Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exact and approximate computation of a histogram of pairwise distances between astronomical objects

We compare several alternative approaches to computing correlation functions, which is a cosmological application for analyzing the distribution of matter in the universe. This computation involves counting the pairs of galaxies within a given distance from each other and building a histogram that shows the dependency of the number of pairs on the distance. The straightforward algorithm for counting the exact number of pairs has the O(n2) time complexity, which is unacceptably slow for most astronomical and cosmological datasets, which include billions of objects. We analyze the performance of several alternative algorithms, including the exact computation with an O(n(5/3)) average running time, an approximate computation with linear running time, and another approximate algorithm with sub-linear running time, based on sampling the given dataset and computing the correlation functions for the samples. We compare the accuracy of the described algorithms and analyze the tradeoff between their accuracy and running time. We also propose a novel hybrid approximation algorithm, which outperforms each other technique.
Analysis of the throwing speed in the different positions in the field during the competition

The studies that analyse the throwing speed in the different positions on the field in high-performance handball are scarce. These contributions are nonexistent if the analysis refers to the throwing speed during the competition. For this reason, the objective of this research was to analyse the throwing speed in the central positions during the matches at the 23rd Men´s World Handball Championship. Three thousand two hundred and forty-two throws in the matches of this championship were analysed. The throwing positions tested were the left back, the centre back and the right back. A radar (StalkerPro S.A., Plano), with a frequency of 100 Hz and a sensitivity of 0.045 m/s1, fixed on a tripod behind the goal, was used. Analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22). The variables were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U-test. Statistically significant differences were not found among all the throws carried out by the participating teams in the championship. There are statistically significant differences in the throwing speed between the best 8 teams with respect to the other 8 teams of the championship in the central position in the first half of the match (p>0,05), both for the total number of throws and the effectiveness (goal/not a goal). The best teams obtain higher throwing speed in the central position, but there is no difference in relation to effectiveness. Players may increase the throwing speed in the central position due to the concentration of a higher number of players in that area.
The role of language production mechanisms in children's sentence repetition: Evidence from an inflectionally rich language

ABSTRACT We examine the role of language production mechanisms in sentence repetition, a task widely used as a diagnostic tool in developmental disorders. We investigate sentence repetition in 5- to 8-year-old native speakers of Kannada, an inflectionally rich language of India. The inflectional characteristics of the language make it an ideal testing ground for exploring the engagement of grammatical and phonological encoding processes. We presented active, passive, and embedded sentences and, in a subset of the material, we also manipulated sentence length. Using accuracy and speech error analyses at the sentence, word, and affix levels, we provide evidence that individual differences in task performance are influenced by the linguistic properties of the material. These findings clarify the role of key language production mechanisms involved in sentence repetition. We propose that it is the versatility to develop a profile across several language production mechanisms that makes sentence repetition particularly useful as a clinical tool.
O comportamento de risco para transtornos alimentares atenua o desempenho nas provas dos 100m e 200m livre em nadadoras

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o desempenho (melhor tempo em segundos) nas provas dos 100m e 200m livre de nadadoras em razao dos comportamentos de risco para os transtornos alimentares (CRTA). Participaram 84 nadadoras das categorias infantil, juvenil ou junior. O Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) foi utilizado para avaliar os CRTA. Utilizou-se o melhor tempo em segundos para determinar o desempenho nas provas de 100m e 200m livre. Conduziu-se a analise multivariada de covariância (MANCOVA) para comparar o desempenho (tempo em segundos) nas provas de 100m e 200m livre entre nadadoras com (EAT-26≥21) e sem risco (EAT-26<21) para transtornos alimentares. Os achados apontaram diferenca de desempenho nas provas dos 100m ( F (2, 82) =12,86; p =0,01; d =0,5) e 200m livre ( F (2, 82) =11,72; p =0,02; d =0,5) entre os grupos com e sem risco para os transtornos alimentares. Concluiu-se que as nadadoras com maior frequencia de uso de CRTA demonstraram menor desempenho nas provas dos 100m e 200m livre.
Preterm birth and psychiatric medication prescription in young adulthood: a Swedish national cohort study.

BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes among young adults who were born preterm. These studies have been based mainly on hospital data, thus missing large numbers of mental health problems that do not require inpatient treatment. We used national outpatient and inpatient pharmacy data to evaluate whether individuals who were born preterm were more likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications during young adulthood than individuals who were born full term. METHODS A national cohort of all infants born in Sweden from 1973 through 1979 [N = 635,933, including 28,799 who were born preterm (<37 weeks)] was followed to ages 25.5-34.0 years to determine whether psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics/sedatives and/or psychostimulants) were prescribed in 2005-06. RESULTS A trend of increasing rate of prescriptions for antipsychotics, antidepressants and hypnotics/sedatives in young adulthood was observed by earlier gestational age at birth. Young adults who were extremely preterm at birth (23-27 weeks) were 3.1 times more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66-5.93], 1.8 times more likely to be prescribed antidepressants (95% CI 1.26-2.64) and 1.8 times more likely to be prescribed hypnotics/sedatives (95% CI 1.15-2.96) than individuals who were full term at birth, after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS This national cohort study, using outpatient and inpatient pharmacy data, suggests that preterm birth has important independent effects on mental health that extend at least into young adulthood.
Selecting the Top-Quality Item Through Crowd Scoring

We investigate crowdsourcing algorithms for finding the top-quality item within a large collection of objects with unknown intrinsic quality values. This is an important problem with many relevant applications, such as in networked recommendation systems. The core of the algorithms is that objects are distributed to crowd workers, who return a noisy and biased evaluation. All received evaluations are then combined to identify the top-quality object. We first present a simple probabilistic model for the system under investigation. Then we devise and study a class of efficient adaptive algorithms to assign in an effective way objects to workers. We compare the performance of several algorithms, which correspond to different choices of the design parameters/metrics. In the simulations, we show that some of the algorithms achieve near optimal performance for a suitable setting of the system parameters.
Intrinsic Spectral Analysis for Zero and High Resource Speech Recognition

The constraints of the speech production apparatus imply that our vocalizations are approximately restricted to a lowdimensional manifold embedded in a high-dimensional space. Manifold learning algorithms provide a means to recover the approximate embedding from untranscribed data and enable use of the manifold’s intrinsic distance metric to characterize acoustic similarity for downstream automatic speech applications. In this paper, we consider a previously unevaluated nonlinear outof-sample extension for intrinsic spectral analysis (ISA), investigating its performance in both unsupervised and supervised tasks. In the zero resource regime, where the lack of transcribed resources forces us to rely solely on the phonetic salience of the acoustic features themselves, ISA provides substantial gains relative to canonical acoustic front-ends. When large amounts of transcribed speech for supervised acoustic model training are also available, we find that the data-driven intrinsic spectrogram matches the performance of and is complementary to these signal processing derived counterparts.
Series ^-PENALIZED QUANTILE REGRESSION IN HIGH-DIMENSIONAL SPARSE MODELS

We consider median regression and, more generally, quantile regression in high-dimensional spEtrse models. In these models the overall number of regressors p is very large, possibly larger than the sample size n, but only s of these regressors have non-zero impact on the • conditional quantile of the response variable, where s grows slower than T7. Since in this case the ordinary quantile regression is not consistent , we consider quantile regression penalized by the ^i-norm of coefficients (fi-QR). First, we show that £i-QR is consistent at the rate ys/n-\/Iogp, which is close to the oracle rate \/s/n, achievable when the minimal true model is known. The overall number of re-gressors p affects the rate only through the logp factor, thus allowing nearly exponential growth in the number of zero-impact regressors. The rate result holds under relatively weak conditions, requiring that s/n converges to zero at a super-logarithmic speed and that regular-ization parameter satisfies certain theoretical constraints. Second, we propose a pivotal, data-driven choice of the regularization parameter and show that it satisfies these theoretical constraints. Third, we show that £i-QR correctly selects the true minimal model as a valid submodel, when the non-zero coefficients of the true model are well separated from zero. We also show that the number of non-zero coefficients in fi-QR is of same stochastic order as s, the number of non-zero coefficients in the minimal true model. Fourth, we analyze : the rate of convergence of a two-step estimator that applies ordinary quantile regression to the selected model. Fifth, we evaluate the performance of ^i-QR in a Monte-Carlo experiment, and provide an application to the analysis of the international economic growth.
A Preprocessing Approach For Image Analysis Using Gamma Correction

This paper presents a new, simple and robust image enhancement algorithm for image analysis by modifying the gamma value of its individual pixels. Considering the fact that gamma variation for a single image is actually nonlinear, the proposed method locally estimates the gamma values in an image. First, for local gamma correction the image is divided to overlapping windows and then the gamma value of each window is estimated by minimizing the homogeneity of cooccurrence matrix. This feature represents image details, the minimum value of this feature shows maximum details of the image. As the enhanced image shows details better, the method is a useful preprocessing technique for image analysis. In this study, it is shown that the proposed method has performed well in improving the quality of images. Subjective and objective image quality assessments used in this study attest superiority of the proposed method compared to the existing methods in image quality enhancement.
A systemic literature review of neuroimaging studies in women with breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive deficits in patients with breast cancer, predominantly in attention and verbal memory, have been observed in numerous studies. These neuropsychological findings are corroborated by the results of neuroimaging studies. The aim of this paper was to survey the reports on cerebral structural and functional alterations in women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy (CTx). First, we discuss the host-related and disease-related mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment after CTx. We point out the direct and indirect neurotoxic effect of cytostatics, which may cause: a damage to neurons or glial cells, changes in neurotransmitter levels, deregulation of the immune system and/or cytokine release. Second, we focus on the results of neuroimaging studies on brain structure and function that revealed decreased: density of grey matter, integrity of white matter and volume of multiple brain regions, as well as their lower activation during cognitive task performance. Finally, we concentrate on compensatory mechanisms, which activate additional brain areas or neural connection to reach the premorbid cognitive efficiency.
Dopamine D3 Receptors Expressed by All Mesencephalic Dopamine Neurons

A polyclonal antibody was generated using synthetic peptides designed in a specific sequence of the rat D3 receptor (D3R). Using transfected cells expressing recombinant D3R, but not D2 receptor, this antibody labeled 45–80 kDa species in Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitated a soluble fraction of [125I]iodosulpride binding, and generated immunofluorescence, mainly in the cytoplasmic perinuclear region of the cells. In rat brain, the distribution of immunoreactivity matched that of D3R binding, revealed using [125I]R(+)trans-7-hydroxy-2-[N-propyl-N-(3′-iodo-2′-propenyl)amino] tetralin ([125I]7-trans-OH-PIPAT), with dense signals in the islands of Calleja and mammillary bodies, and moderate to low signals in the shell of nucleus accumbens (AccSh), frontoparietal cortex, substantia nigra (SN), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and lobules 9 and 10 of the cerebellum. Very low or no signals could be detected in other rat brain regions, including dorsal striatum, or in D3R-deficient mouse brain. Labeling of perikarya of AccSh and SN/VTA appeared with a characteristic punctuate distribution, mostly at the plasma membrane where it was not associated with synaptic boutons, as revealed by synaptophysin immunoreactivity. In SN/VTA, D3R immunoreactivity was found on afferent terminals, arising from AccSh, in which destruction of intrinsic neurons by kainate infusions produced a loss of D3R binding in both AccSh and SN/VTA. D3R-immunoreactivity was also found in all tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons observed in SN, VTA and A8 retrorubral fields, where it could represent D3autoreceptors controlling dopamine neuron activities, in agreement with the elevated dopamine extracellular levels in projection areas of these neurons found in D3R-deficient mice.
The Importance of Feed Efficiency in the Cow Herd

The definition of efficiency is a ratio of outputs to inputs. Businesses use measures of efficiency to establish benchmarks and goals for production and finance, which may result in decisions that increase productivity without increasing costs of production. A well-run, profitable commodity business is usually operated more efficiently than its competitors. In the case of beef cattle, competition can arise from two sources: other producers who sell similar classes of cattle; and, other protein-producing species, such as pork and poultry, which compete with beef in the marketplace. Measuring efficiency across the entire integrated beef system is difficult due to the different classes of cattle (growing, finishing, breeding), breed differences, and how the different biological systems (nutrition, reproduction, lactation, basal metabolism) interact. There are measures of efficiency that can be used to optimize biological productivity and/or economical profitability in beef production enterprises. One of these is feed efficiency.
TERRESTRIAL EFFECTS OF NEARBY SUPERNOVAE IN THE EARLY PLEISTOCENE

Recent results have strongly confirmed that multiple supernovae happened at distances of ∼100 pc, consisting of two main events: one at 1.7–3.2 million years ago, and the other at 6.5–8.7 million years ago. These events are said to be responsible for excavating the Local Bubble in the interstellar medium and depositing 60Fe on Earth and the Moon. Other events are indicated by effects in the local cosmic ray (CR) spectrum. Given this updated and refined picture, we ask whether such supernovae are expected to have had substantial effects on the terrestrial atmosphere and biota. In a first look at the most probable cases, combining photon and CR effects, we find that a supernova at 100 pc can have only a small effect on terrestrial organisms from visible light and that chemical changes such as ozone depletion are weak. However, tropospheric ionization right down to the ground, due to the penetration of ≥TeV CRs, will increase by nearly an order of magnitude for thousands of years, and irradiation by muons on the ground and in the upper ocean will increase twentyfold, which will approximately triple the overall radiation load on terrestrial organisms. Such irradiation has been linked to possible changes in climate and increased cancer and mutation rates. This may be related to a minor mass extinction around the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary, and further research on the effects is needed.
Elevated Levels of Dickkopf-1 Are Associated with β-Catenin Accumulation and Poor Prognosis in Patients with Chondrosarcoma

Background Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is an antagonist of Wnt/β-catenin signaling implicated in tumorigenesis. However, the biological role of DKK1 and β-catenin involved in chondrosarcoma has not been sufficiently investigated. This study was designed to investigate the expression profiles of DKK1 and β-catenin, and to clarify their clinical values in chondrosarcoma. Methods The mRNA and protein levels of DKK1 and β-catenin in fresh chondrosarcoma and the corresponding non-tumor tissues were analyzed by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The protein expression patterns of DKK1 and β-catenin were investigated by immunohistochemistry. The associations among DKK1 level, β-catenin accumulation, clinicopathological factors and the overall survival were separately evaluated. Results Both DKK1 and β-catenin levels were remarkably elevated in chondrosarcoma compared with the corresponding non-tumor tissues. High DKK1 level and positive β-catenin accumulation in chondrosarcoma specimens were 58.7% and 53.9%, respectively. Elevated DKK1 level significantly correlated with positive β-catenin accumulation, and they were remarkably associated with histological grade and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society stage. Furthermore, DKK1 level and β-catenin accumulation had significant impacts on the prognosis of chondrosarcoma patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that DKK1 level was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Conclusions Elevated DKK1 levels associated with β-catenin accumulation play a crucial role in chondrosarcoma. DKK1 can serve as a novel predictor of poor prognosis in patients with chondrosarcoma.
Nature's Blessing or Nature's Curse: The Political Economy of Transition in Resource-Based Economies

This paper analyses the reform progress made in the energy-rich states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (AKTU for short) and contrasts their development to that in the resource-poor countries at the CIS periphery. The main argument of the paper is that far from being a blessing that would have allowed energy-rich countries to cushion the impact of reforms and thus make faster progress, energy rents have often been wasted or appropriated by the ruling elites. Progress in key structural reforms has in some cases lagged even behind other CIS countries and significant policy challenges need to be addressed if natural resource wealth is not to turn into a curse for the region.
Treatment of superior vena cava syndrome *

The superior vena cava is formed by the union of the right and left brachiocephalic veins. It is located in the middle mediastinum, to the right of the aorta and anterior to the trachea. Superior vena cava syndrome consists of a group of signs (dilation of the veins in the neck, facial swelling, edema of the upper limbs, and cyanosis) and symptoms (headache, dyspnea, cough, orthopnea and dysphagia) caused by the obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava to the right atrium. This obstruction can be caused by extrinsic compression, tumor invasion or thrombosis. Such obstruction may also occur as a result of insufficient venous return secondary to intra-atrial or intraluminal diseases. From 73% to 93% of all cases of superior vena cava syndrome occur during the development of an intrathoracic tumor. Most patients presenting superior vena cava syndrome secondary to malignant neoplasms are treated without surgery, through radiotherapy, chemotherapy or the use of intraluminal stents. When the etiology of superior vena cava syndrome is benign, it can be treated with clinical measures (anticoagulation, raising the head, etc.) or, in refractory cases, with angioplasty, stents or surgery.
Restoring Voluntary Control of Locomotion after Paralyzing Spinal Cord Injury

Regaining Limb Movement Despite many years of intensive research, there is still an urgent need for novel treatments to help patients restore motor function after spinal cord injuries. van den Brand et al. (p. 1182) produced left and right hemisections at different levels of the rat thoracic spinal cord to cause complete hind limb paralysis mimicking the situation in humans with spinal cord injury. Systemic application of pharmacological agents, combined with a multisystem rehabilitation program including a robotic postural neuroprosthesis, restored voluntary movements of both hind limbs. A rehabilitation program involving robotic neuroprosthetics restores previously paralyzed hindlimb function. Half of human spinal cord injuries lead to chronic paralysis. Here, we introduce an electrochemical neuroprosthesis and a robotic postural interface designed to encourage supraspinally mediated movements in rats with paralyzing lesions. Despite the interruption of direct supraspinal pathways, the cortex regained the capacity to transform contextual information into task-specific commands to execute refined locomotion. This recovery relied on the extensive remodeling of cortical projections, including the formation of brainstem and intraspinal relays that restored qualitative control over electrochemically enabled lumbosacral circuitries. Automated treadmill-restricted training, which did not engage cortical neurons, failed to promote translesional plasticity and recovery. By encouraging active participation under functional states, our training paradigm triggered a cortex-dependent recovery that may improve function after similar injuries in humans.