96 research outputs found
Robust Fuzzy Clustering via Trimming and Constraints
ProducciĂłn CientĂficaA methodology for robust fuzzy clustering is proposed. This
methodology can be widely applied in very different statistical problems given
that it is based on probability likelihoods. Robustness is achieved by trimming
a fixed proportion of âmost outlyingâ observations which are indeed
self-determined by the data set at hand. Constraints on the clustersâ scatters
are also needed to get mathematically well-defined problems and to avoid the
detection of non-interesting spurious clusters. The main lines for computationally
feasible algorithms are provided and some simple guidelines about
how to choose tuning parameters are briefly outlined. The proposed methodology
is illustrated through two applications. The first one is aimed at heterogeneously
clustering under multivariate normal assumptions and the second
one migh be useful in fuzzy clusterwise linear regression problems.Ministerio de EconomĂa, Industria y Competitividad (MTM2014-56235-C2-1-P)Junta de Castilla y LeĂłn (programa de apoyo a proyectos de investigaciĂłn â Ref. VA212U13
Loss of Sialic Acid Binding Domain Redirects Protein Ï1 to Enhance M Cell-Directed Vaccination
Ovalbumin (OVA) genetically fused to protein sigma 1 (pÏ1) results in tolerance to both OVA and pÏ1. PÏ1 binds in a multi-step fashion, involving both protein- and carbohydrate-based receptors. To assess the relative pÏ1 components responsible for inducing tolerance and the importance of its sialic binding domain (SABD) for immunization, modified OVA-pÏ1, termed OVA-pÏ1(short), was deleted of its SABD, but with its M cell targeting moiety intact, and was found to be immunostimulatory and enhanced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation. When used to nasally immunize mice given with and without cholera toxin (CT) adjuvant, elevated SIgA and serum IgG responses were induced, and OVA-pÏ1(s) was more efficient for immunization than native OVA+CT. The immune antibodies (Abs) were derived from elevated Ab-forming cells in the upper respiratory tissues and submaxillary glands and were supported by mixed Th cell responses. Thus, these studies show that pÏ1(s) can be fused to vaccines to effectively elicit improved SIgA responses
Neural Circuits Underlying Rodent Sociality: A Comparative Approach
All mammals begin life in social groups, but for some species, social relationships persist and develop throughout the course of an individualâs life. Research in multiple rodent species provides evidence of relatively conserved circuitry underlying social behaviors and processes such as social recognition and memory, social reward, and social approach/avoidance. Species exhibiting different complex social behaviors and social systems (such as social monogamy or familiarity preferences) can be characterized in part by when and how they display specific social behaviors. Prairie and meadow voles are closely related species that exhibit similarly selective peer preferences but different mating systems, aiding direct comparison of the mechanisms underlying affiliative behavior. This chapter draws on research in voles as well as other rodents to explore the mechanisms involved in individual social behavior processes, as well as specific complex social patterns. Contrasts between vole species exemplify how the laboratory study of diverse species improves our understanding of the mechanisms underlying social behavior. We identify several additional rodent species whose interesting social structures and available ecological and behavioral field data make them good candidates for study. New techniques and integration across laboratory and field settings will provide exciting opportunities for future mechanistic work in non-model species
Species richness on islands in time: variation in ephemeral pond crustacean communities in relation to habitat duration and size
Egg survival is reduced by grave-soil microbes in the carrion beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides
Disgust Propensity as a Predictor of Intrusive Cognitions Following a Distressing Film
Uso do MMPI (minnesota multiphasic personality inventory) na avaliação de pacientes com sĂndrome de dor crĂŽnica
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