Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Control of phase transition of (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 lead-free ceramics by alkaline metal modification

ABSTRACT (Na0.5K0.5)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 lead-free ceramics with variation of alkaline metal elements were investigated. It has been found that the phase transition temperature of the ceramics can be widely adjusted by A-site doping. Li+ doping could increasing TC, while other alkaline metal elements Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+ doping couldn't stabilize orthorhombic phase. TC increased to 377°C from the initial 306°C as the Li+ amount increasing from 0.02 to 0.10, meanwhile, TO-T decreased from 82°C to −38°C. It is indicated that TC can be influenced by tolerance factor t. An enhanced d33 = 185 pC/N and kp = 44% at room temperature were observed in the ceramics with Li+ content of x = 0.04, probably because the corresponding TO-T of the ceramics is moved to room temperature at x = 0.04 Li+ amount. The enhanced piezoelectric properties indicate that the modified (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 lead-free materials are promising candidates to complement Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 based solid solutions on certain occasions and the expanded phase-transition temperature range can be beneficial to the service circumstances of the materials.
The Demographic Echo of War and educational attainment in Soviet Russia

BACKGROUND Research on Western countries has shown that birth cohort size is negatively related to educational attainment. It has offered complementary interpretations of this association – optimal schooling choices versus cohort overcrowding effects – that are difficult to resolve empirically. OBJECTIVE To investigate birth cohort size effects on educational attainment taking shape primarily in the context of a socialist society that does not lend itself well to “optimal schooling” interpretations. METHODS I exploit birth cohort size variation generated by the Second World War, a phenomenon known as the Demographic War Echo. Using the Education and Employment Survey for Russia and growth curve modeling, I analyze educational trajectories between ages 18 and 35 among Russian men and women born 1950–1987. RESULTS Larger cohorts attained less schooling and advanced more slowly in their educational careers. They could partly make up for the disadvantage by studying longer and retreating to part-time education. The disadvantage was larger for women because for men it was partly compensated through a decreased probability of military conscription. CONCLUSIONS Larger birth cohort size disadvantaged young Russians in the process of educational attainment. Given the context, this can be attributed entirely to cohort overcrowding effects. 1 Institut für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie, Universität zu Köln, Germany. Email: gordey.yastrebov@gmail.com. Yastrebov: The Demographic Echo of War and educational attainment in Soviet Russia 728 https://www.demographic-research.org CONTRIBUTION This is the first examination of birth cohort size effects on educational attainment in a state socialist context. It is also the first to model these effects on educational trajectories rather than simply attainment and to explore the moderating role of part-time education.
A strong link between variations in sea-ice extent and global atmospheric pressure?

Abstract. Abstract. This paper reports spectral analyses, using Singular Spectral Analysis, of variations of the Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice extents (SI), and of the atmospheric surface pressure (AP) in both hemispheres (NH and SH). The ice-extents are dominated by a quasi-linear trend over the 42 yr period when data are available (1978–2020) and an annual component. Taken together, these two components represent more than 98 % of the signal variance. Both ice-extent series share the same 5 set of harmonics of the annual component (1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and 1/5 yr). The multi-decadal trends of sea-ice extent in the Arctic and Antarctic are of opposite sign. The series of harmonics of 1 year are consequences of the Earth’s revolution about the Sun. The components with period longer than a year form a set of even harmonics of the Schwabe cycle. The pressure series also exhibits the four harmonics of 1 year, that is not found in many series previously analysed in the same way. This could suggest a connection between variations in pressure and sea-ice extent. Geographical pressure structures (SSA trends) are stable on a 10 decadal to centennial time scale and exhibit a three-fold symmetry in the NH. In the SH that order-3 symmetry is altered by the Ross-Weddell “dipole” pressure anomaly. This anomaly is seen in maps of correlations of variations in sea-ice extent with atmospheric pressure, surface temperature and winds. It fits topographic forcing. There is phase opposition between the annual components of SI and AP in the SH, and the same decreasing phase lag from −30 to −60 days over 42 years for the four harmonic components of SHSI and SHAP. The (negative) sign of the trend of pressure and (positive) sign of the trend of temperature 15 beg for an explanation. The relative change in pressure over the past 50 years is two orders of magnitude smaller than that of warming. This relatively strong warming would be expected to have a larger effect on pressure. The ratio of relative changes of sea-ice extent vs pressure is 400 for the NH and 17 for the SH. The SSA components reported in this paper should help in understanding the mechanisms that govern changes in sea-ice extent: these changes reflect forcings related to the Earth’s revolution about the Sun on the shorter period side, and on the longer period side to the Sun and planets (Jupiter). Advanced 20 explanation of the physics underling these observations may need advances in solving the generalized Navier-Stokes equations, which is very difficult in the spherical case.
New records of the Endangered Szechwan Rat Snake, Euprepiophis perlaceus (Stejneger, 1929) (Squamata: Colubridae: Coronellini), from Shaanxi, China

—The Szechwan Rat Snake (Euprepiophis perlaceus Stejneger, 1929) is an Endangered species that is endemic to China. Previous documentation indicates that it is only distributed in narrow mountainous regions in Sichuan. However, some recent sighting records indicate the existence of another population located in the Mts. Qinling, Shaanxi, more than 470 km NW from the original known locality. Here, we report the morphological details of a live-captured individual of Euprepiophis perlaceus, and provide information on its taxonomy, distribution, ecology, and conservation implications, along with references to the published literature from Chinese sources.
Primary Nutrient Foramina of Tibia and Its Surgical Implications

Introduction: Nutrient foramina of tibia are located in the proximal third of the shaft. In most of the cases nutrient foramina are located away from the growing end of the bone. During growing period 80% blood supply of bone occurs through nutrient artery. Through knowledge about the nutrient foramina and blood supply of long bone is one of the important features for success of new technique in bone transplantation and resection in orthopedics. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 70 dry tibiae (39 right and 31 left sided) of unknown sex from department of Anatomy of National medical College, Birgunj, Nepal. Study was done carefully for the number, position, distance of nutrient foramina from upper end and foraminal index of tibia. Results: In this study, a single diaphyseal nutrient foramen was observed in all the tibia. There were no bones with double nutrient foramen. 90% of the foramina were present in the upper third and 10% of the foramina were in the middle third, there were no any nutrient foramina on the lower third of the bone. 82.8% of the foramina were present on the posterior surface, 14.3% were on the medial surface and 2.9% were on the lateral surface. Conclusion: A knowledge of foraminal topography helps to preserve bone vasculature during surgeries. This increases the success of fracture fixation, bone grafting and knee replacement procedures involving the bones.
Risk Factors in Hospitalized Patients for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia by Real World Database: A New Role for Primary Hypercoagulable States

Background The aims of the study were to identify predictors of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in hospitalized adults, and to find additional factors associated with higher odds of HIT in primary hypercoagulable states. Methods A retrospective matched case-control study using discharge data from National Inpatient Sample database (2012 - 2014) was conducted. In primary outcome analysis, hospitalized patients with and without HIT were included as cases and controls, both matched for age and gender. In secondary outcome analysis, hospitalized patients with primary hypercoagulable states with and without HIT were included as cases and controls, both matched for age and gender. The statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Results There are several predictors of HIT in hospitalized patients, such as obesity, malignancy, diabetes, renal failure, major surgery, congestive heart failure, and autoimmune diseases. In patients with primary hypercoagulable states, the presence of renal failure (odds ratio (OR) 2.955, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.994 - 4.380), major surgery (OR 1.735, 95% CI 1.275 - 2.361), congestive heart failure (OR 4.497, 95% CI 2.466 - 8.202), or autoimmune diseases (OR 1.712, 95% CI 1.120 - 2.618) further increases the odds of HIT. Conclusions In hospitalized patients with primary hypercoagulable states, especially in association with renal failure, major surgery, congestive heart failure, or autoimmune diseases, unfractionated heparin should be used with caution.
Facebook or LMS in Distance Education? Why University Students Prefer to Interact in Facebook Groups

This article describes an investigation into the level of satisfaction among students at Spain’s National Distance Education University (UNED) regarding use of Facebook groups as an environment for learning. Based on a structural equation methodology, the research analyzed the most relevant personal and socio-educational factors that affect satisfaction. The sample consisted of 418 undergraduate and master’s degree students at UNED’s Faculty of Education; participants were consulted in three semesters between September 2019 and January 2021. The results showed that students who participated in Facebook study groups achieved better results than those who did not, and that they interacted more frequently in these groups than in UNED’s official learning management system. The main latent variables that influenced satisfaction with Facebook study groups were the perception of efficacy they elicited as a complement to distance learning by enabling greater interaction with other students, and the feeling of course companionship they provided. The absence of teacher control also influenced student satisfaction, which allowed students to focus on learning and achieving better results in tests and exams.
Distinguishing Incubation and Acute Disease Stages of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19

Objective: While numerous studies have already compared the immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 in severely and mild-to-moderately ill COVID-19 patients, longitudinal trajectories are still scarce. We therefore set out to analyze serial blood samples from mild-to-moderately ill patients in order to define the immune landscapes for differently progressed disease stages. Methods: Twenty-two COVID-19 patients were subjected to consecutive venipuncture within seven days after diagnosis or admittance to hospital. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze peripheral blood immune cell compositions and their activation as were plasma levels of cytokines and SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulins. Healthy donors served as controls. Results: Integrating the kinetics of plasmablasts and SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies allowed for the definition of three disease stages of early COVID-19. The incubation phase was characterized by a sharp increase in pro-inflammatory monocytes and terminally differentiated cytotoxic T cells. The latter correlated significantly with elevated concentrations of IP-10. Early acute infection featured a peak in PD-1+ cytotoxic T cells, plasmablasts and increasing titers of virus specific antibodies. During late acute infection, immature neutrophils were enriched whereas all other parameters returned to baseline. Conclusion: Our findings will help to define landmarks that are indispensable for the refinement of new anti-viral and anti-inflammatory therapeutics, and may also inform clinicians to optimize treatment and prevent fatal outcome.
Attitudes and practices of educators towards e-learning during the covid-19 pandemic

Background The novel coronavirus outbreak is now shifting the way educational institutions operate around the world. This study aims to assess the online learning experience during the pandemic and recognize its perceived barriers according to university professors in Jordan. Methods This is a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional, and descriptive study. A web-based survey was distributed to all university professors and lecturers in public universities across Jordan. Results A total of 508 educators responded to this study. Males (67.5%, n=343) dominated the study population compared to females (32.5%, n=165). Educators spent an average of 20.2 ± 15.9 hours/week using the internet for educational purposes during the pandemic. Positive attitudes towards online teaching were seen, as 65.7% reported being prepared for online teaching, while 40.8% were comfortable communicating with students via online platforms. Institutional support for online learning also appears to have increased following the coronavirus outbreak. An overwhelming majority (81.9%, n=416) stated that their universities supported online education during the pandemic, compared to 56.5% (n=287) before. The main recognized barriers for online teaching were poor internet connection (78.3%, n=398), disadvantages in old learning tools (e.g., uploading capacity) (70.9%, n=360), and family atmosphere (69.3%, n=352). Participants also recognized technical (74.0%, n=376) and computer skills (49.2%, n=250) as areas requiring development. Conclusion Despite the positive attitudes of educators towards online teaching, many barriers need to be overcome before the shift from traditional learning is implemented. Faculty training and inter-departmental communication are warranted for the success of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. © ACPIL.
Comment on bg-2021-163 Anonymous Referee

This paper is a modelling study looking at whether two existing soil process representations within the ELM model can capture observations of litter decomposition from a distributed litterbag experiment. The authors devise a modelling framework - a functional unit approach - to easily reproduce the large number of observations as well as our conceptual understanding of decomposition inside litterbags. The authors conclude that the two different representations have a similar capability to reproduce the observations.
Genome-wide association study of REM sleep behavior disorder identifies novel loci with distinct polygenic and brain expression effects

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) represents both an early marker and key symptom of synucleinopathies, mainly Parkinson disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD), and a strong opportunity for early clinical intervention for these conditions. Yet, the genetics of RBD are currently not well characterized. In this study, we perform the first genome-wide analyses on RBD, including genome-wide association study, pathway analysis, heritability, genetic correlation, and mendelian randomization. We report two novel RBD risk loci and replicate three previously reported, and identify key genetic similarities and differences between RBD and other synucleinopathies. These results contribute to overall genetic understanding of RBD, and thus a step closer to genetic prediction and targeted treatment of synucleinopathies.
On the Impact of Spurious Correlation for Out-of-distribution Detection

Modern neural networks can assign high confidence to inputs drawn from outside the training distribution, posing threats to models in real-world deployments. While much research attention has been placed on designing new out-of-distribution (OOD) detection methods, the precise definition of OOD is often left in vagueness and falls short of the desired notion of OOD in reality. In this paper, we present a new formalization and model the data shifts by taking into account both the invariant and environmental (spurious) features. Under such formalization, we systematically investigate how spurious correlation in the training set impacts OOD detection. Our results suggest that the detection performance is severely worsened when the correlation between spurious features and labels is increased in the training set. We further show insights on detection methods that are more effective in reducing the impact of spurious correlation, and provide theoretical analysis on why reliance on environmental features leads to high OOD detection error. Our work aims to facilitate better understanding of OOD samples and their formalization, as well as the exploration of methods that enhance OOD detection. Code is available at https://github.com/deeplearning-wisc/Spurious_OOD.
Local exterior square and Asai L-functions for
GL(n) in odd characteristic

Let $F$ be a non-archimedean local field of odd characteristic $p>0$. In this paper, we consider local exterior square $L$-functions $L(s,\pi,\wedge^2)$, Bump-Friedberg $L$-functions $L(s,\pi,BF)$, and Asai $L$-functions $L(s,\pi,As)$ of an irreducible admissible representation $\pi$ of $GL_m(F)$. In particular, we establish that those $L$-functions, via the theory of integral representations, are equal to their corresponding Artin $L$-functions $L(s,\wedge^2(\phi(\pi)))$, $L(s+1/2,\phi(\pi))L(s,\wedge^2(\phi(\pi)))$, and $L(s,As(\phi(\pi)))$ of the associated Langlands parameter $\phi(\pi)$ under the local Langlands correspondence. These are achieved by proving the identity for irreducible supercuspidal representations, exploiting the local to global argument due to Henniart and Lomeli.
Closed-loop targeted optogenetic stimulation of C. elegans populations

We present a high-throughput optogenetic illumination system capable of simultaneous closed-loop light delivery to specified targets in populations of moving Caenorhabditis elegans. The instrument addresses three technical challenges: it delivers targeted illumination to specified regions of the animal’s body such as its head or tail; it automatically delivers stimuli triggered upon the animal’s behavior; and it achieves high throughput by targeting many animals simultaneously. The instrument was used to optogenetically probe the animal’s behavioral response to competing mechanosensory stimuli in the the anterior and posterior soft touch receptor neurons. Responses to more than 10 stimulus events from a range of anterior-posterior intensity combinations were measured. The animal’s probability of sprinting forward in response to a mechanosensory stimulus depended on both the anterior and posterior stimulation intensity, while the probability of reversing depended primarily on the posterior stimulation intensity. We also probed the animal’s response to mechanosensory stimulation during the onset of turning, a relatively rare behavioral event, by delivering stimuli automatically when the animal began to turn. Using this closed-loop approach, over 10 stimulus events were delivered during turning onset at a rate of 9.2 events per worm-hour, a greater than 25-fold increase in throughput compared to previous investigations. These measurements validate with greater statistical power previous findings that turning acts to gate mechanosensory evoked reversals. Compared to previous approaches, the current system offers targeted optogenetic stimulation to specific body regions or behaviors with many-fold increases in throughput to better constrain quantitative models of sensorimotor processing.
Multilingual Translation via Grafting Pre-trained Language Models

Can pre-trained BERT for one language and GPT for another be glued together to translate texts? Self-supervised training using only monolingual data has led to the success of pre-trained (masked) language models in many NLP tasks. However, directly connecting BERT as an encoder and GPT as a decoder can be challenging in machine translation, for GPT-like models lack a cross-attention component that is needed in seq2seq decoders. In this paper, we propose Graformer to graft separately pre-trained (masked) language models for machine translation. With monolingual data for pre-training and parallel data for grafting training, we maximally take advantage of the usage of both types of data. Experiments on 60 directions show that our method achieves average improvements of 5.8 BLEU in x2en and 2.9 BLEU in en2x directions comparing with the multilingual Transformer of the same size.
Cardinality Estimation in DBMS: A Comprehensive Benchmark Evaluation

Cardinality estimation (CardEst) plays a significant role in generating high-quality query plans for a query optimizer in DBMS. In the last decade, an increasing number of advanced CardEst methods (especially ML-based) have been proposed with outstanding estimation accuracy and inference latency. However, there exists no study that systematically evaluates the quality of these methods and answer the fundamental problem: to what extent can these methods improve the performance of query optimizer in real-world settings, which is the ultimate goal of a CardEst method. In this paper, we comprehensively and systematically compare the effectiveness of CardEst methods in a real DBMS. We establish a new benchmark for CardEst, which contains a new complex real-world dataset STATS and a diverse query workload STATS-CEB. We integrate multiple most representative CardEst methods into an open-source DBMS PostgreSQL, and comprehensively evaluate their true effectiveness in improving query plan quality, and other important aspects affecting their applicability. We obtain a number of key findings under different data and query settings. Furthermore, we find that the widely used estimation accuracy metric (Q-Error) cannot distinguish the importance of different sub-plan queries during query optimization and thus cannot truly reflect the generated query plan quality. Therefore, we propose a new metric P-Error to evaluate the performance of CardEst methods, which overcomes the limitation of Q-Error and is able to reflect the overall end-to-end performance of CardEst methods. It could serve as a better optimization objective for future CardEst methods.