Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cutting Corners Cheaply, or How to Remove Steiner Points

Our main result is that the Steiner Point Removal (SPR) problem can always be solved with polylogarithmic distortion, which resolves in the affirmative a question posed by Chan, Xia, Konjevod, and Richa (2006). Specifically, we prove that for every edge-weighted graph G = (V, E, w) and a subset of terminals T ⊆ V, there is a graph G' = (T, E', w') that is isomorphic to a minor of G, such that for every two terminals u, v e T, the shortest-path distances between them in G and in G' satisfy [EQUATION]. Our existence proof actually gives a randomized polynomial-time algorithm. Our proof features a new variant of metric decomposition. It is well-known that every finite metric space (X, d) admits a β-separating decomposition for β = O(log|X|), which roughly means for every desired diameter bound Δ > 0 there is a randomized partitioning of X, which satisfies the following separation requirement: for every x, y e X, the probability they lie in different clusters of the partition is at most βd(x, y)/Δ. We introduce an additional requirement, which is the following tail bound: for every shortest-path P of length d(P) ≤ Δ/β, the number of clusters of the partition that meet the path P, denoted ZP, satisfies Pr[ZP > t] ≤ 2e-Ω(t) for all t > 0.
Intercomparison of SCIAMACHY and OMI Tropospheric NO2 Columns: Observing the Diurnal Evolution of Chemistry and Emissions from Space

[1] Concurrent (August 2006) measurements of tropospheric NO2 columns from OMI aboard Aura (1330 local overpass time) and SCIAMACHY aboard Envisat (1000 local overpass time) offer an opportunity to examine the consistency between the two instruments under tropospheric background conditions and the effect of different observing times. For scenes with tropospheric NO2 columns <5.0 × 1015 molecules cm−2, SCIAMACHY and OMI agree within 1.0–2.0 × 1015 molecules cm−2, consistent with the detection limits of both instruments. We find evidence for a low bias of 0.2 × 1015 molecules cm−2 in OMI observations over remote oceans. Over the fossil fuel source regions at northern midlatitudes, we find that SCIAMACHY observes up to 40% higher NO2 at 1000 local time (LT) than OMI at 1330 LT. Over biomass burning regions in the tropics, SCIAMACHY observes up to 40% lower NO2 columns than OMI. These differences are present in the spectral fitting of the data (slant column) and are augmented in the fossil fuel regions and dampened in the tropical biomass burning regions by the expected increase in air mass factor as the mixing depth rises from 1000 to 1330 LT. Using a global 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem), we show that the 1000–1330 LT decrease in tropospheric NO2 column over fossil fuel source regions can be explained by photochemical loss, dampened by the diurnal cycle of anthropogenic emissions that has a broad daytime maximum. The observed 1000–1330 LT NO2 column increase over tropical biomass burning regions points to a sharp midday peak in emissions and is consistent with a diurnal cycle of emissions derived from geostationary satellite fire counts.
The Elusive Etiology of Autism: Nature and Nurture?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder encompassing severe deficits in social communication and language development, and associated with repetitive, stereotypic behaviors. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 150 children in the United States are affected (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007). Over the past decade, we have witnessed remarkable scientific advancements in our ability to explore the origins and manifestations of autism, using tools such as genome-wide microarray analyses, functional neuroimaging and automated eye tracking. Yet, despite these innovations, we have failed to uncover a core psychobiological deficit for autism. Without such an understanding, treatment options are limited to various combinations of child-directed therapy, with minimal data supporting effectiveness (Ospina et al., 2008). With the dramatic rise in the number of children diagnosed with autism (Blaxill, 2004) comes an escalating burden for schools, governments and society to provide intensive and costly services. Clearly, understanding the etiology of autism is of paramount importance.
Optimal bounds for decision problems on the CRCW PRAM

We prove optimal &OHgr;(log n/log log n) lower bounds on the time for CRCW PRAM's with polynomially bounded numbers of processors or memory cells to compute parity and a number of related problems. We also exhibit a strict time hierarchy of explicit Boolean functions of n bits on such machines which holds up to &Ogr;(log n/log log n) time. Furthermore, we show that almost all Boolean functions of n bits require log n - log log n + &OHgr;(1) time when the number of processors is at most polynomial in n. Our bounds do not place restrictions on the uniformity of the algorithms nor on the instruction sets of the machines.
Longitudinal coordination of motor output during swimming in Xenopus embryos

Little is known about the neural mechanisms that control the phenomenon of rostro-caudal delay. In Xenopus embryos there is a constant rostro-caudal delay of 2-5 ms mm-1 during fictive swimming. Rostro-caudal delay is not significantly correlated with cycle period. When NMDA is applied to the caudal spinal cord, there is a decrease and in some cases a reversal in rostro-caudal delay. Conversely applying excitatory antagonists to the caudal spinal cord leads to an increase in delay. When caudal mid-cycle inhibition is reduced either pharmacologically using strychnine or surgically through hemisection of the spinal cord, there is an increase in rostro-caudal delay. Rostro-caudal delays are too small to be explainable on the basis of axonal conduction velocities and synaptic delays. This suggests that the central pattern generator of Xenopus behaves as a series of coupled oscillators and that the nature of the coupling, together with a longitudinal gradient in excitability associated with the oscillators, contributes to the observed rostro-caudal delay.
Carbon Break Even Analysis: Environmental Impact of Tablets in Higher Education

With the growing pace of tablets use and the large focus it is attracting especially in higher education, this paper looks at an important aspect of tablets; their carbon footprint. Studies have suggested that tablets have positive impact on the environment; especially since tablets use less energy than laptops or desktops. Recent manufacturers’ reports on the carbon footprint of tablets have revealed that a significant portion, as much as 80%, of the carbon footprint of tablets comes from production and delivery as opposed to the operational life-cycle of these devices. Thus rending some of previous assumptions about the environmental impact of tablets questionable. This study sets to answer a key question: What is the break-even analysis point when saving on printed paper offsets the carbon footprint of producing and running the tablet in higher education. A review of the literature indicated several examples of tablet models and their carbon emission impact; this is compared to the environmental savings on paper that green courses could produce. The analysis of the carbon break-even point shows that even when considering some of the most efficient and least carbon impact tablets available on the market with a carbon-footprint production of 153Kg CO2e, the break-even point is 81.5 months; referring to 6 years, 9 months and 15 days of use. This exceeds the life-cycle of an average tablet of five years and average degree duration of four years. While tablets still have the least carbon-footprint impact compared to laptops and desktops, to achieve the break-even point of carbon neutral operations this study concludes that manufacturers need to find more environmentally efficient ways of production that would reduce the carbon-footprint product to a level that does not exceed 112.8kg CO2e.
Higher-order Erdös: Szekeres theorems

Let P=(p1,p2,.,pN) be a sequence of points in the plane, where pi=(xi,yi) and x12.xN. A famous 1935 Erdos-Szekeres theorem asserts that every such P contains a monotone subsequence S of √N points. Another, equally famous theorem from the same paper implies that every such P contains a convex or concave subsequence of Ω(log N) points. Monotonicity is a property determined by pairs of points, and convexity concerns triples of points. We propose a generalization making both of these theorems members of an infinite family of Ramsey-type results. First we define a (k+1)-tuple K ⊆ P to be positive if it lies on the graph of a function whose kth derivative is everywhere nonnegative, and similarly for a negative (k+1)-tuple. Then we say that S ⊆ P is kth-order monotone if its (k+1)-tuples are all positive or all negative. We investigate quantitative bound for the corresponding Ramsey-type result (i.e., how large kth-order monotone subsequence can be guaranteed in every N-point P). We obtain an Ω(log(k-1)N) lower bound ((k-1)-times iterated logarithm). This is based on a quantitative Ramsey-type theorem for what we call transitive colorings of the complete (k+1)-uniform hypergraph; it also provides a unified view of the two classical Erdos-Szekeres results mentioned above. For k=3, we construct a geometric example providing an O(log log N) upper bound, tight up to a multiplicative constant. As a consequence, we obtain similar upper bounds for a Ramsey-type theorem for order-type homogeneous subsets in R3, as well as for a Ramsey-type theorem for hyperplanes in R4 recently used by Dujmovic and Langerman.
Possible deep fault slip preceding the 2004 Parkfield earthquake, inferred from detailed observations of tectonic tremor

Earthquake predictability depends, in part, on the degree to which sudden slip is preceded by slow aseismic slip. Recently, observations of deep tremor have enabled inferences of deep slow slip even when detection by other means is not possible, but these data are limited to certain areas and mostly the last decade. The region near Parkfield, California, provides a unique convergence of several years of high‐quality tremor data bracketing a moderate earthquake, the 2004 magnitude 6.0 event. Here, I present detailed observations of tectonic tremor from mid‐2001 through 2008 that indicate deep fault slip both before and after the Parkfield earthquake that cannot be detected with surface geodetic instruments. While there is no obvious short‐term precursor, I find unidirectional tremor migration accompanied by elevated tremor rates in the 3 months prior to the earthquake, which suggests accelerated creep on the fault ∼16 km beneath the eventual earthquake hypocenter.
Design and Implementation of Ski Jumper's Motion Monitor System by Terrestrial Magnetism and Acceleration Sensors

We have confirmed that terrestrial magnetism and acceleration sensors are useful to measure ski jumper’s in run descending speed and taking-off positions using a model of ski jumping ramp. Also, we gathered required measurement by inquiring a ski jumping athlete and his coach. As this result, we confirmed following measurement: in run descending speed, jumper’s style and posture at jumping point, and slant of body of the jumper when he is flying. We are developing a ski jumper’s motion monitoring system using terrestrial magnetism, acceleration sensors, and video camera which enable to monitor such measurements. In this paper, we describe its design and implementation.
Quantum Circuits: From a Network to a One-Way Model

We present elements of quantum circuits trans- lations from the (standard) network or circuit model to the one-way one. We present a translation scheme, give an account of currently existing tools to apply the scheme, and propose an extension of those tools into a complete translation calculus. We analyse the set of difficulties incurred from such work, and show an engendered opening to new sets of problems and ideas. Among others, this paper introduces the notions of graphical concatenation, graph state reduction (GSR) and graph state extension (GSE) passes, as well as an algorithm for running the (extended) measurement calculus with acceptable efficiency.
Evidence for preservation of crustal root beneath the Proterozoic Lapland‐Kola orogen (northern Fennoscandian shield) derived from P and S wave velocity models of POLAR and HUKKA wide‐angle reflection and refraction profiles and FIRE4 reflection transect

[1] We present an analysis of the crust and upper mantle in the northern Fennoscandian shield, based on new P and S wave 2-D velocity models of the POLAR and HUKKA wide-angle reflection and refraction profiles and results of a new seismic reflection experiment in Finland (Finnish Reflection Experiment). The profiles are almost collocated and crossed the Proterozoic Lapland-Kola orogen. A substantial difference of the depth of “the wide-angle Moho” (40–42 km) and “the reflection Moho” (47–50 km) was found. In order to explain this difference, we compared the velocity models to published values of Vp and Vp/Vs for the main types of lower crustal and mantle rocks. We found that the main reason for disagreement is that the wide-angle Moho and the reflection Moho correspond to different petrological boundaries. In the southwest and northeast portions of the profiles, the wide-angle Moho marks contact of either anorthositic or granulitic lower crust with a reflective layer in the upper mantle composed of peridotites and pyroxenites. The reflection Moho represents the bottom of this lower layer. In the center of the profile the wide-angle Moho marks the top of a large eclogitic body in the upper mantle, representing a well-preserved crustal root beneath the Lapland-Kola orogen formed because of the collision of three former Archaean crustal blocks (terranes or microcontinents). Lack of postorogenic tectonic collapse suggests another mechanism for stabilization of the lithosphere in the area. Upper mantle reflectors at depth of 65–75 km may mark the upper boundary of the cold and mechanically strong Archaean upper mantle wedge. Alternatively, these reflectors may represent a top of uplifted asthenosphere that can explain preservation of crustal root.
Parameter and rating curve uncertainty propagation analysis of the SWAT model for two small Mediterranean catchments

Abstract The SWAT model was tested to simulate the streamflow of two small Mediterranean catchments (the Vène and the Pallas) in southern France. Model calibration and prediction uncertainty were assessed simultaneously by using three different techniques (SUFI-2, GLUE and ParaSol). Initially, a sensitivity analysis was conducted using the LH-OAT method. Subsequent sensitive parameter calibration and SWAT prediction uncertainty were analysed by considering, firstly, deterministic discharge data (assuming no uncertainty in discharge data) and secondly, uncertainty in discharge data through the development of a methodology that accounts explicitly for error in the rating curve (the stage−discharge relationship). To efficiently compare the different uncertainty methods and the effect of the uncertainty of the rating curve on model prediction uncertainty, common criteria were set for the likelihood function, the threshold value and the number of simulations. The results show that model prediction uncertainty is not only case-study specific, but also depends on the selected uncertainty analysis technique. It was also found that the 95% model prediction uncertainty interval is wider and more successful at encompassing the observations when uncertainty in the discharge data is considered explicitly. The latter source of uncertainty adds additional uncertainty to the total model prediction uncertainty. Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Associate editor D. Gerten Citation Sellami, H. , La Jeunesse, I. , Benabdallah, S. , and Vanclooster, M. , 2013. Parameter and rating curve uncertainty propagation analysis of the SWAT model for two small Mediterranean watersheds. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (8), 1635−1657.
The Influence of Aggradation Rate on Braided Alluvial Architecture: Field Study and Physical Scale‐Modelling of the Ashburton River Gravels, Canterbury Plains, New Zealand

Theoretical process-based models of braided alluvial architecture suggest that aggradation rate is a primary controlon the geometry, stacking and heterogeneity of sedimentary deposits. This hypothesis is tested at the scale of thechannel and bar using a combined field and flume modelling study, which quantifies the impact of a change inaggradation rate on the frequency of occurrence and geometry of the key depositional units that dominate coarsegrained,braided alluvial architecture. Aggradation of a 1 : 50 scale model of the braided Ashburton River, NewZealand, produces realistic alluvial architecture that closely corresponds to 7 km of logged field prototype outcrop.A twofold change in aggradation rate in the flume model and an order-of-magnitude change in the field outcrop,have no influence on the geometry and vertical distribution of fine- and coarse-grained depositional niches.Braided alluvial architecture at the channel scale therefore is determined by the local ‘instantaneous’ aggradationrate, related to individual flood events, rather than the long-term, regional aggradation rate.
Nitrite and Nitrate Levels of Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Saliva in Subjects with Gingivitis and Chronic Periodontitis

ABSTRACT Objectives Nitrosative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the gingival crevicular fluid and saliva nitrite and nitrate levels in periodontally healthy and diseased sites. Material and Methods A total of 60 individuals including, 20 chronic periodontitis and 20 gingivitis patients and 20 periodontally healthy controls participated in the present study. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, gingival index and plaque index were assessed, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva samples were obtained from the subjects, including 480 GCF samples and 60 unstimulated whole saliva samples. Nitrite and nitrate were analyzed by Griess reagent. Results Total GCF nitrite levels were higher in gingivitis and periodontitis groups (1.07 [SD 0.62] nmol and 1.08 [SD 0.59] nmol) than the control group (0.83 [SD 0.31] nmol) (P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly between gingivitis and periodontitis groups (P > 0.05). The difference in GCF nitrate level was not significant among the control, gingivitis and periodontitis groups (7.7 [SD 2.71] nmol, 7.51 [SD 4.16] nmol and 7.38 [SD 1.91] nmol). Saliva nitrite and nitrate levels did not differ significantly among three study groups. Saliva nitrate/nitrite ratios were higher in periodontitis and gingivitis groups than the control group. A gradual decrease in nitrate/nitrite ratio in GCF was detected with the presence of inflammation. Conclusions It may be suggested that nitrite in gingival crevicular fluid is a better periodontal disease marker than nitrate and may be used as an early detection marker of periodontal inflammation, and that local nitrosative stress markers don’t show significant difference between the initial and advanced stages of periodontal disease.
Studies on the cytotoxic effect of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. I. Characteristics of the virus-cell interaction.

The findings of Moore and co-workers (1, 2) were confirmed in that Ehrlich ascites tumor cells recovered the capacity to propagate in mice when suspensions of NDV and tumor cells were held at 21–23°C for 4 hr in vitro. It was demonstrated that “recovery” of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells from the action of NDV occurred only when conditions existed which permitted elution of virus from tumor cells. At 37°C, recovery was prevented by the establishment of a stable union between virus and tumor cell. The union involved loss of the ability of virus-cell complexes to combine with specific viral antibody. This loss took place within 10 min after the virus cell mixture was brought to 37°C. These data suggested that the killing of tumor cells by NDV did not occur solely as a result of the reaction of virus with the tumor cell surface.
Approximate reinforcement learning: An overview

Reinforcement learning (RL) allows agents to learn how to optimally interact with complex environments. Fueled by recent advances in approximation-based algorithms, RL has obtained impressive successes in robotics, artificial intelligence, control, operations research, etc. However, the scarcity of survey papers about approximate RL makes it difficult for newcomers to grasp this intricate field. With the present overview, we take a step toward alleviating this situation. We review methods for approximate RL, starting from their dynamic programming roots and organizing them into three major classes: approximate value iteration, policy iteration, and policy search. Each class is subdivided into representative categories, highlighting among others offline and online algorithms, policy gradient methods, and simulation-based techniques. We also compare the different categories of methods, and outline possible ways to enhance the reviewed algorithms.
Human influenza virus infection and apoptosis induction in human vascular endothelial cells

Acute encephalopathy accompanying influenza virus infection results in brain and systemic organ failure mainly through vasogenic edema with high levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as blood tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6, as well as the cytochrome c apoptosis marker. A highly virulent strain of avian influenza virus causes fatal infection in chickens by infecting vascular endothelial cells in systemic organs, inducing apoptosis therein. To verify the possibility of apoptosis induction by human influenza virus in infected human vascular endothelial cells, purified influenza virus‐infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were examined using a tissue culture method. When pre‐treated with TNF‐α, influenza virus (Philippine strain, H3N2) promoted TNF‐α induced apoptosis of HUVECs. Viral replication was confirmed in HUVECs infected with the Philippine strain in the absence of TNF‐α by measurement of the amount of infective virus in the culture supernatant using the tissue culture infectious dose (TCID) method, immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR. The number of influenza virus genomes in the infected HUVECs at 24 hr post‐infection increased about fivefold compared to that just after virus adsorption. Many TUNEL‐positive influenza virus‐infected HUVECs were observed using the TUNEL method. Furthermore, cleaved caspase 3 was also detected in influenza virus‐infected cells by immunofluorescence staining. These results demonstrated that human influenza virus can infect and replicate in human vascular endothelial cells and induce apoptosis therein. J. Med. Virol. 80:1072–1078, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frankensteinian methods for evolutionary music composition

Victor Frankenstein sought to create an intelligent being imbued with the rules of civilized human conduct, who could further learn how to behave and possibly even evolve through successive generations into a more perfect form. Modern human composers similarly strive to create intelligent algorithmic music composition systems that can follow prespecified rules, learn appropriate patterns from a collection of melodies, or evolve to produce output more perfectly matched to some aesthetic criteria. Here we review recent efforts aimed at each of these three types of algorithmic composition. We focus particularly on evolutionary methods, and indicate how monstrous many of the results have been. We present a new method that uses coevolution to create linked artificial music critics and music composers, and describe how this method can attach the separate parts of rules, learning, and evolution together into one coherent body. “Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void, but out of chaos; the materials must, in the first place, be afforded. ” --Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (1831/1993, p. 299)