Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Compression Ratio for DCT-Based Coders With Application to Remote Sensing Images

A problem of predicting compression ratio (CR) for lossy image compression methods based on discrete cosine transform (DCT) is considered for remote sensing imaging as a main target application. We demonstrate that the noise presence in images leads to specific requirements to lossy image compression as well as to criteria used, and ways to meet these requirements. In particular, it is often desired to compress images in the neighborhood of optimal operation point (OOP) where a compressed image might be closer to the corresponding noise-free one compared to noisy (original, uncompressed) counterpart. In this paper, first, we consider a problem of predicting CR for compressing noisy images in OOP neighborhood. Several statistical parameters calculated in DCT domain in 8 × 8 pixel blocks are used for this. The factors that influence a prediction accuracy and the ways to improve this accuracy are discussed. Next, we show that there is a statistical parameter that does not require any a priori information on noise properties, and that can be used to predict CR with a high accuracy without any necessity to apply multiple image compression/decompression procedures. The proposed methods are thoroughly tested for two DCT-based image coders applied to component-wise lossy compression of hyperspectral data. Finally, a modification of the prediction approach for 3-D compression of multichannel images is proposed.
Impact of a Genetic Risk Score for Coronary Artery Disease on Reducing Cardiovascular Risk: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose We tested whether providing a genetic risk score (GRS) for coronary artery disease (CAD) would serve as a motivator to improve adherence to risk-reducing strategies. Methods We randomized 94 participants with at least moderate risk of CAD to receive standard-of-care with (N = 49) or without (N = 45) their GRS at a subsequent 3-month follow-up visit. Our primary outcome was change in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) between the 3- and 6-month follow-up visits (ΔLDL-C). Secondary outcomes included other CAD risk factors, weight loss, diet, physical activity, risk perceptions, and psychological outcomes. In pre-specified analyses, we examined whether there was a greater motivational effect in participants with a higher GRS. Results Sixty-five participants completed the protocol including 30 participants in the GRS arm. We found no change in the primary outcome between participants receiving their GRS and standard-of-care participants (ΔLDL-C: −13 vs. −9 mg/dl). Among participants with a higher GRS, we observed modest effects on weight loss and physical activity. All other secondary outcomes were not significantly different, including anxiety and worry. Conclusion Adding GRS to standard-of-care did not change lipids, adherence, or psychological outcomes. Potential modest benefits in weight loss and physical activity for participants with high GRS need to be validated in larger trials.
Emotional intelligence and its relationship to workplace performance outcomes of leadership effectiveness

Purpose – This study seeks to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), personality, cognitive intelligence and leadership effectiveness.Design/methodology/approach – Senior executives (n=41) completed an ability measure of EI (MSCEIT), a measure of personality (16PF5) and a measure of cognitive ability (the Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence (WASI)). Leadership effectiveness was assessed using an objective measure of performance and a 360° assessment involving each leader's subordinates and direct manager (n=149). Findings – Correlational and regression analyses revealed that higher EI was associated with higher leadership effectiveness, and that EI explained variance not explained by either personality or IQ.Originality/value – This paper establishes a link between EI and workplace measures of leadership effectiveness.
Identification and Analysis of Two Novel Sites of Rat GnRH Receptor Gene Promoter Activity: The Pineal Gland and Retina

Background and Aims: In mammals, activation of pituitary GnRH receptor (GnRHR) by hypothalamic GnRH increases the synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH, which, in turn, regulate gonadal functions. However, GnRHR gene (Gnrhr) expression is not restricted to the pituitary. Methods: To gain insight into the extrapituitary expression of Gnrhr, a transgenic mouse model that expresses the human placental alkaline phosphatase reporter gene driven by the rat Gnrhr promoter was created. Results: This study shows that the rat Gnrhr promoter is operative in two functionally related organs, the pineal gland, as early as embryonic day (E) 13.5, and the retina where activity was only detected at E17.5. Accordingly, Gnrhr mRNA were present in both tissues. Transcription factors known to regulate Gnrhr promoter activity such as the LIM homeodomain factors LHX3 and ISL1 were also detected in the retina. Furthermore, transient transfection studies in CHO and gonadotrope cells revealed that OTX2, a major transcription factor in both pineal and retina cell differentiation, is able to activate the Gnrhr promoter together with either CREB or PROP1, depending on the cell context. Conclusion: Rather than using alternate promoters, Gnrhr expression is directed to diverse cell lineages through specific associations of transcription factors acting on distinct response elements along the same promoter. These data open new avenues regarding GnRH-mediated control of seasonal and circadian rhythms in reproductive physiology.
Long-term follow-up of patients with hypoparathyroidism.

CONTEXT Despite tremendous interest in hypoparathyroidism, large cohort studies describing typical treatment patterns, laboratory parameters, and rates of complications are lacking. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to characterize the course of disease in a large cohort of hypoparathyroid patients. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a chart review of patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism identified via a clinical patient data registry. Patients were seen at a Boston tertiary-care hospital system between 1988 and 2009. PATIENTS We identified 120 patients. Diagnosis was confirmed by documented hypocalcemia with a simultaneous low or inappropriately normal PTH level for at least 1 yr. Mean age at the end of the observation period was 52 ± 19 (range 2-87) yr, and the cohort was 73% female. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE We evaluated serum and urine laboratory results and renal and brain imaging. RESULTS We calculated time-weighted average serum calcium measurements for all patients. The time-weighted average for calcium was between 7.5 and 9.5 mg/dl for the majority (88%) of patients. Using linear interpolation, we estimated the proportion of time within the target calcium range for each patient with a median of 86% (interquartile range 67-98%). Of those with a 24-h urine collection for calcium (n = 53), 38% had at least one measurement over 300 mg/d. Of those with renal imaging (n = 54), 31% had renal calcifications, and 52% of those with head imaging (n = 31) had basal ganglia calcifications. Rates of chronic kidney disease stage 3 or higher were 2- to 17-fold greater than age-appropriate norms. CONCLUSIONS Hypoparathyroidism and its treatment carry a large burden of disease. Renal abnormalities are particularly common.
Cyclical Expression of EBV Latent Membrane Protein 1 in EBV-Transformed B Cells Underpins Heterogeneity of Epitope Presentation and CD8+ T Cell Recognition1

CD8+ T cells specific for EBV latent cycle epitopes can be reactivated in vitro by stimulating with the autologous EBV-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). The resultant CD8+ clones kill epitope peptide-loaded targets, but frequently do not kill or show only low levels of lysis of the unmanipulated LCL in 5-h cytotoxicity assays. However, they reproducibly show clear LCL recognition in cytokine (IFN-γ) release assays and inhibit LCL outgrowth in long-term coculture assays. We show that this growth inhibition is not mediated by cytokines, but by slow killing detectable in extended cytotoxicity assays. The paradoxical earlier findings reflect the fact that cytokine assays are more sensitive indicators of Ag-specific recognition in situations in which the target population is heterogeneous at the single-cell level in terms of epitope display. Such heterogeneity exists within LCLs with, at any one time, subpopulations showing large differences in sensitivity to T cell detection. These differences are not cell cycle related, but correlate with differing levels of EBV latent membrane protein (LMP)1 expression at the single-cell level. In this study, LMP1 is not itself a CD8+ T cell target, but its expression enhances Ag-processing capacity and HLA class I expression. We propose that LMP1 levels fluctuate cyclically in individual cells and, over time, all cells within a LCL pass through a LMP1high T cell-detectable phase.
NATIONALITY CATEGORIES, NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AND IDENTITY FORMATION IN "MULTINATIONAL" BOSNIA.

Before the referendum on independence in BosniaHercegovina on 31 March 1992 (boycotted by the Bosnian Serb nationalists) and before the onslaught on the civilian population in the former Yugoslav republic, Western European powers with Lord Carrington as the main negotiator suggested a Swiss-style cantonization along ethnic lines of the former Yugoslav Republic. The EC has already made serious blunders in its attempts at peacemaking between the warring South-Slav fractions. The idea of cantonisaton proved one of the most disastrous ones. In Bosnia-Hercegovina, cantonization was embraced by ethnic nationalists (particularly Serb) who interpreted the plan as a support for political dominance in certain parts of Bosnia. But the plan was strongly opposed by those who had most to lose by it, namely the citizens of mixed nationality and above all the Muslims who comprise 44% of B-H's total population.
MOTIVATION AND RECOGNITION PREFERENCES OF 4-H VOLUNTEERS

This study explored motives and identified strategies for service recognition of a sample (714) of Nebraska 4-H organizational andproject volunteer leaders. On average, volunteers sampled were 43 years of age, parents of children in 4-H, and had been involved as a 4-H member more than 7 years. Respondents were predominately motivated by affiliation, and, therefore, identified most strongly with volunteering because of a desire to help others, associate with youth, and to be with their children involved in 4-H. Volunteers preferred to be recognizedfor their service by 4-H members in various forms. No relationship was established between motives to volunteer and preferred forms of recognition.
Uniformity of stratum-ventilated thermal environment and thermal sensation.

Three human test series were conducted to evaluate the uniformity of the thermal environments in a stratum-ventilated chamber with dimensions of 8.8 m (L) × 5.1 m (W) × 2.4 m (H). In all, nineteen conditions were generated by adjusting the room temperature, supply airflow rate, and supply terminal type. An air diffuser performance index (ADPI) of at least 80% was achieved for most cases. This result shows that the air velocity and temperature in the occupied zone are reasonably uniform. Subjective assessments using the ASHRAE 7-point scale indicate that the thermal sensations of the subjects in stratum ventilation are also uniform. This study examines the applicability of the predicted mean vote (PMV) model for evaluating stratum ventilation. When compared to the actual mean thermal sensation votes (ATS), the PMV values are acceptable. The PMV results at a height of 1.1 m above the floor show better agreement with the ATS than at a height of 0.1 m.
Measurement of the proton-air cross-section at sqrt(s) = 57 TeV with the Pierre Auger Observatory

Using measured events from the fluorescence detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory, an unbiased distribution of the atmospheric slant depths where showers reach their maxima has been obtained. Analyzing the tail of this distribution the proton-air cross-section for particle production at center-of-mass energies per nucleon of 57 TeV is determined to be [505$\pm$22(stat)+28$-$36(syst)] mb. Systematic uncertainties in the analysis arise from the limited knowledge of the primary mass composition, the need to use shower simulations and the selection of events. For the purpose of making comparisons with accelerator data we also calculate the inelastic and total proton-proton cross-sections using an extended Glauber model.
Optimal Monetary Policy in a Micro-Founded Model with Parameter Uncertainty

In this paper, we structurally model uncertainty with a micro-founded model, and investigate its implications for optimal monetary policy. Uncertainty about deep parameters of the model implies that the central bank simultaneously faces both uncertainty about the structural dynamic equations and about the social loss function. Considering both uncertainties with cross-parameter restrictions based on the micro-foundations of the model, we use Bayesian methods to determine the optimal monetary policy that minimizes the expected loss. Our analysis shows how uncertainty can lead the central bank to pursue a more aggressive monetary policy, overturning Brainard's common wisdom. As the degree of uncertainty about inflation dynamics increases, the central bank should place much more weight on price stability, and should respond to shocks more aggressively. In addition, when the central bank is uncertain about output dynamics, an aggressive policy response can be justified by the positive correlation between policy multiplier and transmission of natural rate of interest shock as well as the effect of loss-function uncertainty. We also show that combining a more aggressive policy response with a highly inertial interest rate policy reduces Bayesian risk.
An Empirical Investigation of Knowledge Withholding in Virtual Community

Virtual community has greatly enriched people's learning resources, stimulated their learning activities, and provided an online learning platform for people geographically-dispersed to communicate and collaborate. In the past decade, we have witnessed a growing research interest in virtual community, but most studies focused on why community members are willing to participate and contribute. It is necessary and important to notice that lurkers basically represent a large portion of users in most virtual communities, and therefore, a deep understanding of why people are unwilling to contribute, or withholding the knowledge they may provide will offer us some additional insights. In this study, we investigate the different types of psychological factors which are hypothesized to affect knowledge withholding in virtual community. Our study is also expected to initiate a new research angle to explore and understand users’ passive behavior in virtual community, and provide some useful insights for both research and practice.
High Utilization of Wavelengths and Simple Interconnection Between Users in a Protection Scheme for Passive Optical Networks

A novel protection architecture for passive optical networks (PONs) is presented and evaluated. It is based on the cyclic property of arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and the interconnection between two adjacent optical network units. The proposed scheme is compatible with both wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) PONs and hybrid WDM/time-division-multiplexing PONs. It is compared with two existing schemes and shown to have several advantages: 1) 50% less wavelengths is needed; 2) the fiber interconnections are simplified; 3) the connection availability is improved by one order of magnitude.
Editorial: Arthroplasty Outcomes Are Improving, but Why Isn't My Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis Doing as Well?

This issue of the Arthritis and Rheumatism has two new studies of outcomes after arthroplasty by Ravi et al. (ref Ravi) and Lalmahomed et al. (ref Lalmahomed). Findings from these epidemiological studies can help us better understand the evolving trends in arthroplasty outcomes and the associated risk factors in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty (TKA or THA).
Transcriptional Signatures of Cellular Plasticity in Mice Lacking the α1 Subunit of GABAA Receptors

GABAA receptors mediate the majority of inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS. Genetic deletion of the α1 subunit of GABAA receptors results in a loss of α1-mediated fast inhibitory currents and a marked reduction in density of GABAA receptors. A grossly normal phenotype of α1-deficient mice suggests the presence of neuronal adaptation to these drastic changes at the GABA synapse. We used cDNA microarrays to identify transcriptional fingerprints of cellular plasticity in response to altered GABAergic inhibition in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of α1 mutants. In silico analysis of 982 mutation-regulated transcripts highlighted genes and functional groups involved in regulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, suggesting an adaptive response of the brain to an altered inhibitory tone. Public gene expression databases permitted identification of subsets of transcripts enriched in excitatory and inhibitory neurons as well as some glial cells, providing evidence for cellular plasticity in individual cell types. Additional analysis linked some transcriptional changes to cellular phenotypes observed in the knock-out mice and suggested several genes, such as the early growth response 1 (Egr1), small GTP binding protein Rac1 (Rac1), neurogranin (Nrgn), sodium channel β4 subunit (Scn4b), and potassium voltage-gated Kv4.2 channel (Kcnd2) as cell type-specific markers of neuronal plasticity. Furthermore, transcriptional activation of genes enriched in Bergman glia suggests an active role of these astrocytes in synaptic plasticity. Overall, our results suggest that the loss of α1-mediated fast inhibition produces diverse transcriptional responses that act to regulate neuronal excitability of individual neurons and stabilize neuronal networks, which may account for the lack of severe abnormalities in α1 null mutants.
A Modified Product Code Over in Steganography with Large Embedding Rate

The way of combination of Product Perfect Codes (PPCs) is based on the theory of short codes constructing long codes. PPCs have larger embedding rate than Hamming codes by expending embedding columns in a coding block, and they have been proven to enhance the performance of the F 5 steganographic method. In this paper, the proposed modified product codes called MPCs are introduced as an efficient way to embed more data than PPCs by increasing 2 r 2 -1 -r 2 embedding columns. Unlike PPC, the generation of the check matrix H in MPC is random, and it is different from PPC. In addition a simple solving way of the linear algebraic equations is applied to figure out the problem of expending embedding columns or compensating cases. Furthermore, the MPCs over Z 4 have been proposed to further enhance not only the performance but also the computation speed which reaches O(n 1 +σ). Finally, the proposed Z 4 -MPC intends to maximize the embedding rate with maintaining less distortion , and the performance surpasses the existing improved product perfect codes. The performance of large embedding rate should have the significance in the high-capacity of covert communication.
Effect of Concrete Wasteform Properties on Radionuclide Migration

The objective of this investigation was to initiate numerous sets of concrete-soil half-cell tests to quantify 1) diffusion of I and Tc from concrete into uncontaminated soil after 1 and 2 years, 2) I and Re (set 1) and Tc (set 2) diffusion from fractured concrete into uncontaminated soil, and 3) evaluate the moisture distribution profile within the sediment half-cell. These half-cells will be section in FY2009 and FY2010. Additionally, 1) concrete-soil half-cells initiated during FY2007 using fractured prepared with and without metallic iron, half of which were carbonated using carbonated, were sectioned to evaluate the diffusion of I and Re in the concrete part of the half-cell under unsaturated conditions (4%, 7%, and 15% by wt moisture content), 2) concrete-soil half cells containing Tc were sectioned to measure the diffusion profile in the soil half-cell unsaturated conditions (4%, 7%, and 15% by wt moisture content), and 3) solubility measurements of uranium solid phases were completed under concrete porewater conditions. The results of these tests are presented.
Covert manipulation of the ratio of medium- to long-chain triglycerides in isoenergetically dense diets: effect on food intake in ad libitum feeding men.

OBJECTIVE This study examined whether isoenergetic substitution of MCT for LCT in HF, HE diets (639 kJ/100 g) limits the excess energy intakes frequently observed on high-fat diets of high energy density (HF, HE). SUBJECTS Six healthy male volunteers [mean age (SD) = 27.17 (4.17 y) mean weight = 63.33 (7.33 kg), mean height = 1.72 (0.05 m)]. DESIGN The subjects were each studied three times during 14 d throughout which they had ad libitum access to one of three covertly-manipulated diets, which were randomly assigned in a counter-balanced design. The fat, carbohydrate (CHO) and protein in each diet (as percent energy) were identical at 62:28:10, with 2 day maintenance (1.5 x BMR, MF) beforehand. The ratio of MCT to LCT was 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 on the low-, (LMCT) medium- (MMCT) and high-MCT (HMCT) diets, respectively. Within each diet every item was of the same composition and offered as a 3 day rotating menu. RESULTS Energy intakes were significantly lower on the HMCT diet [F (2,240) = 7.52; p < 0.001] giving mean values of 13.50, 13.67, and 12.43 MJ/d on the LMCT, MMCT and HMCT diets, respectively. Food intake followed a parallel trend. By day 14 body weight changes amounted to +0.45, +0.41 and -0.03 kg, respectively. CONCLUSION These data suggest that substitution of a readily metabolised fat for a less readily metabolised fat, in very high fat diets can limit the excess energy intakes and weight gain that is usually produced by HF, energy-dense diets.
MEDIA SENTIMENTS IMPROVE STOCK TRADING SIGNAL PREDICTION ?

The technical analysis and machine learning have been integrated in stock trading signal forecasting. And it has been proved that there are some weaknesses in technical analysis because of the complex environment in the stock market. In our prediction system, web news media sentiment analysis is regarded as a supplementary way to cover the shortage of technical analysis. It is considered to bring the stock market sentiment which reflects the subjective information of investors into the prediction system. Web news media sentiment indicators (WNMS) are designed to bring the information about stock market sentiment in our system. The WNMS is generated by analyzing the variance of sentiment elements from the news in the Stock Timely Rain Sector of Sina Finance and Economics Website and it is imported into the prediction system as features combined with common feature indicators (CFI). GMKL is applied to establish the relationship between the trading signals generated by piecewise linear representation (PLR) and the features of the trading signals (SCFI). Comparative experiments are adopted in nine stocks from Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange to determine the effect of PLR-GMKL and WNMS in prediction. From the aspects of the prediction accuracy and the profit, the final comparative results show that the PLR-GMKL model performs better than the PLR-WSVM model. And the prediction system performs best when adding WNMS into features and using PLRGMKL model.