Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Pruned K-Nearest Neighbors: OP-KNN Application to Financial Modeling

The paper proposes a methodology called OP-KNN, which builds a one hidden-layer feed forward neural network, using nearest neighbors neurons with extremely small computational time. The main strategy is to select the most relevant variables beforehand, then to build the model using KNN kernels. Multi-response sparse regression (MRSR) is used as the second step in order to rank each k-th nearest neighbor and finally as a third step leave-one-out estimation is used to select the number of neighbors and to estimate the generalization performances. This new methodology is tested on a toy example and is applied to financial modeling.
Serum lipid levels during carbamazepine medication. A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate serum lipid levels during carbamazepine medication. DESIGN A 5-year prospective follow-up study. SETTING Outpatient department, University Central Hospital of Oulu (Finland). PATIENTS Thirty-six consecutive untreated patients with recently diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy. All patients completed the 1-year follow-up, and 19 patients completed the 5-year follow-up. INTERVENTIONS The patients were treated with carbamazepine for their newly diagnosed seizure disorder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum lipid levels were followed up during the medication use. RESULTS Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations increased after 2 months of treatment with carbamazepine and remained high after 1 and 5 years. Furthermore, concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides increased transiently during the first year of medication. The increase in serum total cholesterol levels correlated with an increase in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Serum lipid levels change during carbamazepine medication; the increase in serum concentrations of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol seems permanent, but the increase in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels is transient. The change in lipid metabolism may be associated with induction of the liver enzymes during carbamazepine medication. The increase in serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may have clinical relevance with regard to the incidence of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in patients with epilepsy receiving carbamazepine medication.
Iterative Consolidation of Unorganized Point Clouds

Unorganized point clouds obtained from 3D shape acquisition devices usually present noise, outliers, and nonuniformities. The proposed framework consolidates unorganized points through an iterative procedure of interlaced downsampling and upsampling. Selection operations remove outliers while preserving geometric details. The framework improves the uniformity of points by moving the downsampled particles and refining point samples. Surface extrapolation fills missed regions. Moreover, an adaptive sampling strategy speeds up the iterations. Experimental results demonstrate the framework's effectiveness.
Orienting the finger opposition space during prehension movements.

Two experiments are reported that examined the act of prehension when subjects were asked to grasp with their thumb and index finger pads an elongated object resting horizontally on a surface and placed at different orientations with respect to the subject. In Experiment 1, the pad opposition preferences were determined for the six angles of orientation examined. For angles of 90 degrees (object parallel to frontal plane) or less, no rotation of the wrist (pronation) was used; for angles 110 degrees or greater, pronation was systematically employed to reorient the finger opposition space. Only one angle, 100 degrees , produced any evidence of ambiguity in how to grasp the object: Approximately 60% of these grasps involved pronation and 40% did not. Using the foregoing grasp preference data, in Experiment 2 we examined the kinematics of the wrist and elbow trajectories during prehension movements directed at an object in different orientations. Movement time, time to peak acceleration, velocity, and deceleration were measured. No kinematic differences were observed when the object orientation either required (110 degrees ) or did not require (80 degrees ) a pronation. By contrast, if the orientation was changed at the onset of the movement, such that an unpredicted pronation had to be introduced to achieve the grasp, kinematics were affected: Movement time was increased, and the time devoted to deceleration was lengthened. These data are interpreted as evidence that when natural prehension occurs, pronation can be included in the motor plan without affecting the movement kinematics. When constraints are imposed on the movement execution as a consequence of a perturbation, however, the introduction of a pronation component requires kinematic rearrangement.
The CALMODULIN-BINDING PROTEIN60 Family Includes Both Negative and Positive Regulators of Plant Immunity1[W][OPEN]

The Arabidopsis gene CBP60a encodes a negative regulator of immunity that represses salicylic acid synthesis and defense gene expression. Two members of the eight-member CALMODULIN-BINDING PROTEIN60 (CBP60) gene family, CBP60g and SYSTEMIC ACQUIRED RESISTANCE DEFICIENT1 (SARD1), encode positive regulators of plant immunity that promote the production of salicylic acid (SA) and affect the expression of SA-dependent and SA-independent defense genes. Here, we investigated the other six family members in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Only cbp60a mutations affected growth of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola ES4326. In contrast to cbp60g and sard1 mutations, cbp60a mutations reduced pathogen growth, indicating that CBP60a is a negative regulator of immunity. Bacterial growth was increased by cbp60g only in the presence of CBP60a, while the increase in growth due to sard1 was independent of CBP60a, suggesting that the primary function of CBP60g may be to counter the repressive effect of CBP60a. In the absence of pathogen, levels of SA as well as of several SA-dependent and SA-independent pathogen-inducible genes were higher in cbp60a plants than in the wild type, suggesting that the enhanced resistance of cbp60a plants may result from the activation of immune responses prior to pathogen attack. CBP60a bound calmodulin, and the calmodulin-binding domain was defined at the C-terminal end of the protein. Transgenes encoding mutant versions of CBP60a lacking the ability to bind calmodulin failed to complement null cbp60a mutations, indicating that calmodulin-binding ability is required for the immunity-repressing function of CBP60a. Regulation at the CBP60 node involves negative regulation by CBP60a as well as positive regulation by CBP60g and SARD1, providing multiple levels of control over the activation of immune responses.
Unconditionally stable schemes for higher order inpainting

Higher order equations, when applied to image inpainting, have certain advantages over second order equations, such as continuation of both edge and intensity information over larger distances. Discretizing a fourth order evolution equation with a brute force method may restrict the time steps to a size up to orderx 4 wherex denotes the step size of the spatial grid. In this work we present efficient semi-implicit schemes that are guaranteed to be unconditionally stable. We explain the main idea of these schemes and present applications in image processing for inpainting with the Cahn-Hilliard equation, TV-H −1 inpainting, and inpainting with LCIS (low curvature image simplifiers).
Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Atherosclerosis Imaging

The production of magnetic nanoparticles of utmost quality for biomedical imaging requires several steps, from the synthesis of highly crystalline magnetic cores to the attachment of the different molecules on the surface. This last step probably plays the key role in the production of clinically useful nanomaterials. The attachment of the different biomolecules should be performed in a defined and controlled fashion, avoiding the random adsorption of the components that could lead to undesirable byproducts and ill-characterized surface composition. In this work, we review the process of creating new magnetic nanomaterials for imaging, particularly for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque, in vivo. Our focus will be in the different biofunctionalization techniques that we and several other groups have recently developed. Magnetic nanomaterial functionalization should be performed by chemoselective techniques. This approach will facilitate the application of these nanomaterials in the clinic, not as an exception, but as any other pharmacological compound.
Stereoselective disposition of mexiletine in man.

The pharmacokinetics of S-(+)- and R-(-)-mexiletine and of the corresponding conjugates were investigated in six healthy young volunteers after administration of a single 200 mg oral dose of racemic mexiletine hydrochloride. The values for the distribution rate constants as well as for the elimination half-lives of the two enantiomers were similar but the AUC of the S-(+)-enantiomer was always significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than that of the opposite enantiomer. The mean R/S ratios for unchanged mexiletine in serum and in urine were 0.78 +/- 0.12 (s.d.) and 0.80 +/- 0.21, respectively. Urinary excretion of mexiletine conjugates consisted mainly of the R-(-)-enantiomer; the mean R/S enantiomeric ratio over 48 h was 9.65 +/- 3.10. Serum concentrations of the conjugates were measured in three subjects. The mean R/S AUC ratio was 2.94 +/- 0.48 and the renal clearance of the R-(-)-enantiomer was significantly higher (P less than 0.02) than that of the S-(+)-enantiomer.
Ultrastructural Localization of β-Actin and Amphoterin mRNA in Cultured Cells: Application of Tyramide Signal Amplification and Comparison of Detection Methods

We describe a nonradioactive preembedding in situ hybridization protocol using digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes and tyramide signal amplification to increase the sensitivity of detection. The protocol is sensitive enough for electron microscopic localization of endogenous messenger RNAs encoding β-actin and amphoterin. Three visualization methods were compared: diaminobenzidine enhanced by nickel, Nanogold enhanced by silver and gold toning, and fluorescently labeled tyramides. Diaminobenzidine and Nanogold can be used in both light and electron microscopy. The nickel-enhanced diaminobenzidine was the most sensitive visualization method. It is easy to accomplish but a drawback is poor spatial resolution, which restricts its use at high magnifications. Nanogold visualization has considerably better spatial resolution and is therefore recommended for electron microscopy. Fluorescent tyramides, especially TRITC-tyramide, offer a good detection method for fluorescence and confocal microscopy. The methods were used to localize amphoterin and β-actin mRNAs in motile cells. Both mRNAs were found in the soma and cell processes. In double labeling experiments, β-actin mRNA localized to filamentous structures that also contained ribosomal proteins. Especially in the cortical cytoplasm, β-actin mRNA was associated with actin filaments. Direct localization to microtubules was only rarely seen.
Examining the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms for prediction of change prone classes

Managing change in the early stages of a software development life cycle is an effective strategy for developing a good quality software at low costs. In order to manage change, we use software quality models which can efficiently predict change prone classes and hence guide developers in appropriate distribution of limited resources. This study examines the effectiveness of ten machine learning algorithms for developing such software quality models on three object-oriented software data sets. We also compare the performance of machine learning algorithms with the widely used logistic regression technique and statistically rank various algwith the help of Friedman test.
Enhancing the Predictive Potential of Personality: Isolating Multiple Components of Trait Expression via a Single Administration Design

Abstract : Decades of research support that people behave differently in different situations. The focus of this research was on advancing the measurement of personality by more careful of consideration of situations. Specifically, this research proposed and evaluated a methodology for assessing multiple components of individuals' expression of their personality traits. These components include elements of personality that are stable across situations and those that vary depending on the particular situation that a person confronts. Historically, most of what the field of psychology knows about links between personality and valued outcomes such as job performance and employee turnover, are based on measures of personality that focus solely on the stable part of trait expression. As such, this research offers the potential to inform the development of personality measures that offer increased potential for predicting outcomes of interest to the Army and other organizations.
Generalized posterior probability for minimum error verification of recognized sentences

Generalized posterior probability (GPP) is investigated in this paper as a statistical confidence measure for verifying recognized sentences of a large vocabulary continuous speech recognition system (LVCSR). We optimize the GPP by training the exponential weights of the acoustic and language models and decision threshold to minimize total verification errors. Two utterance level confidence measures: generalized utterance posterior probability (GUPP) and product of generalized word posterior probabilities (GWPP) of component words in a string hypothesis are tested. When evaluated on the Chinese Basic Travel Expression Corpus (BTEC), 47.9% and 53.9% relative improvement of utterance confidence error rate (CER) have been obtained for the GUPP and product of GWPP confidence measures, respectively.
The Elusive Effects of Minimum Wages

The main theme of David Card and Alan Krueger's book, "Myth and Measurement: The New Economics of the Minimum Wage", is that the data do not support the view that minimum wages reduce employment. The most important chapter considers data for the fast food industry, where it is suggested that recent minimum wage increases may actually have increased employment, contrary to the standard theorem that labor demand curves slope down. A more reasonable view of the evidence, in this book and in many other studies going back to 1915, is that the employment effects of minimum wages are small, and difficult to detect in the noisy data available.
Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Misdiagnosed as a Nonsecreting Endocrine Tumor: Case Report and Review of the Literature

In a large series of nonselected autopsy investigations an accessory spleen was found in 10–30%. The second most common site is the pancreatic tail (17%). We report a case of intrapancreatic accessory spleen misdiagnosed as a nonsecreting neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. Nuclear scintigraphy may provide the definitive diagnosis of an intrapancreatic spleen and therefore prevent patients from unnecessary major surgery.
On the Fitting of Surfaces to Data with Covariances

We consider the problem of estimating parameters of a model described by an equation of special form. Specific models arise in the analysis of a wide class of computer vision problems, including conic fitting and estimation of the fundamental matrix. We assume that noisy data are accompanied by (known) covariance matrices characterizing the uncertainty of the measurements. A cost function is first obtained by considering a maximum-likelihood formulation and applying certain necessary approximations that render the problem tractable. A Newton-like iterative scheme is then generated for determining a minimizer of the cost function. Unlike alternative approaches such as Sampson's method or the renormalization technique, the new scheme has as its theoretical limit the minimizer of the cost function. Furthermore, the scheme is simply expressed, efficient, and unsurpassed as a general technique in our testing. An important feature of the method is that it can serve as a basis for conducting theoretical comparison of various estimation approaches.
Changing Language, Remaining Pygmy

Abstract In this article I am illustrating the linguistic diversity of African Pygmy populations in order to better address their anthropological diversity and history. I am also introducing a new method, based on the analysis of specialized vocabulary, to reconstruct the substratum of some languages they speak. I show that Pygmy identity is not based on their languages, which have often been borrowed from neighboring non-Pygmy farmer communities with whom each Pygmy group is linked. Understanding the nature of this partnership, quite variable in history, is essential to addressing Pygmy languages, identity, and history. Finally, I show that only a multidisciplinary approach is likely to push forward the understanding of African Pygmy societies as genetic, archeological, anthropological, and ethnological evidence suggest.
A Speech and Gesture Spatial Corpus in Assisted Living

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) is the name for a European technology and innovation funding programme. AAL research field is about intelligent assistant systems for a healthier and safer life in the preferred living environments through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). We focus specifically on speech and gesture interaction which can enhance the quality of lifestyle of people living in assistive environments, be they seniors or people with physical or cognitive disabilities. In this paper we describe our user study conducted in a lab at the University of Bremen in order to collect empirical speech and gesture data and later create and analyse a multimodal corpus. The user study is about a human user sitting in a wheelchair and performing certain inherently spatial tasks.
Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation and High-Throughput Sequencing ( MeDIP-seq ) Using Low Amounts of Genomic DNA

DNA modifications, such as methylation and hydroxymethylation, are pivotal players in modulating gene expression, genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, and silencing repetitive sequences during embryonic development. Aberrant DNA modifications lead to embryonic and postnatal abnormalities and serious human diseases, such as cancer. Comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation studies provide a way to thoroughly understand normal development and to identify potential epigenetic mutations in human diseases. Here we established a working protocol for methylated DNA immunoprecipitation combined with next-generation sequencing [methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP)-seq] for low starting amounts of genomic DNA. By using spike-in control DNA sets with standard cytosine, 5-methylcytosine (5mC), and 5hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), we demonstrate the preferential binding of antibodies to 5mC and 5hmC, respectively. MeDIP-PCRs successfully targeted highly methylated genomic loci with starting genomic DNA as low as 1 ng. The enrichment efficiency declined for constant spiked-in controls but increased for endogenous methylated regions. A MeDIP-seq library was constructed starting with 1 ng of DNA, with the majority of fragments between 250 bp and 600 bp. The MeDIP-seq reads showed higher quality than the Input control. However, after being preprocessed by Cutadapt, MeDIP (97.53%) and Input (94.98%) reads showed comparable alignment rates. SeqMonk visualization tools indicated MeDIP-seq reads were less uniformly distributed across the genome than Input reads. Several commonly known unmethylated and methylated genomic loci showed consistent methylation patterns in the MeDIP-seq data. Thus, we provide proof-of-principle that MeDIP-seq technology is feasible to profile genome-wide DNA methylation in minute DNA samples, such as oocytes, early embryos, and human biopsies.
LYN, a Key Gene From Bioinformatics Analysis, Contributes to Development and Progression of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Background Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a lethal malignancy whose incidence is rapidly growing in recent years. Previous reports suggested that Barrett’s esophagus (BE), which is represented by metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma transition, is regarded as the premalignant lesion of esophageal neoplasm. However, our knowledge about the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma is still very limited. Material/Methods In order to acquire better understanding about the pathological mechanisms in this field, we obtained gene profiling data on BE, esophageal adenocarcinoma patients, and normal controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Bioinformatics analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, were conducted. Results Our results revealed that several pathways, such as the wound healing, complement, and coagulation pathways, were closely correlated with cancer development and progression. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was discovered to be responsible for the predisposition stage of cancer; while response to stress, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, nod-like receptor signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction were chief contributors of cancer progression. More importantly, we discovered in this study that LYN was a critical gene. It was found to be the key nodule of several significant biological networks, which suggests its close correlation with cancer initiation and progression. Conclusions These results provided more information on the mechanisms of esophageal adenocarcinoma, which enlightened our way to the clinical discovery of novel therapeutic makers for conquering esophageal cancer. Keywords: esophageal adenocarcinoma; LYN; Go analysis; KEGG pathway.
High Frequency Trading and Price Discovery

We examine the role of high-frequency traders (HFTs) in price discovery and price efficiency. Overall HFTs facilitate price efficiency by trading in the direction of permanent price changes and in the opposite direction of transitory pricing errors, both on average and on the highest volatility days. This is done through their liquidity demanding orders. In contrast, HFTs' liquidity supplying orders are adversely selected. The direction of HFTs' trading predicts price changes over short horizons measured in seconds. The direction of HFTs' trading is correlated with public information, such as macro news announcements, market-wide price movements, and limit order book imbalances.