Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Impact of Kernel Approximation on Learning Accuracy

Kernel approximation is commonly used to scale kernel-based algorithms to applications containing as many as several million instances. This paper analyzes the effect of such approximations in the kernel matrix on the hypothesis generated by several widely used learning algorithms. We give stability bounds based on the norm of the kernel approximation for these algorithms, including SVMs, KRR, and graph Laplacian-based regularization algorithms. These bounds help determine the degree of approximation that can be tolerated in the estimation of the kernel matrix. Our analysis is general and applies to arbitrary approximations of the kernel matrix. However, we also give a specific analysis of the Nystr ¨ om low-rank approximation in this context and report the results of experiments evaluating the ′ − �| =
Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Genotype and Its Relationship with Blood Lead and Zinc Protoporphyrin Levels in Lead-Exposed Children Living in a Smelter Community in Northern Mexico

The implications of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism for lead kinetics and toxicity have been mainly studied in occupationally exposed adults. Therefore, our purpose was to evaluate the distribution of ALAD genotype and its association with biomarkers of exposure (PbB levels) and effect (Blood ZPP) among children living in a smelter community in Mexico. We recruited 569 children from nine elementary schools close to a smelter site. PbB was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based protocol was used for ALAD genotyping. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in blood was measured by direct fluorometry. Most children (93.15%) were homozygous for ALAD 1−1, 6.67% were heterozygous for ALAD for 1−2, and one child was homozygous for ALAD 2−2. There was an increased proportion of ALAD 1−2/2−2 genotype with respect to PbB levels. The ZPP geometric mean was slightly higher in ALAD 1−1 genotype children (63.48 μ mol ZPP/mol Hb) than in those having the ALAD-2 genotype (58.22 μ mol ZPP/mol Hb; p = 0.051). Linear and quadratic models showed significant relationships between ZPP and PbB. A significant increase in the odds ratio (OR) for the effect of lead exposure on ZPP levels was observed for ALAD 1−1 children having PbB values above 20 μ g/dL, as compared to those having PbB levels below 10 μ g/dL (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.45–5.97; p = 0.003), whereas no significant increases were observed for the ALAD 1−2/2−2 children. In summary, our results suggest that heme biosynthesis was less affected in ALAD 1−2/2−2 lead-exposed children than in those carrying the ALAD 1−1 genotype.
An evaluation of multi-resolution storage for sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks enable dense sensing of the environment, offering unprecedented opportunities for observing the physical world. Centralized data collection and analysis adversely impact sensor node lifetime. Previous sensor network research has, therefore, focused on in network aggregation and query processing, but has done so for applications where the features of interest are known a priori. When features are not known a priori, as is the case with many scientific applications in dense sensor arrays, efficient support for multi-resolution storage and iterative, drill-down queries is essential.Our system demonstrates the use of in-network wavelet-based summarization and progressive aging of summaries in support of long-term querying in storage and communication-constrained networks. We evaluate the performance of our linux implementation and show that it achieves: (a) low communication overhead for multi-resolution summarization, (b) highly efficient drill-down search over such summaries, and (c) efficient use of network storage capacity through load-balancing and progressive aging of summaries.
Sepidar: Incentivized Market-Based P2P Live-Streaming on the Gradient Overlay Network

Live streaming of video content using overlay networks has gained widespread adoption on the Internet. This paper presents Sepidar, a distributed market-based model, that builds and maintains overlay network trees, which are approximately minimal height, for delivering live media as a number of sub streams. A streaming tree is constructed for each sub stream such that nodes that contribute higher amounts of upload bandwidth are located increasingly closer to the media source at the root of the tree. While our distributed market model can be run against a random sample of nodes, we improve its convergence time to stabilize a tree by executing against a sample of nodes that contribute similar amounts of upload bandwidth. We use the Gradient overlay network to generate samples of such nodes. We address the problem of free-riding through parent nodes auditing the behaviour of their child nodes. We evaluate Sepidar by comparing it in simulation with state-of-the-art New Cool streaming. Our results show significantly improved playback latency and playback continuity under churn, flash crowd, and catastrophic failure experiment scenarios. We also show that using the Gradient improves convergence time of our distributed market model compared to a random overlay network. Finally, we show that Sepidar punishes the performance of free-riders, and that nodes are incentivized to contribute more upload bandwidth by relatively improved performance.
Targeted Disruption of the Pemphigus Vulgaris Antigen (Desmoglein 3) Gene in Mice Causes Loss of Keratinocyte Cell Adhesion with a Phenotype Similar to Pemphigus Vulgaris

In patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV), autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) cause loss of cell–cell adhesion of keratinocytes in the basal and immediate suprabasal layers of stratified squamous epithelia. The pathology, at least partially, may depend on protease release from keratinocytes, but might also result from antibodies interfering with an adhesion function of Dsg3. However, a direct role of desmogleins in cell adhesion has not been shown. To test whether Dsg3 mediates adhesion, we genetically engineered mice with a targeted disruption of the DSG3 gene. DSG3 −/− mice had no DSG3 mRNA by RNase protection assay and no Dsg3 protein by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoblots. These mice were normal at birth, but by 8–10 d weighed less than DSG3 +/− or +/+ littermates, and at around day 18 were grossly runted. We speculated that oral lesions (typical in PV patients) might be inhibiting food intake, causing this runting. Indeed, oropharyngeal biopsies showed erosions with histology typical of PV, including suprabasilar acantholysis and “tombstoning” of basal cells. EM showed separation of desmosomes. Traumatized skin also had crusting and suprabasilar acantholysis. Runted mice showed hair loss at weaning. The runting and hair loss phenotype of DSG3 −/− mice is identical to that of a previously reported mouse mutant, balding (bal). Breeding indicated that bal is coallelic with the targeted mutation. We also showed that bal mice lack Dsg3 by IF, have typical PV oral lesions, and have a DSG3 gene mutation. These results demonstrate the critical importance of Dsg3 for adhesion in deep stratified squamous epithelia and suggest that pemphigus autoantibodies might interfere directly with such a function.
Baseline-wander effects on systems employing digital pulse-interval modulation

Fluorescent lamps introduce a periodic interference signal in optical wireless receivers, which has the potential to degrade link performance severely. Usually, electrical high-pass filtering is employed to mitigate the effects of this interference, but this results in baseline wander or intersymbol interference. Digital pulse-interval modulation (DPIM) is a modulation technique which has been shown to be suitable for deployment in optical-wireless-communication systems. The effect of baseline wander on systems employing DPIM is examined. A new expression is given for the slot autocorrelation function of DPIM and, from this, the power spectral density is calculated. The error performance of DPIM, as a function of high-pass filter (HPF) cut-on frequency, is compared with the more established techniques of on-off keying using nonreturn-to-zero signalling (OOK) and pulse-position modulation (PPM), using both numerical analysis and computer simulation.
A cross‐syndrome study of the differential effects of sleep on declarative memory consolidation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract Sleep plays an active role in memory consolidation. Because children with Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS) experience significant problems with sleep and also with learning, we predicted that sleep‐dependent memory consolidation would be impaired in these children when compared to typically developing (TD) children. This is the first study to provide a cross‐syndrome comparison of sleep‐dependent learning in school‐aged children. Children with DS (n = 20) and WS (n = 22) and TD children (n = 33) were trained on the novel Animal Names task where they were taught pseudo‐words as the personal names of ten farm and domestic animals, e.g. Basco the cat, with the aid of animal picture flashcards. They were retested following counterbalanced retention intervals of wake and sleep. Overall, TD children remembered significantly more words than both the DS and WS groups. In addition, their performance improved following night‐time sleep, whereas performance over the wake retention interval remained stable, indicating an active role of sleep for memory consolidation. Task performance of children with DS did not significantly change following wake or sleep periods. However, children with DS who were initially trained in the morning continued to improve on the task at the following retests, so that performance on the final test was greater for children who had initially trained in the morning than those who trained in the evening. Children with WS improved on the task between training and the first retest, regardless of whether sleep or wake occurred during the retention interval. This suggests time‐dependent rather than sleep‐dependent learning in children with WS, or tiredness at the end of the first session and better performance once refreshed at the start of the second session, irrespective of the time of day. Contrary to expectations, sleep‐dependent learning was not related to baseline level of performance. The findings have significant implications for educational strategies, and suggest that children with DS should be taught more important or difficult information in the morning when they are better able to learn, whilst children with WS should be allowed a time delay between learning phases to allow for time‐dependent memory consolidation, and frequent breaks from learning so that they are refreshed and able to perform at their best.
Community structure of near-surface zooplankton in the northern California Current in relation to oceanographic conditions

We analyzed how near-surface zooplankton are distributed in the northern California Current, not only in space and time but also with reference to species assemblages, habitat characteristics, and environmental factors. The community structure, spatial distribution patterns, and environmental associations of near-surface zooplankton from June and August 2000 GLOBEC cruises were examined. Crab megalopae, hyperiid amphipods, euphausiids, and chaetognaths dominated the near-surface zooplankton community during both cruises. A geostatistical approach was used to determine that near-surface zooplankton concentrations differed spatially and quantitatively between June and August. Near-surface zooplankton concentration was spatially patchy during June, with the highest levels occurring nearshore in various locations throughout the study region. In August, zooplankton concentration was more uniformly distributed; however, higher concentrations were observed north of Cape Blanco. During June, zooplankton species richness was spatially patchy, whereas in August, species richness was more uniformly distributed throughout the study area. Highest values were observed during June in localized areas along the coast, with lowest values observed further offshore near the shelf break at 200m. During August, species richness was highest nearshore south of Cape Blanco; yet in the north, higher values extended across the shelf and further offshore. To explore patterns in community structure, we applied cluster analysis, indicator species analysis, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination to both data sets. Cluster analyses differentiated taxa by inshore and offshore location in the first division and by latitude in the second division. Results from NMS confirmed the cross-shelf zonation of near-surface zooplankton, with seasurface temperature the most consistent environmental parameter explaining the distributions. An offshore assemblage of zooplankton was entrained in an eddy and transported onto the shelf in August. r 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. e front matter r 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. r2.2004. 09.027 ng author. Tel. : +1541 737 3504; fax: +1 541 737 2064. ss: dreese@coas.oregonstate. edu (D.C. Reese).
Sentiment analysis of real-life situations using location, people and time as contextual features

What emotion do we feel when we see a situation? Multimodal sentiment analysis has been used to answer this question, but most of the research considers only low-level perceptual information such as textual, acoustic, and visual features. However, these features are not appropriate for the classification of situations as it is difficult to depict real-life complexities with low-level features. In this paper, we propose an emotion prediction framework which identifies polarity of emotion in situations using high-level contextual information, namely, location, people and time. Before predicting emotions, the framework structures data into `situation' segments and labels each segment based on our carefully designed annotation guideline. Our approach is tested with various situations in TV sitcoms as a substitute for real-life situations. Experimental results indicate that contextual information is more effective than textual or acoustic features in determining emotions induced by situations.
Future Changes of Wind Speed and Wind Energy Potentials in EURO‐CORDEX Ensemble Simulations

Renewable energy production is strongly influenced by weather and climate. Regional climate projections can be useful to quantify climate change impacts on renewable energies. With this aim, we analyze future changes of wind speed and wind energy potentials using a multimodel ensemble of EURO‐CORDEX simulations at 12 km and three‐hourly resolution, considering nine different global and regional climate model chains. A comparison between modeled historical 10 m wind speeds and ERA‐Interim‐driven evaluation runs for the same regional climate models uncovers some substantial model biases. The bias‐corrected 10 m wind speeds are extrapolated to the hub height of a wind turbine to derive gridded wind energy output (Eout). The ensemble mean responses project only small changes of mean annual and winter Eout for large parts of Europe in future decades, but a considerable decrease for summer Eout. In terms of variability, increasing intraannual and interdaily variabilities are projected for large parts of northern, central, and eastern Europe. While the ensemble spread is quite large for interdaily variability, results are more robust for intraannual variability. With respect to wind speed characteristics relevant for wind energy production, a robust increase in the occurrence of low wind speeds (<3 m/s) is detected. Due to a combination of higher annual mean Eout and lower intraannual variability, climate change could be beneficial for regions like Baltic and Aegean Sea. For large parts of Germany, France, and Iberia, a lower mean Eout and increased intraannual variability may imply larger temporal/spatial fluctuations in future wind energy production and therefore a more challenging wind energy management.
Efficacy of Sitagliptin When Added to Ongoing Therapy in Korean Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background To evaluate the clinical efficacy of sitagliptin for reducing plasma glucose levels in Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus during a 14-week treatment period. Methods Our study design involved the addition of 100 mg sitagliptin once-daily to three ongoing combination therapy regimens and changing from glimepiride and metformin to sitagliptin and metformin. Results The addition of sitagliptin 100 mg/day produced a statistically significant reduction in mean HbA1c level (mean HbA1c reduction of 0.99±0.85%, P<0.01). In the group taking a combination of sitagliptin and metformin (n=143, initial mean HbA1c level=7.48%), the reductions in HbA1c, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and fasting glucose levels were 0.72±0.76% (P<0.01), 47±65 mg/dL (P<0.01), and 15±44 mg/dL (P<0.01), respectively. In the group taking a combination of sitagliptin, glimepiride, and metformin (n=125, initial mean HbA1c level=8.42%), the reductions in HbA1c, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and fasting glucose levels were 1.09±0.86% (P<0.01), 62±64 mg/dL (P<0.01), and 31±45 mg/dL (P<0.01), respectively. In the group taking a combination of sitagliptin, glimepiride, metformin, and α-glucosidase inhibitor (n=63, initial mean HbA1c level=9.19%), the reductions in HbA1c, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and fasting glucose levels were 1.27±0.70% (P<0.01), 72±65 mg/dL (P<0.01), and 35±51 mg/dL (P<0.01), respectively. In the group that had previous hypoglycemic events and that changed from glimepiride to sitagliptin, HbA1c level did not change but fasting glucose increased significantly (14±29 mg/dL, P<0.01). Conclusion Sitagliptin combination therapy for 14 weeks significantly improved glycemic control and was well-tolerated in Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
ABO blood group, hepatitis B viral infection and risk of pancreatic cancer

Little is known about the role of association between ABO blood type and risk of pancreatic cancer develops through effects on hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. Our study aimed to determine whether joint ABO blood type and HBV infection could increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. A total of 645 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 711 age‐ and sex‐matched individuals who had nonmalignant diseases treated at the Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center in China were retrospectively analyzed. Blood samples were tested for ABO blood type and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody (anti‐HBe) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc). Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios [AORs] and 95% confidence interval [CI]. Multivariable analysis with adjustment for risk factors showed that A blood type, HBsAg‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive, anti‐HBs‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive were significantly associated with pancreatic cancer. The estimated AORs (95% CI) were as follows: A blood type, 1.425 (1.071–1.894), HBsAg‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive, 1.610 (1.125–2.304), anti‐HBs‐positive/anti‐HBc‐positive, 1.526 (1.159–2.011). The effect of A blood type significantly modified the risk of pancreatic cancer among subjects with anti‐HBc‐positive (AORs = 1.882, 95% CI, 1.284–2.760). In our study, we reported an association between A blood type, infection with HBV and pancreatic cancer risk. Moreover, we found a synergism between A blood type and HBV infection in the development of pancreatic cancer.
Evaluation of quality of service schemes for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs

This paper evaluates four mechanisms for providing service differentiation in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, the point coordinator function (PCF) of IEEE 802.11, the enhanced distributed coordinator function (EDCF) of the proposed IEEE 802.11e extension to IEEE 802.11, distributed fair scheduling (DFS), and Blackburst using the ns-2 simulator. The metrics used in the evaluation are throughput, medium utilization, collision rate, average access delay, and delay distribution for a variable load of real time and background traffic. The PCF performance is comparably low, while the EDCF performs much better. The best performance is achieved by Blackburst. The DFS provides relative differentiation and consequently avoids starvation of low priority traffic.
Quality assurance for image-guided radiation therapy utilizing CT-based technologies: a report of the AAPM TG-179.

PURPOSE Commercial CT-based image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) systems allow widespread management of geometric variations in patient setup and internal organ motion. This document provides consensus recommendations for quality assurance protocols that ensure patient safety and patient treatment fidelity for such systems. METHODS The AAPM TG-179 reviews clinical implementation and quality assurance aspects for commercially available CT-based IGRT, each with their unique capabilities and underlying physics. The systems described are kilovolt and megavolt cone-beam CT, fan-beam MVCT, and CT-on-rails. A summary of the literature describing current clinical usage is also provided. RESULTS This report proposes a generic quality assurance program for CT-based IGRT systems in an effort to provide a vendor-independent program for clinical users. Published data from long-term, repeated quality control tests form the basis of the proposed test frequencies and tolerances. CONCLUSION A program for quality control of CT-based image-guidance systems has been produced, with focus on geometry, image quality, image dose, system operation, and safety. Agreement and clarification with respect to reports from the AAPM TG-101, TG-104, TG-142, and TG-148 has been addressed.
Effects of paediatric HIV infection on electrical conduction of the heart

Objective To investigate the effects of HIV infection in children on heart electrical conduction, particularly to delineate the effects of HIV infection from treatment. Methods On a 12-lead ECG, available for 37 antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve, 42 ART-exposed vertically-acquired HIV-infected and 50 healthy children in Jakarta, Indonesia, we measured cardiac conduction parameters: PR, QRS, and QTc (corrected using Bazett's formula) intervals. The associations between HIV infection/treatment status and ECG intervals were evaluated using general linear modelling with further adjustment for potential confounders or intermediary variables. Findings are presented as (adjusted) mean differences between each of the two HIV groups and healthy children. Results Although not exceeding the clinical threshold for long QT (QTc >460 ms for girls and >440 ms for boys) compared to healthy children, mean QTc intervals were longer in ART-naïve (difference 18.2 ms, 95% CI 7.0 to 29.3) and, to greater extent, in ART-exposed HIV-infected children (difference 28.9 ms, 19.3 to 38.5). Following adjustment for RR interval, age and height, prolongation of PR interval was seen only in ART-naïve HIV-infected children (difference 12.9 ms, 2.4 to 23.3). Cardiac mass/function, high-sensitive C reactive protein, cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, or postnatal parental smoking exposure did not affect these associations. No difference in the QRS interval was observed between groups. Conclusions Prolongation of the QTc interval occurs in ART-naïve HIV-infected children and, to a greater extent, in the ART-exposed children, whereas a longer PR interval appears to be seen only among ART-naïve HIV-infected children.