Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability of the Denjoy-Wolff theorem

The Denjoy-Wolff theorem is a foundational result in complex dynamics, which describes the dynamical behaviour of the sequence of iterates of a holomorphic self-map $f$ of the unit disc $\mathbb{D}$. Far less well understood are nonautonomous dynamical systems $F_n=f_n\circ f_{n-1} \circ \dots \circ f_1$ and $G_n=g_1\circ g_{2} \circ \dots \circ g_n$, for $n=1,2,\dotsc$, where $f_i$ and $g_j$ are holomorphic self-maps of $\mathbb{D}$. Here we obtain a thorough understanding of such systems $(F_n)$ and $(G_n)$ under the assumptions that $f_n\to f$ and $g_n\to f$. We determine when the dynamics of $(F_n)$ and $(G_n)$ mirror that of $(f^n)$, as specified by the Denjoy-Wolff theorem, thereby providing insight into the stability of the Denjoy-Wolff theorem under perturbations of the map $f$.
ImageNet-trained deep neural network exhibits illusion-like response to the Scintillating Grid

Deep neural network (DNN) models for computer vision are now capable of human-level object recognition. Consequently, similarities in the performance and vulnerabilities of DNN and human vision are of great interest. Here we characterize the response of the VGG-19 DNN to images of the Scintillating Grid visual illusion, in which white dots are perceived to be partially black. We observed a significant deviation from the expected monotonic relation between VGG-19 representational dissimilarity and dot whiteness in the Scintillating Grid. That is, a linear increase in dot whiteness leads to a non-linear increase and then, remarkably, a decrease (non-monotonicity) in representational dissimilarity. In control images, mostly monotonic relations between representational dissimilarity and dot whiteness were observed. Furthermore, the dot whiteness level corresponding to the maximal representational dissimilarity (i.e. onset of non-monotonic dissimilarity) matched closely with that corresponding to the onset of illusion perception in human observers. As such, the non-monotonic response in the DNN is a potential model correlate for human illusion perception.
What is this Article about? Extreme Summarization with Topic-aware Convolutional Neural Networks

We introduce "extreme summarization," a new single-document summarization task which aims at creating a short, one-sentence news summary answering the question "What is the article about? ". We argue that extreme summarization, by nature, is not amenable to extractive strategies and requires an abstractive modeling approach. In the hope of driving research on this task further: (a) we collect a real-world, large scale dataset by harvesting online articles from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC); and (b) propose a novel abstractive model which is conditioned on the article's topics and based entirely on convolutional neural networks. We demonstrate experimentally that this architecture captures long-range dependencies in a document and recognizes pertinent content, outperforming an oracle extractive system and state-of-the-art abstractive approaches when evaluated automatically and by humans on the extreme summarization dataset.
Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity With Axonal Delay Tunes Networks of Izhikevich Neurons to the Edge of Synchronization Transition With Scale-Free Avalanches

Critical brain hypothesis has been intensively studied both in experimental and theoretical neuroscience over the past two decades. However, some important questions still remain: (i) What is the critical point the brain operates at? (ii) What is the regulatory mechanism that brings about and maintains such a critical state? (iii) The critical state is characterized by scale-invariant behavior which is seemingly at odds with definitive brain oscillations? In this work we consider a biologically motivated model of Izhikevich neuronal network with chemical synapses interacting via spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) as well as axonal time delay. Under generic and physiologically relevant conditions we show that the system is organized and maintained around a synchronization transition point as opposed to an activity transition point associated with an absorbing state phase transition. However, such a state exhibits experimentally relevant signs of critical dynamics including scale-free avalanches with finite-size scaling as well as critical branching ratios. While the system displays stochastic oscillations with highly correlated fluctuations, it also displays dominant frequency modes seen as sharp peaks in the power spectrum. The role of STDP as well as time delay is crucial in achieving and maintaining such critical dynamics, while the role of inhibition is not as crucial. In this way we provide possible answers to all three questions posed above. We also show that one can achieve supercritical or subcritical dynamics if one changes the average time delay associated with axonal conduction.
Designing Informative Rating Systems: Evidence from an Online Labor Market

Platforms critically rely on rating systems to learn the quality of market participants. In practice, however, these ratings are often highly inflated, and therefore not very informative. In this paper, we investigate whether the platform can obtain less inflated ratings by altering the meaning and relative importance of the levels in the rating system. We then seek a principled approach to make these choices in the design of the rating system. First, we analyze the results of a randomized controlled trial on an online labor market in which an additional question was added to the feedback form. Between treatment conditions, we vary the question phrasing and answer choices; in particular, the treatment conditions include several positive-skewed verbal rating scales with descriptive phrases or adjectives providing specific interpretation for each rating level. The online labor market test reveals that current inflationary norms can in fact be countered by re-anchoring the meaning of the levels of the rating system. In particular, the positive-skewed verbal rating scales yield rating distributions that significantly reduce rating inflation and are much more informative about seller quality. Second, we develop a model-based framework to compare and select among rating system designs. We apply this framework to the data obtained from the online labor market test, demonstrating that our model-based framework for scale design and optimization can identify the most informative rating system and substantially improve the quality of information obtained over baseline designs. Overall, our study illustrates that rating systems that are informative in practice can be designed, and demonstrates how to design them in a principled manner.
Fish and Macroinvertebrate Communities in Tributary Streams of Eastern Lake Erie with and without Round Gobies (Neogobius melanostomus, Pallas 1814)

Abstract Round gobies have had significant impacts on benthic fish and invertebrate communities in nearshore habitats of the Great Lakes. As round gobies have become more abundant in lake habitats, there has been an expansion of their populations into tributary streams and rivers. We compared stream invertebrate and fish communities in New York tributaries to Lake Erie with round gobies present and absent. Four of six benthic invertebrate metrics differed between streams with and without round gobies. Streams with round gobies present had reduced Shannon diversity, EPT richness, and EPT/chironomid ratios, and increased macroinvertebrate density relative to streams without round gobies, but there was no difference in non-Diptera density, or total taxa richness. None of the four fish metrics examined differed between streams with and without round gobies. However, darters occurred in all streams lacking round gobies, but did not occur in any streams with round gobies. Comparisons with historical fish and macroinvertebrate distributional data support our suspicion of goby-induced community changes. In these New York streams, round gobies seem to have had significant impacts on invertebrate communities via their consumptive behavior, whereas the impacts on fish communities are less evident. If round gobies continue to expand their distribution inland, the resultant alterations in macroinvertebrate communities may impact the suitability of tributary streams as spawning and nursery habitat for several sport fish species and for energy dynamics in tributary streams.
A REVIEW OF THE LIZARDS OF THE ENDEMIC GENUS LANKASCINCUS (REPTILIA: SCINCIDAE: LYGOSOMINAE) FROM SRI LANKA

Abstract. As a part of an ongoing revision of Sri Lankan scincid lizards, I review the genus Lankascincus Greer on the basis of their morphology and morphometric data. I demonstrate that the long-disputed Sphenomorphus megalops (Annandale) is in fact a Lankascincus species, and a neotype is designated. Lankascincus deraniyagalae Greer and L. munindradasai Wickramasinghe, Rodrigo, Dayawansa, and Jayantha are shown to be junior subjective synonyms of L. fallax (Peters) and L. taprobanensis (Kelaart), respectively. Lankascincus deignani (Taylor) is confined to the forests around Kandy and does not extend to Nuwaraeliya and its environs. Previous records of L. deignani from Nuwaraeliya and surrounding localities are reidentified as L. sripadensis Wickramasinghe, Rodrigo, Dayawansa, and Jayantha. Three groups of Lankascincus species are identified on the basis of their morphology and breeding biology: the fallax, taprobanensis, and dorsicatenatus groups. Each group has a unique combination of characters. Lankascincus taprobanensis is restricted to high-elevational regions (≥1,500 m above mean sea level). Previous records from lower elevations (Sinharaja, Knuckles Range, and Peradeniya) are based on misidentified specimens of other Lankascincus spp. Lankascincus fallax has a wide distribution in Sri Lanka. Lankascincus deignani is restricted to Gannoruwa Forest Reserve and the Ambagamuwa area and is the most endangered skink in Sri Lanka. Ecologically, Lankascincus comprises a largely forest-dwelling species group (L. deignani, L. dorsicatenatus (Deraniyagala), L. gansi Greer, L. greeri Batuwita and Pethiyagoda, L. megalops new combination, and L. taprobanensis) and a group of species that live in altered habitats (L. sripadensis, L. fallax, and L. taylori). The present study confirms that the genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger is not represented in Sri Lanka. Because of a lack of comprehensive genetic data to support a previously described new family, Ristellidae Hedges for Lankascincus and Ristella Gray, here I assign both genera into a new tribe, Ristellini. Phylogenetic relationships of Lankascincus and Ristella remain unresolved.
Early Life History of the Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus: A Review

ABSTRACT The blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun has been the subject of scientific investigation for more than 100 years. The crab is a key predator in shallow estuarine and coastal environments, and supports a large commercial fishery along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Much of the initial research on C. sapidus was purely descriptive and provided only a patchwork perspective on the natural history of the crab. This is in contrast to more modern work that has defined a clear, interrelated series of processes that underlie the early life history of the species. The intent of the present review was to discuss contemporary understanding of the early life history of blue crabs in the context of a coherent time line of development. The review begins with a short section on general aspects of the life history, which provides a background for the overall discussion. This is followed by a segment on courtship and mating, with particular emphasis on chemical communication between mating pairs. Three subsequent sections then deal, respectively, with spawning migrations within the estuary, larval release in the adjacent coastal ocean, and transport of larvae on the inner continental shelf. A following segment, describes settlement of the larvae in the lower estuary and eventual transport of early juvenile stages to estuarine nursery areas. The final section provides a summary and conclusions. Points of emphasis in the review include the following: (1) the role of pheromones in courtship and mating; (2) the discovery of two distinct phases in the spawning migration; (3) the importance of chemical cues in assuring synchronized hatching of eggs; (4) the predominant effect of wind- and buoyancy-driven processes in controlling larval transport in the coastal ocean; (5) the development of mathematical models that allow critical analysis of transport processes; and (6) the combined physical and behavioral processes that facilitate transport of megalopa larvae from the estuarine mouth to nursery habitat in the lower estuary.
The Effects of Larval Habitat Quality on Aedes albopictus Skip Oviposition

Abstract Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito species that transmits human-disease–causing pathogens. It is a container-inhabiting species that oviposits in resource-limited habitats. To mitigate larval competition, Ae. albopictus females may choose to distribute eggs from a single gonotrophic cycle among multiple containers through skip oviposition. With the use of individual females released in indoor and outdoor caged trials, we evaluated the oviposition choices made by gravid Ae. albopictus offered larval habitats with different qualities. Our results demonstrate that Ae. albopictus performs skip oviposition and that the degree of egg distribution is related to the quality of the larval habitat. In a 4-choice arena, individual Ae. albopictus oviposited in fewer containers when presented with ovisites of high-quality larval habitat (uncrowded conditions) compared with oviposition in low-quality (crowded conditions) larval habitats. Additionally, the females selectively oviposited in high-quality habitats when offered both low- and high-quality habitats, but distributed eggs more evenly among multiple high-quality habitats. Our results have important implications for mosquito management plans that include the use of lethal ovitraps, as well as the role of this behavior in distribution of disease-causing pathogens.
Techniques for Estimating the Age and Growth of Molluscs: Cephalopoda

ABSTRACT Global abundances and commercial fisheries of cephalopods have increased over recent decades, creating a need for effective fishery management. This management is often focused on the ability to ascertain the age structure of key populations. There are several main techniques for age and growth rate determination in cephalopods. Because of biological differences between species groups, not all techniques are applicable for every species. This review outlines the use of five main ageregistering structures (statoliths, gladii, beaks, stylets, and eye lenses) along with one chemical aging technique (lipofuscin) and their application to cephalopod species groups.
Fungal Biodiversity Profiles 31–40

Abstract In this new series of Fungal Biodiversity Profiles, the authors describe ten Basidiomycetes, one recombination and nine taxa new to science, using both morphological and molecular data. Descriptions are provided for Craterellus parvogriseus sp. nov. (Cantharellales); for Lactifluus maenanensis sp. nov., Russula albidogrisea sp. nov., R. aureorubra sp. nov., R. aureoviridis sp. nov., R. obscuricolor sp. nov. and R. pauriensis sp. nov. (Russulales), for Xerocomus reticulostipitatus sp. nov. (Boletales) and for Leucocybe houghtonii comb. nov. and Amanita rajendrae sp. nov. (Agaricales).
Salmon Genetics and Management in the Columbia River Basin

Abstract Located in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River basin provides important spawning and rearing habitat for Pacific salmon and steelhead (Oncorhynchus spp.). These species were historically abundant throughout the basin but have experienced extensive declines linked to a complex suite of factors. These declines, in tandem with their cultural and economic significance, have led Pacific salmon and steelhead to become one of the most intensely managed groups of species in North America. Management actions have increasingly recognized the importance of genetic resources and have expanded the use of genetic tools to provide powerful data for the conservation and management of Pacific salmon. We provide a summary of historic management actions in the basin with a focus on those relevant to genetic applications. We describe the initial recognition of genetic differences and distinction of population units, how genetics applies to the hatchery controversy, as well as the progression of genetic investigations and applications used in management. Further, we outline some emerging and potential future genetic tools.
QUILL MITES IN BRAZILIAN PSITTACINE BIRDS (AVES: PSITTACIFORMES)

The primary and secondary feathers of 170 Brazilian psittacine birds (Aves: Psittaciformes) were examined in order to identify feather quill mite fauna. Birds were held captive in two locations in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), and two in the state of Espirito Santo (ES). The quills were cut longitudinally and were examined under optical microscopy. The genus of quill mites most frequently found was Paralgopsis (Astigmata: Pyrogliphidae), followed by Cystoidosoma (Astigmata: Syringobiidae). Astigmata: Syringophilidae mites were sporadically observed. After analyzing the data using logistic regression models, it was determined that there was higher infestation risk for psittacines in ES state, as compared with those in MG, and a significant increase in risk depending on the psittacine host species. However, the location of captivity did not have a significant effect. Lesions were observed in infested feathers. Cystoidosoma sp. and Paralgopsis sp. were always observed together, with parts of Paralgopsis found inside Cystoidosoma sp. , suggesting thanatochresis or predation.
Status of Rare Endemic Species: Molecular Phylogeny, Distribution and Conservation of Freshwater Molluscs Truncilla macrodon and Truncilla cognata in Texas

ABSTRACT Freshwater bivalves in the family Unionidae are one of the most endangered groups of animals in North America. In Texas, where over 60% of unionids are rare or very rare, 15 species have been added to the state's list of threatened species, and 10 are under consideration for federal listing. Due to insufficient survey efforts in the past decades, however, primary data on current distribution and habitat requirement for most of these rare species are lacking, thus challenging their protection and management. Although the species are listed as valid, there was no genetic confirmation to test for the possibility of ecophenotypes, which complicates conservation efforts. In this paper, we present genetic and distributional data for two rare Texas species, Truncilla macrodon and Truncilla cognata, and we suggest appropriate conservation measures. Tests of genetic affinities of these species using three gene regions, cox1, nad1 and ITS1, supported recognition of T. cognata and T. macrodon as full species. Analysis of historic and current species distribution showed that both these regional endemics are particularly vulnerable, and their distribution range has been reduced in the last 80 years.
Selected Blood Chemistry and Gas Reference Ranges for Broiler Breeders Using the i-STAT® Handheld Clinical Analyzer

Important Findings Selected blood chemistry and gas reference ranges for clinically healthy broiler breeder hens were established using CG8+ cartridges in an i-STATH handheld point-of-care clinical analyzer. Samples from 165 hens (25–36 wk of age), representing three broiler breeder strains reared by four integrators, were evaluated. Based on the data, a reference range for most blood parameters tested was established in broiler breeders that may be used in field clinical evaluations. The iSTAT handheld point-of-care clinical analyzer provides rapid, relatively low cost, blood chemistry values that are useful for investigating broiler breeder flock diseases of unknown or uncertain etiology, especially those suspected of having a metabolic cause. There was some variability in the data based on strain, integrator, and age of the birds tested. Wide ranges in blood gases and base excess occurred in all strains. Cobb strain hens had significantly lower glucose and higher partial and saturated oxygen values compared with two Ross strains. Significant differences in several blood parameters were found among different integrators and in older postpeak production birds.
The Consequences of Ignoring Individuals' Mobility in Multilevel Growth Models

In longitudinal multilevel studies, especially in educational settings, it is fairly common that participants change their group memberships over time (e.g., students switch to different schools). Participant’s mobility changes the multilevel data structure from a purely hierarchical structure with repeated measures nested within individuals and individuals nested within clusters to a cross-classified structure with repeated measures cross-classified by both individuals and clusters. If researchers fail to consider the cross-classified data structure and simply use the hierarchical linear models (HLMs) instead of the more appropriate cross-classified random-effects models (CCREMs) to analyze the data, there will be biases in the estimates of variance components and inaccurate statistical inference regarding the fixed effects. In addition, the impact of such model misspecification depends on factors including the rate of mobility and the pattern of mobility.
Pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A After Oral and Oculonasal Challenges of Day-old Turkey Poults*

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous, environmental pathogen that has contaminated poultry ready-to-eat products resulting in large-scale recalls. Research is needed to determine the source of product and processing plant contamination with L. monocytogenes. The purpose of this study was to compare the oral and oculonasal routes of infection on the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes in turkey poults under different housing conditions. One-day-old turkey poults were challenged by either route with the Scott A strain of L. monocytogenes and placed either in paper-lined battery-brooder cages for 1 wk or in floor pens on fresh pine-shaving litter. On day 7, birds challenged in battery cages were transferred to floor pens. Challenge by the oculonasal route resulted in higher mortality (P = 0.05) and lower body weights (P < 0.0001) compared with both nonchallenged controls and those challenged by the oral route. Birds contained in battery cages for 1 wk had higher mortality (P = 0.002) and higher body weights (P < 0.0001) compared with floor-pen-reared birds. Using direct plating, the challenge strain was isolated from the gall bladder, brain, and knee joint of only one dead poult challenged by the oculonasal route. These results suggest that day-old turkey poults may be more susceptible to an oculonasal challenge with L. monocytogenes than to an oral challenge and that containment in battery cages for the first week increased contact exposure to the challenge.
Detection of faint broad emission lines in type 2 AGNs - III. On the MBH-sigma star relation of type 2 AGNs

Part of this work was supported by PRIN/MIUR 2010NHBSBE and PRIN/INAF 2014_3. We thank the referee for constructive comments that improved the quality of our Letter. We thank Cesare Perola for useful discussions. RS acknowledges support from the ERC Grant Agreement no. 306476. RM acknowledges ERC Advanced Grant 695671 ‘QUENCH’ and support by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). This Letter is based on observations made with ESO telescopes at the Paranal Observatory and the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) at Mt Graham, Arizona. This research has made use of the HyperLeda data base and of the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED), which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.