Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Representational Momentum in Children: Dynamic Information and Analogue Representation

Two groups of children and a control group of adults completed a visual memory task previously shown to produce representational momentum in adults. In the task, a computer-animated target was shown moving either horizontally or vertically, and the target vanished without warning. After the target vanished, observers indicated the location at which it had vanished. Both children and adults exhibited representational momentum, i.e., indicated locations slightly beyond where the target actually disappeared, and the magnitude of representational momentum was larger for younger children than adults. Implications of the results for issues of sensitivity to dynamics and for reliance on analogue representation are discussed.
Efficient algorithms in quantum query complexity

In this thesis we provide new upper and lower bounds on the quantum query complexity of a diverse set of problems. Specifically, we study quantum algorithms for Hamiltonian simulation, matrix multiplication, oracle identification, and graph-property recognition. For the Hamiltonian simulation problem, we provide a quantum algorithm with query complexity sublogarithmic in the inverse error, an exponential improvement over previous methods. Our algorithm is based on a new quantum algorithm for implementing unitary matrices that can be written as linear combinations of efficiently implementable unitary gates. This algorithm uses a new form of “oblivious amplitude amplification” that can be applied even though the reflection about the input state is unavailable. In the oracle identification problem, we are given oracle access to an unknown N -bit string x promised to belong to a known set of size M , and our task is to identify x. We present the first quantum algorithm for the problem that is optimal in its dependence on N and M . Our algorithm is based on ideas from classical learning theory and a new composition theorem for solutions of the filtered γ2-norm semidefinite program. We then study the quantum query complexity of matrix multiplication and related problems over rings, semirings, and the Boolean semiring in particular. Our main result is an outputsensitive algorithm for Boolean matrix multiplication that multiplies two n×n Boolean matrices with query complexity O(n √ `), where ` is the sparsity of the output matrix. The algorithm is based on a reduction to the graph collision problem and a new algorithm for graph collision. Finally, we study the quantum query complexity of minor-closed graph properties and show that most minor-closed properties—those that cannot be characterized by a finite set of forbidden subgraphs—have quantum query complexity Θ(n3/2) and those that do have such a characterization can be solved strictly faster, with o(n3/2) queries. Our lower bound is based on a detailed analysis of the structure of minor-closed properties with respect to forbidden topological minors and forbidden subgraphs. Our algorithms are a novel application of the quantum walk search framework and give improved upper bounds for several subgraph-finding problems.
Second-order methods for neural networks - fast and reliable training methods for multi-layer perceptrons

1 Multi-Layer Perceptron Training. - 1.1 Introduction to MLPs. - 1.1.1 The MLP Architecture. - 1.1.2 MLP Training. - 1.2 Error Surfaces and Local Minima. - 1.2.1 Error Surface Fundamentals. - 1.2.2 MLP Error Surfaces. - 1.3 Backpropagation. - 1.3.1 An Introduction to Backpropagation. - 1.3.2 The Bold Driver Method. - 1.3.3 Backpropagation with Momentum. - 1.3.4 On-Line Backpropagation. - 1.3.5 The Delta-Bar-Delta Method. - 2 Classical Optimisation. - 2.1 Introduction to Classical Methods. - 2.1.1 The Linear Model and Steepest Descent. - 2.1.2 The Quadratic Model and Newton's Method. - 2.1.3 Line-Search Methods vs. Model-Trust Region Methods. - 2.2 General Numerical Considerations. - 2.2.1 Finite-Precision Arithmetic and Computational Errors. - 2.2.2 Positive Definiteness and the Model Hessian. - 2.2. 3 Scaling and Preconditioning. - 3 Second-Order Optimisation Methods. - 3.1 Line-Search Strategies. - 3.1.1 Line Minimisation Fundamentals. - 3.1.2 Inaccurate Line Searches. - 3.1.3 Backtracking Line Searches. - 3.2 Model-Trust Region Strategies. - 3.2.1 A Simple Model-Trust Region Algorithm. - 3.2.2 Fletcher's Method. - 3.2. 3 Modern Model-Trust Region Algorithms. - 3.2. 4 Moller's 'Scaled' Model-Trust Region Strategy. - 3.3 Multivariate Methods for General Nonlinear Optimisation. - 3.3.1 Finite-Difference Newton's Method. - 3.3.2 Quasi-Newton Methods. - 3.3.3 The 'Memoryless' Quasi-Newton Method. - 3.3.4 Conjugate Gradient Methods. - 3.4 Special Methods for Nonlinear Least Squares. - 3.4.1 The Gauss-Newton Method. - 3.4.2 The Levenberg-Marquardt Method. - 3.5 Comparison of Methods. - 4 Second-Order Training Methods for MLPs. - 4.1 The Calculation of Second Derivatives. - 4.1.1 Exact Evaluation of the Hessian Matrix. - 4.1.2 Exact Evaluation of the Hessian Times a Vector. - 4.1.3 Exact Evaluation of the Jacobian Matrix. - 4.2 Reducing Storage and Computational Costs. - 4.2.1 Diagonal Approximations of the Hessian Matrix. - 4.2.2 Reduced Function and Gradient Evaluations. - 4.3 Second-Order On-Line Training. - 4.3.1 An Introduction to Second-Order On-Line Training Strategies. - 4.3.2 'Noise-Free' On-Line Training Schemes. - 4.4 Conclusion. - 5 An Experimental Comparison of MLP Training Methods. - 5.1 Benchmark Training Tasks. - 5.1.1 N-Parity. - 5.1.2 The sin(x) Problem. - 5.1.3 The sin(x)cos(2x) Problem. - 5.1. 4 The tan(x) Problem. - 5.2 Initial Training Conditions. - 5.2.1 MLP Architectures. - 5.2.2 Training Algorithms. - 5.2. 3 Termination Conditions. - 5.3 Experimental Results. - 5.3.1 'Global Reliability'. - 5.3.2 Training Speed Metrics. - 5.3.3 Training Speed Results. - 5.3.4 Conclusions. - 6 Global Optimisation. - 6.1 Introduction to Global Methods. - 6.1.1 Stochastic Methods. - 6.1.2 Deterministic Methods. - 6.2 Expanded Range Approximation (ERA). - 6.2.1 An Introduction to ERA. - 6.2.2 The ERA Method in Practice. - 6.3 The TRUST Method. - 6.3.1 The Tunnelling Function. - 6.3.2 The Tunnelling Phase. - 6.3.3 An Evaluation of the TRUST Method.
Effect of grape juice on some biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in serum and liver enzymes of pregnant and lactating rats

This study aimed to evaluate biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in serum and liver of Wistar rats, in the period after pregnancy and lactation, treated chronically with red grape juice variety Bordo (Vitis labrusca). Forty Wistar rats were placed for mating, and the confirmation of pregnancy was through vaginal swab. After, these animals were randomly divided into 4 groups with and without handling. The groups submitted to handling were treated by gavage (7µL/g) and groups not submitted to handling were treated by free access. Results on this study show that red grape juice reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (liver enzyme) in the serum of the handled animals tested (p<0.05). Regarding the parameters of oxidative stress, red grape juice was able to reduce the levels of protein oxidation in liver and serum of the animals as well as to modulate the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in the liver and the enzymatic activity of catalase in the serum of the same, consequently promoting changes in the relation of these enzymes (p<0.05). Based on the obtained results, it is possible to see the red grape juice V. labrusca benefits presented against the evaluated biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, suggesting it as an important ally in the diet of pregnant women.
Assessing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination: Saudi family medicine undergraduate medical students' perceptions of the tool.

OBJECTIVES To assess the perception and opinion of the medical students about Obejective Structured Clinical Examination. METHOD The descriptive study was conducted at King Saud University College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from March to May 2010. Total population sampling, which is a type of purposive sampling technique, was used. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was circulated among the undergraduate medical students doing Family Medicine clerkship immediately at the end of Objective Structured Clinical Examination. RESULTS Of the 97 questionnaires distributed, 95 (98%) were received. A number of positive aspects of the OSCE exam were identified by students such as 63 (66%) felt that it provided practical and useful experience; 63 (66%) perceived as having a positive impact on student learning; 62 (65%) stated it is a standardised exam; 53 (56%) felt that it should be used more often in undergraduate assessment; 54 (57%) stated that it evaluated a wide variety of clinical skills; 50 (53%) stated that the format allowed students to compensate for deficiency in some areas; 49 (52%) were of the opinion that the exam was fair; 45 (47%) preferred it over other forms of assessment; 39 (41%) perceived exam scores to be truly reflective of competence in clinical skills; and 34 (35%) felt that the format minimises chances of failure. Also, 46 (48% found it to be stressful, and 38 (40%) found it not easy. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination was perceived very positively and welcomed by the undergraduate family medicine students. Certain negative perceptions such as stress and difficulty were also highlighted, which could be managed through better orientation and preparation of the students.
Including prenatal diagnoses in birth defects monitoring: Experience of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program.

BACKGROUND Advances in prenatal diagnosis have led to changes in the management of pregnancies affected with birth defects. These changes pose unique challenges for birth defects monitoring programs which use hospital-based sources. METHODS In 1994, Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) abstractors began to visit area perinatologists' offices to identify pregnancies diagnosed prenatally with fetal defects. These pregnancies were then linked with existing MACDP cases and the hospital deliveries abstracted. Those without a hospital delivery were included as having unknown outcomes. Prenatally diagnosed defects were classified as definite or possible based on the certainty of the prenatal description. For 1995-2004, we calculated minimum and maximum adjusted defect prevalences by adding definite prenatal defects, and definite plus possible prenatal defects, to the hospital-based cases. RESULTS We identified 1009 pregnancies with a prenatally diagnosed defect not ascertained from MACDP hospital sources. Including these increased the total defect prevalence from 28 per 1000 live births to a minimum of 29.94 (6.9% increase) and maximum of 30.14 (7.7% increase) per 1000. The minimum increase was greater than 50% for conjoined twins, triploidy, craniorachischisis, cystic hygroma, Klinefelter syndrome, anencephaly, Turner syndrome, and trisomies 13, 18 and 21 among mothers >or=35. CONCLUSIONS These data reflect the variety of congenital abnormalities that can be detected prenatally and the importance of including prenatal diagnoses in birth defects monitoring data. Birth defects monitoring programs should assess individually the extent to which prenatal diagnosis can affect the accuracy and completeness of their data. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Principal component analysis as a reflector of combining abilities

In this study Principal Component Analysis was used to reveal two dimensional structures based on general (GCA) and specific combining abilities (SCA) in a sunflower crossing program. GCA and SCA of new sunflower inbred lines accompanied by genetic variance components were estimated using Line x Tester analysis method. Six new restorer lines were crossed with four CMS lines as tester in 2006. 24 combinations were planted in randomized block design with four replications in Khoy Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station in 2007. All traits except head diameter and plant height were under control of both additive and dominant effects. Seed yield was mainly under control of dominant effects. For the growth period, and in other traits, additive effects had a major influence. Overdominant effects for growth period and seed yield, complete dominance for plant height and partial dominance for other traits were evident. Principal component analysis revealed a close positive association between seed yield, oil yield and seed number, whereas there were negative associations between these traits and 1000 seed weight. Principal components located entries based on their whole performance in the biplots provided. Restorer line R21 and CMS line CMS356 had a strong effect on their corresponding hybrids. Ordination biplots provided simplicity of selection based on agronomic means instead of SCA data. R23 x CMS78 was a superior early matured hybrid with higher oil content and yield. We could use PCA based on agronomic data alone instead of combining abilities for determining real performance of entries considering multivariate traits.
Thermal conductivity of a-Si:H thin films.

The thermal conductivity of sputtered a-Si:H thin films for a hydrogen content of 1\char21{}20 % and a film thickness of 0.2\char21{}1.5 \ensuremath{\mu}m is determined in the temperature range 80\char21{}400 K using an extension of the 3\ensuremath{\omega} measurement technique. The reliability of the method is demonstrated on 1-\ensuremath{\mu}m-thick a-${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ thermally grown on Si. Scattering of phonons at the interface between the a-Si:H film and the substrate places a simple upper limit on the heat transport by long-wavelength phonons and facilitates the comparison of the experimental data to recent numerical solutions of a Kubo formula using harmonic vibrations.
Calcaneal Fractures: Indirect Reduction and External Fixation

Background: The current treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures has been surgical fixation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of indirect reduction with Ilizarov external fixation as a viable alternative in the surgical treatment of certain calcaneal fractures. Methods: Thirty-one patients with 33 fractures of the calcaneus (Sanders types II, III, and IV) were treated using small wire circular external fixation. A limited percutaneous plantar skin incision was used to improve reduction of the posterior facet. Fractures were evaluated by preoperative CT scans and classified by an independent observer. Patients were evaluated by physical examination as well as by the AOFAS hindfoot score questionnaire. Followup ranged from 6 months to 4 years. Results: The average AOFAS score for 18 patients available for examination was 66 (42 to 92). The average score increased to 74 for patients with more than 10 months followup and to 77 for patients with isolated calcaneal fractures. Open fractures also had early debridement and soft-tissue coverage; no deep infections were seen in this subgroup. There were 11 complications, including nine superficial pin track infections, one superficial skin necrosis under an area of fracture blister, and one deep infection in a diabetic smoker with severe hemorrhagic fracture blisters. All superficial infections responded to local pin or wound care and oral antibiotics. No secondary reconstructive procedures, including osteotomies, subtalar fusions, or amputations, have been done. All open fractures healed and maintained soft-tissue coverage. Conclusions: Indirect reduction and external fixation is a viable surgical alternative for intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Particularly favorable results were obtained in open fractures when soft-tissue reconstruction also was done. Advantages include shorter time to surgery, immediate weightbearing, minimal invasiveness, few serious wound problems, and no residual hardware. Disadvantages include technical difficulty, incomplete reduction of fracture fragments, and the need for secondary surgery (fixator removal).
Deciphering adaptor specificity in GFL‐dependent RET‐mediated proliferation and neurite outgrowth

Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)‐dependent receptor tyrosine kinase RET activity is required for proper development of the nervous system and genitourinary tract. Loss‐of‐function mutations in RET are associated with enteric nervous system abnormalities (Hirschsprung disease) and renal deficits (Potter’s syndrome), whereas activating mutations lead to hereditary cancer syndromes (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and type 2B). RET activation is crucial for the proper regulation of a variety of cellular processes including cell migration, proliferation and neurite outgrowth. By analyzing a series of RET mutants we found that Y1062 was critical for stimulating GDNF‐mediated proliferation as well as proliferation stimulated by GDNF‐independent oncogenic forms of RET. Studies using small interfering RNA driven by lentivirus to knock‐down expression of particular adaptor proteins that interact with RET phospho‐Y1062, demonstrated that only Src‐homology 2 and growth factor receptor binding protein 2 were necessary for RET‐mediated proliferation by wild type and oncogenic forms of RET. Interestingly, we discovered that Y1062 was also required for GDNF‐stimulated neurite outgrowth. However, small interfering RNAs to either Src‐homology 2 or growth factor receptor binding protein 2 or a panel of other adaptor proteins known to interact with RET Y1062 were incapable of blocking GDNF‐stimulated neurite formation, indicating that differential use of intracellular adaptors is responsible for regulating alternative RET‐stimulated cellular events such as proliferation versus a differentiation response like neurite outgrowth.
Incorporation of an Antibiotic in Poly(Lactic Acid) and Polypropylene by Melt Processing

Purpose In this work an antibiotic, ciprofloxacin (CFX), was incorporated into 2 different polymeric matrices, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polypropylene (PP), to provide them with antimicrobial properties. The influence of CFX content on release kinetics and on antimicrobial and mechanical properties was evaluated. Methods CFX was incorporated into both the polymers by melt mixing. Results The effect of CFX incorporation was found to strongly depend on which polymer matrix was used. In particular, the antimicrobial tests revealed that PLA samples containing CFX produced no inhibition zone and only a slight antibacterial activity was observed when the highest concentration of CFX was added to PLA. On the contrary, PP-based materials incorporating CFX, even those containing the smallest concentration of antibiotic, showed antimicrobial activity. These results were found to be in good agreement with the evaluation of the CFX release. Conclusions The negative findings of PLA-based systems are attributed to degradation phenomena that occur during the melt processing, involving some interaction between PLA and CFX. A proposed reaction mechanism between CFX and PLA occurring in the melt is presented.
STORAGE RING CROSS SECTION MEASUREMENTS FOR ELECTRON IMPACT SINGLE AND DOUBLE IONIZATION OF Fe13 + AND SINGLE IONIZATION OF Fe16 + AND Fe17 +

We report measurements of electron impact ionization for Fe13 +, Fe16 +, and Fe17 + over collision energies from below threshold to above 3000 eV. The ions were recirculated using an ion storage ring. Data were collected after a sufficiently long time that essentially all the ions had relaxed radiatively to their ground state. For single ionization of Fe13 +, we find that previous single pass experiments are more than 40% larger than our results. Compared to our work, the theoretical cross section recommended by Arnaud & Raymond is more than 30% larger, while that of Dere is about 20% greater. Much of the discrepancy with Dere is due to the theory overestimating the contribution of excitation–autoionization via n = 2 excitations. Double ionization of Fe13 + is dominated by direct ionization of an inner shell electron accompanied by autoionization of a second electron. Our results for single ionization of Fe16 + and Fe17 + agree with theoretical calculations to within the experimental uncertainties.
Association of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) with sepsis and acute kidney dysfunction

Abstract Objective: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is secreted by injured kidney cells as well as by activated neutrophils in response to bacterial infections. We assessed the influence of acute renal dysfunction on the association between plasma NGAL and sepsis. Methods: NGAL was measured daily in 138 critically ill patients. Simultaneous recordings of sepsis status and fluctuations in renal function were made. Results: Elevated NGAL was associated with sepsis independent of level of acute renal dysfunction. A cut-off value of 98 ng/mL distinguished sepsis from systemic inflammation with high sensitivity (0.77) and specificity (0.79). Conclusions: Plasma NGAL can help clinicians to identify bacterial infections in critically ill patients.
Creating alliances to improve cancer prevention and detection among urban medically underserved minority groups

The East Harlem Partnership for Cancer Awareness (EHPCA) was formed in 1999 to reduce disparities in cancer screening and prevention among medically underserved minorities residing in a large urban community (East Harlem, New York City) by increasing awareness of cancer risk, prevention, and treatment, and promoting greater participation in breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screening and early detection. The Partnership augments a 20‐year collaboration between an academic medical center, a public hospital, and 2 community health centers. Needs assessments were conducted to inform program development. Cancer education, outreach, and screening programs were developed based on the PRECEED‐PROCEED model for health education and health promotion programming. Needs assessments revealed that although the majority of the population (86%) was insured and had a source of primary care, cancer screening guidelines for breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers were not being followed. Outreach strategies, targeted curricula, educational sessions, and screening programs have been developed and implemented to improve knowledge levels and increase screening participation. The EHPCA is a model of a successful partnership among the public and private sectors to reduce disparities in cancer screening and prevention in a diverse, medically underserved, urban minority community. Future efforts to reduce cancer screening disparities in this population will include patient navigation and improved access to standard‐of‐care screening such as colonoscopy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
An extraordinary form of the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome successfully treated with the tumour necrosis factor-α blocker adalimumab

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare granulomatous inflammatory disease characterised by the triad of orofacial oedema, facial nerve palsy and furrowed tongue. We describe the case of a 29-year-old patient suffering from an oligosymptomatic form of the disease with orofacial oedema, cobblestone pattern on the buccal mucosa and swelling of the tongue, accompanied by intermittent fatigue, influenza-like symptoms, intermittent tinnitus and acute hearing loss. An increase of several autoimmune-associated antibodies was also detected. Treatment with prednisolone, azathioprine or methotrexate failed to adequately control all symptoms in the long term. In the absence of a specific and well-established therapy for MRS, treatment with adalimumab was administered. Under adalimumab, total remission of all symptoms was achieved, indicating that tumour necrosis factor-α blockers are a promising therapeutic option for patients with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.