Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of Permutation Entropy in Feature Extraction for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Noninvasive Blood Glucose Detection

Diabetes has been one of the four major diseases threatening human life. Accurate blood glucose detection became an important part in controlling the state of diabetes patients. Excellent linear correlation existed between blood glucose concentration and near-infrared spectral absorption. A new feature extraction method based on permutation entropy is proposed to solve the noise and information redundancy in near-infrared spectral noninvasive blood glucose measurement, which affects the accuracy of the calibration model. With the near-infrared spectral data of glucose solution as the research object, the concepts of approximate entropy, sample entropy, fuzzy entropy, and permutation entropy are introduced. The spectra are then segmented, and the characteristic wave bands with abundant glucose information are selected in terms of permutation entropy, fractal dimension, and mutual information. Finally, the support vector regression and partial least square regression are used to establish the mathematical model between the characteristic spectral data and glucose concentration, and the results are compared with conventional feature extraction methods. Results show that the proposed new method can extract useful information from near-infrared spectra, effectively solve the problem of characteristic wave band extraction, and improve the analytical accuracy of spectral and model stability.
Exacerbated vein graft arteriosclerosis in protein kinase Cδ–null mice

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) accumulation is a key event in the development of atherosclerosis, including vein bypass graft arteriosclerosis. Because members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family signal cells to undergo proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis, we generated PKCdelta knockout mice and performed vein bypass grafts on these animals. PKCdelta(-/-) mice developed normally and were fertile. Vein segments from PKCdelta(-/-) mice isografted to carotid arteries of recipient mice of either genotype led to a more severe arteriosclerosis than was seen with PKCdelta(+/+) vein grafts. Arteriosclerotic lesions in PKCdelta(-/-) mice showed a significantly higher number of SMCs than were found in wild-type animals; this was correlated with decreased SMC death in lesions of PKCdelta(-/-) mice. SMCs derived from PKCdelta(-/-) aortae were resistant to cell death induced by any of several stimuli, but they were similar to wild-type SMCs with respect to mitogen-stimulated cell proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, pro-apoptotic treatments led to diminished caspase-3 activation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, and cytochrome c release in PKCdelta(-/-) relative to wild-type SMCs, suggesting that their apoptotic resistance involves the loss of free radical generation and mitochondrial dysfunction in response to stress stimuli. Our data indicate that PKCdelta maintains SMC homeostasis and that its function in the vessel wall per se is crucial in the development of vein graft arteriosclerosis.
aluation of two herd-level diagnostic tests for Streptococcus agalactiae ing a latent class approach rshal

Streptococcus agalactiae mastitis persists as a significant economic problem for the dairy industry in many countries. In Denmark, the annual surveillance programme for this mastitis pathogen initially based only on bacteriological culture of bulk tank milk (BTM) samples, has recently incorporated the use of the real-time PathoProof Mastitis PCR assay with the goal of improving detection of infected herds. The objective of our study was to estimate the herd sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of both tests of BTM samples using latent class models in a Bayesian analysis while evaluating the effect of herd-level covariates on the Se and Sp of the tests. BTM samples were collected from all 4258 Danish dairy herds in 2009 and screened for the presence of S. agalactiae using both tests. The highest Se of PCR was realized at a cycle threshold (Ct) cut-off value of 40. At this cut-off, the Se of the PCR was significantly higher (95.2; 95% posterior credibility interval [PCI] [88.2; 99.8]) than that of bacteriological culture (68.0; 95% PCI [55.1; 90.0]). However, culture had higher Sp (99.7; 95% PCI [99.3; 100.0]) compared to PCR (98.8; 95% PCI [97.2; 99.9]). The accuracy of the tests was unaffected by the herd-level covariates. We propose that screenings of BTM samples for S. agalactiae be based on the PCR assay with Ct readings of <40 considered as positive. However, for higher Ct values, confirmation of PCR test positive herds by bacteriological culture is advisable especially when the betweenherd prevalence of S. agalactiae is low. 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Corresponding author. Tel. : +45 35 33 15 20; fax: +45 35 33 30 22. E-mail address: mweu@life.ku. dk (M.M. Mweu).
Adaptive Forming of the Beam Pattern of Microstrip Antenna with the Use of an Artificial Neural Network

Microstrip antenna has been recently one of the most innovative fields of antenna techniques. The main advantage of such an antenna is the simplicity of its production, little weight, a narrow profile, and easiness of integration of the radiating elements with the net of generators power systems. As a result of using arrays consisting of microstrip antennas; it is possible to decrease the size and weight and also to reduce the costs of components production as well as whole application systems. This paper presents possibilities of using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in the process of forming a beam from radiating complex microstrip antenna. Algorithms which base on artificial neural networks use high parallelism of actions which results in considerable acceleration of the process of forming the antenna pattern. The appropriate selection of learning constants makes it possible to get theoretically a solution which will be close to the real time. This paper presents the training neural network algorithm with the selection of optimal network structure. The analysis above was made in case of following the emission source, setting to zero the pattern of direction of expecting interference, and following emission source compared with two constant interferences. Computer simulation was made in MATLAB environment on the basis of Flex Tool, a programme which creates artificial neural networks.
Fluid evolution and mineralogy of Mn-Fe-barite-fluorite mineralizations at the contact of the Thuringian Basin, Thüringer Wald and Thüringer Schiefergebirge in Germany

Abstract Numerous small deposits and occurrences of Mn-Fe-fluorite-barite mineralization have developed at the contact of the Thuringian Basin, Thüringer Wald and Thüringer Schiefergebirge in central Germany. The studied mineralizations comprise the assemblages siderite+ankerite-calcite-fluorite-barite and hematite-Mn oxides-calcite-barite, with the precipitation sequence in that order within each assemblage. A structural geological analysis places the origin of the barite veins between the Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Primary fluid inclusions contain water vapour and an aqueous phase with NaCl and CaCl2 as the main solutes, with salinities mostly between 24–27 mass. % CaCl2 eq. Th measurements range between 85 °C and 160 °C in barite, between 139 °C and 163 °C in siderite, and between 80 °C and 130 °C in fluorite and calcite. Stable isotopes (S, O) point to the evaporitic source of sulphur in the observed mineralizations. The S,C,O isotopic compositions suggest that barite and calcite could not have precipitated from the same fluid. The isotopic composition of the fluid that precipitated barite is close to the sea water in the entire Permo–Mesozoic time span whereas calcite is isotopically distinctly heavier, as if the fluids were affected by evaporation. The fluid evolution in the siliciclastic/volcanic Rotliegend sediments (as determined by a number of earlier petrological and geochemical studies) can be correlated with the deposition sequence of the ore minerals. In particular, the bleaching of the sediments by reduced Rotliegend fluids (basinal brines) could be the event that mobilized Fe and Mn. These elements were deposited as siderite+ankerite within the Zechstein carbonate rocks and as hematite+Mn oxides within the oxidizing environment of the Permian volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks. A Middle-Jurassic illitization event delivered Ca, Na, Ba, and Pb from the feldspars into the basinal brines. Of these elements, Ba was deposited as massive barite veins.
Child Malnutrition in Senegal : Does access to public infrastructure really matter ? A quantile regression analysis"

In this paper we analyse the effect of access to public infrastructure, i.e. safe water and health facilities, on child nutritional status defined by height-for-age z-scores in Senegal. Quantile regression methods are used to achieve a more complete picture of the infrastructure effect. This technique has an advantage over the traditional ordinary least squares method as it does not assume a constant effect of the explanatory variables over the entire distribution of the dependent variable. To deal with the potential endogeneity of household expenditures in a child health production function, we use instrumental variables methods. To the best of our knowledge, this paper provides the first empirical analysis of the impact of public infrastructure on child health using an instrumental variables quantile regression approach. Contrary to OLS estimates, we find that access to safe water improves the height-for-age of the lowest (10) quantile and the effect of health facilities is significant for the 10, 25, 50 percentiles at the national level. However, in rural areas, only health facilities have a positive and significant effect on child health. The heterogeneity of this effect is shown using quantile regression, and we find that the effect of health facilities is more important to the lowest quantile and is decreasing. Safe water also improves child health up to the 10 percentile.
Unusual A2142 supercluster with a collapsing core: distribution of light and mass

We study the distribution, masses, and dynamical properties of galaxy groups in the A2142 supercluster. We analyse the global luminosity density distribution in the supercluster and divide the supercluster into the high-density core and the low-density outskirts regions. We find galaxy groups and filaments in the regions of different global density, calculate their masses and mass-to-light ratios and analyse their dynamical state with several 1D and 3D statistics. We use the spherical collapse model to study the dynamical state of the supercluster. We show that in A2142 supercluster groups and clusters with at least ten member galaxies lie along an almost straight line forming a 50 Mpc/h long main body of the supercluster. The A2142 supercluster has a very high density core surrounded by lower-density outskirt regions. The total estimated mass of the supercluster is M_est = 6.2 10^{15}M_sun. More than a half of groups with at least ten member galaxies in the supercluster lie in the high-density core of the supercluster, centered at the rich X-ray cluster A2142. Most of the galaxy groups in the core region are multimodal. In the outskirts of the supercluster, the number of groups is larger than in the core, and groups are poorer. The orientation of the cluster A2142 axis follows the orientations of its X-ray substructures and radio halo, and is aligned along the supercluster axis. The high-density core of the supercluster with the global density D8 > 17 and perhaps with D8 > 13 may have reached the turnaround radius and started to collapse. A2142 supercluster with luminous, collapsing core and straight body is an unusual object among galaxy superclusters. In the course of the future evolution the supercluster may be split into several separate systems.
Credit concession through credit scoring: Analysis and application proposal

Purpose: The study herein develops and tests a credit scoring model which can help financial institutions in assessing credit requests. Design/methodology: The empirical study has the objective of answering two questions: (1) Which ratios better discriminate the companies based on their being solvent or insolvent? and (2) What is the relative importance of these ratios? To do this, several statistical techniques with a multifactorial focus have been used (Multivariate Analysis of Variance, Linear Discriminant Analysis, Logit and Probit Models). Several samples of companies have been used in order to obtain and to test the model. Findings: Through the application of several statistical techniques, the credit scoring model has been proved to be effective in discriminating between good and bad creditors. Research limitations/implications: This study focuses on manufacturing, commercial and services companies of all sizes in Spain; Therefore, the conclusions may differ for other geographical locations. Practical implications: Because credit is one of the main drivers of growth, a solid credit scoring model can help financial institutions assessing to whom to grant credit and to whom deny it. Social implications: Because of the growing importance of credit for our society and the fear of granting it due to the latest financial turmoil, a solid credit scoring model can strengthen the trust toward the financial institutions assessment’s. Originality/value: There is already a stream of literature related to credit scoring. However, this paper focuses on Spanish firms and proves the results of our model based on real data. The application of the model to detect the probability of default in loans is original.
DIN Retention‐Transport Through Four Hydrologically Connected Zones in a Headwater Catchment of the Upper Mississippi River 1

Abstract: Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) retention‐transport through a headwater catchment was synthesized from studies encompassing four distinct hydrologic zones of the Shingobee River Headwaters near the origin of the Mississippi River. The hydrologic zones included: (1) hillslope ground water (ridge to bankside riparian); (2) alluvial riparian ground water; (3) ground water discharged through subchannel sediments (hyporheic zone); and (4) channel surface water. During subsurface hillslope transport through Zone 1, DIN, primarily nitrate, decreased from ∼3 mg‐N/l to <0.1 mg‐N/l. Ambient seasonal nitrate:chloride ratios in hillslope flow paths indicated both dilution and biotic processing caused nitrate loss. Biologically available organic carbon controlled biotic nitrate retention during hillslope transport. In the alluvial riparian zone (Zone 2) biologically available organic carbon controlled nitrate depletion although processing of both ambient and amended nitrate was faster during the summer than winter. In the hyporheic zone (Zone 3) and stream surface water (Zone 4) DIN retention was primarily controlled by temperature. Perfusion core studies using hyporheic sediment indicated sufficient organic carbon in bed sediments to retain ground water DIN via coupled nitrification‐denitrification. Numerical simulations of seasonal hyporheic sediment nitrification‐denitrification rates from perfusion cores adequately predicted surface water ammonium but not nitrate when compared to 5 years of monthly field data (1989‐93). Mass balance studies in stream surface water indicated proportionally higher summer than winter N retention. Watershed DIN retention was effective during summer under the current land use of intermittently grazed pasture. However, more intensive land use such as row crop agriculture would decrease nitrate retention efficiency and increase loads to surface water. Understanding DIN retention capacity throughout the system, including special channel features such as sloughs, wetlands and floodplains that provide surface water‐ground water connectivity, will be required to develop effective nitrate management strategies.
Validation of a RP-HPLC Method for the Quantitation of Vorinostat in Rat Plasma and its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study

A simple, specific and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of vorinostat in rat plasma. The bioanalytical procedure involves extraction of vorinostat and phenacetin (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma with simple liquid-liquid extraction process. The chromatographic analysis was performed on a Waters Alliance system using a gradient mobile phase conditions at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and Symmetry Shield C18 column maintained at 35 ± 1°C. The eluate was monitored using an UV detector set at 245 nm. Vorinostat and IS eluted at 5.3 and 6.3 min, respectively and the total run time was 10 min. Method validation was performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 255-5566 ng/mL (r2 = 0.995). The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the range of 2.60-7.93 and 3.99-8.64%, respectively. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.
USE OF SIMULATION TECHNIQUE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE EFFECT OF SOIL AND WEATHER ON CROP DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

Environmental factors significantly influence the development and growth of plants. The main factors are soil and weather conditions. In real world it is not possible to segregate these influences. Using simulation models there are ways to analyse the effects of the changes of soil characteristics or weather elements separately. This way all the soil characteristics and weather elements can be changed one by one or different combinations of them can be used as input series. In this study real Hungarian soil and weather scenarios were used that are significantly different from one another. Maize and wheat - the two main crops of Hungary - as well as field pea were used. Pea is known as a sensitive crop to weather. 4M-simulation package was used as a modelling tool. Our group at RISSAC based on CERES and CROPGRO models has developed it. The results showed that the weather differences caused more significant changes in yields then soil differences though soils could moderate the effects of the extreme weather scenarios. The measure of reactions is meaningfully different depending on the species and cultivars. Analysis of separated effects of soil and weather factors has not only theoretical and methodological importance, but useful for the practice, too. When new plant species or cultivars are introduced in a country the optimal habitats can be found. The optimal structure for crops (where to seed different crops, and what sequence should be applied) and technology for crops (sawing time, fertilizer application and timing, etc.) can be estimated.
4-Hydroxynonenal Induces Endothelial Cell Apoptosis via ROS and Peroxynitrite Generation

The formation of reactive lipid aldehydes, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) is shown to be derived from fatty acid hydroperoxides through the oxidative process. Among its known effects in cytotoxicity, HNE has been implicated in apoptotic cell death. To delineate its putative role as a potential mediator, we investigated the mechanism by which HNE induces apoptosis of endothelial cells (ECs). The anti-proliferative effects of HNE were tested through MTT assay after exposure to various concentrations (5~15 μM) of HNE. We observed apoptotic bodies with propidium iodide staining, and measured the HNE induction of endothelial apoptosis by flow cytometry assay. We observed that cells exposed to HNE for 24 hr resulted in increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and up-regulation of Bax. Data on the HNE action strongly indicated the involvement of reactive species, namely, intracellular ROS, nitrite, and peroxynitrite. To obtain evidence on the implication of ROS and peroxynitrite in HNE-induced apoptosis, a ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and a peroxynitrite scavenger, penicillamine, were tested. Results clearly indicate that the induction of apoptosis by HNE was effectively inhibited by NAC and penicillamine. Based on the present data, we conclude that the endothelial apoptosis induced by HNE involves both ROS generation and peroxynitrite activity. Our new data could lead to a redefinition of HNE action on apoptosis in ECs.
Tax-Spend, Spend-Tax, or Fiscal Synchronization: A Panel Analysis of the Chinese Provincial Real Data

In this paper we tested whether the hypothesis of tax-spend, spend-tax, or fiscal synchronization applies to the 31 Chinese provinces using cross-sectional and time series data covering 1999 to 2005. The interaction between government revenues and government expenditures is tested with the newly developed panel unit root tests and heterogeneous panel cointegration tests. The results show that both revenues and expenditures are non-stationary but have a significant long-run relationship. The results based on multivariate panel error-correction models show that there is no significant causality between revenues and expenditures in the short run. However, in the long-run, a bi-directional causality exists between revenues and expenditures, thus supporting the fiscal synchronization hypothesis for 31 Chinese provinces over this sample period.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Nonparametric inference for partially observed Levy processes

Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: http://uba.uva. nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
Testing for periodic integration and cointegration of the stock prices of the G7 countries

This paper examines the seasonal properties of the stock prices of the G7 countries. Using a number of empirical tests, the paper finds both deterministic seasonal dummies and seasonal unit roots to be inadequate to explain the seasonal behavior of these prices. However, drawing on more recent advances in the time series of periodic autoregressive processes, the paper finds evidence of periodic integration, but not periodic cointegration, in the underlying data. The paper also explores the implications of these findings for efficient international portfolio management.
Interest Groups, Democracy, and Policy Volatility

Democratic polities appear to produce more stable policy than do autocracies. In this paper, we explore a potential source of the policy stability observed in democracies: special-interest groups. We find that interest groups are associated with greater stability in some measures of policy and that groups mediate the stabilizing impact of democracy on policy. We also find that the impact of interest groups on policy volatility depends on the degree of polarization in a society.