Causal Patterns: Extraction of multiple causal relationships by Mixture of Probabilistic Partial Canonical Correlation Analysis

In this paper, we propose a mixture of probabilistic partial canonical correlation analysis (MPPCCA) that extracts the Causal Patterns from two multivariate time series. Causal patterns refer to the signal patterns within interactions of two elements having multiple types of mutually causal relationships, rather than a mixture of simultaneous correlations or the absence of presence of a causal relationship between the elements. In multivariate statistics, partial canonical correlation analysis (PCCA) evaluates the correlation between two multivariates after subtracting the effect of the third multivariate. PCCA can calculate the Granger Causal- ity Index (which tests whether a time-series can be predicted from an- other time-series), but is not applicable to data containing multiple partial canonical correlations. After introducing the MPPCCA, we propose an expectation-maxmization (EM) algorithm that estimates the parameters and latent variables of the MPPCCA. The MPPCCA is expected to ex- tract multiple partial canonical correlations from data series without any supervised signals to split the data as clusters. The method was then eval- uated in synthetic data experiments. In the synthetic dataset, our method estimated the multiple partial canonical correlations more accurately than the existing method. To determine the types of patterns detectable by the method, experiments were also conducted on real datasets. The method estimated the communication patterns In motion-capture data. The MP- PCCA is applicable to various type of signals such as brain signals, human communication and nonlinear complex multibody systems.Comment: DSAA2017 - The 4th IEEE International Conference on Data Science and Advanced Analytic

A human-machine interface for manipulating a virtual 3-D object using natural hand gestures

In this paper, we propose a new human-machine interface for manipulating 3-D contents in a display. Motions of a hand or both hands of a user are taken images by a simple USB camera. The motions are recognized by a PC and transformed into corresponding instructions such as translation, rotation and scaling. In addition, unintentional movement and unconscious movement are eliminated in the method and smoother operation is realized. The result of the manipulation is displayed in the screen. Experiments were performed using Google Earth and 3-D CG contents, and the proposed system successfully manipulated its rotation and scaling by some hand motions of the user.本文データは学協会の許諾に基づきCiNiiから複製したものであ

Pengembangan Perangkat Pembelajaran Matematika Kelas Rendah Berorientasi Model Pembelajaran Diskusi

This development was aimed at creating learning device for low level mathematics to increase the students\u27 participation and achievement through discussion learning model in Class A of the second semester of the Elementary School Teacher Education Department of Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto of the academic year 2008/2009. The 49 subject takers was divided into 15 groups of 3 to 4 people. The procedure of developing the device used classroom action research. The action consisted of two cycles and took three months. Each cycle was done depending on the obtained improvement, design and the factor to be developed. The instrument which was used to get the data of participation and students\u27 response towards the lecture and the learning device was questioner, while he instrument to get data on students learning achievement were essay quiz, mid term test, and the end term test. The result was the device for learning low level mathematics, early-class learning material, students work, and increased learning participation. The learning achievement was still low which was due to their low ability in solving mathematical problem. Key words: Discussion learning model, participation, and mathematics learning achievement

An empty E1−, E3−, E4− adenovirus vector protects photoreceptors from light-induced degeneration

We have previously identified a neuroprotective effect associated with empty (E1−, E3−, E4−) adenovirus vector delivery in a model of light-induced, photoreceptor cell death. In this study, we further characterize this protective effect in light-injured retina and investigate its molecular basis. Dark-adapted BALB/c mice, aged 6–8 weeks, were exposed to standardized, intense fluorescent light for 96 or 144 h. Prior to dark adaptation, all mice received intravitreous injection of 1 × 109 particles of an empty (E1−, E3−, E4−) adenovirus vector in one eye and vehicle in the other. Following light challenge of 96 or 144 h, histopathological analysis and quantitative photoreceptor cell counts were conducted. Semiquantitative assessment of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for the apoptosis related genes: p50, p65, IkBa, caspase-1, caspase-3, Bad, c-Jun, Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, c-Fos, and p53 using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed on eyes following 12 h of light exposure. Following 96 h of light exposure, the photoreceptor cell density for E1−, E3−, E4− adenovirus vector and vehicle-injected eyes were 87.5 ± 9.5 and 79.3 ± 10.1, respectively, (p = 0.79). After 144 h of light exposure, the photoreceptor cell density was preserved in vector-injected eyes as compared to vehicle treated eyes, 68.9 ± 10.0 and 49.2 ± 4.6, respectively (p = 0.016). Relative mRNA levels of c-Fos and c-Jun at 12-h light exposure after injection differed significantly between vector- and vehicle-injected eyes (p = 0.036, 0.016, respectively). The expression of the other apoptosis-related genes evaluated was not significantly affected. This study investigates the molecular basis of photoreceptor neuroprotective pathway induction associated with E1−, E3−, E4− adenovirus vectors. The results indicate that empty adenovirus vectors protect photoreceptors from light-induced degeneration by the modulation of apoptotic pathways. Gene expression changes suggest that the suppression of c-Fos and c-Jun upregulation contributes significantly to the neuroprotective effect. Understanding the molecular basis of the neuroprotective pathway induction in photoreceptors is critical to the development of novel therapies for retinal degenerations

Current Limiting and Recovery Characteristics Under Load of Transformer Type SFCL with Rewound Structure Using BSCCO Wire in Model Power System

AbstractWe have proposed new design of a transformer type SFCL with primary and secondary superconducting coils which has rewound structure. For not so large fault current, the proposed SFCL limits the current by the inductive component by the normal transition of the flux shielding coil (secondary), and for larger fault current, it can give the resistive component additively by the normal transition of the primary coil. The recovery characteristics under load condition and repetitive limiting operation were experimentally investigated in a laboratory scale power system. The SFCL limited twice repetitive faults current and recovered quickly under load condition

Distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus in a patient using oral contraceptives: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>We report the case of a patient with distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus caused by oral contraceptives.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 48-year-old woman using oral contraceptives suffered from dysarthria and gait disturbance. Examinations, including ultrasound and cerebral arteriogram, revealed a floating thrombus at the left carotid bifurcation with no stenosis. Despite antithrombotic therapy, the floating carotid thrombus migrated to the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, resulting in a severe stroke.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Some floating thrombi are resistant to conservative therapy and have a risk of distal migration, which may cause a major stroke in the acute stage.</p

Sensory processing, autonomic nervous function, and social participation in people with mental illnesses

Introduction: This study investigated the relationship between sensory processing, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and social participation in people with psychiatric disorders. Method: This study recruited 30 participants, primarily women, from a psychiatric university hospital with a mental health diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (mean age: 37.7 ± 16.0 years). Sensory processing, autonomic nervous function, and social participation were measured using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile®, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, respectively. Through mediation analysis, a model wherein sensory processing mediated the relationship between respiratory sinus arrhythmia and social participation was developed. Results: Social participation was moderately to highly correlated with Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile® quadrants (excluding sensory seeking) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Furthermore, the mediation analysis revealed that sensory avoiding mediated the relationship between respiratory sinus arrhythmia and social participation, consequently counteracting the direct relationship. Conclusion: A mediation model was constructed, which indicated that individuals with psychiatric disorders and low parasympathetic nervous system activity expressed higher sensory processing quadrant of sensory avoiding. Ultimately, this was associated with reduced social participation