Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Production of various strategies and position control for Monte-Carlo Go — Entertaining human players

Thanks to the continued development of tree search algorithms, of more precise evaluation functions, and of faster hardware, computer Go and computer Shogi have now reached a level of strength sufficient for most amateur players. However, the research about entertaining and coaching human players of board games is still very limited. In this paper, we try first to define what are the requirements for entertaining human players in computer board games. Then, we describe the different approaches that we have experimented in the case of Monte-Carlo computer Go.
Control of Jasmonate Biosynthesis and Senescence by miR319 Targets

Considerable progress has been made in identifying the targets of plant microRNAs, many of which regulate the stability or translation of mRNAs that encode transcription factors involved in development. In most cases, it is unknown, however, which immediate transcriptional targets mediate downstream effects of the microRNA-regulated transcription factors. We identified a new process controlled by the miR319-regulated clade of TCP (TEOSINTE BRANCHED/CYCLOIDEA/PCF) transcription factor genes. In contrast to other miRNA targets, several of which modulate hormone responses, TCPs control biosynthesis of the hormone jasmonic acid. Furthermore, we demonstrate a previously unrecognized effect of TCPs on leaf senescence, a process in which jasmonic acid has been proposed to be a critical regulator. We propose that miR319-controlled TCP transcription factors coordinate two sequential processes in leaf development: leaf growth, which they negatively regulate, and leaf senescence, which they positively regulate.
Exchange-Rate Regime and Economic Growth: A Review of the Theoretical and Empirical Literature

The aim of this paper is to examine the theoretical and empirical arguments for the relationship between the exchange-rate regime and economic growth. As a nominal variable, the exchange rate (regime) might not affect the long-run economic growth. However, there is no unambiguous theoretical evidence what impacts the exchange-rate target exhibits on growth. The channel through which the regime might influence growth is trade, investment and productivity. Theoretical considerations relate the exchange-rate effect on growth to the level of uncertainty imposed by flexible option of the rate. However, while reduced policy uncertainty under a peg promotes an environment which is conductive to production factor growth, trade and hence to output, such targets do not provide an adjustment mechanism in times of shocks, thus stimulating protectionist behaviour, price distortion signals and therefore misallocation of resources in the economy. Consequently, the relationship remains blurred and requires in-depth empirical investigation. The empirical research offers divergent result though. A big part of the studies focuses on the parameter of the exchange-rate dummy, but does not appropriately control for other country-characteristics nor apply appropriate growth framework. Also, the issue of endogeneity is not treated at all or inappropriate instruments are repeatedly used. Very few studies disgracedly pay small attention to the capital controls, an issue closely related to the exchange-rate regime and only one study puts the issue in the context of monetary regimes. Overall, the empirical evidence is condemned because of growth-framework, endogeneity, sample-selection bias and the so-called peso problem. An empirical investigation which will consider all those aspects might reveal clear and robust suggestion of the relationship between exchange-rate regime and growth.
Identification of the Plasma Membrane Proteolipid Protein as a Constituent of Brain Coated Vesicles and Synaptic Plasma Membrane

Abstract: We have analyzed brain coated vesicles and synaptic plasma membrane for the presence of the plasma membrane proteolipid protein. Coated vesicles were isolated from calf brain gray matter with a final purification on Sephacryl S‐1000 and reisolated twice by chromatography to ensure homogeneity. Fractions were analyzed by gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting for clathrin heavy chain, and by electron microscopy. Using an immunoblotting assay we were able to demonstrate the presence of the plasma membrane proteolipid protein in these coated vesicles at a significant level (i.e., approximately 1% of the bilayer protein of these vesicles). Reisolation of coated vesicles did not diminish the concentration of the protein in this fraction. Removal of the clathrin coat proteins or exposure of the coated vesicles to 0.1 M Na2CO3 showed that the plasma membrane proteolipid protein is not removed during uncoating and lysis but is intrinsic to the membrane bilayer of these vesicles. These studies demonstrate that plasma membrane proteolipid protein represents a significant amount of the bilayer protein of coated vesicles, suggesting that these vesicles may be a transport vehicle for the intracellular movement of the plasma membrane proteolipid protein. Isolation of synaptic plasma membranes from adult rat brain and estimation of the plasma membrane proteolipid protein content using the immunoblotting method confirmed earlier studies that show this protein is present in this membrane fraction at high levels as well (approximately 1‐2%). The level of this protein in the synaptic plasma membrane suggests that the synaptic plasma membrane is one major site to which these vesicles may be targeted or from which the protein is being retrieved.
A region-level graph labeling approach to motion-based segmentation

This paper deals with the problem of motion-based segmentation of image sequences. Such partitions are multiple-purpose in dynamic scene analysis. We first extract a spatial texture-based partition using an unsupervised MRF approach. The regions obtained are then grouped according to a motion-based criterion. This grouping process relies on two motion estimation techniques and exploits centextual information between regions. In contrast with clustering techniques, region grouping is formalized as a motion-based graph labeling process, within a Markovian framework. Results on real-world image sequences are shown and validate the proposed method.
Special Effects in Film Making with Object Based Transformations

The new media initiative project of Ryerson University had been successful in applying image and video processing techniques in creating special effects in film making. Our system utilizes a graph cut image segmentation and snakes active contour approach to obtain object cut outs in 3-D with tracking. It uses exemplar-based inpainting for background filling for missing regions uncovered by object transformation. The two methods combined allows for easy video object editing with reduction in user input. Previously implemented shot detection by twin window amplification method and steerable pyramids texture generation is also part of the system. Lastly, a set of transformation was implemented that serves as a basis for testing the system.
Accurate Energies and Structures for Large Water Clusters Using the X3LYP Hybrid Density Functional

We predict structures and energies of water clusters containing up to 19 waters with X3LYP, an extended hybrid density functional designed to describe noncovalently bound systems as accurately as covalent systems. Our work establishes X3LYP as the most practical ab initio method today for calculating accurate water cluster structures and energies. We compare X3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ energies to the most accurate theoretical values available (n = 2−6, 8), MP2 with basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrections extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. Our energies match these reference energies remarkably well, with a root-mean-square difference of 0.1 kcal/mol/water. X3LYP also has ten times less BSSE than MP2 with similar basis sets, allowing one to neglect BSSE at moderate basis sizes. The net result is that X3LYP is ∼100 times faster than canonical MP2 for moderately sized water clusters.
Serotype diversity of Streptococcus mutans and caries activity in children in Argentina.

AIM The purpose of this study was to analyse the serotype distribution of S. mutans and their association with caries activity in school children from Córdoba, Argentina. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical examination was performed in 133 children. The dmft+DMFT and Significant Caries (SiC) indices were calculated to identify individuals with high caries activity. After DNA extractions of S. mutans strains, serotypes were determined by PCR amplifications. The median caries activity of each serotype group was compared using a non-parametric Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS We obtained S. mutans strains from stimulated saliva of 94 children. The mean dmft+DMFT was 4.14 and the mean SiC index was 8.65. Serotype c was the most frequent (53.2%), followed by e (31.9%), f (8.5%) and k (6.4%). The comparison between the SiC and Non-Sic groups showed significant differences in the frequency of serotypes c and k. The median caries activity was non-significant in the different serotypes. CONCLUSION The difference between the serotype frequencies detected in Argentina compared to those of other countries could be related with contrasting dietary habits. The results obtained in the present study would increase the knowledge about the epidemiology of dental caries in children from Argentina.
Convex conditions for model reduction of linear parameter varying systems

Complexity being one of the main limitations of LPV methods, the need for efficient model reduction techniques is highly motivated. Yet, so far, there exists no convex formulation of the general problem of finding a reduced model of any given complexity. In this paper, we focus on the case when the reduced model is supposed to have a special structure and we then derive convex conditions. Thus, for a system modeled by an LFT on a repeated scalar parameter structure, we prove that the problem can be formulated as an LMI optimization problem in the case when the reduced model is supposed to depend only on some parameters of the original system in the same manner as the plant whereas the dependence on the other parameters has been removed. The method is applicable to quadratically stable systems. A complete construction procedure is provided and a measure of the associated model reduction error is given. The method is illustrated in the context of missile control.
Consistency of the chiral pion-pion scattering amplitudes with axiomatic constraints.

The pion-pion scattering amplitudes provided by second-order chiral perturbation theory are confronted with known rigorous constraints derived from the axioms of quantum field theory. We mainly test constraints restricting the [pi][sup 0][pi][sup 0] [ital S]- and [ital D]-wave amplitudes in the unphysical interval 0[le][ital s][le]4[ital m][sub [pi]][sup 2]. These constraints impose significant lower bounds for a linear combination of coupling constants specifying the second-order chiral Lagrangian. The accepted value of this combination is consistent with these bounds. The [pi][sup 0-][pi][sup 0] [ital S] and [ital D] waves are strongly correlated by a set of constraints.
Depressive Symptoms, Antidepressant Medication Use, and Insulin Resistance

OBJECTIVE Although insulin resistance (IR) may underlie associations between depressive symptoms and diabetes, previous findings have been contradictory. We examined whether depressive symptoms associate with IR and insulin secretion, and, additionally, whether antidepressant medication use may modulate such associations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 4,419 individuals underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Participants with previously or newly diagnosed diabetes are excluded from this sample. The homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) and corrected insulin response (CIR) were calculated. Depressive symptoms and antidepressant medication use were self-reported. RESULTS After controlling for confounding factors, depressive symptoms were associated with higher fasting and 30-min insulin during the OGTT and higher HOMA-IR but not CIR. Antidepressant medication use failed to modify these associations. CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms are associated with IR but not with changes in insulin response when corrected for IR in individuals without previously or newly diagnosed diabetes.
Performance comparison of partitioned stator machines with NdFeB and ferrite magnets

Partitioned stator (PS) machines employ two separate stators to accommodate armature windings and permanent magnets (PMs) respectively, alleviating the stator space conflict in stator-PM machines and hence significantly boosting the torque density. However, the PM usage volume of PS machines is relatively large and the cost is high, which is undesirable for cost sensitive applications. In this paper, a PS machine employing ferrite PMs is presented, which can take the advantage of large space for PMs in PS machines as well as balance the performance and cost. The electromagnetic characteristics of an optimized ferrite PS machine and an optimized NdFeB PS machine are compared, together with a classic Prius2010 interior-PM (IPM) machine as a baseline for comparison. In addition, the economic issues are considered as well. The predicted results reveal that the NdFeB PS machine can produce much higher torque density but is more expensive than the Prius2010 IPM machine, whilst the ferrite PS machine can significantly reduce the cost and still exhibit comparable performance as the Prius2010 IPM machine and the highest torque per cost. The demagnetization behavior of ferrite PS machine is evaluated and a method to improve the demagnetization withstand capability is proposed. A pair of scaled prototypes are manufactured to validate the finite element predictions.
Brain-Like Emergent Spatial Processing

This is a theoretical, modeling, and algorithmic paper about the spatial aspect of brain-like information processing, modeled by the developmental network (DN) model. The new brain architecture allows the external environment (including teachers) to interact with the sensory ends and the motor ends of the skull-closed brain through development. It does not allow the human programmer to hand-pick extra-body concepts or to handcraft the concept boundaries inside the brain . Mathematically, the brain spatial processing performs real-time mapping from to , through network updates, where the contents of all emerge from experience. Using its limited resource, the brain does increasingly better through experience. A new principle is that the effector ends serve as hubs for concept learning and abstraction. The effector ends serve also as input and the sensory ends serve also as output. As DN embodiments, the Where-What Networks (WWNs) present three major function novelties-new concept abstraction, concept as emergent goals, and goal-directed perception. The WWN series appears to be the first general purpose emergent systems for detecting and recognizing multiple objects in complex backgrounds. Among others, the most significant new mechanism is general-purpose top-down attention.
Statistical Power of Studies Examining the Cognitive Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACT It has been argued that neuropsychological studies generally possess adequate statistical power to detect large effect sizes. However, low statistical power is problematic in neuropsychological research involving clinical populations and novel interventions for which available sample sizes are often limited. One notable example of this problem is evident in the literature regarding the cognitive sequelae of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current review, a post hoc estimate of the statistical power of 30 studies examining cognitive effects of STN DBS in PD revealed adequate power to detect substantial cognitive declines (i.e., very large effect sizes), but surprisingly low estimated power to detect cognitive changes associated with conventionally small, medium, and large effect sizes. Such wide spread Type II error risk in the STN DBS cognitive outcomes literature may affect the clinical decision-making process as concerns the possible risk of postsurgical cognitive morbidity, as well as conceptual inferences to be drawn regarding the role of the STN in higher-level cognitive functions. Statistical and methodological recommendations (e.g., meta-analysis) are offered to enhance the power of current and future studies examining the neuropsychological sequelae of STN DBS in PD.
Nasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae Includes Subpopulations of Surface and Invasive Pneumococci

ABSTRACT We demonstrated that during colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae the nasal mucosal tissues of mice support two populations of pneumococci. Transparent-phase pneumococci can be readily washed from the outer surface, while a second population composed of primarily opaque-phase pneumococci is released only by homogenization of the nasal tissue. The fact that the opaque phase has previously been associated with invasion and the fact that opaque-phase pneumococci were released by homogenization of previously washed nasal tissue suggest that the opaque-phase pneumococci may have invaded the nasal tissue. Consistent with this hypothesis was our observation that there was inflammation in portions of the nasal mucosa of the colonized mice but not in the mucosa of noncolonized mice, but this observation did not prove the hypothesis. If the opaque-phase pneumococci released from the nasal tissue were from within the tissue and/or if resistance of the opaque-phase subpopulation to antibody, complement, and phagocytes is essential for long-term carriage, it seems likely that the virulence factors of S. pneumoniae that are necessary for killing humans exist to facilitate carriage. Although this speculation is unproven, the observation that there are separate populations of pneumococci during colonization may help guide future attempts to understand the biology of nasal colonization by this pathogen.
Factors influencing the development and amelioration of suicidal thoughts in the general population

Background The incidence of suicidal thoughts in the British population is unknown. Aims To determine the factors associated with the development of, and recovery from, suicidal thoughts. Method An 18-month follow-up survey investigated 2404 of the adults who took part in the second National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Results The annual incidence of suicidal thoughts was 2.3%. Incidence was highest in women and among 16- to 24-year-olds. Increased incidence was associated with not being in a stable relationship, low levels of social support and being unemployed. Fifty-seven percent of those with suicidal thoughts at baseline had recovered by the 18-month follow-up interview. Conclusions Risk factors for suicidal thoughts are similar to those for completed suicide, although the age and gender patterning is different. Fewer than 1 in 200 people who experience suicidal thoughts go on to complete suicide. Further study into explanations for the differences in the epidemiology of suicidal thoughts and suicide is crucial to understanding the pathways (protective and precipitating) linking suicidal thoughts to completed suicide and should help inform effective prevention of suicide.
Re-engaging adolescent students in science : an experienced teachers' classroom

Adolescents are both aware of and have the impetuous to exploit aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) within their personal lives. Whether they are surfing, cycling, skateboarding or shopping, STEM concepts impact their lives. However science, mathematics, engineering and technology are still treated in the classroom as separate fragmented entities in the educational environment where most classroom talk is seemingly incomprehensible to the adolescent senses. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of young adolescents with the aim of transforming school learning at least of science into meaningful experiences that connected with their lives using a self-study approach. Over a 12-month period, the researcher, an experienced secondary-science teacher, designed, implemented and documented a range of pedagogical practices with his Year-7 secondary science class. Data for this case study included video recordings, journals, interviews and surveys of students. By setting an environment empathetic to adolescent needs and understandings, students were able to actively explore phenomena collaboratively through developmentally appropriate experiences. Providing a more contextually relevant environment fostered meta-cognitive practices, encouraged new learning through open dialogue, multi-modal representations and assessments that contributed to building upon, re-affirming, or challenging both the students' prior learning and the teacher’s pedagogical content knowledge. A significant outcome of this study was the transformative experiences of an insider, the teacher as researcher, whose reflections provided an authentic model for reforming pedagogy in STEM classes.
Full-scale 3D preoperative planning system for calcaneal osteotomy with a multimedia system.

UNLABELLED This study presents a new computer-assisted surgical planning and simulating system that employs a multimedia environment for calcaneal osteotomy surgery. The system uses a full-scale computer-assisted engineering technique for designing and developing preoperative planning modules. The planning system not only presents a real-sized 3-dimensional (3D) image of the calcaneus, but also provides detailed interior measurements of the calcaneus from various cutting planes. The multimedia user interface integrates the function of different software programs in order to plan and simulate the operation. These functions include 3D image model capturing, sectioning, translocation, rotating, and measuring relevant foot anatomy, all of which can be integrated and used for surgical planning, as well as for future study and discussion. Furthermore, because the system is computer based with a multimedia user interface, surgeons can use it to explore the optimal operative procedure. The system also has a databank that can be updated and expanded, and can be used to provide clinical cases to different users for education and training. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE 5.
Static model of LED behaviour depending on operating conditions

Paper presents the static model of the LED behaviour under specific operational conditions created in Simulink tool. This model can be used for different types of LEDs and it operates with commonly available data provided by the manufacturers. Verification of model validity has been performed with high-power white LEDs at two testing methods. First method is based on LED operation with constant supply current and with using of system enabling heatsink temperature regulation. Second method is performed for real conditions operation, ambient temperature is constant and LED control is performed by regulation of supply power. Simulation of multiple LED operation with single heatsink and simulation of LED operation at different ambient temperatures are performed and presented in the paper.