Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strong Spatial Mixing and Approximating Partition Functions of Two-State Spin Systems without Hard Constrains

We prove Gibbs distribution of two-state spin systems(also known as binary Markov random fields) without hard constrains on a tree exhibits strong spatial mixing(also known as strong correlation decay), under the assumption that, for arbitrary `external field', the absolute value of `inverse temperature' is small, or the `external field' is uniformly large or small. The first condition on `inverse temperature' is tight if the distribution is restricted to ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic Ising models. Thanks to Weitz's self-avoiding tree, we extends the result for sparse on average graphs, which generalizes part of the recent work of Mossel and Sly\cite{MS08}, who proved the strong spatial mixing property for ferromagnetic Ising model. Our proof yields a different approach, carefully exploiting the monotonicity of local recursion. To our best knowledge, the second condition of `external field' for strong spatial mixing in this paper is first considered and stated in term of `maximum average degree' and `interaction energy'. As an application, we present an FPTAS for partition functions of two-state spin models without hard constrains under the above assumptions in a general family of graphs including interesting bounded degree graphs.
Comparison of interactive environments for the archaeological exploration of 3D landscape data

The increasingly widespread availability of high-accuracy terrain models is revolutionizing our understanding of historic landscapes across the globe, yet much of this inherently 3D data is viewed and analyzed using 2D Geographical Information System (GIS). The ability to explore the environments in a more immersive way that takes advantage of the full data content is advantageous for professionals and researchers, but is also highly desirable for education and public outreach. This paper describes the method and outcomes of a comparison of three virtual environments; a six-sided CAVE-type immersive virtual reality system (referred to henceforth as CAVE); a 3D web application and a standard 2D desktop paradigm in the form of a GIS. Two groups of participants were used to reflect specialist and non-specialist interests. This study showed that while the 2D GIS, the most common interface for exploring archaeological data, is well-suited to expert interpretation (based on previous familiarity with the system), it is significantly harder for non-specialists to undertake a feature identification and location task in this environment when compared with the 3D environments. Specialist users also mostly preferred the ability to view terrain data in 3D. The experience of fully-immersive CAVE-type system was valuable for a sense of place and contextualizing features in a way that was not possible in the other environments. However it was not shown that this led to improved archaeological observations during the exploration and there is some evidence that the lack of orientation made recounting features in the reflection time more difficult. Although small-scale the experiment gave valuable insight into the use of the different environments by specialist and non-specialist groups, allowing the 3D web application to be identified as the optimal environment for pedagogical purposes.
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Modesto's Municipal Urban Forest

This study answers the question: Do the accrued benefits from Modesto's urban forest justify an annual municipal budget that exceeds $2 million? Results indicate that the benefits residents obtain from Modesto's 91,179 public trees exceeded management costs by a factor of nearly 2. In fiscal year 1997-1998, Modesto spent $2.6 million for urban forestry ($14.36/resident, $28.77/tree), and 74% of this amount was for mature tree care. Total annual benefits from Modesto's urban forest were $4.95 million ($27.12/ resident, $54.33/tree). Net benefits for FY 1997- 1998 were $2,329,900 ($12.76/resident, $25.55/tree). Annual air-pollutant uptake was 154 metric tonnes (3.7 lb/tree), with an implied value of $1.48 million ($16/ tree). Aesthetics and other benefits had an estimated value of $1.5 million ($17/tree). Building shade and cooler summer temperatures attributed to street and park trees saved 110,133 MBtu, valued at $870,000 (122 kWh/tree, $10/ tree). Smaller benefits resulted from reductions in stormwater runoff (292,000 m3 or 845 gal/tree, $616,000 or S7/tree) and atmospheric carbon dioxide (13,900 t or 336 lb/tree, $460,000 or $5/tree). Due to the population's relatively even-aged structure and heavy reliance on mature Modesto ash for benefits, management strategies are needed that may reduce net benefits but increase diversity and stability.
Effects of Diet Modification on Meal Quality and Quality of Life in Korean Diabetic Patients: Data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2011)

It is generally accepted that diet modification provides beneficial effects on the management of diabetes. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of diet modification on nutrient intake and quality of life in a large sample of diabetic patients. This study was conducted using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV and V (2007-2010). A total of 2,484 of diabetic patients were included in the analysis. Then, we compared the overall quality of dietary intake between diabetic patients with diet modification and those without dietary modification. The result showed that subjects on diabetic diet (DDG) showed lower levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and AST before and after the adjustment for covariates (all p < 0.05). The results of nutrient assessment showed that DDG had lower intakes of total energy, fat, and carbohydrate (all p < 0.05), but higher intakes of energy from protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin and vitamin C than NDG. (all p < 0.05). In addition, nutritional adequacy ratio of calcium and vitamin B2 were significantly higher in DDG than those in normal diet group (NDG) (p < 0.05). However, we observed no significant differences in quality of life between two groups. In conclusion, diet modification in diabetic patients seemed to be effective to improve blood lipid profile and the adequacy of nutrient intake without sacrificing the quality of life.
Automatic extrinsic camera self-calibration based on homography and epipolar geometry

In this paper we present a method to calibrate the extrinsic parameters of a monocular camera on a moving vehicle. The method is based on a homography between two camera shots. Therefore, only the road surface has to be visible in the pair of images. A reasonable definition of the vehicle coordinate system in combination with the use of epipolar geometry reduces the complexity to parameterize the underlying homography matrix. The extrinsic parameters are determined analytically by two correctly matched feature points located on the road surface. The final parameter set is determined by a recursive filter which considers various estimates over time. Results with a real-world video sequence indicate that the method is comparable to classical offline calibration techniques using objects of known geometry.
Sensitive Detection of Viral Transcripts in Human Tumor Transcriptomes

In excess of % of human cancer incidents have a viral cofactor. Epidemiological studies of idiopathic human cancers indicate that additional tumor viruses remain to be discovered. Recent advances in sequencing technology have enabled systematic screenings of human tumor transcriptomes for viral transcripts. However, technical problems such as low abundances of viral transcripts in large volumes of sequencing data, viral sequence divergence, and homology between viral and human factors significantly confound identification of tumor viruses. We have developed a novel computational approach for detecting viral transcripts in human cancers that takes the aforementioned confounding factors into account and is applicable to a wide variety of viruses and tumors. We apply the approach to conducting the first systematic search for viruses in neuroblastoma, the most common cancer in infancy. The diverse clinical progression of this disease as well as related epidemiological and virological findings are highly suggestive of a pathogenic cofactor. However, a viral etiology of neuroblastoma is currently contested. We mapped transcriptomes of neuroblastoma as well as positive and negative controls to the human and all known viral genomes in order to detect both known and unknown viruses. Analysis of controls, comparisons with related methods, and statistical estimates demonstrate the high sensitivity of our approach. Detailed investigation of putative viral transcripts within neuroblastoma samples did not provide evidence for the existence of any known human viruses. Likewise, de-novo assembly and analysis of chimeric transcripts did not result in expression signatures associated with novel human pathogens. While confounding factors such as sample dilution or viral clearance in progressed tumors may mask viral cofactors in the data, in principle, this is rendered less likely by the high sensitivity of our approach and the number of biological replicates analyzed. Therefore, our results suggest that frequent viral cofactors of metastatic neuroblastoma are unlikely.
Computational Complexity of Dynamic Problems

This progress report surveys some of my scientiic work on part A of the Ph.D.-programme at the Computer Science Department of the University of Aarhus. I give a survey-like introduction to the eld of Complexity Theory to which my results bear relevance. I give a general account of my contributions to the eld, including the the Dynamic Transitive Closure Problem for spherical st-graphs, the Dynamic Circuit Value Problem, and some dynamic membership problems for formal languages.
Biometric gait verification by horizontal swings in frontal manner towards human-aware environment

Over half a century has passed since the first proposal of `human-computer symbiosis' by Licklider[1]. However people cannot yet receive sufficient and suitable services without their proactive actions because systems cannot recognize dynamic situation in the Real Space. In order to develop a human-aware environment in the name of `human-computer symbiosis', we target human verification problem and develop gait verification function by movement time series based on body-skeleton information. In this paper, we employ a portable video game device `Kinect©', which is used for measuring human body-skeleton information. As the result of gait verification simulation, we show that our developed function works successfully in spite of simple approach and an easy-to-use device.
Test wrapper optimization technique using BDF and GA for 3D IP cores

To reduce pre-bond and post-bond test cost for 3D IP (Three Dimensional Intellectual Property) cores, this paper proposed a test wrapper optimization technique using BFD(Best Fit Decreasing) and GA (Genetic Algorithm) algorithm under the constraints of TSVs(Through Silicon Vias) number, the proposed technique firstly used BFD to balance the length of pre-bond wrapper chains to reduce pre-bond test time. Then, on the basis of optimization results of pre-bond wrapper chains, the GA was used to stitch pre-bond wrapper chains to form balanced post-bond wrapper chains under the constrained TSVs number to reduce hardware overhead and post-bond test time. Experimental results demonstrated the presented methodology can effectively reduce hardware overhead at the cost of little increased test time.
Individual predictors of sensorimotor adaptability

There are large individual variations in strategies and rates of sensorimotor adaptation to spaceflight. This is seen in both the magnitude of performance disruptions when crewmembers are first exposed to microgravity, and in the rate of re-adaptation when they return to Earth’s gravitational environment. Understanding the sources of this variation can lead to a better understanding of the processes underlying adaptation, as well as provide insight into potential routes for facilitating performance of “slow adapters”. Here we review the literature on brain, behavioral, and genetic predictors of motor learning, recovery of motor function following neural insult, and sensorimotor adaptation. For example, recent studies have identified specific genetic polymorphisms that are associated with faster adaptation on manual joystick tasks and faster recovery of function following a stroke. Moreover, the extent of recruitment of specific brain regions during learning and adaptation has been shown to be predictive of the magnitude of subsequent learning. We close with suggestions for forward work aimed at identifying predictors of spaceflight adaptation success. Identification of “slow adapters” prior to spaceflight exposure would allow for more targeted preflight training and/or provision of booster training and adaptation adjuncts during spaceflight.
Comparison of stereovision odometry approaches

A precise localization estimate is essential for planetary rovers, in order to make sure that the environment models built by the rover is spatially consistent, or that the planned motions are properly executed, be they determined autonomously by the rover or uploaded from Earth. Odometry is prone to be mislead by slippages, and inertial sensors have a very low signal/noise ratio for rovers evolving slowly on non-flat terrains: an additional mean to estimate the rover displacements is required to ensure a precise position estimate.
Performance analysis of cooperative MIMO systems using Decode and Forward relaying

In this paper, considering a source, a relay and a destination with multiple antennas, we provide the exact Bit Error Probability (BEP) of dual-hop cooperative Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems using Decode and Forward (DF) relaying for Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) modulation assuming independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Rayleigh fading channels. When the source or the relay has multiple antennas, it employs an Orthogonal Space Time Block Code (OSTBC) to transmit. The receiver uses a Maximum Likelihood (ML) decoder. We derive the expressions of the Moment Generating Functions (MGF), the Probability Density Functions (PDF) of the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), the exact and asymptotic BEP at the destination then we compare theoretical results to simulation ones. The analysis is performed in the presence or absence of the direct link. We also derive the diversity order and we study the effect of the number of antennas equipped with the source, the relay and the destination on the end-to-end BEP.
Some observations on the puzzling world of self-regulation and depletion

Abstract This paper identifies problems with ego depletion theory including failures to replicate, non-support for glucose as a mediator, the stress on single replication studies rather than replication with variation, the failure to document generalizability, the stress on physical as opposed to psychological moderators and mediators, and the overemphasis on deduction as the core scientific method.
The Parallax of Landscape: Situating Celaque National Park, Honduras

Landscape has a long and distinguished history within the discipline of geography, but by its own admission is but one mode of ordering the facts of the geographical world. The origins of landscape within geography are traditionally traced to the nineteenth century German ideal ofLandschajt, with a dual meaning of(1) an area of land and (2) the viewpoint ofthis area ofland tied to the perspective ofan individual from a particular location (Olwig 1996). A dualism exists in the definition in that the landscape is both the material reality of a physical area of land and the ideal representation perceived from a particular viewpoint. However, it is acknowledged that landscapes can be viewed from multiple perspectives, each giving a differing interpretation (Meinig 1979). Parallax, the apparent change in appearance of an object when viewed from different positions, is conventionally associated with the discipline ofastronomy and, within geography, in the practice of photogrammetry. However, the definition fits nicely with the tradition oflandscape geography where perspective is of the utmost importance. Hence, is it possible to create a complementary parallax ofperspectives to address the human-nature dichotomy imbedded in the creation and global diffusion of that staple of tourism, the national park? Here this question is addressed by situating Celaque National Park, Honduras, within differing perspectives of the landscape tradition. It is argued that the ideological separation ofhumans and nature that occurs within the American national park tradition must be addressed if the negative cultural and natural repercussions of this exclusionary model of national parks are to be resolved.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine-Stimulated Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

Purpose To investigate the modulatory effect of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-T) stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in an in vitro co-cultured model. Methods HCE-T alone and co-cultured with MSC were stimulated with IFN-γ/TNF for 24 and 48 hours or left untreated. The expression of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, human leukocyte antigen ABC, DR and G (HLA-ABC, HLA-DR, HLA-G) were investigated by flow cytometry. Subcellular localization of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) were assessed by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The concentration of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the conditioned media from different cultures was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-κB and TGF-β1 signaling pathway blocking experiments were performed to analyze associations between the expression of cell surface molecules and the NF-κB transcription pathway, and the expression of IDO and TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Results IFN-γ/TNF treatment significantly up-regulated expression of ICAM-1, HLA-ABC, and induced de novo expression of HLA-DR and IDO on HCE-T cultured alone, while HLA-G expression remained unaffected. Up-regulation was significantly inhibited by co-culture with MSC. Increased TGF-β1 secretion was detected in 48 h IFN-γ/TNF-stimulated MSC monocultures and HCE-T/MSC co-cultures. MSC attenuated the activation of cytokine-induced NF-κB and IDO induction. Blockade of NF-κB transcription pathway by BMS-345541 significantly reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1, HLA-ABC, HLA-DR and IDO expression, while blockade of TGF-β1 signaling pathways reversed the modulatory effect of MSC on IDO expression. Conclusions MSC reduced the expression of adhesion and immunoregulatory molecules on pro-inflammatory cytokine-stimulated HCE-T via the NF-κB transcription pathway. MSC attenuated expression of IDO through both NF-κB transcription and TGF-β1 signaling pathways. Co-culture of HCEC with MSC therefore provides a useful in vitro model to study the anti-inflammatory properties of MSC on corneal epithelium.
WACCShed: A Platform for the Study of Watersheds as Dynamic Coupled Natural and Human Systems

This study describes the development of WACCShed, an agent-based software platform that permits the systematic study of interactions among hydrology, climate, and strategic human decision-making in a watershed over time. To illustrate the capabilities of the platform, findings are reported for a base-case application reflecting, in simplified form, the structural attributes of the Squaw Creek watershed in central Iowa. Attention is focused on the alignment of welfare outcomes as a prerequisite for effective watershed governance. Key treatment factors include farmer and city manager decision modes for land and budget allocations, farmer targeted savings, and the effectiveness of city levee investments for the mitigation of city flood damage. Welfare misalignment is found to arise across a broad spectrum of settings for these treatment factors.
Linear waveguides in photonic-crystal slabs

Linear waveguides in photonic-crystal slabs, two-dimensionally periodic dielectric structures of finite height, are fundamentally different from waveguides in two-dimensional photonic crystals. The most important distinctions arise from the fact that photonic-crystal slab waveguides must be index-confined in the vertical direction ~while a band gap confines them horizontally! We present a systematic analysis of different families of waveguides in photonic-crystal slabs, and illustrate the considerations that must be applied to achieve single-mode guided bands in these systems. In this way, the unusual features of photonic-crystal waveguides can be realized in three dimensions without the fabrication complexity required by photonic crystals with complete three-dimensional band gaps.
No evidence for a role of reconsolidation in updating of paired associates

ABSTRACT Reconsolidation theory states that memories are labilized through reactivation, making them prone to change, before being re-consolidated. When information in memory requires updating, reconsolidation theory therefore predicts that reminders of previously learned information should facilitate updating of that information and should thus improve memory for the updated information. In two experiments, we tested this prediction by investigating memory for word pairs over a short time-scale. Participants studied word pairs (A–B), some of which were subsequently updated with word pairs that shared the first word (A–C). Half of the A–C pairs received a pre-study reminder of the first word in the pair so as to reactivate and labilize A–B memory. In a recognition memory test targeting the A–C list, reminders by and large had no effect on memory. Results thus failed to support the predictions of reconsolidation theory.
Application of Ultrasound in Medicine

Ultrasound device, essentially, consists of a transducer, transmitter pulse generator, compensating amplifiers, the control unit for focusing, digital processors and systems for display. It is used in cases of: abdominal, cardiac, maternity, gynecological, urological and cerebrovascular examination, breast examination, and small pieces of tissue as well as in pediatric and operational review.
ICIC-based small cell on/off schemes for LTE-A networks

In Small Cell Enhancement (SCE) scenarios, the network exhibit dramatic dynamics in load, user distribution and interference due to the fact that a large number of small cells coexist in the coverage area of the macro cells. Small cell on/off is a key technology to adapt to the network dynamics. In this paper, we propose two small cell on/off algorithms that fully take into consideration the interference between the small cells to decide which cells to turn on/off. The first algorithm is an ideal dynamic small cell on/off scheme which finds the small cells that are causing serious interference and schedule these small cells to take turns in transmitting their data on every subframe. The second proposed algorithm is a semi-static small cell on/off algorithm which operates in two steps. First, a small cell is turned off if it causes serious interference and the performance gain brought by it being on is marginal. Then, users are ordered according to their received maximum signal-to-interference-and-noise (SINR) over all cells that are still on. Users with a higher maximum SINR choose the cell that offers the maximum SINR, and the remaining users choose a cell that has a relatively low load and offers a relatively high SINR. Simulations show that the proposed schemes have better performance in terms of average user perceived throughput and tail user perceived throughput compared with existing schemes.