Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seven answers from adaptive dynamics

In their paper ‘20 questions on adaptive dynamics’, Waxman and Gavrilets (W&G) review aspects of adaptive dynamics from the perspective of population genetics with special emphasis on applications to models of speciation. Adaptive dynamics (AD) integrates and extends various notions and techniques from ESS theory into a single mathematical framework (in the form of methods and theorems) for the analysis and interpretation of a wide variety of models of long-term phenotypic evolution under complex ecological scenarios. Its application to genetically explicit models is a more recent development and represents only a small fraction of applications published to date. In the more typical applications, realism at the level of ecological interactions is ‘bought’ at the cost of realism at the level of genetic detail. In population genetics, the situation is reversed. AD and population genetics thus cover largely different grounds. To reach a more complete understanding of long-term evolution both approaches are needed, and attempts to interconnect the two are welcomed. The review by W&G unfortunately suffers from a large number of inaccuracies and misconceptions, only some of which we address here. In particular, we address the following questions: What are the basic assumptions of AD? What can be said about the outcome of an invasion event on the basis of invasion criteria alone? What is the role of genetic drift in AD? What is the role of simulations in AD? Is the term evolutionarily singular strategy just another name for an old concept? How does gradient dynamics in AD differ from that in quantitative/population genetics? What are important challenges for AD?
On maximal correlation, mutual information and data privacy

The rate-privacy function is defined in [1] as a tradeoff between privacy and utility in a distributed private data system in which both privacy and utility are measured using mutual information. Here, we use maximal correlation in lieu of mutual information in the privacy constraint. We first obtain some general properties and bounds for maximal correlation and then modify the rate-privacy function to account for the privacy-constrained estimation problem. We find a bound for the utility in this problem when the maximal correlation privacy is set to some threshold ϵ > 0 and construct an explicit privacy scheme which achieves this bound.
Efficiently Executing Information Gathering Plans

The most costly aspect of gathering information over the Internet is that of transferring data over the network to answer the user’s query. We make two contributions in this paper that alleviate this problem. First, we present an algorithm for reducing the number of information sources in an information gathering (IG) plan by reasoning with localized closed world (LCW) statements. In contrast to previous work on this problem, our algorithm can handle recursive information gathering plans that arise commonly in practice. Second, we present a method for reducing the amount of network traffic generated while executing an information gathering plan by reordering the sequence in which queries are sent to remote information sources. We will explain why a direct application of traditional distributed database methods to this problem does not work, and present a novel and cheap way of adorning source descriptions to assist in ordering the queries.
Target tracking in the recommender space: Toward a new recommender system based on Kalman filtering

In this paper, we propose a new approach for recommender systems based on target tracking by Kalman filtering. We assume that users and their seen resources are vectors in the multidimensional space of the categories of the resources. Knowing this space, we propose an algorithm based on a Kalman filter to track users and to predict the best prediction of their future position in the recommendation space.
A basic-block power annotation approach for fast and accurate embedded software power estimation

We propose a new power simulation technique that effectively considers dynamic program execution behaviors such as cache hit/miss or branch predicted/mis-predicted and achieves fast and accurate power estimation results. Traditionally, accurate software power estimation relies on slower fine-grained simulations while faster coarse-grained simulations often lead to inaccurate estimation results. We pre-characterize detailed circuit power consumption, pipeline and branch effects of each basic block for accuracy and then apply efficient instruction-set simulators to compute total software power consumption. The experimental result shows that our approach achieves over 200 MIPS performance with a less than 3% error rate.
Learn on Source, Refine on Target: A Model Transfer Learning Framework with Random Forests

We propose novel <italic>model transfer-learning</italic> methods that refine a decision forest model <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$</tex-math><alternatives> <inline-graphic xlink:href="segev-ieq1-2618118.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> learned within a “source” domain using a training set sampled from a “target” domain, assumed to be a variation of the source. We present two random forest transfer algorithms. The first algorithm searches greedily for locally optimal modifications of each tree structure by trying to locally expand or reduce the tree around individual nodes. The second algorithm does not modify structure, but only the parameter (thresholds) associated with decision nodes. We also propose to combine both methods by considering an ensemble that contains the union of the two forests. The proposed methods exhibit impressive experimental results over a range of problems.
Analysis of optically variable devices using a photometric light-field approach

Diffractive Optically Variable Image Devices (DOVIDs), sometimes loosely referred to as holograms, are popular security features for protecting banknotes, ID cards, or other security documents. Inspection, authentication, as well as forensic analysis of these security features are still demanding tasks requiring special hardware tools and expert knowledge. Existing equipment for such analyses is based either on a microscopic analysis of the grating structure or a point-wise projection and recording of the diffraction patterns. We investigated approaches for an examination of DOVID security features based on sampling the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of DOVIDs using photometric stereo- and light-field-based methods. Our approach is demonstrated on the practical task of automated discrimination between genuine and counterfeited DOVIDs on banknotes. For this purpose, we propose a tailored feature descriptor which is robust against several expected sources of inaccuracy but still specific enough for the given task. The suggested approach is analyzed from both theoretical as well as practical viewpoints and w.r. t. analysis based on photometric stereo and light fields. We show that especially the photometric method provides a reliable and robust tool for revealing DOVID behavior and authenticity.
Effect of Single Set Dynamic and Static Stretching Exercise on Jump Height in College Age Recreational Athletes

Int J Exerc Sci 3(4) : 214-224, 2010. This study examined the effects of single set dynamic and static stretching on vertical jump height and hip and knee range of motion in a sample of college age recreational males. Forty-two healthy, physically active males (aged 18-24) voluntarily participated in this investigation and were randomly assigned to one of three groups (1 set of 20 seconds dynamic stretch, 1 set of 20 second static stretch, or control). The knee and hip range of motion, sit and reach, and jump height were measured before and after the treatment condition. The same measures were performed on the control group that sat for 12 minutes. All subjects began with a five minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer. Following the warm-up period, subjects immediately began their stretching program. Results of the investigation showed significant changes from pre-to-post for all dependent measures (p < 0.05). A significant difference between groups was found for sit and reach in the SS + DS groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between groups for jump height or knee and hip range of motion. The results of the present study suggest that static and dynamic stretching for 20 seconds prior to a vertical jump can improve vertical jump height and hip and knee range of motion in a sample of male college age recreational athletes. Future research is needed to investigate the effect of single set stretching exercise prior to activities requiring maximal force production that includes athletes and female subjects.
Interactions within stroke systems of care: a policy statement from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

In the United States and other parts of the world, various cities, states, and regions are developing multitiered systems for the care of patients with acute stroke. These systems often involve a range of healthcare components supported by various rules and regulations. The present policy statement will put forth concepts and elements for stroke systems of care that are intended to optimize patient care and management processes and improve patient outcomes, are practical to implement, and are supported by existing clinical data or expert consensus opinion. We will also make policy recommendations for the key elements of a stroke system of care. The public health implications of stroke care in the United States and worldwide are profound. Stroke is currently the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of long-term disability. Advancing age is a major risk factor for stroke, and the demographics of the US population and elsewhere reflect a continued growth of the aging population, with a resulting increase in the absolute incidence and prevalence of stroke.1 Improved stroke systems of care can ensure proper treatment of these patients and a reduction in death and disability. This is consistent with current American Heart Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy People 2020 public health goals and initiatives.2 There are several new care paradigms and technologies that are emerging as important elements of a stroke system of care. These include the development and proliferation of various levels of stroke centers; the expanded use of telemedicine technologies; advanced medical, endovascular, and surgical interventions; and comprehensive rehabilitation strategies and programs. Prehospital care and triage and the efficient transfer of patients between hospitals are also key components of stroke systems. The present …
An Efficient Approach for Emphasizing Regions of Interest in Ray-Casting based Volume Rendering

We propose a volume visualization algorithm, which allows the combination of different visual appearances within one volume dataset to emphasize certain regions of interest or to eliminate extraneous information. For example, isosurface rendering may be combined with direct volume rendering to visualize surface structures of certain regions within a volume dataset while maintaining volumetric information for the remaining parts of the dataset. To achieve such a combination we use a lens volume, i.e., a 3D shape having an arbitrary convex geometry, which defines a region within the dataset to which a different visual appearance is applied during rendering. The proposed algorithm extends ray-casting approaches and exploits the features of current graphics hardware and thus enables rendering at high frame rates even on commodity hardware.
Mapping Reflectance Anisotropy of a Potato Canopy Using Aerial Images Acquired with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Viewing and illumination geometry has a strong influence on optical measurements of natural surfaces due to their anisotropic reflectance properties. Typically, cameras on-board unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are affected by this because of their relatively large field of view (FOV) and thus large range of viewing angles. In this study, we investigated the magnitude of reflectance anisotropy effects in the 500–900 nm range, captured by a frame camera mounted on a UAV during a standard mapping flight. After orthorectification and georeferencing of the images collected by the camera, we calculated the viewing geometry of all observations of each georeferenced ground pixel, forming a dataset with multi-angular observations. We performed UAV flights on two days during the summer of 2016 over an experimental potato field where different zones in the field received different nitrogen fertilization treatments. These fertilization levels caused variation in potato plant growth and thereby differences in structural properties such as leaf area index (LAI) and canopy cover. We fitted the Rahman–Pinty–Verstraete (RPV) model through the multi-angular observations of each ground pixel to quantify, interpret, and visualize the anisotropy patterns in our study area. The Θ parameter of the RPV model, which controls the proportion of forward and backward scattering, showed strong correlation with canopy cover, where in general an increase in canopy cover resulted in a reduction of backward scattering intensity, indicating that reflectance anisotropy contains information on canopy structure. In this paper, we demonstrated that anisotropy data can be extracted from measurements using a frame camera, collected during a typical UAV mapping flight. Future research will focus on how to use the anisotropy signal as a source of information for estimation of physical vegetation properties.
Differences in the Expression and Distribution of Flotillin-2 in Chick, Mice and Human Muscle Cells

Myoblasts undergo a series of changes in the composition and dynamics of their plasma membranes during the initial steps of skeletal muscle differentiation. These changes are crucial requirements for myoblast fusion and allow the formation of striated muscle fibers. Membrane microdomains, or lipid rafts, have been implicated in myoblast fusion. Flotillins are scaffold proteins that are essential for the formation and dynamics of lipid rafts. Flotillins have been widely studied over the last few years, but still little is known about their role during skeletal muscle differentiation. In the present study, we analyzed the expression and distribution of flotillin-2 in chick, mice and human muscle cells grown in vitro. Primary cultures of chick myogenic cells showed a decrease in the expression of flotillin-2 during the first 72 hours of muscle differentiation. Interestingly, flotillin-2 was found to be highly expressed in chick myogenic fibroblasts and weakly expressed in chick myoblasts and multinucleated myotubes. Flotillin-2 was distributed in vesicle-like structures within the cytoplasm of chick myogenic fibroblasts, in the mouse C2C12 myogenic cell line, and in neonatal human muscle cells. Cryo-immunogold labeling revealed the presence of flotillin-2 in vesicles and in Golgi stacks in chick myogenic fibroblasts. Further, brefeldin A induced a major reduction in the number of flotillin-2 containing vesicles which correlates to a decrease in myoblast fusion. These results suggest the involvement of flotillin-2 during the initial steps of skeletal myogenesis.
A New Role for the Arabidopsis AP2 Transcription Factor, LEAFY PETIOLE, in Gibberellin-Induced Germination Is Revealed by the Misexpression of a Homologous Gene, SOB2/DRN-LIKE[W]

Gibberellic acid (GA) promotes germination, stem/hypocotyl elongation, and leaf expansion during seedling development. Using activation-tagging mutagenesis, we identified a mutation, sob2-D (for suppressor of phytochromeB-4 [phyB-4]#2 dominant), which suppresses the long-hypocotyl phenotype of a phyB missense allele, phyB-4. This mutant phenotype is caused by the overexpression of an APETALA2 transcription factor, SOB2, also called DRN-like. SOB2/DRN-like transcript is not detectable in wild-type seedling or adult tissues via RT-PCR analysis, suggesting that SOB2/DRN-like may not be involved in seedling development under normal conditions. Adult sob2-D phyB-4 plants have curled leaves and club-like siliques, resembling plants that overexpress a closely related gene, LEAFY PETIOLE (LEP). Hypocotyls of a LEP-null allele, lep-1, are shorter in the light and dark, suggesting LEP involvement in seedling development. This aberrant hypocotyl phenotype is due at least in part to a delay in germination. In addition, lep-1 is less responsive to GA and more sensitive to the GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol, indicating that LEP is a positive regulator of GA-induced germination. RT-PCR shows that LEP transcript accumulates in wild-type seeds during imbibition and germination, and the transcript levels of REPRESSOR OF ga1-3-LIKE2 (RGL2), a negative regulator of GA signaling during germination, is unaffected in lep-1. These results suggest LEP is a positive regulator of GA-induced germination acting independently of RGL2. An alternative model places LEP downstream of RGL2 in the GA-signaling cascade.
USE OF A PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ADHESIVE TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF A SEVERELY TENTED PAINTING

AbstractThis paper describes the conservation and restoration of a late 19th-century oil on canvas that was badly damaged in a flood. The portrait of the Rev. Professor James Williamson was painted by William Sawyer in 1887. Water damage left much of the painting with severe, complex tenting patterns and in an extremely brittle, perilous condition. The materials and construction of the painting—a tightly woven canvas, a discrete glue size layer, and a thin and brittle ground and paint film—all contributed to the severity of the damage. A description of the mechanisms that cause tenting and flaking of the image layers away from the canvas is also given.The multiple problems of severely distorted paint film and irreversibly shrunken canvas support led to the discarding of traditional conservation approaches and the development of a novel treatment procedure. Essential to the success of the procedure was the use of an acrylic pressure–sensitive adhesive dispersion (Rhoplex N-580). The tented and detached pai.
Recycling queries in PCPs and in linearity tests (extended abstract)

We study query-efficient Probabilistically Checkable Proofs (PCPs) and linearity tests. We focus on the number of amortized query bits . A testing algorithm uses q amortized query bits if, for some constant k, it reads qk bits and has error probability at most2 k. The best known PCP construction for NP in this respect uses 3 amortized query bits [13]; at least one amortized query bit is necessary, unless P = NP [5]. This parameter is a fairly natural one and has applications to proving non-approximability results for constr aint satisfaction problems. Furthermore, a PCP characterizatio n of NP with less than 2 amortized query bits implies a separation of the PCP model from the 2-Prover 1-Round model. Our approach is to take an atomic verification procedure and then iterate it several times, saving queries by recycli ng them between different iterations of the atomic test. We first apply this idea in order to develop query-efficient linearity tests. Linearity testing is a problem closely related to testing theLong Codeand making PCP constructions. It is also a significant combinatorial problem still lacking ti ht characterizations, except for the case of three queries [4] . The best known linearity test uses 3 amortized query bits [4] ; a different one achieves 1 amortized free bit (a different pa rameter related to the Max Clique problem) but uses an unbounded number of amortized query bits [5]. We develop a general analysis technique and a linearity test achieving s imultaneously amortized query complexity 1:5 and amortized free bit complexity:5. This test answers an open question raised by Bellare, Goldreich and Sudan. We then show how to adapt a weaker result to the PCP setting, and we obtain a PCP for NP that makes5 queries MIT Laboratory for Computer Science, Room NE43-371, 545 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. luca@theory.lcs. mit.edu. and has error probability1=4, so that its amortized query complexity is2:5.
A Regularity-Constrained Viterbi Algorithm and Its Application to The Structural Segmentation of Songs

This paper presents a general approach for the structural segmentation of songs. It is formalized as a cost optimization problem that combines properties of the musical content and prior regularity assumption on the segment length. A versatile implementation of this approach is proposed by means of a Viterbi algorithm, and the design of the costs are discussed. We then present two systems derived from this approach, based on acoustic and symbolic features respectively. The advantages of the regularity constraint are evaluated on a database of 100 popular songs by showing a significant improvement of the segmentation performance in terms of F-measure.
PuraMatrix Encapsulation of Cancer Cells

Increasing evidence suggests that culturing cancer cells in three dimensions more accurately recapitulates the complexity of tumor biology. Many of these models utilize reconstituted basement membrane derived from animals which contain a variable amount of growth factors and cytokines that can influence the growth of these cell culture models. Here, we describe in detail the preparation and use of PuraMatrix, a commercially available self assembling peptide gel that is devoid of animal-derived material and pathogens to encapsulate and propagate the ovarian cancer cell line, OVCAR-5. We begin by describing how to prepare the PuraMatrix prior to use. Next, we demonstrate how to properly mix the PuraMatrix and cell suspension to encapsulate the cells in the hydrogel. Upon the addition of cell culture media or injection into a physiological environment, the peptide component of PuraMatrix rapidly self assembles into a 3D hydrogel that exhibits a nanometer scale fibrous structure with an average pore size of 5-200 nm1. In addition, we demonstrate how to propagate cultures grown in encapsulated PuraMatrix. When encapsulated in PuraMatrix, OVCAR-5 cells assemble into three dimensional acinar structures that more closely resemble the morphology of micrometastatic nodules observed in the clinic than monolayer in vitro models. Using confocal microscopy we illustrate the appearance of representative OVCAR-5 cells encapsulated in PuraMatrix on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 post plating. The use of PuraMatrix to culture cancer cells should improve our understanding of the disease and allow us to assess treatment response in more clinically predictive model systems.
Endothelial nitric oxide in humans in health and disease

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized in the vascular endothelium from the substrate l-arginine in a reaction catalysed by endothelial nitric oxide synthase. This mediator influences the function of circulating cells and underlying smooth muscle to contribute to the tonic atheroprotective, thromboresistant and vasodilator influence of the endothelium. Dysfunction of the endothelial NO pathway appears to contribute to the pathophysiology of a variety of cardiovascular disorders including essential hypertension, atherosclerosis and pre-eclampsia.