Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of multiobjective differential fuzzy clustering with ANN classifier for unsupervised pattern classification: Application to microarray analysis

Microarray technology has made it possible to monitor the expression levels of many genes simultaneously across a number of experimental conditions. Fuzzy clustering is an important tool for analyzing microarray gene expression data. However, this fact motivated us to present a new multiobjective evolutionary algorithm using differential evolution and artificial neural network (ANN) classifier for fuzzy clustering. The proposed approach has two-phases, in one phase, it optimizes multiple cluster validity measures simultaneously to get the resultant set of near-pareto-optimal solutions which contains number of nondominated solutions and in other phase, fraction of the data points selected from different clusters based on their proximity to the respective centres of each clusters for each of the nondominated solutions and thereafter fuzzy voting technique is used to generate the train data set for ANN classifier to classify the remaining data points. Our hybrid approach is tested for two publicly available benchmark microarray data sets. Our results are compared with respect to the multiobjective genetic fuzzy clustering algorithm that used NSGA-II, which is a state-of-the-art for MOEA. Also biological significance test has been carried out using a web based gene annotation tool to show that the proposed method is able to produce biologically relevant clusters of co-expressed genes.
Perceptual judgment of abruptness of voice onset in vowels as a function of the amplitude envelope.

Four experienced speakers were trained to produce isolated vowels with different degrees of abruptness of voice onset while keeping the maximum sound level and the duration of the sounds constant. A total of 420 vowel tokens were rated for abruptness of voice onset by 11 trained speech scientists in order to study the reliability of the ratings, which was found to be moderately high (r1,1 = .74 with an extremely large range of the stimuli). Next a number of simple descriptions of the rising slope of the amplitude envelope are developed. It appears that the logarithm of the time needed for the amplitude envelope to rise from 10% to 90% of its eventual maximum level is the best predictor of perceived abruptness of voice onset of the measures examined in this study. Based on this result, an inexpensive instrument is described that can help the speech-language pathologist in assessing abruptness of voice onset in clinical practice.
A Legacy of Scholarship in Which Every Student Affairs Professional Can Be Proud

The Journal of College Student Development (JCSD) is a reservoir of knowledge chronicling the best thinking of student affairs scholars and practitioners about the growth and development of college students, and the profession of student affairs for the past 50 years. It is the only tier 1 journal in the field of student affairs and it is among the most competitive peer­reviewed journals in higher education. JCSD grew up with the profession of student affairs. As such, it provides a unique opportunity to view the evolution of scholarship in the field. In this essay, I identify five themes of scholarship revealed in JCSD during the past 50 years, explore how communities of scholarship in student affairs influenced JCSD, and comment on how research methods have influenced this scholarship.
Anti Ingel Control a Robot via VEP Using Emotiv EPOC

This thesis describes an SSVEP-based BCI implemented as a practical part of this work. One possible usage of a BCI that efficiently implements a communication channel between the brain and an external device would be to help severely disabled people to control devices that currently require pushing buttons, for example an electric wheelchair. The BCI implemented as a part of this thesis uses widely known PSDA and CCA feature extraction methods and introduces a new way to combine these methods. Combining different methods improves the performance of a BCI. The application was tested only superficially and the following results were obtained: 2.61± 0.28 s target detection time, 85.81 ± 6.39 % accuracy and 27.73 ± 5.11 bits/min ITR. The implemented BCI is opensource, written in Python 2.7, has graphical user interface and uses inexpensive EEG device called Emotiv EPOC. The BCI requires only a computer and Emotiv EPOC, no additional hardware is needed. Different EEG devices could be used after modifying the code.
Initiation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Transcription is Inhibited by Noncytolytic CD8+ Suppression

The replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can be inhibited by noncytolytic CD8+ T cell mediated suppression, an immune response that specifically targets HIV-1 gene expression. Clinical studies demonstrate that this immune response may play an important role in the host defense against HIV infection. In this study, we examined the distinct steps in viral gene expression for inhibition by noncytolytic CD8+ T cells. A primary HIV-1 infection system of CD4+ enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells was utilized to examine the HIV-1 life cycle as a relevant ex vivo system. Established CD8+ T cell lines from two HIV+ long-term nonprogressors were used to examine differences at the level of transcriptional initiation and elongation of the HIV genome. This infection system coupled with the results from real-time measurement of newly transcribed RNA transcripts determined that there was a significant decrease (5-8 fold) in short intracellular viral RNA transcripts. These data strongly favor a role for the initiation of virus transcription in noncytolytic CD8+ T cell mediated suppression.
A reexamination of the neighborhood as a socio-spatial schema

Lee's conception of the “socio-spatial schema” was reexamined for a sample of respondents from a British new town. Results showed that over half of the respondents differentiated their neighborhoods from smaller “areas of belonging” and that neither the neighborhood nor area of belonging corresponded well to ecological concrptions of a “natural area. ” Discriminant analysis revealed that differences betwren respondents who provided one neighborhood versus those who distinguished a neighborhood from an area of belonging had empirical significance. These two groups were discriminated on the basis of four components of community satisfaction, that is, distance from the town center, proximity of friends, length of residence, and respondent age. Size of the neighborhood was found to be a function of the location of the neighborhood center and length of residence. Size of the area of belonging was related to length of residence and proximity of relatives. Results are discussed in relation to the socio-spatial methodology, the neighborhood concept, and differences between these findings and previous research, especially as related to the residential location of friends and relatives.
The dilemma of case‐based teaching and learning in science in Hong Kong: Students need it, want it, but may not value it

The paper reports a study for determining a suitable process for converting traditional surface science courses into case‐based learning ones in two universities in Hong Kong. In this preparative study, a set of baseline data was collected on the current level of students’ conceptual understanding and also students’ perceptions about the traditional courses. The student data (from 38 students) came from examination results, the Study Process Questionnaire, a course‐end survey and a focus group meeting; teachers also kept reflective journals. This set of baseline data revealed factors that both support and inhibit case‐based learning. On the one hand, students demonstrate a motivation to be able to solve practical problems in this field; on the other hand, they show an unwillingness to take up a personal responsibility for learning. This finding strengthens our resolve to take into account students’ expectations and beliefs in the implementation of case‐based teaching and learning.
The Effect of Cognitive Load on a Statistical Dialogue System

In recent years statistical dialogue systems have gained significant attention due to their potential to be more robust to speech recognition errors. However, these systems must also be robust to changes in user behaviour caused by cognitive loading. In this paper, a statistical dialogue system providing restaurant information is evaluated in a set-up where the subjects used a driving simulator whilst talking to the system. The influences of cognitive loading were investigated and some clear differences in behaviour were discovered. In particular, it was found that users chose to respond to different system questions and use different speaking styles, which indicate the need for an incremental dialogue approach.
Bone mesenchymal stem cells co-expressing VEGF and BMP-6 genes to combat avascular necrosis of the femoral head

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) treated with a combination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6) genes for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). Rat BMSCs were isolated and purified using a density gradient centrifugation method. The purity and characteristics of the BMSCs were detected by cell surface antigens identification using flow cytometry. The experimental groups were administered with one of the following adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector constructs: AAV-green fluorescent protein (AAV-GFP), AAV-BMP-6, AAV-VEGF or AAV-VEGF-BMP-6. The expression of VEGF and BMP-6 was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and ELISA assays. The effects of VEGF and BMP-6 on BMSCs were evaluated by angiogenic and osteogenic assays. The transfected BMSCs were combined with a biomimetic synthetic scaffold poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLAGA) and they were then subcutaneously implanted into nude mice. After four weeks, the implants were analyzed with histology and subsequent immunostaining to evaluate the effects of BMSCs on blood vessel and bone formation in vivo. In the AAV-VEGF-BMP-6 group, the expression levels of VEGF and BMP-6 were significantly increased and human umbilical vein endothelial cells tube formation was significantly enhanced compared with other groups. Capillaries and bone formation in the AAV-VEGF-BMP-6 group was significantly higher compared with the other groups. The results of the present study suggest that BMSCs expressing both VEGF and BMP-6 induce an increase in blood vessels and bone formation, which provides theoretical support for ANFH gene therapy.
Comprehension Skill and Word-to-Text Integration Processes

SUMMARY We examine comprehension skill differences in the processes of word-to-text integration, the connection of the meaning of a word, as it is read, to a representation of the text. We review two ‘on-line’ integration studies using event related potentials (ERPs) to provide fine-grain temporal data on the word-to-text processes of adult readers. The studies demonstrate indicators for word-to-text integration and show differences in these indicators as a function of adult reading comprehension skill. For skilled comprehenders, integration processes were reflected in N400 indicators when a critical word had an explicit link to a word in the prior text and by both N400 and P300 indicators when its meaning was a paraphrase of a prior word. When forward inferences were required for subsequent word-to-text integration, effects for skilled comprehenders were not reliable. Less skilled comprehenders showed delayed and less robust ERP effects, especially when meaning paraphrase was the basis of the integration. We discuss the significance of skill differences in integration processes with a focus on the use of context-dependent word meaning as a possible source of these differences. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Secondary Structure Prediction Using Support Vector Machines, Nueral Networks and Genetic Algorithms

Bioinformatics techniques to protein secondary structure prediction mostly depend on the information available in amino acid sequence. Support vector machines (SVM) have shown strong generalization ability in a number of application areas, including protein structure prediction. In this study, a new sliding window scheme is introduced with multiple windows to form the protein data for training and testing SVM. Orthogonal encoding scheme coupled with BLOSUM62 matrix is used to make the prediction. First the prediction of binary classifiers using multiple windows is compared with single window scheme, the results shows single window not to be good in all cases. Two new classifiers are introduced for effective tertiary classification. This new classifiers use neural networks and genetic algorithms to optimize the accuracy of the tertiary classifier. The accuracy level of the new architectures are determined and compared with other studies. The tertiary architecture is better than most available techniques. vector machine (SVM), tertiary classifier. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to take this opportunity to thank many people without whom this thesis would not have been accomplished. First and foremost, I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr. Yanqing Zhang. I was able to achieve this task, with his help, guidance, encouragement, and the time that he has spent on directing my thesis. I also wish to thank my thesis committee members, Dr. Saeid Belkasim and Dr. Yingshu Li, for taking time to evaluate my simulation results and to review my thesis document. I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Hyunsoo Kim from Georgia Tech, who helped me understand the PSSM profiling. I would like to thank my fellow department members and all my friends, who patiently listen to all my doubts and queries and helped me in many ways. Last but not least, I wish to express my gratitude to my parents and my brother who have pushed me this far. I most certainly should thank my husband Ashraf, who supported me and encouraged me even when I kept bugging him. Declaration I hereby declare that, except where otherwise indicated, this document is entirely my own work and has not been submitted in whole or in part to any other university.
T&F Proofs: Not For Distribution 13 On Lexical Structure and Syntactic Projection

A central assumption in generative grammar research on the relationship between syntax and the lexicon is that syntax is a projection of the lexicon. The structure of sentences is a refl ection of the lexical properties of the individual lexical items they contain. In the standard view, each lexical item is associated with a lexical entry that contains three kinds of information, as indicated in (1):
Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms with Matrix Detachable Coils: Midterm Anatomic Follow-Up from a Prospective Multicenter Registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Polyglycolic/polylactic acid–covered platinum coils have been proposed to reduce the rate of aneurysm recanalization after endovascular treatment. A prospective and multicenter registry was conducted in France to evaluate the safety and short-term and midterm efficacy of Matrix coils. This analysis focused on anatomic midterm results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred thirty-six patients harboring 244 ruptured or unruptured aneurysms treated via endovascular approach by using Matrix coils were included in this registry. Treatment was totally or partially performed by using Matrix coils. Anatomic results were evaluated on postoperative and last-follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by using the Raymond scale. “Recanalization” was defined as worsening, and “progressive thrombosis” was defined as improvement on the Raymond scale. RESULTS: Anatomic midterm follow-up was obtained in 165 of 236 patients (70%) harboring 171 aneurysms (range, 6–27 months; mean, 14 ± 4 months). At midterm follow-up angiography, 79 aneurysms were completely occluded (46.2%), 43 had a neck remnant (25.1%), and 49 had an aneurysm remnant (28.7%). Of 171 aneurysms, recanalization was observed in 44 patients (25.7%), including major recanalization in 18 patients (10.5%). Recanalization was more frequent if the embolized volume of aneurysm was ≤25%. Progressive thrombosis was observed in 52 aneurysms (30%). No bleeding or rebleeding was observed during the period of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of Matrix coils in preventing recanalization was not demonstrated in our series. In agreement with previous studies using bare platinum coils, volumic occlusion was an important feature for the prediction of aneurysm recanalization. A high percentage of progressive thrombosis in incompletely treated aneurysms was observed in our series, suggesting a biologic activity of Matrix coils.
Many-to-Many Superpixel Matching for Robust Tracking

We present a robust tracking method based on many-to-many image superpixel matching (MMM). Our MMM tracker represents a target and its background using two sets of superpixels. Multiple hypotheses for superpixel matching are considered for better tracking performance. For each superpixel in an input image, k matching candidates are searched in the representative sets using approximate k-NN searching. The degree of matching is measured using foreground likelihood and matching probability assignment. The superpixel matching results are projected onto a displacement confidence map that depicts the motion probabilities of all the superpixels. During the projection, the displacements confidence of the superpixels are regularized by kernel methods. We estimate the target position by searching for the maximum probability on the displacement confidence map. The experimental results confirm that our superpixel matching achieves better performance than other trackers.
The Effect of Explicit and Direct Generative Strategy Training and Working Memory on Word Problem-Solving Accuracy in Children at Risk for Math Difficulties

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of explicit, direct, and generative strategy training and working memory capacity (WMC) on mathematical word problem-solving accuracy in elementary schoolchildren. In this study, children in third grade (N = 82) identified as at risk for math difficulties (MD) were randomly assigned (within classrooms) to one of three treatment conditions that explicitly directed students’ attention to different propositions within word problems—paraphrase question propositions (Restate), paraphrase relevant propositions (Relevant), and paraphrase all propositions (Complete)—or an untreated control condition. A significant treatment by covariate design indicated that generative strategy outcomes were conditional on the level of pretest WMC. A clear advantage in posttest problem-solving accuracy and solution planning was found for the complete generative condition relative to the control condition, but this advantage was conditional on setting WMC to a high level. Although no significant treatment advantages were found for solution accuracy when WMC was set to a low level, treatment advantages relative to the control condition were found for measures of schema activation. The results indicated that the effectiveness of generative strategies among children at risk for MD was directly dependent on the level of WMC.
Assessing the Population Status of a Tree Species Using Distance Sampling: Aquilaria crassna (Thymelaeaceae) in Northern Laos

Lack of reliable and accurate field data affect assessments of population status of tree species, especially tropical taxa with broad distributions. Use of distance sampling techniques may help to overcome the problem. This paper describes a method for estimation of absolute density of a rare tree species with scattered and clumped distribution, using line transect distance sampling. The method was applied to previously harvested populations of Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex H. Lec. (Thymelaeaceae) at four sites in Northern Laos. This species is destructively harvested to yield agarwood, probably the world’s most valuable nontimber forest product and categorised as ”critically endangered“. The average density of felled A. crassna trees at the four sites was 2.2 ha−1, indicating that harvesting has been extensive. However, the estimated densities of living saplings, 10.9 ha−1, small trees (DBH < 10 cm), 10.6 ha−1, and larger trees (DBH ≥ 10 cm), 1.7 ha−1, suggest that populations are not wiped flat. The survey method should stand a good chance of wider use as a tool in management and conservation of a wide range of tree species. Results of the present case study could suggest that the conservation status of A. crassna should be re-categorised.
Norbin ablation results in defective adult hippocampal neurogenesis and depressive-like behavior in mice

Significance G protein-coupled receptors constitute an important class of receptors and represent a family of choice for therapeutic interventions for multiple diseases and disorders. One of these metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluR5, is highly relevant because of its biological importance for various medical conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD). In a search of mGluR5 modulators we identified Norbin as a key regulator. Here we demonstrate in vivo that Norbin significantly influences hippocampal neurogenesis and that both the proliferation and survival of newborn neurons are impaired in the absence of Norbin. Furthermore, the use of three well-established behavioral paradigms indicated that Norbin-KO mice display depressive-like characteristics. Thus interventions that could boost Norbin function might be beneficial to treat MDD symptoms. Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus subgranular zone is associated with the etiology and treatment efficiency of depression. Factors that affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis have been shown to contribute to the neuropathology of depression. Glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter, plays a critical role in different aspects of neurogenesis. Of the eight metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), mGluR5 is the most highly expressed in neural stem cells. We previously identified Norbin as a positive regulator of mGluR5 and showed that its expression promotes neurite outgrowth. In this study, we investigated the role of Norbin in adult neurogenesis and depressive-like behaviors using Norbin-deficient mice. We found that Norbin deletion significantly reduced hippocampal neurogenesis; specifically, the loss of Norbin impaired the proliferation and maturation of newborn neurons without affecting cell-fate specification of neural stem cells/neural progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs). Norbin is highly expressed in the granular neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, but it is undetectable in NSCs/NPCs or immature neurons, suggesting that the effect of Norbin on neurogenesis is likely caused by a nonautonomous niche effect. In support of this hypothesis, we found that the expression of a cell–cell contact gene, Desmoplakin, is greatly reduced in Norbin-deletion mice. Moreover, Norbin-KO mice show an increased immobility in the forced-swim test and the tail-suspension test and reduced sucrose preference compared with wild-type controls. Taken together, these results show that Norbin is a regulator of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and that its deletion causes depressive-like behaviors.