Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Point Symmetry-Based Clustering Technique for Automatic Evolution of Clusters

In this paper, a new symmetry-based genetic clustering algorithm is proposed which automatically evolves the number of clusters as well as the proper partitioning from a data set. Strings comprise both real numbers and the don't care symbol in order to encode a variable number of clusters. Here, assignment of points to different clusters are done based on a point symmetry (PS)-based distance rather than the Euclidean distance. A newly proposed PS-based cluster validity index, sym-index, is used as a measure of the validity of the corresponding partitioning. The algorithm is, therefore, able to detect both convex and nonconvex clusters irrespective of their sizes and shapes as long as they possess the symmetry property. Kd-tree-based nearest neighbor search is used to reduce the complexity of computing PS-based distance. A proof on the convergence property of variable string length genetic algorithm with PS- distance-based clustering (VGAPS-clustering) technique is also provided. The effectiveness of VGAPS-clustering compared to variable string length genetic K-means algorithm (GCUK-clustering) and one recently developed weighted sum validity function-based hybrid niching genetic algorithm (HNGA-clustering) is demonstrated for nine artificial and five real-life data sets.
An intelligent diagnosis method for Chronis hepatitis B in TCM

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is frequently found that more than one syndrome of a patient are recognized in clinical practice, which has its own symptoms and signs. While, most algorithms are used to solve issues of syndrome diagnosis that only focus on one syndrome. Therefore, we proposed a hybrid intelligent syndrome diagnosis (HISD) model. Methods. The HTSD model combined feature selection methods to select the significant symptoms and signs corresponding to syndromes of CHB, and combined probability-classification methods to obtain the main syndrome and accompanying syndromes. The model was carried on 664 records of CHB. Results. 16 features were selected for the syndrome of Damp Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder (DHLG), 20 features were selected for the syndrome of Liver qi Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency (LSSD) and 13 features were selected for the syndrome of Yin Deficiency of Liver and Kidney (YDLK). The lowest average accuracy was 80.52% using logitboost, whereas the accuracy of HISD was 85% for unrecognized cases of CHB. Conclusion. Our method extracts the relevant symptoms and signs for each syndrome, recognizes the main syndrome and accompanying syndromes, and improves its recognition accuracy.
Distribution-based feature normalization for robust speech recognition leveraging context and dynamics cues

Recently, histogram equalization (HEQ) of speech features has received considerable attention in the area of robust speech recognition because of its relative simplicity and good empirical performance. In this paper, we present a novel extension to the conventional HEQ approach in two significant aspects. First, polynomial regression of various orders is employed to efficiently perform feature normalization building up the notion of HEQ. Second, not only the contextual distributional statistics but also the dynamics of feature values are taken as the input to the presented regression functions for better normalization performance. By doing so, we can to some extent relax the dimension-independence and bag-of-frames assumptions made by the conventional HEQ approach. All experiments were carried out on the Aurora-2 database and task and further verified on the Aurora-4 database and task. The corresponding results demonstrate that our proposed methods can achieve considerable word error rate reductions over the baseline systems and offer additional performance gains for the AFE-processed features.
Source- and Destination-based Wavelength Assignment Approach in Optical Network-on-Chip: Design and Performance

Photonic interconnect can provide ultra-high bandwidth with low power consumption, which makes Optical Network-on-Chips (ONoCs) a promising alternative for the nextgeneration high performance chip multiprocessors. To make better use of the optical interconnect, Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is commonly used to provide high bandwidth and decrease the contention possibility. In this paper, we propose two wavelength assignment methods for Mesh ONoCs: source-based wavelength assignment (SW) and destination-based wavelength assignment (DW). These two lowcomplexity approaches allow us to use a limited number of wavelengths according to the source and destination addresses. We evaluate their performance in simulations, and results show that allocating wavelengths according to the source node outperforms destination-based assignment in terms of latency and throughput. Keywords—WDM; latency; throughput; insertion loss
Regulation of imprinted gene expression in Arabidopsis endosperm

Imprinted genes are expressed primarily or exclusively from either the maternal or paternal allele, a phenomenon that occurs in flowering plants and mammals. Flowering plant imprinted gene expression has been described primarily in endosperm, a terminal nutritive tissue consumed by the embryo during seed development or after germination. Imprinted expression in Arabidopsis thaliana endosperm is orchestrated by differences in cytosine DNA methylation between the paternal and maternal genomes as well as by Polycomb group proteins. Currently, only 11 imprinted A. thaliana genes are known. Here, we use extensive sequencing of cDNA libraries to identify 9 paternally expressed and 34 maternally expressed imprinted genes in A. thaliana endosperm that are regulated by the DNA-demethylating glycosylase DEMETER, the DNA methyltransferase MET1, and/or the core Polycomb group protein FIE. These genes encode transcription factors, proteins involved in hormone signaling, components of the ubiquitin protein degradation pathway, regulators of histone and DNA methylation, and small RNA pathway proteins. We also identify maternally expressed genes that may be regulated by unknown mechanisms or deposited from maternal tissues. We did not detect any imprinted genes in the embryo. Our results show that imprinted gene expression is an extensive mechanistically complex phenomenon that likely affects multiple aspects of seed development.
Impact of electronic messaging on the patient-physician interaction

Patients are interested in secure electronic communication with their health-care providers, but physicians have been slow to adopt the technique into their practice. We have therefore reviewed the literature on secure patient messaging. Relevant studies were identified by Medline search which produced 1065 publications. Of these, 71 relevant articles were read independently by two reviewers. Currently available messaging systems allow for asynchronous communication, physician reimbursement and automated supporting functions such as triaging of patient messages and integration of messaging into medical records. The review showed that patients are satisfied with the use of secure physician messaging systems and find such services to be convenient, time-saving and useful. Physicians do not report adverse effects from their use. Legal concerns with electronic messaging include compliance with privacy standards. The economic benefits of secure messaging systems are most immediately apparent for larger health-care groups and hospitals, although smaller practices will also benefit in the long run. Secure patient-physician messaging is a convenient and useful addition to the health-care infrastructure. It can be expected that the identification of secure providers, integration with reimbursement systems and initial uptake by larger health-care organizations will speed up the adoption into routine health care.
Serum leptin in obesity is related to gender and body fat topography but does not predict successful weight loss.

OBJECTIVE Leptin is the product of the ob gene shown to regulate body fat and appetite in mice. It is produced by human adipose tissue also, but its physiological functions in man are poorly known. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We studied serum leptin concentrations in ten obese men and 35 obese women (age and body mass index 42 +/- 7 years and 35.1 +/- 3.6 kg/m2 respectively) before (baseline) and at 17 and 57 weeks during weight loss of 10.9% of the initial weight. RESULTS Serum leptin concentrations at baseline were 55% higher in women than in men (after adjustment for age and body fat mass, P = 0.002) and remained so during the follow-up. At baseline, serum leptin correlated with fat mass (r = 0.60, P < 0.001) estimated by bioelectrical impedance, and the changes in leptin concentrations from baseline to week 17 correlated with the changes in fat mass (r = 0.73, P < 0.001), but baseline leptin levels were not predictive of the successful weight loss. Leptin concentrations correlated with hip circumference (r = 0.49, P < 0.001 at baseline adjusted for age and sex), but the correlation with waist circumference became evident only during the weight loss (at week 57, r = 0.63, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Serum leptin concentrations are higher in obese women than in obese men before and during weight loss, but the topography of fat tissue influences serum leptin concentrations. Serum leptin concentrations do not predict the response to weight reduction.
Probiotic Assessment of Lactobacillus plantarum 15HN and Enterococcus mundtii 50H Isolated from Traditional Dairies Microbiota

Purpose: Probiotics are microorganisms, which show beneficial health effects on hosts once consumed in sufficient amounts. Among probiotic bacteria, the bioactive compounds from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) group can be utilized as preservative agents. LAB group can be isolated and characterized from traditional dairy sources. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and biologically characterize probiotic LAB strains from Iranian traditional dairy products. Methods: A total of 19 LAB strains were identified by sequencing of their 16S rRNA genes. They were examined for adherence to human intestinal Caco-2 cells and tolerance to low pH/high bile salts and simulated in vitro digestion conditions. Moreover, they were evaluated further to assess their ability to prevent the adhesion of Escherichia coli 026 to the intestinal mucosa, inhibitory functions against pathogens, and sensitivity to conventional antibiotics. Results: L. plantarum 15HN and E. mundtii 50H strains displayed ≥ 71% survival rates at low pH/high bile salts and ≥ 40% survival rates in digestive conditions. Their adherences to Caco-2 cells were 3.2×105 and 2.6×105 CFU mL-1 respectively and high values of anti-adhesion capability were observed (≥36%). They inhibited the growth of 13 and 11 indicator pathogens respectively. Moreover, they were sensitive or semi-sensitive to seven and three out of eight antibiotics respectively. Conclusion: L. plantarum 15HN and E. mundtii 50H, which were isolated from shiraz product, displayed above-average results for all of the criteria. Therefore, they can be introduced as novel candidate probiotics that could be used in the food industry.
Composite Vascularized Skin/Bone Transplantation Models for Bone Marrow-Based Tolerance Studies

There is an ongoing need to understand the mechanisms of bone marrow-based allograft tolerance. This is important in clarifying the diverse variables influencing the ultimate outcome of the solid organ and composite tissue transplants. To establish bone marrow transplantation as a routine clinical application, further experimental studies should be conducted to overcome the obstacles related to the bone marrow transplantation. These obstacles include graft versus host disease, immunocompetence, and toxicity of the conditioning regimens. For these purposes, novel experimental models are needed. In an attempt to provide a reliable research tool for bone marrow-based tolerance induction studies, we introduced different experimental models of modified vascularized skin/bone marrow (VSBM) transplantation technique for tolerance induction, monitoring, and maintenance studies. In this skin/bone transplantation model, the technical feasibility of concurrent or consecutive transplantation of the combination of bilateral vascularized skin, vascularized bone marrow, or vascularized skin/bone marrow transplants was investigated. Isograft transplantations were performed between genetically identical Lewis (LEW, RT11) rats. Five different experimental designs in 5 groups of 5 animals each were studied. Group I: Bilateral vascularized skin (VS) transplantation; group II: bilateral vascularized skin/bone transplantation; group III: vascularized skin transplantation on one side and vascularized skin/bone transplantation on the contralateral side; group IV: vascularized bone transplantation on one side and vascularized skin/bone transplantation on the contralateral side; group V: vascularized bone transplantation on one side and vascularized skin transplantation on the contralateral side. Successful transplantations were performed in all groups. The survival of the isograft transplants was evaluated clinically and histologically. All skin flaps remained pink and pliable and grew new hair. The viability of the compact bone, bone marrow and skin at 100 days posttransplant was confirmed by histologic evaluation, and bone marrow revealed active hematopoiesis. Bilateral skin/bone transplantation model may serve as an ex-perimental tool to study new strategies in tolerance induction by altering the amount of the immunogenic load in the form of skin transplant and bone marrow delivery in the vascularized form, allowing for expedited engraftment of stem and progenitor cells.
Compact colorless tunable dispersion compensator with 1000-ps/nm tuning range for 40-gb/s data rates

A novel tunable dispersion compensator (TDC) with /spl plusmn/500-ps/nm tuning range and bandwidth support for 40-Gb/s signals is described. The TDC is constructed from a waveguide grating router (WGR) that provides very high spatial dispersion and a deformable cylindrical mirror for applying quadratic spatial phase across the dispersed wavefront. The WGR's 100-GHz free-spectral range (FSR) allows the device to simultaneously apply the same dispersion to all wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) channels.
A management strategy for fetal immune-mediated atrioventricular block

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to describe an in utero management strategy for fetuses with immune-mediated 2° or 3° atrioventricular (AV) block. Methods and results. The management strategy as applied to 29 fetuses consisted of three parts. First, using fetal echocardiography and obstetrical ultrasound, we assessed fetal heart rate (FHR), heart failure, growth and a modified biophysical profile score (BPS) assessing fetal movement, breathing and tone. Second, we treated all fetuses with transplacental dexamethasone, adding terbutaline if the FHR was <56 bpm. Digoxin and/or intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) was added for progressive fetal heart failure. Third, we delivered fetuses by cesarean section for specific indications that included abnormal BPS, maternal/fetal conditions, progression of heart failure, or term pregnancy. We assessed perinatal survival, predictors of delivery and maternal/fetal complications in 29 fetuses with 3° (n = 23) or 2° (n = 6) AV block. There were no fetal deaths. In utero therapy included dexamethasone (n = 29), terbutaline (n = 13), digoxin (n = 3) and/or IVIG (n = 1). Delivery indications included term gestation (66%), fetal/maternal condition (14%), low BPS (10%) and progression of fetal heart failure (10%). An abnormal BPS correlated with urgent delivery. Conclusion. These results suggest that applying this specific management strategy that begins in utero can improve perinatal outcome of immune-mediated AV block.
Adding Audio Description: Does it Make a Difference?

A television viewing experiment—preceded and followed by interviews about attitudes, usual television viewing patterns and demographics—was conducted with 111 legally blind adults who were convened in groups. The research examined the impact of watching television science programs with and without audio description. The experiment showed that respondents gained and retained more information from watching programs with description. Respondents reported that description makes programs more enjoyable, interesting, and informative; and that they are more comfortable talking with sighted people about programs that had been described. The positive impact of added description was greater for the program with less narration in its original format.
OsMADS 51 Is a Short-Day Flowering Promoter That Functions Upstream of Ehd 1 , OsMADS 14 , and Hd 3 a 1 [ W ] [ OA ]

Although flowering regulatory mechanisms have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), those in other species have not been well elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of OsMADS51, a type I MADS-box gene in the short-day (SD) promotion pathway in rice (Oryza sativa). In SDs OsMADS51 null mutants flowered 2 weeks later than normal, whereas in long days loss of OsMADS51 had little effect on flowering. Transcript levels of three flowering regulators—Ehd1, OsMADS14, and Hd3a—were decreased in these mutants, whereas those of OsGI and Hd1 were unchanged. Ectopic expression of OsMADS51 caused flowering to occur about 7 d earlier only in SDs. In ectopic expression lines, transcript levels of Ehd1, OsMADS14, and Hd3a were increased, but those of OsGI and Hd1 remained the same. These results indicate that OsMADS51 is a flowering promoter, particularly in SDs, and that this gene functions upstream of Ehd1, OsMADS14, and Hd3a. To further investigate the relationship with other flowering promoters, we generated transgenic plants in which expression of Ehd1 or OsGI was suppressed. In Ehd1 RNA interference plants, OsMADS51 expression was not affected, supporting our conclusion that the MADS-box gene functions upstream of Ehd1. However, in OsGI antisense plants, the OsMADS51 transcript level was reduced. In addition, the circadian expression pattern for this MADS-box gene was similar to that for OsGI. These results demonstrate that OsMADS51 functions downstream of OsGI. In summary, OsMADS51 is a novel flowering promoter that transmits a SD promotion signal from OsGI to Ehd1.
A Common Data Management Infrastructure for Adaptive Algorithms for PDE Solutions

We present the design, development, and application of a computational infrastructure to support the implementation of parallel adaptive algorithms for the solution of sets of partial differential equations. The infrastructure is separated into multiple layers of abstraction. This work is primarily concerned with the two lowest layers of this infrastructure: a layer which defines and implements dynamic distributed arrays (DDA), and a layer in which several dynamic data and programming abstractions are implemented in terms of the DDAs. The currently implemented abstractions are those needed for formulation of hierarchical adaptive finite difference methods, hp-adaptive finite element methods, and fast multipole method for solution of linear systems. Implementation of sample applications based on each of these methods are described and implementation issues and performance measurements are presented.
The acoustic impact of rotor eccentricity in switched reluctance machines

The cost-efficient switched reluctance machine is highly appealing to the automotive industry. In this application acoustic noise is a crucial criterion, which is usually addressed during the design process. However, parasitic effects, such as rotor eccentricity, are normally not a design target but only a finding during the test of the prototype. This paper deduces a theory that mathematically describes the effect of static and rotating eccentricity. A 2D Fourier series in space and time was used to investigate the impact of an asymmetric force excitation. The theory was verified by means of a measured spectrogram of a small laboratory machine. Afterwards, the theory was applied to investigate the acoustic behavior of an automotive-size switched reluctance machine with rotor eccentricity. The theory proved effective and is ready-to-use to foresee potential acoustic problems already during the design of future switched reluctance machines.
Recommender Systems for Intelligence Analysts

Homeland security intelligence analysts need help finding relevant information quickly in a rapidly increasing volume of incoming raw data. Many different AI techniques are needed to handle this deluge of data. This paper describes initial investigations in the application of recommender systems to this problem. It illustrates various recommender systems technologies and suggests scenarios for how recommender systems can be applied to support an analyst. Since unclassified data on the search behavior of analysts is hard to obtain we have built a proof-ofconcept demo using analogous search behavior data in the computer science domain. The proof-of-concept collaborative recommender system that we developed is described. 1. Problem Description Homeland security and other intelligence analysts spend too much time on the mechanics of retrieving relevant information and not enough time on deep analysis. Retrieval usually needs to be initiated by the analyst (i.e., information pull). Existing information push technologies (that automatically find information for the analyst) such as RDF Site Summary (RSS) have very course grained channels that lead to information overload. Retrieval becomes even more complex for analysts who require multi-INT data from diverse heterogeneous sources (e.g., text, imagery, geospatial). Intelligence analysts also spend too much time-sharing information in multi-organizational teams. Information sharing is usually accomplished by person-to-person interactions (e.g., phone calls, email). Collaboration tools like whiteboards and chat rooms still require significant human effort. We believe that recommender systems can help solve these knowledge management problems. Assistant agents apply user profiles to proactively retrieve, share and recommend relevant information as shown in Figure 1. We are investigating hybrid aggregate knowledge representations and machine learning techniques for user profiles. Semantic Web based user profiles were described in [Kogut, 2004]. These Semantic Web based user profiles were entered by manually selecting classes and properties from a Web Ontology Language (OWL) ontology. This paper describes a recommender system approach that can automatically build a different form of user profiles, and can leverage existing profiles entered by the user. The approach takes advantage of similarities among user profiles for suggesting items of high importance to the analysts. The paper discusses ongoing efforts to develop and apply recommender systems for Homeland Security applications.
Dedicated networks for IoT : PHY / MAC state of the art and challenges

This paper focuses on the the emerging transmission technologies dedicated to IoT networks. We first analyze the classical cellular network technologies when taking into account the IoT requirements, and point out the need of dedicated technologies for IoT. Then, we present the PHY and MAC layers of the technologies that are already deployed, or likely to be deployed: UNB by SigFox, CSS by LoRa T M , Weighless, and RPMA by Ingenu. We then compare their performances to highlight their pros and cons. Finally, we discuss on the open research challenges that still need to be addressed.