Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is iteration really easier to learn than recursion for CS1 students?

There is general consensus that recursion is difficult to learn, which may be meant to imply that novice students are more at ease with iteration --- probably a widespread perception of students themselves. However, three years of investigation in a context where recursion is introduced earlier than iteration, as well as control experiments for a standard imperative-first introduction to programming, have provided no evidence that students make more progress with iteration than they do with recursion. More specifically, by means of a pair of questionnaires devised for this purpose, two research questions have been addressed. First, do the students who learned recursion before iteration actually exhibit a stronger ability to deal with the latter? Second, do the students of the imperative-first path master iteration better than those of the recursion-earlier path?
Visual Abstractions of Solvent Pathlines near Protein Cavities

Water is known to play a crucial role in protein structure, flexibility and activity. The use of molecular dynamics simulations allows detailed studies of complex protein‐solvent interactions. Cluster analysis and density‐based approaches have been successfully used for the identification and analysis of conserved water molecules and hydration patterns of proteins. However, appropriate tools for analysing long‐time molecular dynamics simulations with respect to tracking and visualising the paths of solvent molecules are lacking. Our method focuses on visualising the solvent paths entering and leaving cavities of the protein and allows to study the route and dynamics of the exchange of tightly bound internal water molecules with the bulk solvent. The proposed visualisation also represents dynamic properties such as direction and velocity in the solvent. Especially, by clustering similar path‐lines with respect to designated properties the visualisation can be abstracted to represent the principal paths of solvent molecules through the cavities. Its application in the analysis of long‐time scale molecular dynamics simulations not only confirmed conjectures based on previous manual observations made by chance, but also led to novel insights into the dynamical and structural role of water molecules and its interplay with protein structure.
Parallel Web Text Clustering with a Modular Self-Organizing Map System

Abstract In this study, a multistage modular self-organizing map (SOM) model is proposed for parallel web text clustering. In the first stage, the large textual datasets are divided into some small disjoint datasets (i.e., task decomposition). In the second stage, each small data set is input into different unitary SOM models for word clustering map (i.e., modularization learning). In this stage, different SOM models are implemented in a parallel way to gain greater computational efficiency and scalability. In the third stage, based upon the outputs of each SOM module in the previous stage, another SOM model is used to integrate different word clustering results to formulate a text category map (i.e., module fusion). In the proposed model, word clustering map is embedded into text category map and thus a hierarchically modular SOM model is formulated. For illustration and verification purpose, a practical text clustering experiment is performed. Keywords: Web text clustering; Parallel computing; Self-organizing map; Modularization design.
More than a feeling: incidental learning of array geometry by blindfolded adult humans revealed through touch

SUMMARY View-based matching theories of orientation suggest that mobile organisms encode a visual memory consisting of a visual panorama from a target location and maneuver to reduce discrepancy between current visual perception and this stored visual memory to return to a location. Recent success of such theories to explain the orientation behavior of insects and birds raises questions regarding the extent to which such an explanation generalizes to other species. In the present study, we attempted to determine the extent to which such view-based matching theories may explain the orientation behavior of a mammalian species (in this case adult humans). We modified a traditional enclosure orientation task so that it involved only the use of the haptic sense. The use of a haptic orientation task to investigate the extent to which view-based matching theories may explain the orientation behavior of adult humans appeared ideal because it provided an opportunity for us to explicitly prohibit the use of vision. Specifically, we trained disoriented and blindfolded human participants to search by touch for a target object hidden in one of four locations marked by distinctive textural cues located on top of four discrete landmarks arranged in a rectangular array. Following training, we removed the distinctive textural cues and probed the extent to which participants learned the geometry of the landmark array. In the absence of vision and the trained textural cues, participants showed evidence that they learned the geometry of the landmark array. Such evidence cannot be explained by an appeal to view-based matching strategies and is consistent with explanations of spatial orientation related to the incidental learning of environmental geometry.
LvFS: A Lightweight File Versioning Tool for General Binary Files

Current source code version control systems can deal with the multiple versions of files containing text content such as source code or plain text. However, it needs a general tool for the versioning control for binary files such as office documents. The multiple version file systems can handle the file system versioning in general. But they are difficult to implement as sitting in the kernel level. They make multiple versions for all files, which is usually not necessary. This paper proposes LvFS, a lightweight file version tool, to handle the multi-version files. LvFS is a user level application. LvFS embraces the FUSE interface to tracking the modifications of files and store the modifications in a separate file. LvFS can keep the multiple versions of a general binary file to keep low performance overhead.
The Impact of Intima-media Thickness of Radial Artery on Early Failure of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients

This study was performed to investigate the impact of intima-media thickness (IMT) of radial artery on early failure of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Ninety uremic patients undergoing radiocephalic AVF operation were included in this study. During the operation, 10-mm long partial arterial walls were removed with elliptical form for microscopic analysis. Specimens were stained with trichrome and examined by a pathologist blinded to the clinical data. And then AVF patency was followed up for 1 yr after the operation. Of the total 90 patients, 31 patients (34%) had AVF failure within 1 yr after the operation. Mean IMT was thicker in failed group (n=31) than in patent group (n=59) (486±130 µm vs. 398±130 µm, p=0.004). The AVF patency rate within 1 yr after the operation was lower in patients with IMT ≥500 µm (n=26) than in patients with IMT <500 µm (n=64) (p=0.017). Age was an independent risk factor of IMT. Diabetes mellitus tended to be independent risk factor but not statistically significant. Our data suggest that increased radial artery IMT is closely associated with early failure of radiocephalic AVF in HD patients.
Group-based Query Learning for rapid diagnosis in time-critical situations

In query learning, the goal is to identify an unknown object while minimizing the number of "yes or no" questions (queries) posed about that object. We consider three extensions of this fundamental problem that are motivated by practical considerations in real-world, time-critical identification tasks such as emergency response. First, we consider the problem where the objects are partitioned into groups, and the goal is to identify only the group to which the object belongs. Second, we address the situation where the queries are partitioned into groups, and an algorithm may suggest a group of queries to a human user, who then selects the actual query. Third, we consider the problem of query learning in the presence of persistent query noise, and relate it to group identification. To address these problems we show that a standard algorithm for query learning, known as the splitting algorithm or generalized binary search, may be viewed as a generalization of Shannon-Fano coding. We then extend this result to the group-based settings, leading to new algorithms. The performance of our algorithms is demonstrated on simulated data and on a database used by first responders for toxic chemical identification.
DESIGN OF THE PEER AGENT FOR MULTI-ROBOT COMMUNICATION IN AN AGENT-BASED ROBOT CONTROL ARCHITECTURE By ANAK BIJAYENDRAYODHIN

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Kazuhiko Kawamura for the privilege of working in the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory. This opportunity has allowed me to learn a great deal as well as participate in many exciting research projects. I thank Dr. Mitch Wilkes for his guidance and support throughout this research. valuable supports and knowledge. Without them, I would not have been here today. Thank you Flo, without you my thesis would not have looked this good. I thank my very special friend, Mitsara, whose encouragements mean more than anything in the world to me. Finally I thank my family for always be there to support me through many tough times.
Out-of-register β-sheets suggest a pathway to toxic amyloid aggregates

Although aberrant protein aggregation has been conclusively linked to dozens of devastating amyloid diseases, scientists remain puzzled about the molecular features that render amyloid fibrils or small oligomers toxic. Here, we report a previously unobserved type of amyloid fibril that tests as cytotoxic: one in which the strands of the contributing β-sheets are out of register. In all amyloid fibrils previously characterized at the molecular level, only in-register β-sheets have been observed, in which each strand makes its full complement of hydrogen bonds with the strands above and below it in the fibril. In out-of-register sheets, strands are sheared relative to one another, leaving dangling hydrogen bonds. Based on this finding, we designed out-of-register β-sheet amyloid mimics, which form both cylindrin-like oligomers and fibrils, and these mimics are cytotoxic. Structural and energetic considerations suggest that out-of-register fibrils can readily convert to toxic cylindrins. We propose that out-of-register β-sheets and their related cylindrins are part of a toxic amyloid pathway, which is distinct from the more energetically favored in-register amyloid pathway.
Generators of quantum Markov semigroups

Quantum Markov Semigroups (QMSs) originally arose in the study of the evolutions of irreversible open quantum systems. Mathematically, they are a generalization of classical Markov semigroups where the underlying function space is replaced by a non-commutative operator algebra. In the case when the QMS is uniformly continuous, theorems due to the works of Lindblad [Commun. Math. Phys. 48, 119-130 (1976)], Stinespring [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 6, 211-216 (1955)], and Kraus [Ann. Phys. 64, 311-335 (1970)] imply that the generator of the semigroup has the form L(A)=∑n=1∞Vn∗AVn+GA+AG∗, where Vn and G are elements of the underlying operator algebra. In the present paper, we investigate the form of the generators of QMSs which are not necessarily uniformly continuous and act on the bounded operators of a Hilbert space. We prove that the generators of such semigroups have forms that reflect the results of Lindblad and Stinespring. We also make some progress towards forms reflecting Kraus’ result. Finally, we look at.
Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate conventional acupuncture therapy in the management of clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in adults. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trails.gov were searched for reports published until March 31, 2016. Results: Nine eligible studies from 8 publications involving 231 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A comparison of the main outcome of visual analog scale (VAS) values of pain between the acupuncture group and control group showed a significant decrease (MD = −0.98, 95% CI [−1.62, −0.34], I2=54%, P = 0.003) in the VAS following acupuncture treatment. However, subgroup analysis according to the type of sham control group indicated that there were significant differences in the results when sham acupuncture was used as the control group (MD = −1.54, 95% CI [−2.63, −0.45], I2=58%, P = 0.006) as well as when sham laser treatment was used as the control group (MD = −1.29, 95% CI [−2.32, −0.27], I2 = 0%, P = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference when the splint treatment group was used as the control group (MD = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.69, 0.50], I2 = 0%, P = 0.76). Subgroup analyses of VAS for pain by the classification of diseases indicated that the myogenous TMD subgroup demonstrated a significant difference (MD = −1.49, 95% CI [−2.45, −0.53], I2 = 47%, P = 0.002), and TMD showed no statistically significant difference (MD = −0.42, 95% CI [−1.14, 0.30], I2 = 46%, P = 0.25). Subgroup analysis according to whether the subgroup penetrated the skin showed that nonpenetrating sham acupuncture as the control group showed a significant difference (MD = −1.56, 95% CI [−2.70, −0.41], I2 = 58%, P = 0.008) compared with the conventional acupuncture as the treatment modality, while penetrating sham acupuncture as the control group showed no significant difference (MD = −1.29, 95% CI [−3.40, 0.82], I2 = not applicable, P = 0.23). No publication bias was observed considering the symmetry of the funnel plots. Conclusions: Our results indicate that conventional acupuncture therapy is effective in reducing the degree of pain in patients with TMD, especially those with myofascial pain symptoms.
Understanding PRRSV Infection in Porcine Lung Based on Genome-Wide Transcriptome Response Identified by Deep Sequencing

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has been one of the most economically important diseases affecting swine industry worldwide and causes great economic losses each year. PRRS virus (PRRSV) replicates mainly in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and dendritic cells (DCs) and develops persistent infections, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), interstitial pneumonia and immunosuppression. But the molecular mechanisms of PRRSV infection still are poorly understood. Here we report on the first genome-wide host transcriptional responses to classical North American type PRRSV (N-PRRSV) strain CH 1a infection using Solexa/Illumina's digital gene expression (DGE) system, a tag-based high-throughput transcriptome sequencing method, and analyse systematically the relationship between pulmonary gene expression profiles after N-PRRSV infection and infection pathology. Our results suggest that N-PRRSV appeared to utilize multiple strategies for its replication and spread in infected pigs, including subverting host innate immune response, inducing an anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory state as well as developing ADE. Upregulation expression of virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and inflammatory enzymes and inflammatory cells, antibodies, complement activation were likely to result in the development of inflammatory responses during N-PRRSV infection processes. N-PRRSV-induced immunosuppression might be mediated by apoptosis of infected cells, which caused depletion of immune cells and induced an anti-inflammatory cytokine response in which they were unable to eradicate the primary infection. Our systems analysis will benefit for better understanding the molecular pathogenesis of N-PRRSV infection, developing novel antiviral therapies and identifying genetic components for swine resistance/susceptibility to PRRS.
Reliability based multi-objective DG and capacitor allocation in radial distribution system

Distribution system reliability has been improved economically reducing energy loss by performing DG penetration and capacitor placement. Two novel evolutionary computation techniques called Fish Electrolocation Optimization (FEO) and Modified Cultural Algorithm (MCA) have been implemented for performing cost based reliability improvement in radial distribution system. Reliability improvement, energy loss and total cost minimization have been studied as single objective optimization by real coded Genetic Algorithm (rcGA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Fish Electrolocation Optimization (FEO) and Modified Cultural Algorithm (MCA). The results obtained by FEO and MCA are promising. Multi-objective optimization has been performed considering distribution system reliability index SAIFI, SAIDI and AENS as well as total cost and energy loss. Pareto optimal solutions have been found out by effective MCA and FEO. It has been observed that the non dominated solutions obtained by FEO are better than the solutions achieved by MCA.
Pharmacodynamics of Memantine: An Update

Memantine received marketing authorization from the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) for the treatment of moderately severe to severe Alzheimer´s disease (AD) in Europe on 17th May 2002 and shortly thereafter was also approved by the FDA for use in the same indication in the USA. Memantine is a moderate affinity, uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist with strong voltage-dependency and fast kinetics. Due to this mechanism of action (MOA), there is a wealth of other possible therapeutic indications for memantine and numerous preclinical data in animal models support this assumption. This review is intended to provide an update on preclinical studies on the pharmacodynamics of memantine, with an additional focus on animal models of diseases aside from the approved indication. For most studies prior to 1999, the reader is referred to a previous review [196]. In general, since 1999, considerable additional preclinical evidence has accumulated supporting the use of memantine in AD (both symptomatic and neuroprotective). In addition, there has been further confirmation of the MOA of memantine as an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist and essentially no data contradicting our understanding of the benign side effect profile of memantine.
On-Demand Snapshot: An Efficient Versioning File System for Phase-Change Memory

Versioning file systems are widely used in modern computer systems as they provide system recovery and old data access functions by retaining previous file system snapshots. However, existing versioning file systems do not perform well with the emerging PCM (phase-change memory) storage, because they are optimized for hard disks. Specifically, a large amount of additional writes incurred by maintaining snapshot degrades the performance of PCM seriously as write operations are the performance bottleneck of PCM. This paper presents a novel versioning file system, designed for PCM, that reduces the writing overhead of a snapshot significantly. Unlike existing versioning file systems that incur cascade writes up to the file system root, our scheme breaks the recursive update chain at the immediate parent level. The proposed file system is implemented on Linux 2.6 as a prototype. Measurement studies with various I/O benchmarks show that the proposed file system improves the I/O throughput by 144 percent on average, compared to ZFS, a representative versioning file system.
Towards robust graphical models for GNSS-based localization in urban environments

Our paper proposes to adapt recent advances in the SLAM literature (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to the problem of multipath mitigation in GNSS-based localization. We argue that such localization problems can be modelled as factor graphs and solved using efficient nonlinear least squares approaches that exploit the sparsity inherent in the problem formulation. This way, satellite observations that are subject to multipath errors can be understood as outliers in the optimization problem and recently developed approaches for robust graph optimization can be applied to mitigate these effects.
STIMULATION OF GROWTH, FLOWERING, BIOCHEMI- CAL CONSTITUENTS AND ESSENTIAL OIL OF CHAMO- MILE PLANT (CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA L., RAUSCH) WITH SPERMIDINE AND STIGMASTEROL APPLICATION

Experiments were conducted during two growing seasons (2001/02 and 2002/03) at the greenhouse to study the effect of spermidine and stigmasterol on growth, flowering, biochemical constituents and essential oil content of chamomile plant (Chamomilla recutita L., Rausch). Different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/1) of spermidine and stigmasterol were applied during the vegetative stage. Both bioregulators (especially at 100 mg/1) improved plant growth parameters (plant height, branches number, fresh and dry weight) during the vegetative stage. Spermidine was more effective than stigmasterol. This effect was consequential during the flowering stage. However, at that stage, fresh and dry weights, flowers number and weight, were more affected by stigmasterol application than by spermidine. At both stages, spermidine and stigmasterol, at the concentration of 100 mg/1 strongly affected growth. Consequently, the biochemical constituents of leaves (total sugars, phenols and indoles) were increased. Essential oil content of flowers was significantly improved by the application of the both bioregulators at 100 mg/1. Stigmasterol was more effective than spermidine in increasing essential oil content and plant yield at the three collections. The major components of chamomile essential oils, identified by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) were farnesene, bisabolol oxide β, α bisabolol, chamazulene and bisabolol oxide A. Their percentage rates varied according to the concentrations of spermidine and stigmasterol applied.
Scale invariant face recognition using probabilistic similarity measure

In video surveillance, the size of face images is very small. However, few works have been done to investigate scale invariant face recognition. Our experiments on appearance-based methods in different resolutions show that such methods as neighboring preserving embedding (NPE) preserving local structure are less effective than global ones such as linear discriminant analysis (LDA) under low-resolution. Based on the phenomena, we present a new graph embedding method FisherNPE, preserving both global and local structures on the data, and using Bayesian probabilistic similarity analysis of intensity differences between high- and low-resolution images for scale robust feature extraction. Experimental results on ORL and Yale database indicate that our method obtains good results on different resolution images.