Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CROSSBREEDING STRATEGIES: INCLUDING TERMINAL VS. MATERNAL CROSSES

The dramatic changes and volatility cow-calf production system input costs and calf values have many producers wondering about the value of heterosis in today’s beef industry pricing structure. Many producers are seeking ways to improve cow-calf production efficiency and profitability. Profitability may be enhanced by increasing the volume of production (i.e. the pounds of calves you market) and/or the value of products you sell (improving quality). The reduction of production costs, and thus breakeven prices, can also improve profitability. Better yet, improving the input:output ratio should enhance profit. For commercial beef producers, the implementation of technologies and breeding systems that increase the quality and volume of production and reduce input costs is essential to maintain or improve the competitive position of the operation. Some producers are thinking of establishing a more conventional straight breeding system to improve end-product value traits and want to understand the value they are giving up as they sacrifice heterosis, while other producers are considering the establishment of a planned crossbreeding system to capture the value of hybrid vigor. Either way, to make an informed decision, producers need to know the value generated in their herd by heterosis or hybrid vigor.
Neurological Recovery Across a 12-cm-Long Ulnar Nerve Gap Repaired 3.25 Years Post Trauma: Case Report

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE The standard clinical technique for repairing peripheral nerve gaps is the use of autologous sensory nerve grafts. The present study tested whether a collagen tube filled with autologous platelet-rich fibrin could induce sensory and motor recovery across a 12-cm nerve gap repaired 3.25 years post trauma, and reduce or eliminate neuropathic pain. CLINICAL PRESENTATION Two years postrepair, good ring and small finger motor function had developed that could generate 1 kg of force, and topographically correct 2-point discrimination and sensitivity to vibration in the small and ring finger and proximal but not distal wrist had developed. The patient's excruciating neuropathic pain was reduced to tolerable, and he avoided the indicated extremity amputation. The 12-cm-long nerve gap was bridged with a collagen tube filled with autologous platelet-rich fibrin. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that a conduit filled with platelet-rich fibrin can induce limited, but appropriate, sensory and motor recovery across a 12-cm nerve gap repaired 3.25 years post trauma, without sacrificing a sensory nerve, can reduce existing excruciating neuropathic pain to tolerable, and allow avoidance of an indicated upper-extremity amputation. We believe the technique can be improved to induce more extensive and reliable neurological recovery.
Ohranverkkolaikun (Pyrenophora teres) populaatioiden perinnöllinen muuntelu

Johdanto Ohranverkkolaikku on merkittävin ohran taudinaiheuttaja ja sitä esiintyy kaikilla ohranviljelyalueilla Suomessa. Tauti alentaa sadon määrää pienentämällä jyväkokoa ja heikentää ohran mallastuskelpoisuutta. Taudin oireet näkyvät ohran lehdissä ja lehtitupissa joko kelta-ruskeina verkkomaisina tai laikkumaisina laikkuina. Ohranverkkolaikun aiheuttajasienestä tunnetaan kaksi alamuotoa, jotka aikaansaavat toisistaan poikkeavat oireet isäntäkasvissaan. Ohranverkkolaikun aiheuttaja säilyy kasvukaudesta toiseen saastuneessa kasvijätteessä tai leviää rihmastona siemenen mukana. Tautia voidaan torjua käyttämällä tervettä kylvösiementä tai kasvukauden aikana torjuntaaineruiskutuksia. Myös viljelykierrolla ja viljelemällä taudinkestäviä ohralajikkeita voidaan ehkäistä taudin leviämistä. Ohran esikasviksi parhaiten soveltuvat kaura ja vehnä, jotka vähentävät taudin leviämistä kasvukaudesta toiseen. Kasvinsuojeluaineiden ja taudinkestävien lajikkeiden käyttöikään vaikuttaa taudinaiheuttajan kyky muuntua torjuntamenetelmiä kestäväksi. Torjuntamenetelmien kestävyys voi syntyä, jos taudinaiheuttajan populaatio altistetaan voimakkaalle valintapaineelle, jolloin populaatiossa menestyvät yksilöt, jotka pystyvät elämään muuttuneissa olosuhteissa (so. torjunta-aineenkestävät tai taudinaiheutuskyvyltään aggressiivisimmat yksilöt). Taudinaiheuttajan muuntumiskykyä ei voida mitata ennalta, koska siihen vaikuttavat mm. taudinaiheuttajan perinnöllinen muuntelevuus, lisääntymistapa ja leviäminen. Monista kasvitaudinaiheuttajista tunnetaan kuitenkin hyvin edellä mainitut ominaisuudet ja niiden muuntumiskykyä voidaan arvioida luotettavasti (McDonald & Linde 2002). Ohranverkkolaikun perinnöllisen muuntelun määrää on tutkittu jonkin verran, mutta enimmäkseen tutkimus on keskittynyt ohran taudinkestävyyteen ja verkkolaikun taudinaiheutuskykyyn (virulenssi). Tässä tutkimuksessa selvitetään i) ohranverkkolaikun populaatioiden perinnöllisen muuntelun määrää Suomessa ja muualla maailmassa, ii) populaatioiden erilaistumista ja iii) suvullisen ja suvuttoman lisääntymisen tärkeyttä populaatioissa. Tutkimuksesta saatuja tuloksia käytetään arvioitaessa ohranverkkolaikun muuntumiskykyä, kun suunnitellaan ohran kasvinjalostustai kasvinsuojeluohjelmaa.
Window Function for Noncircular Beam Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropy Experiment

We develop computationally rapid methods to compute the window function for a cosmic microwave background anisotropy experiment with a noncircular beam that scans over large angles on the sky. To concretely illustrate these methods we compute the window function for the Python V experiment, which scans over large angles on the sky with an elliptical Gaussian beam.
Graph Invariant Kernels

We introduce a novel kernel that upgrades the Weisfeiler-Lehman and other graph kernels to effectively exploit high-dimensional and continuous vertex attributes. Graphs are first decomposed into subgraphs. Vertices of the subgraphs are then compared by a kernel that combines the similarity of their labels and the similarity of their structural role, using a suitable vertex invariant. By changing this invariant we obtain a family of graph kernels which includes generalizations of Weisfeiler-Lehman, NSPDK, and propagation kernels. We demonstrate empirically that these kernels obtain state-of-the-art results on relational data sets.
A Novel Wavelet-based Denoising Method of SAR Image Using Interscale Dependency

Addressing SAR image speckle denoising, this dissertation proposes a new method based on bivariate shrinkage function combined with enhancement of wavelet significant coefficients, which allows us to consider the dependencies between coefficients. In our paper we make the speckle noise model suit the bivariate shrinkage function, and the joint probability density functions (PDF) and noise PDF could be united by MAP to de-noise image, then the wavelet coefficients are enhanced according to a rule whether the coefficient is a significant one or not. The simulation demonstrates that the new algorithm has a better denoised effect comparing with other traditional denoising methods.
Self-breaking of the standard model Gauge Symmetry

If the gauge fields of the standard model propagate in TeV-size extra dimensions, they rapidly become strongly coupled and can form scalar bound states of quarks and leptons. If the quarks and leptons of the third generation propagate in 6 or 8 dimensions, we argue that the most tightly bound scalar is a composite of top quarks, having the quantum numbers of the Higgs doublet and a large coupling to the top quark. In the case where the gauge bosons propagate in a bulk of a certain volume, this composite Higgs doublet can successfully trigger electroweak symmetry breaking. The mass of the top quark is correctly predicted to within 20%, without the need to add a fundamental Yukawa interaction, and the Higgs boson mass is predicted to lie in the range 165--230 GeV. In addition to the Higgs boson, there may be a few other scalar composites sufficiently light to be observed at upcoming collider experiments.
Schizophrenia: From the brain to peripheral markers. A consensus paper of the WFSBP task force on biological markers

Objective. The phenotypic complexity, together with the multifarious nature of the so-called “schizophrenic psychoses”, limits our ability to form a simple and logical biologically based hypothesis for the disease group. Biological markers are defined as biochemical, physiological or anatomical traits that are specific to particular conditions. An important aim of biomarker discovery is the detection of disease correlates that can be used as diagnostic tools. Method. A selective review of the WFSBP Task Force on Biological Markers in schizophrenia is provided from the central nervous system to phenotypes, functional brain systems, chromosomal loci with potential genetic markers to the peripheral systems. Results. A number of biological measures have been proposed to be correlated with schizophrenia. At present, not a single biological trait in schizophrenia is available which achieves sufficient specificity, selectivity and is based on causal pathology and predictive validity to be recommended as diagnostic marker. Conclusions. With the emergence of new technologies and rigorous phenotypic subclassification the identification of genetic bases and assessment of dynamic disease related alterations will hopefully come to a new stage in the complex field of psychiatric research.
The CLAPPER: a dual-drive mobile robot with internal correction of dead-reckoning errors

Presents a new approach to accurate and reliable dead-reckoning with mobile robots. The approach makes use of special properties of the author's multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) mobile platform, in which two differential-drive mobile robots (called "trucks") are physically connected through a compliant linkage. Using one linear and two rotary encoders, the system can measure the relative distance and bearing between the two trucks. During operation, both trucks perform conventional dead-reckoning with their wheel encoders, but, in addition, use information about their relative position to correct dead-reckoning errors. The author's system, called Compliant Linkage Autonomous Platform with Position Error Recovery (CLAPPER), requires neither external references (such as navigation beacons, artificial landmarks, known floorplans, or satellite signals), nor inertial navigation aids (such as accelerometers or gyros). Nonetheless, the experimental results included in this paper show one to two orders of magnitude better positioning accuracy than systems based on conventional dead-reckoning. <<ETX>>
An Ant Colony Optimization approach for test pattern generation

Test pattern generation is a challenging problem that has an exponential complexity that is aggravated with the continuous increase in circuits size. This paper deals with automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) for combinational circuits, and proposes a new approach based on ant colony optimization (ACO). The paper studies the opportunities offered by ACO in comparison with other simulated-based ATPGs. The method is implemented and is shown to efficiently generate a set of test vectors that achieve a high fault coverage in a short time. Several benchmark circuits are attempted, and favorable results comparisons are reported.
Relationship among Corneal Biomechanics, Anterior Segment Parameters, and Geometric Corneal Parameters

Purpose. To investigate the relationship between corneal biomechanical parameters, anterior segment parameters, and geometric corneal parameters in a healthy Caucasian group. Methods. This retrospective study included the healthy eyes with best corrected visual acuity of at least 20/40 of 122 Caucasian subjects. The anterior segment parameters and geometric corneal parameters such as corneal volume, central corneal thickness, horizontal and vertical corneal radii, anterior and posterior steep, and flat keratometric values were measured with a Scheimpflug camera. The biomechanical properties were measured with Ocular Response Analyzer. Results. One hundred and twenty-two healthy Caucasian subjects (67 males, 55 females) with a mean age of 45.32 ± 20.23 were enrolled. Both corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor were positively correlated with CCT (r = 0.529, p < 0.001; r = 0.638, p < 0.001) and CV (r = 0.635, p < 0.001; r = 0.579, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with age (r = −0.373, p < 0.001; r = −0.249, p < 0.001). Both in age-gender and multivariate models, CH and CRF had statistically significant negative association with the posterior steep K value. Conclusions. CH and CRF are negatively correlated with posterior steep and average posterior K values.
Outline of a Theory of Embodied Rationality

Avec sa participation a l’approche incarnee-enactive de la conscience, la phenomenologie connait actuellement un regain d’activite. Toutefois, la dimension normative de la conscience tend encore a etre negligee dans cette approche, une lacune d’avance denoncee par Husserl, qui fondait sur l’incapacite du naturalisme d’y remedier sa critique classique de la psychologie scientifique. C’est precisement a l’exigence d’une theorie phenomenologique de la normativite qui soit compatible avec l’approche incarnee-enactive que l’auteure tente d’apporter une reponse satisfaisante.
Proving correctness and completeness of normal programs – a declarative approach

We advocate a declarative approach to proving properties of logic programs. Total correctness can be separated into correctness, completeness and clean termination; the latter includes non-floundering. Only clean termination depends on the operational semantics, in particular on the selection rule. We show how to deal with correctness and completeness in a declarative way, treating programs only from the logical point of view. Specifications used in this approach are interpretations (or theories). We point out that specifications for correctness may differ from those for completeness, as usually there are answers which are neither considered erroneous nor required to be computed. We present proof methods for correctness and completeness for definite programs and generalize them to normal programs. For normal programs we use the 3-valued completion semantics; this is a standard semantics corresponding to negation as finite failure. The proof methods employ solely the classical 2-valued logic. We use a 2-valued characterization of the 3-valued completion semantics, which may be of separate interest. The method of proving correctness of definite programs is not new and can be traced back to the work of clark in 1979. However a more complicated approach using operational semantics was proposed by some authors. We show that it is not stronger than the declarative one, as far as properties of program answers are concerned. For a corresponding operational approach to normal programs, we show that it is (strictly) weaker than our method. We also employ the ideas of this work to generalize a known method of proving termination of normal programs.
Parallelizing a Coarse Grain Graph Search Problem Based upon LDPC Codes on a Supercomputer

Codes on graphs have become the most important way to reach channel capacity. A new problem for High Performance Computing has been constructed with this work. The graph search problem as posed in this work is the coarsest version of the problem which corresponds to the exhaustive search case. The coarse grain graph search (CGGS) problem chooses an optimal parity-check matrix, based on minimum value of BER objective function. Based upon the specified range of parity-check matrices and range of signal to noise ratio (SNR), the CGGS generates the parity-check matrices using the Modified PEG algorithm, performs LDPC encoding, adds noise to the encoder output, performs LDPC decoding, computes Bi terror rate (BER), and thus the BER objective function. TheCGGS problem in its current implementation runs in an MPIimplementation on the T2K supercomputer at The University Of Tokyo. Two scheduling strategies have been proposed, Generalized Max-Min pairing (GMMP) and random pairing(RP) scheduling algorithms have been proposed, and good parallel performance of CGGS over an MPI implementation onT2K has been achieved.
Optical packet switching and buffering by using all-optical signal processing methods

We present a 1 /spl times/ 2 all-optical packet switch. All the processing of the header information is carried out in the optical domain. The optical headers are recognized by employing the two-pulse correlation principle in a semiconductor laser amplifier in loop optical mirror (SLALOM) configuration. The processed header information is stored in an optical flip-flop memory that is based on a symmetric configuration of two coupled lasers. The optical flip-flop memory drives a wavelength routing switch that is based on cross-gain modulation in a semiconductor optical amplifier. We also present an alternative optical packet routing concept that can be used for all-optical buffering of data packets. In this case, an optical threshold function that is based on a asymmetric configuration of two coupled lasers is used to drive a wavelength routing switch. Experimental results are presented for both the 1 /spl times/ 2 optical packet switch and the optical buffer switch.
Cooperative multi-target tracking in passive sensor-based networks

Multiple targets tracking is a popular application with huge potentials in many practical areas, such as military air combat and civilian surveillance. Recent years, sensor networks, comprising of a large number of cheap, portable and tiny sensors, have attracted a lot of research interests in many disciplines. Alternative forms of sensors such as camera, can provide rich and vivid observation information. They have been widely applied into the environment monitoring or object surveillance. However, these devices are usually very expensive, especially, it becomes impractical to fulfill tasks cooperatively done within a group of such high cost devices. Recent work shows that despite the low information volume provided by the passive binary-detection based sensor, a group of such sensors can work together to achieve good target tracking performance. In this paper, we investigate a passive proximity binary sensor-based multiple target tracking system which can autonomically achieve the self-organized tracking capabilities without the intervention of human operators. The localization and tracking algorithm is achieve false alarm rates, robust under low detection probabilities and sensor ambiguity localization errors. Experimental results show promising performance in adopting this application in practice.
UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR MLPs AND RBFNs: INTRODUCING CONIC SECTION FUNCTION NETWORKS

Multilayer perceptions (MLPs) (Werbos, 1974; Rumelhart et al., 1986) and radial basis function networks (RBFNs) (Broomhead and Lowe, 1988; Moody and Darken, 1989) are probably the most widely used neural network models for practical applications. Whereas the former belong to a group of “classical” neural networks (whose weighted sums are loosely inspired by biology), the latter have risen only recently from an analogy to regression theory (Broomhead and Lowe, 1988). On first sight, the two
Knowledge management in practice: The case of agile software development

Knowledge is considered as the main competitive asset of the organization. One of the knowledge management (KM) cornerstones is improving productivity by effective knowledge sharing and transfer. However, from the game theory perspective, the main constraint is that people tend not to collaborate in uncertainty conditions, when collaborative behavior is not guaranteed, and sharing knowledge is time- and effort-consuming. Therefore, KM must be a practical aspect of the general organizational culture. Specifically, software development is a knowledge-intensive activity and its success depends heavily on the developers' knowledge and experience. In this presentation we highlight how the agile approach initiates a culture change that is in line with the culture change needed for a KM initiative. We discuss KM enablers that are embedded in the agile software engineering approach, and illustrate how collaborating processes and knowledge transparency can weaken the dilemmas people face and lead to better knowledge extraction and sharing.
Understanding Newcomers to 3D Printing: Motivations, Workflows, and Barriers of Casual Makers

Interest in understanding and facilitating 3D digital fabrication is growing in the HCI research community. However, most of our insights about end-user interaction with fabrication are currently based on interactions of professional users, makers, and technology enthusiasts. We present a study of casual makers, users who have no prior experience with fabrication and mainly explore walk-up-and-use 3D printing services at public print centers, such as libraries, universities, and schools. We carried out 32 interviews with casual makers, print center operators, and fabrication experts to understand the motivations, workflows, and barriers in appropriating 3D printing technologies. Our results suggest that casual makers are deeply dependent on print center operators throughout the process from bootstrapping their 3D printing workflow, to seeking help and troubleshooting, to verifying their outputs. However, print center operators are usually not trained domain experts in fabrication and cannot always address the nuanced needs of casual makers. We discuss implications for optimizing 3D design tools and interactions that can better facilitate casual makers' workflows.
The fast intersection transform with applications to counting paths

We present an algorithm for evaluating a linear ``intersection transform'' of a function defined on the lattice of subsets of an $n$-element set. In particular, the algorithm constructs an arithmetic circuit for evaluating the transform in ``down-closure time'' relative to the support of the function and the evaluation domain. As an application, we develop an algorithm that, given as input a digraph with $n$ vertices and bounded integer weights at the edges, counts paths by weight and given length $0\leq\ell\leq n-1$ in time $O^*(\exp(n\cdot H(\ell/(2n))))$, where $H(p)=-p\log p-(1-p)\log(1-p)$, and the notation $O^*(\cdot)$ suppresses a factor polynomial in $n$.
Understanding Investment Irreversibility in General Equilibrium

In general equilibrium, irreversibility affects both the wealth of consumers and the return on assets. As long as the inter-temporal elasticity of substitution is realistically low, irreversibility not only prevents capital destruction, but it also induces capital creation. Furthermore, under certain conditions, irreversibility raises the risk premium by increasing the variability of consumption and market portfolio. These issues are dealt in a simple model of investment irreversibility with multiple types of capital. Its tractability allows for analytical results which explain the contrast between the consequences of irreversibility for individual markets and the consequences of irreversibility for the whole economy. Copyright 2001 by Oxford University Press.