Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Notes on Elementary Spectral Graph Theory. Applications to Graph Clustering Using Normalized Cuts

These are notes on the method of normalized graph cuts and its applications to graph clustering. I provide a fairly thorough treatment of this deeply original method due to Shi and Malik, including complete proofs. I include the necessary background on graphs and graph Laplacians. I then explain in detail how the eigenvectors of the graph Laplacian can be used to draw a graph. This is an attractive application of graph Laplacians. The main thrust of this paper is the method of normalized cuts. I give a detailed account for K = 2 clusters, and also for K > 2 clusters, based on the work of Yu and Shi. Three points that do not appear to have been clearly articulated before are elaborated: 1. The solutions of the main optimization problem should be viewed as tuples in the K-fold cartesian product of projective space RP^{N-1}. 2. When K > 2, the solutions of the relaxed problem should be viewed as elements of the Grassmannian G(K,N). 3. Two possible Riemannian distances are available to compare the closeness of solutions: (a) The distance on (RP^{N-1})^K. (b) The distance on the Grassmannian. I also clarify what should be the necessary and sufficient conditions for a matrix to represent a partition of the vertices of a graph to be clustered.
Folate deficiency and aberrant expression of cell adhesion molecule 1 are potential indicators of prognosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

The etiology of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has not yet been adequately examined. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between serum folate deficiency and abnormal expression of the cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) protein in the progression of LSCC. Samples were collected from 60 patients with LSCC and 30 healthy people. Radioimmunoassays and immunohistochemical staining were performed to measure serum folate levels and CADM1 protein expression, respectively. The results demonstrated that CADM1 expression in LSCC specimens was significantly lower than in adjacent normal tissues (χ2=28.229, P<0.001), which was associated with histological differentiation and clinical stage (P=0.010 and 0.020, respectively). Levels of serum folate in patients with LSCC were significantly lower than those observed in healthy individuals (P=0.002). Furthermore, TSLCl expression and serum folate levels were positively correlated in LSCC (r=0.642, P=0.001). Thus, the present study determined that decreased CADM1 protein expression and low levels of serum folate were correlated with an increased severity of LSCC.
Topological groups: where to from here?

This is an account of one man's view of the current perspective of theory of topological groups. We survey some recent developments which are, from our viewpoint, indicative of the future directions, concentrating on actions of topological groups on compacta, embeddings of topological groups, free topological groups, and `massive' groups (such as groups of homeomorphisms of compacta and groups of isometries of various metric spaces).
Resultants and Chow forms via exterior syzygies

Let W be a vector space of dimension n+ 1 over a field K. The Chow divisor of a k-dimensional variety X in P = P(W ) is the hypersurface, in the Grassmannian Gk+1 of planes of codimension k+1 in P, whose points (over the algebraic closure of K) are the planes that meet X . The Chow form of X is the defining equation of the Chow divisor. For example, the resultant of k+ 1 forms of degree e in k + 1 variables is the Chow form of P embedded by the e-th Veronese mapping in P with n = ( k+e k ) − 1. More generally, the Chow divisor of a k-cycle ∑ i ni[Vi] on projective space is defined to be ∑ i niDi, where Di is the Chow divisor of Vi. The Chow divisor of a sheaf F with k-dimensional support is the Chow divisor of the associated k-cycle of F . In this paper we will give a new expression for the Chow divisor and apply it to give explicit formulas in many new cases. Starting with a sheaf F on P, we use exterior algebra methods to define a canonical and effectively computable Chow complex of F on each Grassmannian of planes in P. If F has k-dimensional support, we show that the Chow form of F is the determinant of the Chow complex of F on the Grassmannian of planes of codimension k + 1. The Beilinson monad of F [Beilinson 1978] is the Chow complex of F on the Grassmannian of 0-planes (that is, on P itself.) In particular, we are able to give explicit determinantal and Pfaffian formulas for resultants in some cases where no polynomial formulas were known. For example, the Horrocks-Mumford bundle gives rise to polynomial formulas for the resultant of five homogeneous forms of degrees 4, 6 or 8 in five variables. The easiest of our new formulas to write down is for the resultant of 3 quadratic forms in three variables, the Chow form of the Veronese surface in P. Using the tangent bundle of P, conclude that it can be written in “Bezout form” (described below) as the Pfaffian of the matrix  0 [245] [345] [135] [045] [035] [145] [235]
Fusing semantics, observability, reliability and diversity of concept detectors for video search

Effective utilization of semantic concept detectors for large-scale video search has recently become a topic of intensive studies. One of main challenges is the selection and fusion of appropriate detectors, which considers not only semantics but also the reliability of detectors, observability and diversity of detectors in target video domains. In this paper, we present a novel fusion technique which considers different aspects of detectors for query answering. In addition to utilizing detectors for bridging the semantic gap of user queries and multimedia data, we also address the issue of "observability gap" among detectors which could not be directly inferred from semantic reasoning such as using ontology. To facilitate the selection of detectors, we propose the building of two vector spaces: semantic space (SS) and observability space (OS). We categorize the set of detectors selected separately from SS and OS into four types: anchor, bridge, positive and negative concepts. A multi-level fusion strategy is proposed to novelly combine detectors, allowing the enhancement of detector reliability while enabling the observability, semantics and diversity of concepts being utilized for query answering. By experimenting the proposed approach on TRECVID 2005-2007 datasets and queries, we demonstrate the significance of considering observability, reliability and diversity, in addition to the semantics of detectors to queries.
Evaluation of Roche Amplicor PCR assay for Mycobacterium avium complex in bronchial washing.

SETTING A commercially available polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (Roche AmplicorTM Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare assay-MAC-PCR) designed to detect M. avium complex (MAC) in bronchial washing was evaluated. DESIGN A total of 141 specimens from 127 patients with various pulmonary conditions were examined. Results were compared with acid-fast smears, cultures with Ogawa egg medium, as is still commonly used in Japan, and final diagnoses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A total of 14 bronchial washing specimens yielded MAC. Six smear- and culture-positive specimens were all MAC-PCR positive. In eight smear-negative and culture-positive specimens, six were MAC-PCR positive. The overall sensitivity versus culture was 85.7% (12/14). However, sensitivity might be over-estimated, as there is a lower recovery rate of MAC with egg-based medium compared with liquid media. In 127 patients, 15 were identified as having pulmonary MAC disease, of whom 13 had positive MAC-PCR in bronchial washing. In the remaining 112 patients, MAC-PCR was negative, which suggests that positive MAC-PCR was not a contaminated result. However, in terms of sensitivity and speed, we were unable to show any additional clinical benefit for using MAC-PCR as opposed to liquid media, in which MAC can frequently be detected in 7 to 14 days.
Motion blur filtering: A statistical approach for extracting confinement forces and diffusivity from a single blurred trajectory.

Single particle tracking (SPT) can aid in understanding a variety of complex spatiotemporal processes. However, quantifying diffusivity and confinement forces from individual live cell trajectories is complicated by inter- and intratrajectory kinetic heterogeneity, thermal fluctuations, and (experimentally resolvable) statistical temporal dependence inherent to the underlying molecule's time correlated confined dynamics experienced in the cell. The problem is further complicated by experimental artifacts such as localization uncertainty and motion blur. The latter is caused by the tagged molecule emitting photons at different spatial positions during the exposure time of a single frame. The aforementioned experimental artifacts induce spurious time correlations in measured SPT time series that obscure the information of interest (e.g., confinement forces and diffusivity). We develop a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) technique that decouples the above noise sources and systematically treats temporal correlation via time series methods. This ultimately permits a reliable algorithm for extracting diffusivity and effective forces in confined or unconfined environments. We illustrate how our approach avoids complications inherent to mean square displacement or autocorrelation techniques. Our algorithm modifies the established Kalman filter (which does not handle motion blur artifacts) to provide a likelihood based time series estimation procedure. The result extends A. J. Berglund's motion blur model [Phys. Rev. E 82, 011917 (2010)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.82. 011917] to handle confined dynamics. The approach can also systematically utilize (possibly time dependent) localization uncertainty estimates afforded by image analysis if available. This technique, which explicitly treats confinement and motion blur within a time domain MLE framework, uses an exact likelihood (time domain methods facilitate analyzing nonstationary signals). Our estimator is demonstrated to be consistent over a wide range of exposure times (5 to 100 ms), diffusion coefficients (1×10^{-3} to 1μm^{2}/s), and confinement widths (100 nm to 2μm). We demonstrate that neglecting motion blur or confinement can substantially bias estimation of kinetic parameters of interest to researchers. The technique also permits one to check statistical model assumptions against measured individual trajectories without "ground truth. " The ability to reliably and consistently extract motion parameters in trajectories exhibiting confined and/or non-stationary dynamics, without exposure time artifacts corrupting estimates, is expected to aid in directly comparing trajectories obtained from different experiments or imaging modalities. A Python implementation is provided (open-source code will be maintained on GitHub; see also the Supplemental Material with this paper).
A cryptic BAP1 splice mutation in a family with uveal and cutaneous melanoma, and paraganglioma

Inactivating germ line BRCA1‐associated protein‐1 (BAP1) mutations have recently been reported in families with uveal or cutaneous malignant melanoma (UMM, CMM), mesothelioma, and meningioma. Although apparently predisposing to a wide range of tumors, the exact tumor spectrum associated with germ line BAP1 mutations has yet to be established. Here, we report a novel germ line BAP1 splice mutation, c.1708C>G (p.Leu570fs*40), in a multiple‐case Danish UMM family with a spectrum of other tumors. Whole‐exome sequencing identified an apparent missense mutation of BAP1 in UMM, CMM, as well as paraganglioma, breast cancer, and suspected mesothelioma cases in the family. Bioinformatic analysis and splicing assays demonstrated that this mutation creates a strong cryptic splice donor, resulting in aberrant splicing and a truncating frameshift of the BAP1 transcript. Somatic loss of the wild‐type allele was also confirmed in the UMM and paraganglioma tumors. Our findings further support BAP1 as a melanoma susceptibility gene and extend the potential predisposition spectrum to paraganglioma.
The Role of Speech Perception in Phonology

B. Lindblom, Foreword. Contributors. Preface. Section I: The Interplay of Speech Perception and Phonology: E. Hume and K. Johnson, A Model of the Interplay of Speech Perception and Phonology. R.E. Remez, The Interplay of Phonology and Perception Considered from the Perspective of Perceptual Organization. Section II: The Perceptual Basis of Phonological Systems: P.S. Beddor, R.A. Krakow, and S. Lindemann, Patterns of Perceptual Compensation and Their Phonological Consequences. S.S. Change, M.C. Plauche, and J.J. Ohala, Markedness and Consonant Confusion Asymmetries. J. Cole and K. Iskarous, Effects of Vowel Context on Consonant Place Identification: Implications for a Theory of Phonologization. R.L. Diehl, M.R. Molis, and W.A. Castleman, Adaptive Design of Sound Systems: Some Auditory Considerations. L.M. Hyman, The Limits of Phonetic Determinism in Phonology: *NC Revisited. J. Padgett, Contrast Dispersion and Russian Palatalization. D. Steriade, Directional Asymmetries in Place Assimilation: A Perceptual Account. R. Wright, Perceptual Cues in Contrast Maintenance. Index.
Exercise Mimetics: Running Without a Road Map

Exercise mimetics are bioactive compounds that activate signaling pathways to simulate exercise‐like benefits. Physical exercise activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ (PPAR δ), a master transcriptional regulator of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism, and also stimulates AMP‐activated protein kinase, a regulator of skeletal muscle glucose uptake, fat oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Exercise mimetics have therapeutic potential by activating pathways that regulate metabolic endurance, but our knowledge of these compounds is based almost entirely on preclinical findings in rodents.
MPEx: A tool for exploring membrane proteins

Hydropathy plot methods form a cornerstone of membrane protein research, especially in the early stages of biochemical and structural characterization. Membrane Protein Explorer (MPEx), described in this article, is a refined and versatile hydropathy‐plot software tool for analyzing membrane protein sequences. MPEx is highly interactive and facilitates the characterization and identification of favorable protein transmembrane regions using experiment‐based physical and biological hydrophobicity scales. Besides allowing the consequences of sequence mutations to be examined, it provides tools for aiding the design of membrane‐active peptides. MPEx is freely available as a Java Web Start application from our web site at http://blanco.biomol. uci.edu/mpex.
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL COPING SKILLS AND PSYCHOEDUCATION THERAPIES FOR ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus psychoeducational therapy (PET) for adolescent substance abusers. Eighty-eight consecutively referred predominantly dually diagnosed adolescents were randomized to one of two eight-week, outpatient group psychotherapy conditions. Drug urinalysis and the Teen-Addiction Severity Index (T-ASI) were used as outcome measurements. Treatment completion rate was 86%, follow-up location rate was 95%, and rates of posttreatment at 3- and 9-month follow-up evaluation were 80% and 65%, respectively. Comorbid conduct disorder was significantly associated with treatment noncompletion and reduced follow-up rate. CBT subjects exhibited significantly lower rates of positive urinalysis than did PET subjects for older youth and male subjects at 3-month follow-up evaluation. Most T-ASI subscales indicated sound improvement from baseline to 3- and 9-month follow-up evaluation across conditions. Reduction in substance use was achieved regardless of treatment conditions. Replication of these findings, continued exploration of potential matching effects of conduct disorder, age, and gender to singular or integrative treatment modalities, and exploration of aftercare programs for the maintenance or enhancement of treatment gains are warranted.
Single-grain Si TFTs using spin-coated liquid-silicon

Liquid silicon offers us an opportunity of fabricating TFTs using printed silicon, instead of printed organic materials. We have fabricated single-grain Si TFTs on location-controlled Si grains with laser crystallization of a-Si formed from spin-coated liquid Si. Si grains with a maximum grain diameter of 3.5 µm were positioned at predetermined sites. Mobilities for electrons and holes are 391 cm2/Vs and 111 cm2/Vs, respectively.
Illusory Distance Modulates Perceived Size of Afterimage despite the Disappearance of Depth Cues

It is known that the perceived size of an afterimage is modulated by the perceived distance between the observer and the depth plane on which the afterimage is projected (Emmert’s law). Illusions like Ponzo demonstrate that illusory distance induced by depth cues can also affect the perceived size of an object. In this study, we report that the illusory distance not only modulates the perceived size of object’s afterimage during the presence of the depth cues, but the modulation persists after the disappearance of the depth cues. We used an adapted version of the classic Ponzo illusion. Illusory depth perception was induced by linear perspective cues with two tilted lines converging at the upper boundary of the display. Two horizontal bars were placed between the two lines, resulting in a percept of the upper bar to be farther away than the lower bar. Observers were instructed to make judgment about the relative size of the afterimage of the lower and the upper bars after adaptation. When the perspective cues and the bars were static, the illusory effect of the Ponzo afterimage is consistent with that of the traditional size-distance illusion. When the perspective cues were flickering and the bars were static, only the afterimage of the latter was perceived, yet still a considerable amount of the illusory effect was perceived. The results could not be explained by memory of a prejudgment of the bar length during the adaptation phase. The findings suggest that cooccurrences of depth cues and object may link a depth marker for the object, so that the perceived size of the object or its afterimage is modulated by feedback of depth information from higher-level visual cortex even when there is no depth cues directly available on the retinal level.
Buy it Now: An Analysis of the Effects of Buy Prices in Auction Listings

The rise of online auction platforms in the past decade has presented a wealth of new data and puzzling effects to researchers. New listing strategies and parameters created to give both sellers and bidder flexibility have also led the way for new types of listings. This paper explores the potential behavioral effects of simultaneously listing an auction with a fixed price option using data from eBay. It looks specifically at how the fixed price option—known as the Buy it Now (BIN) option on eBay—affects bidder behavior and how this translates into seller outcomes. It looks at (1) whether or not the BIN price has an effect on the final sale price of an auction, and (2) whether this effect can be attributed to anchoring. Two main results arise from this study. The first is that BIN prices have a positive effect on expected seller revenue, especially when the BIN price is more persistent and when the item is more unique. In the case of the former, this is caused by the higher probability of BIN exercise and in the later, this is caused in part by the pure existence of the BIN price. Second, bids anchor to the BIN price, which can help explain the mechanism through which final sale prices rise with the BIN price. This result is significant because in contrast to previous literature, it suggests that sellers might still benefit by setting a BIN option with effectively zero probability of exercise.
PARALLEL IMPLEMENTATIONS OF THE FAST SWEEPING

The fast sweeping method is an efficient iterative method for hyperbolic problems. It combines Gauss-Seidel iterations with alternating sweeping orderings. In this paper several parallel implementations of the fast sweeping method are presented. These parallel algorithms are simple and efficient due to the causality of the underlying partial different equations. Numerical examples are used to verify our algorithms. Mathematics subject classification: 65N06, 65N12, 65N55.
Implications of banking regulation for banking sector stability and welfare

This dissertation studies a number of topics related to the banking sector regulation. lt focuses on the impact of various types of regulation on the banking system stability and also on the implication of sorne types of regulation for economic dynamic and welfare. In fact, due to numerous market failures present in the banking industry, banks are viewed as fragile. This has led governments to regulate heavily the banking sect or , which is nowadays one of the most regulated industries in the world. This dissertation first reviews the theoretical and the empirical literature On the banking system regulation, then uses the Markov-switching model to assess empirically the impact of regulation on the banking system stability, and finally analyzes the growth and welfare effects of banking regulations, such as asset holding restrictions and capital adequacy requirements. More precisely, the first chapter reviews the work already done on the link between banking regulation and the banking sector stability. It brings together and adds structure to the empirical literature on the link between banking regulation and banking system stability. In addition to clarifying the theoretical underpinnings for studying banking regulation, it points to sever al directions for future empirical research, necessary to fill the gaps in our understanding of the link between banking regulation and stability. Itfinds that although there are many types of banking regulation, studies focus mainly on a group of regulations such as the capital adequacy requirement, the deposit insurance, and the reserve requirement. The theoretical prediction of the effect of almost each type of regulation on the banking sector stability is mixed. The key reason behind this is the fact that there are many types of market failures in the banking industry. Therefore, a regulatory measure can succeed to cure a given market failure but at the same time help to increase the other market failures. In "The Empirics of Banking Regulation", we assess empirically whether banking regulation is effective at preventing banking crises. We use a monthly index of banking system fragility, which captures almost every source of risk in the banking system, to estimate the effect of regulatory measures (entry restriction, reserve requirement, deposit insurance, and capital adequacy requirement) on banking stability in the context of a Markov-switching model. We apply this method to the lndonesian banking system, which has been subject to several regulatory changes over the
"What's your number?": A survey of how parents and teens cope with diabetes in the context of technology support

Teenagers make many transitions during adolescence toward adult lifestyles and responsibilities. Teens with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) have the additional burden of assuming responsibility for disease management. The findings reported in this paper represent the perspective of parents and adolescents who are coping with T1D — uncovering various tensions that interfere with the effective use of technology to manage the disease. Predominant themes from a set of semi-structured interviews are used to construct implications for the design of new technology intended to support families coping with T1D.