors. The stimulation was subthreshold for evoking saccades and the temporal structure of the stimulation train resembled the activity recorded for curved saccades. The resulting movements curved toward the location coded by the stimulation site. These results support the idea that saccade curvature results from incomplete suppression of distractor-related activity during target selection.
Assessing impact of seasonal rainfall on rice crop yield of Rajasthan, India using association rule mining

Developing countries which are highly dependent on agriculture have shown growing concern that climate variability will further impact on food security. It is important to have a deeper understanding of the impact of this climate change on crop production and food security. This paper assesses the impact of distributed seasonal rainfall on rice crop yield of Rajasthan state, India through data visualisation and application of association rule mining techniques. The dataset considered for the present study was of twenty nine districts of Rajasthan state for forty three years from 1960 to 2002 depending on the data availability. Three divisions were made for the rainfall in Kharif season from June to November. Beginning of the season was considered as June and July, Middle of the season as August and September and End of the season as October and November. The effect of variation in the rainfall at the beginning, middle and end of season on the rice crop yield was investigated and some interesting results are reported.
Transcriptional Modulation of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Virulence Genes in Response to Epithelial Cell Interactions

ABSTRACT Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality due to diarrheal illness in developing countries. There is currently no effective vaccine against these important pathogens. Because genes modulated by pathogen-host interactions potentially encode putative vaccine targets, we investigated changes in gene expression and surface morphology of ETEC upon interaction with intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. Pan-genome microarrays, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), and transcriptional reporter fusions of selected promoters were used to study changes in ETEC transcriptomes. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate alterations in surface antigen expression and morphology following pathogen-host interactions. Following host cell contact, genes for motility, adhesion, toxin production, immunodominant peptides, and key regulatory molecules, including cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) and c-di-GMP, were substantially modulated. These changes were accompanied by visible changes in both ETEC architecture and the expression of surface antigens, including a novel highly conserved adhesin molecule, EaeH. The studies reported here suggest that pathogen-host interactions are finely orchestrated by ETEC and are characterized by coordinated responses involving the sequential deployment of multiple virulence molecules. Elucidation of the molecular details of these interactions could highlight novel strategies for development of vaccines for these important pathogens.