Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sigevolution Newsletter of the Acm Special Interest Group on Genetic and Evolutionary Computation in This Issue Evolving Artificial Game Players Driving a Scale Car with Ec

The workshop on petroleum applications of EC, new Rubik's cube competition, best paper nominees The Columns competitions @ WCCI2008 forthcoming papers calls & calendar EDITORIAL Editorial S pace Invaders was the first video game I ever played. There were invaders from outer space and I defended the Earth with a small cannon and the little cover provided by a few small buildings. The graphics were plain black and white; yellow, red, green and blue tapes were stuck on the screen to obtain colors. Today, computer games are so advanced that I cannot play them anymore and they have stunning graphics. They are becoming so complex that in the future we may need evolutionary computation to build artificial players that can challenge human players—at least, this is what Steffen Priesterjahn suggests in the first article of this issue. If artificial world and computer games are not your cup of tea, you can compete in the real world against artificially evolved drivers using 1:24 scale cars. In the second article, Ivan Tanev and Katsunori Shimohara show how genetic algorithms can provide you with controllers for scale cars that may challenge human drivers. The issue is completed with the usual columns including the summary of the workshop on the petroleum applications of evolutionary computation held at GECCO-2007, information about the Rubik's cube competition at GECCO-2008, the list of GECCO-2008 best paper nominees, a report on the simulated car racing, Ms PacMan, and Othello competitions at WCCI-2008, the new issues of EC journals, and the calendar of EC events. The cover photo is a screenshot of Quake III (c 1999, id software) taken by Steffen Priesterjahn. This is the fourth and final issue of 2007! The second volume of SIGEVOlution is now completed and the first issue of the third volume is already a work in progress. I would like to thank the people who made this issue possible, Without them and without you reading, I would not be here writing. I hope to see you all in Atlanta during GECCO and if you have suggestions, comments, ideas, or criticisms, please drop an email to editor@sigevolution.org or stop by for a chat at GECCO.
Effects of aquatic contaminants on the habitat selection and spatial distribution in fish: a complementary approach to traditional ecotoxicological tests

Triclosan (TCS) is an emerging contaminant of concern in environmental studies due to its potential adverse effects on fish behavior. Since avoidance has been shown to be a relevant behavioral endpoint, our aims were: (i) to determine if TCS is able to trigger an avoidance response in Poecilia reticulata; (ii) to predict the population immediate decline (PID) caused by TCS exposure, by integrating lethality and avoidance responses; and (iii) to verify the overestimation of risk when mortality is assessed under forced exposure. Fish were exposed to TCS in a forced exposure system, to assess mortality, and to a TCS gradient in a non-forced exposure (NFE) ~ 16 ~ system. Two NFE scenarios were simulated: (#1) a spatially permanent gradient, including low and high concentrations; and (#2) a scenario with high concentrations, simulating a local discharge. The fish avoided TCS concentrations as low as 0.2 μg·L 1 (avoidance of 22%). The AC50 obtained from scenario #1 (8.04 μg·L -1 ) was about 15 times more sensitive than that from scenario #2 (118.4 μg·L -1 ). In general, up to the highest concentration tested (2000 μg·L -1 ), the PID was determined by the avoidance. Mortality from the forced exposure was overestimated (48 h-LC50 of 1650 mg·L -1 ), relative to the NFE. The reduced mortality in a non-forced environment does not imply a lower effect, because part of the population is expected to disappear by moving towards favorable environments. TCS is a potential environmental disturber, since at environmentally relevant concentrations (<2 μg·L -1 ) it could cause a decline in the fish population.
Target Region Selection Is a Critical Determinant of Community Fingerprints Generated by 16S Pyrosequencing

Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes allows for in-depth characterization of complex microbial communities. Although it is known that primer selection can influence the profile of a community generated by sequencing, the extent and severity of this bias on deep-sequencing methodologies is not well elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that the hypervariable region targeted for sequencing and primer degeneracy play important roles in influencing the composition of 16S pyrotag communities. Subgingival plaque from deep sites of current smokers with chronic periodontitis was analyzed using Sanger sequencing and pyrosequencing using 4 primer pairs. Greater numbers of species were detected by pyrosequencing than by Sanger sequencing. Rare taxa constituted nearly 6% of each pyrotag community and less than 1% of the Sanger sequencing community. However, the different target regions selected for pyrosequencing did not demonstrate a significant difference in the number of rare and abundant taxa detected. The genera Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Granulicatella, Bacteroides, Porphyromonas and Treponema were abundant when the V1–V3 region was targeted, while Streptococcus, Treponema, Prevotella, Eubacterium, Porphyromonas, Campylobacer and Enterococcus predominated in the community generated by V4–V6 primers, and the most numerous genera in the V7–V9 community were Veillonella, Streptococcus, Eubacterium, Enterococcus, Treponema, Catonella and Selenomonas. Targeting the V4–V6 region failed to detect the genus Fusobacterium, while the taxa Selenomonas, TM7 and Mycoplasma were not detected by the V7–V9 primer pairs. The communities generated by degenerate and non-degenerate primers did not demonstrate significant differences. Averaging the community fingerprints generated by V1–V3 and V7–V9 primers providesd results similar to Sanger sequencing, while allowing a significantly greater depth of coverage than is possible with Sanger sequencing. It is therefore important to use primers targeted to these two regions of the 16S rRNA gene in all deep-sequencing efforts to obtain representational characterization of complex microbial communities.
Accuracies of support vector machine and random forest in rice mapping with Sentinel-1A, Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2A datasets

Abstract SVM and RF are widely used in rice mapping. However, their performance with single and different combinations of satellite datasets is rarely reported. Hence we report their rice mapping accuracies for two seasons using Sentinel-1A, Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2A images. The VH and VV polarizations of Sentinel-1A, and two spectral indices (SIs) of Landsat-8 and Sentine1-2A were used to obtain seven datasets (VH, VV, SI, VHVV, VHSI, VVSI and VHVVSI), and on which SVM and RF were applied and accuracies were assessed. VHSI showed the highest overall accuracy for both algorithms in both years. SVM with VHSI had a slightly higher accuracy (90.8%) than RF with VHSI (89.2%) in 2015 while in 2016 RF with VHSI showed a slightly higher accuracy (95.2%) than SVM with VHSI (93.4%). Although they produced equivalent accuracies within years, RF is more sensitive to additional data, given a 6.0% increase from 2015 to 2016 with VHSI.
Offloading servers with collaborative video on demand

The peer-to-peer (P2P) paradigm provides a data distribution model that may be attractive for Video on Demand (VoD) as it allows to decrease the costs and to increase the scalability of video distribution. However, VoD is more challenging for P2P technology than file sharing or live streaming, and so, practically feasible VoD systems proposed to date rely on a backend server infrastructure as a fail-over solution. In this paper we investigate how the dependency on servers can be decreased by optimizing the video piece-selection strategy and by allowing multiple peers to form a collaboration for obtaining a single video. In a set of simulations of a trace-based system model we show that for systems such as YouTube the proposed optimizations would result in savings of as much as 70% of the server bandwidth. These simulation results confirm the conclusions of an analytical study of our optimizations, the essential part of which is also included in this paper.
3DMKDSRC: A novel approach for 3D face recognition

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in developing methods for 3D face recognition. However, 3D scans often suffer from the problems of missing parts, large facial expressions, and occlusions. In this paper, we propose a novel general approach to deal with the 3D face recognition problem by making use of multiple keypoint descriptors (MKD) and the sparse representation-based classifier (SRC). We call the proposed method 3DMKDSRC for short. Specifically, with 3DMKDSRC, each 3D face scan is represented as a set of descriptor vectors extracted from keypoints by meshSIFT. Descriptor vectors of gallery samples form the gallery dictionary. Given a probe 3D face scan, its descriptors are extracted at first and then its identity can be determined by using a multitask SRC. The effectiveness of 3DMKDSRC has been corroborated by extensive experiments.
The development of noun definitions: a metalinguistic analysis

ABSTRACT Defining is a metalinguistic skill. This study charts the development of the ability to define. A total of 120 participants (40 at each of the ages of 10, 14 and 18 years) defined eight concrete and eight abstract nouns. Each definition was coded to identify the types of responses present in it. Results indicate that there are significant differences in the way concrete and abstract nouns are defined. All three age-groups defined concrete nouns mainly by class and characteristic responses. But it was not until age 18 that abstract nouns were defined by class and characteristic responses. The development of abstract noun definitions follows the development of concrete noun definitions. The ability to define is dependent upon knowledge of the meaning of the word but it is also dependent upon implicit or explicit knowledge of the definitional form. The ability to define abstract nouns is a late developing metalinguistic skill.
Factors Associated With Marital Satisfaction in Infertile Couple: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Background: Many factors impact on marital satisfaction. Related factors include demographic factors, assisted reproductive techniques, psychological health, quality of life, psychological, socioeconomic and family support, and sexual function. Methods: This study is a literature review of research studies conducted on factors associated with marital satisfaction in infertile couples. The current literature review search was undertaken using multiple databases selected from articles pertinent to the study. The selection of subjects was undertaken from1990 through 2015. The methodological quality was analyzed based on a checklist adopted from a systematic review. Quality assessment of full text studies was finally carried out by two reviewers. Results: The initial search yielded a list of 445 papers, and then reviewers studied titles and abstracts. Thereafter, 69 papers were incorporated, and researchers reviewed summaries of all of the searched articles. Finally, the researchers utilized the data gained from 64 full articles so as to compile this review paper. Reviewing the studies conducted on marital satisfaction, they classified related findings into 6 categories: demographic factors, using fertility assisting methods, psychological health, life quality, economic, social, and family support, and sexual function. Conclusion: The results of this review article depicted that various factors play role in creating marriage life satisfaction in an infertile couple, so that paying attention to them can play an important role in continuing their treatment. Thus, to identify such factors is considered essential in their treatment protocol highly based on culture. Of the drawbacks of this research is that it has tried at best to employ the studies belonging to diverse countries with different cultures. Also, the number of the papers was considerably limited.
Image Watermarking Scheme Using Singular Value Decomposition, Quantization and Genetic Algorithm

Digital Watermarking and data hiding has become an important tool for protecting digital images from theft, illegal copying and unlawful reproduction. Some digital watermarking algorithms were proposed using spatial domain and transform domain. The transform domain could be DFT, DCT, DWT or SVD. Several digital watermarking algorithms using Genetic Algorithms are available in the literature. In this paper, a modified image watermarking scheme based on Singular Value Decomposition using Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed. The proposed scheme is based on quantization step size optimization using the Genetic Algorithm to improve the quality of watermarked image and robustness of the watermark. This method is more secure and robust to attacks, viz., Low Pass Filtering, Median Filtering, JPEG Compression, Resizing, Row-Column blanking, Row-Column Copying etc. Superior experimental results are observed with the proposed scheme over an algorithm proposed by Sun et al. in terms of Normalized Cross correlation (NC) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio(PSNR).
Primary analysis of a randomized phase II, multicenter trial: Neoadjuvant weekly nab-paclitaxel 100mg/m2 followed by FE100C compared with docetaxel 75mg/m2 followed by FE100C for early breast cancer in Japan.

136 Background: Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel (nab-PTX) is a new solvent free taxane-based anticancer drug. According to CA024 trial, nab-PTX 100mg/m2 demonstrated superior response to docetaxel (DTX) in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Besides, nab-PTX 100mg/m2 was less toxicity. In operable breast cancer, GeparSepto study was reported that the pCR rate were significantly higher with nab-PTX 125/150 mg/m2 compared to paclitaxel. We planned the randomized parallel design phase II trial to evaluate nab-PTX 100mg/m2in early breast cancer. METHODS Stage II-III HER2-negative breast cancer patients were included in this trial and received either 4 cycles of DTX (75 mg/m2 day1) q 3 w or 4 cycles of nab-PTX (100 mg/m2 day1/8/15) q4w followed by 4 cycles of FE100C. The primary end point is pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) rate, and the secondary end points are response rate, histological effect of treatment, breast conservation rate, and toxicity. RESULTS Between March 2011 to March 2014, 152 eligible patients were enrolled at 6 centers (75 pts were allocated for nab-PTX). Baseline characteristics were well balanced; median age was 51/49 years (DTX/nab-PTX), 61/61% of the patients with ER positive, 38/36% triple negative breast cancer, 57/65% Ki67 > 20%. Clinically response rate was similar to each drug. (53/57%) The pCR rate was 12/17% (p = 0.323). In TNBC group, the pCR rate was 28/30% (p = 0.866). In Ki67 > 20% group, the pCR rate was significantly higher, 16/48% (p = 0.021) with nab-PTX arm. The most common grade3-4 adverse event was neutropenia, which was observed in 40/36% of cases. Non-hematological adverse events of any grade were; 34/32% myalgia (DTX/nab-PTX), 42/35% arthralgia, 55/65% peripheral sensory neuropathy. No Grade3-4 peripheral sensory neuropathy was observed in nab-PTX arm. Infusion reaction of DTX occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS In this initial effectively analysis, neoadjuvant weekly nab-paclitaxel 100mg/m2 were promising drug in HER2-negative operable breast cancer patients. Larger studies will be needed to evaluate neoadjuvant weekly nab-paclitaxel compared with DTX. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION 000005388.
Mutational Analysis of BRAF in Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies of the Thyroid: A Potential Application for the Preoperative Assessment of Thyroid Nodules

Background: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is routinely used in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules, but subsequent patient management is often complicated by the inability to decisively recognize malignancy on cytologic grounds alone. Activating mutations of the BRAF oncogene commonly occur in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) but not in other types of benign and malignant thyroid lesions. Mutational analysis of FNAs could enhance selection of thyroid nodules for surgical removal. Methods: Ninety-five excised PTCs along with 49 corresponding FNAs were evaluated for BRAF mutations by a newly developed assay that uses a novel primer extension method (MutectorR assay) and by direct sequencing. An additional 42 FNAs from thyroid nodules that were excised based on a suspicion of malignancy were also evaluated. Results:BRAF mutations were identified in 36 of the 95 (38%) excised PTCs. By histological subtype, BRAF mutations were more common in conventional PTCs than in the follicular variant (67% versus 12%; P < 0.0001; χ2). Analysis of the preoperative FNAs accurately reflected BRAF status of the resected PTC in 46 of the 49 paired samples (94% concordance). In FNA samples grouped according to the preoperative cytologic findings (malignant, n = 25; benign, n = 11; and indeterminate, n = 55), a BRAF mutation confirmed the diagnosis of PTC in 72% of carcinomas within the malignant group, and it established the diagnosis of PTC in 16% of carcinomas within the indeterminate group. BRAF mutations were not detected in FNAs from 32 benign thyroid lesions. Direct sequencing and the MutectorR assay yielded completely concordant results. Conclusions:BRAF mutations are common in conventional PTCs, and they are specific for PTC. A BRAF mutation can be reliably detected in cells aspirated from a thyroid nodule suggesting a role for this marker in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules.
Optimizing timing resolution for TOF PET detectors based on monolithic scintillation crystals using fast photosensor arrays

We have investigated the time-of-flight (TOF) capability of a monolithic 20 mm × 20 mm × 12 mm LYSO crystal coupled to a Hamamatsu position-sensitive H8711-03 4×4 multi-anode photomultiplier tube. The x-, y-, and z-coordinates of the photoconversion location inside the crystal are determined using a maximum likelihood estimation algorithm, based on a calibration scan with a pencil beam of 511 keV photons across the front and one of the side surfaces of the crystal. A FWHM resolution in x- and y-direction of 2.7 mm is obtained. In the z-direction, i.e. the depth-of-interaction (DOI), the FWHM resolution ranges from 2.5 mm near the photomultiplier tube to 4 mm at a distance of 10 mm from the photomultiplier tube. Artifacts are observed at all edges of the crystal. A timing resolution of 349 ps FWHM is obtained in coincidence with a fast BaF2 detector. DOI time walk is observed to strongly depend on the region of the crystal selected. In the present setup, a software correction of the DOI time walk of less than 100 ps across the detector does not significantly improve the coincidence timing resolution, as the walk effect is much smaller than the system timing resolution. A simulation of the DOI time walk effect in the coincidence of two 30 mm thick LaBr3 crystals indicates that a DOI time walk correction may lead to a significant improvement in timing resolution.
Ising spin model using Spin-Hall Effect (SHE) induced magnetization reversal in Magnetic-Tunnel-Junction

Ising spin model is considered as an efficient computing method to solve combinatorial optimization problems based on its natural tendency of convergence towards low energy state. The underlying basic functions facilitating the Ising model can be categorized into two parts, "Annealing and Majority vote". In this paper, we propose an Ising cell based on Spin Hall Effect (SHE) induced magnetization switching in a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ). The stochasticity of our proposed Ising cell based on SHE induced MTJ switching, can implement the natural annealing process by preventing the system from being stuck in solutions with local minima. Further, by controlling the current through the Heavy-Metal (HM) underlying the MTJ, we can mimic the majority vote function which determines the next state of the individual spins. By solving coupled \textit{Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert} (LLG) equations, we demonstrate that our Ising cell can be replicated to map certain combinatorial problems. We present results for two representative problems - Maximum-cut and Graph coloring - to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed device-circuit configuration in solving combinatorial problems. Our proposed solution using a Heavy Metal (HM) based MTJ device can be exploited to implement compact, fast, and energy efficient Ising spin model.
Effect of dietary n‐3 PUFA supplementation on the muscle transcriptome in older adults

Dietary fish oil‐derived n‐3 PUFA supplementation can increase muscle mass, reduce oxygen demand during physical activity, and improve physical function (muscle strength and power, and endurance) in people. The results from several studies conducted in animals suggest that the anabolic and performance‐enhancing effects of n‐3 PUFA are at least in part transcriptionally regulated. The effect of n‐3 PUFA therapy on the muscle transcriptome in people is unknown. In this study, we used muscle biopsy samples collected during a recently completed randomized controlled trial that found that n‐3 PUFA therapy increased muscle mass and function in older adults to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effect of n‐3 PUFA therapy on the skeletal muscle gene expression profile in these people. Using the microarray technique, we found that several pathways involved in regulating mitochondrial function and extracellular matrix organization were increased and pathways related to calpain‐ and ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis and inhibition of the key anabolic regulator mTOR were decreased by n‐3 PUFA therapy. However, the effect of n‐3 PUFA therapy on the expression of individual genes involved in regulating mitochondrial function and muscle growth, assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR, was very small. These data suggest that n‐3 PUFA therapy results in small but coordinated changes in the muscle transcriptome that may help explain the n‐3 PUFA‐induced improvements in muscle mass and function.