Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Matrix Completion with Mixed Data Types

We consider the matrix completion problem of recovering a structured low rank matrix with partially observed entries with mixed data types. Vast majority of the solutions have proposed computationally feasible estimators with strong statistical guarantees for the case where the underlying distribution of data in the matrix is continuous. A few recent approaches have extended using similar ideas these estimators to the case where the underlying distributions belongs to the exponential family. Most of these approaches assume that there is only one underlying distribution and the low rank constraint is regularized by the matrix Schatten Norm. We propose a computationally feasible statistical approach with strong recovery guarantees along with an algorithmic framework suited for parallelization to recover a low rank matrix with partially observed entries for mixed data types in one step. We also provide extensive simulation evidence that corroborate our theoretical results.
Hard Shape-Constrained Kernel Machines

Shape constraints (such as non-negativity, monotonicity, convexity) play a central role in a large number of applications, as they usually improve performance for small sample size and help interpretability. However enforcing these shape requirements in a hard fashion is an extremely challenging problem. Classically, this task is tackled (i) in a soft way (without out-of-sample guarantees), (ii) by specialized transformation of the variables on a case-by-case basis, or (iii) by using highly restricted function classes, such as polynomials or polynomial splines. In this paper, we prove that hard affine shape constraints on function derivatives can be encoded in kernel machines which represent one of the most flexible and powerful tools in machine learning and statistics. Particularly, we present a tightened second-order cone constrained reformulation, that can be readily implemented in convex solvers. We prove performance guarantees on the solution, and demonstrate the efficiency of the approach in joint quantile regression with applications to economics and to the analysis of aircraft trajectories, among others.
Keep it Simple: Image Statistics Matching for Domain Adaptation

Applying an object detector, which is neither trained nor fine-tuned on data close to the final application, often leads to a substantial performance drop. In order to overcome this problem, it is necessary to consider a shift between source and target domains. Tackling the shift is known as Domain Adaptation (DA). In this work, we focus on unsupervised DA: maintaining the detection accuracy across different data distributions, when only unlabeled images are available of the target domain. Recent state-of-the-art methods try to reduce the domain gap using an adversarial training strategy which increases the performance but at the same time the complexity of the training procedure. In contrast, we look at the problem from a new perspective and keep it simple by solely matching image statistics between source and target domain. We propose to align either color histograms or mean and covariance of the source images towards the target domain. Hence, DA is accomplished without architectural add-ons and additional hyper-parameters. The benefit of the approaches is demonstrated by evaluating different domain shift scenarios on public data sets. In comparison to recent methods, we achieve state-of-the-art performance using a much simpler procedure for the training. Additionally, we show that applying our techniques significantly reduces the amount of synthetic data needed to learn a general model and thus increases the value of simulation.
Scandinavian Selection and Crossbreeding Experiment with Laying Hens IV. Results from the Danish Part of the Experiment

together with 2 sublines of Danish origin probably with a rather different genetic background. In the paper the results of four generations are presented, meaning that the effects of three generations of selection are to be studied. The experiment was started in 1973 at the Breeding Station, Middelfart on the island of Fyn, owned by the National Committee for Poultry and Eggs, but after the sale of the station the experiment was late in 1976 transferred to the Poultry Test Station “Favrholm”, near Hillerod, belonging to the National Institute of Animal Science. Testing of line crosses was carried out at the Random Sample Test Station which is also situated at Favrholm.
Lack of a genuine time crystal in a chiral soliton model

In a recent publication [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 124}, 178902] Ohberg and Wright claim that in a chiral soliton model it is possible to realize a genuine time crystal which corresponds to a periodic evolution of an inhomogeneous probability density in the lowest energy state. We show that this result is incorrect and present a solution which possesses lower energy with the corresponding probability density that does not reveal any motion. It implies that the authors' conclusion that a genuine time crystal can exist in the system they consider is not true.
An Open-Source Voice Type Classifier for Child-Centered Daylong Recordings

Spontaneous conversations in real-world settings such as those found in child-centered recordings have been shown to be amongst the most challenging audio files to process. Nevertheless, building speech processing models handling such a wide variety of conditions would be particularly useful for language acquisition studies in which researchers are interested in the quantity and quality of the speech that children hear and produce, as well as for early diagnosis and measuring effects of remediation. In this paper, we present our approach to designing an open-source neural network to classify audio segments into vocalizations produced by the child wearing the recording device, vocalizations produced by other children, adult male speech, and adult female speech. To this end, we gathered diverse child-centered corpora which sums up to a total of 260 hours of recordings and covers 10 languages. Our model can be used as input for downstream tasks such as estimating the number of words produced by adult speakers, or the number of linguistic units produced by children. Our architecture combines SincNet filters with a stack of recurrent layers and outperforms by a large margin the state-of-the-art system, the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) that has been used in numerous child language studies.
GRB 170817A as a Refreshed Shock Afterglow Viewed Off-axis

Energy injection into the external shock system that generates the afterglow to a gamma-ray burst (GRB) can result in a rebrightening of the emission. Here we investigate the off-axis view of a rebrightened refreshed shock afterglow. We find that the afterglow light curve, when viewed from outside of the jet opening angle, could be characterized by a slow rise, or long plateau, with a maximum flux determined by the total system energy. Using the broadband afterglow data for GRB 170817A, associated with the gravitational-wave-detected binary neutron star merger GW170817, we show that a refreshed shock model with a simple top-hat jet can reproduce the observed afterglow features. We consider two refreshed shock models: a single episode of energy injection, and an episode of continuous energy injection. The best-fit model parameters give a jet opening angle for our first and second models, respectively, of θj = 5. ° and 6. ° , an inclination to the line of sight ι = 16. ° and 17. ° , an initial on-axis isotropic equivalent kinetic energy and erg, and a total/final, on-axis isotropic equivalent refreshed shock energy and erg. The first model fitting prefers an initial bulk Lorentz factor Γ0,1 < 60, with a comparatively low central value of Γ0,1 = 19.5, indicating that, in this case, the on-axis jet could have been a “failed GRB. ” Alternatively, our second model is consistent with a bright GRB for an on-axis observer, with . Due to the low Lorentz factor and/or the jet opening angles at θj ∼ ι/3, both models are unable to reproduce the γ-ray emission observed in GRB 170817A, which would therefore require an alternative explanation such as cocoon shock breakout.
Influence of Hypoxia Exposure On the Energy Metabolism of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio L.)

Hypoxic conditions is a common adverse environmental condition in an aquatic environment. To study the responses of fish to this phenomenon common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were exposed to a graded hypoxia load and the oxygen consumption was measured continuously. At 30%AS (air saturation) 20%AS, 10%AS, 5%AS and 3%AS blood, liver and white muscle samples were collected. In the blood, haematological parameters, substrates (FFA, lactate and glucose), as well as the stress hormone cortisol were measured. High-energy phosphorylated compounds and lactate were measured in liver and white muscle tissue. During hypoxia, ATP concentrations and the adenylate energy charge (AEC) remained constant in white muscle, whereas both declined in liver tissue. The critical oxygen tension, which reflects the onset of a physiological or biochemical response at a certain hypoxia load, indicates that rapid changes were recorded in the blood, followed by the liver while white muscle (except for phosphocreatine (PCr)) is rather insensitive to environmental hypoxia. It is concluded that the impaired oxidative phosphorylation is compensated by the creatine kinase equilibrium reaction (depletion PCr pool) and the anaerobic glycolysis (lactate production).
An accelerated method for computing stationary states of multicomponent phase field crystal model

Finding the stationary states of a free energy functional is an essential topic in multicomponent material systems. In this paper, we propose a class of efficient numerical algorithms to fast compute the stationary states of multicomponent phase field crystal model. Our approach formulates the problem as solving a constrained non-convex minimization problem. By using the block structure of multicomponent systems, we propose an adaptive block Bregman proximal gradient algorithm that updates each order parameter alternatively. The updating block can be chosen in a deterministic or random manner. The convergence property of the proposed algorithm is established without the requirement of global Lipschitz constant. The numerical results on computing stationary periodic crystals and quasicrystals in the multicomponent coupled-mode Swift-Hohenberg model have shown the significant acceleration over many existing methods.
Species concepts and ecogeographical divergence of Oncocyclus irises

Several species concepts (SC) have been suggested as ways to view species, most of them based on Mayr's Biological SC. Recent research has raised the debate on the application of the species concepts to Oncocyclus irises. All the Oncocyclus species are able to produce vital progenies when crossed, thus, according to the Biological SC, they are a single biological species. Quantitative morphological characters are continuous among populations and also correlate with environmental conditions, preventing species delimitation according to Phenetic and Ecological SC. Genetic studies revealed high genetic diversity within the populations, thus, obscure delimitation by Phylogenetic SC. Pollination of the Oncocyclus irises is not species-specific, yet no transitional forms exist on the rare occasions of sympatric/parapatric distribution, roughly supporting delimitation according to the Recognition SC. The conclusion is that Oncocyclus populations do not clearly fit into species boundaries according to the relevan.
Optimal learning with excitatory and inhibitory synapses

Characterizing the relation between weight structure and input/output statistics is fundamental for understanding the computational capabilities of neural circuits. In this work, I study the problem of storing associations between analog signals in the presence of correlations, using methods from statistical mechanics. I characterize the typical learning performance in terms of the power spectrum of random input and output processes. I show that optimal synaptic weight configurations reach a capacity of 0.5 for any fraction of excitatory to inhibitory weights and have a peculiar synaptic distribution with a finite fraction of silent synapses. I further provide a link between typical learning performance and principal components analysis in single cases. These results may shed light on the synaptic profile of brain circuits, such as cerebellar structures, that are thought to engage in processing time-dependent signals and performing on-line prediction.
Morphological Differentiation in Ouachita Mountain Endemic Salamanders

Abstract Morphology of some groups of organisms has been highly conserved over evolutionary time, resulting in genetically divergent taxa with relatively little morphological variation. Genetic studies on salamanders of the genus Plethodon have revealed a high level of morphologically cryptic diversity, and recent ecological and evolutionary studies have suggested that morphology may be informative for taxonomic purposes when combined with genetic data. We examined morphological variation in the Ouachita Mountain endemic salamanders P. fourchensis and P. ouachitae to test whether these sister species, and recently identified phylogeographic lineages within species as defined by genetic data, can be discriminated using morphology. We found that P. fourchensis and P. ouachitae differed significantly in morphology and could be classified correctly with greater than 90% accuracy. Individuals from a previously identified hybrid zone were morphologically intermediate to the two parental species. Phylogeographic lineages within each species (n = 4 for P. fourchensis, n = 7 for P. ouachitae) also exhibited significant morphological differences and were classified correctly in 57–72% of cases. Our results support genetic evidence that showed significant divergence between P. fourchensis and P. ouachitae and among the different lineages within each species. The high levels of diversity within P. fourchensis and P. ouachitae have important implications for conservation because these endemic species have small ranges and lineages are usually restricted to single mountains.
Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Chronic tinnitus affects approximately 10-15% of the population. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been considered as a promising and well-tolerated therapeutic strategy for chronic tinnitus. However, a recent large-scale multicenter clinical trial showed a negative result. Objective This systematic review is aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of low-frequency rTMS in chronic tinnitus. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled studies of rTMS treatment of chronic tinnitus. A pooled analysis of standardized mean difference (SMD) was performed with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Ten RCTs involving 567 participants were included in this review. Compared with sham stimulation, rTMS showed no significant efficacy in tinnitus severity and disability measured by Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) in short-term (SMD = −0.04, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.16, P = 0.72), medium-term (SMD = −0.13, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.17, P = 0.41), and long-term (SMD = −0.16, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.05, P = 0.14) follow-up. Tinnitus severity and disability measured by Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) also showed no significant improvement in short-term (SMD = −0.11, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.10, P = 0.30), medium-term (SMD = −0.10, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.16, P = 0.44), and long-term (SMD = −0.20, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.01, P = 0.06) follow-up. Additionally, no statistically significant difference was shown in the changes of tinnitus loudness assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) between rTMS and sham groups in the short-term (SMD = −0.28, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.02, P = 0.07), medium-term (SMD = −0.26, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.07, P = 0.13), and long-term (SMD = −0.20, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.13, P = 0.24) follow-up. Few mild or moderate adverse events were observed in both the rTMS and sham groups. Conclusion Low-frequency rTMS is well tolerated but not effective in treating chronic tinnitus based on the current analysis of pooled data. Further studies with modified and uniform protocols are required to investigate the potential benefit of rTMS in chronic tinnitus.
The role of clumped defecation in the spatial distribution of soil nutrients and the availability of nutrients for plant uptake

Many types of primate, particularly species of the genus Alouatta (howler monkey) defecate as a social group and tend to defecate repeatedly in specific locations (sometimes referred to as latrines; Andresen 2001, 2002; Gilbert 1997). The importance of these clumped defecations in the dispersal of seeds has been well investigated (Andresen 2001, 2002; Estrada & Coates-Estrada 1984, 1991; Julliot 1996). In contrast, no study has yet looked at the role of clumped defecation in the spatial distribution of soil nutrients and the availability of nutrients for plant uptake.
Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Proliferation, Viability, and Odontogenic Differentiation of Neural Crest Stem-Like Cells Derived from Human Dental Apical Papilla

Objective This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on proliferation, viability, and odontogenic differentiation of neural crest stem-like cells (NCSCs) derived from human dental apical papilla. Materials and Methods Cells from apical papillae were obtained and then induced to form neural spheres. The expression of NCSC markers p75NTR and HNK-1 in neural sphere cells was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Human PRP was prepared by a 2-step centrifugation method and activated by CaCl2 and thrombin. The concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 in whole blood and PRP were measured by an ELISA kit. PRP in five different concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 25%) was applied to culture NCSCs. On the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days, cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK8. Cell viability was tested by a live/dead staining kit. mRNA and protein expression of DSPP and BMP4 were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test or t-test. Results Dental apical papilla cells formed neural spheres, from which cells displayed positive expression of p75NTR and HNK-1. The concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 in PRP were about 3.5-fold higher than those in whole blood. 5% and 10% PRP significantly promoted proliferation of NCSCs, while 25% and 50% PRP inhibited cell proliferation from Day 3 to Day 7. Low-concentration (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) PRP slightly improved viability of NCSCs on Day 7. On the other hand, high-concentration (25% and 50%) PRP significantly inhibited viability of NCSCs from Day 3 to Day 7. RT-qPCR and western blot results indicated that 10% PRP could promote odontogenic differentiation of NCSCs on Day 7. mRNA and protein expression of DSPP and BMP4 were significantly upregulated in the 10% PRP group compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions PRP is a simply acquirable blood derivative which contains high concentration of growth factors like PDGF-BB and TGF-β1. PRP in a proper concentration could promote proliferation, viability, and odontogenic differentiation of NCSCs derived from human dental apical papilla.
The Impact of Intraoperative Hypothermia on Blood Loss and Allogenic Blood Transfusion in Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study

Background Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) usually leads to substantial blood loss, which may cause allogenic blood transfusion. Hypothermia occurring during operation has been reported to increase blood loss and transfusion rates in nonorthopedic cohorts. However, the relationship between intraoperative hypothermia and blood loss remains controversial in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of hypothermia and identify the impact of intraoperative body temperature and hypothermia on blood loss and transfusion rates in total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA and THA, respectively). Methods This retrospective study enrolled 616 consecutive patients, who underwent primary unilateral TKA or THA at our institution during the period from April 2012 to July 2014. The occurrence of a temperature below 36°C during the operation was documented to identify the incidence of hypothermia. Univariate analysis was performed to find the risk factors for hypothermia. Multiple regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to explore the association of intraoperative temperature and hypothermia with intraoperative blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion. Results The incidence of intraoperative hypothermia was 13.5%, 14.0%, and 13.1% in TJA, TKA, and THA, respectively. Intraoperative temperature (P = 0.045, P = 0.006) and hypothermia (P = 0.042, P < 0.001) were associated with intraoperative blood loss and perioperative transfusion in TKA. Intraoperative temperature (P = 0.002) was negatively related to the amount of blood loss, and hypothermia (P = 0.031) was the independent risk factor for transfusion in THA. Conclusion Intraoperative hypothermia is associated with increased blood loss and transfusion rates in TJA. Efforts should be made to maintain normothermia during operation in these patients.
Differentiation of Pelvic Osteosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma Using Radiomic Analysis Based on T2-Weighted Images and Contrast-Enhanced T1-Weighted Images

Objective To determine if osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing sarcoma (EWS) of the pelvis based on MRI can be differentiated using radiomic analysis. Materials and Methods In this study, 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) data of 66 patients (40 males and 26 females, mean age 27.6 ± 13.9 years) with pathologically confirmed OS or EWS of the pelvis (35 with OS and 31 with EWS) taken from April 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. T2-weighted fat-saturated (T2-FS) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CET1) images were manually segmented, and imaging features were extracted. Independent-sample t-test, Spearman's test, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method were used to select the most useful features from the original data set. The performance of radiomic analysis was investigated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis. Results 385 initial features were extracted from T2-FS and CET1 MR data. Nine features from T2-FS and 7 features from CET1 were selected by using the LASSO method. The radiomic analysis to differentiate OS and EWS of the pelvis based on T2-FS and CET1 images using the aforementioned selected features achieved AUC values of 0.881 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.799–0.963) and 0.765 (95% CI: 0.652–0.878), respectively. Conclusion Radiomic analysis showed potential in differentiating OS from EWS of the pelvis, in which T2-FS demonstrated better diagnostic value. To differentiate OS from EWS of the pelvis using our multiparametric MRI-based radiomic analysis could preoperatively improve diagnostic accuracy and greatly contribute to therapy planning.