Decision Tables: Scalable Classification Exploring RDBMS Capabilities

In this paper, we report our success in building efficient scalable classifiers in the form of decision tables by exploring capabilities of modern relational database management systems. In addition to high classification accuracy, the unique features of the approach include its high training speed, linear scalability, and simplicity in implementation. More importantly, the major computation required in the approach can be implemented using standard functions provided by the modern relational DBMS. This not only makes implementation of the classifier extremely easy, further performance improvement is also expected when better processing strategies for those computations are developed and implemented in RDBMS. The novel classification approach based on grouping and counting and its implementation on top of RDBMS is described. The result

Anomaly Discovery and Arbitrage Trading

Our model of anomaly discovery has implications for both asset prices and arbitrageurs\u27 trading. Consistent with existing evidence, the discovery of an anomaly reduces its magnitude. Our evidence based on 99 anomalies is consistent with new predictions that the discovery of an anomaly reduces the correlation between the returns its deciles 1 and 10, leading to diversification benefits for passive investors. These effects become linked to the aggregate trading of hedge funds only after discovery. Hedge funds increase (reverse) their positions in exploiting anomalies when their aggregate wealth increases (decreases), further suggesting that these discovery effects operate through arbitrage trading

Engineering Clostridium Strain to Accept Unmethylated DNA

It is difficult to genetically manipulate the medically and biotechnologically important genus Clostridium due to the existence of the restriction and modification (RM) systems. We identified and engineered the RM system of a model clostridial species, C. acetobutylicum, with the aim to allow the host to accept the unmethylated DNA efficiently. A gene CAC1502 putatively encoding the type II restriction endonuclease Cac824I was identified from the genome of C. acetobutylicum DSM1731, and disrupted using the ClosTron system based on group II intron insertion. The resulting strain SMB009 lost the type II restriction endonuclease activity, and can be transformed with unmethylated DNA as efficiently as with methylated DNA. The strategy reported here makes it easy to genetically modify the clostridial species using unmethylated DNA, which will help to advance the understanding of the clostridial physiology from the molecular level

Ferroelectricity with Asymmetric Hysteresis in Metallic LiOsO3 Ultrathin Films

Bulk LiOsO3 was experimentally identified as a "ferroelectric" metal where polar distortions coexist with metallicity [Shi et al., Nature Materials 12, 1024 (2013)]. It is generally believed that polar displacements in a "ferroelectric" metal cannot be switched by an external electric field. Here, via comprehensive density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that a two-unit-cell-thick LiOsO3 thin film exhibits a ferroelectric ground state having an out-of-plane electric dipole moment that can be switched by an external electric field. Moreover, its dipole moment-versus-electric-field hysteresis loop is asymmetric because only surface Li ions'displacements are reversed by external electric field whereas the field-induced force on inner Li atoms are nearly fully screened by itinerant electrons. As a relevant by-product of our study, we also extend the concept of "Born effective charge" to finite metallic systems, and show its usefulness to rationalize the observed effects.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figure

Revisiting the annihilation decay Bˉs→π+π−\bar{B}_{s}\to\pi^{+}\pi^{-}

It is very important to know the strength of annihilation contribution in B charmless nonleptonic decays. $\bar{B}_{s}\to \pi^{+}\pi^{-}$ process could serve a good probe of the strength. We have studied the process in QCD factorization framework. Using a gluon mass scale indicted by the studies of infrared behavior of gluon propagators to avoid enhancements in the soft end point regions, we find that the CP averaged branching ratio is about $1.24\times 10^{-7}$, the direct CP asymmetry $C_{\pi\pi}$ is about -0.05, while the mixing-induced CP asymmetry quite large with the value $S_{\pi\pi}$=0.18. The process could be measured at LHC-b experiments in the near future and would deepen our understanding of dynamics of B charmless decays.Comment: 9 pages, 3 eps figures. To appear in EPJ

Micronutrients and risks of three main urologic cancers: A mendelian randomization study

BackgroundThe effect of micronutrients on urologic cancers has been explored in observational studies. We conducted the two-sample mendelian randomization (TSMR) study to investigate whether micronutrients could causally influence the risk of urologic cancers.MethodsSummary statistics for four micronutrients and three main urologic cancers outcomes were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). MR analyses were applied to explore the potential causal association between them. Sensitivity analyses using multiple methods were also conducted.ResultsGenetically predicted one SD increase in serum copper and iron concentrations was causally associated with increased risks of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (OR = 3.021, 95%CI = 2.204–4.687, P < 0.001, male; OR = 2.231, 95%CI = 1.524-3.953, P < 0.001, female; OR = 1.595, 95%CI = 1.310–1.758, P = 0.0238, male; OR = 1.484, 95%CI = 1.197–2.337, P = 0.0210, female, respectively) and per SD increase in serum zinc levels was related to decreased risks of RCC (OR = 0.131, 95%CI = 0.0159–0.208, P < 0.001, male; OR = 0.124, 95%CI = 0.0434–0.356, P < 0.001, female). No significant results were observed between micronutrients and the risk of bladder cancer after Bonferroni correction. Additionally, per SD increase in serum zinc level was associated with a 5.8% higher risk of prostate cancer (PCa) [OR = 1.058, 95%CI = 1.002–1.116, P = 0.0403, inverse-variance weight (IVW)].ConclusionsMicronutrients play a vital role in the development of urological tumors. Future studies are required to replicate the findings, explore the underlying mechanisms, and examine the preventive or therapeutic role of micronutrients in clinical settings

Immunotherapy in the context of sepsis-induced immunological dysregulation

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome caused by uncontrollable immune dysregulation triggered by pathogen infection, characterized by high incidence, mortality rates, and disease burden. Current treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief, lacking specific therapeutic interventions. The core mechanism of sepsis is believed to be an imbalance in the host’s immune response, characterized by early excessive inflammation followed by late immune suppression, triggered by pathogen invasion. This suggests that we can develop immunotherapeutic treatment strategies by targeting and modulating the components and immunological functions of the host’s innate and adaptive immune systems. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of immune dysregulation in sepsis and, based on this foundation, discusses the current state of immunotherapy applications in sepsis animal models and clinical trials

Effect of Soy Lecithin, Glucose Oxidase, and Transglutaminase on Dough Rheology and Quality Properties of Steamed Bread Enriched with Potato Pulp

This study aimed to assess the effect of soy lecithin (Soy L, 0.2%–1.0%), glucose oxidase (GOX, 0.3–1.5 U/g), and transglutaminase (TG, 0.3–1.5 U/g) on dough elongation properties and texture qualities of steamed bread. The optimum formulation of steamed bread prepared from wheat flour (50%) and potato pulp (50%) was investigated. Results showed that Soy L and GOX significantly (P < 0.05) affected the specific volume and hardness of steamed bread, whereas TG significantly (P < 0.05) affected the resistance to extension and extensibility of dough, as well as the springiness and cohesiveness of steamed bread. The optimum formulation consisting of 0.65% Soy L, 0.92 U/g GOX, and 0.96 U/g TG increased the viscoelasticity and fermentation characteristics of dough and improved the specific volume, texture, and porosity of steamed bread enriched with potato pulp