Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Support Vector Machine Based Pades Approximant for Diabetic Retinal Eye Detection

Diabetic Retina (DR), a problem of formation of blood clot must be diagnosed at an early stage for laser therapy. A number of automated diagnosis methods based on image segmentation of fundus image is present which can diagnose DR at late mild proliferative stage. Proposed work is aimed to detect DR at early mild proliferative stage. Method uses feature extraction of fundus image using 2D Gabor filtering and pre-classification for feature vector extraction using Pades approximation. The Padesvector are then again classified using SVM by forming a dual of convex quadratic type minimization problem for linearly separable hyper plane. The performance of the proposed work is tested with set of images taken from fundus camera.
Linkages between Excess Currency and Stock Market Returns:Granger Causality in Mean and Variance

This paper investigates the causal linkages between monetary and equity market integration of the new member states (NMS) as well as of the non economic monetary union (Non- EMU) member states with the euro zone, after the official launch of the euro. Granger causality in mean and in variance tests are utilized. Our results reveal a number of interesting facts that can be summarized as follows. Firstly, there is little evidence of causality in mean effects for all countries. Secondly, there are significant spill over effects for the NMS. Thirdly, the excess currency return is the chief variable which leads the excess stock market return volatility of the NMS. Our findings have obvious implications for both investors and policy makers.
Mitochondrial Carriers Link the Catabolism of Hydroxyaromatic Compounds to the Central Metabolism in Candida parapsilosis

The pathogenic yeast Candida parapsilosis metabolizes hydroxyderivatives of benzene and benzoic acid to compounds channeled into central metabolism, including the mitochondrially localized tricarboxylic acid cycle, via the 3-oxoadipate and gentisate pathways. The orchestration of both catabolic pathways with mitochondrial metabolism as well as their evolutionary origin is not fully understood. Our results show that the enzymes involved in these two pathways operate in the cytoplasm with the exception of the mitochondrially targeted 3-oxoadipate CoA-transferase (Osc1p) and 3-oxoadipyl-CoA thiolase (Oct1p) catalyzing the last two reactions of the 3-oxoadipate pathway. The cellular localization of the enzymes indicates that degradation of hydroxyaromatic compounds requires a shuttling of intermediates, cofactors, and products of the corresponding biochemical reactions between cytosol and mitochondria. Indeed, we found that yeast cells assimilating hydroxybenzoates increase the expression of genes SFC1, LEU5, YHM2, and MPC1 coding for succinate/fumarate carrier, coenzyme A carrier, oxoglutarate/citrate carrier, and the subunit of pyruvate carrier, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis uncovered distinct evolutionary trajectories for sparsely distributed gene clusters coding for enzymes of both pathways. Whereas the 3-oxoadipate pathway appears to have evolved by vertical descent combined with multiple losses, the gentisate pathway shows a striking pattern suggestive of horizontal gene transfer to the evolutionarily distant Mucorales.
The progress of accounting harmonization in China: A comparison of A‐share and H‐share financial results

Purpose – Previous studies have demonstrated significant discrepancies in financial results prepared separately under Chinese and international accounting standards. After years of reforms of Chinese accounting practices, there is still doubt as to whether previous discrepancies persist. This study therefore purports to evaluate the current dimensions of differences between the H‐share and the A‐share financial results.Design/methodology/approach – Corresponding figures from H‐share and A‐share reports were obtained in pairs and analyzed through paired sample t‐tests.Findings – Except for the result on operating income, all other t‐tests suggest that there is no significant difference between the paired figures of sales revenue, income before tax, net income, assets, debts and equity.Practical implications – It can be concluded that the harmonization progress of Chinese accounting standards has advanced remarkably. Although full convergence has not been reached, the existing Chinese accounting standards h.
Networks of Attention in Children With the 22q11 Deletion Syndrome

The 22q11 chromosomal deletion syndrome (22q11 DS) is associated with learning disabilities and a complex neuropsychological profile. Previous findings have suggested that executive attention deficits might underlie other neurocognitive anomalies. We administered the child Attention Network Test (ANT) to 52 children ages 5.0 to 11.5, 32 22q11 DS children (19 girls) and 20 controls (13 girls) and assessed the efficiency of segregated executive, orienting, and alerting networks. We hypothesized that 22q11 DS children have impaired executive network efficiency as compared to control siblings. The internal validity of the child ANT was confirmed for this population. Analysis of variance results showed significant main effects for flanker and cue types and no interaction effect in either 22q11 DS children or control siblings. Compared to control siblings, 22q11 DS children had significantly larger (less efficient) executive network scores, significantly increased errors on only incongruent trials, and a significant correlation between executive network scores and accuracy. The implications of these findings for future neurocognitive studies of 22q11 DS children are considered.
Changes in expression of the long non-coding RNA FMR4 associate with altered gene expression during differentiation of human neural precursor cells

CGG repeat expansions in the Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene are responsible for a family of associated disorders characterized by either intellectual disability and autism Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), or adult-onset neurodegeneration Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. However, the FMR1 locus is complex and encodes several long non-coding RNAs, whose expression is altered by repeat expansion mutations. The role of these lncRNAs is thus far unknown; therefore we investigated the functionality of FMR4, which we previously identified. “Full”-length expansions of the FMR1 triplet repeat cause silencing of both FMR1 and FMR4, thus we are interested in potential loss-of-function that may add to phenotypic manifestation of FXS. Since the two transcripts do not exhibit cis-regulation of one another, we examined the potential for FMR4 to regulate target genes at distal genomic loci using gene expression microarrays. We identified FMR4-responsive genes, including the methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 4 (MBD4). Furthermore, we found that in differentiating human neural precursor cells, FMR4 expression is developmentally regulated in opposition to expression of both FMR1 (which is expected to share a bidirectional promoter with FMR4) and MBD4. We therefore propose that FMR4’s function is as a gene-regulatory lncRNA and that this transcript may function in normal development. Closer examination of FMR4 increases our understanding of the role of regulatory lncRNA and the consequences of FMR1 repeat expansions.
Selection and replacement algorithms for memory performance improvement in Spark

As a parallel computation framework, Spark can cache repeatedly resilient distribution datasets (RDDs) partitions in different nodes to speed up the process of computation. However, Spark does not have a good mechanism to select reasonable RDDs to cache their partitions in limited memory. In this paper, we propose a novel selection algorithm, by which Spark can automatically select the RDDs to cache their partitions in memory according to the number of use for RDDs. Our selection algorithm speeds up iterative computations. Nevertheless, when many new RDDs are chosen to cache their partitions in memory while limited memory has been full of them, the system will adopt the least recently used (LRU) replacement algorithm. However, the LRU algorithm only considers whether the RDDs partitions are recently used while ignoring other factors such as the computation cost and so on. We also put forward a novel replacement algorithm called weight replacement (WR) algorithm, which takes comprehensive consideration of the partitions computation cost, the number of use for partitions, and the sizes of the partitions. Experiment results show that with our selection algorithm, Spark calculates faster than without the algorithm, and we find that Spark with WR algorithm shows better performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear Coding for Fading Channels

We consider the linear coding of a memoryless Gaussian source transmitted through a discrete memoryless fading channel with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The goal is to minimize the mean squared error (MSE) of the source reconstruction at the destination while there is average power constraint imposed on the channel input symbols. We show that among all singleletter codes, linear coding achieves the smallest MSE, and is thus optimal. But when block length increases, the linear coding can not approach the Shannon’s bound, and it turns out to share the same performance with a single-letter coding. In spite of its suboptimality, the performance loss of linear coding compared to the optimal coding can be quantitively bounded in terms of the variance of the fading gain and received signal to noise ratio (SNR). We also show that for linear coding, when there is no transmitter channel state information (CSI), uniform power allocation is optimal, and in the presence of transmitter CSI, the optimal power allocation can be analytical solved in terms of the channel fading gains.
THE NEW YORK REGION'S POST-SEPTEMBER 11 ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

Prior to the terrorist attack on September 11, the forces of economic decentralization in the broad New York metropolitan region were still ongoing, but at a less intense pace compared to the 1970s and 1980s. The attacks, however, directly destroyed 13.4 million square feet of World Trade Center office space from the Lower Manhattan market, space that is not likely to be replaced in this decade. This inventory destruction, when combined with the sheer physical disruption to corporate operations and the traumatic human losses, is likely to cause renewed long-term decentralization in the region. A new locational strategy, particularly for the region's major financial firms, appears to be emerging: the avoidance of excessive concentration of human and physical resources. This implies a regional decentralized framework that goes beyond the dispersion of back office functions to the segmentation of a firm's higher-level activities. This is a different strategy of place, one of distributed workplaces on different power and telecommunication grids to ensure business continuity in the face of disaster. The suburban ring, midtown Manhattan and select core locations such as Jersey City, should be the economic beneficiaries of this change, adding pressure on the suburban ring's congested highway infrastructure as well as the overburdened rail lines converging on midtown Manhattan.
Stochastic Optimization of a Biologically Plausible Spino-neuromuscular System Model A Comparison with Human Subjects

Simulations and modeling techniques are becoming more important in understanding the behavior of biological systems. Details models help researchers answer questions regarding such diverse topics as the behavior of bacteria and viruses and aid in the diagnosis and treatment injuries and diseases. However, to yield meaningful biological behavior, biological simulations often include hundreds of parameters that correspond to biological components and characteristics. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimizer (PSO) based techniques in training biologically plausible behavior in an biceps/triceps pair neuromuscular simulation. The results are compared to human subjects during flexion/extension movements to show that these algorithms are effective in training biologically plausible behaviors on both neural and gross anatomical levels. Specific behaviors of interest that emerge include tonic tensions in both muscles during resting periods, biceps/triceps coactivation patterns, and recruitment-like behaviors. These are all fundamental characteristics of biological motor control. They emerge without direct selection for these behaviors as a result of using a biologically plausible model. This is the first time that all of these characteristic behaviors emerge without direct selective pressure. Send offprint requests to:
Effects of interferon alpha on vascular endothelial growth factor gene transcription and tumor angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) has antiangiogenic activity, although the underlying mechanism of action is unclear. Because human neuroendocrine (NE) tumors are highly vascularized and sensitive to IFN-alpha, we investigated whether the therapeutic effects of IFN-alpha result from an inhibition of angiogenesis mediated by a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression. METHODS VEGF gene and protein expression was analyzed in NE tumors by immunohistochemistry and in NE tumor cell lines by quantitative competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). VEGF promoter-reporter gene constructs containing various deletions or mutations and gel shift assays were used to identify minimal promoter requirements and potential transcription factors. A xenograft nude mouse model (five mice per group) was used to determine the effect of IFN-alpha on tumor growth (NE Bon cells and pancreatic Capan-1 cells) and microvessel density. Liver metastases from eight patients with NE tumors were analyzed for microvessel density, VEGF mRNA content, and VEGF plasma levels before and after initiation of IFN-alpha therapy. RESULTS NE tumors and cell lines expressed VEGF mRNA and secreted VEGF protein. In vitro, IFN-alpha decreased transcription of VEGF gene expression through an Sp1- and/or Sp3-dependent inhibition of VEGF promoter activity. Compared with vehicle treatment in mice, IFN-alpha inhibited tumor growth by 36% and reduced microvessel density from 56 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 49 to 69) to 37 per x400 Field (95% CI = 32 to 41, P =.015). Patients with NE tumors had lower VEGF plasma levels and reduced VEGF mRNA levels and microvessel density in liver metastasis biopsy material after IFN-alpha treatment. CONCLUSION IFN-alpha confers its antitumor activity, at least in part, by its antiangiogenic activity, which results from Sp1- and/or Sp3-mediated inhibition of VEGF gene transcription.
BMP3 Alone and Together with TGF-β Promote the Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into a Nucleus Pulposus-Like Phenotype

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells under specific stimulatory conditions. Thus far, the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 3 (BMP3) and the cocktail effects of BMP3 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β on MSC proliferation and differentiation remain obscure. Therefore, this study was designed to clarify these unknowns. MSCs were cultured with various gradients of BMP3 and BMP3/TGF-β, and compared with cultures in basal and TGF-β media. Cell proliferation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, gene expression, and signaling proteins were measured to assess the effects of BMP3 and BMP3/TGF-β on MSCs. Cell number and GAG content increased upon the addition of BMP3 in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of COL2A1, ACAN, SOX9, and KRT19 increased following induction with BMP3 and TGF-β, in contrast to that of COL1A1, ALP, OPN, and COMP. Smad3 phosphorylation was upregulated by BMP3 and TGF-β, but BMP3 did not affect the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our results reveal that BMP3 enhances MSC proliferation and differentiation into NP-like cells, as indicated by increased cell numbers and specific gene expressions, and may also cooperate with TGF-β induced positive effects. These actions are likely related to the activation of TGF-β signaling pathway.
Racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities in rates of knee arthroplasty among Medicare patients.

BACKGROUND There are large variations in the use of knee arthroplasty among Medicare enrollees according to race or ethnic group and sex. Are racial and ethnic disparities more pronounced in some regions than in others, and if so, why? METHODS We used all Medicare fee-for-service claims data for 1998 through 2000 to determine the incidence of knee arthroplasty according to Hospital Referral Region, sex, and race or ethnic group. A total of 430,726 knee arthroplasties were performed during the three-year study period. RESULTS At the national level, the annual rate of knee arthroplasty was higher for non-Hispanic white women (5.97 procedures per 1000) than for Hispanic women (5.37 per 1000) and black women (4.84 per 1000). The rate for non-Hispanic white men (4.82 procedures per 1000) was higher than that for Hispanic men (3.46 per 1000) and more than double that for black men (1.84 per 1000). The rates were significantly lower for black men than for non-Hispanic white men in nearly every region of the country (P<0.05). For the Hispanic population and for black women, racial or ethnic disparities at the national level were due in part to geographic differences rather than to differences in the rates for different racial and ethnic groups within geographic areas. Residential segregation and low income levels contributed to racial and ethnic disparities in arthroplasty rates. CONCLUSIONS In the Medicare population, the rate of surgical treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee varies dramatically according to sex, race or ethnic group, and region. These variations underscore the importance of geography and sex in determining racial or ethnic barriers to health care.
The Concentration of Synaptically Released Glutamate Outside of the Climbing Fiber–Purkinje Cell Synaptic Cleft

AMPA receptors and glutamate transporters expressed by cerebellar Bergmann glial cells are activated by neurotransmitter released from climbing fibers (Bergles et al., 1997). Based on anatomical evidence, this is most likely the result of glutamate diffusing out of the climbing fiber–Purkinje cell synaptic clefts (Palay and Chan-Palay, 1974). We used the change in the EC50 of the Bergmann glia AMPA receptors produced by cyclothiazide (CTZ) to estimate the concentration of glutamate reached at the glial membrane. The decrease of the EC50 gives rise to a concentration-dependent potentiation of the AMPA receptor-mediated responses (Patneau et al., 1993). By comparing the increase in amplitude of the AMPA receptor response in the Bergmann glia (840 ± 240%; n= 8) with the shift in the glutamate dose–response curve measured in excised patches (EC50, 1810 μm in control vs 304 μm in CTZ), we estimate that the extrasynaptic transmitter concentration reaches 160–190 μm. This contrasts with the concentration in the synaptic cleft, thought to rapidly rise above 1 mm, but is still high enough to activate glutamate receptors. These results indicate that the sphere of influence of synaptically released glutamate can extend beyond the synaptic cleft.
Clinical Use of the Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins in Cancer Patients: Focus on the Improved Patient Outcomes

Patients with malignant neoplastic diseases represent a high-risk population relative to thromboembolic disease. With the advent of improved and accessible diagnostic technology, for example, ultrasound and/or spiral CT scans, timely diagnosis of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) is readily accomplished. The introduction of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) approximately two decades ago (in contrast to unfractionated heparin and vitamin K antagonists) has provided a class of agents with a favorable therapeutic index. In the review to follow, the literature regarding the use of LMWH in oncologic patient populations is summarized. Topics addressed include prophylaxis, and treatment as well as consideration of the potential anti-neoplastic properties of this class of drugs.
Generating Image Descriptions with Gold Standard Visual Inputs: Motivation, Evaluation and Baselines

In this paper, we present the task of generating image descriptions with gold standard visual detections as input, rather than directly from an image. This allows the Natural Language Generation community to focus on the text generation process, rather than dealing with the noise and complications arising from the visual detection process. We propose a fine-grained evaluation metric specifically for evaluating the content selection capabilities of image description generation systems. To demonstrate the evaluation metric on the task, several baselines are presented using bounding box information and textual information as priors for content selection. The baselines are evaluated using the proposed metric, showing that the fine-grained metric is useful for evaluating the content selection phase of an image description generation system.
Computational learning theory: new models and algorithms

In the past several years, there has been a surge of interest in computational learning theory-the formal (as opposed to empirical) study of learning algorithms. One major cause for this interest was the model of probably approximately correct learning, or pac learning, introduced by Valiant in 1984. This thesis begins by presenting a new learning algorithm for a particular problem within that model: learning submodules of the free Z-module Zk. We prove that this algorithm achieves probable approximate correctness, and indeed, that it is within a log log factor of optimal in a related, but more stringent model of learning, on-line mistake bounded learning. We then proceed to examine the influence of noisy data on pac learning algorithms in general. Previously it has been shown that it is possible to tolerate large amounts of random classification noise, but only a very small amount of a very malicious sort of noise. We show that similar results can be obtained for models of noise in between the previously studied models: a large amount of malicious classification noise can be tolerated, but only a small amount of random attribute noise. Next, we overcome a major limitation of the pac learning model by introducing a variant model with a more powerful teacher. We show how to learn any concept representable as a boolean function, with the help of a teacher who breaks the concept into subconcepts and teaches one subconcept per lesson. The learner outputs not the unknown boolean circuit, but rather a program which, on a given input, either produces the same answer as the unknown boolean circuit would, or else says "I don't know. " Thus, unlike many learning programs, the output of this learning procedure is reliable. Furthermore, with high probability the output program is nearly always useful in that it says "I don't know" on only a small fraction of the domain. Finally, we look at a new model for an older learning problem, inductive inference. This new model combines certain features of the traditional model of Gold for inductive inference together with the concern of the Valiant model for efficient computation and also with notions of Bayesianism. The result is a model that captures certain qualitative aspects of the classic scientific method.
Synthesis of Flat-top Beam Pattern with a Multiple Concentric Circular Ring Array Antenna

In this paper, the authors describe the synthesis of flat-top beam power pattern for antennas composed of concentric rings of isotropic elements. The synthesis is performed by particle swarm optimization (PSO), varying amplitudes and phases of the elements radially, so as to obtain desired side lobe level and ripple of flat-top beam in the vertical plane. Example illustrates the potential of the method.