Classification of Incomplete Data Using the Fuzzy ARTMAP Neural Network

The fuzzy ARTMAP neural network is used to classify data that is incomplete in one or more ways. These include a limited number of training cases, missing components, missing class labels, and missing classes. Modifications for dealing with such incomplete data are introduced, and performance is assessed on an emitter identification task using a data base of radar pulsesDefense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Office of Naval Research (N00014-95-1-0409) (S.G. and M.A.R); National Science Foundation (IRI-97-20333) (S.G.); Natural Sciences and Engineerging Research Council of Canada (E.G.); Office of Naval Research (N00014-95-1-0657

Is Seasonal Adjustment a Linear or Nonlinear Data Filtering Process?

In this paper, we investigate whether seasonal adjustment procedures are, at least approximately, linear data transformations. This question is important with respect to many issues including estimation of regression models with seasonally adjusted data. We focus on the X-11 program and first review the features of the program that might be potential sources of nonlinearity. We rely on simulation evidence, involving linear unobserved component ARIMA models, to assess the adequacy of the linear approximation. We define a set of properties for the adequacy of a linear approximation to a seasonal adjustment filter. These properties are examined through statistical tests. Next, we study the effect of X-11 seasonal adjustment on regression statistics assessing the statistical significance of the relationship between economic variables in the same spirit as Sims (1974) and Wallis (1974). These findings are complemented with several empirical examples involving economic data. Nous examinons si la procédure d'ajustement X-11 est approximativement linéaire. Il y a potentiellement plusieurs sources de non-linéarité dans cette procédure. Le but de l'étude est de savoir si ces sources sont effectivement assez importantes pour affecter, par exemple, des résultats d'estimation dans des modèles de régression linéaire. La seule façon de répondre à cette question est par estimation. Nous proposons plusieurs critères qu'on peut utiliser pour juger si une procédure d'ajustement est approximativement linéaire. Nous examinons également par simulation des propriétés de tests dans le modèle de régression dans le même esprit que Sims (1974) et Wallis (1974).X-11 program; Nonlinearity, X-11 program ; Nonlinearity

Seasonal Adjustment and Volatility Dynamics

In this paper we try to enhance our understanding of the effect of filtering, particularly seasonal adjustment filtering, on the estimation of volatility models. We focus exclusively on ARCH models as a specific class of models and examine the effect of both linear and nonlinear filters on (seasonal) volatility dynamics. The case of linear filters is treated in a general abstract setting applicable to seasonal adjustment as well as various other linear filters often applied to transform raw data. Next we focus on specific cases like the first and seasonal differencing filters as well as the X-11 filter, both its linear representation and the (nonlinear) procedure implemented in practice. We uncover surprising features regarding the linear X-11 filter, e.g. it introduces a small seasonal pattern in volatility. More interestingly, we show that the linear X-11 and the actual procedure produce serious downward biases in ARCH effects and their persistence. Finally, we uncover important differences between the linear version of X-11 and the actual procedure. Nous étudions l'effet de filtre sur l'estimation de processus de type GARCH. Le cas du filtre linéaire est analysé dans un contexte général pour des processus GARCH faibles. Plusieurs cas spéciaux sont discutés, notamment ce-lui du filtre d'ajustement X-11 pour les effets saisonniers. Nous trouvons que ce filtre produit un effet de persistance saisonnière au niveau de la volatilité. Nous abordons ensuite le filtrage non linéaire dans le cas du filtre X-11. Une étude de Monte Carlo démontre qu'il y a des différences très importantes entre la représentation linéaire du filtre et le programme non linéaire appliqué aux données réelles.GARCH processes, seasonality, X-11, Processus GARCH, Saisonnalité, X-11

Estimation of the optimal parameters for K-edge subtraction imaging with PixiRad-2/PixieIII photon counting detector on a conventional laboratory X-ray micro-tomograph

Photon Counting Detectors (PCDs) open new opportunities in X-ray imaging. Pixie III is a PCD using simultaneously two energy thresholds. This enables to acquire images from two distinct energy bins in a single exposure. This is particularly suited to perform K-Edge Subtraction (KES) imaging with laboratory sources. In that context, one has however to deal with an energy bin optimization: narrow energy bins leads to high KES signal, at the expense of higher noise, while wider energy bins leads to poor KES signal but better statistics. This work presents a model that aims at finding the optimal thresholds and source voltage in order to retrieve the best Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR) for a given sample. The model also optimizes the configurations for conventional absorption modality and compares both modalities. We noticed that the input flux and the energy difference between the thresholds influence the noise on image. We included this in the model using phenomenological laws. The model is then compared to empirical optimization by experimental screening of the parameters on model materials composed of barium, iodine and water. Finally, a study of the predicted CNRs has function of the sample composition is presented as an example of usage of the model

Influence of functional deficiency of complement mannose-binding lectin on outcome of patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Aims Experimental data point towards a favourable effect of low serum concentrations of complement mannose-binding lectin (MBL) on myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. As comparable data on the role of MBL in human I/R injury is lacking, we investigated the influence of low serum MBL concentrations on mortality of patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results Mannose-binding lectin was determined in 890 acute STEMI patients that were prospectively recruited in the APEX-AMI trial. This trial had a primary endpoint of death through Day 30 and secondary endpoints of death through Day 90 and the composite of death, cardiogenic shock, or congestive heart failure (CHF) through Days 30 and 90. Samples were taken immediately before PCI and the analysis of MBL limited to patients having received placebo. Patients with serum MBL levels of or below 100 ng/mL were considered to be functionally deficient. Of the 890 patients, 127 had functional MBL deficiency (14.3%). Characteristics of patients with MBL deficiency and those with MBL levels >100 ng/mL did not differ. In patients with MBL deficiency, there was 1 death (0.79%) compared with 42 deaths (5.51%) in patients with MBL levels >100 ng/mL (P = 0.0233) representing an absolute and relative lower mortality in MBL deficient patients of 4.7 and 85%, respectively. Functional MBL deficiency, however, was not associated with decreased risk of the combined endpoints of death and shock or death, shock, and CHF, respectively. Conclusion Functional deficiency of complement MBL is associated with reduced mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing PCI. This unique finding suggests that a component of the innate immune system affects mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT0009163

L’Étude de Suivi des Psychoses Émergentes de l’Université de Montréal (ÉSPÉUM) : contexte, buts et méthodologie

Dans cet article, les auteurs examinent les programmes et les services spécialisés dans le traitement et la réadaptation des personnes qui souffrent d’une psychose débutante. Les auteurs constatent que ces divers programmes se sont multipliés au cours de la dernière décennie et plusieurs ont démontré des bénéfices en comparaison des traitements habituels dispensés en psychiatrie générale. Ainsi, ces programmes sont constitués des éléments suivants : intervention familiale, traitement intensif dans la communauté, mesures de soutien à l’emploi, thérapie cognitivo-comportementale et entraînement aux habiletés sociales.In this article, the authors examine specialized programs and services in the treatment and rehabilitation of people with an early psychosis. The authors realized that various programs have multiplied in the course of the last decade and many have shown benefits in comparison with the usual treatments delivered in general psychiatry. Thus these programs are composed of the following elements : family intervention, intensive community treatment, employment support, cognitive behavioural therapy and social skills training.En este artículo, los autores examinan los programas y servicios especializados en el tratamiento y la readaptación de las personas que sufren de una psicosis inicial. Los autores constatan que estos diversos programas se han multiplicado en el curso de la última década y varios han desmostrado los beneficios en comparación con los tratamientos habituales dispensados en psiquiatría general. Así, estos programos se constituyen de los siguientes elementos: intervención familiar, tratamiento intensivo en la comunidad, medidas de apoyo al empleo, terapia cognitivocomportamental y entrenamiento en las habilidades sociales.Neste artigo, os autores examinam os programas e os serviços especializados no tratamento e na readaptação das pessoas que sofrem de uma psicose inicial. Os autores constatam que estes diversos programas se multiplicaram durante a última década e vários demonstraram benefícios em comparação com os tratamentos habituais dispensados em psiquiatria geral. Assim, estes programas são constituídos dos seguintes elementos: intervenção familiar, tratamento intensivo na comunidade, medidas de apoio ao emprego, terapia cognitivo-comportamental e treinamento para as habilidades sociais