Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed High-dimensional Regression Under a Quantile Loss Function

This paper studies distributed estimation and support recovery for high-dimensional linear regression model with heavy-tailed noise. To deal with heavy-tailed noise whose variance can be infinite, we adopt the quantile regression loss function instead of the commonly used squared loss. However, the non-smooth quantile loss poses new challenges to high-dimensional distributed estimation in both computation and theoretical development. To address the challenge, we transform the response variable and establish a new connection between quantile regression and ordinary linear regression. Then, we provide a distributed estimator that is both computationally and communicationally efficient, where only the gradient information is communicated at each iteration. Theoretically, we show that, after a constant number of iterations, the proposed estimator achieves a near-oracle convergence rate without any restriction on the number of machines. Moreover, we establish the theoretical guarantee for the support recovery. The simulation analysis is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
ALMA and HST Kiloparsec-scale Imaging of a Quasar-galaxy Merger at Z ≈ 6.2

We present kiloparsec-scale Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Hubble Space Telescope imaging of the quasar PJ308–21 at z = 6.2342, tracing dust, gas (via the [C ii] 158 μm line), and young stars. At a resolution of ∼0. ″3 (≈1.7 kpc), the system is resolved over >4″ (>20 kpc). In particular, it features a main component, identified to be the quasar host galaxy, centered on the accreting supermassive black hole; and two other extended components are on the west and east side: one redshifted and the other blueshifted relative to the quasar. The [C ii] emission of the entire system stretches over >1500 km s−1 along the line of sight. All the components of the system are observed in dust, [C ii], and rest-frame ultraviolet (UV) emission. The inferred [C ii] luminosities [(0.9–4.6)×109 ]; dust luminosities [(0.15–2.6)×1012 ]; rest-frame UV luminosities [(6.6–15)×1010 ], their ratios, and the implied gas/dust masses; and star formation rates [11–290 yr−1] are typical of high-redshift star-forming galaxies. A toy model of a single satellite galaxy that is tidally stripped by the interaction with the quasar host galaxy can account for the observed velocity and spatial extent of the two extended components. An outflow interpretation of the unique features in PJ308–21 is not supported by the data. PJ308–21 is thus one of the earliest galaxy mergers imaged at cosmic dawn.
On an Intrinsic Stochastic Fitzhugh: Nagumo Model

The Fitzhugh-Nagumo model for excitable systems with a high excitation parameter solves the question of selfoscillatory and self-adaptivity in these systems. This is not the case in systems with low excitation parameter. An intrinsic stochastic model that accounts for endogenous fluctuations is proposed. This model solves the question of self-oscillatory and self-adaptivity in systems with low excitation parameter.
Contrasting effects of climate on grey heron, malleefowl and barn owl populations

Abstract Context. The population dynamics of many wildlife species are associated with fluctuations in climate. Food and abundance may also influence wildlife dynamics. Aims. The present paper aims to evaluate the relative effects of climate on the annual instantaneous population growth rate (r) of the following three bird species: grey heron and barn owl in parts of Britain and malleefowl in a part of Australia. Methods. A priori hypotheses of mechanistic effects of climate are derived and evaluated using information theoretic and regression analyses and published data for the three bird species. Climate was measured as the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) for herons and owls, and rainfall and also the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) for malleefowl. Key results. Population dynamics of grey heron were positively related to the winter NAO, and of malleefowl were positively related to annual rainfall and related in a non-linear manner to SOI. By contrast, population dynamics of barn owl were very weakly related to climate. The best models for the grey heron differed between time periods but always included an effect of the NAO. Conclusions. The annual population growth rate of grey heron, malleefowl and barn owl show contrasting relationships with climate, from stronger (heron and malleefowl) to weaker (barn owl). The results were broadly consistent with reported patterns but differed in some details. Interpretation of the effects of climate on the basis of analyses rather than visual assessment is encouraged. Implications. Effects of climate differ among species, so effects of future climate change may also differ.
Halo Profiles and the Concentration–Mass Relation for a ΛCDM Universe

Profiles of dark matter-dominated halos at the group and cluster scales play an important role in modern cosmology. Using results from two very large cosmological N-body simulations, which increase the available volume at their mass resolution by roughly two orders of magnitude, we robustly determine the halo concentration–mass (c−M) relation over a wide range of masses, employing multiple methods of concentration measurement. We characterize individual halo profiles, as well as stacked profiles, relevant for galaxy–galaxy lensing and next-generation cluster surveys; the redshift range covered is 0 ≤ z ≤ 4, with a minimum halo mass of M200c ∼ 2 × 1011 M⊙. Despite the complexity of a proper description of a halo (environmental effects, merger history, nonsphericity, relaxation state), when the mass is scaled by the nonlinear mass scale M⋆(z), we find that a simple non-power-law form for the c–M/M⋆ relation provides an excellent description of our simulation results across eight decades in M/M⋆ and for 0 ≤ z ≤ 4. Over the mass range covered, the c–M relation has two asymptotic forms: an approximate power law below a mass threshold M/M⋆ ∼ 500–1000, transitioning to a constant value, c0 ∼ 3 at higher masses. The relaxed halo fraction decreases with mass, transitioning to a constant value of ∼0.5 above the same mass threshold. We compare Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) and Einasto fits to stacked profiles in narrow mass bins at different redshifts; as expected, the Einasto profile provides a better description of the simulation results. At cluster scales at low redshift, however, both NFW and Einasto profiles are in very good agreement with the simulation results, consistent with recent weak lensing observations.
ON NONUNIFORM POLYNOMIAL DICHOTOMY OF EVOLUTION OPERATORS IN BANACH SPACES

In this paper we study two nonuniform polynomial dichotomy concepts for evolution operators in Banach spaces. Our main objective is to give integral characterizations for nonuniform polynomial dichotomies. As for applications we obtain characterizations of these concepts in terms of Lyapunov functions. Some illustrating examples are given. AMS Subject Classification: 34D05, 34E05
Flow resistance equations for mountain rivers

Three models of flow resistance (a Keulegan-type logarithmic law and two models developed for large-scale roughness conditions: the full logarithmic law and a model based on an inflectional velocity profile) were calibrated, validated and compared using an extensive database (N = 1,533) from rivers and flumes, representative of a wide hydraulic and geomorphologic range in the field of gravel-bed and mountain channels. It is preferable to apply the model based on an inflectional velocity profile in the relative submergence (y/d90) interval between 0.5 and 15, while the full logarithmic law is preferable for values below 0.5. For high relative submergence, above 15, either the logarithmic law or the full logarithmic law can be applied. The models fitted to the coarser percentiles are preferable to those fitted to the median diameter, owing to the higher explanatory power achieved by setting a model, the smaller difference in the goodness-of-fit between the different models and the lower influence of the origin of the data (river or flume).
COPULA BASED VaR APPROACH FOR EUROPEAN STOCKS PORTFOLIO

The paper gives stochastic assessments of the financial crisis and discusses the Value at Risk European stocks from the point of view of copula based approach. Copula techniques can be based on the connection between rank correlation and certain one–parameter bivariate copulas. This relation allows easy calibration of the parameters. We use more general numerical calibration techniques that are based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Using this approach we want to estimate VaR of the EU stocks portfolio using Monte Carlo simulation. The focus will be on modelling the interdependence between two risk factor returns. We suppose that the risk factor returns have some assumed marginal distributions, which need not be identical, and their dependency is modelled with copulas. We find that standard parametric copula functions (such as Gaussian) are not able to provide a good fit to the data. This is especially true when one or more of the marginal distributions has fat tails. We overcome this problem by fitting a t –copula with different marginal which can approximate any possible shape for the joint density.
Endoscopic Evaluation of Cut Root Faces and Histologic Analysis of Removed Apices Following Root Resection: A Clinical Study

Objective: To evaluate the resection plane after root-end resection during apical surgery using endoscopy. Methods: Following apicectomy of 69 roots, the cut root faces were inspected with a rigid endoscope for the presence of unfilled areas of the root canal space, gaps between the obturated root canal and dentinal wall, isthmi, ‘opaque’ dentine and cracks. Endoscopic pictures were captured and assessed using a 12-sectorn transparent grid for determination of location of the studied elements. Furthermore, the removed apices were examined histologically (n=47). The surfaces of the removed apices opposite the cut root faces were histologically analysed for the same outcome measures. Results: Endoscopy revealed the following findings: opaque dentine in 84.1%, unfilled parts of the root canal system in 59.4%, gaps between the existing root canal filling and dentinal walls in 49.3%, and cracks in 10.1% of cases. With regard to isthmi, histology of the removed apices demonstrated an isthmus in two-thirds of those seen with endoscopy at the root end. Ramifications were histologically observed only in 6 root apices. Conclusion: The studied elements may cause failure of the root canal treatment, and conventional root canal retreatment or apical surgery may be indicated. The clinical significance of opaque dentine with regard to tooth prognosis after apical surgery remains unclear and warrants further research.
The Effects of Sight Word Instruction on Students' Reading Abilities

This action research paper focused on the question “how does effective sight word instruction impact students’ reading abilities? ” Effective sight word instruction will improve a student’s overall reading abilities. Data was collected through daily observation of students and recorded notes, formal and informal interviews, and student work samples. After analyzing the data, three major themes were found: sight word instruction improved students’ overall reading abilities, sight word instruction improved students’ confidence in reading, and sight word instruction alone is not beneficial without other literacy instruction. The implications of this study suggest that all elementary teachers need to provide students with a literacy rich environment, sight word instruction, and daily practice through the use of literacy centers and activities. Document Type Thesis Degree Name MS in Literacy Education Department Education First Supervisor Joellen Maples Subject Categories Education This thesis is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_ETD_masters/327 Running Head: EFFECTS OF SIGHT WORDS ON READING ABILITIES 1 The Effects of Sight Word Instruction on Student Reading Abilities
Natural disasters as a symptom of a disputable development: considerations on

This study focuses the occurrence of natural disasters in Brazil by introducing the object of the Sociology of Disasters and a synthesis of the literature concerning social and institutional dimensions of vulnerability. An analytical prism is built from the concepts of incomplete modernity and environmental injustice, focusing on the inefficiency of the State to deal with vulnerability as a constitutive part of the naturalization of inequalities and the banalization of disasters. Based on official data from the Civil Defense archives relative to the 2003-2009 period, we analyze: (a) the importance of disasters related to hydrometeorological hazards in the context of reported occurrences, (b) the distribution of these occurrences in Brazilian states that, according to the Human Development Index (HDI or IDH - Indice de Desenvolvimento Humano), express distinct development levels, (c) the frequency of disasters by affected municipalities, and (d) the evolution of the number of affected in the 2003-2009 period. We conclude that natural disasters in Brazil are strongly related to the extremes of water stress and water excess and the low institutional response, resulting in the increase of the number of affected.
Recent Findings in the Regulation of Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression

With the recent approvals for the application of monoclonal antibodies that target the well-characterized immune checkpoints, immune therapy shows great potential against both solid and hematologic tumors. The use of these therapeutic monoclonal antibodies elicits inspiring clinical results with durable objective responses and improvements in overall survival. Agents targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1; also known as PDCD1) and its ligand (PD-L1) achieve a great success in immune checkpoints therapy. However, the majority of patients fail to respond to PD-1/PD-L1 axis inhibitors. Expression of PD-L1 on the membrane of tumor and immune cells has been shown to be associated with enhanced objective response rates to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. Thus, an improved understanding of how PD-L1 expression is regulated will enable us to better define its role as a predictive marker. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the regulation of PD-L1 expression.
A Novel Antiplatelet Aggregation Target of Justicidin B Obtained From Rostellularia Procumbens (L.) Nees

The present study explored the possible bioactive ingredients and target protein of Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees. Firstly, we found that the ethyl acetate extraction obtained from R. procumbens could inhibit platelet aggregation. Then, gene chip was used to investigate differentially expressed genes and blood absorption compounds were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization (LC-MS). Depending on the results of gene chip and LC-MS, the targets of blood absorption compounds were predicted according to the reverse pharmacophore matching model. The platelet aggregation-related genes were discovered in databases, and antiplatelet aggregation-related gene targets were selected through comparison. The functions of target genes and related pathways were analyzed and screened using the DAVID database, and the network was constructed using Cytoscape software. We found that integrin αIIbβ3 had a highest degree, and it was almost the intersection of all pathways. Then, blood absorption compounds were screened by optical turbidimetry. Western blot (WB) revealed that justicidin B separated from the ethyl acetate fraction may inhibit the expression of integrin αIIbβ3 protein. For the first time, we used Prometheus NT.48 and MST to detect the stability of this membrane protein to optimize the buffer and studied the interaction of justicidin B with its target protein. To our best knowledge, this is the first report to state that justicidin B targets the integrin αIIbβ3 protein. We believe that our findings can provide a novel target protein for the further understanding of the mechanism of R. procumbens on platelet aggregation.
Machine Learning-Based Analysis of MR Multiparametric Radiomics for the Subtype Classification of Breast Cancer

Objective: To investigate whether machine learning analysis of multiparametric MR radiomics can help classify immunohistochemical (IHC) subtypes of breast cancer. Study design: One hundred and thirty-four consecutive patients with pathologically-proven invasive ductal carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 2,498 features were extracted from the DCE and DWI images, together with the new calculated images, including DCE images changing over six time points (DCEsequential) and DWI images changing over three b-values (DWIsequential). We proposed a novel two-stage feature selection method combining traditional statistics and machine learning-based methods. The accuracies of the 4-IHC classification and triple negative (TN) vs. non-TN cancers were assessed. Results: For the 4-IHC classification task, the best accuracy of 72.4% was achieved based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) or subspace discrimination of assembled learning in conjunction with 20 selected features, and only small dependent emphasis of Kendall-tau-b for sequential features, based on the DWIsequential with the LDA model, yielding an accuracy of 53.7%. The linear support vector machine (SVM) and medium k-nearest neighbor using eight features yielded the highest accuracy of 91.0% for comparing TN to non-TN cancers, and the maximum variance for DWIsequential alone, together with a linear SVM model, achieved an accuracy of 83.6%. Conclusions: Whole-tumor radiomics on MR multiparametric images, DCE images changing over time points, and DWI images changing over different b-values provide a non-invasive analytical approach for breast cancer subtype classification and TN cancer identification.
Semantic Processing in Bilingual Aphasia: Evidence of Language Dependency

Individuals with aphasia frequently show lexical retrieval deficits due to increased interference of semantically related competitors, a phenomenon that can be observed in tasks such as naming pictures grouped by semantic category. These deficits are explained in terms of impaired semantic control, a set of abilities that are to some extent dependent upon executive control (EC). However, the extent to which semantic control abilities can be affected in a second and non-dominant language has not been extensively explored. Additionally, findings in healthy individuals are inconclusive regarding the degree to which semantic processing is shared between languages. In this study, we explored the effect of brain damage on semantic processing by comparing the performance of bilingual individuals with aphasia on tasks involving semantic control during word production and comprehension. Furthermore, we explored whether semantic deficits are related to domain-general EC deficits. First, we investigated the naming performance of Catalan–Spanish bilinguals with fluent aphasia and age-matched healthy controls on a semantically blocked cyclic naming task in each of their two languages (Catalan and Spanish). This task measured semantic interference in terms of the difference in naming latencies between pictures grouped by the same semantic category or different categories. Second, we explored whether lexical deficits extend to comprehension by testing participants in a word-picture matching task during a mixed language condition. Third, we used a conflict monitoring task to explore the presence of EC deficits in patients with aphasia. We found two main results. First, in both language tasks, bilingual patients’ performances were more affected than those of healthy controls when they performed the task in their non-dominant language. Second, there was a significant correlation between the speed of processing on the EC task and the magnitude of the semantic interference effect exclusively in the non-dominant language. Taken together, these results suggest that lexical retrieval may be selectively impaired in bilinguals within those conditions where semantic competition is higher, i.e.,- in their non-dominant language; this could possibly be explained by an excessive amount of inhibition placed upon this language. Moreover, lexico-semantic impairments seem to be at least somewhat related to conflict monitoring deficits, suggesting a certain degree of overlap between EC and semantic control.
Decision Aids: The Role of the Patient in Perioperative Safety

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) published 2 reports that are influential to the practice of anesthesiology and all of medicine: To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System and Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century. Both focus on improving patient safety in the health care field by minimizing medical errors and advancing quality in patient care. According to the IOM, health care must be (1) safe, (2) effective, (3) patientcentered, (4) timely, (5) efficient, and (6) equitable. In an era of fast-evolving medical treatments, and increasingly complex technologies and health care team models, the notion of patient-centeredness in health care is paramount. In the scramble to fight disease, individual patient concerns can be overlooked. The IOM promotes patient-centered health care in which “patient values guide all clinical decisions. ” It allows patients to express their requests and beliefs for a more personalized health care service. For patients to select their ideal health care treatment, they must be properly educated with evidence-based data and have their voices heard throughout the decision-making process. To help achieve this quality of care, patient education decision aids have been implemented.
Legal and Regulatory Issues Governing Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products in the United States

This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding cannabis in the United States, including federal law-as dictated by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and governed by various federal agencies like the FDA and DEA-as well as state law-as regulated by each state's laws and regulations authorizing medical and/or adult use cannabis. First, the chapter discusses the definition and classification of cannabis under the CSA, including scheduling under the CSA as well as the process for and potentiality of removing cannabis from Schedule I. Then, it describes the activities relating to industrial hemp that are permitted under the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill. Next, the chapter addresses state-level cannabis laws. The chapter also analyzes the question of whether state cannabis laws are invalidated and superseded by federal law. Moreover, this section examines the factors underlying the extent of the Department of Justice's enforcement actions relating to state-authorized cannabis activities. The chapter then turns to CBD (cannabidiol) in particular, discussing CBD's legal status under the CSA; the FDA's role in regulating and approving CBD products for medical purposes; and the steps required to take an investigational CBD product through that approval process. The chapter concludes by contending that, while cannabis has had a long and twisting history, and although cannabis-derived products face daunting obstacles to achieving FDA approval as well as rescheduling under both federal and state law, the recent success of one product (Epidiolex®) should inspire other manufacturers to develop additional cannabis-derived products through the FDA process.