Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Optimal Power Allocation and Relay Location for Amplify-and-Forward Multihop Relaying over Lognormal Channel

In this paper, a joint optimization of power allocation (PA) and relay location is proposed for Amplify-and-Forward (AF) multihop relaying over independent lognormal fading channels. The proposed optimization method maximizes the end-to-end (e2e) average signal-to- noise ratio (ASNR) having constraints on total transmit power with no per terminal maximum limit and assuming fixed e2e distance. Optimal parameters do not depend on instantaneous channel state information (ICSI) and can reduce complexity and power consumption. Optimal PA for maximizing e2e instantaneous SNR (ISNR) is also derived considering same constraints. Outage performance of joint optimization method based on ASNR and optimization method based on ISNR is compared. It is observed that joint optimization not only performs better than equal allocation, it can also outperform PA based on ISNR when link unbalance is large.
Duodenal bile acids in infancy 843

Chailacombe, D. N. , Edkins, S. , and Brown, G. A. (1975). Archives of Disease in Childhood, 50, 837. Duodenal bile acids in infancy. Duodenal bile acids have been estimated in three age groups in infancy from birth to 7 months, and age-related changes have been shown. The lowest concentrations of duodenal bile acids occurred in the youngest infants, and increasing concentrations were found with increasing age. Taurine conjugated bile acids predominated in early infancy, while in older infants bile acids were mainly conjugated with glycine. The probable presence of taurolithocholic acid in the duodenal bile of 2 newborns before the establishment of a gastrointestinal microflora remains to be confirmed, but could result either from transplacental passage of secondary bile acids or from endogenous synthesis by the fetal liver.
Two Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Induce the Production of Secreted and Membrane-Bound Mucins To Benefit Their Own Growth at the Apical Surface of Human Mucin-Secreting Intestinal HT29-MTX Cells

ABSTRACT In rabbit ligated ileal loops, two atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) strains, 3991-1 and 0421-1, intimately associated with the cell membrane, forming the characteristic EPEC attachment and effacement lesion of the brush border, induced a mucous hypersecretion, whereas typical EPEC (tEPEC) strain E2348/69 did not. Using cultured human mucin-secreting intestinal HT29-MTX cells, we demonstrate that apically aEPEC infection is followed by increased production of secreted MUC2 and MUC5AC mucins and membrane-bound MUC3 and MUC4 mucins. The transcription of the MUC5AC and MUC4 genes was transiently upregulated after aEPEC infection. We provide evidence that the apically adhering aEPEC cells exploit the mucins' increased production since they grew in the presence of membrane-bound mucins, whereas tEPEC did not. The data described herein report a putative new virulence phenomenon in aEPEC.
High-quality region-based foreground segmentation using a spatial grid of SVM classifiers

This paper presents a novel background modeling system that uses a spatial grid of Support Vector Machines classifiers for segmenting moving objects, which is a key step in many video-based consumer applications. The system is able to adapt to a large range of dynamic background situations since no parametric model or statistical distribution are assumed. This is achieved by using a different classifier per image region that learns the specific appearance of that scene region and its variations (illumination changes, dynamic backgrounds, etc.). The proposed system has been tested with a recent public database, outperforming other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Pretend Play: Longitudinal Prediction of Creativity and Affect in Fantasy in Children

Pretend play and creativity have been linked theoretically and empirically. In this article we investigate the ability of pretend play in first and second-grade children to predict divergent thinking and affect in fantasy over a 4-year period. The follow-up sample consisted of 31 children in the fifth and sixth grades who had originally received the Affect in Play Scale (Russ, 1987, 1993; a standardized play task) and the Alternate Uses test (Wallach & Kogan, 1965) of divergent thinking as first and second graders. Four years later, they received an Affect in Fantasy Task (developed for this study) similar to the original play task, and the Alternate Uses test. As predicted, quality of fantasy and imagination in early play predicted divergent thinking over time, independent of IQ. In addition, cognitive and affective processes in early pretend play were significantly related to comparable processes on the later fantasy task. Early divergent-thinking scores were predictive of later divergent-thinking score.
A Mixed-eeects Quintile-stratiÿed Propensity Adjustment for Eeectiveness Analyses of Ordered Categorical Doses ‡

SUMMARY Observational studies can be used to evaluate treatment eeectiveness among patients with a broader range of illness severity than typically seen in randomized controlled clinical trials. However, there are several diiculties with observational evaluations including non-equivalent comparison groups, treatment doses and durations that vary widely, and, in longitudinal studies, multiple courses of treatment per subject. A mixed-eeects approach to the propensity adjustment for non-equivalent comparison groups is described that can account for each of these perturbations. The strategy involves two stages. First, characteristics that distinguish among subjects who receive various levels of treatment are examined in a model of propensity for treatment intensity using mixed-eeects ordinal logistic regression. Second, the propensity-stratiÿed eeectiveness of ordered categorical doses is compared in a mixed-eeects grouped time survival model of time until recovery. The model is applied in a longitudinal, observational study of antidepressant eeectiveness. Then a Monte Carlo simulation study indicates that the strategy has acceptable type I error rates and minimal bias in the estimates of treatment eeectiveness. Statistical power exceeds 0.90 for an odds ratio of 1.5 with N = 250 and 500, and is acceptable for an odds ratio of 2.0 with N = 100. Nevertheless, with N = 100, the models that had high intraclass correlation coeecients had greater tendency towards non-convergence. This approach is a useful strategy for observational studies of treatment eeectiveness. It is capable of adjusting for selection bias, incorporating multiple observations per subject, and comparing eeectiveness of ordinal doses.
Assigning Verbs to Semantic Classes via WordNet

We propose a method for semi-automatic classification of verbs to Levin classes via the semantic network of WordNet. The method involves first classifying entire WordNet senses to semantic classes and then classifying individual verbs on the basis of their WordNet senses. We report evaluation which shows that the method can be used to build a verb classification accurate enough for practical NLP use. The WordNet-Levin mapping produced as a by-product, may, in turn, be used to supplement WordNet with novel information.
Typology of career development for Arab women managers in the United Arab Emirates

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore how women managers in the United Arab Emirates account for and construct their career development.Design/methodology/approach – A narrative approach is adopted for analyzing in‐depth interviews with 15 women managers in the United Arab Emirates.Findings – The study produced a typology distinguishing four types of career development among women managers in the United Arab Emirates: progressive, moderate, facilitated and idealistic. The results suggest that social status and family connections can play a significant role in women's career development.Originality/value – The value of this paper is two‐fold. First, it contributes to the previously under‐researched topic of the careers of Arab women managers. Second, it emphasizes the importance of societal context when studying women's careers in the Middle East.
Rumor spreading and vertex expansion on regular graphs

We study the relation between the vertex expansion of a graph and the performance of randomized rumor spreading (push model). We prove that randomized rumor spreading takes O((1/α) · polylog(n)) time on any regular n-vertex graph with vertex expansion α. This bound extends previously known upper bounds by replacing conductance by vertex expansion. Our result is almost tight in the sense that the dependency on (1/α) is optimal (up to logarithmic factors) and that on non-regular graphs with constant vertex expansion, the runtime can be polynomial in n. Our upper bound also implies that randomized rumor spreading is "fast" on every vertex-transitive graph and yields a new upper bound on the cover time of random walks. We also exhibit a subtle difference between the impact of vertex expansion and conductance on rumor spreading. We show that there are regular graphs with constant vertex expansion for which randomized rumor spreading takes considerably longer than on any regular graph with constant conductance. Finally, we also prove a more general, but weaker result for the push & pull model which also covers non-regular graphs.
The emotional connotations of major versus minor tonality: One or more origins?

The association between major/minor tonality and positive/negative emotional valence is psychologically robust, but without a single accepted explanation. I compare six partially related theories. Dissonance: On average, passages in minor keys are more dissonant because, on average, the minor triad is more dissonant (rougher, less harmonic) or because tonal structure is more complex. Alterity and markedness: Major triads and scales are more common than minor, and positive valence is more common than negative. Major and positive valence are the norm; minor and negative are marked Others. Uncertainty: The minor triad has a more ambiguous (less salient) root than the major, and the minor scale has more variable form and a more ambiguous (less stable) tonic; uncertainty is associated with anger, sadness, distress, and grief. Speech: By comparison to major triads and scales, minor contain pitch(es) that are lower than expected – just as sad speech is lower than expected. Salience: In diatonic chord progressions, flattened diatonic scale degrees are more salient than sharpened because their harmonics better match the prevailing scale. Scale degrees 3 and 6 are more likely to destabilize tonality in minor than major tonalities. Familiarity: Arbitrary emotional differences between major and minor were reinforced in a historical process of cultural differentiation. For each theory, there are credible arguments and evidence for and against. All theories are broadly consistent with Terhardt’s pattern-recognition model of pitch perception (non-musical perceptual familiarity with the harmonic series), Schenker’s concept of prolongation (specifically, tonal voice leading as a prolongation of the tonic triad), evolutionary explanations of the emotional connotations of alterity, and a psychohistory of tonality in which melody, polyphony, leading tones, and the major–minor system emerged at different times, explicable by different psychological principles.
svcR: An R Package for Support Vector Clustering improved with Geometric Hashing applied to Lexical Pattern Discovery

We present a new R package which takes a numerical matrix format as data input, and computes clusters using a support vector clustering method (SVC). We have implemented an original 2D-grid labeling approach to speed up cluster extraction. In this sense, SVC can be seen as an efficient cluster extraction if clusters are separable in a 2-D map. Secondly we showed that this SVC approach using a Jaccard-Radial base kernel can help to classify well enough a set of terms into ontological classes and help to define regular expression rules for information extraction in documents; our case study concerns a set of terms and documents about developmental and molecular biology.
IVS-II-648/649 (–T) (HBB: c.316−202del) Triggers a Novel β-Thalassemia Phenotype

Abstract Thalassemia is the most common inherited disorder in Iran. There are approximately 800 different genomic alterations of the β-globin gene described in the HbVar database. In this study, we identified a novel mutation in a 21-year-old woman [IVS-II-648/649 (–T); HBB: c.316−202del)] and describe its clinical implications. Two other members of this family, all with hematological and clinical features associated with β-thalassemia (β-thal), also carried this mutation. The molecular diagnosis of the β-globin gene mutation was performed by direct sequencing. Based on the observed β-thal phenotype and in silico analysis results, we concluded that this novel β-globin gene mutation was associated with the mild phenotype of β-thal.
Authoring Tutors with Complex Solutions: A Comparative Analysis of Example Tracing and SimStudent

Problems with many solutions and solution paths are on the frontier of what non-programmers can author with existing tutor authoring tools. Popular approaches such as Example Tracing, which allow authors to build tutors by demonstrating steps directly in the tutor interface. This approach encounters difficulties for problems with more complex solution spaces because the author needs to demonstrate a large number of actions. By using SimStudent, a simulated learner, it is possible to induce general rules from author demonstrations and feedback, enabling efficient support for complexity. In this paper, we present a framework for understanding solution space complexity and analyze the abilities of Example Tracing and SimStudent for authoring problems in an experimental design tutor. We found that both non-programming approaches support authoring of this complex problem. The SimStudent approach is 90% more efficient than Example Tracing, but requires special attention to ensure model completeness. Example Tracing, on the other hand, requires more demonstrations, but reliably arrives at a complete model. In general, Example Tracing’s simplicity makes it good for a wide range problems, a reason for why it is currently the most widely used authoring approach. However, SimStudent’s improved efficiency makes it a promising non-programmer approach, especially when solution spaces become more complex. Finally, this work demonstrates how simulated learners can be used to efficiently author models for tutoring systems.
Optimization of the Architecture of Feed-forward Neural Networks with Hidden Layers by Unit Elimination

A method for red ucing t he numb er of uni ts in t he hidden layers of a feed-for war d neur al network is pr esent ed . Starting wit h a net t hat is oversize, t he red un dan t unit s in t he hidden layer are elimi­ na t ed by introducing an ad dit ional cost fun ct ion on a set of a uxilia ry linear resp onse uni t s . T he ex t ra cost fu nct ion enables t he a uxiliary units t o fuse t ogether the redun dant uni t s on the origin al network , and t he aux iliary units serve only as an int erm edi at e const ruct t hat vanishes whe n t he met hod converges. Nume rica l tests on t he P arity and Symmetry problem s illu strat e t he usefu lness of t his method in pr actice.
Vector competence of Simulium metallicum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) in two endemic areas of human onchocerciasis in northern Venezuela.

Experimental infections of Simulium metallicum s.l. with Onchocerca volvulus were carried out in two onchocerciasis foci, Altamira and Trincheras, in northern Venezuela, to determine vector competence. Wild-caught flies, fed on infected volunteers, were maintained in the laboratory for 13-15 days at 27 degrees C. Parasite development was complete but asynchronous and retarded. No differences in the vector competence of the two populations of S. metallicum s.l. were found. However, a less efficient development of the parasite occurred during the dry season at both localities. The distribution of the parasite within the vector was aggregated and also displayed seasonal variation. The seasonal susceptibility may be a consequence of a density-dependence regulation mechanism of the parasite within the vector. These results indicate a relatively low vector competence for S. metallicum s.l. in northern Venezuela.
Draft De Novo Genome Sequence of Agapornis roseicollis for Application in Avian Breeding

ABSTRACT In aviculture, lovebirds are considered one of the most popular birds to keep. This African parakeet is known for its range of plumage colors and ease to tame. Plumage variation is the most important price-determining trait of these birds, and also the main selection criterion for breeders. Currently, no genetic screening tests for traits of economic importance or to confirm pedigree data are available for any of the nine lovebird species. As a starting point to develop these tests, the de novo genome of Agapornis roseicollis (rosy-faced lovebird) was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. Sequencing was done on the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform and the assembly was performed using SOAPdenovo v2.04. The genome was found to be 1.1 Gb in size and 16,044 genes were identified and annotated. This compared well with other previously sequenced avian genomes, such as the chicken, zebra finch, and budgerigar. To assess genome completeness, the number of benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs were identified in the genome. This was compared to other previously assembled avian genomes and the results indicated that the genome will be useful in the development of genetic screening tests to aid lovebird breeders in selecting breeding pairs.
Promoting a Collaborative Professional Culture in Three Elementary Schools That Have Beaten the Odds

This 3-year study examined the dynamics of school culture in 3 elementary schools that have beaten the odds in improving low-income and minority student achievement. From 1997 to 2002, student scores on state achievement tests rose from less than 50% proficient to more than 75% proficient at these 3 schools. Research teams constructed case studies by collecting demographic and achievement data, interviewing teachers and administrators, and observing lessons and meetings at each school. This study reexamined data from these 3 original case studies to explore the professional culture at these schools. Analysis of 51 original interviews and 28 new interviews indicated that personnel at these schools reported developing supportive cultures that enabled participants to coordinate efforts to improve instruction and strengthen professional learning communities. The central dynamic in this development was "data-directed dialogue," purposeful conversations, guided by formal assessment and informal observation, that connected the ways adults and students cared for each other and that provided energy to sustain their efforts. These case studies describe how this dynamic shaped reform at these schools and suggest a framework for studying and supporting reforms.
Evaluation of image processing algorithms on vehicle safety system based on free-viewpoint image rendering

Development of algorithms for vehicle safety systems, which support safety driving, takes a long period of time and a huge cost because it requires an evaluation stage where huge combinations of possible driving situations should be evaluated by using videos which are captured beforehand in real environments. In this paper, we address this problem by using free viewpoint images instead of the real images. More concretely, we generate free-viewpoint images from a combination of a 3D point cloud measured by laser scanners and an omni-directional image sequence acquired in a real environment. We basically rely on the 3D point cloud for geometrically correct virtual viewpoint images. In order to remove the holes caused by the unmeasured region of the 3D point cloud and to remove false silhouettes in surface reconstruction, we have developed a technique of free-viewpoint image generation that uses both a 3D point cloud and depth information extracted from images. In the experiments, we have evaluated our framework with a white line detection algorithm and experimental results have shown the applicability of free-viewpoint images for evaluation of algorithms.
Exploring Various Features in Semantic Role Labeling

This paper explores the contributions of various features in semantic role labeling. Moreover, an optimal set of features is selected using a greedy strategy. Finally, an effective headword-driven pruning algorithm is proposed to filter out irrelavant instances. Evaluation on the CoNLL'2005 SRL benchmark corpus shows that our method achieved comparable performance with the best-reported ones on a single automatic parse tree.
Stochastic predation events and population persistence in bighorn sheep

Many studies have reported temporal changes in the relative importance of density-dependence and environmental stochasticity in affecting population growth rates, but they typically assume that the predominant factor limiting growth remains constant over long periods of time. Stochastic switches in limiting factors that persist for multiple time-steps have received little attention, but most wild populations may periodically experience such switches. Here, we consider the dynamics of three populations of individually marked bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) monitored for 24–28 years. Each population experienced one or two distinct cougar (Puma concolor) predation events leading to population declines. The onset and duration of predation events were stochastic and consistent with predation by specialist individuals. A realistic Markov chain model confirms that predation by specialist cougars can cause extinction of isolated populations. We suggest that such processes may be common. In such cases, predator–prey equilibria may only occur at large geographical and temporal scales, and are unlikely with increasing habitat fragmentation.
In search of profound empathy in learning relationships: understanding the mathematics of moral learning environments

This paper considers some empirical research into the modelling of moral values in schools, which highlights the hidden impact of working environments on classroom relationships. After an initial survey and pilot study, a range of primary, secondary and student teachers, selected for their empathy, were interviewed and observed in order to understand the nature of empathy in different contexts. The findings revealed four particular types of empathy used in learning relationships: fundamental, functional, profound and feigned. Of these, functional, used in large classes, was the most common, but revealed considerable negative implications for the moral model offered by state education. Profound empathy, more rarely seen, developed through close and frequent interaction and held the most beneficial consequences for moral modelling, learning relationships and achievement. However, the economic values embedded in the structures and systems of the state education sector, typified by large classes, restrict the flourishing of profound empathy.