Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Triply Stochastic Gradients on Multiple Kernel Learning

Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) is highly useful for learning complex data with multiple cues or representations. However, MKL is known to have poor scalability because of the expensive kernel computation. Dai et al (2014) proposed to use a doubly Stochastic Gradient Descent algorithm (doubly SGD) to greatly improve the scalability of kernel meth-ods. However, the algorithm is not suitable for MKL because it cannot learn the kernel weights. In this paper, we provide a novel extension to doubly SGD for MKL so that both the decision functions and the kernel weights can be learned simultaneously. To achieve this, we develop the triply Stochastic Gradient De-scent (triply SGD) algorithm which involves three sources of randomness – the data points, the random features, and the kernels, which was not considered in previous work. We prove that our algorithm enjoys similar convergence rate as that of doubly SGD. Comparing to several traditional MKL solutions, we show that our method has faster convergence speed and achieved better accuracy. Most importantly, our method makes it possible to learn MKL problems with millions of data points on a normal desktop PC.
Induction of BAP1 by a Moderate Decrease in Temperature Is Mediated by ICE1 in Arabidopsis1[C][OA]

Temperature variations at the nonextreme range modulate various processes of plant growth, development, and physiology, but how plants perceive and transduce these temperature signals is not well understood. Moderate cooling from 28°C to 22°C induces transcription of a number of genes in salicylic acid-dependent and -independent manners. Here, we report the study of the transcriptional control of the BON1-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN1 (BAP1) gene that is responsive to a moderate decrease of temperature as well as to many environmental stimuli. Using reporter genes under the control of series of regions of the BAP1 promoter, we identified a 35-bp fragment that is necessary and sufficient for the BAP1 transcript induction by a moderate cooling. This fragment also confers an induction of BAP1 by cold and reactive oxygen species-generating paraquat. Furthermore, the INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION1 (ICE1) protein that is involved in transcriptional control of cold responses is found to bind to a MYC element in this promoter and is required for the cooling induction of BAP1. The ice1 mutant has a low induction of BAP1 and enhanced resistance to a bacterial pathogen. Thus, responses to a moderate decrease in temperature may utilize components in the cold response as well as a potentiating signaling involving salicylic acid.
Ganciclovir and Acyclovir Reduce the Risk of Post‐Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Renal Transplant Recipients

Given its association with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), there is considerable interest in assessing the impact of prophylactic anti‐viral therapy on post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). A recently completed multi center case–control study assessed the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on PTLD risk among renal transplant patients and collected information on the use of anti‐viral therapy. Biopsy‐confirmed PTLD cases (n = 100) were matched to 375 controls by center, date of transplant, and age. Data were collected on immunosuppression and rejection therapies, demographics, pre‐transplant viral status, number of rejections, and anti‐viral use. With adjustment for known risk factors, prophylactic anti‐viral use was associated with up to 83% reduction in the risk of PTLD, depending on the anti‐viral agent. These results were stronger for the first year post‐transplant. For every 30 days of ganciclovir treatment, risk of PTLD during the first year was lower by 38% (Odds Ratio [OR]= 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.38–1.0); acyclovir effects were less striking (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.59–1.16). Anti‐viral therapy appears to play a role in reducing the risk of PTLD in renal transplant patients. Ganciclovir may be more potent than acyclovir.
Corporate governance in the UK: contrasted with the US system

The difficulties of shareholder activism are illustrated by the activities of Phillips and Drew in 1998. Despite perceived poor performance, the management of some of the companies, in which they had large shareholdings, stubbornly remained in place.2 As a result, Phillips and Drew actively used their holdings to encourage hostile takeovers. In the case of Marley, the buildings and materials group, Phillips and Drew approached John Mansfield, a much smaller company than Marley, and pledged their holding of 24.9% in a forthcoming hostile bid. They also agreed to invest 1.5 million pounds in Mansfield if their bid failed. The hostile bid for Marley produced a series of competing bids, and large profits for the fund managers. What is striking about this case is the inability of financial institutions to effect changes in control in manifestly poorly performing companies and that in the end Phillips and Drew had to stimulate a takeover market to achieve this.
Neurotransmitter‐mediated calcium signalling in oligodendrocyte physiology and pathology

The function of oligodendrocytes is to myelinate CNS axons. Oligodendrocytes and the axons they myelinate are functional units, and neurotransmitters released by axons can influence all stages of oligodendrocyte development via calcium dependent mechanisms. Some of the clearest functional evidence is for adenosine, ATP, and glutamate, which are released by electrically active axons and regulate the migration and proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and their differentiation into myelinating oligodendrocytes. Glutamate and ATP, released by both axons and astrocytes, continue to mediate Ca2+ signaling in mature oligodendrocytes, acting via AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, and heterogeneous P2X and P2Y purinoceptors. Physiological signalling between axons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes is likely to play an important role in myelin maintenance throughout life. Significantly, ATP‐ and glutamate‐mediated Ca2+ signaling are also major components of oligodendrocyte and myelin damage in numerous pathologies, most notably ischemia, injury, periventricular leukomalacia, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, NG2‐expressing glia (synantocytes) in the adult CNS are highly reactive cells that respond rapidly to any CNS insult by a characteristic gliosis, and are able to regenerate oligodendrocytes and possibly neurons. Glutamate and ATP released by neurons and astrocytes evoke Ca2+ signaling in NG2‐glia (synantocytes), and it is proposed these regulate their differentiation capacity and response to injury. In summary, clear roles have been demonstrated for neurotransmitter‐mediated Ca2+ signaling in oligodendrocyte development and pathology. A key issue for future studies is to determine the physiological roles of neurotransmitters in mature oligodendrocytes and NG2‐glia (synantocytes). © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of Salmonella enterica in Naturally Contaminated Liquid Eggs by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, and Characterization of Salmonella Isolates

ABSTRACT Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was effective in detecting Salmonella enterica in naturally contaminated liquid egg samples. Salmonella was detected in 110 samples taken from four egg-breaking plants. The egg samples were pre-enriched in buffered peptone water (BPW) at 37°C for 20 h. The selective enrichment was done in Rappaport-Vassiliadis or tetrathionate broth and plated onto xylose lysine deoxycholate agar and brilliant green agar, modified. In addition, the PCR assay was used to detect Salmonella after pre-enrichment in BPW at 37°C for 20 h. The culture method and PCR assay were compared to the LAMP assay, which was also performed after pre-enrichment in BPW. PCR failed to detect Salmonella in 10% of 110 samples, whereas the culture method and LAMP assay successfully identified Salmonella in all samples. However, the LAMP assay was found to be much more rapid than the culture method and as sensitive in detecting Salmonella from liquid eggs. In all of the egg-breaking plants studied, Salmonella was isolated on most tested days. The positive samples showed that more than 75% of the Salmonella strains had identical genetic patterns when analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This suggests that the same Salmonella strains having survived long periods of time in the plants were contaminating the production line. The LAMP assay is rapid, specific, and sensitive for Salmonella detection in liquid eggs and is able to monitor Salmonella contamination in egg-handling plants more reliably.
Blood Pressure as a Risk Factor for Stroke and the Impact of Antihypertensive Treatment

We review hypertension and blood pressure levels as risk factors for stroke and the impact of antihypertensive treatment on the prevention of first stroke event and of recurrent stroke, not only with respect to the prevention of vascular events but also the prevention of cognitive deterioration, dementia, and physical disability. We review whether pharmacological blockage of the renin-angiotensin system has additional long-term effects over that of control of blood pressure levels alone, and the benefit of treatment with antihypertensive drugs in normotensive patients. Therapeutic objectives for blood pressure levels after stroke are defined together with recommendations of drugs and doses which have been demonstrated to have the greatest benefit in the prevention of stroke.
Designing and Regulating Health Insurance Exchanges: Lessons from Massachusetts

The Massachusetts health care reform provides preliminary evidence on the function of health insurance exchanges and individual insurance markets. This paper describes the type of products consumers choose and the dynamics of consumer choice. Evidence shows that choice architecture, including product standardization and the use of heuristics (rules of thumb), affects choice. In addition, while consumers often choose less generous plans in the exchange than in traditional employer-sponsored insurance, there is considerable heterogeneity in consumer demand, as well as some evidence of adverse selection. We examine the role of imperfect competition between insurers, and document the impact of pricing and product regulation on the level and distribution of premiums. Given our extensive choice data, we synthesize the evidence of the Massachusetts exchange to inform the design and regulation on other exchanges.
Public infrastructure and private sector profitability and productivity in Mexico

This paper specifies a microeconomic model to estimate the impact of investment in public infrastructure on private industrial profitability. Empirical results based on time series data for 34 industries characterize the Mexican industrial structure as having involuntary unemployment, deficient product demand, declining productivity growth, increasing returns to scale, and short run excess capital capacity. Aggregate technological change over the period studied has been capital using and labor saving.Both labor and capital are underused in the short run. This disequilibrium has high efficiency costs that may be undermining Mexico's international competitiveness. Therefore, new capital investment in the public sector is not recommended at this time and should be undertaken only to rectify any identified constraints imposed by the inadequacy of infrastructure in the private employment of private factors.
Planar substrate intergrated circular polarized antenna for Q-band wireless communications

A planar substrate integrated circular polarized (CP) antenna is proposed using a pair of wideband ±45º slot radiators for Q-band wireless applications. The introduced radiator is a modified top-wall 45º slot on the broadside of a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW), and the SIW is terminated with a ±45º short-circuit end together with a pair of inductive via is adopted for impedance matching, both of which contribute to a wideband performance. By connecting a pair of ±45º slots to a 90º SIW directional coupler, a CP antenna is implemented with a wide axial ratio (AR) and impedance bandwidth. The proposed antenna has a wide AR bandwidth of 14% from 42.1 to 48.5GHz with gain>5.5 dBic and S11<−15dB.
Assessment of university student web searching competency by a task-based online test: A case study at Wuhan University, China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess student web searching competency. The paper aims to determine varying levels of university student competency in web searches and to investigate and compare their competency levels of searching academic and daily‐life tasks.Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a quantitative research method of giving study participants a controllable experiment, a task‐based online test (TBOT), to evaluate web searching competency based on student searching performance. Participants included 141 undergraduate and graduate students from Wuhan University, China. Their searching competency level was assessed by testing their searching effectiveness and searching efficiency.Findings – Student average web searching competency level was found to be comparatively low overall, within preliminary stages of development. A lot of students are unable to search the web with efficiency. Competency levels for searching academic tasks were higher than those of daily‐life tasks, .
Quadrupedal Running with Torso Compliance

A variety of conceptual models has been introduced to study legged locomotion. Such models offer unifying desc riptions of task-level locomotion behaviors, and inform contr ol design for legged robots. Our work focuses on models for quadrupedal running, with the objective to better understand the effect of torso compliance on gait stability and efficien cy.
Boundary Detection in Medical Images Using Edge Following Algorithm Based on Intensity Gradient and Texture Gradient Features

Finding the correct boundary in noisy images is still a difficult task. This paper introduces a new edge following technique for boundary detection in noisy images. Utilization of the proposed technique is exhibited via its application to various types of medical images. Our proposed technique can detect the boundaries of objects in noisy images using the information from the intensity gradient via the vector image model and the texture gradient via the edge map. The performance and robustness of the technique have been tested to segment objects in synthetic noisy images and medical images including prostates in ultrasound images, left ventricles in cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) images, aortas in cardiovascular MR images, and knee joints in computerized tomography images. We compare the proposed segmentation technique with the active contour models (ACM), geodesic active contour models, active contours without edges, gradient vector flow snake models, and ACMs based on vector field convolution, by using the skilled doctors' opinions as the ground truths. The results show that our technique performs very well and yields better performance than the classical contour models. The proposed method is robust and applicable on various kinds of noisy images without prior knowledge of noise properties.
The Structure of the Cornea as Revealed by Polarized Light

Studies of corneal sections in polarized light indicate that there are about 100 lamellae in the cat cornea; the coefficient of fibre birefringence is 0.0030. No evidence was found of preferential orientation of fibre directions. Corneal disks examined by an immersion technique show that the cornea exhibits both form and intrinsic birefringence of positive sign with a micellar refractive index of 1.50-1.52. The values of both form and intrinsic birefringence in various fixatives can be explained on the basis of swelling, which is both inter- and intra-micellar. The micellar volume according to the Wiener relationships does not exceed 3 per cent. ; possible causes of this are discussed.
Structural and Behavioural Changes on account of New Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism

The aim of the paper is to describe and tentatively explain structural and behavioural shifts among tourism stakeholders provoked by new information and communication technologies. The paper is structured as follows: Section two delineates actual levels of ICT adoption in tourism. After having defined tourism business as being highly ‘information intensive’ section three summarizes ICT provoked patterns of change. For this aim, prominent models ‘explaining’ both demand side ICT acceptance and usage behaviour as well as supply side levels of ICT adoption are briefly discussed. Section four portrays selected innovative ICT applications in tourism. At the supply side they comprise new concepts of electronic business networks pushing forward (e.g. horizontal and vertical) online cooperation as well as auction-based online distribution at eBay. Lessons at the demand side comprise context aware (e.g. location based) information services, augmented reality applications and ‘Web-2.0’-based applications supporting both, production and sharing of user-generated content.
Dimensiones estratégicas cognitivas en el posicionamiento competitivo

El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en identificar la dimensiones estratégicas cogni tivas que los decisores de un sector utilizan para competir, y el análisis de las mismas tratando de demostrar si son ampliamente compartidas, si coinciden con las utilizadas en la literatura, y si se manifiestan interrelaciones entre ellas. La metodología aplicada utiliza un enfoque cognitivo de recogida de información e identificación de dimensiones estratégicas, y análisis factorial para conocer su estructura interna. Como resultado de la aplicación empírica realizada en nuestro país se detectan cincuenta y cuatro varia bles competitivas interrelacionadas, utilizadas habitualmente en la literatura, aunque no son ampliamente compartidas por los decisores.
Trust Preferred Securities and Regulatory Arbitrage

Since 1996, U.S. bank holding companies could increase their Tier 1 capital not only by issuing dilutive common equity but also by issuing non-dilutive trust preferred securities (TPS). TPS are cumulative nonperpetual preferred securities issued by non-consolidated subsidiaries of bank holding companies whose sole asset is junior subordinated debt issued by the bank holding company. TPS count as debt for tax purposes but as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. Bank holding companies quickly adopted TPS, with issuance outpacing common equity issuance each year from 1999-2008. By June 2007, over 80% of bank holding companies had TPS worth $140 billion in aggregate, comprising nearly 20% of Tier 1 capital. We investigate why bank holding companies issue TPS, and find strong evidence that they primarily use TPS to maintain their Tier 1 capital ratios during periods of rapid growth. We argue that the regulatory arbitrage opportunity afforded by TPS allowed banks to grow too quickly during the 2000s, resulting on average in worse stock and operating performance during the recent financial crisis.
Time-Varying Risk Aversion in the Cross-Section of Mutual Fund Flows

Analyzing cross sectional determinants of fund flows, this study finds evidence that investors’ risk aversion is time-varying. In particular, the periods over which the increases in risk aversion are observed are associated with contemporaneously low market returns, suggesting that increases in aggregate risk aversion increases the discount rate thereby lowering market prices. While the relation is more pronounced across equity funds, a marginally significant increase in risk-aversion during periods of low bond returns was also observed. Furthermore, the study finds that bond investors are generally more risk averse than equity investors, and that equity and bond investors engage in comparatively less performance chasing during periods with low market returns. This study adds to the growing body of research, which suggests that risk-aversion and consequently risk premia are time-varying, providing a risk-based explanation for phenomena such as long-run stock return predictability.
Design and Investigation on Bioinverter and Bioring-Oscillator for Dielectrically Modulated Biosensing Applications

In this work, an inverter-based biomolecule detection strategy has been introduced for dielectrically modulated biosensing applications that show a clear output logic-state transition after conjugation. Subsequently, a bioring-oscillator has been realized based on such bioinverters, where biomolecules can be detected from the oscillation frequency amplification with conjugation. To optimize the detection efficiency, a dielectrically modulated fringing field effect transistor based transducer has been incorporated as the pull-up/pull-down elements of such bioinverter. The underlying physics of such structure has been investigated and subsequent electrical response has been estimated for various biomolecule sample specifications. This work explores different bioinverter configurations, and subsequently the suitable choice of bioinverter has been indicated for charged and charge-neutral biomolecule detection. Similar studies have been performed for bioring oscillator, and the roles of supply voltage scaling and oscillator stage enhancement have been investigated in this context.
The impact of the pitch on the estimation of MFCC

In this paper, the impact of the pitch on the variability of MFCC, and their influence on the performance of the automatic speech recognition system, is analyzed. In case that a speaker has a high pitch, the distance between adjacent harmonics in the spectrum of voiced phonemes is larger, which results in poorer description of the spectral envelope. Additional problem arises in the case that a band-pass filter from the analysis filter bank covers the range between two harmonics, capturing the part of spectrum without energy, which consequently leads to the detection of sudden, non-existing changes in the spectral envelope. The reduction of these variations is analyzed by using a lower number of MFCC, by expending the bandwidths of the band-pass filters from the filter bank at lower frequencies, and also by low-pass filtering of the filter bank output. Some of the results are somewhat different from the similar results presented in the literature, for which the adequate explanations are offered.
Effect of Different Occlusion on Facial Expressions Recognition

Occlusions around facial parts complicate the task of recognizing facial expressions from their facial images. We propose facial expressions recognition method based on local facial regions, which provides better recognition rate in the presence of facial occlusions. Proposed method uses Uniform Local Binary pattern as a feature extractor, which extract discriminative features from some important parts of facial image. Feature vectors are classified using simplest classifier that is template matching with chi square distance measure. Extensive experiments are performed on JAFFE database.