Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heterozygosity-based assortative mating in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus): implications for the evolution of mate choice

The general hypothesis of mate choice based on non-additive genetic traits suggests that individuals would gain important benefits by choosing genetically dissimilar mates (compatible mate hypothesis) and/or more heterozygous mates (heterozygous mate hypothesis). In this study, we test these hypotheses in a socially monogamous bird, the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). We found no evidence for a relatedness-based mating pattern, but heterozygosity was positively correlated between social mates, suggesting that blue tits may base their mating preferences on partner's heterozygosity. We found evidence that the observed heterozygosity-based assortative mating could be maintained by both direct and indirect benefits. Heterozygosity reflected individual quality in both sexes: egg production and quality increased with female heterozygosity while more heterozygous males showed higher feeding rates during the brood-rearing period. Further, estimated offspring heterozygosity correlated with both paternal and maternal heterozygosity, suggesting that mating with heterozygous individuals can increase offspring genetic quality. Finally, plumage crown coloration was associated with male heterozygosity, and this could explain unanimous mate preferences for highly heterozygous and more ornamented individuals. Overall, this study suggests that non-additive genetic traits may play an important role in the evolution of mating preferences and offers empirical support to the resolution of the lek paradox from the perspective of the heterozygous mate hypothesis.
Local Privacy and Minimax Bounds: Sharp Rates for Probability Estimation

We provide a detailed study of the estimation of probability distributions---discrete and continuous---in a stringent setting in which data is kept private even from the statistician. We give sharp minimax rates of convergence for estimation in these locally private settings, exhibiting fundamental tradeoffs between privacy and convergence rate, as well as providing tools to allow movement along the privacy-statistical efficiency continuum. One of the consequences of our results is that Warner's classical work on randomized response is an optimal way to perform survey sampling while maintaining privacy of the respondents.
Applying a hybrid model of neural network and decision tree classifier for predicting university admission

Predicting university admission is a complex decision making process that is more than merely relying on test scores. It is known by researchers that students' backgrounds and other factors correlate to the performance of their tertiary education. This paper proposes a hybrid model of neural network and decision tree classifier that predicts the likelihood of which university a student may enter, by analysing his academic merits, background and the university admission criteria from that of historical records. Our prototype system was tested with live data from sources of Macau secondary school students. In addition to the high prediction accuracy rate, flexibility is an advantage as the system can predict suitable universities that match the students' profiles and the suitable channels through which the students are advised to enter. Our model can be generalized with other attributes and perform faster when compared to using a neural network alone.
The pulse volume recorder as a measure of peripheral vascular status in people with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND Peripheral vascular disease is common in persons with diabetes. There is growing evidence that the vascular contribution to foot disease in diabetes is greater than has previously been realized. METHODS A cross-sectional study of vascular status in 205 subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus was carried out as part of a larger diabetes assessment study. Palpation of pedal pulses, color spectral waveforms, pulse volume recording, and Doppler ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) were recorded bilaterally in all subjects. These modalities were evaluated descriptively, and kappa statistics were used to evaluate agreement between ABPI and pulse volume recording. In addition, visual comparisons between the color spectral waveforms (study gold standard) and pulse volume recordings were also undertaken, and clinical usefulness of pulse volume recording was evaluated. RESULTS Results of this study identified 15.6% (n = 32) subjects having one or more pedal pulses absent on either foot, 47% (n = 98) an abnormal ABPI (<0.9/>1.30), 7.8% (n = 16) an abnormal monophasic waveform, and 7.3% (n = 15) with an abnormal pulse volume recording. The level of agreement between ABPI and pedal pulse palpation was low at 52.2%, between ABPI and spectral waveforms was low at 58%, and between ABPI and pulse volume recording was also low at 45.3%. When the pulse volume recordings were compared with the color spectral waveforms, however, the level of agreement was high at 91.7%. CONCLUSIONS Pulse volume recording agrees well with the color spectral waveforms. It can be used with all subjects including those with edema. It is simple, quick, and valuable in a community setting to determine the need for further investigations.
Automatic 2D-3D vision based assessment of the attitude of a train pantograph

In this paper we propose an automatic visual based technique, integrated in a wayside monitoring system for train inspection, that allows to assess the attitude of the metal bow of a pantograph by combining a colour image captured by an RGB digital camera and a point cloud built from a range sensor scan. An efficient and fast template-matching procedure allows to detect the pantograph in the scene and associate a matching attitude, searching for the most similar model present in a database. The record of templates belonging to the database exploits a virtual rendering environment that allows to optimize the training stage in terms of computational load and time. During actual inspection the RGB image and point cloud of the pantograph are opportunely processed and aligned to the same reference frame. After the preliminary template-matching step, the point cloud is augmented with the virtual model of the matched template and the attitude angular values are refined by applying the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm between the real object and the virtual one, with the aim of reducing eventual residual errors.
Low prevalence of diabetes distress following total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation

Diabetes distress (DD), or psychological fatigue associated with diabetes management, is common in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with poor glycemic control. Diabetes distress has never been evaluated in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant (TPIAT) for chronic pancreatitis. We analyzed DD after TPIAT in 260 patients (average age 34.3 [standard deviation 15], 75.5% F) undergoing TPIAT between 2006 and 2014. Each patient completed 1 or more diabetes distress scale (DDS) questionnaires from 1 to 7 years post‐TPIAT (631 total). We examined changes in DD over 7 years and also patient characteristics associated with DD 1 year post‐TPIAT (n = 189). One year after TPIAT, 151 of 189 (80%) reported no or low distress (DD<2). Diabetes distress increased over time by an average of 0.084 (SE 0.017) points per year, an average 0.59 point increase from years 1 to 7 (P < .0001). Insulin‐dependent patients had significantly greater DD 1 year post‐TPIAT compared to insulin‐independent patients (P < .0001). Higher DD was associated with poorer glycemic control as indicated by HbA1c (P < .0001). Prevalence of DD is low but increases over time after TPIAT. Insulin dependence and poorer glycemic control are associated with higher levels of DD.
Emerging Technologies for Improving Access to Movement Therapy following Neurologic Injury

A disturbing paradox has developed between rehabilitation research and practice in the last decade. On the one hand, scientific evidence has accumulated that therapy improves movement recovery following stroke and spinal cord injury. On the other hand, the duration of reimbursed therapy has decreased due to economic pressures on the U.S. health care system. If intensive therapy stimulates recovery, an important goal is to develop technology that allows people with neurologic injuries to practice therapy without always requiring one-on-one interactions with clinicians. In this chapter, we first discuss key elements of this paradox and how technology may help address those elements. We then review several recent attempts to automate movement therapy for both upper and lower extremity rehabilitation. In conclusion, we pose three questions that we believe will shape the future development and use of this technology.
Automatic 3D segmentation of prostate in MRI combining a priori knowledge, Markov fields and Bayesian framework

Accurate localization and contouring of prostate are important issues in prostate cancer diagnosis and/or therapies. Although several semi-automatic and automatic segmentation methods have been proposed, manual expert correction remains necessary. Our paper introduces an original method for automatic 3D segmentation of the prostate gland from Magnetic Resonance Imaging data. We use a statistical shape model as a priori knowledge, and we model gray levels distribution by fitting histogram modes with a Gaussian mixture. Markov fields are used to introduce contextual information regarding voxels neighbourhood. Final labelling optimization is based on Bayesian a posteriori classification, estimated with the Iterative Conditional Mode algorithm (ICM). We compared the accuracy of this method, free from any manual correction, with contours outlined by an expert radiologist. In 6 random cases, including prostates with cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), mean Hausdorff distance (HD) and Overlap Ratio (OR) were 9.94 mm and 0.83, respectively. Beyond fast computing times, this new method showed satisfying results, even at prostate's base and apex.
MR of Zellweger syndrome.

PURPOSE To determine characteristic MR imaging features of Zellweger syndrome. METHODS Clinical records, laboratory records, and MR studies of six patients with Zellweger syndrome were reviewed retrospectively. MR studies were examined for the state of myelination; the presence, extent, and morphologic appearance of cerebral cortical anomalies; the status of the cerebellar cortex, basal nuclei, and brain stem; and the presence or absence of any regions of abnormal signal intensity. RESULTS The diagnosis of Zellweger syndrome was established in all patients by clinical findings combined with laboratory and MR results. All patients had impaired myelination and diffusely abnormal cortical gyral patterns that consisted of regions of microgyria (primarily in the frontal and perisylvian cortex) together with regions of thickened pachygyric cortex (primarily perirolandic and occipital). The pachygyric regions were in the form of deep cortical infoldings. Germinolytic cysts were visible in the caudothalamic groove in all patients, seen best on coronal or sagittal T1-weighted images. One patient had T1 shortening in the bilateral globus pallidus, presumably related to hepatic dysfunction and hyperbilirubinemia. CONCLUSION The combination of hypomyelination, cortical malformations that are most severe in the perisylvian and perirolandic regions, and germinolytic cysts are highly suggestive of Zellweger syndrome in the proper clinical setting.
Distribution and ecology of cytotypes of the Aster amellus aggregates in the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Polyploidy is viewed as an important mechanism of sympatric speciation, but only a few studies have documented patterns of distribution and ecology of different cytotypes in their contact zone. Aster amellus agg. (Asteraceae) is one of the species with documented multiple ploidy levels. The aim of this study was to determine spatial distribution and ecology of two cytotypes, diploid (2n = 18) and hexaploid (2n = 54), of Aster amellus agg. at their contact zone in the Czech Republic. METHODS Root-tip squashes and flow cytometry were used to determine the ploidy of 2175 individuals from 87 populations. To test whether some differences in ecology between the two ploidy levels exist, in each locality relevés were recorded and abiotic conditions of the sites were studied by estimating potential direct solar radiation, Ellenberg indicator values and above-ground biomass. KEY RESULTS Together with diploid and hexaploids, minorite cytotypes (triploid, pentaploid and nonaploid) were found. No significant ecological differences between diploid and hexaploid cytotypes were found. In spite of this, no population consisting of both of the two basic cytotypes was found. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the contact zone of diploid and hexaploid cytotypes in the Czech Republic is much more diffuse than indicated in previous records. Although populations of both cytotypes occur in close proximity (the closest populations of different cytotypes were 500 m apart), each individual population consists of only one basic ploidy level. This was unexpected since there are no clear differences in abiotic conditions between populations. Taken together with the absence of an intermediate tetraploid cytotype and with reference to published world distributional patterns of different ploidy levels, this suggests a secondary contact zone. Detailed genetic study is, however, necessary to confirm this.
A Planner for Exploratory Data Analysis

Statistical exploratory data analysis (EDA) poses a difficult search problem. The EDA process lends itself however to a planning formulation. We have built a system, called AIDE, to help users explore data. AIDE relies on partial hierarchical planning, a form of planning appropriate for tasks in complex, uncertain environments. Our description of the EDA task and the AIDE system provides a case study of the application of planning to a novel domain.
Evaluation Of Alternative E-Business Models By Business Process Simulation Modeling

Business process modeling, simulation, and an evaluation of different alternative scenarios for improvement has been proven to be promising tools for decreasing the risk related to business process reengineering projects. Business renovation as the highest level of strategy for managing change in an organization is the key element of electronic business orientation. Business process simulation is investigated as a tool for deriving an additional in-depth understanding of how the process is executed, an identification of the sources of the problems observed during the process execution, etc. An example of how simulations can be used for understanding a process and evaluation of how the proposed improvements and introduction of electronic business will influence the system performance is presented. Key-Words: simulation modeling, business process modeling, process maps, e-business, business renovation, business process reengineering
Assessment of Rainfall Thresholds for Rain-Induced Landslide Activity in North Sikkim Road Corridor in Sikkim Himalaya, India

Land sliding is a perennial problem in the Eastern Himalayas. Out of 0.42 million km2 of Indian landmass prone to landslide, 42% fall in the North East Himalaya, specially Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalaya. Most of these landslides are triggered by excessive monsoon rainfall between June and October in almost every year. Various attempts in the global scenario have been made to establish rainfall thresholds in terms of intensity – duration of antecedent rainfall models on global, regional and local scale for triggering of the landslide. This paper describes local aspect of rainfall threshold for landslides based on daily rainfall data in and around north Sikkim road corridor region. Among 210 Landslides occurring from 2010 to 2016 were studied to analyze rainfall thresholds. Out of the 210 landslides, however, only 155 Landslides associated with rainfall data which were analyzed to yield a threshold relationship between rainfall intensity-duration and landslide initiation. The threshold relationship determined fits to lower boundary of the Landslide triggering rainfall events is I = 4.045 D - 0.25 (I=rainfall intensity (mm/h) and D=duration in (h)), revealed that for rainfall event of short time (24 h) duration with a rainfall intensity of 1.82 mm/h, the risk of landslides on this road corridor of the terrain is expected to be high. It is also observed that an intensity of 58 mm and 139 mm for 10-day and 20-day antecedent rainfall are required for the initiation of landslides in the study area. This threshold would help in improvement on traffic guidance and provide safety to the travelling tourists in this road corridor during the monsoon.
Correlated structure-optical properties studies of plasmonic nanoparticles

Interest in nanotechnology is driven by unprecedented means to tailor the physical behaviour via structure and composition. Unlike bulk materials, minute changes in size and shape can affect the optical properties of nanoparticles. Characterization, understanding, and prediction of such structure-function relationships is crucial to the development of novel applications such as plasmonic sensors, devices, and drug delivery systems. Such knowledge has been recently vastly expanded through systematic, high throughput correlated measurements, where the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is probed optically and the particle shape investigated with electron microscopy. This paper will address some of the recent experimental advances in single particle studies that provide new insight not only on the effects of size, composition, and shape on plasmonic properties but also their interrelation. Plasmon resonance frequency and decay, substrate effects, size, shape, and composition will be explored for a variety of plasmonic systems.
Insights into the Impact of Impurities and Non-Stoichiometric Effects on the Electrochemical Performance of Li2 MnSiO4.

A series of Li2 MnSiO4 samples with various Li, Mn, and/or Si concentrations are reported to study for the first time the effect of impurities and deviation from ideal stoichiometry on electrochemical behavior. Carbon-coated and nanosized powders are obtained at 600 °C and compared with those synthetized at 900 °C. Samples are investigated using XRD, SEM, high-resolution TEM, attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area to characterize crystal structure, particle size, impurity amount, morphology, and surface area. Electrochemical performance depends on impurities such as MnO as well as crystallite size, surface area, and non-stoichiometric phases, which lead to the formation of additional polymorphs such as Pmnb and P21 /n of Li2 MnSiO4 at low calcination temperatures. A systematic analysis of the main parameters affecting the electrochemical behavior is performed and trends in synthesis are identified. The findings can be applied to optimize different synthesis routes for attaining stoichiometric and phase-pure Pmn21 Li2 MnSiO4 as cathode material for Li-ion batteries.
A behavioral perspective on the biophysics of the light-dependent magnetic compass: a link between directional and spatial perception?

Summary In terrestrial organisms, sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field is mediated by at least two different magnetoreception mechanisms, one involving biogenic ferromagnetic crystals (magnetite/maghemite) and the second involving a photo-induced biochemical reaction that forms long-lasting, spin-coordinated, radical pair intermediates. In some vertebrate groups (amphibians and birds), both mechanisms are present; a light-dependent mechanism provides a directional sense or ‘compass’, and a non-light-dependent mechanism underlies a geographical-position sense or ‘map’. Evidence that both magnetite- and radical pair-based mechanisms are present in the same organisms raises a number of interesting questions. Why has natural selection produced magnetic sensors utilizing two distinct biophysical mechanisms? And, in particular, why has natural selection produced a compass mechanism based on a light-dependent radical pair mechanism (RPM) when a magnetite-based receptor is well suited to perform this function? Answers to these questions depend, to a large degree, on how the properties of the RPM, viewed from a neuroethological rather than a biophysical perspective, differ from those of a magnetite-based magnetic compass. The RPM is expected to produce a light-dependent, 3-D pattern of response that is axially symmetrical and, in some groups of animals, may be perceived as a pattern of light intensity and/or color superimposed on the visual surroundings. We suggest that the light-dependent magnetic compass may serve not only as a source of directional information but also provide a spherical coordinate system that helps to interface metrics of distance, direction and spatial position.
Channel Estimation for MIMO MC-CDMA Systems

The concepts of MIMO MC-CDMA are not new but the new technologies to improve their functioning are an emerging area of research. In general, most mobile communication systems transmit bits of information in the radio space to the receiver. The radio channels in mobile radio systems are usually multipath fading channels, which cause inter-symbol interference (ISI) in the received signal. To remove ISI from the signal, there is a need of strong equalizer. In this thesis we have focused on simulating the MIMO MC-CDMA systems in MATLAB and designed the channel estimation for them.
ALMOST HOMOGENEOUS MANIFOLDS WITH BOUNDARY

We study differentiable actions of a Lie group on a manifold with boundary that are transitive on the interior. Under an algebraic condition, there are infinitely many actions that are topologically, but not differentiably conjugate to a given one. This result applies in particular to the differentiable compactifications of non-compact rank one symmetric spaces, which we classify.
Examining the conceptual and scientific underpinnings of research in developmental psychopathology

The interdisciplinary science of developmental psychopathology has evolved from its historical roots in a variety of fields including: sociology; epidemiology; embryology; the neurosciences and psychobiology; psychoanalysis; clinical, developmental, and experimental psychology; and psychiatry (Cicchetti, 1990) into an increasingly mature integrative framework within which the contributions of these heretofore largely separate disciplines could be fully realized within the broader context of understanding individual development and functioning, both normal and abnormal (see chapters in Cicchetti & Cohen, 1995a, 1995b; see also Cicchetti & Toth, in press). In one of the early statements concerning the goals of this field, Cicchetti (1990) asserted that: “Developmental psychopathology . should bridge fields of study, span the life cycle, and aid in the discovery of important new truths about the processes underlying adaptation and maladaptation, as well as the best means of preventing or ameliorating psychopathology. Moreover, this discipline should contribute greatly to reducing the dualisms that exist between the clinical study of and research into childhood and adult disorders, between the behavioral and biological sciences, between developmental psychology and psychopathology, and between basic and applied science” (p. 20).