Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sublinear Random Access Generators for Preferential Attachment Graphs

We consider the problem of sampling from a distribution on graphs, specifically when the distribution is defined by an evolving graph model, and consider the time, space, and randomness complexities of such samplers. In the standard approach, the whole graph is chosen randomly according to the randomized evolving process, stored in full, and then queries on the sampled graph are answered by simply accessing the stored graph. This may require prohibitive amounts of time, space, and random bits, especially when only a small number of queries are actually issued. Instead, we propose a setting where one generates parts of the sampled graph on-the-fly, in response to queries, and therefore requires amounts of time, space, and random bits that are a function of the actual number of queries. Yet, the responses to the queries correspond to a graph sampled from the distribution in question. Within this framework, we focus on two random graph models: the Barabási-Albert Preferential Attachment model (BA-graphs) (Science, 286 (5439):509–512) (for the special case of out-degree 1) and the random recursive tree model (Theory of Probability and Mathematical Statistics, (51):1–28). We give on-the-fly generation algorithms for both models. With probability 1-1/poly(n), each and every query is answered in polylog(n) time, and the increase in space and the number of random bits consumed by any single query are both polylog(n), where n denotes the number of vertices in the graph. Our work thus proposes a new approach for the access to huge graphs sampled from a given distribution, and our results show that, although the BA random graph model is defined by a sequential process, efficient random access to the graph’s nodes is possible. In addition to the conceptual contribution, efficient on-the-fly generation of random graphs can serve as a tool for the efficient simulation of sublinear algorithms over large BA-graphs, and the efficient estimation of their on such graphs.
Standardizing Selection Strengths to Study Selection in the Wild: A Critical Comparison and Suggestions for the Future

We critically review the main approaches for standardizing and comparing selection differentials and gradients among traits, populations, and species and assess their differential merits. In particular, we explain why the most widespread approach to standardizing selection, which measures selection differentials in units of a trait's phenotypic standard deviation, is less appropriate for characterizing the strengths of natural selection in wild populations. In contrast, an alternative standardization approach that uses a trait's phenotypic mean in addition to its standard deviation results in another dimensionless measure: the mean-standardized selection gradient. This measure offers some key benefits over alternative approaches, such as ease of interpretation, independence of a trait's variance, and the natural interplay of ecological and evolutionary dynamics, and yet it remains rarely used by evolutionary biologists. We explain how the more routine application of this measure will facilitate comparisons of selection strengths in the wild among traits, populations, and species.
Runoff phosphorus loss immediately after poultry manure application as influenced by the application rate and tillage.

Excessive or N-based application of poultry manure for crops may result in significant risk of P loss with surface runoff. This study assessed P loss immediately after poultry manure application to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] residue with and without tillage at eight Iowa fields. Manure from chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) or turkeys (Melleagris gollopavo) was applied at intended rates of 0, 84, or 168 kg total N ha(-1) (total P was 0, 21-63, 50-123 kg P ha(-1), respectively) with three replications. Simulated rainfall (76 mm h(-1)) was applied to 3-m2 sections of larger field plots with 2 to 7% slope, usually within 2 d of application, to collect runoff during 30 min. Runoff was analyzed for concentrations of sediment, dissolved reactive P (DRPC), bioavailable P (BAPC), and total P (TPRC). Non-incorporated manure consistently increased (P < or = 0.10) concentrations of all runoff P fractions in five sites, but there were increasing trends at all sites, and on average manure increased DRPC, BAPC, and TPRC 32, 23, and 12 times, respectively, over the control. Tillage to incorporate manure reduced DRPC, BAPC, and TPRC by 88, 89, and 77% on average, respectively, although in non-manured plots tillage seldom affected DRPC or BAPC and often increased TPRC. Tillage increased sediment concentration in runoff but not enough to offset the benefits of manure P incorporation. Runoff P loads generally followed trends of runoff P concentrations but were more variable, and significant treatment effects were less frequent. Overall, incorporation of manure by tillage was very effective at reducing P loss during runoff events shortly after poultry manure application under the conditions of this study.
Stereotypical Bouton Clustering of Individual Neurons in Cat Primary Visual Cortex

In all species examined, with the exception of rodents, the axons of neocortical neurons form boutons in multiple separate clusters. Most descriptions of clusters are anecdotal, so here we developed an objective method for identifying clusters. We applied a mean-shift cluster-algorithm to three-dimensional reconstructions of 39 individual neurons and three thalamic afferents from the cat primary visual cortex. Both spiny (20 of 26) and smooth (7 of 13) neurons formed at least two distinct ellipsoidal clusters (range, 2–7). For all cell types, cluster formation is heterogenous, but is regulated so that cluster size and the number of boutons allocated to a cluster equalize with increasing number of clusters formed by a neuron. The bouton density within a cluster is inversely related to the spatial scale of the axon, resulting in a four times greater density for smooth neurons than for spiny neurons. Thus, the inhibitory action of the smooth neurons is much more concentrated and focal than the excitatory action of spiny neurons. The cluster with the highest number of boutons (primary cluster) was typically located around or above the soma of the parent neuron. The distance to the next cluster was proportional to the diameter of the primary cluster, suggesting that there is an optimal distance and spatial focus of the lateral influence of a neuron. The lateral spread of clustered axons may thus support a spoke-like network architecture that routes signals to localized sites, thereby reducing signal correlation and redundancy.
Formulation Variables Influencing Drug Release from Layered Matrix System Comprising Chitosan and Xanthan Gum

The purpose of this study was to investigate the formulation variables influencing the drug release from the layered tablets containing chitosan and xanthan gum as matrix component. Increasing the amount of lactose could diminish pH sensitive release behavior of these matrix tablets. Effect of formulation variables on drug release from the prepared three-layered matrix tablets was investigated. The amount of drug loading did not affect the drug release which was influenced by the hydrodynamic force and the matrix composition. An increase in stirring rate correspondingly increased the release rate. Moreover, incorporation of soluble diluents in core or barrier could enhance the drug release. Least square fitting the experimental dissolution data to the mathematical expressions (power law, first order, Higuchi’s and zero order) was carried out to study the drug release mechanism. Most dissolution profiles of the prepared three-layered tablets provided a better fit to zero order kinetic than to first order kinetic and Higuchi’s equation.
Adaptive Non-Stationary Kernel Regression for Terrain Modeling

Three-dimensional digital terrain models are of fundamental importance in many areas such as the geo-sciences and outdoor robotics. Accurate modeling requires the ability to deal with a varying data density and to balance smoothing against the preservation of discontinuities. The latter is particularly important for robotics applications, as discontinuities that arise, for example, at steps, stairs, or building walls are important features for path planning or terrain segmentation tasks. In this paper, we present an extension of the well-established Gaussian process regression technique, that utilizes non-stationary covariance functions to locally adapt to the structure of the terrain data. In this way, we achieve strong smoothing in flat areas and along edges and at the same time preserve edges and corners. The derived model yields predictive height distributions for arbitrary locations of the terrain and therefore allows us to fill gaps in the data and to perform conservative predictions in occluded areas.
Intercomparison of Digital Fast Fourier Transform and Acoustooptical Spectrometers for Microwave Radiometry of the Atmosphere

The Institute of Applied Physics (IAP) of the University of Bern is active in the field of remote sensing of middle atmospheric trace gases such as ozone and water vapor by microwave radiometry. From the measured pressure broadened spectral lines, it is possible to retrieve the vertical distribution of the observed species. The vertical range is dependent on the bandwidth and resolution of the spectrometers. The radiometers from the IAP perform ground-based and airborne measurements. For the spectral analysis, they used acoustooptical spectrometers (AOS) or low-resolution filterbanks until recently. Unfortunately, AOS proved to be deficient under conditions encountered in an aircraft. For this reason, the approach of using novel real-time digital fast Fourier transform (FFT) spectrometers of bandwidth 1 GHz was chosen. In this paper, we present measurements of atmospheric trace constituents using digital FFT spectrometers and compare the results with measurements from the AOS and filterbank. The FFT spectrometer is superior in resolution and system stability as well as in the linearity and stability of the frequency axis. An important point is also the lower costs per bandwidth and resolution. The measured intensities of emitted radiation from the atmosphere from all spectrometer types were in good agreement.
Association between cerebral shape and social use of language in Williams syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurogenetic disorder resulting from a hemizygous microdeletion at band 7q11.23. It is characterized by aberrant development of the brain and a unique profile of cognitive and behavioral features. We sought to identify the neuroanatomical abnormalities that are most strongly associated with WS employing signal detection methodology. Once identified with a Quality Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (QROC), we hypothesized those brain regions distinguishing subjects with WS from controls would be linked to the social phenotype of individuals with this disorder. Thirty‐nine adolescents and young adults with WS and 40 typically developing controls matched for age and gender were studied. The QROC identified a combination of an enlarged ventral anterior prefrontal cortex and large bending angle of the corpus callosum to distinguish between WS and controls with a sensitivity of 85.4% and specificity of 75.0%. Within the WS group, bending angle significantly correlated with ventral anterior prefrontal cortex size but not with other morphometric brain measures. Ventral anterior prefrontal size in subjects with WS was positively associated with the use of social engagement devices in a narrative task assessing the use of social and affective language. Our findings suggest that aberrant morphology of the ventral anterior prefrontal cortex is a pivotal contributing factor to the abnormal size and shape of the cerebral cortex and to the social‐affective language use typical of individuals with WS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of soybean injury from glyphosate using airborne multispectral remote sensing.

BACKGROUND Glyphosate drift onto off-target sensitive crops can reduce growth and yield and is of great concern to growers and pesticide applicators. Detection of herbicide injury using biological responses is tedious, so more convenient and rapid detection methods are needed. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of glyphosate on biological responses of non-glyphosate-resistant (non-GR) soybean and to correlate vegetation indices (VIs) derived from aerial multispectral imagery. RESULTS Plant height, shoot dry weight and chlorophyll (CHL) content decreased gradually with increasing glyphosate rate, regardless of weeks after application (WAA). Accordingly, soybean yield decreased by 25% with increased rate from 0 to 0.866 kg AI ha(-1) . Similarly to biological responses, the VIs derived from aerial imagery - normalized difference vegetation index, soil adjusted vegetation index, ratio vegetation index and green NDVI - also decreased gradually with increasing glyphosate rate, regardless of WAA. CONCLUSION The VIs were highly correlated with plant height and yield but poorly correlated with CHL, regardless of WAA. This indicated that indices could be used to determine soybean injury from glyphosate, as indicated by the difference in plant height, and to predict the yield reduction due to crop injury from glyphosate.
A Methodological Study of Some Factors Influencing the Reporting of Symptoms

The spontaneous occurrence of symptoms that are often regarded as adverse drug reactions was studied by means of open questionnaires or by a 38-item checklist of symptoms. Of the 416 respondents who returned an analyzable questionnaire, only 233 (56 per cent) were healthy (defined as having had no illness and/or having taken no medication in the previous three days). Using the open questionnaires, one or more symptoms were reported by 15 per cent of healthy persons (N equals 155) and by 69 per cent of a group of 118 persons who had been ill and/or who had taken medication in the previous three days. In contrast, using the checklist questionnaires 82 per cent of healthy persons (N equals 78) and 97 percent of persons who had been ill and/or who had taken medication in the previous three days (N equals 65) reported one or more symptoms. The total number of symptoms reported by any one person was three with the open questionnaire and 22 with the checklist. In addition, a greater severity of symptoms was associated with the open questionnaire. Sex, educational level, or presence or absence of previous exposure to clinical trials did not influence the nature and incidence of symptoms reported. However, the severity of symptoms reported was significantly different for the latter two factors. Differences in the frequency with which certain symptoms were reported and the relevance of these and other observations to the design of clinical trial record forms are discussed.
Effects of Fiber Type and Blouse Design on the Clothing Microclimate

In order to investigate the mechanism of the formation of clothing microclimate with different blouse designs and materials, physiological and subjective sensational changes were measured. Experimental clothing were four types of blouse made of cotton, regular polyes­ter, and hygroscopic polyester. Four types of box style blouse were with stand collar and long sleeve, with stand collar and sleeveless, with long sleeve and collarless, and sleeveless and collarless. Five healthy female were chosen as subjects. Experiments were carried out in the environ­mental chamber controlled at , RH. and still-air condition for SO min. The skin temperature (9 spots), oral temperature, humidity inside chest, and subjective sensations were measured. Obtained results are: I) Material which is capable of absorbing sweat effectively and transfering moisture rapidly made a comfortable feeling, because cloth­ing humidity is increasing slowly at this material. 2) During exercise period, covered arms have more influenced on thermal comfort than a covered neck.
Usability of surgical treatment in cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw stage 2 with sequestrum

Objective: This retrospective study was conducted to reveal usability of surgical treatment in the cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) stage 2 with sequestrum. Patients and Methods: Study subjects included 18 patients having BRONJ stage 2 with sequestrum and 12 non-BRONJ patients with nearly equal clinical states of BRONJ stage 2. Patient characteristics, frequency of inciting factors of osteonecrosis, and treatment results were compared between BRONJ group and non-BRONJ groups. In addition, correlation between treatment methods (conservative therapy, sequestrum curettage, and sequestrectomy) and treatment results and correlation between the administration route of bisphosphonates (BPs) (oral or intravenous) and treatment results were examined statistically. The Student′s t-test and Fisher′s exact test were performed for statistical analysis. Results: Patient characteristics, frequency of inciting factors of osteonecrosis, and treatment results showed no significant differences between the two groups. In the BRONJ group, treatment result of sequestrectomy was significantly better than conservative therapy/sequestrum curettage (P < 0.001), however, no significant difference was observed in the non-BRONJ group. No significant difference was found in correlation between the administration route of BPs and treatment results in the BRONJ group. Conclusion: Treatment outcome of sequestrectomy was better than conservative therapy/sequestrum curettage in BRONJ stage 2 cases with sequestrum.
Predictors of Online Information Seeking by International Students when Disaster Strikes Their Countries

This study explores factors influencing international students' likelihood of using the Internet to seek disaster-related information should a disaster affect their countries. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two universities in America between August 1 and September 30, 2005. Two hundred twenty-nine (n = 229) students completed the self-administered questionnaires. ANOVA analyses found that respondents' Internet self-efficacy had no significant impact on their intentions to seek disaster-related information on the Internet. However, respondents' Internet dependency and attitude toward seeking information online were found to have a significant effect on such intentions.
A revised model for end-stage liver disease optimizes prediction of mortality among patients awaiting liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) was originally developed based on data from patients who underwent the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure. An updated MELD based on data from patients awaiting liver transplantation should improve mortality prediction and allocation efficiency. METHODS Wait-list data from adult primary liver transplantation candidates from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network were divided into a model derivation set (2005-2006; n=14,214) and validation set (2007-2008; n=13,945). Cox regression analysis was used to derive and validate an optimized model that updated coefficients and upper and lower bounds for MELD components and included serum levels of sodium. Main outcomes measure was ability to predict 90-day mortality of patients on the liver transplantation wait list. RESULTS Optimized MELD score updated coefficients and implemented new upper and lower bounds for creatinine (0.8 and 3.0 mg/dL, respectively) and international normalized ratio (1 and 3, respectively). Serum sodium concentrations significantly predicted mortality, even after adjusting for the updated MELD model. The final model, based on updated fit of the 4 variables (ie, bilirubin, creatinine, international normalized ratio, and sodium) had a modest yet statistically significant gain in discrimination (concordance: 0.878 vs 0.865; P<.01) in the validation dataset. Utilization of the new score could affect up to 12% of patients (based on changed score for 459 of 3981 transplants in the validation set). CONCLUSIONS Modification of MELD score to update coefficients, change upper and lower bounds, and incorporate serum sodium levels improved wait-list mortality prediction and should increase efficiency of allocation of donated livers.
Convolutional Neural Networks-based continuous speech recognition using raw speech signal

State-of-the-art automatic speech recognition systems model the relationship between acoustic speech signal and phone classes in two stages, namely, extraction of spectral-based features based on prior knowledge followed by training of acoustic model, typically an artificial neural network (ANN). In our recent work, it was shown that Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) can model phone classes from raw acoustic speech signal, reaching performance on par with other existing feature-based approaches. This paper extends the CNN-based approach to large vocabulary speech recognition task. More precisely, we compare the CNN-based approach against the conventional ANN-based approach on Wall Street Journal corpus. Our studies show that the CNN-based approach achieves better performance than the conventional ANN-based approach with as many parameters. We also show that the features learned from raw speech by the CNN-based approach could generalize across different databases.
Simulated Fronto-Orbital Advancement Achieves Reproducible Results in Metopic Synostosis

Background Metopic synostosis results in trigonocephaly with bitemporal narrowing. Treatment involves differential fronto-orbital advancement, widening of the bitemporal region, and rounding the forehead. The purpose of this article was to implement three-dimensional surgical planning to treat metopic synostosis, including use of intraoperative templates, and to test the accuracy of the results. Methods This is a prospectively analyzed series of retrospective patients with metopic synostosis. Consecutive cases treated by the authors involving a simulated computer-aided planning session were reviewed. Demographic data were tabulated, and three-dimensional quantitative data reviewed. Measurements obtained included bifrontal angle, temporal advancement, and bitemporal distance and widening. Preoperative, simulated, and actual results were compared and analyzed using the t test. Results Five infants with metopic synostosis treated by this method were included (3 boys, 2 girls). The endocranial bifrontal anglechanged from 111.25° preoperatively to 148.58° postoperatively (P = 0.0001) and simulated 145.62° (compared with actual 148.58) (P = 0.5099). The bitemporal distance preoperative averaged 73.72mm, compared with actual of 89.78mm (P = 0.019), and was simulated to 89.28mm (vs actual 89.78) (P = 0.8815). The surgically planned advancement and expansion were similar compared with actual (P = 0.591, 0.806, and 0.806), respectively. Conclusions The results show that simulated surgical planning can accurately and reproducibly be translated to actual surgical outcome during fronto-orbital advancement for trigonocephaly. The treatment goals for metopic synostosis are conserved and effectively achieved, including lateral orbital advancement, widening of the endocranial bifrontal angle, bitemporal expansion, and rounding of the forehead.
Serum cholesterol levels and survival after rtPA treatment in acute stroke

Background: According to the reverse epidemiology hypothesis, high cholesterol levels might be protective and associated with greater survival rates under certain conditions. In stroke patients, a clear correlation between lipid levels and mortality after ischaemic and hemorrhagic strokes has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of lipid levels on 3‐month mortality in patients with ischaemic stroke (IS) homogeneously treated with intravenous rtPA and admitted to a monitored acute stroke unit.