Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Three PCR-Based Copy Number Variant Approaches , CFMSA , M-PCR , and MLPA , in 22 q 11 . 2 Deletion Syndrome

Small submicroscopic DNA copy number variants represent an important source of variation in the human genome, human phenotypic diversity, and disease susceptibility. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the development of methods allowing the efficient, accurate, and cheap measurement of genomic copy number polymorphisms in clinical cohorts. The PCR-based strategies, being cost-effective and sensitive, are considered important in the development of screening techniques. PCR-based techniques such as multiplex PCR; multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification; and a new single-tube assay technique, the competitive fluorescent multiplex STRP assay, have been applied to 22q11.2 detection, a typical example of deletion syndromes. In this study, we compared the reliability and application of these three techniques in a cohort of 17 patients affected with 22q11.2 deletion and 300 normal controls. All three techniques shared 100% sensitivity; however, the competitive fluorescent multiplex STRP assay had the lowest possibility of concurrent false-positive signals from two adjoining probes in a genomic region. Moreover, it is a relatively fast and low-cost procedure to detect the deletion of 22q11.2 in numerous patients with several minor symptoms of deletion syndromes. Multiplex PCR, a rapidly developing and cheap technique, allows detection of atypical deletions.
Depth image denoising and key points extraction for manipulation plane detection

The handling of twist-locks has been a heavy burden for the container industry. To address this challenge, we are developing a customized mobile manipulator for handling the twist-locks. In this paper, we propose a fast normal computation algorithm for depth image, which is able to use normal deviation along eight directions to extract key points for segmenting points into objects on manipulation support plane in an unstructured table top scene. Before further processing point clouds, a bilateral filter is used to denoise depth images. To evaluate the effectiveness of the bilateral filter, eight direction angles are also used to observe the effectiveness of filter. To further evaluate the proposed approach, a median filter is also used for comparison with the bilateral filter. Experimental results show that the fast surface normal computation based on depth image and eight directions to determine a point are feasible for plane detection.
A Novel Extension Data Mining Approach based on Rough Sets Pair Analysis

In the data base of information system, usually there are some attributes which are unimportant to the decision attribute, and some records that disturb the decision making. In this paper, reducing the condition attributes based on the matter-element theory and rough set method, calculating the importance to the decision attribute for each condition attribute after reduction, and data mining the relevant rules based on the reduced attributes, extension relevant function is used to depict quality of data gather in data mining. Finally, how to tap new customers and how to recommend an appropriate brand to new customers, Research result indicates that extension data mining can provide effective decide support for the Decision-making of enterprise.
Evolving structure and function of neurocontrollers

The presented evolutionary algorithm is especially designed to generate recurrent neural networks with non-trivial internal dynamics. It is not based on genetic algorithms, and sets no constraints on the number of neurons and the architecture of a network. Network topology and parameters like synaptic weights and bias terms are developed simultaneously. It is well suited for generating neuromodules acting in sensorimotor loops, and therefore it can be used for evolution of neurocontrollers solving also nonlinear control problems. We demonstrate this capability by applying the algorithm successfully to the following task: a rotating pendulum is mounted on a cart; stabilize the rotator in an upright position, and center the cart in a given finite interval.
Mentoring Function and Quality of Supervisor Auditor Relationship: Organizational Justice as A Mediation

This study empirically examines the antecedents and consequences of organization justice consisting of distributive justice, procedural justice, and interactional justice. The hypothesis of this study are mentoring function positive effect on organization justice, organizational justice positive effect on quality of supervisor-auditor relationship, mentoring function positive effect on quality of supervisor-auditor relationship. In additional, this study also hypothesized that organization justice as mediation between mentoring functions and quality of supervisor-auditor relationship. This study is a survey of 228 government internal auditors of Financial and Development Supervisory Agency-Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan (BPKP) in Java-Bali Indonesia. The technique of collecting data using questionnaires. Test hypotheses using path analysis with SEM-AMOS. The results showed that mentoring function positive effect on organization justice, organizational justice positive effect on quality of supervisor-auditor relationship, mentoring function positive effect on quality of supervisor-auditor relationship. The study also provide an empirical finding that organization justice as mediation between mentoring functions and quality of supervisor-auditor relationship. The study provides recommendations to the BPKP in solving the problems faced by the government in realizing good and clean governance. This study is the first empirically examines the potential benefit of organization justice as a mediation between mentoring function and quality of supervisor-auditor relationship.
Generalized Two-Stage Rank Regression Framework for Depression Score Prediction from Speech

This paper introduces a novel speech-based depression score prediction paradigm, the 2-stage ranking prediction framework, and highlights the benefits it brings to depression prediction. Conventional regression approaches aim to discern a single functional relationship between speech features and depression scores, making an implicit assumption about the existence of a single fixed relationship between the features and scores. However, as the relationship between severity of depression and the clinical score may vary over the range of the assessment scale, this style of analysis may not be suited to depression prediction. The proposed framework on the other hand, imposes a series of partitions on the feature space, with each partition corresponding to a distinct predefined range of depression scores, and predicts the score based on measures of membership to each partition. This approach provides additional flexibility by allowing different rankings to be learnt for different depression scores, and relaxes assumptions made by conventional regression approaches. Results demonstrate the framework's suitability for depression score prediction: different 2-stage implementations, based on heterogeneous feature extraction and modelling approaches, produce state-of-the-art results on the AVEC-2013 dataset. It is also demonstrated that, unlike fusion of conventional regression systems, the fusion of two-stage systems consistently improves prediction performance.
Corrugated interfaces in multiphase core-annular flow

Microfluidic devices can be used to produce highly controlled and monodisperse double or multiple emulsions. The presence of inner drops inside a jet of the middle phase introduces deformations in the jet, which leads to breakup into monodisperse double emulsions. However, the ability to generate double emulsions can be compromised when the interfacial tension between the middle and outer phases is low, leading to flow with high capillary and Weber numbers. In this case, the interface between the fluids is initially deformed by the inner drops but the jet does not break into drops. Instead, the jet becomes highly corrugated, which prevents formation of controlled double emulsions. We show using numerical calculations that the corrugations are caused by the inner drops perturbing the interface and the perturbations are then advected by the flow into complex shapes.
Urban wireless community networks: challenges and solutions for smart city communications

Is a different (from the global Internet and Cellular Networks) model for urban communications and networking conceivable? Can Community Networks, now flourishing in many parts of Europe and the world, be the next 'big thing' in networking, for once considering the needs of people and urban evolution as a key element, and not as a side effect of technology or business? This paper discusses recent evolutions of Community Networks in Urban Areas, blending the technical analysis of their topology and evolution, together with grand challenges ahead and the need for a novel, trans-disciplinary science that can guide the design of the future communication space for smart cities and beyond.
Molecular Phylogeography and Population Genetic Structure of an Endangered Species Pachyhynobius shangchengensis (hynobiid Salamander) in a Fragmented Habitat of Southeastern China

The salamander Pachyhynobius shangchengensis (Hynobiidae) is a vulnerable species restricted to a patchy distribution associated with small mountain streams surrounded by forested slopes in the Mount Dabieshan region in southeastern China. However, molecular phylogeography and population genetic structure of P. shangchengensis remain poorly investigated. In this study, we explored the genetic structure and phylogeography of P. shangchengensis based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes. Fifty-one haplotypes and four clades were found among 93 samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed four deeply divergent and reciprocally monophyletic mtDNA lineages that approximately correspond to four geographic regions separated by complicated topography and long distances. The distinct geographic distributions of all lineages and the estimated divergence time suggest spatial and temporal separation coinciding with climatic changes during the Pleistocene. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that most of the observed genetic variation occurred among the four groups, implying long-term interruption of gene flow, and the possible separation of P. shangchengensis into four management units for conservation.
An Experimental Testbed for Knowledge Distributed Robot Systems

A knowledge distributed robot system is proposed to generate sophisticated robotic behavior for real world applications with minimal programming effort. Whenever new products are brought into our daily life, robots should integrate them into existing recognizable environments. To solve robot programming difficulties, a distributed knowledge network connecting heterogeneous knowledge resources is proposed to collectively build up robots' knowledge required to accomplish a task. Specifically, the knowledge integrator merges specific knowledge with existing knowledge into a task requiring knowledge. For this, manufacturers put their product data tailored to bring out robot behaviors online and robots may access the data without authorization. To verify the validity of the proposed system, a testbed is built and table clearing task is performed.
Timing analysis of the isolated neutron star RX J0720.4-3125

We present a combined analysis of XMM-Newton, Chandra and ROSAT observations of the isolated neutron star RX J0720.4-3125, spanning a total period of similar to7 yr. We develop a maximum likelihood periodogram for our analysis based on the DeltaC statistic and the maximum likelihood method, which are appropriate for the treatment of sparse event lists. Our results have been checked a posteriori by folding a further BeppoSAX data set with the period predicted at the time of that observation: the phase is found to be consistent.The study of the spin history and the measure of the spin-down rate are of extreme importance in discriminating between the possible mechanisms suggested for the nature of the X-ray emission. The value of P., here measured for the first time, is approximate to10 (-14) s s(-1). This value cannot be explained in terms of torque from a fossil disc. When interpreted in terms of dipolar losses, it gives a magnetic field of B approximate to10(13) G, making it also implausible that the source is accreting from the underdense surroundings. On the other hand, we also find it unlikely that the field decayed from a much larger value (B approximate to10(15) G, as expected for a magnetar powered by dissipation of a superstrong field) since this scenario predicts a source age of approximate to10(4) yr, too young to match the observed X-ray luminosity. The observed properties are more compatible with a scenario in which the source is approximate to10(6) yr old, and its magnetic field has not changed substantially over the lifetime.
Hyperspectral Image Recovery from Incomplete and Imperfect Measurements via Hybrid Regularization

Natural images tend to mostly consist of smooth regions with individual pixels having highly correlated spectra. This information can be exploited to recover hyperspectral images of natural scenes from their incomplete and noisy measurements. To perform the recovery while taking full advantage of the prior knowledge, we formulate a composite cost function containing a square-error data-fitting term and two distinct regularization terms pertaining to spatial and spectral domains. The regularization for the spatial domain is the sum of total-variation of the image frames corresponding to all spectral bands. The regularization for the spectral domain is the l_1-norm of the coefficient matrix obtained by applying a suitable sparsifying transform to the spectra of the pixels. We use an accelerated proximal-subgradient method to minimize the formulated cost function. We analyse the performance of the proposed algorithm and prove its convergence. Numerical simulations using real hyperspectral images exhibit that the proposed algorithm offers an excellent recovery performance with a number of measurements that is only a small fraction of the hyperspectral image data size. Simulation results also show that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms an accelerated proximal-gradient algorithm that solves the classical basis-pursuit denoising problem to recover the hyperspectral image.
Importance of Base Money Even When Inflation Targeting

As monetary targeting lost its credibility and began to be replaced by inflation targeting, more and more countries chose to inflation target. Meanwhile the role of money is completely forgotten. This paper investigates the existence of a stable long run base money demand and try to show that money could play at least informational role even for a country like Turkey who is at the present implicitly inflation targeting and heading along the direction of explicit inflation targeting. When the fragility of the banking sector and fiscal dominance problems are solved and when the central bank can increase the overnight interest rates if the need arises without jeopardizing either the fiscal balance or the banking sector balance sheets, the conditions for inflation targeting will be there. For now, base money is still our best bet in monetary policy.
Interrupção voluntária da carreira em prol da maternidade

Ao mesmo tempo em que as mulheres passaram a ter mais abertura no mercado de trabalho, muitas tambem se depararam com dificuldades diversas para se manterem nele depois de assumirem o papel de maes. Neste contexto, definiu-se como objetivo de pesquisa analisar a motivacao das mulheres que decidiram abdicar da carreira para se dedicarem integralmente a maternidade, assim como a percepcao delas a respeito da experiencia que vivenciaram a partir dessa decisao e suas perspectivas futuras. Realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratoria de cunho qualitativo. A coleta de dados efetuou-se por meio de entrevistas em profundidade com 14 maes que abdicaram da carreira. Os dados foram analisados por meio da analise de conteudo. Os resultados evidenciaram que as politicas empresariais e governamentais que sao voltadas para as profissionais que possuem filhos ainda sao insuficientes para lhes garantirem condicoes adequadas para permanecerem no mercado sem terem que escolher entre a carreira e a maternidade.
miRNAs in multiple myeloma – a survival relevant complex regulator of gene expression

Purpose microRNAs regulate gene-expression in biological and pathophysiological processes, including multiple myeloma. Here we address i) What are the number and magnitude of changes in miRNA-expression between normal plasma cells and myeloma- or MGUS-samples, and the latter two? ii) What is the biological relevance and how does miRNA-expression impact on gene-expression? iii) Is there a prognostic significance, and what is its background? Experimental design Ninety-two purified myeloma-, MGUS-, normal plasma cell- and myeloma cell line-samples were investigated using miChip-arrays interrogating 559 human miRNAs. Impact on gene-expression was assessed by Affymetrix DNA-microarrays in two cohorts of myeloma patients (n = 677); chromosomal aberrations were assessed by iFISH, survival for 592 patients undergoing up-front high-dose chemotherapy. Results Compared to normal plasma cells, 67/559 miRNAs (12%) with fold changes of 4.6 to −3.1 are differentially expressed in myeloma-, 20 (3.6%) in MGUS-samples, and three (0.5%) between MGUS and myeloma. Expression of miRNAs is associated with proliferation, chromosomal aberrations, tumor mass, and gene expression-based risk-scores. This holds true for target-gene signatures of regulated mRNAs. miRNA-expression confers prognostic significance for event-free and overall survival, as do respective target-gene signatures. Conclusions The myeloma-miRNome confers a pattern of small changes of individual miRNAs impacting on gene-expression, biological functions, and survival.
Annotating DBWorld Messages Using Domain Resources

The DBWorld mailing list is a primary channel of communication for database researchers around the world. Conference call-for-papers, job postings, book releases, and many other types of announcements are routinely posted in DBWorld. It has become an indispensable tool for researchers who wish to stay up-todate with the research community. Unfortunately, the only means of distribution of the mailing list is through email or flat text copies on the web. In the world of hyperlinks and semantic data, this format is rather inadequate. A more useful format would be a fully annotated and linked version of the message. All persons’ names, conference names, university names, and others would be linked to their appropriate homepages. This presentation would allow the reader to quickly access content on the web related to the message. We propose to do exactly this task. Given a DBWorld message, we wish to annotate all relevant entities and link them to their appropriate websites (or potentially a set of related websites). To this end, we propose a system which will use many domain-specific resources and perform the proposed task. In this work, we will describe the components of our system and show experiment results.
Effects of type of tapering on anaerobic capacity in young basketball players

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the type of tapering on anaerobic capacity in male young basketball players. This was an experimental research with 12 weeks, developed with 47 basketball players, randomly divided into three groups: linear tapering (LG), tapering by step (SG) and control group (CG). All groups participated of the same planning training until the last three weeks of periodization (the tapering phase). Only the CG did not perform tapering. Anaerobic Running Speed Test was carried in the last week of each mesocycle to assess the anaerobic capacity. The findings revealed that anaerobic capacity attenuated from the competitive to tapering phase in LG ( p = .01) and SG ( p = .01), which was not verified for the CG ( p = .29). Significant difference of anaerobic capacity was found between LG and CG ( p = .01), SG and CG ( p = .01) and between LG and SG ( p = .04) in the tapering phase. It was concluded that the tapering strategies were efficient to maximize anaerobic capacity in young basketball players, although linear tapering strategy has been revealed the best strategy for improvement the anaerobic capacity.
Redshift-space distortions, pairwise velocities and nonlinearities

We derive the exact relationship, including all nonlinearities, between real-space and redshift-space two-point statistics through the pairwise velocity distribution function. We show using numerical simulations that the pairwise velocity probability distribution function is strongly non-Gaussian at all scales and explain why this is so. We caution that a commonly used ansatz to model the redshift-space power spectrum gives rise to an unphysical distribution of pairwise velocities, and show that it is in general impossible to derive the distribution from measurements of redshift-space clustering. Methods that claim to do this obtain instead something else, whose properties we derive. We provide a general derivation of the large-scale limit of the redshift-space power spectrum and show that it differs from the Kaiser formula by terms that depend on Gaussian and non-Gaussian contributions to the velocity dispersion of large-scale flows. We also show that the large-scale evolution of velocity fields is not well described by linear theory and discuss how this impacts the redshift-space power spectrum. Finally, we stress that using the monopole of the redshift-space power as an indicator of the real-space power spectrum shape can lead to systematic effects in the determination of cosmological parameters; nevertheless a simple procedure is able tomore » recover the large-scale real-space power spectrum rather well. « less
Is Seniority-Based Pay Used as a Motivation Device? Evidence from Plant Level Data

In this paper we use data from industrial plants to investigate if seniority-based pay is used as a motivational device for production workers. Alternatively, seniority-based pay could simply be a wage setting rule not necessarily related to the provision of incentives. Unlike previous papers, we use a direct measure of seniority-based pay as well as measures of monitoring devices and piece-rates. We find that firms that offer seniority-based pay are less likely to offer explicit incentives. They are also less likely to invest in monitoring devices. We also find that firms that offer seniority-based pay are more likely to engage in other human resource management policies that result in long employment relationships. Overall these results suggest that seniority-based pay is indeed used as a motivation device.
A New Synonym Text Steganography

Steganography is a relatively new method for establishing hidden communication which gained attraction in recent years. Steganography is a method of hiding a secret message in a cover media such as image or text. In this paper a new method is proposed for steganography in English text by substituting the words which have different terms in British English and American English.