Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIAGNOSING PARKINSON'S DISEASE USING THE CLASSIFICATION OF SPEECH SIGNALS

This paper addressees the problem of an early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease by the classification of characteristic features of person’s voice. A new, two-step classification approach is proposed. In the first step, the voice samples are classified using standard state-of-the-art classifiers. In the second step, the classified samples are assigned to patients and the final classification process based on majority criterion is performed. The advantage of using our new approach is the resulting, reliable patientoriented medical diagnose. The proposed two-step method of classification allows also to deal with the variable number of voice samples gathered for every patient. Preliminary experiments revealed quite satisfactory classification accuracy obtained during the performed leave-one-out cross validation. In this paper an important problem [5], [8] of the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is addressed. The name of the disease comes from James Parkinson who described it in work [11]. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of central nervous system and leads to many health issues, e.g., rigidity, imbalances, difficulty in talking, or slowness of movements. It is estimated that seven to ten million people currently suffer Parkinson’s disease worldwide. First symptoms are noted for people over the age of fifty (the average age of the onset of disease is about fifty nine). Parkinson’s disease manifests also in form of disorders of person’s speech. Therefore it is possible to diagnose Parkinson’s disease using voice signals [12], [14]. On the basis of voice sample a vector of numerical values is calculated. The obtained values represent selected characteristic features of the recorded voice. Finally, the characteristic vector of the voice sample is classified indicating whether the corresponding person exhibits a symptom of the disease. The problem of an early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has raised an interest of numerous researchers [3], [7], [13]. In particular, the application of artificial neural networks to discriminate healthy people from those with Parkinson’s disease using voice signals was proposed in [3]. Parkinson’s disease classification using gait characteristics and wavelet-based feature extraction was proposed in [13]. Application of fuzzy k-nearest neighbor model to an efficient detection of Parkinson’s disease was proposed in [7].
Molecular simulation for predicting the rheological properties of polymer melts

ABSTRACT Bottom-up prediction that links materials chemistry to their properties is a constant theme in polymer simulation. Rheological properties are particularly challenging to predict because of the extended time scales involved as well as large uncertainty in the stress output from molecular simulation. This review focuses on the application of molecular simulation in the prediction of such properties, including approaches solely based on molecular simulation and its integration with rheological models. Most attention is given to the prediction of quantitative properties, in particular, those most studied such as shear viscosity and linear viscoelasticity. Studies on the fundamental understanding of rheology are referenced only when they are directly relevant to the property prediction. The review starts with an overview of the major methods for extracting rheological properties from molecular simulation, using bead-spring chain models as a sandbox system. It then discusses materials-specific prediction using chemically-realistic models, including systematically coarse-grained models that allow the mapping between scales. Finally, integrating molecular simulation with rheological models extends the prediction to highly entangled polymers. Recent development of several multiscale predictive frameworks allowed the successful prediction of rheological properties from the chemical structure for polymers of experimentally relevant molecular weights.
FIR H/spl infin/ equalization

This paper addresses the problem of blind channel equalization in the context of digital communications. Recent results have shown that certain operations applied to the source signal at the transmitter help in the blind identification and equalization of the channel at the receiver. For example, cyclostationarity is induced by multiplying the baseband data signal with a periodic sequence. Here, the baseband data signal is multiplied with a chirp sequence. Exploiting certain structural properties arising from this operation, a simple and fast converging algorithm is obtained for estimating the equalizer coefficients. The algorithm is deterministic, i.e. it provides optimal equalizer settings using finite data in the noiseless case.
The TCLUST Approach to Robust Cluster Analysis

A new method for performing robust clustering is proposed. The method is designed with the aim of fitting clusters with different scatters and weights. A proportion α of contaminating data points is also allowed. Restrictions on the ratio between the maximum and the minimum eigenvalues of the groups scatter matrices are introduced. These restrictions make the problem to be well-defined guaranteeing the existence and the consistency of the sample estimators to the population parameters. ∗Research partially supported by Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnoloǵıa and FEDER grant MTM2005-08519C02-01 and by Consejeŕıa de Educación y Cultura de la Junta de Castilla y León grant PAPIJCL VA102A06. †Departamento de Estad́ıstica e Investigación Operativa. Facultad de Ciencias. Universidad de Valladolid. 47002, Valladolid. Spain. 1 The method covers a wide range of clustering approaches, which arise depending on the strength of the chosen restrictions. Our proposal includes an algorithm for approximately solving the sample problem which takes advantage of the Dykstra’s algorithm.
The Syntax and Meaning of Wild Gibbon Songs

Spoken language is a result of the human capacity to assemble simple vocal units into more complex utterances, the basic carriers of semantic information. Not much is known about the evolutionary origins of this behaviour. The vocal abilities of non-human primates are relatively unimpressive in comparison, with gibbon songs being a rare exception. These apes assemble a repertoire of call notes into elaborate songs, which function to repel conspecific intruders, advertise pair bonds, and attract mates. We conducted a series of field experiments with white-handed gibbons at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, which showed that this ape species uses songs also to protect themselves against predation. We compared the acoustic structure of predatory-induced songs with regular songs that were given as part of their daily routine. Predator-induced songs were identical to normal songs in the call note repertoire, but we found consistent differences in how the notes were assembled into songs. The responses of out-of-sight receivers demonstrated that these syntactic differences were meaningful to conspecifics. Our study provides the first evidence of referential signalling in a free-ranging ape species, based on a communication system that utilises combinatorial rules.
Analysis of RBF cascade network for sparse signal recovery and application in telemetry

Analysis of cascade network consisting of RBF nodes and least square error minimization block for compressed sensing recovery of sparse signals is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm radial basis function cascade network for sparse signal recovery uses the L0 norm optimization, L2 least square method and feedback network model to improve the signal recovery performance and computational time over the existing ANN based and SL0 algorithms. The recovery of spike and pulse current measurement from simulated compressed sensed data for Telemetry application is demonstrated using the new algorithm. The Simulink model for compressed sensing data acquisition process, sparse signal recovery results and algorithm performance evaluation are presented.
Cysteine String Protein-α Prevents Activity-Dependent Degeneration in GABAergic Synapses

The continuous release of neurotransmitter could be seen to place a persistent burden on presynaptic proteins, one that could compromise nerve terminal function. This supposition and the molecular mechanisms that might protect highly active synapses merit investigation. In hippocampal cultures from knock-out mice lacking the presynaptic cochaperone cysteine string protein-α (CSP-α), we observe progressive degeneration of highly active synaptotagmin 2 (Syt2)-expressing GABAergic synapses, but surprisingly not of glutamatergic terminals. In CSP-α knock-out mice, synaptic degeneration of basket cell terminals occurs in vivo in the presence of normal glutamatergic synapses onto dentate gyrus granule cells. Consistent with this, in hippocampal cultures from these mice, the frequency of miniature IPSCs, caused by spontaneous GABA release, progressively declines, whereas the frequency of miniature excitatory AMPA receptor-mediated currents (mEPSCs), caused by spontaneous release of glutamate, is normal. However, the mEPSC amplitude progressively decreases. Remarkably, long-term block of glutamatergic transmission in cultures lacking CSP-α substantially rescues Syt2-expressing GABAergic synapses from neurodegeneration. These findings demonstrate that elevated neural activity increases synapse vulnerability and that CSP-α is essential to maintain presynaptic function under a physiologically high-activity regimen.
Recommendations for the implementation of platelet autoantibody testing in clinical trials of immune thrombocytopenia

The utility of platelet autoantibody testing in the management of patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains uncertain. Because of low sensitivity reported in prospective studies [1–3], the routine use of platelet autoantibody testing has not been endorsed in recent evidence-based guidelines [4]; however, the ‘ITP syndrome’ [5], which includes primary and secondary forms, is a disorder that may comprise groups of patients with distinct clinical and serological profiles. To better understand the diagnostic, prognostic and pathogenic role of platelet autoantibodies in ITP, further systematic evaluation is required. An efficient way to study platelet autoantibodies in ITP is to incorporate testing into the design of large clinical trials. Multinational proficiency testing has shown that most laboratories can readily identify platelet alloantibodies from coded samples [6]; however, platelet autoantibodies may be more difficult to discern. In addition, large-scale implementation would require standard methods of sample collection, processing and testing. This official report of the Platelet Immunology Scientific Subcommittee of ISTH describes a standardized approach to the implementation of platelet autoantibody testing in ITP clinical trials.
Response of Soil Respiration to Soil Temperature and Moisture in a 50-Year-Old Oriental Arborvitae Plantation in China

China possesses large areas of plantation forests which take up great quantities of carbon. However, studies on soil respiration in these plantation forests are rather scarce and their soil carbon flux remains an uncertainty. In this study, we used an automatic chamber system to measure soil surface flux of a 50-year-old mature plantation of Platycladus orientalis at Jiufeng Mountain, Beijing, China. Mean daily soil respiration rates (Rs) ranged from 0.09 to 4.87 µmol CO2 m−2s−1, with the highest values observed in August and the lowest in the winter months. A logistic model gave the best fit to the relationship between hourly Rs and soil temperature (Ts), explaining 82% of the variation in Rs over the annual cycle. The annual total of soil respiration estimated from the logistic model was 645±5 g C m−2 year−1. The performance of the logistic model was poorest during periods of high soil temperature or low soil volumetric water content (VWC), which limits the model's ability to predict the seasonal dynamics of Rs. The logistic model will potentially overestimate Rs at high Ts and low VWC. Seasonally, Rs increased significantly and linearly with increasing VWC in May and July, in which VWC was low. In the months from August to November, inclusive, in which VWC was not limiting, Rs showed a positively exponential relationship with Ts. The seasonal sensitivity of soil respiration to Ts (Q10) ranged from 0.76 in May to 4.38 in October. It was suggested that soil temperature was the main determinant of soil respiration when soil water was not limiting.
Cancer Incidence in Patients Treated Surgically for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Our aim was to study risk factors for Dupuytren’s contracture (DC) by assessing cancer morbidity in a group of Swedish patients treated surgically for Dupuytren’s contracture. The risk of cancer was determined in 15,212 patients operated on for Dupuytren’s contracture, identified in the nation-wide Swedish Inpatient Register during the period 1965 to 1994 by means of record linkage to the Swedish Cancer Register. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were computed using age-, sex- and period-specific incidence rates derived from the entire Swedish population. The overall relative risk of cancer was increased by 24%. There were significantly increased risks for malignancies related to smoking such as buccal, oesophageal, gastric, lung and pancreatic cancers. Significantly increased risks were present for both prostate and rectal cancer in men and an increase risk for breast cancer in women was noted 1 year or more after surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture. The present study confirms smoking and alcohol abuse as probable risk factors for DC. There are characteristics in patients with DC that alter the risks for other malignancies compared with the general population.
TRANSACTIONSOF SOCIETY OF ACTUARIES

The probabilistic concepts underlying measurement of asset adequacy are discussed in a simplified way. The basic theory involves complex probability distributions of C-l, C-2, and C-3 risks and their combination, with degree of adequacy expressed as a level of probability of ultimate ruin. Practical surrogates for such distributions are universes of deterministic cash flow scenarios of reasonable and plausible deviations from expected with bounding worst scenarios. These are related to ruin probabilities by stochastic generation of scenarios or by heuristic reasoning reflecting levels of comfort or intuitive feelings. The intent is to show the relationship of theoretical and practical procedures that differ only in degree of precision. Certain significant problems that arise in the absence of determination of risk surplus are discussed.
Seroepidemiology of Coxsackievirus A6, Coxsackievirus A16, and Enterovirus 71 Infections among Children and Adolescents in Singapore, 2008-2010

Coxsackieviruses A6 (CV-A6) and A16 (CV-A16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) have caused periodic epidemics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among children in Singapore. We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the seroprevalence of these enteroviruses among Singapore children and adolescents. The study was conducted between August 2008 and July 2010. It involved 700 Singapore residents aged 1–17 years whose residual sera were obtained following the completion of routine biochemical investigations in two public acute-care hospitals. The levels of neutralizing antibodies (NtAb) against CV-A6, CV-A16 and EV-A71 were analyzed by the microneutralization test. The age-specific geometric mean titer (GMT) of antibodies against each of the three enteroviruses and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The seroprevalence of CV-A6 and CV-A16 was high at 62.7% (95% CI: 59.1–66.2%) and 60.6% (95% CI: 56.9–64.1%), respectively. However, the seroprevalence of EV-A71 was significantly lower at 29.3% (95% CI: 26.0–32.8%). About 89.7% of the children and adolescents had been infected by at least one of the three enteroviruses by 13–17 years of age. About half (52.3%) were seropositive for two or all three enteroviruses, while only 16.1% had no NtAb against any of the three enteroviruses. High NtAb levels were observed in the younger age groups. CV-A6 and CV-A16 infections are very common among Singapore children and adolescents, while EV-A71 infections are less common. Infection is continually acquired from early childhood to adolescent age.
The impacts of degassing on space charge characteristics and DC conductivity in semicon-bonded XLPE for HVDC cable applications

High voltage direct current (HVDC) cables are one of the key components for the HVDC power transmission system. HVDC cables for higher voltage level, larger power capacity and higher reliability are still desired for the power industry as part of a global power strategy. One of the major concerns related to HVDC applications is the presence of space charge within the dielectrics, which distorts the electric field distribution and contributes to accelerated ageing and consequent failure of the cable insulation. The byproducts generated from the crosslinking process during the manufacture of XLPE insulation for HVDC cable are one of the major sources of hetero-charge formation in dielectrics. Therefore, degassing is widely applied in cable manufacture for the removal of such crosslinking byproducts. In this paper, composite XLPE samples were produced that include two layers of semiconductive polymer (semicon), which are thermally bonded on the top and bottom of the XLPE insulation, to mimic a real cable manufacturing process. The samples were degassed under vacuum and elevated temperature for 1, 3 and 6 days and their space charge characteristics and conductivities were then measured at an applied field of 40 kV/mm. The influence of the degassing period and the semicon material formulation on space charge formation and distribution in the system are discussed and the findings are compared with undegassed samples.
Do Fielders Know Where to Go to Catch the Ball or Only How to Get There

Skilled fielders were filmed as they ran backward or forward to catch balls projected toward them from a bowling machine 45 m away. They ran at a speed that kept the acceleration of the tangent of the angle of elevation of gaze to the ball at 0. This algorithm does not tell fielders where or when the ball will land, but it ensures that they run through the place where the ball drops to catch height at the precise moment that the ball arrives there. The algorithm leads to interception of the ball irrespective of the effect of wind resistance on the trajectory of the ball.
Prevention of bone mineral density loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-TNFα therapy

This review focuses on recent advances in the effect of anti-TNFα therapy on bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial joint, cartilage degradation, and subsequent bone destruction. Bone damage is often manifested as erosions, localized juxta-articular bone loss, or generalized bone loss. Thus, blockade of TNFa not only serves to block inflammation, but also halts the erosive nature of RA and generalized/localized juxta-articular bone loss. Here, we review recent findings showing that anti-TNFa therapy is also effective on halting systemic bone loss. In vitro, TNFa reduces osteoblast activity and increases osteoclast activity through RANKL-RANK pathway. In arthritis animal models, an imbalance between bone formation and resorption is observed. In humans, this coupling of destruction is restored by anti-TNFα therapy early on, but only for a few months. Thus, anti-TNFα prevents the BMD loss in RA patients. In summary, TNFa blockade is not only able to prevent joint destruction, but it is also able to prevent bone loss in RA patients. Future studies are needed to address if TNFa blockers have an effect on bone fractures.
On the Use of Probit-Based Models for Ranking Data Analysis

In consumer surveys, more information per response regarding preferences of alternatives may be obtained if individuals are asked to rank alternatives instead of being asked to select only the most-preferred alternative. However, the latter method continues to be the common method of preference elicitation. This is because of the belief that ranking of alternatives is cognitively burdensome. In addition, the limited research on modeling ranking data has been based on the rank ordered logit (ROL) model. In this paper, we show that a rank ordered probit (ROP) model can better utilize ranking data information, and that the prevalent view of ranking data as not being reliable (because of the attenuation of model coefficients with rank depth) may be traced to the use of a misspecified ROL model rather than to any cognitive burden considerations.
SLE in Indian Men: Analysis of the Clinical and Laboratory Features with a Review of the Literature

Data on the clinical and laboratory profile of 39 male lupus patients has been analysed. An attempt has been made to (1) delineate the pattern of SLE in Indian males, (2) compare it with that reported in the world literature, (3) find out differences, if any, between male children and adults with the disease, and (4) compare it with our previously published data on Indian females with SLE. Several important points were brought out in this study. First, SLE in Indian males has an earlier age of disease onset, a higher incidence of mucocutaneous and renal involvement and a lower incidence of neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal and hematological disease in comparison to those published from the developed countries. Second, leucopenia and lymphopenia, a reflection of disease severity, occur significantly more in male children compared with adults. Thrombocytopenia is exclusively noted in adult males and virtually non-existent in children. Third, male patients overall have a less severe form of the disease in comparison with their female counterpart, as was evident by significantly less patients with hypocomplementemia, diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis and psychosis. Finally, a higher frequency of infection, particularly tuberculosis, was seen in male patients, which was the cause of death in some.