Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clustering High Dimensional Sparse Casino Player Tracking Datasets

in this article, we propose an iterative procedure for clustering sparse high dimensional transaction datasets, specifically two casino player tracking datasets. a common problem in clustering sparse datasets with very large dimensions is that in addition to classical techniques of clustering being unable to provide useful results, latent variable methods used for clustering often do not lead to sufficient data reduction to yield useful and informative results either. initially, we propose a straightforward resorting of the full dataset and then define an information based sparsity index to subset the sorted data. this new dimension reduced dataset is less sparse, and thus, more likely to produce meaningful results using established techniques for clustering. Using this technique enables the clustering of two secondary datasets from two Las Vegas repeater market casino properties, which consist of the amount of money casino patrons gambled, termed coin-in, on a variety of slot machines.
Mutational analysis of cis-acting packaging signals in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA

We previously identified blocks of sequence near the 5' end of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) genome which conferred on RNA the ability to bind specifically to the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein, Pr55gag (J. Luban and S. P. Goff, J. Virol. 65:3203-3212, 1991; R. Berkowitz, J. Luban, and S. P. Goff, J. Virol. 67:7190-7200, 1993). Here we report the use of an RNase protection assay to quantify the effect of deletion of these sequences on RNA packaging into virions. First, we demonstrated with wild-type HIV-1 sequences that in comparison with spliced viral RNA, full-length viral genomic RNA is enriched 20-fold in virions. A previously described mutation with deletion of sequences between the major splice donor and the first codon of gag (A. Lever, H. Gottlinger, W. Haseltine, and J. Sodroski, J. Virol. 63:4085-4087, 1989) disrupted these ratios such that different HIV-1 RNA forms were packaged in direct proportion to cytoplasmic concentrations. The effect of deletion mutations preceding and within gag coding sequence on packaging was then tested in competition with RNAs containing wild-type packaging sequences. Using this system, we were able to demonstrate significant effects on packaging of RNAs with mutations immediately preceding the first codon of gag. The greatest reduction in packaging was seen with RNAs lacking the first 40 nucleotides of gag coding sequence, although sequences more 3' had slight additional effects.
EXTENDED COLD MOLECULAR GAS RESERVOIRS IN z ≃ 3.4 SUBMILLIMETER GALAXIES

We report the detection of spatially resolved CO(J = 1→0) emission in the z ∼ 3.4 submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) SMM J09431+4700 and SMM J13120+4242, using the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA). SMM J09431+4700 is resolved into the two previously reported millimeter sources H6 and H7, separated by ∼30 kpc in projection. We derive CO(J = 1→0) line luminosities of L′CO(1-0) = (2.49 ± 0.86) and (5.82 ± 1.22) × 1010 K km s−1 pc2 for H6 and H7, and L′CO(1-0) = (23.4 ± 4.1) × 1010 K km s−1 pc2 for SMM J13120+4242. These are ∼1.5–4.5 times higher than what is expected from simple excitation modeling of higher-J CO lines, suggesting the presence of copious amounts of low-excitation gas. This is supported by the finding that the CO(J = 1→0) line in SMM J13120+4242, the system with the lowest CO excitation, appears to have a broader profile and more extended spatial structure than seen in higher-J CO lines (which is less prominently seen in SMM J09431+4700). Based on L′CO(1-0) and excitation modeling, we find Mgas = 2.0–4.3 and 4.7–12.7×1010 M☉ for H6 and H7, and Mgas = 18.7–69.4×1010 M☉ for SMM J13120+4242. The observed CO(J = 1→0) properties are consistent with the picture that SMM J09431+4700 represents an early-stage, gas-rich major merger and that SMM J13120+4242 represents such a system in an advanced stage. This study thus highlights the importance of spatially and dynamically resolved CO(J = 1→0) observations of SMGs to further understand the gas physics that drive star formation in these distant galaxies, which is possible only now that the EVLA is rising to its full capabilities.
A Cost-Effective Design and Analysis of Full Bridge LLC Resonant Converter

LLC (Inductor-inductor-capacitor) resonant converter has lots of advantages over other type of resonant converters which include high efficiency, more reliable and have high power density. This paper presents the design and analysis of a full bridge LLC resonant converter. In addition to the operational principle, the ZVS and ZCS conditions are also explained with the DC characteristics. Simulation of the LLC resonant converter is performed in MATLAB/ Simulink and the practical prototype setup is analyzed in Proteus software. The result is verified through analysis and design of a low cost, 200 watt prototype converter. Keywords—LLC, Proteus, Resonant converter ZCS, ZVS.
Animal Models of Francisella tularensis Infection

Abstract: The increased incidence of emerging infections has caused a resurgence in the development of animal models in order to study their pathophysiology and develop therapeutics against them. Optimizing these models and improving our ability to extrapolate information from animals to humans is critical because in many cases the animal model will represent the only modality for efficacy testing. Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) is an emerging pathogen that fits this category. While there is a significant body of literature that has examined infections with F. tularensis in a variety of species, the optimal small animal model has yet to be defined. A vast majority of studies have used two strains of F. tularensis, the more virulent type A strain commonly found in North America and the less virulent type B strain common to Europe. None of the small animal models described in the literature thus far behave in a fashion identical to humans with respect to their sensitivity to SCHU S4 (type A) or live vaccine strains (LVS) (attenuated type B) and an ability of LVS vaccination to consistently protect against a SCHU S4 aerosol challenge, suggesting that significant work on animal model development still remains. This report briefly describes the parameters important for animal model development and reviews the literature related to animal models of F. tularensis, including the human model, and the characterization performed for those models.
Differential gene expression in Entamoeba histolytica isolated from amoebic liver abscess

The majority of human infections with the intestinal protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica remain asymptomatic. In a small proportion of infections, however, E. histolytica trophozoites penetrate the intestinal mucosa and disseminate to other organs, most commonly to the liver, where they induce abscess formation. It is believed that the ability of E. histolytica trophozoites to destroy host tissues and to survive within the liver is accomplished by a strong adaptive response, which requires the specific regulation of a number of amoeba proteins. Using differential display polymerase chain reaction (DD‐PCR), we compared RNA expression between E. histolytica trophozoites isolated from liver abscesses of infected gerbils and those grown under normal culture conditions. A total of 3000 cDNA‐derived amplicons were compared between the two groups of amoebae, which were calculated to represent about one‐third of all E. histolytica mRNA species (transcriptome). Among these, 55 were found to be specifically present or absent in abscess‐derived amoebae, of which 42 were successfully cloned and sequenced. Database searches and Northern blot analyses revealed that the 42 amplicons correspond to 29 independent E. histolytica genes, of which at least seven are specifically upregulated and five are downregulated in abscess‐derived amoebae. Specific expression of most of these genes was not simply the result of a heat shock response, which might be expected during abscess formation, as only five of the genes revealed an expression profile similar to that found in amoebae cultured under elevated temperatures. The two genes specifically downregulated in abscess‐derived amoebae encode members of a family of so far unknown proteins, which contain repetitive stretches of sequences that are rich in lysine and glutamic acid residues. In contrast, a diverse set of genes is specifically upregulated, encoding ribosomal proteins (S30, L37A), cyclophilin, ferredoxin 2 and GTP‐binding protein RAB7D, supporting the notion that liver abscess formation requires the regu‐lation and concerted action of a variety of amoeba proteins. These proteins are associated with stress response, signal transduction, regulation of transcription and vesicular trafficking. However, transcriptome analysis will not be sufficient to identify all proteins specifically upregulated during abscess formation, as at least an increase in the expression of actin was found to be regulated at the post‐transcriptional level.
The State of the Salmon : Visualizing population data from Fraser River Sockeye

In this project, I integrated data about Fraser River salmon populations and develop an interactive data visualization tool that allows fisheries scientists and managers to explore this data at different spatial and temporal scales. The objective of this project is to provide fisheries scientists and managers with the tools to easily and comprehensively explore trends in salmon data, and discover features and attributes of that data.
Flumazenil provocation of panic attacks. Evidence for altered benzodiazepine receptor sensitivity in panic disorder.

The possibility that panic disorder might be due to abnormal activity of endogenous ligands of the benzodiazepine receptor was investigated with the use of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil. Physiological and subjective psychological responses to this selective antagonist were measured in 10 patients with panic disorder and in 10 control subjects, by using a placebo-controlled crossover study design. Subjective anxiety responses after flumazenil infusion were significantly higher in the patient group with panic disorder than in the controls, and eight patients with panic disorder but no controls had panic attacks. This anxiogenic effect of flumazenil in the patients argues against the presence of endogenous anxiogenic (inverse agonist) ligands. Possible explanations include the differential production of an anxiolytic endogenous ligand or an altered benzodiazepine receptor "set-point. " Such an abnormality may contribute to the pathogenesis of panic disorder.
A multiprimary display model combined with a spatio-temporal behavioral display model for display characterization by simulation

With the development of fast liquid crystal cells and with advent of backlight units with separate red, green and blue light emitting diodes also first commercial color sequential display emerge. Another technique in commercial application proposes implementing more than three subpixels and thus enhanced color gamut by using multiple color primaries. Also the combination of both color mixture techniques is possible. It is thus desirable to have a simulation workbench at hand that is flexible enough to adapt to the various possibilities of subpixel design and color sequences in display design to evaluate the displayed image in advance. The combination of a multiprimary display model, which can emulate a multiprimary display on a standard RGB LC display, and a spatio-temporal model, that describes LC pixel behavior to arbitrary input signals over time, provides means for simulating the perceived image of a color-sequential display behavior. This article describes the combined model and gives also simulation results that compare advanced displays to conventional vertical stripe RGB LC display.
Prospective breast cancer risk prediction model for women undergoing screening mammography.

BACKGROUND Risk prediction models for breast cancer can be improved by the addition of recently identified risk factors, including breast density and use of hormone therapy. We used prospective risk information to predict a diagnosis of breast cancer in a cohort of 1 million women undergoing screening mammography. METHODS There were 2,392,998 eligible screening mammograms from women without previously diagnosed breast cancer who had had a prior mammogram in the preceding 5 years. Within 1 year of the screening mammogram, 11,638 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Separate logistic regression risk models were constructed for premenopausal and postmenopausal examinations by use of a stringent (P<.0001) criterion for the inclusion of risk factors. Risk models were constructed with 75% of the data and validated with the remaining 25%. Concordance of the predicted with the observed outcomes was assessed by a concordance (c) statistic after logistic regression model fit. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Statistically significant risk factors for breast cancer diagnosis among premenopausal women included age, breast density, family history of breast cancer, and a prior breast procedure. For postmenopausal women, the statistically significant factors included age, breast density, race, ethnicity, family history of breast cancer, a prior breast procedure, body mass index, natural menopause, hormone therapy, and a prior false-positive mammogram. The model may identify high-risk women better than the Gail model, although predictive accuracy was only moderate. The c statistics were 0.631 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.618 to 0.644) for premenopausal women and 0.624 (95% CI = 0.619 to 0.630) for postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION Breast density is a strong additional risk factor for breast cancer, although it is unknown whether reduction in breast density would reduce risk. Our risk model may be able to identify women at high risk for breast cancer for preventive interventions or more intensive surveillance.
The cytokine-hormone axis – the link between premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression

Abstract Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and related disorders, and postpartum depression (PPD) can affect women to the extent that their quality of life and that of their near ones can be severely impaired. This review focuses on the different theories regarding the etiologies of PMS and PPD, and attempts to draw a link between the two. Theories focus mainly on hormonal and cytokine factors throughout different phases in the female reproductive cycle. Changes in this symptomatology during pregnancy are also reviewed, as are changes in hormones and cytokine levels. Hypotheses are thus developed as to why the symptoms experienced in PMS often subside during pregnancy yet may recur and be exacerbated after birth, giving rise to the symptoms experienced in PPD.
The Ethics of Instream Flows: Science and Policy in Southern Alberta, Canada

— Securing instream flows for aquatic ecosystems is critical for sustainable water management and the promotion of human and environmental health. Using a case study from the semi-arid region of southern Alberta (Canada) this paper considers how the determination of instream flow standards requires judgments with respect to: (1) The relationship between instream flow indicators and assessments of overall environmental health; (2) The indicators used to determine adequate instream flows, and; (3) The assumptions underlying efforts to model instream flows given data constraints. It argues that judgments in each of these areas have an inherently ethical component because instream flows have direct effects on the water(s) available to meet obligations to humans and non-humans. The conclusion expands from the case study to generic issues regarding instream flows, the growing water ethics literature and prospects for linking science to policy. standards for instream flows. The paper begins with an introduction to water issues in southern Alberta, Canada. The remainder of the paper proceeds through judgments affecting: (1) The relationship between instream flow indicators and policy assessments of overall environmental health; (2) The
Stability, Nonlinear Oscillations and Bifurcation in a Delay-Induced Predator-Prey System with Harvesting

A harvested predator-prey system that incorpo- rates feedback delay in prey growth rate is studied. Considering delay as a parameter, we investigate the effect of delay on the stability of the coexisting equilibrium. It is observed that there exists a critical length of the delay parameter below which the coexistence equilibrium is stable and above which it is unstable. A Hopf bifurcation exists when delay crosses the critical value. By applying the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem, we determine the explicit formulae that demonstrate the stability and direction of the bifurcating periodic solutions. Computer simulations have been carried out to illustrate different analytical findings. Our simulation results indicate that the Hopf bifurcation is supercritical and the bifurcating periodic solutions are unstable for the considered parameter values. The system, however, can be stabilized from its unstable oscillatory state only by lowering the intrinsic growth rate of prey population.
PAW: A Pattern-Aware Write Policy for a Flash Non-volatile Cache

In disk-based storage systems, non-volatile write caches have been widely used to reduce write latency as well as to ensure data consistency at the level of a storage controller. Write cache policies should basically consider which data is important to cache and evict, and they should also take into account the real I/O features of a non-volatile device. However, existing work has mainly focused on improving basic cache operations, but has not considered the I/O cost of a non-volatile device properly. In this paper, we propose a pattern-aware write cache policy, PAW for a NAND flash memory in disk-based mobile storage systems. PAW is designed to face a mix of a number of sequential accesses and fewer non-sequential ones in mobile storage systems by redirecting the latter to a NAND flash memory and the former to a disk. In addition, PAW employs the synergistic effect of combining a pattern-aware write cache policy and an I/O clustering-based queuing method to strengthen the sequentiality with the aim of reducing the overall system I/O latency. For evaluations, we have built a practical hard disk simulator with a non-volatile cache of a NAND flash memory. Experimental results show that our policy significantly improves the overall I/O performance by reducing the overhead from a non-volatile cache considerably over a traditional one, achieving a high efficiency in energy consumption. key words: disk-based storage systems, non-volatile cache, NAND flash memory, pattern-aware write cache policy, I/O clustering, performance enhancement
Treatment and secondary prevention of ischemic coronary events in Croatia (TASPIC-CRO study)

Aims The objective of this study is to determine the status of major risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients with established coronary heart disease in Croatia and whether the Joint European Societies’ recommendations on coronary heart disease prevention are being followed in Croatia and whether secondary prevention practices have improved between 1998 and 2003. Methods Five surveys were undertaken in 35 centres covering the geographical area of the whole of Croatia between 1 June, 1998 and 31 March, 2003. Consecutive patients of both sexes were identified after coronary-bypass grafting or a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or a hospital admission with acute myocardial infarction or ischaemia. Data collection was based on a review of medical records and the methodology used was similar to the one used in the EUROASPIRE study. Results Fifteen thousand, five hundred and twenty patients were enrolled (64.6% men); 35% of patients smoked cigarettes, 66% had raised blood pressure, 69% elevated serum total cholesterol, 69% elevated serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 42% low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 37% elevated triglycerides, 30% diabetes and 34% family history of coronary heart disease. More men were smokers and had low HDL cholesterol, but more women had elevated total and LDL cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. More men had Q wave acute myocardial infarction, but more women had angina. Over 5 years, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia decreased substantially from 82.7 to 65%. Eighty-three percent of patients received aspirin and this percentage did not change during the study. The use of diuretics, calcium antagonists and nitrates did not change either. The reported use of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers increased significantly. Conclusion This survey shows a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors in Croatian patients with coronary heart disease. Although the higher use of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers is encouraging, the fact that most coronary heart disease patients are still not achieving the recommended goals remains a concern. There is real potential to reduce the very high coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality in Croatia.
Does technology use change when in a developed country? A case study of Libyans in Australia

With developing countries now gaining access to modern banking services for their customers, research is needed to understand how developing countries will adapt to these changes. Since the 1980s, in the Arabic region, technological expansion has occurred with a focus on trade and services offered by industries &? recently the banking sector has started to develop banking services through mobile devices and the Internet to improve customer relationships. In particular, the banking sector is an information intensive industry and aims to be at the forefront of advanced use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). One common trend is increasing the use of self-service technologies, which are facilitated by ICTs. In particular, Libyan banks are continually looking for alternative ways to relate to customers to reducing costs and improve services. However, the current availability of technology-enabled banking services is extremely limited. This paper presents a comparative review of the use of technology-enabled banking services by Libyans, when they are in Libya and whilst they are in Australia (a foreign country furthering their education).