Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dilated cardiomyopathy: more genes means more phenotypes.

This editorial refers to ‘Mutation screening in dilated cardiomyopathy: prominent role of the beta myosin heavy chain gene’† by E. Villard et al . , on page 794 Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the third most common cause of heart failure after coronary artery disease and hypertension. DCM is the most frequent form of primary myocardial disease. Clinically, DCM is characterized by a progressive course of ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. The different stages of DCM are reflected by the presentation of asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dilatation or impaired systolic function, patients with exercise-induced symptoms of heart failure, or overt congestive heart failure. The life expectancy is limited and varies according to the underlying aetiology.1 Myocarditis, immunological abnormalities, toxic myocardial damage, and genetic factors are all assumed to be causes. The familial occurrence of DCM, mostly as an autosomal dominant trait, is more common than generally believed. As a matter of fact, 20–30% of all cases of DCM are caused by genetic mutations.2 In the past decade, major progress has been achieved by investigating families with inherited DCM. The analysis of candidate genes led to the discovery of cardiac α-actin, the first DCM-causing gene.3 Additional candidate gene screening and linkage analyses in large families were successful in identifying 19 additional disease-causing genes ( Figure 1 , Table 1 ). Figure 1 Cellular location of proteins of the cardiomyocyte involved in the development of DCM. Affected are different compartments of the cell like the sarcolemma and the membrane of the nucleus as well as the sarcomere and the cytoskeleton. View this table: Table 1 Genetic causes of DCM The interesting report by Villard et al. 4 sheds new light on the frequency of mutations in the β-myosin heavy chain (MYH7) and cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) genes. The group examined 96 patients with DCM and most of their … *Corresponding author. Tel: +49 30 9417 2500; fax: +49 30 9417 2279. E-mail address : osterziel{at}fvk-berlin.de
The M33 Variable Star Population Revealed by Spitzer

We analyze five epochs of Spitzer Space Telescope Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) observations of the nearby spiral galaxy M33. Each epoch covered nearly a square degree at 3.6, 4.5, and 8.0 μm. The point-source catalog from the full data set contains 37,650 stars. The stars have luminosities characteristic of the asymptotic giant branch and can be separated into oxygen-rich and carbon-rich populations by their [3.6] - [4.5] colors. The [3.6] - [8.0] colors indicate that over 80% of the stars detected at 8.0 μm have dust shells. Photometric comparison of epochs using conservative criteria yields a catalog of 2923 variable stars. These variables are most likely long-period variables amid an evolved stellar population. At least one-third of the identified carbon stars are variable.
Erasing the JPEG Compression Artifacts: An Improved Counter-Forensic Algorithm Based on Parameter Adjustment

With the growing awareness of the fraud case for digital images, the researchers have developed some forensic techniques that based on the intrinsic statistical history or trace left by the JPEG compression to determine an image's manipulation. In this letter, we present an improved counter-forensic scheme that based on parameter adjustment. The simulation shows that by using the proposed strategy and combined with the chaotic theory, the scheme can erase the quantization artifacts perfectly, especially when the compression factor Q = 50, the improved algorithm can achieve a better counter-forensic result than the original method.
Vehicle Types Recognition Based on Neural Network

As a key technology of intelligent transportation system, higher identification accuracy, robustness and real-time are needed in vehicle recognition. Therefore, in view of the features of vehicle types, this paper proposes a BP neural network car types classifier method based on fuzzy C-means clustering. First, on the basis of the pretreatment of the images of the vehicle, we abstract the features of car types from images and classify the massive data by fuzzy C- means clustering algorithm. Then, design the BP neural networks to train and test the classified data. Finally it is carried on compressive judgment by the computer. Experiments prove the validity of the classifier. It can recognize the highway vehicle types rapidly.
Reliability, scalability and robustness issues in IRI

Over the past two years, we have used the IRI (Interactive Remote Instruction) system to teach several live interactive classes with students in different cities. While this system is a prototype-we are using it to better understand both system performance requirements and what tools can be effective for remote instruction and how to use them we have used it repeatedly to teach regularly scheduled for credit university classes. This repeated use has resulted in significant improvements in IRI's functionality, but its evaluative use in real classrooms situations has required that we address significant scalability, reliability, and robustness issues. We discuss features of IRI's software architecture and basic functionality motivated by these scalability and reliability issues.
The rules of intermediate logic

If Visser’s rules are admissible for an intermediate logic, they form a basis for the admissible rules of the logic. How to characterize the admissible rules of intermediate logics for which not all of Visser’s rules are admissible is not known. Here we study the situation for specific intermediate logics. We provide natural examples of logics for which Visser’s rule are derivable, admissible but non-derivable, or not admissible.
Facial nerve motor-evoked potential monitoring during microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm

Objective To determine whether monitoring facial nerve motor-evoked potentials (FNMEPs) elicited by transcranial electrical stimulation during microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) is useful for predicting postoperative outcome. Methods The authors analysed FNMEP findings in 25 patients with HFS. Corkscrew electrodes positioned at C3 or C4 and Cz were used to deliver supramaximal stimuli (152–450 V). FNMEPs were recorded from the orbicularis oculi, mentalis and oris muscles. Differences in amplitude or response duration between the final (at dural closure) and baseline FNMEP were evaluated. Final-to-baseline FNMEPs ratios (shown as percentages) obtained from the three muscles were examined. Results In the orbicularis oculi muscles, both duration and amplitude in the final FNMEP were significantly reduced compared with the baseline FNMEP (p<0.001 and p<0.0005, respectively). The FNMEP ratio obtained from the orbicularis oculi muscle (44.8±25.4%) was significantly lower than the other two muscles (95.8±51.2% for the mentalis muscle and 84.5±34.6% for the orbicularis oris muscle; p<0.0001). In one patient who showed the same degree of symptoms immediately after surgery as in the preoperative state, neither LSRs nor FNMEP from the orbicularis oculi muscle changed. Conclusions The FNMEP amplitude from the orbicularis oculi muscle decreased after MVD in HFS patients whose symptoms were resolved postoperatively, thus suggesting normalisation of facial nerve excitability. FNMEP monitoring during MVD surgery as well as LSR monitoring could predict postoperative outcome in HFS patients.
A new model of anterior subcapsular cataract: involvement of TGFbeta/Smad signaling.

PURPOSE To develop a new animal model of anterior subcapsular cataract formation by topical application of alkali to the eye and to examine the role of Transforming growth factorbeta/Smad3 (TGFbeta/Smad3) signaling in the formation of this cataract model. METHODS Under anesthesia, one eye of adult Wistar rats (n=142) was subjected to alkali burn by topical application of 1 N NaOH. The eye was then histologically examined at specific time intervals. Immunohistochemistry with a battery of antibodies was carried out to examine the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lens epithelium. Enzyme immunoassay was employed to determine the level of growth factors in aqueous humor and lens tissue. Smad3-null mice were also used to examine the role of Smad3 signaling in cataractogenesis in this model. RESULTS Two days post-burn of the ocular surface, lens epithelium underwent EMT as evidenced by the upregulation of Snail and alpha-smooth muscle actin and formed a multilayer of cells beneath the capsule. Smad signaling was found to be activated in EMT-type lens cells. The majority of myofibroblast-type lens cells expressed proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The total amount of active TGFbeta2, total TGFbeta2, and Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) increased in the aqueous humor and lens. Loss of Smad3 attenuated, but did not completely abolish, EMT in the lens epithelium. CONCLUSIONS Topical alkali treatment of the ocular surface readily induces an EMT-type anterior subcapsular cataract. Smad3 signaling is involved, but not required, for achievement of EMT in the lens epithelium in this cataract model.
Smart Temperature Control With Active Building Occupant Feedback

In current practice and existing solutions, temperature control in commercial buildings is mostly done independently of occupant feedback. Typically, an acceptable temperature range for the occupancy level is estimated, and the control solution is designed to maintain temperature within that range during occupancy hours while optimizing energy usage at the same time. In this work we incorporate active user (occupant) feedback to minimize aggregate user discomfort. User feedback is accepted in a convenient binary format which is then used to estimate the user’s comfort range (discomfort function), taking into account possible inaccuracies in the feedback provided. The control algorithm design also takes the energy cost into account, trading it off optimally with the aggregate user discomfort. A lumped heat transfer model based on thermal resistance and capacitance is used to model a multi-zone building, and singular perturbation theory is utilized to analyze the system. Under sufficient time scale separation between temperature dynamics and user feedback frequency, we establish convergence of the proposed solution to the desired temperature that minimizes the sum of the energy cost plus user discomfort. Simulation results on a four-room example are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach and validate the model.
Two Classes of Radio Flares in the Blazar PKS 0420–014

The two 5 GHz very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations (1996 June and 1997 November) presented in this Letter, combined with several former VLBI observations at 8.4 and 5 GHz, suggest that the radio flares of the blazar PKS 0420-014 can be divided into two classes according to their geometric origins in 5 or 8.4 GHz VLBI maps and the properties of light curves. One class of flares, which we call core flares, originate from the core. Core flares have large lags between the light curves at different frequencies and will probably lead to the ejection of new jet components. The other class of flares, which we call jet flares, come from jet components. Jet flares vary simultaneously at different wavelengths and may due to the Doppler boosting effect of rotating knots moving along a helical jet. The radio flare in 1991, accompanied by a simultaneous gamma-ray flare, was identified as a core flare.
Representing the Meaning of Symbols in Autonomous Agents

In this paper an approach to developing representations jOr embodied ontologies used by other agents is proposed. Agents are assumed to posses their own systems ofmeaning captured in the form oftheir strictly private ontology. Therefore, in order to communicate successfUlly the agent should be able to circumscribe the meaning assigned by other agents to incoming symbols ofcommunication language. Simple correlation analysis, between symbols incoming from other agents and associated states of the external world, allows an agent to develop its internal reflection of meaning assigned to uttered language symbols by their senders. Referring to the representation ofother agents' embodied ontology the agent may determine the level ofconsistency between the language symbols semantics assigned byparticular agents. The novelty of this work lies in the jOct that language symbols used by communicating agents are assumed to be grounded in agent experience. As a direct consequence the introduced process of other agents' embodied ontology representation determination can beformalized.
Estimating self-assessed personality from body movements and proximity in crowded mingling scenarios

This paper focuses on the automatic classification of self-assessed personality traits from the HEXACO inventory during crowded mingle scenarios. We exploit acceleration and proximity data from a wearable device hung around the neck. Unlike most state-of-the-art studies, addressing personality estimation during mingle scenarios provides a challenging social context as people interact dynamically and freely in a face-to-face setting. While many former studies use audio to extract speech-related features, we present a novel method of extracting an individual’s speaking status from a single body worn triaxial accelerometer which scales easily to large populations. Moreover, by fusing both speech and movement energy related cues from just acceleration, our experimental results show improvements on the estimation of Humility over features extracted from a single behavioral modality. We validated our method on 71 participants where we obtained an accuracy of 69% for Honesty, Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience. To our knowledge, this is the largest validation of personality estimation carried out in such a social context with simple wearable sensors.
Mouse mammary epithelial cells produce basement membrane and cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans containing distinct core proteins

Cultured mouse mammary (NMuMG) cells produce heparan sulfate-rich proteoglycans that are found at the cell surface, in the culture medium, and beneath the monolayer. The cell surface proteoglycan consists of a lipophilic membrane-associated domain and an extracellular domain, or ectodomain, that contains both heparan and chondroitin sulfate chains. During culture, the cells release into the medium a soluble proteoglycan that is indistinguishable from the ectodomain released from the cells by trypsin treatment. This medium ectodomain was isolated, purified, and used as an antigen to prepare an affinity-purified serum antibody from rabbits. The antibody recognizes polypeptide determinants on the core protein of the ectodomain of the cell surface proteoglycan. The reactivity of this antibody was compared with that of a serum antibody (BM-1) directed against the low density basement membrane proteoglycan of the Englebarth-Holm-Swarm tumor (Hassell, J. R., W. C. Leyshon, S. R. Ledbetter, B. Tyree, S. Suzuki, M. Kato, K. Kimata, and H. Kleinman. 1985. J. Biol. Chem. 250:8098- 8105). The BM-1 antibody recognized a large, low density heparan sulfate-rich proteoglycan in the cells and in the basal extracellular materials beneath the monolayer where it accumulated in patchy deposits. The affinity-purified anti-ectodomain antibody recognized the cell surface proteoglycan on the cells, where it is seen on apical cell surfaces in subconfluent cultures and in fine filamentous arrays at the basal cell surface in confluent cultures, but detected no proteoglycan in the basal extracellular materials beneath the monolayer. The amino acid composition of the purified medium ectodomain was substantially different from that reported for the basement membrane proteoglycan. Thus, NMuMG cells produce at least two heparan sulfate-rich proteoglycans that contain distinct core proteins, a cell surface proteoglycan, and a basement membrane proteoglycan. In newborn mouse skin, these proteoglycans localize to distinct sites; the basement membrane proteoglycan is seen solely at the dermal-epidermal boundary and the cell surface proteoglycan is seen solely at the surfaces of keratinocytes in the basal, spinous, and granular cell layers. These results suggest that although heparan sulfate-rich proteoglycans may have similar glycosaminoglycan chains, they are sorted by the epithelial cells to different sites on the basis of differences in their core proteins.
Unhappy Working with Men? Workplace Gender Diversity and Employee Job-Related Well-Being in Britain: A WERS2004 Based Analysis

This paper attempts to establish empirically the link between workplace gender diversity and employee job-related well-being. Using nationally representative linked employer-employee data for Britain, I employ econometric techniques that account for unobserved workplace heterogeneity. I find that gender diversity is associated with lower employee well-being among women in several of the equations estimated. The magnitudes of the estimated effects also tend to increase with (women's) group size. Workplace equality policies do not appear to ameliorate these effects.
Solving the Principal - Agent Problem in Iraq: Economic Incentives Create a New Model for Security

Abstract : This report evaluates several alternatives that could be used to form a public policy in Iraq for sharing oil revenues with the Iraqi people. Using the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend as a potential model for Iraq, two key criteria were formulated for comparison and contrast with other alternatives currently available to the Iraqi government. The evaluative criteria were: does the model distribute wealth to the people and does it encourage increased security and stability to protect that means of wealth distribution. The results of a cost-benefit analysis provide a means to evaluate oil distribution schemes and help form appropriate recommendations for Iraqi policy leaders.
Camera Response Function Estimation from a Single-channel Image Using Differential Invariants

The camera response function (CRF) models the important characteristics of cameras and digital images. Recent work in [1] proposed a method for estimating CRF from a single grayscale image, by assuming the uniform distribution of the image irradiance in local edge regions. In this paper, we propose a different approach by exploring the fundamental properties of digital images ‐ differential invariants. Specifically, the geometry invariants can be used to derive the analytical and computational solutions for estimating the CRF, based on the detailed analysis of the invariants. As the technique needs an analytic CRF model with good modeling power, we propose a general polynomial exponent model. The proposed method is tested using images from four different models of digital camera and achieves a very good accuracy ‐ the average root mean square error (RMSE) for the estimated CRF is 0.0369. Being the basic properties of digital images, the differential invariants also show a great potential in solving other problems, such as modeling the cameras with a spatially varying CRF. This is a current ongoing work.
Choice, Voice, and Exit: School Vouchers in Milwaukee

ABSTRACT Do market-based policies, like school vouchers, that provide an exit option enhance or diminish parental involvement? I examine this question using original survey data from parents participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, the nation’s oldest urban voucher program. Voucher students were matched to a set of public school students based on Census tract, test scores, and demographic factors. I find voucher parents say that they are more willing than public school parents to use voice over exit. Further, voucher parents report being more involved in school-based activities or participatory coproduction, while public school parents report participating in more home-based education activities or independent coproduction. Multiple mechanisms inform these relationships. Voucher schools may be more receptive to parental involvement, and the religious nature of some voucher schools may promote participatory coproduction.
Hierarchical Mesh Segmentation Using Waterfall and Dynamics

Mesh segmentation is a fundamental problem in computer graphics and has become an important component in many applications. This paper proposes a new hierarchical mesh segmentation method based on waterfall and dynamics. Watershed transformation allows segmenting the mesh in small patches and dynamics provide information about boundaries and merging possibilities. From region and boundary information, a hierarchical process based on waterfall is computed in order to build the merging tree. This tree contains all the schemes of segmentation and the user can easily browse the different levels of segmentation.
White-coat hypertension as a risk factor for the development of home hypertension: the Ohasama study.

BACKGROUND White-coat hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure (BP) in medical settings combined with normal ambulatory-recorded BP or self-measured BP at home (home BP). However, it is unknown whether this condition represents a transient state in the development of hypertension outside medical settings. METHODS We followed up 128 subjects with white-coat hypertension (home BP <135/85 mm Hg and office BP > or = 140/90 mm Hg) for 8 years and compared the risk of progression with home hypertension (home BP > or = 135/85 mm Hg or start of treatment with antihypertensive medication) with 649 sustained normotensive subjects (home BP <135/85 mm Hg and office BP <140/90 mm Hg) using data from population-based home BP measurement projects in Japan. RESULTS During the 8-year follow-up period, 60 subjects (46.9%) with white-coat hypertension and 144 (22.2%) with sustained normotension progressed to home hypertension. The odds ratio of subjects with white-coat hypertension for progression to home hypertension (adjusted for possible confounding factors) was significantly higher than for subjects with sustained normotension (odds ratio, 2.86; P<.001). This association was observed independent of baseline home BP levels. CONCLUSION The results from the present 8-year follow-up study demonstrate that white-coat hypertension is a transitional condition to hypertension outside medical settings, suggesting that white-coat hypertension may carry a poor cardiovascular prognosis.
Sound Effect Taxonomy Management in Production Environments

Categories or classification schemes offer ways of navigating and higher control over the search and retrieval of audio content. The MPEG-7 standard provides description mechanisms and ontology management tools for multimedia documents. We have implemented a classification scheme for sound effects management inspired on the MPEG-7 standard on top of an existing lexical network, WordNet. WordNet is a semantic network that organizes over 100.000 concepts of the real world with links among them. We show how to extend WordNet with the concepts of the specific domain of sound effects. We review some of the taxonomies to describe acoustically sounds. Mining legacy metadata from sound effects libraries further supplies us with terms. The extended semantic network includes the semantic, perceptual and sound effects specific terms in an unambiguous way. We show the usefulness of the approach easing the task for the librarian and providing higher control on the search and retrieval for the user.
DepthFinder, a real-time depth detection system for aided driving

Many military applications require the distance information from a moving vehicle to targets from video image sequences. For indirect driving, lack of perception of depth in view hinders steering and navigation. In this paper we present a real-time depth detection system DepthFinder, a system that finds the distances of objects through a monocular vision model. DepthFinder can be used with a camera mounted either at the front of side of a moving vehicle. A real-time matching algorithm is introduced to improve the matching performance by several orders of magnitude. The experiment results and the performance analysis are presented.