Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure of the Galactic Stellar Halo Prior to Disk Formation

We develop a method for recovering the global density distribution of the ancient Galactic stellar halo prior to disk formation based on the present orbits of metal-poor stars observed in the solar neighborhood. The method relies on the adiabatic invariance of the action integrals of motion for the halo population during the slow accumulation of a disk component subsequent to earlier halo formation. The method is then applied to a sample of local stars with [Fe/H] ≤ -1.5, which are likely to be dominated by the halo component, taken from Beers et al.'s recently revised and supplemented catalog of metal-poor stars selected without kinematic bias. We find that even if the Galactic potential is made spherical by removing the disk component in an adiabatic manner, the halo density distribution in the inner halo region (R ≤ 15 kpc) remains moderately flattened, with an axial ratio of about 0.8 for stars in the abundance range [Fe/H] ≤ -1.8 and about 0.7 for the more metal-rich interval -1.8 < [Fe/H] ≤ -1.5. The outer halo remains spherical for both abundance intervals. We also find that this initial flattening of the inner halo is caused by the anisotropic velocity dispersions of the halo stars. These results suggest that the two-component nature of the present-day stellar halo, characterized by a highly flattened inner halo and nearly spherical outer halo, is a consequence of both an initially two-component density distribution of the halo (perhaps a signature of dissipative halo formation) and of the adiabatic flattening of the inner part by later disk formation. Further implications of our results for the formation of the Galaxy are also discussed, in particular in the context of the hierarchical clustering scenario of galaxy formation.
Prognostic Value of Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate and Other Parameters of Adrenal Function in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose Acute stroke has a high morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the predictive value of adrenal function testing in acute ischemic stroke. Methods In a cohort of 231 acute ischemic stroke patients, we measured dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA-Sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol at baseline and 30 minutes after stimulation with 1 ug ACTH. Delta cortisol, the amount of rise in the 1 ug ACTH-test, was calculated. Primary endpoint was poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin scale 3–6 after 1 year. Secondary endpoint was nonsurvival after 1 year. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that DHEAS (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.49), but not DHEA (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.04), was predictive for adverse functional outcome. Neither DHEA (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.96–1.03) nor DHEAS (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.82–1.44) were associated with mortality. Baseline and stimulated cortisol were predictive for mortality (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20–1.71; 1.35, 95% CI 1.15–1.60), but only basal cortisol for functional outcome (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.38). Delta cortisol was not predictive for functional outcome (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.71–1.05) or mortality (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.72–1.17). The ratios cortisol/DHEA and cortisol/DHEAS discriminated between favorable outcome and nonsurvival (both p<0.0001) and between unfavorable outcome and nonsurvival (p = 0.0071 and 0.0029), but are not independent predictors for functional outcome or mortality in multivariate analysis (adjusted OR for functional outcome for both 1.0 (95% CI 0.99–1.0), adjusted OR for mortality for both 1.0 (95% CI 0.99–1.0 and 1.0–1.01, respectively)). Conclusion DHEAS and the cortisol/DHEAS ratio predicts functional outcome 1 year after stroke whereas cortisol levels predict functional outcome and mortality. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00390962 (Retrospective analysis of this cohort).
Explorations of a domain of locality: Lexicalized Tree-Adjoining Grammar

Each grammar formalism speciies a domain of locality, i.e., a domain over which various dependencies (syntactic and semantic) can be speci-ed. It turns about that the various properties of a formalism (syntactic, semantic, computational , and even psycholinguistic), follow, to a large extent, from the initial speciication of the domain of locality. In this paper, we will brieey explore the extended domain of locality provided by the Lexicalized Tree-Adjoining Grammar (LTAG) in the context of some linguistic, computational, and psycholinguistic properties. This extended domain is achieved by specifying the elementary objects as structured objects (trees or directed acyclic graphs) instead of strings and two universal combining operations. Using lexicalized elementary structured objects it is possible to study directly many aspects of strong generative capacity which are more relevant to the linguistic descriptions.
Performance of LTE in a high-velocity environment: a measurement study

The performance of LTE at high velocities (larger than $100$ km/h) is badly understood. Operators have largely deployed LTE in urban environments where velocities are low and the benefits of LTE core features, for instance MIMO, are well demonstrated. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, mobile Internet access became ubiquitous and the pressure of rising traffic demands on operator infrastructures is increasing. Furthermore, mobile users now expect access to audio and HD video streams or IPTV while traveling in cars, public transports or intercity trains. Expectations evolve and high-quality connectivity is desired anywhere. To address these demands, operators are expanding their LTE deployments to semi-urban and rural areas of importance, typically along main transportation axes. However, it is unclear (1) how much LTE still benefits from MIMO spatial multiplexing or link adaptation at velocities above a few tens of kilometer per hours; and (2) how overall performance degrades with higher velocities. This paper presents results of a measurement study of a live LTE system at velocities up to $200$ km/h. The results show that while velocity has an effect on performance, its influence remains limited if the SNR coverage is well dimensioned. The percentage of spatial multiplexing usage can exceed 65% from $100$ to 200 km/h.
The Impact of Sunk Outcomes on Risky Choice Behavior.

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of historical or stmk outcomes on the framing of risky choice problems. Two conflicting views exist in the literature about framitig stich sunk outcomes: framing based on the minimal account (where sunk outcotnes arc ignored) and framing based on the psychological account (where sunk outcomes are somehow included in the decision process). Several studies are reviewed in order to identify the ratiotiale for the two cotiflicting views of framing and to isolate some of the factors that are of potential importance in determining the appropriate decision frame of sunk outcome problems. Results of an exploratory experiment on framing of risky choice problems with sixty professional managers arc also reported. In general, these results suggest a rather extensive use of the psychological account for both personal and corporate decisions, for continue/ discontinue problems and asset disposal problems, and for sunk betiefits as well as sunk costs. Experimental results also ind.
Constraints on L2 Learners' Processing of wh-Dependencies: Evidence from Eye-Movements

Using the eye-movement monitoring technique, the present study examined whether wh-dependency formation is sensitive to island constraints in second language (L2) sentence comprehension, and whether the presence of an intervening relative clause island has any effects on learners’ ability to ultimately resolve long wh-dependencies. Participants included proficient learners of L2 English from typologically different language backgrounds (German, Chinese), as well as a group of native English-speaking controls. Our results indicate that both the learners and the native speakers were sensitive to relative clause islands during processing, irrespective of typological differences between the learners’ L1s, but that the learners had more difficulty than native speakers linking distant wh-fillers to their lexical subcategorizers during processing. We provide a unified processing-based account for our findings.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Detecting Changes in Fish Community Structure in Response to Disturbance with an Asymmetric Multivariate BACI Sampling Design

Abstract One of the primary challenges to detecting anthropogenic environmental impacts is the high degree of spatial and temporal variability inherent in natural systems. Planned or routine events that result in disturbance to populations and communities provide an opportunity for scientists to apply well-replicated and statistically powerful sampling designs to assess subsequent biological effects. For example, a thick layer of sessile invertebrates is the prominent biotic feature of intertidal and shallow subtidal portions of offshore petroleum platforms in southern California. Given the central role of such invertebrates in providing food and shelter, their presence can reasonably be expected to influence associated fish community structure. At one platform on the San Pedro Shelf, invertebrate biomass was completely removed from support pilings and horizontal crossmembers to a depth of 20 m with high-pressure water during a standard “hydrocleaning” event in November 2007. Three nearby platforms remained undisturbed, providing a unique opportunity to test for disturbance-related changes in the local fish assemblage and the overall time course of community recovery. The potential impact of the abrupt and intense removal of the invertebrate layer was assessed with survey data collected periodically for one year prior- and one year post-hydrocleaning in a modified Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design. Asymmetrical multivariate analyses of variance revealed a significant effect of disturbance to fish, driven largely by reductions in the abundance of numerically dominant blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis). Nevertheless, the system was surprisingly resilient, recovering to pre-disturbance conditions within ten months. Our results demonstrate that a well-replicated BACI sampling design can detect even subtle biological changes in response to disturbance, a key step towards developing a mechanistic understanding of community disassembly in the face of increasingly frequent and intense perturbations.
When should we expect early bursts of trait evolution in comparative data? Predictions from an evolutionary food web model

Conceptual models of adaptive radiation predict that competitive interactions among species will result in an early burst of speciation and trait evolution followed by a slowdown in diversification rates. Empirical studies often show early accumulation of lineages in phylogenetic trees, but usually fail to detect early bursts of phenotypic evolution. We use an evolutionary simulation model to assemble food webs through adaptive radiation, and examine patterns in the resulting phylogenetic trees and species’ traits (body size and trophic position). We find that when foraging trade‐offs result in food webs where all species occupy integer trophic levels, lineage diversity and trait disparity are concentrated early in the tree, consistent with the early burst model. In contrast, in food webs in which many omnivorous species feed at multiple trophic levels, high levels of turnover of species’ identities and traits tend to eliminate the early burst signal. These results suggest testable predictions about how the niche structure of ecological communities may be reflected by macroevolutionary patterns.
Auditory Sensory Gating in the Neonatal Ventral Hippocampal Lesion Model of Schizophrenia

Background/Aims: The neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion (NVHL) rat model shows biological and behavioral abnormalities similar to schizophrenia. Disturbed sensory gating reflects a consistent neurobiological abnormality in schizophrenia. Although of critical interest, sensory gating has not been evaluated in the NVHL model. Methods: The N40 rat analog of the human P50 was measured to assess sensory response and gating in NVHL and sham rats. Epidural electrodes recorded evoked potentials (EPs), from which amplitudes, latencies, difference scores (S1–S2) and gating ratios (S2/S1) were assessed. Power and phase locking were computed for evoked EEG activity, to test for frequency-specific abnormalities. Results: Prolonged S1 N40 latency was detected in the NVHL group, but amplitude and power measures did not differ. NVHL rats demonstrated disturbed phase-locked sensory gating at theta and beta frequencies, as well as reduced phase-locked gamma activity across stimuli, most robustly at S1. Conclusions: While measures of sensory gating obtained from the EP were relatively insensitive to the NVHL model, phase locking across trials was affected. NVHL rats may have increased evoked response temporal variability, similar to patients with schizophrenia. This pattern of findings likely reflects core developmental NVHL disturbances in dorsal hippocampal circuits associated with temporal and frontal areas.
Growth Oriented Macroeconomic Policies for Small Islands Economies: Lessons from Singapore

Most small island economies or ? microstates? have distinctly different characteristics from larger developing economies. They are more open and vulnerable to external and environmental shocks, resulting in high output volatility. Most of them also suffer from locational disadvantages. Although a few small island economies have succeeded in generating sustained rapid growth and reducing poverty, most have dismal growth performance, resulting in high unemployment and poverty. Although macroeconomic policies play an important role in growth and poverty reduction, there has been very little work on the issue for small island economies or microstates. Most work follows the conventional framework and finds no or very little effectiveness of macroeconomic policies in stabilization. They also concentrate on short-run macroeconomic management with a focus almost entirely on either price stability or external balance. The presumption is that price stability and external balance are prerequisite for sustained rapid growth. This paper aims to provide a critical survey of the extant literature on macroeconomic policies for small island economies in light of the available evidence on their growth performance. Given the high output volatility and its impact on poverty, this paper will argue for a balance between price and output stabilization goals of macroeconomic policy mix. Drawing on the highly successful experience of Singapore, it will also outline a framework for growth promoting, pro-poor macroeconomic policies for small island economies/microstates.
Prophylactic effect of aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum seeds on ethanol-induced toxicity in male rats

The liver is vulnerable to alcohol-related injury because it is the primary site of alcohol metabolism. Additionally, a number of potentially dangerous by-products are generated as alcohol is broken down in the liver. However, dietary supplements may prevent or relieve some of alcohol's deleterious effects. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum (SI) on ethanol induced toxicity in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into control, ethanol, pre-treatment, simultaneous and post-treatment groups. In the prophylactic experiment, Sesamum indicum, (200 mg/kg body weight) was administered by oral gavage for 28 days; two hours before, simultaneously with or two hours after ethanol exposure. Toxicity was induced by administering 45% ethanol (4.8 g/kg bw) by oral gavage. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were then determined in the liver, serum triglyceride (TG) levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were monitored and histological examination was carried out. The results revealed that ethanol administration led to significant elevation of TBARS level while depleting in the level of GSH as well as CAT, GPx, SOD and GST activities. Similarly, TG level and ALT and AST activities were elevated. The SI pre-treated group significantly inhibited TBARS, restored GSH level, enhanced CAT, GPx, SOD and GST activities and significantly decreased the elevated level of serum TG, ALT and AST activities. SI treatment (simultaneously with ethanol) exhibited similar effects to those of the SI pre-treated groups, while the SI post-treated group did not show the same protection as the Pre-treated group. S. indicum possesses antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, that eliminate the deleterious effects of toxic metabolites of ethanol.
Surgical outcome of transpedicular fixation in thoracolumber fractures.

BACKGROUND Development of transpedicular screw fixation techniques and instrumentation systems has brought short-segment instrumentation (fixation of one normal vertebra above and below an injured segment) into general clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to report the surgical outcome of thoracolumber fractures treated with short-segment pedicle instrumentation. METHODS A retrospective review of all surgically managed thoracolumbar fractures during two years was performed. The 84 surgically managed patients were instrumented by the short-segment technique. Patients charts, operation notes, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, computed tomographic scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done. Neurological findings (Frankel functional classification), and follow-up records up to 6 months were reviewed. RESULTS Transpedicular fixation was performed in 84 cases including 52 male and 32 female with male to female ratio 1.6:1. Mean +/- SD of age was 40 +/- 13.75 years (range 15-60). The level of injuries was different in different age groups. Outcome was assessed on Frankle grading. No patient showed an increase in neurological deficit. Most of the patients showed improvement to the next grade. Screw breakage occurred in 8 cases, bed sores in 16 cases and deep vein thrombosis in 3 cases. Misplaced screw in 5 cases. Eight cases got wound infection. CONCLUSION Although long- term follow-up evaluation needs to verified, the short-term follow-up results suggest a favourable outcome for short-segment instrumentation.
GEOMETRIC QUANTIZATION AND NO-GO THEOREMS

Dedicated to the memory of Stanis law Zakrzewski Abstract. A geometric quantization of a Kahler manifold, viewed as a symplectic manifold, depends on the complex structure compatible with the symplectic form. The quantizations form a vector bundle over the space of such complex structures. Having a canonical quantization would amount to finding a natural (projectively) flat connection on this vector bundle. We prove that for a broad class of manifolds, including symplectic homogeneous spaces (e.g., the sphere), such connection does not exist. This is a consequence of a "no-go" theorem claiming that the entire Lie algebra of smooth functions on a compact symplectic manifold cannot be quantized, i.e., it has no essentially nontrivial finite-dimensional representations.
A New Measure of Monetary Shocks: Derivation and Implications

Conventional measures of monetary policy, such as the federal funds rate, are surely influenced by forces other than monetary policy. More importantly, central banks adjust policy in response to a wide range of information about future economic developments. As a result, estimates of the effects of monetary policy derived using conventional measures will tend to be biased. To address this problem, we develop a new measure of monetary policy shocks in the United States for the period 1969 to 1996 that is relatively free of endogenous and anticipatory movements. The derivation of the new measure has two key elements. First, to address the problem of forward-looking behavior, we control for the Federal Reserve's forecasts of output and inflation prepared for scheduled FOMC meetings. We remove from our measure policy actions that are a systematic response to the Federal Reserve's anticipations of future developments. Second, to address the problem of endogeneity and to ensure that the forecasts capture the main information the Federal Reserve had at the times decisions were made, we consider only changes in the Federal Reserve's intentions for the federal funds rate around scheduled FOMC meetings. This series on intended changes is derived using information on the expected funds rate from the records of the Open Market Manager and information on intentions from the narrative records of FOMC meetings. The series covers the entire period for which forecasts are available, including times when the Federal Reserve was not exclusively targeting the funds rate. Estimates of the effects of monetary policy obtained using the new measure indicate that policy has large, relatively rapid, and statistically significant effects on both output and inflation. We find that the effects using the new measure are substantially stronger and quicker than those using prior measures. This suggests that previous measures of policy shocks are significantly contaminated by forward-looking Federal Reserve behavior and endogeneity.
Vision-based approach for urban vehicle detection & classification

Vehicles detection and classification are the most popular subjects in the computer vision researching field, and also are the most important parts in any traffic monitoring or surveillance system. Although there has been a considerable amount of ideas to accommodate this problem since the 90s, many problems are still unresolved due to the complexity of traffic systems and the variety of vehicles. This paper is a work-in-process that proposes a new approach to detect and classify vehicles based on the traffic system in Vietnam. The main goal of this method is to group vehicles into 2 main classes, which are 2-wheeled and 4-wheeled vehicles, based on low-level traffic parameters in urban areas.
Coupling between energy and residue position fluctuations in native proteins

The coupling between energy fluctuations and positional fluctuations in molecular dynamics trajectories of Crambin at 310 K is studied. Coupling with energy fluctuation is evaluated for both atomic positions and residue positions. Couplings show values which fluctuate around the previously proposed theoretical value under harmonic approximation. The magnitude of these correlations is in agreement, on the average, with the harmonic approximation. Additionally coupling between energy fluctuations and atom-atom distance fluctuations are evaluated. This coupling indicates how much each interaction among different atoms/residues is correlated with the protein's total energy fluctuations. Some atom's/residue's interactions have shown outstanding correlation. Moreover coupling of residue fluctuations between different modes is studied.