Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the outside, looking in: A review and evaluation of the comparability of blood and brain “‐omes”

In this article, we review studies detailing the correspondence between peripheral blood and brain tissue across various domains of high‐throughput ‐omic analysis in order to provide a context for evaluating blood‐based biomarker studies. Specifically, we reviewed seven studies comparing patterns of DNA methylation (i.e., an aspect of the epigenome), eight articles comparing patterns of gene expression (i.e., the transcriptome), and three articles comparing patterns of protein expression (i.e., the proteome). Our review of the epigenomic literature suggests that CpG‐island methylation levels are generally highly correlated (r = 0.90) between blood and brain. Our review of transcriptomic studies suggests that between 35% and 80% of known transcripts are present in both brain and blood tissue samples; estimates of cross‐tissue correlation in expression levels were found to range from 0.25 to 0.64, with stronger correlations observed among particular subsets of genes. Relative to the epigenome and transcriptome, the proteome has not been as fully compared between brain and blood samples, highlighting an important area for future work as whole‐proteome profiling methods mature. Beyond reviewing the relevant studies, we discuss some of the assumptions, methodological issues, and gaps in knowledge that should be addressed in order to better understand how the multiple “‐omes” of the brain are reflected in the peripheral blood. A better understanding of these relationships is a critical precursor to the validation of biomarkers for brain disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Architectural implications of the NAS MG and FT parallel benchmarks

This paper characterizes the structure and resource requirements of the NAS Parallel Benchmarks (NPB), a popular benchmark suite used to evaluate various parallel computers. The phase parallel model is used to obtain parameter values for memory, I/O, and communication latency and bandwidth requirements. These quantitative parameters are useful in the design and evaluation of various parallel computers. The results of this study is being used in designing Dawning 2000, which is NCIC's second generation MPP.
Blindsight: A simple explanation

necessarily imply that the phenomenon is mediated by the inidbrain. And it is trivial that, as a matter of principle, a positive statement as to the structural basis of residual vision is impossible. One can always come up with alternative ideas that cannot be refuted. In spite of all our epistemological reservations, we suggested two hypotheses in order to explain residual vision by mechanisms inside the brain, and we consider both the midbrain and a degraded cortex as possible candidates (Poppel et al. 1973). The degraded cortex hypothesis of Campion et al. is obviously similar to one of our own hypotheses (described in detail in Poppel 1977): A specific mode of retino-geniculo-striatal projection is considered, which can be and is tested with neurophysiological and neuroanatomical techniques. However, at present, it would still be premature to say that residual vision as studied with our paradigm is attributable either to the midbrain or to the degraded striate cortex. The observation that some patients with complete or almost complete hemianopsia do not show residual vision (Poppel, personal communication to Weiskrantz, Warrington, Sanders & Marshall 1974, p. 724; Poppel, Brinkmann, von Cramon & Singer 1978, p. 17) can be used to support both the midbrain and the degraded cortex hypotheses.
Global Sensor Networks

The availability of cheap and smart wireless sensing devices provides unprecedented possibilities to monitor the physical world. On the technical side these devices introduce several original research problems, many of them related to the integration of the rampant technology proposals. Global Sensor Network (GSN) is a platform which provides a scalable infrastructure for integrating heterogeneous sensor network technologies using a small set of powerful abstractions. GSN supports the integration and discovery of sensor networks and sensor data, provides distributed querying, filtering, and combination of sensor data, and supports the dynamic adaption of the system configuration during operation through a declarative XML-based language
Planar arrays hybrid beamforming for SDMA in millimeter wave applications

A radio-frequency and baseband beamforming scheme is presented for spatial division multiple access (SDMA) of 60 GHz applications using planar antenna arrays (PAA). PAA with phase shifters for each element antenna is partitioned into sub-blocks and each block or multiple blocks are applied to a user in the SDMA system. According to the analysis for the signal to interference plus noise ratios (SINRs) of the users in the SDMA system, it is shown that different users may have different permissible operating regions in order to maintain the SINRs for all users in the system. A procedure is proposed to identify the permissible operating regions for each user in the SDMA system. Based on these results, more flexible hybrid beamforming schemes are currently studied to support SDMA in a more efficient way for 60 GHz millimeter wave applications.
Structural equation modeling of sleep apnea, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction in children

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often concomitant with obesity, increases the risk for the metabolic syndrome. One mechanism that may participate in this association is upregulation of inflammatory pathways. We used structural equation modeling to assess the interrelations between childhood obesity, OSA, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. One hundred and eighty‐four children (127 boys, mean age: 8.5 ± 4.1years) had height and weight measured, underwent overnight polysomnography and had fasting blood taken. The blood was analyzed for insulin, glucose, lipids, leptin, and cytokines [interferon (IFN)‐γ, granulocyte macrophage–colony stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor‐α]. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate associations between the outcomes of interest including hypoxia, arousal (related to respiratory and spontaneous), obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammatory markers. Two cytokine factors and one metabolic factor were derived for the SEM. These factors provided good fit in the structural equation model (χ2/df = 2.855; comparative fit index = 0.90, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.10) and all factor loadings were significantly different from zero (P ≤ 0.01). Overall, our results indicate that while obesity (as measured by body mass index z‐score) has a major influence on the metabolic dysfunction associated with OSA, arousal indices, and cytokine markers may also influence this association. Our results support the hypothesis that OSA is a contributor to the mechanisms that link sleep, systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, and show that the interrelations may begin in childhood.
Effect of atypical antipsychotics on body weight in geriatric psychiatric inpatients

Background: Studies suggest that antipsychotic-induced weight gain is not a great concern in the elderly population. This study investigated the weight change in elderly patients with various treatment duration and antipsychotics. Part 1 of the study was to determine whether atypical antipsychotics induced weight change in elderly patients. Part 2 was to determine whether certain atypical antipsychotics induced more weight change in elderly patients. Methods: In Part 1, a retrospective chart review was done on 115 geriatric inpatients. After exclusion, patients were divided into four groups: control (n = 17), new treatment (n = 18), long-term treatment (n = 13), and medication switch groups (n = 8). In Part 2, a retrospective medication review was performed on 169 geriatric inpatients. After exclusion, patients were divided into three groups: aripiprazole (n = 18), olanzapine (n = 49), and risperidone (n = 57). Body weights were obtained at two different time points. Results: No significant difference in weight change was observed among the control (1.5 kg), new treatment (0.8 kg), long-term treatment (−0.3 kg), and medication switch (1.9 kg) groups. No significant difference in weight change was observed between patients with and without dementia (0.8 and 1.1 kg, respectively). The weight change in the aripiprazole group (−2.0 kg; −2.30% from baseline) was significantly different from the weight change in the olanzapine group (0.7 kg; 1.87% from baseline; p < 0.05), but not from the risperidone group (−0.4 kg; −0.45% from baseline). Clinically significant weight gain (>7% increase in body weight) occurred in 14.3% of the olanzapine patients, a percentage significantly higher than the 3.5% in the risperidone group. Conclusion: Although atypical antipsychotics were generally weight neutral in the geriatric population, aripiprazole and olanzapine were associated with significant weight loss and weight gain, respectively.
Detangling Individual-, Partner-, and Community-level Correlates of Partner Violence

This article attempted to identify neighborhood- partner- and individual-level factors that may lead to male-to-female partner violence. The relevant dimensions of community context were derived from social disorganization theory that indicates that disorganized areas lack formal and informal controls that inhibit street violence. Social disorganization theory predicts that there is a higher rate of violence and social isolation in disorganized areas. At the individual level, women who experience less social support will more likely be victimized by partner violence. This article investigates the direct and interactive effects of social disorganization measures and variables from social support theories on male-to-female partner violence. The data come from Wave 2 of the National Survey of Families and Households completed in 1994 and from the 1990 census. Logistic regression was used to assess variation in the independent and dependent variables between and within neighborhood types. Results indicate that neighborhood effects interact with partner- and individual-level characteristics for a more complete explanation for male-to-female partner violence.
A method for the comparison of the bowling performances of bowlers in a match or a series of matches

The combined bowling rate (CBR) has been developed (Lemmer, 2002) as a single measure to assess the bowling performance of a bowler. Its calculation makes use of O, the number of overs bowled, R, the number of runs conceded and W, the number of wickets taken. It was, however, mentioned that it might be desirable to weight the wickets of top order batsmen higher than those of lower order batsmen. This is especially important if one wants to compare the bowling performances of the bowlers in a single match because it is far more difficult to get a top quality batsman out than a tail-ender. Normally a bowler claiming the top three batsmen's wickets ought to get much more credit than one who gets the three tail-enders' wickets. This can be accomplished by giving weights to the wickets and replacing W, the number of wickets taken, in the CBR formula by W, the sum of the weights of the wickets taken by the bowler. This paper develops suitable weights and uses these to rate the bowlers who were involved in the 2003 npower Test series between South Africa and England. From the results the need is observed for a measure that is more sensitive to a bowler's ability to take wickets and this is resolved by means of a modification of CBR. The dynamic bowling rate (DBR) is defined and is used to give the final ratings.
An Analysis of the Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Skin Cancer Using the Health Information National Trends Survey, 2005

Background: Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer yet for certain types of skin cancers, it can be fatal if it goes untreated. While ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, there are several other risk factors, including sunburn history, smoking, environmental pollutants, family history, personal history, and skin color. Practicing sun protection behaviors and receiving regular skin cancer screenings can prevent the cancer from ever developing. This study examines the demographic and socioeconomic status risk factors for skin cancer. Methods: The Health Information National Trends Survey data was used from 2005. Using this secondary dataset, chi-square analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of skin cancer within the demographic categories of age and race/ethnicity as well as socioeconomic status indicators educational attainment, annual household income, employment status, and marital status. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the correlations of the variables with skin cancer. A p-value of 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were maintained throughout the analyses to determine any statistical significance. Results: Of the 3,804 respondents who answered the question related to cancer diagnosis, 226 indicated they had a positive skin cancer diagnosis, which was 5.94% of the total sample. Skin cancer and increased age were consistently associated (χ2 (2) = 171.5, p<. 001). The skin cancer peak prevalence was for all those respondents aged 65 and older. Higher educational attainment and higher annual household income were associated with greater likelihood of skin cancer. Conclusions: This study revealed that skin cancer is significantly associated with increased age, higher educational attainment, and higher annual household income. Implementing consistent screening practices and targeted behavioral interventions are important areas for health focus in the future. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE APPROVAL PAGE ii DEDICATION PAGE iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv
A Characterization of First-Order Definable Subsets on Classes of Finite Total Orders

Abstract We give an explicit and easy-to-verify characterization for subsets in finite total orders (infinitely many of them in general) to be definable by the same first-order formula over any class of finite total orders. From this characterization we derive immediately that Beth''s definability theorem does not hold in any class of finite total orders, as well as that McColm''s first conjecture is true for all classes of finite total orders. Another consequence is a natural 0-1 law for definable subsets on finite total orders expressed as a statement about the possible densities of first-order definable subsets.
The Motivational Bases of Attitudes Toward Animals

The need for a theoretical grounding of the human-animal relationship is addressed from the perspective of the motivational bases of attitudes toward animals. Building on recent developments in attitude theory, and integrating themes from the historical and cultural background to Western attitudes, a model is developed that proposes three fundamental motivational bases, where responses to animals depend on instrumental self interest, empathylidentification, or people's beliefs and values about the nature and status of animals. Initial empirical studies using the model revealed reduced instrumentality, heightened empathy, and strong commitment to a value perspective endorsing equal status for humans and animals among animal rights supporters. Farmers exhibited an opposite pattern, and supported the dominant status of humans. The urban public evidenced moderate levels of instrumentality and empathy, and a neutral value position with some individuals exhibiting considerable ambivalence (agreeing with both equality and dominance). Gender differences on instrumentality (favoring males) and empathy (favoring females), were less evident for values, and were confined to female and male farmers. Directions for future research are discussecl, as is the practical value of this approach.
Receding Horizon Control for a Class of Discrete-Event Systems With Real-Time Constraints

We consider discrete-event systems (DES) involving the control of tasks with real-time constraints. When future event time information is limited, we propose a receding horizon (RH) controller in which only some future information is available within a time window. Analyzing sample paths obtained under this scheme and comparing them to optimal sample paths (obtained when all event times are known), we derive a number of attractive properties of the RH controller, including: the fact that it still guarantees all real-time constraints; there are segments of its sample path over which all controls are still optimal; the error relative to the optimal task departure times is decreasing under certain conditions. Simulation results are included to verify the properties of the controller and show that its performance can be near-optimal even if the RH window size is relatively small
Dealing with the 'Void': Traumatic brain injury as a story

ABSTRACT Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered to drastically affect the individual's sense of self. To discover how people with TBI understand themselves, in-depth interviews with four individuals with TBI were conducted. Their narratives suggest that they feel they are carrying a 'void' in their understandings of their past and present. Individuals tend to fill the 'void' in their long-term memory with stories about the accident and recovery. The concept of 'void' is also useful in understanding how TBI survivors view the causal relationship between the accident, the brain injury and their present difficulties. This relationship can be another 'void' that threatens their sense of agency. The findings suggest that the experience of TBI appears as meanings in their self-narratives rather than as objective truth. Rehabilitation professionals should consider how their client interprets his or her TBI and self in everyday life when they work with this population.
Predicting the outcome following bankruptcy filing: a three-state classification using neural networks

This paper uses artificial neural networks (ANNs), multi-state ordered logit and nonparametric multiple discriminant analysis (NPDA) for predicting the three-state outcome of bankruptcy filing. The study compares the classification accuracy of these procedures. It differs from previous studies on predicting financial distress by focusing on the firm after the filing of bankruptcy using accounting data, market data, and court-related information. Following the filing and through court approval the bankruptcy is resolved as firms are either acquired by other firms, emerging as independent operating entities, or liquidated. Distinguishing this three-state outcome is more complex than discriminating between healthy and financially distressed firms. Models suggested in previous studies for predicting the two-group financial distress perform poorly for our three-state scenario. Therefore, we develop models which focus on characteristics relevant for the bankruptcy resolution. We use a sample of 237 publicly traded firms which have complete data. For the entire sample and estimation samples, ANNs provide significantly better three-state classification than logit and NPDA. However, for some holdout samples the differences in classification accuracies are statistically insignificant. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current-mode automated quality control cochlear resonator for bird identity tagging

This paper describes a VLSI automatic quality control pitch detector circuit which can be used for detecting the identity of a unique bird. The detector is based on a previous VLSI model of the local gain control mechanism of the outer hair cells of the biological cochlea. This work presents characterization results from a 20-channel chip fabricated in a 4-metal 2-poly CMOS 0.35 μm technology with estimated dynamic range of 70 dB, power consumption of 825 nW per channel, frequency range covering 0.4-10 kHz and mean Q of 6.31. Results are shown for a pitch detection experiment with a tuned resonator.
A Data Streaming Approach to Pattern Recognition with Evolvable Neural Networks

A major challenge in performing pattern recognition with neural networks is large input data sets; for example, high-resolution static images. There is a direct relationship between the number of inputs and the number of neurons and links required to process those inputs. Specifically, as the number of inputs increases linearly, the complexity of the neural net increases exponentially. We present a new approach to pattern recognition, where input data is “streamed” into a feedback neural net. This is done by distributing the input temporally, such that a portion of the inputs is used for each iteration of the neural net. Therefore, pattern recognition is automatically performed in conveniently sized segments with a single neural net. This reduces the amount of evolution that must be performed to train the neural net.
Indexing Raw Acoustic Features for Scalable Zero Resource Search

We present a new speech indexing and search scheme called Randomized Acoustic Indexing and Logarithmic-time Search (RAILS) that enables scalable query-by-example spoken term detection in the zero resource regime. RAILS is derived from our recent investigation into the application of randomized hashing and approximate nearest neighbor search algorithms to raw acoustic features. Our approach permits an approximate search through hundreds of hours of speech audio in a matter of seconds, and may be applied to any language without the need of a training corpus, acoustic model, or pronunciation lexicon. The fidelity of the approximation is controlled through a small number of easily interpretable parameters that allow a trade-off between search accuracy and speed.
Effective Area of a Receiving Antenna in a Lossy Medium

The effective area for a receiving antenna in a lossy medium is derived by solving a receiving problem of an insulated Hertzian dipole with its gain obtained beforehand. As a result, the effective area in a general medium is found to be the product of the gain and pi/Re[omegaradic{epsivmu*}]2 . The latter term becomes same as the previous formula, pi/Re[omegaradic{epsivmu}]2=4pi/lambda2 when the medium is only electrically or magnetically lossy. A simulation result of power transmission between two insulated small dipoles validates the theory.