Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Half integral packing, Erdős-Posá-property and graph minors

We consider the following problem: Given a graph <i>G</i>. Decide whether or not <i>G</i> has <i>k half-integral packing of an H-minor</i> for fixed <i>k</i> and <i>H</i>. Here, <i>k half-integral packing of an H-minor</i> is that there are <i>k</i> <i>H</i>-minors such that each vertex is used at most twice. Let us observe that if <i>G</i> contains <i>H</i> as a minor, then <i>G</i> has |<i>H</i>| disjoint trees such that after contracting all the trees, we can get an <i>H</i>. So <i>k</i> half-integral packing of an <i>H</i>-minor means that there are <i>k</i>|<i>H</i>| trees <i>T</i><inf>1, 1</inf>, . , <i>T</i>1,|<i>H</i>|, <i>T</i><inf>2, 1</inf>, . , <i>Tk</i>,<inf>|H|</inf> such that trees <i>T</i><inf><i>i</i>, 1</inf>, . , <i>T</i><inf>1,|<i>H</i>|</inf> are disjoint for 1 ≤ <i>i</i> ≤ <i>k</i>, and after contracting all these trees <i>Ti</i>, <inf>1</inf>, . , <i>T<inf>i</inf>,|H|</i>, we can get an <i>H</i> for 1 ≤ <i>i</i> ≤ <i>k</i>, but each vertex is used at most twice in these trees <i>T</i><inf>1, 1</inf>, . , <i>T</i><inf>1,|<i>H</i>|</inf>, <i>T</i><inf>2, 1</inf>, . , <i>T<inf>k,|H|</inf></i>. This problem is motivated by the study of the half disjoint paths problem and unspilittable flow problem, e.g. Schrijver, Seymour and Winkler [45], Kleinberg [22], Srinivasan [49] and Kolliopoulos and Stein [23]. Let us observe that when <i>k</i> = 1, this case is exactly testing a given minor. So our problem includes Robertson-Seymour's result [36]. Also, it would not follow from the existence of <i>kH</i>-minors. Furthermore, the algorithm of the half disjoint paths problem by Kleinberg [22] does not give our algorithm. Hence, our setting is not directly comparable to Robertson and Seymour's result [36], and Kleinberg's result [22]. We prove that when <i>H</i> = <i>K</i><inf>6</inf> or <i>K</i><inf>7</inf>, this problem is solvable in polynomial time. Our motivation for the <i>K</i><inf>6</inf>-minor is that the structure of graphs with no <i>K</i><inf>6</inf>-minors. Unfortunately, it is not known at all, although the structure of graphs without <i>K</i><inf>5</inf>-minors is well known from 1930's [54]. Moreover, we prove that Erdős-Pósa property holds for <i>k</i> half-integral packing of a <i>K</i><inf>6</inf>-minor (a <i>K</i><inf>7</inf>-minor, respectively). More precisely, either <i>G</i> has <i>K</i> half-integral packing of a <i>K</i><inf>6</inf>-minor (a <i>K</i><inf>7</inf>-minor, respectively) or <i>G</i> has a vertex set <i>T</i> of order at most <i>f(k)</i> for some function of <i>k</i> such that <i>G - T</i> does not contain any <i>K</i><inf>6</inf>-minor (<i>K</i><inf>7</inf>-minor, respectively). This settles the conjecture of Thomas [50] for the <i>K</i><inf>6</inf>-minor case and the <i>K</i><inf>7</inf>-minor case. Finally, we shall address why our approach works for the <i>K</i><inf>6</inf>-minor case and the <i>K</i><inf>7</inf>-minor case, but does not work for the <i>K</i><inf>8</inf>-minor case.
SPySort: Neuronal Spike Sorting with Python

Extracellular recordings with multi-electrode arrays is one of the basic tools of contemporary neuroscience. These recordings are mostly used to monitor the activities, understood as sequences of emitted action potentials, of many individual neurons. But the raw data produced by extracellular recordings are most commonly a mixture of activities from several neurons. In order to get the activities of the individual contributing neurons, a pre-processing step called spike sorting is required. We present here a pure Python implementation of a well tested spike sorting procedure. The latter was designed in a modular way in order to favour a smooth transition from an interactive sorting, for instance with IPython, to an automatic one. Surprisingly enough - or sadly enough, depending on one's view point -, recoding our now 15 years old procedure into Python was the occasion of major methodological improvements.
Reputation, Altruism, and the Benefits of Seller Charity in an Online Marketplace

We investigate the impact of charity tie-ins on transaction probabilities and sale prices using a large database of eBay auctions. We examine "natural experiments" of precisely matched clusters of charity and non-charity auctions with identical titles, subtitles, sellers, and start prices. We find a 6 to 14 percentage point increase in sale probability and a 2 to 6 percent greater maximum bid for charity items, depending on the fraction of auction proceeds that is donated to charity. The impact on sale probability and price is most pronounced among sellers without extensive eBay histories, suggesting that consumers view charity as a signal of seller quality and a substitute for reputation. We also find that charity-tied products by all sellers are more likely to sell (and at higher prices) immediately following Hurricane Katrina, implying that consumers derive direct utility from seller charity at times when charity is particularly salient.
Reciprocidad y cooperación en las economías latinoamericanas

La introduccion del Buen Vivir en la sociologia amplia el repertorio de categorias con las cuales se investiga la economia latinoamericana, y en este articulo sostenemos que el sumac kawsay es el antecedente de la economia popular y solidaria. Para describir esta hipotesis, utilizamos un caso de los Aimara y otro de los Achuar, y luego exponemos las cooperativas que inauguraron, a fines de la decada del setenta, el desarrollo popular. En los argumentos usaremos reiteradamente las nociones de comunidad y sistema ecologico para observar la manera de atribuir sentido, y concluiremos senalando que la convergencia entre el Buen Vivir y la economia solidaria se encuentra en la definicion del trabajo.
Laserspritzer: A Simple Method for Optogenetic Investigation with Subcellular Resolutions

To build a detailed circuit diagram in the brain, one needs to measure functional synaptic connections between specific types of neurons. A high-resolution circuit diagram should provide detailed information at subcellular levels such as soma, distal and basal dendrites. However, a limitation lies in the difficulty of studying long-range connections between brain areas separated by millimeters. Brain slice preparations have been widely used to help understand circuit wiring within specific brain regions. The challenge exists because long-range connections are likely to be cut in a brain slice. The optogenetic approach overcomes these limitations, as channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) is efficiently transported to axon terminals that can be stimulated in brain slices. Here, we developed a novel fiber optic based simple method of optogenetic stimulation: the laserspritzer approach. This method facilitates the study of both long-range and local circuits within brain slice preparations. This is a convenient and low cost approach that can be easily integrated with a slice electrophysiology setup, and repeatedly used upon initial validation. Our data with direct ChR2 mediated-current recordings demonstrates that the spatial resolution of the laserspritzer is correlated with the size of the laserspritzer, and the resolution lies within the 30 µm range for the 5 micrometer laserspritzer. Using olfactory cortical slices, we demonstrated that the laserspritzer approach can be applied to selectively activate monosynaptic perisomatic GABAergic basket synapses, or long-range intracortical glutamatergic inputs formed on different subcellular domains within the same cell (e.g. distal and proximal dendrites). We discuss significant advantages of the laserspritzer approach over the widely used collimated LED whole-field illumination method in brain slice electrophysiological research.
Bipolarity, Choice, and Entro-Field

Until now, formal models of bipolar choice have been phenomenological and were not related to the deep principles of processing information by live organisms, which limited the applications of these models and made it difficult to generalize them to the case of multi-alternative choice. We demonstrate here how to deduce a model theoretically based on a general definition of the self-reflexive system and one assumption which we called the Axiom of the Second Choice. We show further that such a deduction of the model reveals its unexpected connection to the relations between an internal variable of the self-reflexive system, a partial derivative of the entropy of the environmental influence, and a partial derivative of the entropy of choice made by the system. This connection allows us to expand the two-alternative model of bipolar choice to the case of an arbitrary number of alternatives.
Extracting Worst Case Perturbations for Robustness Analysis of Parameter-Dependent LTI Systems

Abstract In this paper, we deal with robust performance analysis problems of LTI systems depending on uncertain parameters. By following existing scaling-based approaches, we firstly derive computationally tractable parameter-independent LMI conditions to assess the robust performance, which are conservative in general. What makes the present approach novel is to take the dual of those LMIs so that we can conclude the exactness of the analysis results. More precisely, we clarify that if the computed dual solution satisfies a certain rank condition, then we can ensure that the robust performance is never attained. In particular, we can extract the worst case perturbation that violates the underlying performance. Thus we provide viable tests for the exactness verification of LMI-based robust performance analysis.
Death, Identity, and the Social Network

Author(s): Brubaker, Jed Richards | Advisor(s): Hayes, Gillian R | Abstract: What happens to our accounts, data, and digital identities after we die? Over 550,000 US Facebook users will die in 2015, but their deaths will not necessarily result in the elimination of their accounts or their place inside a network of friends. This leaves friends and families with both the opportunity and challenge of incorporating digital identities into their practices of grief and mourning. Meanwhile, post-mortem digital identities require designers and administrators to address the ongoing use and maintenance of post-mortem data. In this dissertation, I present findings from mixed-methods research on digital afterlives. I identify how people interact with profiles after the account holder’s death, describe “post-mortem social networking" practices, articulate the multiple and conflicting needs of survivors, and present design research addressing the management of post-mortem digital identities. Framed within the larger scholarship on digital identity, I argue that digital identities are the byproduct of social performances that have been delegated into a technical system such that the system can re-present these performances. Through the study of post-mortem digital identities, I demonstrate ways that digital identities stand in as the deceased in both the social practices of friends and family and the technical functionality of social network sites.
The Incidence Rate, High-Risk Factors, and Short- and Long-Term Adverse Outcomes of Fetal Growth Restriction

AbstractTo investigate the incidence and high-risk factors of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in Mainland China and determine the adverse effects of this condition on fetal-neonatal health.This study was a retrospective chart review. We investigated the incidence rate of FGR using a retrospective analysis of clinical data obtained from mothers and newborns from 7 hospitals in Mainland China from January 1 to December 31, 2011. The short-term outcomes of FGR were analyzed based on data obtained from the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) of Bayi Children's Hospital. The long-term outcomes of FGR were determined after a follow-up study of 125 cases of FGR in children at 18 months. The physical development index, mental development index (MDI), and psychomotor development index (PDI) were compared between FGR patients and controls.The incidence of FGR was 8.77%. The incidence of FGR was significantly higher in females than in males (9.80% vs 7.84%, P < 0.05). The incidence of FGR in preterm infants was higher than that in full-term infants (16.43% vs 7.87%, P < 0.01). Chronic hypertension, abnormal amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord abnormalities were independent factors of FGR. A significantly higher incidence of complications, including hypoglycemia, asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, congenital malformations, polycythemia, lung hemorrhage, apnea, congenital heart disease, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, was observed in FGR patients than in controls. The FGR prolonged the duration of the hospital stay and markedly increased hospitalization expenses (P < 0.05). Children with FGR showed catch-up growth, which reached the level of the control group after 1.5 years, but these individuals still had lower MDI and PDI scores.The incidence rate of FGR in Mainland China was 8.77%. It has a significantly adverse effect on fetal-neonatal health and cognitive development.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Potato Peels

A response surface method was used to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction parameters such as extraction time (t) (min), solvent (methanol) concentration (S) (v/v) and microwave power level (MP) for extraction of antioxidants from potato peels. Max. total phenolics content of 3.94 mg g−1 dry weight (dw) was obtained at S of 67.33%, t of 15 min and a MP of 14.67%. For ascorbic acid (1.44 mg g−1 dw), caffeic acid (1.33 mg g−1 dw), ferulic acid (0.50 mg g−1 dw) max contents were obtained at S of 100%, t of 15 min, and MP of 10%, while the max chlorogenic acid content (1.35 mg g−1 dw) was obtained at S of 100%, t of 5 min, and MP of 10%. The radical scavenging activity of the extract was evaluated by using the DPPH assay and optimum antioxidant activity was obtained at S of 100%, t of 5 min, and MP of 10%.
The Cost of Ankylosing Spondylitis in the UK Using Linked Routine and Patient-Reported Survey Data

Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis which typically begins in early adulthood and impacts on healthcare resource utilisation and the ability to work. Previous studies examining the cost of AS have relied on patient-reported questionnaires based on recall. This study uses a combination of patient-reported and linked-routine data to examine the cost of AS in Wales, UK. Methods Participants in an existing AS cohort study (n = 570) completed questionnaires regarding work status, out-of-pocket expenses, visits to health professionals and disease severity. Participants gave consent for their data to be linked to routine primary and secondary care clinical datasets. Health resource costs were calculated using a bottom-up micro-costing approach. Human capital costs methods were used to estimate work productivity loss costs, particularly relating to work and early retirement. Regression analyses were used to account for age, gender, disease activity. Results The total cost of AS in the UK is estimated at £19016 per patient per year, calculated to include GP attendance, administration costs and hospital costs derived from routine data records, plus patient-reported non-NHS costs, out-of-pocket AS-related expenses, early retirement, absenteeism, presenteeism and unpaid assistance costs. The majority of the cost (>80%) was as a result of work-related costs. Conclusion The major cost of AS is as a result of loss of working hours, early retirement and unpaid carer’s time. Therefore, much of AS costs are hidden and not easy to quantify. Functional impairment is the main factor associated with increased cost of AS. Interventions which keep people in work to retirement age and reduce functional impairment would have the greatest impact on reducing costs of AS. The combination of patient-reported and linked routine data significantly enhanced the health economic analysis and this methodology that can be applied to other chronic conditions.
Parents’ perspectives of using a therapeutic listening program with their children with sensory processing difficulties: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT This phenomenological study explored parents’ perspectives of Therapeutic Listening (TL) implemented as a home program to treat their children with sensory processing difficulties. Ten parents participated in semistructured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Parents were concerned about their child’s anxiety and distress, which they commonly perceived to be reduced with TL. Parents perceived that TL brought a sense of calm to their child, which they linked to improvements in their family life and child’s participation in social and daily activities. Parent engagement (problem solving) enabled successful implementation of the program. Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature.
Aspects of black hole quantum mechanics and thermodynamics in 2+1 dimensions.

We discuss the quantum mechanics and thermodynamics of the (2+1)-dimensional black hole, using both minisuperspace methods and exact results from Chern-Simons theory. In particular, we evaluate the first quantum correction to the black hole entropy. We show that the dynamical variables of the black hole arise from the possibility of a deficit angle at the (Euclidean) horizon, and briefly speculate as to how they may provide a basis for a statistical picture of black hole thermodynamics.
To work is to relate: the influence of work relationships on individual work outcomes

Invloed sociale netwerken op de werkvloer verschilt per werknemer Relaties met collega’s bepalen in grote mate de tevredenheid en het gedrag van individuele werknemers. Zo zijn informele sociale netwerken zijn steeds belangrijker geworden om toegang te krijgen tot waardevolle middelen en carrieremogelijkheden. Gerdien Regts-Walters onderzocht de invloed van zulke netwerken op de uitkomsten van individuele werknemers. Zij vond dat sociale netwerken veelal een positieve invloed hebben op individuele werkuitkomsten, zoals een lagere intentie om van werkgever te wisselen, een hogere werktevredenheid of betere prestaties. De mate waarin de dyadische en sociale netwerkrelaties individuele werkuitkomsten beinvloeden, verschilt per werknemer. Op basis van haar onderzoek onder verpleegkundigen van Nederlandse ziekenhuizen toont Regts-Walters onder meer aan dat ontvangen hulp van collega’s samenhangt met een lagere verloopintentie. Deze associatie is sterk positief voor werknemers met een sterke gemeenschapszin en/of een hogere taakafhankelijkheid van collega’s, maar relatief zwak voor werknemers met een zwakke gemeenschapszin en/of lagere taakafhankelijkheid van collega’s. Regts-Walters laat ook zien dat de positieve samenhang tussen centraliteit in een vriendschapsnetwerk en werktevredenheid, evenals de positieve samenhang tussen centraliteit in een adviesnetwerk en individuele werkprestatie, sterker is voor emotioneel stabiele extraverte en voor emotioneel onstabiele introverte werknemers. Dat heeft implicaties voor de praktijk. Zo kunnen personeelsmanagers en leidinggevenden bijvoorbeeld proberen te stimuleren dat emotioneel extraverte werknemers een meer centrale positie krijgen in het netwerk met hun collega’s.
Children, the Elderly, and Interactive Robots

The idea of developing robot companions and caregivers for the elderly is taking hold. Elderly people are often lonely and in need of companionship and social contact. Some hold that a robot could be a friend substitute and, at the same time, reassure absent families about the well-being of their elderly relative by monitoring and reporting on their health. Alzheimer's disease leaves many elderly confused so that they need help with routine activities and someone to answer their questions. It has been suggested that a robot could fulfill this role. Young children need constant care and supervision, but busy parents do not always have the time to provide it.In this article, we have probed the ethics of designing robots that promote the illusion of being able to form meaningful relationships with humans.
NIH working group report—using genomic information to guide weight management: From universal to precision treatment

Precision medicine utilizes genomic and other data to optimize and personalize treatment. Although more than 2,500 genetic tests are currently available, largely for extreme and/or rare phenotypes, the question remains whether this approach can be used for the treatment of common, complex conditions like obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance, which underlie a host of metabolic diseases.
Paediatric Stroke: Review of the Literature and Possible Treatment Options, including Endovascular Approach

Stroke is among the top 10 causes of death in childhood. More than half of the surviving children have long-term neurological sequelae. Ischemic stroke (IS) includes arterial ischemic stroke and cerebral venous thrombosis with venous infarction. Haemorrhagic stroke (HS) includes intracerebral haematoma or subarachnoid haemorrhage. Risk factors for stroke are different in children and in adults. 10–30% of IS have no identified risk factors. However, multiple risk factors are recognizable in the majority of stroke in children; thus, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is crucial. Vascular abnormalities, such as arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms, vessel dissection, stenosis, and moyamoya disease, are frequently associated with both IS and HS and lead to high recurrence rates. Endovascular and surgical treatment options are sometimes indicated, performed on the basis of expert opinion, and extrapolated from the adult procedures. In the present paper, we review the recent literature and we discuss the treatment in five cases managed at our institutions.
Joint Design of Distributed Power Control and Dynamic Channel Allocation in Scalable WLANs

Emerging high-density WLANs in urban areas and enterprises offer great potential to accommodate the anticipated explosion of demand for wireless data services. To make it successful, it is critical that the network utilizes the limited radio resources efficiently while satisfying predefined quality of service (QoS) requirements. In this paper, we develop a real time and open ended algorithm for joint design of dynamic channel allocation and distributed power control. We show that in the case of optimal channel allocation, the convergence property for power control is further strengthened. The simulation results show that the joint design can lead to substantial throughput improvement and power saving compared with the benchmark scheme, where channels are randomly allocated and transmit power is kept fixed.