Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Error Estimates for L2 Best Rational Approximants to Markov Functions

Let f(z)[email protected]! (t-z)^-^[email protected](t) be a Markov function, where @m is a positive measure with compact support in R. We assume that supp(@m)@? (-1, 1), and investigate the best rational approximants to f in the Hardy space H^0"2(V), where [email protected]? {[email protected]? C||z|>1} and H^0"2(V) is the subset of functions [email protected]? H"2(V) with f(~)=0. The central topic of the paper is to obtain asymptotic error estimates for these approximants. The results are presented in three groups. In the first one no specific assumptions are made with respect to the defining measure @m of the function f. In the second group it is assumed that the measure @m is not too thin anywhere on its support so that the polynomials p"n, orthonormal with respect to the measure @m, have a regular nth root asymptotic behavior. In the third group the defining measure @m is assumed to belong to the [email protected]? class. For each of the three groups, asymptotic error estimates are proved in the L^2-norm on the unit circle and in a pointwise fashion. Also the asymptotic distribution of poles, zeros, and interpolation points of the best L^2 approximants are studied.
Subjective and objective evaluation of noise management algorithms.

PURPOSE To measure the subjective and objective improvement of speech intelligibility in noise offered by a commercial hearing aid that uses a fully adaptive directional microphone and a noise reduction algorithm that optimizes the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII). RESEARCH DESIGN Comparison of results on the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and the Acceptable Noise Level task (ANL). STUDY SAMPLE Eighteen participants with varying configurations of sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS Both the directional microphone and the noise reduction algorithm improved the speech-in-noise performance of the participants. The benefits reported were higher for the directional microphone than the noise reduction algorithm. A moderate correlation was noted between the benefits measured on the HINT and the ANL for the directional microphone condition, the noise reduction condition, and the directional microphone plus noise reduction conditions. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the directional microphone and the SII-based noise reduction algorithm may improve the SNR of the listening environments, and both the HINT and the ANL may be used to study their benefits.
Privacy-Preserving Aggregation of Time-Series Data

We consider how an untrusted data aggregator can learn desired statistics over multiple participants’ data, without compromising each individual’s privacy. We propose a construction that allows a group of participants to periodically upload encrypted values to a data aggregator, such that the aggregator is able to compute the sum of all participants’ values in every time period, but is unable to learn anything else. We achieve strong privacy guarantees using two main techniques. First, we show how to utilize applied cryptographic techniques to allow the aggregator to decrypt the sum from multiple ciphertexts encrypted under different user keys. Second, we describe a distributed data randomization procedure that guarantees the differential privacy of the outcome statistic, even when a subset of participants might be
Changes of Gait Kinematics in Different Simulators of Reduced Gravity

ABSTRACT Gravity reduction affects the energetics and natural speed of walking and running. But, it is less clear how segmental coordination is altered. Various devices have been developed in the past to study locomotion in simulated reduced gravity. However, most of these devices unload only the body center of mass. The authors reduced the effective gravity acting on the stance or swing leg to 0.16g using different simulators. Locomotion under these conditions was associated with a reduction in the foot velocity and significant changes in angular motion. Moreover, when simulated reduced gravity directly affected the swing limb, it resulted in significantly slower swing and longer foot excursions, suggesting an important role of the swing phase dynamics in shaping locomotor patterns.
Analysis of a Triple Testcross Design With Recombinant Inbred Lines Reveals a Significant Role of Epistasis in Heterosis for Biomass-Related Traits in Arabidopsis

Primary causes of heterosis are still unknown. Our goal was to investigate the extent and underlying genetic causes of heterosis for five biomass-related traits in Arabidopsis thaliana. We (i) investigated the relative contribution of dominance and epistatic effects to heterosis in the hybrid C24 × Col-0 by generation means analysis and estimates of variance components based on a triple testcross (TTC) design with recombinant inbred lines (RILs), (ii) estimated the average degree of dominance, and (iii) examined the importance of reciprocal and maternal effects in this cross. In total, 234 RILs were crossed to parental lines and their F1's. Midparent heterosis (MPH) was high for rosette diameter at 22 days after sowing (DAS) and 29 DAS, growth rate (GR), and biomass yield (BY). Using the F2-metric, directional dominance prevailed for the majority of traits studied but reciprocal and maternal effects were not significant. Additive and dominance variances were significant for all traits. Additive × additive and dominance × dominance variances were significant for all traits but GR. We conclude that dominance as well as digenic and possibly higher-order epistatic effects play an important role in heterosis for biomass-related traits. Our results encourage the use of Arabidopsis hybrid C24 × Col-0 for identification and description of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for heterosis for biomass-related traits and further genomic studies.
Renal Function After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Background— Kidney function is a known predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often have kidney dysfunction, less is known about the association between AF and kidney function. We sought to assess changes in kidney function after catheter ablation of AF. Methods and Results— Patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF were recruited for the present prospective study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated before and 1 year after the ablation. Three hundred eighty-six patients (paroxysmal AF, 135; persistent AF, 106; longstanding persistent AF, 145) were studied. Their baseline eGFR was 68±14 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m−2. Sixty-six percent and 26% of patients had eGFR of 60 to 89 and 30 to 59 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m−2, respectively. Overall, 278 patients (72%) were arrhythmia free over a 1-year follow-up. In patients free from arrhythmia, eGFR increased 3 months later and was maintained until 1 year, whereas in patients with recurrences, eGFR had decreased over 1 year. Changes in eGFR over 1 year in patients free from arrhythmia differed significantly compared with those with recurrences (3±8 versus −2±8 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m−2; P<0.0001). In all quartiles of baseline eGFR, changes in eGFR over 1 year after the ablation were greater in patients free from arrhythmia compared with those with recurrences. Conclusion— Elimination of AF by catheter ablation was associated with improvement of kidney function over a 1-year follow-up in patients with mild to moderate kidney dysfunction.
Maxillary keratocystic odontogenic tumor with calcifications: A review and case report

Calcifications or hard tissue deposits in the wall of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) are rare and uncommon. Three types of calcifications have been reported in the literature: dystrophic, cartilagenous, dentinoid. A case of maxillary KCOT with calcification is reported with a review on prevalence and pathogenesis of these calcifications. The calcifications associated with the connective tissue of keratocystic odontogenic tumor were studied using special stains. These calcifications were positive for collagen stains, Van Gieson, Masson trichrome, and negative for congo red and mallory suggesting that these irregularly shaped, diffuse calcifications which form on a collagenous matrix are dysplastic dentin.
Dating Violence in Mexican College Students

Dating violence represents an important health problem among adolescents and young adults, not only because of its high prevalence but also because of its negative consequences for individual and social development. Educational programs aimed at the prevention and reduction of aggression are indispensable; therefore, the aims of this study were to assess perception and attitudes toward dating violence, and to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational workshop among college students. A total of 212 students from a public university in Mexico City participated in the study. The participants were distributed into two groups: the intervention group (IG; which received a workshop on dating violence) and the control group (CG; which did not participate in the workshop). A self-reported questionnaire was applied to assess students’ perception and attitudes toward violence. Means and standard deviations were calculated. In both groups, the comparison between pre- and post-evaluation scores was carried out using the test for matched pairs. The MANOVA test was performed for repeated measurements. The participants of the workshop showed positive changes in perception and attitudes toward dating violence, p < . 0001; these changes were not observed in the CG, p = . 98. Women in the IG showed a higher improvement than men, p = . 04. Findings highlight the importance of creating long-term health promotion programs to improve human relationships, particularly in such important areas as dating violence.
The Automatic Design of Multiobjective Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms

Multiobjective optimization problems are problems with several, typically conflicting, criteria for evaluating solutions. Without any a priori preference information, the Pareto optimality principle establishes a partial order among solutions, and the output of the algorithm becomes a set of nondominated solutions rather than a single one. Various ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithms have been proposed in recent years for solving such problems. These multiobjective ACO (MOACO) algorithms exhibit different design choices for dealing with the particularities of the multiobjective context. This paper proposes a formulation of algorithmic components that suffices to describe most MOACO algorithms proposed so far. This formulation also shows that existing MOACO algorithms often share equivalent design choices, but they are described in different terms. Moreover, this formulation is synthesized into a flexible algorithmic framework, from which not only existing MOACO algorithms may be instantiated, but also combinations of components that were never studied in the literature. In this sense, this paper goes beyond proposing a new MOACO algorithm, but it rather introduces a family of MOACO algorithms. The flexibility of the proposed MOACO framework facilitates the application of automatic algorithm configuration techniques. The experimental results presented in this paper show that the automatically configured MOACO framework outperforms the MOACO algorithms that inspired the framework itself. This paper is also among the first to apply automatic algorithm configuration techniques to multiobjective algorithms.
Postsynaptic localization of PSD-95 is regulated by all three pathways downstream of TrkB signaling

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB regulate synaptic plasticity. TrkB triggers three downstream signaling pathways; Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) and Mitogen activated protein kinases/Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK). We previously showed two distinct mechanisms whereby BDNF-TrkB pathway controls trafficking of PSD-95, which is the major scaffold at excitatory synapses and is critical for synapse maturation. BDNF activates the PI3K-Akt pathway and regulates synaptic delivery of PSD-95 via vesicular transport (Yoshii and Constantine-Paton, 2007). BDNF-TrkB signaling also triggers PSD-95 palmitoylation and its transport to synapses through the phosphorylation of the palmitoylation enzyme ZDHHC8 by a protein kinase C (PKC; Yoshii etal., 2011). The second study used PKC inhibitors chelerythrine as well as a synthetic zeta inhibitory peptide (ZIP) which was originally designed to block the brain-specific PKC isoform protein kinase Mϖ (PKMϖ). However, recent studies raise concerns about specificity of ZIP. Here, we assessed the contribution of TrkB and its three downstream pathways to the synaptic distribution of endogenous PSD-95 in cultured neurons using chemical and genetic interventions. We confirmed that TrkB, PLC, and PI3K were critical for the postsynaptic distribution of PSD-95. Furthermore, suppression of MAPK/ERK also disrupted PSD-95 expression. Next, we examined the contribution of PKC. While both chelerythrine and ZIP suppressed the postsynaptic localization of PSD-95, RNA interference for PKMϖ did not have a significant effect. This result suggests that the ZIP peptide, widely used as the “specific” PKMϖ antagonist by many investigators may block a PKC variant other than PKMϖ such as PKCλ/ι. Our results indicate that TrkB regulates postsynaptic localization of PSD-95 through all three downstream pathways, but also recommend further work to identify other PKC variants that regulate palmitoylation and synaptic localization of PSD-95.
Metal abundances in the cool cores of galaxy clusters

We use XMM-Newton data to carry out a detailed study of the Si, Fe and Ni abundances in the cool cores of a representative sample of 26 local clusters. We performed a careful evaluation of the systematic uncertainties related to the instruments, the plasma codes and the spectral modeling, finding that the major source of uncertainty is the plasma codes. Our Si, Fe, Ni, Si/Fe and Ni/Fe distributions feature only moderate spreads (from 20% to 30%) around their mean values strongly suggesting similar enrichment processes at work in all our cluster cores. Our sample-averaged Si/Fe ratio is comparable to those measured in samples of groups and high luminosity ellipticals, implying that the enrichment process in ellipticals, dominant galaxies in groups and BCGs in clusters is quite similar. Although our Si/Fe and Ni/Fe abundance ratios are fairly well constrained, the large uncertainties in the supernova yields prevent us from making a firm assessment of the relative contribution of type Ia and core-collapsed supernovae to the enrichment process. All that can be said with some certainty is that both contribute to the enrichment of cluster cores.
Teacher responses to racist accusations and their relationship with black students

Black students’ relationships with teachers are an integral part of their academic and personal growth. How teachers handle racially salient conflict likely affects the nature of this relationship. The current study systematically examined the range of teacher responses to Black students’ accusations of racism and whether type of response was linked to the quality of Black student-teacher relationships. The research sample included 28 predominately White teachers and 35 Black freshmen and sophomores from one high school surveyed during the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years. On surveys, Black students rated the quality of their relationships with their teachers as measured by support and academic press scales. Teacher responses to accusations of racism were coded from transcripts of semi-structured teacher interviews. As hypothesized, the study found that the majority of teachers were accused of being racist by their students. Also as hypothesized, teachers responded in a variety of ways by a) dismissing the accusation entirely, b) dismissing the accusation but also asserting they treat all students fairly, or c) taking the accusation seriously by engaging the student in a discussion about the accusation. In light of these results, schools need to provide training to teachers on the presence of racism in the classroom and potential ways to respond. That said, the study did not find that the type of teacher response to accusations of racism was linked to the quality of Black student-teacher relationship, as had been hypothesized. Specifically, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) did not support the hypothesis that teachers who prevented racist accusations altogether or engaged students, compared to those teachers who were dismissive, would have higher quality relationships with their Black students— as reported on student surveys. However, given that the HLM estimates were in the TEACHER RESPONSES TO RACIST ACCUSATIONS iii expected direction, future research might detect the hypothesized association with a larger sample of teachers. TEACHER RESPONSES TO RACIST ACCUSATIONS iv
The Charlotte Action Research Project: A Model for Direct and Mutually Beneficial Community-University Engagement.

This article describes the evolution of the Charlotte Action Research Project (CHARP), a community–university partnership founded in 2008 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and focuses particularly on the program’s unique organizational structure. Research findings of a project evalu ation suggest that the CHARP model’s unique strength lies in its ability to allow for the exploration of “wicked” problems that have resulted from structural and sociospatial inequality in cities because tangible issues identified by community part ners become action research priorities for the CHARP team. Additionally, CHARP allows for the transcendence of the practical, logistical barriers often associated with community–uni versity partnerships by employing graduate students as staff. It is suggested that the CHARP model provides a starting point for a unique model of engagement infrastructure at universities that goes beyond service provision and volunteerism to include community-based participatory and action-based research within a critical theory paradigm.
Reporting Violence to a Health Care Employer: A Cross-Sectional Study

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify individual and employment characteristics associated with reporting workplace violence to an employer and to assess the relationship between reporting and characteristics of the violent event. Current and former employees of a Midwest health care organization responded to a specially designed mailed questionnaire. The researchers also used secondary data from the employer. Of those who experienced physical and non-physical violence at work, 57% and 40%, respectively, reported the events to their employer. Most reports were oral (86%). Women experienced more adverse symptoms, and reported violence more often than men did. Multivariate analyses by type of reporting (to supervisors or human resources personnel) were conducted for non-physical violence. Reporting work-related violence among health care workers was low and most reports were oral. Reporting varied by gender of the victim, the perpetrator, and the level of violence experienced.
Long‐term fluctuations of pressure pain thresholds in healthy men, normally menstruating women and oral contraceptive users

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate whether the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in masticatory muscles of symptom‐free subjects was influenced by fluctuations of the sex hormones. The PPT was measured with an electronic algometer for at least 10 consecutive menstrual cycles in 10 women using oral contraceptives and 10 women not using oral contraceptives, with a regular menstrual cycle (26–31 days). In addition, 10 men were measured in a regular pattern over a period of 1 year. All subjects were symptom‐free with an age range between 18 and 39 years. Measurement sessions were held during three different cycle phases (follicular, luteal, perimenstrual) and each session consisted of four consecutive PPT measurements. By means of a linear mixed model (SAS), the PPTs of the masster, temporalis and thumb muscles were compared between: (1) groups, (2) sex‐hormonal phases, (3) the four consecutive measurements of each muscle per session and (4) time. The PPTs of the masseter (p = 0.8419) and temporalis muscles (p = 0.2786) did not change significantly over time. There was no significant difference in variance for the masseter (p = 0.6250), temporalis (p = 0.9705) and thumb (p = 0.7446) between the three groups. The PPTs of all muscles were significantly lower during the perimenstrual phases in the two female groups. The present data showed similar patterns of PPTs for the three muscle groups. Moreover, the results have shown a very good consistency of the PPTs over a long time period, both in males and females.
Mechanisms of microbial resistance and detoxification of mercury and organomercury compounds: physiological, biochemical, and genetic analyses.

METHYLATION OF MERCURY BY MICROORGANISMS . 96 Mechanism of Methylation of Mercury. 96 Methylmercury Formation Under Anaerobic Conditions . 97 Methylmercury Formation Under Aerobic Conditions . 97 Effects of HgS on Methylation of Mercury . 98
Parents’ and Teachers’ Ratings of the Social Skills of Elementary-Age Students who are Blind

Ratings by 23 parents and 21 regular education teachers on the Social Skills Rating Scale (SSRS) for elementary-age students who were blind were compared to ratings for the SSRS sighted norm group. No significant differences were found in the overall ratings of social skills or on the Self-Control or Responsibility subscales, but several important differences were noted on the Assertion and Cooperation subscales. Students who were blind were rated as less academically competent and higher on problem behaviors than the sighted norm group, even though stereotypical behaviors were not assessed by the SSRS. Implications for instruction are discussed.
Heterotic Flux Vacua from Hybrid Linear Models

We construct hybrid linear models in which the chiral anomaly of a gauged linear sigma model is canceled by the classical anomaly of a gauged WZW model. Semi-classically, this corresponds to fibering the WZW model over the naive target space of the sigma model. When the gauge group is abelian, we recover known non-Kahler compactifications; non-abelian models describe novel quasi-geometric flux vacua of the heterotic string.
Using structural disorder to enhance the magnetism and spin-polarization in Fe x Si1 − x thin films for spintronics

Amorphous Fe x Si1 − x thin films exhibit a striking enhancement in magnetization compared to crystalline films with the same composition (0.45 < x < 0.75), and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism reveals an enhancement in both spin and orbital moments in the amorphous films. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reproduce this enhanced magnetization and also show a relatively large spin-polarization at the Fermi energy, also seen experimentally in Andreev reflection. Theory and experiment show that the amorphous materials have a decreased number of nearest neighbors and reduced number density relative to the crystalline samples of the same composition; the associated decrease in Fe-Si neighbors reduces the hybridization of Fe orbitals, leading to the enhanced moment.
The power of the interviewer

Surveys are the main source of information about poverty, health, demography and many other indicators in Africa, making them vital for evidence-based policy design and planning. But have social scientists been ignoring the potential impact of interviewers on the data they collect? A new study[1], whose researchers include LSE’s Ernestina Coast, highlights just how much influence interviewers have over the data they produce.