Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward data quality analytics in signature verification using a convolutional neural network

Many studies have been conducted on Handwritten Signature Verification. Researchers have taken many different approaches to accurately identify valid signatures from skilled forgeries, which closely resemble the real signature. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a method for validating written signatures on bank checks. This model uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) to analyze pixels from a signature image to recognize abnormalities. We believe the feature extraction capabilities of a CNN can optimize processing time and feature analysis of signature verification. Unique characteristics from signatures can be accurately and rapidly analyzed with multiple layers of receptive fields and hidden layers. Our method was able to correctly detect the validity of the inputted signature approximately 83 percent of the time. We tested our method using the SIGCOMP 2011 dataset. The main contribution of this method is to detect and decrease fraud committed, especially in the banking industry. Future uses of signature verification could include legal documents and the justice system.
Fully Automated Molecular Mechanics Based Induced Fit Protein—Ligand Docking Method.

We describe a method for docking a ligand into a protein receptor while allowing flexibility of the protein binding site. The method employs a multistep procedure that begins with the generation of protein and ligand conformations. An initial placement of the ligand is then performed by computing binding site hotspots. This initial placement is followed by a protein side-chain refinement stage that models protein flexibility. The final step of the process is an energy minimization of the ligand pose in the presence of the rigid receptor. Thus the algorithm models flexibility of the protein at two stages, before and after ligand placement. We validated this method by performing docking and cross docking studies of eight protein systems for which crystal structures were available for at least two bound ligands. The resulting rmsd values of the 21 docked protein-ligand complexes showed values of 2 Å or less for all but one of the systems examined. The method has two critical benefits for high throughput virtual screening studies. First, no user intervention is required in the docking once the initial binding site selection has been made in the protein. Second, the initial protein conformation generation needs to be performed only once for a given binding region. Also, the method may be customized in various ways depending on the particular scenario in which dockings are being performed. Each of the individual steps of the method is fully independent making it straightforward to explore different variants of the high level workflow to further improve accuracy and performance.
Performance improvement with predictive channel selection for cognitive radios

Prediction of future availability times of different channels based on history information helps a cognitive radio (CR) to select the best channels for control and data transmission. Different prediction rules apply to periodic and stochastic ON-OFF patterns. A CR can learn the patterns in different channels over time. We propose a simple classification and learning method to detect the pattern type and to gather the needed information for intelligent channel selection. Matlab simulations show that the proposed method outperforms opportunistic random channel selection both with stochastic and periodic channel patterns. The amount of channel switches needed over time reduces up to 55%, which reduces also the delay and increases the throughput.
Is Swallowing of All Mixed Consistencies Dangerous for Penetration-Aspiration?

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether the risk and severity of penetration-aspiration with mixed consistency (MIX), which consists of cooked rice and thin liquid barium (LIQUID), are different from the risks and severities with each single consistency (cooked rice or LIQUID) in dysphagic patients. Design Dysphagic patients (N = 29) performed a videofluoroscopic swallowing study with the following foods: cooked rice, LIQUID, and MIX. Several components were analyzed using recorded videotapes. Results The Penetration-Aspiration Scale score for MIX was significantly lower than that for LIQUID (P < 0.016). The location of the leading edge at the onset of a pharyngeal swallow between MIX and LIQUID was not different (P = 0.705). The pharyngeal delay time of LIQUID was delayed significantly compared with that of MIX (0.142 ± 0.267 and –0.149 ± 0.096 sec, respectively, P < 0.016). The severity of pharyngeal residue among the foods was different according to the location. Conclusions Swallowing of MIX is not dangerous, and it is safer for not inducing penetration-aspiration as compared with the swallowing of LIQUID. The risk of penetration-aspiration may be judged depending on not only a food’s consistency but also on various factors that affect airway protection, including the texture of food.
Prevalence of factor V Leiden and the G20210A prothrombin-gene mutation in inflammatory bowel disease

A hypercoagulable state has been hypothesized as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); moreover, such patients have an increased risk of thrombotic complications. The aim of the present paper was to study the prevalence of the two most important causes of inherited thrombophilia: factor V Leiden and the G20210A prothrombin-gene mutation in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Fifty-two patients affected by IBD (33 UC and 19 CD, 16 female and 36 male; mean age, 42 years) and 156 healthy controls (48 female and 108 male; mean age, 37 years) were studied. Seven out of 52 patients (13%) had previous thrombotic events. High molecular weight DNA was analysed for the presence of factor V Leiden and the G20210A prothrombin-gene mutation. One out of 52 IBD patients (1.9%) and three out of 156 control subjects (1.9%) were heterozygous for factor V Leiden. One IBD patient (1.9%) and four healthy controls (2.6%) were heterozygous for the prothrombin-gene mutation. The prevalence of the two mutations was similar in patients and controls. In the subgroup of IBD patients with previous thrombotic events, only one patient was heterozygous for the prothrombin-gene mutation. Factor V Leiden and the G20210A prothrombin-gene mutation do not seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of IBD or be associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic complications, but with limited data.
A wide-angle X-junction polymeric thermooptic digital switch with low crosstalk

We present our recent design of a wide-angle asymmetric X-junction for the implementation of a digital-optical switch. The simulated crosstalk in the OFF and ON states are -28 and -26 dB, respectively, at an X-branching angle of 1/spl deg/. Polymeric material benzocyclobutene was used to fabricate our design and its switching property was demonstrated using the thermooptic effect. The measured crosstalk is approximately -24 dB in both states with rise-time and fall-time 140 and 210 /spl mu/s, respectively.
Confocal imaging of [Ca2+] in cellular organelles by SEER, shifted excitation and emission ratioing of fluorescence

Intracellular calcium signals regulate multiple cellular functions. They depend on release of Ca2+ from cellular stores into the cytosol, a process that appears to be tightly controlled by changes in [Ca2+] within the store. A method to image free [Ca2+] within cellular organelles was devised, which provided the first quantitative confocal images of [Ca2+] inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle. The method exploits, for greater sensitivity, the dual spectral shifts that some fluorescent dyes undergo upon binding Ca2+. It was implemented with mag‐indo‐1 trapped in the intracellular organelles of frog skeletal muscle and validated showing that it largely monitors [Ca2+] in a caffeine‐sensitive compartment with the structure of the SR cisternae. A tentative calibration in situ demonstrated an increase in the dye's dissociation constant, not unlike that observed for other dyes in cellular environments. This increase, together with other characteristics of the ratioing method, placed the half‐signal [Ca2+] near 1 mm, a value suitable for cellular stores. Demonstrated advantages of the technique include accuracy (that of a calibrated ratiometric method), dynamic range and sensitivity (from the combination of two spectral shifts), spatial and temporal resolution, and compatibility with a vast array of visible dyes to monitor diverse aspects of cellular function. SEER (shifted excitation and emission ratioing) also provides a [Ca2+]‐independent measure of dye concentration in the cell. Store and mitochondrial [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]SR and [Ca2+]mito) could be measured separately using the high spatial resolution of SEER. Evolution of [Ca2+]SR was followed upon changes in cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]cyto). At [Ca2+]cyto= 100 nm, [Ca2+]mito remained near the lower limit of detection and [Ca2+]SR stabilized at values that were submillimolar according to our tentative calibration. Steady [Ca2+]SR was only slightly higher in 800 nm[Ca2+]cyto, and essentially did not decrease unless [Ca2+]cyto was reduced below 10 nm. While the increase of [Ca2+]SR was limited by loss through Ca2+ release channels, its decrease in low [Ca2+]cyto was largely dependent on leaks through the SR Ca2+ pump.
A genome scan for diabetic nephropathy in African Americans.

BACKGROUND There is substantial evidence for a genetic contribution to diabetic nephropathy susceptibility in the African American population, but little is known about location or identity of susceptibility genes. METHODS DNA samples were collected from 206 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD)/nephropathy-affected sib pairs from 166 African American families (355 affected individuals). A genome scan was performed and data analyzed using nonparametric linkage regression (NPLR) analysis and ordered subsets analysis (OSA) methods. RESULTS In initial NPLR analyses no logarithm of odds (LOD) scores >2.0 were observed. Four loci had LOD scores > or =1.0, with LOD = 1.43 at 29 cM on chromosome 7p the highest. NPLR analyses of multilocus interactions detected 6 loci (7p, 12p, 14q, 16p, 18q, and 21q) with LOD scores 1.15 to 1.63. NPLR analyses evaluating phenotypic interactions revealed multiple locations with evidence (P < 0.05) for interactions with age-at-onset of ESRD (9 loci), duration of diabetes before onset of ESRD (19 loci), and age-at-onset of diabetes (14 loci). Several loci identified by NPLR analyses were also identified using OSA. OSA revealed evidence for a nephropathy locus at 135 cM on chromosome 3 in an estimated 29% of the families (LOD = 4.55 in the optimal subset). Additional linkage evidence, LOD = 3.59, was observed on chromosome 7p (37% of the families, longer duration of diabetes prior to diagnosis of ESRD), and 18q (max. LOD = 3.72; 64% of the families, early diabetes diagnosis). The 7p linkage has been observed in a recent genome scan of African American type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION This first genome scan of diabetic nephropathy in African Americans reveals evidence for susceptibility loci on chromosomes 3q, 7p, and 18q. The 7p locus may represent a type 2 diabetes susceptibility locus.
The E2A splice variant E47 regulates the differentiation of projection neurons via p57(KIP2) during cortical development

During corticogenesis, distinct classes of neurons are born from progenitor cells located in the ventricular and subventricular zones, from where they migrate towards the pial surface to assemble into highly organized layer-specific circuits. However, the precise and coordinated transcriptional network activity defining neuronal identity is still not understood. Here, we show that genetic depletion of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor E2A splice variant E47 increased the number of Tbr1-positive deep layer and Satb2-positive upper layer neurons at E14.5, while depletion of the alternatively spliced E12 variant did not affect layer-specific neurogenesis. While ChIP-Seq identified a big overlap for E12- and E47-specific binding sites in embryonic NSCs, including sites at the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) Cdkn1c gene locus, RNA-Seq revealed a unique transcriptional regulation by each splice variant. E47 activated the expression of the CDKI Cdkn1c through binding to a distal enhancer. Finally, overexpression of E47 in embryonic NSCs in vitro impaired neurite outgrowth, and overexpression of E47 in vivo by in utero electroporation disturbed proper layer-specific neurogenesis and upregulated p57(KIP2) expression. Overall, this study identifies E2A target genes in embryonic NSCs and demonstrates that E47 regulates neuronal differentiation via p57(KIP2). Summary: The bHLH TF E2A splice variant E47 regulates the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57(KIP2) via a distant regulatory cis-element to specify the identity of neural subtypes during mid-neurogenesis.
The effectiveness of the nationwide BokSmart rugby injury prevention program on catastrophic injury rates

Rugby Union (“rugby”) participants have a higher than average risk of injury compared with participants of other popular team sports. BokSmart, a nationwide injury prevention program was launched in South Africa in mid‐2009, with the goal of reducing catastrophic head/neck (serious) injuries in players. The program provides injury prevention information to coaches and referees. This study investigated if BokSmart has been associated with a reduction in these injuries. The BokSmart program collected data on all South African rugby‐related serious injuries since 2008. Using a Poisson regression, injury numbers were compared pre‐BokSmart (2008–2009) to the years post‐implementation (2010–2013). Player numbers were assumed to be constant throughout this evaluation: junior = 529 483; senior = 121 663. In junior players, the “post‐BokSmart” period had 2.5 less annual serious injuries than “pre‐BokSmart” (incidence rate ratio: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.5–0.7, P < 0.000). In contrast, there was no significant difference in these periods in seniors. The absence of effect in seniors may be a result of fewer players or of differences in effectiveness of BokSmart in this group – future studies should investigate these questions.
The London Underground: dust and hazards to health

Aims: To assess hazards associated with exposure to dust in the London Underground railway and to provide an informed opinion on the risks to workers and the travelling public of exposure to tunnel dust. Methods: Concentrations of dust, as mass (PM2.5) and particle number, were measured at different underground stations and in train cabs; its size and composition were analysed; likely maximal exposures of staff and passengers were estimated; and in vitro toxicological testing of sample dusts in comparison with other dusts was performed. Results: Concentrations on station platforms were 270–480 μg/m3 PM2.5 and 14 000–29 000 particles/cm3. Cab concentrations over a shift averaged 130–200 μg/m3 and 17 000–23 000 particles/cm3. The dust comprised by mass approximately 67% iron oxide, 1–2% quartz, and traces of other metals, the residue being volatile matter. The finest particles are drawn underground from the surface while the coarser dust is generated by interaction of brakes, wheels, and rails. Taking account of durations of exposure, drivers and station staff would have maximum exposures of about 200 μg/m3 over eight hours; the occupational exposure standard for welding fume, as iron oxide, is 5 mg/m3 over an eight hour shift. Toxicology showed the dust to have cytotoxic and inflammatory potential at high doses, consistent with its composition largely of iron oxide. Discussion: It is unjustifiable to compare PM2.5 exposure underground with that on the surface, since the adverse effects of iron oxide and combustion generated particles differ. Concentrations of ultrafine particles are lower and of coarser (PM2.5) particles higher underground than on the surface. The concentrations underground are well below allowable workplace concentrations for iron oxide and unlikely to represent a significant cumulative risk to the health of workers or commuters.
Two distinct origins of a common BRCA1 mutation in breast-ovarian cancer families: a genetic study of 15 185delAG-mutation kindreds.

We screened 163 women from breast-ovarian cancer-prone families, as well as 178 individuals affected with breast and/or ovarian cancer but unselected for family history, for germ-line mutations in exon 2 of BRCA1, by SSCP analysis and direct sequencing. A total of 25 mutations were detected. Thirteen of 64 Jewish Ashkenazi women and 2 non-Jewish individuals were found to possess the 185delAG mutation. Haplotype data for all 15 individuals, with markers intragenic to BRCA1, suggest that the Jewish Ashkenazi individuals share a common ancestry that is distinct from the lineage shared by the other two women. These data provide the first evidence of two distinct lines of transmission for the 185delAG mutation, only one of which has its origins in the Jewish Ashkenazi population. Our screening also uncovered 10 affected individuals with an 11-bp deletion at nucleotide 188 of BRCA1 (188del11), 4 of whom are Ashkenazi Jews. This is only the third reported mutation detected within the Jewish Ashkenazi population and may represent the second most common alteration in BRCA1 found in Ashkenazi Jews in the United States. The observed overrepresentation of specific mutations within a subgroup of the general population may eventually contribute to the development of inexpensive and routine tests for BRCA1 mutations, as well as to the elucidation of other contributory factors (e.g., diet, environment, and chemical exposures) that may play a key role in cancer initiation and development. The implications of the mutational data, as well as the role that founder effect, demographic history, and penetrance play in the resulting observed phenomena, are discussed.
MONETARY POLICY PASS-THROUGH, EXCESS LIQUIDITY AND PRICE SPILLOVER: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CONVENTIONAL AND ISLAMIC BANKS OF PAKISTAN

This study investigates the comparative pass-through of policy rate to the retailprices, spillover of prices between Islamic and conventional banking systems, and theimpact of excess liquidity on these pass-throughs using data from interbank marketof Pakistan. The results suggest that the monetary policy shock affect retail prices ofIslamic banks similar to conventional banks, confirming the results of earlier studies.Moreover, there is a strong spillover between the prices of two systems; Islamicbanks are following (leading) the conventional banks in pricing the lending (deposit)products. Islamic bank has acquired advantage in the deposit pricing by taping thereligious depositors, which also may have promoted financial inclusion therebycontributing to the economic growth and improved income distribution in the society.Our findings suggest that the presence of excess liquidity have no effect on passthroughof policy rate in the Islamic system, which is contrary to the prevalent notion.However, excess liquidity significantly affects the spillovers of prices between thesystems. These results support the hypothesis that the Islamic banks are investing ininterest-based government securities indirectly via conventional banks. Our findingsmay help in enhancing the regulatory efficiency of the central banks and the conduct ofthe monetary policy in the countries where dual banking system exists.
Adults with intellectual disabilities and their carers as researchers and participants in a RCT.

BACKGROUND This article describes the process of including people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and carers of people with ID as researchers and participants in randomised controlled trial (RCT) research. People with ID are rarely involved in research about their health, either as researchers or participants. Carers are often included as research informants, but family carers are rarely involved as researchers. METHOD Four teams of researchers each comprising a researcher with ID, a supporting professional and a carer researcher, were recruited to complete a health intervention RCT. Accessible measures were selected and/or devised. Baseline interviews were completed by researchers with ID and/or carers of people with ID by asking participants with ID and/or carers of the participant about the health of the person with ID. Follow-up health interviews were administered after the intervention had been in place for a year. RESULTS The researchers completed 331 interviews with carers and 196 with participants with ID. Over 50% of participants with ID completed baseline assessments. Positive feedback on the process and outcomes was given by the researchers involved. CONCLUSION The inclusion of people with ID both as researchers and as participants was achieved through an appropriate design, strong research partnerships, adequate and flexible resources, promotion of teamwork and a strong task focus.
Closed-loop glycemic control for critically ill subjects based on data-driven model predictive control

Hyperglycemia is a frequent and serious issue in the intensive care units (ICU), which can result in negative outcomes or even death. Closed-loop glycemic control is a promising direction to deal with this issue. Through reducing the blood glucose level, negative outcomes and even mortality can be minimized. As a closed-loop control method, model predictive control (MPC) performs well in glycemic control due to its super ability of dealing with constraints and time delays. However, conventional MPC encounters difficulties when it is used in the ICU, because the individualized model of an ICU patient is usually unknown. Therefore, an online subspace identification method (SIM) was used to identify one subject's individualized model; based on this model, MPC was implemented to design the insulin delivery rate automatically. This combination is termed as a SIM-based model predictive control (SIM-MPC) method, categorized as a data-driven control method. The effectiveness and robustness of the SIM-MPC method have been validated by using some simulation tests.
A Critical Role for HSP90 in Cancer Cell Invasion Involves Interaction with the Extracellular Domain of HER-2*

HSP90 is a ubiquitously expressed molecular chaperone that controls the folding, assembly, intracellular disposition, and proteolytic turnover of many proteins, most of which are involved in signal transduction processes. Recently, a surface form of HSP90 has been identified and associated with cell migration events. In this paper, we explore the interaction of surface HSP90 with HER-2, a receptor-like glycoprotein and member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases that play central roles in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration as well as in cancer progress. The involvement of HSP90 in the regulation of HER-2 has been attributed so far to receptor stabilization via interaction with its cytoplasmic kinase domain. Here we present evidence, using glutathione S-transferase pull-down and transfection assays, for a novel interaction between surface HSP90 and the extracellular domain of HER-2. Specific disruption of this interaction using mAb 4C5, a function-blocking monoclonal antibody against HSP90, inhibits cell invasion accompanied by altered actin dynamics in human breast cancer cells under ligand stimulation conditions with heregulin. Additionally, disruption of surface HSP90/HER-2 interaction leads to inhibition of heregulin-induced HER-2-HER-3 heterodimer formation, reduced HER-2 phosphorylation, and impaired downstream kinase signaling. Interestingly, this disruption does not affect HER-2 internalization. Our data suggest that surface HSP90 is involved in heregulin-induced HER-2 activation and signaling, leading to cytoskeletal rearrangement, essential for cell invasion.