Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems ( PACIS ) 2015 Designing a Process Model for Health Analytic Projects

The health analytic (HA) process model presented in this paper is developed to conduct HA projects in an orderly manner instead of approaching them in an ad-hoc manner. While a well-documented process model will avoid overdependence on the experience of an analyst it will also assist novice users in learning the best practices to analytics very easily. The existing process models for data mining have failed to meet user requirements and thus have been unsuccessful in diffusing among the data analysts. This study aims to propose a refined HA process model to guide novice users. The process model is developed using design science research approach followed by an ex-ante evaluation. Design criteria to develop the model were based on the challenges in HA identified through literature and by utilizing a data analytic case. The process model is developed using the necessary theoretical foundation, best practices in software engineering and data mining process models along with design science research approach. The theoretical and practical implications of the model too are provided in this paper.
Design and Performance Analysis of Robust Fusion Filters for a Class of Continuous Uncertain Dynamic Systems

The design problems of robust fusion filters for uncertain multi-sensor dynamic systems are dealt with by means of combining the traditional robust theory and data fusion technology. In terms of parameter-dependent Lyapunov function, a kind of design methods robust H2 fusion filters are discussed. Based on the research for the robustness of the filter and its resolvent, the performance of the robust fusion filters for the multi-sensor dynamic systems is compared by simulation example. Simulation results show that the proposed design method have a better robust performance for the filter problems when parameter uncertainties exist in the system model.
Scholary Journals on the Net: A Reader's Assessment

THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS AN assessment of scholarly network journals from the reader’s point of view. The author subscribed to seven journals that are published primarily on the Internet and reviewed the nature of the journals’ contents, format, and policies. This review forms the basis of the author’s assessment of the ease of use and usefulness of current network journals. While network journals present a number of problems, they have also begun to include features which offer readers an advantage over print journals. The article concludes with a brief discussion of requirements for future scholarly network journals. The discussion is based on current technology and industry trends and on preliminary results from focus group interviews conducted by the author and others with engineering faculty and students. Focus group participants discussed the nature of their journal use and their preferences for the networked digital library of journals that is currently being developed at the University of Illinois.
Estimation of Solution Accuracy From Leadfield Matrix in Magnetoencephalography

This paper is a report of an investigation of the relationship between the condition number of a leadfield matrix of magnetoencephalography and source reconstruction accuracy. We suggest the use of the condition number as a promising a priori accuracy estimator of a neuromagnetic inverse problem (NIP) since various simulation studies demonstrated that the reconstructed source distribution has the wider region and contains more spurious sources if a leadfield matrix has the higher condition number. The simulation results also verified that the accuracy estimator based upon the condition number can explain well-known phenomena of NIP, which suggests a potential application of the proposed concept
Effects of melatonin on oxidative–antioxidative status of tissues in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

In view of the antioxidant properties of melatonin, the effects of melatonin on the oxidative–antioxidative status of tissues affected by diabetes, e.g. liver, heart and kidneys, were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats in the present study. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in the tissues were compared in three groups of 10 rats each (control non‐diabetic rats (group I), untreated diabetic rats (group II) and diabetic rats treated with melatonin (group III)). In the study groups, diabetes developed 3 days after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of a single 60 mg kg−1 dose of STZ. Thereafter, while the rats in group II received no treatment, the rats in group III began to receive a 10 mg kg−1 i.p. dose of melatonin per day. After 6 weeks, the rats in groups II and III had significantly lower body weights and higher blood glucose levels than the rats in group I (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). MDA levels in the liver, kidney and heart of group II rats were higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively) and diabetic rats treated with melatonin (p < 0.05). The GSH, GSH‐Px and SOD levels increased in diabetic rats. Treatment with melatonin changed them to near control values. Our results confirm that diabetes increases oxidative stress in many organs such as liver, kidney and heart and indicate the role of melatonin in combating the oxidative stress via its free radical‐scavenging and antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Image Copy-Move Forgery Detecting Based on Local Invariant Feature

Now digital images are widely used in many fields. Making image forgeries with digital media editing tools is very easy, and t hese image forgeries are undetectable by human eyes. Copy-move forgery is common image tampering where a part of the image is copied and pasted on another parts. Up to now the useful way to detect copy-move forgeries is block matching technique. This paper firstly analyzes and summarizes block matching technique, then introduces a copy-move forgery detecting method based on local invariant feature matching. It locates copied and pasted regions by matching feature points. It detects feature points and extracts local feature using Scale Invariant Transform algorithm. Matching local features is based on k-d tree and Best-Bin-First method. Through analysis we learn computational complexity of the proposed method is similar to existing block-matching methods, but has better locating accuracy. Experiments show that this method can detect copied and pasted regions successively, even when these regions are operated by some process, such as JPEG compression, Gaussian blurring, rotation and scale.
The structure and function of surfactant protein-A.

major phospholipid component, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Surfactant phospholipids assemble at the air-liquid interface into a tightly packed, noncompressible monomolecular membrane with a very low surface pres¬ sure.2 The three surfactant proteins that are unique to the lung and intimately associated with surfactant lipids are surfactant proteins A,4 B,57 and C8>9 (SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, respectively). As a group, the surfactant proteins function in the delivery of surfactant phospholipids to the monolayer, the spreading of phospholipids at the interface, and the structure of surfactant aggregates (for review see Weaver and Whitsett10). A more recently described polypeptide in the alveolar space, SP-D,11 has no clear role in the surface active functions of surfactant and is probably a host defense protein.12 The focus of this review is the most abundant protein component of surfactant, SP-A. To more fully appreciate the role of SP-A in surfactant function, it is useful to briefly review the life cycle of surfactant in the airspace. Surfactant components are synthesized by alveolar type II cells, packaged into intracellular organelles called lamellar bodies (LB), and secreted into the alveolar lining layer. The LB unfold to form the lattice-like array, tubular myelin (TM),13 that requires surfactant proteins A and B for formation and/or stabilization.14 SP-B and SP-C, and to a lesser extent SP-A, each contribute to the rapid delivery of DPPC from TM and other surfactant aggregates to the monomolecular phospholipid membrane at the alveolar air-liquid interface.6 The composition of the monolayer is refined with each respiratory7 cycle, squeezing some sur¬ factant components below the surface and enriching the film in DPPC. Vesicles of surfactant proteins and lipids in the subphase are internalized into type II cells and routed through the endocytic pathway to LB for resecretion.15 Metabolism of surfactant lipids and proteins by type II cells and macrophages constitutes the major routes of clearance,16 but the mechanisms involved and the role of surfactant proteins in the process are not fully understood.
Rectification of the Madden-Julian Oscillation into the ENSO Cycle.

An ocean general circulation model, forced with idealized, purely oscillating wind stresses over the western equatorial Pacific similar to those observed during the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO), developed rectified low-frequency anomalies in SST and zonal currents, compared to a run in which the forcing was climatological. The rectification in SST resulted from increased evaporation under stronger than normal winds of either sign, from correlated intraseasonal oscillations in both vertical temperature gradient and upwelling speed forced by the winds, and from zonal advection due to nonlinearly generated equatorial currents. The net rectified signature produced by the MJO-like wind stresses was SST cooling (about 0.48C) in the west Pacific, and warming (about 0.18C) in the central Pacific, tending to flatten the background zonal SST gradient. It is hypothesized that, in a coupled system, such a pattern of SST anomalies would spawn additional westerly wind anomalies as a result of SST-induced changes in the low-level zonal pressure gradient. This was tested in an intermediate coupled
Historical δ15N records of Saccharina specimens from oligotrophic waters of Japan Sea (Hokkaido)

Historically Saccharina spp. beds occurred along the west coast of Hokkaido, an oligotrophic area, and were commercially exploited. Currently extensive commercial Saccharina spp. beds do not form due to nutrient limitations. Here, we postulate that nutrients assimilated by paleo-Saccharina spp. beds may have been derived from spawning herrings (Clupea pallasii) acting as organisms that formed a vector from their feeding grounds (Okhotsk Sea and Pacific Ocean) to their spawning area (west coast of Hokkaido, Japan Sea). To test this hypothesis we examined stable nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) of 100– to 135–year-old Saccharina specimens preserved at the Herbarium (Hokkaido University Museum). δ15N values of the paleo-Saccharina specimens collected from this region were in the range of 10‰, which is significantly higher than the current 3–7‰ in freshly sampled Saccharina spp. This high δ15N indicates that spawning herring (Clupea pallasii) had potentially been a significant source of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) absorbed by Saccharina, acting as an organism forming a vector for transporting nutrients from eutrophic to oligotrophic coastal ecosystems. Our findings support the hypothesis of so-called “herring-derived nutrients. ”
Double ionization in the perturbative and tunneling regimes.

We have studied the doubly charged ion yields and electron energy spectra (normal and coincidence) for double ionization of atoms in two different ionization regimes (perturbative and tunneling). In both cases, the double-ionization rates appear to be anomalously large in some intensity range and strongly reduced by circular polarization. It is argued that these similar behaviors must result from different physical mechanisms.
Clinical and genetic epidemiology of Bardet–Biedl syndrome in Newfoundland: A 22‐year prospective, population‐based, cohort study

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) and Laurence–Moon syndrome (LMS) have a similar phenotype, which includes retinal dystrophy, obesity, and hypogenitalism. They are differentiated by the presence of spasticity and the absence of polydactyly in LMS. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of BBS and LMS, further define the phenotype, and examine genotype–phenotype correlation. The study involved 46 patients (26 males, 20 females) from 26 families, with a median age of 44 years (range 1–68 years). Assessments were performed in 1986, 1993, and 2001 and included neurological assessments, anthropometric measurements, and clinical photographs to assess dysmorphic features. The phenotype was highly variable within and between families. Impaired co‐ordination and ataxia occurred in 86% (18/21). Thirty percent (14/46) met criteria for psychiatric illness; other medical problems included cholecystectomy in 37% (17/46) and asthma in 28% (13/46). Dysmorphic features included brachycephaly, large ears, and short, narrow palpebral fissures. There was no apparent correlation of clinical or dysmorphic features with genotype. Two patients were diagnosed clinically as LMS but both had mutations in a BBS gene. The features in this population do not support the notion that BBS and LMS are distinct. The lack of a genotype–phenotype correlation implies that BBS proteins interact and are necessary for the development of many organs. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure of a rhombohedral R6 insulin/phenol complex

Hexameric insulin has been crystallized from different conditions ina variety of crystalline modifications. In the presence of ∼1%phenol and at a pH of 8.5, a new rhom‐bohedral form is produced, space group R3, a = 79.92 Åand c = 40.39 Å, in whichthe asymmetric unit consists of a dimer. The structur has been solved and refined, using data between 8.0 and 2.5 Å resolution, to a residual of0.157. The two monomers in the asymmetric unit have nearly identical R conformations, that is, residues Bl through B8 are α‐helical, producing a continuous α‐helix from Bl through B19. A phenol molecule is hydrogen bonded to the carbonyl oxygen of A6 Cys of each monomer. Small differences in conformation and the final (2Fo‐Fc) and difference electron density maps suggest that an additional phenol molecule is coordinated to one of the two zinc ions.
On the efficiency of codeshare contracts between airlines: is double marginalization eliminated?

Previous research has suggested that codeshare agreements eliminate double marginalization that exists when unaffiliated airlines independently determine the price for different segments of an interline trip. Using a structural econometric model, this paper investigates whether codeshare contracts do eliminate double marginalization. The results suggest that both upstream and downstream margins persist when the operating carrier of a codeshare product also offers competing single-carrier product(s) in the concerned market. Furthermore, counterfactual simulations from the model suggest that efficient pricing of these codeshare products would lower their price, and yield nontrivial increases in consumer welfare.
Ecological and molecular investigations of cyanotoxin production.

Cyanobacteria, broadly classified as oxygenic phototrophs containing chlorophyll- a and accessory pigments, are among the oldest life forms on earth. They may be unicellular, colonial or filamentous, with cell sizes varying from less than 2 μm to 40 μm in diameter. They may live as symbionts with plants and fungi, in the benthos or in the water column. Cyanobacteria have a cosmopolitan distribution and are common in all kinds of habitats, including Antarctic lakes, thermal springs, arid deserts and tropical acidic soils. Most commonly they are known for their existence as planktonic members of the water column in marine and freshwater environments. Cyanobacteria have special adaptations such as; nitrogen fixation, ability to regulate buoyancy, light harvesting pigments, and differentiated cell types for reproduction or resting, allowing them an advantage over many competitors. Anthropogenic factors such as increased nutrient loading in freshwater and coastal environments, have lead to the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms world wide. While blooms are unpleasant both visually and due to released odour and taste factors, certain metabolites produced by some cyanobacterial species pose a more serious problem [1]. Due to their adverse effects on higher organisms, these compounds have been labelled as ‘toxins’ and from here on are referred to as such. The chemical structures of many cyanotoxins and their adverse effect on animals have been elucidated and recently reviewed [2]. However, the actual physiological function and ecological regulation of cyanobacterial toxins remain largely a mystery. Studies on regulation and function of cyanotoxins are interrelated and have focused on their effect on the local ecosystem, as well as the effect of environmental parameters on toxin production. Hypotheses regarding the ecophysiology of the cyanotoxins, stemming from such studies, are discussed in this review. With advances in molecular biology, it has more recently been possible …
Comparison of weighted kappa coefficients of multiple binary diagnostic tests done on the same subjects

Sensitivity and specificity are classic parameters to assess and compare the performance of binary diagnostic tests versus a gold standard in a population. Another useful parameter to assess and compare the performance of binary tests is the weighted kappa coefficient, which is defined as a measure of the beyond‐chance agreement between the diagnostic test and the gold standard. In this study, we deduce the maximum likelihood estimators of the weighted kappa coefficients of multiple binary tests and we propose an asymptotic method to compare the weighted kappa coefficients of multiple binary tests with regard to the same gold standard when all of the diagnostic tests are applied to the same sample of patients. We have carried out simulation experiments to study the type I error and the power of the method that we propose when we compared three binary tests. We have applied the results obtained to the diagnosis of coronary disease. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Reaction Controlling Floral Initiation.

Reproduction in many plants and animals is controlled by the length of the night and the cycle of day and night. A dark reaction affords the measure of time and this reaction can be quickly stopped or reversed by light such as that from the rising sun. The reaction is possibly universal in living forms but its more extreme and evident manifestation is recognized to a rather limited extent. Thus flowering of cosmos is determined by long nights while, to casual examination, growth of petunia and tomato is independent of night length. Similarly, reproduction in some species such as goats. , turkeys and snails depends on the length of night while the cow and man seem unresponsive. Control of morphogenesis serves better as evidence for the photoreactions in plants. Equivalence of the morphogenic and reproductive controls can be tested by the details of the action spectra for the photoreaction. Thus is established the equivalence of the control for the size of a pea leaf, after it has developed somewhat in darkness and then is exposed briefly to light, with the control of floral initiation in soybean and in barley plants. ' Control of bulbing in the onion or color of coat in the varying hare could be followed in a similar way. An understanding of the control reaction, in contradistinction to establishing the equivalence of varied phenomena, came from the study of germination response of lettuce seed to red and near infra-red radiation.2 The reversible photoreaction and an accompanying dark reaction demonstrated for lettuce seed and extended in this study to control of floral initiation follow:
Perceived discrimination and early substance abuse among American Indian children.

This study investigated internalizing and externalizing symptoms as potential mediators of the relationship between perceived discrimination and early substance abuse among 195 American Indian 5 through 8 graders from three reservations that share a common culture (e.g., language, spiritual beliefs, and traditional practices) in the upper Midwest. The findings indicated that, although perceived discrimination contributed significantly to internalizing symptoms among the adolescents, internalizing symptoms were unrelated to early substance abuse. Rather, the effects of perceived discrimination on early substance abuse were mediated by adolescent anger and delinquent behaviors. The results are discussed in terms of the consequences of perceived discrimination on the development of American Indian early adolescents.
Regulation of COX-2 expression in canine prostate carcinoma: increased COX-2 expression is not related to inflammation.

BACKGROUND Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression has been documented in human and canine prostate carcinoma (PCA). Canine PCA is a histologically heterogeneous tumor, sometimes including inflammatory infiltrates. However, it is unknown whether COX-2 expression in canine PCA is related to the histologic type of tumor, to the presence of inflammation, or to both. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms regulating COX-2 expression in neoplastic tissue. HYPOTHESIS COX-2 expression is related to the presence of inflammation in canine PCA and correlates with the degree of tumor differentiation. METHODS The expression of COX-2 was examined in 28 cases of canine PCA by immunohistochemistry. In addition, a neoplastic and a nonneoplastic canine prostatic cell line were used to investigate the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), epithelial growth factor (EGF), and specific signal transduction pathway inhibitors on COX-2 expression. RESULTS Twenty-four of the 28 prostate tumors showed COX-2 expression. The presence of inflammatory infiltrates in tumor tissue was associated with lower COX-2 expression scores. In vitro, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and EGF increased COX-2 expression in nonneoplastic cells but not in PCA cells, where baseline expression was high. COX-2 expression in PCA cells could be suppressed by means of specific phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC), or inhibitor of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK/MAPK) inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE COX-2 is expressed in canine PCA; however, expression is not related to the presence of inflammatory infiltrates. This conclusion is further supported by the finding that the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 and their involved signaling pathways do not stimulate COX-2 expression in malignant canine prostate cells.
Improved pocket control in immediate microsurgical breast reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement through the use of mesh

Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with long‐term patient satisfaction that is superior to implant‐based approaches. Occasionally, however, patients who desire autologous reconstruction present with inadequate donor‐site volume. A hybrid approach, combining free flap reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement, is a solution. We present our experience with the use of mesh for improved pocket control using this reconstructive modality.