Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Posterior Corneal Shape Changes in Myopic Overnight Orthokeratology

Purpose To evaluate changes in the shape of the posterior cornea at the end of the day based on anterior corneal topography and corneal thickness during myopic overnight orthokeratology (OK) over 14 nights’ wear of reverse geometry gas-permeable (GP) contact lenses. Methods Eighteen subjects (aged 19 to 32 years) with low myopia and astigmatism were fitted with reverse geometry lenses (BE; Capricornia Contact Lens Pty Ltd) for myopic OK, which were worn overnight only for a 14-day period. A separate group of 10 subjects (aged 19 to 32 years) with low astigmatism wore J-Contour conventional GP lenses (Capricornia Contact Lens Pty Ltd) for one night. Corneal topography (Medmont E-300) and total corneal thickness (Holden-Payor optical pachometer) across the horizontal meridian were measured at baseline and approximately 8 to 10 hours after lens removal on days 1, 4, 7, and 14 of overnight OK lens wear and after one night of GP lens wear for the control group. Posterior corneal apical radius of curvature and asphericity (Q) were calculated using an in-house program based on the anterior corneal ellipse curve and corneal thickness. Results Myopia reduced from −2.64 ± 0.99 diopters (mean ± SD) to −0.39 ± 0.49 diopters during 14 days of overnight OK lens wear. In the OK lens–wearing eyes, there were no statistically significant changes in posterior corneal apical radius of curvature during 14 days of overnight OK. However, there were statistically significant increases in posterior corneal Q on days 4 and 7. In the conventional GP lens–wearing eyes, there were no statistically significant changes in either posterior corneal apical radius or Q after overnight lens wear. Conclusions The results of this study support the current hypothesis that the OK refractive effect is achieved primarily through remodeling of the anterior corneal layers, without overall corneal bending.
The base rate controversy: Is the glass half-full or half-empty?

Abstract Setting the two hypotheses of complete neglect and full use of base rates against each other is inappropriate. The proper question concerns the degree to which base rates are used (or neglected), and under what conditions. We outline alternative approaches and recommend regression analysis. Koehler's conclusion that we have been oversold on the base rate fallacy seems to be premature.
Equations of Motion of a Single-Wheel Robot in a Rough Terrain

In this article, dynamic equations of a single wheel robot, known as Gyrover, through Lagrange method applying a new approach will be addressed. There is no simplification on the dynamic analysis. Considering any possible differentiable function for the road’s curve, the effect of the road’s roughness is completely described in the dynamic equation evaluation. Although there are complicated relations between the wheel and rough terrain, due to the efficient generalized coordinate selection, closed form dynamic equation of the motion is derived. Because of the closed form formulation, required time for simulation will be reduced. From the proposed complete model a simplified model for the controller design could be extracted
An Integrated in Silico Gene Mapping Strategy in Inbred Mice

In recent years in silico analysis of common laboratory mice has been introduced and subsequently applied, in slightly different ways, as a methodology for gene mapping. Previously we have demonstrated some limitation of the methodology due to sporadic genetic correlations across the genome. Here, we revisit the three main aspects that affect in silico analysis. First, we report on the use of marker maps: we compared our existing 20,000 SNP map to the newly released 140,000 SNP map. Second, we investigated the effect of varying strain numbers on power to map QTL. Third, we introduced a novel statistical approach: a cladistic analysis, which is well suited for mouse genetics and has increased flexibility over existing in silico approaches. We have found that in our examples of complex traits, in silico analysis by itself does fail to uniquely identify quantitative trait gene (QTG)-containing regions. However, when combined with additional information, it may significantly help to prioritize candidate genes. We therefore recommend using an integrated work flow that uses other genomic information such as linkage regions, regions of shared ancestry, and gene expression information to obtain a list of candidate genes from the genome.
Ethnic Residential Concentrations in United States Metropolitan Areas

Abstract. Although residential concentrations of immigrant ethnic groups in cities were common a century ago, it is not clear to what extent members of more recently arrived groups live near each other. We attempt to determine how common such clustered settlement is today, using 2000 census data to measure concentrations of Asians, Hispanics, and their larger ethnic subgroups in fifteen large metropolitan areas. The percentage of an ethnic group that is residentially concentrated correlated significantly with the group's proportion in an area. With metropolitan areas weighted equally, 38 percent of Hispanics and 13 percent of Asians were concentrated. However, when we analyzed eight specific nationality groups, the residentially concentrated proportion ranged from 14 to 59 percent. Level of cultural assimilation appears to explain group differences in level of concentration. Although ethnic concentrations were more pronounced in the largest metropolitan areas, important concentrations were also found in many of the smaller areas in our study.
A Redefined Quasi-Sliding Mode Control Strategy

A Christmas tree stand of adjustable nature having a platform of planar construction and an opening near the center of the platform is shown and described. Legs in connection with the platform are of adjustable nature and may be varied in length so that the area underneath the platform may be raised to store presents or adjust the height of the tree in relation to the ceiling. Securing means in connection with the opening are used to set the trunk of the tree in place.
Adaptation of the STARR test for adult Italian population: A speech test for a realistic estimate in real-life listening conditions

Abstract Objectives: To introduce the Italian adaptation of the STARR test based on a roving-level adaptive method to mimic challenging real-life listening conditions for use in people with auditory prostheses. Design: Normative data were collected and interlist-variability, as well as learning effects, were investigated using a within-subject design with repeated measures. Study sample: A group of 32 normal-hearing (NH) adults participated in the study. Results: The average speech reception threshold (SRT) for NH subjects was −8.4 dB SNR. The variability of mean SRTs across test lists was relatively small (≤1 dB for all test lists). The statistically significant differences between lists were eliminated after applying correction factors. On the basis of variability for the corrected SRTs within each subject, a difference of 2.8 dB in SRT was meaningful for outcome comparisons using one test list per condition and 2 dB using two lists per condition. Statistical analysis did not show any significant learning effects. Conclusions: Findings in NH listeners suggested that the Italian STARR test could be a promising supplement to existing speech assessment tools. Further studies in populations with hearing impairment could contribute to cross-language studies.
What Are Temporary Networks and When Are They Useful?

When change occurs unpredictably and the time to react is compressed, organizations have to quickly obtain resources they do not readily have. In those situations, organizations are likely to reach out to their long-term networks (LTNs) or to activate dormant networks (DNs). But, what happens when the organization’s activities frequently change locations or when the resources needed fluctuate frequently? We argue that under such conditions, the organization can benefit by forming temporary networks (TNs) and renewing, reconfiguring, creating, aligning, and directing the TN’s resources. TNs are those that are formed quickly and last a short period of time. We label the dynamic capability to form TNs and manage TNs’ resources as temporary network development capability (TNDC) and suggest that it is a special kind of relational capability. We argue that experience with weak-ties networks, swift trust, unpredictable change experience, skill specificity and reputation help in the development of TNDC.
MANY-BODY PSEUDOPOTENTIAL THEORY OF EXCITONS IN INP AND CDSE QUANTUM DOTS

We present a pseudopotential approach to the calculation of the excitonic spectrum of semiconductor quantum dots. Starting from a many-body expansion of the exciton wave functions in terms of single-substitution Slater determinants constructed from pseudopotential single-particle wave functions, our method permits an accurate and detailed treatment of the intraconfiguration electron-hole Coulomb and exchange interactions, while correlation effects can be included in a controlled fashion by allowing interconfiguration coupling. We calculate the exciton fine structure of InP and CdSe nanocrystals in the strong-confinement regime. We find a different size dependence for the electron-hole exchange interaction than previously assumed (i.e., R{sup {minus}2} instead of R{sup {minus}3}). Our calculated exciton fine structure is compared with recent experimental results obtained by size-selective optical spectroscopies. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
In vitro assessment of axonal growth using dorsal root ganglia explants in a novel three-dimensional collagen matrix.

The goal of this study was the development of a bioartificial nerve guide to induce axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In this in vitro study, the ability of a novel, 3-dimensional (3D), highly oriented, cross-linked porcine collagen scaffold to promote directed axonal growth has been studied. Collagen nerve guides with longitudinal guidance channels were manufactured using a series of chemical and mechanical treatments with a patented unidirectional freezing process, followed by freeze-drying (pore sizes 20-50 microm). Hemisected rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were positioned such that neural and non-neural elements could migrate into the collagen scaffold. After 21 days, S100-positive Schwann cells (SCs) migrated into the scaffold and aligned within the guidance channels in a columnar fashion, resembling "Bands of Büngner. " Neurofilament-positive axons (mean length +/- SD 756 microm +/- 318 microm, maximum 1496 microm) from DRG neurons entered the scaffold where the growth within the guidance channels was closely associated with the oriented SCs. This study confirmed the importance of SCs in the regeneration process (neurotrophic theory). The alignment of SCs within the guidance channels supported directional axonal growth (contact guidance theory). The microstructural properties of the scaffold (open, porous, longitudinal pore channels) and the in vitro data after DRG loading (axonal regeneration along migrated and columnar-aligned SCs resembling "Band of Büngner") suggest that this novel oriented 3D collagen scaffold serves as a basis for future experimental regeneration studies in the PNS.
Board Age and Gender Diversity: A Test of Competing Linear and Curvilinear Predictions

The inconsistent findings of past board diversity research demand a test of competing linear and curvilinear diversity–performance predictions. This research focuses on board age and gender diversity, and presents a positive linear prediction based on resource dependence theory, a negative linear prediction based on social identity theory, and an inverted U-shaped curvilinear prediction based on the integration of resource dependence theory with social identity theory. The predictions were tested using archival data on 288 large organizations listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, with a 1-year time lag between diversity (age and gender) and performance (employee productivity and return on assets). The results indicate a positive linear relationship between gender diversity and employee productivity, a negative linear relationship between age diversity and return on assets, and an inverted U-shaped curvilinear relationship between age diversity and return on assets. The findings provide additional evidence on the business case for board gender diversity and refine the business case for board age diversity.
The Personality-based Variables and Their Correlations Underlying Willingness to Communicate

Many researchers have studied the various affective variables which influence the use of the target language. Willingness to communicate is often regarded to be main causes of the frequency of L2 use. At first, the concept and importance of willingness to communicate is illustrated. Next, the essay argues about the personality-based variables underlying willingness. Finally, the correlation of the personality-based variables will be illustrated. The purpose of this essay is to make a literature of willingness to communicate and provide a theoretical support on the further research on willingness to communicate.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy characterization based on the spatial organization of vascular junctions in fundus images

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an important public health issue with deteriorating impact on the vision of its patient. In this study, a novel approach is proposed for the characterization of abnormal vessels based on a spatial point pattern method. Points of interest corresponding to vascular junctions are detected by a perceptual organization technique, and then second-order statistical measures are computed. Significant differences (p<0.05) between healthy retinal regions and areas with neovascularizations were obtained, which suggests that the second-order statistics could be used as a relevant feature to discriminate the abnormal from the normal vasculature. The relevance of the new measures was also evaluated with respect to an existing set of features using classification. The inclusion of a new second-order measure increases the characterization sensitivity against the already existing features from 75.76% to 84.85%.
Postsynaptic supersensitivity after 6-hydroxy-dopamine induced degeneration of the nigro-striatal dopamine system.

A process for the treatment of sewage wherein the sludge is innoculated with a bacteria, L. plantarum, and a carbohydrate such as lactose is admixed therewith. The addition of the bacteria and the carbohydrate without more, drops the pH of the sludge to below 4.0. This results in the elimination of pathogenic bacteria and renders the sludge suitable for use as a soil extender without any further environmental constraints.
Is there evidence of front-running before analyst recommendations? An analysis of the quoting behavior of Nasdaq market makers

This study investigates analysts’ potential conflicts of interest due to the relationship between research and trading departments. We find evidence of information leakage and front-running before revisions in analyst recommendations for Nasdaq-listed stocks. Specifically, we examine the quoting behavior of the market maker who is affiliated with the same brokerage house as the recommending analyst (“recommending market maker”). In the hour and a half before upgrades, the proportion of time that the recommending market makers quote at the inside bid increases significantly, whereas their quoting behavior at the ask does not change. In the three hours before downgrades, the proportion of time that the recommending market makers quote at the inside ask increases significantly, whereas their quoting behavior at the bid does not change. This pattern in the quoting behavior of recommending market makers anticipates the direction of the pending recommendations and is highly significant, even after controlling for their own behavior in non-announcement periods and for the quoting behavior of other market makers.
On the Number of Neurons and Time Scale of Integration Underlying the Formation of Percepts in the Brain

All of our perceptual experiences arise from the activity of neural populations. Here we study the formation of such percepts under the assumption that they emerge from a linear readout, i.e., a weighted sum of the neurons’ firing rates. We show that this assumption constrains the trial-to-trial covariance structure of neural activities and animal behavior. The predicted covariance structure depends on the readout parameters, and in particular on the temporal integration window w and typical number of neurons K used in the formation of the percept. Using these predictions, we show how to infer the readout parameters from joint measurements of a subject’s behavior and neural activities. We consider three such scenarios: (1) recordings from the complete neural population, (2) recordings of neuronal sub-ensembles whose size exceeds K, and (3) recordings of neuronal sub-ensembles that are smaller than K. Using theoretical arguments and artificially generated data, we show that the first two scenarios allow us to recover the typical spatial and temporal scales of the readout. In the third scenario, we show that the readout parameters can only be recovered by making additional assumptions about the structure of the full population activity. Our work provides the first thorough interpretation of (feed-forward) percept formation from a population of sensory neurons. We discuss applications to experimental recordings in classic sensory decision-making tasks, which will hopefully provide new insights into the nature of perceptual integration.
Image-based plant modeling

In this paper, we propose a semi-automatic technique for modeling plants directly from images. Our image-based approach has the distinct advantage that the resulting model inherits the realistic shape and complexity of a real plant. We designed our modeling system to be interactive, automating the process of shape recovery while relying on the user to provide simple hints on segmentation. Segmentation is performed in both image and 3D spaces, allowing the user to easily visualize its effect immediately. Using the segmented image and 3D data, the geometry of each leaf is then automatically recovered from the multiple views by fitting a deformable leaf model. Our system also allows the user to easily reconstruct branches in a similar manner. We show realistic reconstructions of a variety of plants, and demonstrate examples of plant editing.
Classical music for rock fans?: novel recommendations for expanding user interests

Most recommender algorithms produce types similar to those the active user has accessed before. This is because they measure user similarity only from the co-rating behaviors against items and compute recommendations by analyzing the items possessed by the users most similar to the active user. In this paper, we define item novelty as the smallest distance from the class the user accessed before to the class that includes target items over the taxonomy. Then, we try to accurately recommend highly novel items to the user. First, our method measures user similarity by employing items rated by users and a taxonomy of items. It can accurately identify many items that may suit the user. Second, it creates a graph whose nodes are users; weighted edges are set between users according to their similarity. It analyzes the user graph and extracts users that are related on the graph though the similarity between the active user and each of those users is not high. The users so extracted are likely to have highly novel items for the active user. An evaluation conducted on several datasets finds that our method accurately identifies items with higher novelty than previous methods.
Reply to Anderson et al., Jones, Kennett and West, Culleton, and Kennett et al.: Further evidence against the extraterrestrial impact hypothesis

Before we deal with the claims about our study (1), we want to point out that the 5 letters (2–6) are not independent. Three of them are from members of the research team whose hypothesis we tested (8). Two of the others come from a student and a collaborator of one of the aforementioned individuals, D. Kennett (3, 5). Obviously, the nonindependence of the letters does not invalidate the claims that they contain. However, it does have the potential to influence the consensus regarding the status of the extraterrestrial (ET) impact hypothesis. Hence, we hope that readers will keep in mind that the letters are the work of what is in effect a single research team and do not represent the views of multiple unconnected scholars.
Mobile user location management under a random-directional mobility pattern for PCS networks ∗

Distance-based and movement-based location update (LU) strategies are usually selected when dynamic location management schemes are employed. The distance-based outperforms the movement-based mechanism, even though the former requires that each mobile terminal stores all identifiers of those cells within its registration area. These strategies are often studied using the random walk mobility model, that yields a lower cost for the distance-based scheme. However, if a directional mobility pattern is considered the distance-based LU cost increases and it approaches the movement-based LU cost. In such cases, movementbased policies may be more suitable for its simplicity rather than distance-based schemes. In this paper, we propose a random-directional model which generalizes the random walk model. Our proposal gathers mobility patterns with several degrees of randomness, so that both random walk and totally directional mobility patterns are modeled. This model is applied to study and compare the costs of the distance-based and the movement-based policies as a function of the directional movement. Both one-step paging and selective paging strategies are considered to compute these costs. Key words— Mobility models, location update, distance-based schemes, movement-based schemes, paging.
The views of employers on internships as a means of learning from work experience in higher education

This article examines internships as part of the apprenticeship model of learning adopted in higher education. We focus on employers’ views on internships, which have hitherto received only limited attention. Our study explores employers’ experiences in organizing internships, and their collaboration with one University of Applied Sciences, through data from social and health care employers (n=165), collected via a questionnaire. We conclude that if internships are to be improved as a means of learning from work experience, issues that employers want to raise within the collaborative framework require attention. These themes include relations with students, curriculum issues and the organization of the collaboration. A problem related to underestimating employer views on developing internships is that the resource-intensive nature of collaborative relations is silenced. As a result, targets for developing partnerships are left unrecognized, with adverse effects on the quality management and strategic planning of higher education institutions.