A Reduction of the Elastic Net to Support Vector Machines with an Application to GPU Computing

The past years have witnessed many dedicated open-source projects that built and maintain implementations of Support Vector Machines (SVM), parallelized for GPU, multi-core CPUs and distributed systems. Up to this point, no comparable effort has been made to parallelize the Elastic Net, despite its popularity in many high impact applications, including genetics, neuroscience and systems biology. The first contribution in this paper is of theoretical nature. We establish a tight link between two seemingly different algorithms and prove that Elastic Net regression can be reduced to SVM with squared hinge loss classification. Our second contribution is to derive a practical algorithm based on this reduction. The reduction enables us to utilize prior efforts in speeding up and parallelizing SVMs to obtain a highly optimized and parallel solver for the Elastic Net and Lasso. With a simple wrapper, consisting of only 11 lines of MATLAB code, we obtain an Elastic Net implementation that naturally utilizes GPU and multi-core CPUs. We demonstrate on twelve real world data sets, that our algorithm yields identical results as the popular (and highly optimized) glmnet implementation but is one or several orders of magnitude faster.Comment: 10 page

A Simple Algorithm that Adapts one of Two Packet Sizes in a Wireless ARQ Protocol

A recent algorithm of Modiano selects packet sizes in a selective repeat ARQ protocol based on the acknowledgement history of the most recently transmitted packets. In this paper we modify this algorithm so that the choice of packet size is restricted to one of two pre-specified values. We provide a strategy for switching between these packet sizes and show that is optimal in the sense of maximizing the one step efficiency. The throughput efficiency of the proposed adaptive scheme is analyzed for a constant bit-error-rate channel and for two state Gilbert-Elliot channel. The results show that the throughput efficiencies of this scheme under high and moderate bit-error-rates are slightly less than that of Modiano\u27s algorithm. However the scheme is attractive because of its simplicity

Ambient noise and neonatal hemodynamics - An observational cross-sectional study

Background: Previous studies reported numerous adverse effects of noise in the newborns such as increase in the heart rate (HR) and respiratory frequency and drop in the oxygen saturation. Objective: The objective of this study was to study the effect of ambient noise levels in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on the hemodynamics of neonates. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional observational study which aimed at assessing the ambient noise levels in the NICU with a digital decibel meter and its effect on HR, respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation. A total of 105 neonates (both preterm and term) having stable cardiorespiratory status were enrolled in the study. Results: The mean noise level recorded in the NICU was 56.2 dB. The lowest noise level was recorded at 8 am, that is, 46 dB while the highest recorded level was at 2 pm, that is, 65 dB in different areas of the NICU. There was a statistically significant increase in the HR in relation to the noise levels at all times (p<0.0001). The RR also showed a significant rise in relation to the increase in noise level (p<0.0001 at 2 pm with maximum noise level). The oxygen saturation showed a negative correlation and a statistically significant drop at 2 pm when maximum noise level was recorded (p<0.0001). Changing shifts and more number of healthcare personnel were important factors contributing to increased noise levels at 2 pm. Conclusion: Noise levels of >56 dB affected the hemodynamics of the newborn. The maximum increase in the mean HR, RR, and drop in saturation was observed at 2 pm. Staff sensitization and attitude change are needed to decrease the noise pollution in NICU

The eINTACT system dissects bacterial exploitation of plant osmosignalling to enhance virulence

Bacteria inject effector proteins into host cells to manipulate cellular processes that promote disease. Since bacteria deliver minuscule amounts of effectors only into targeted host cells, it is technically challenging to capture effector-dependent cellular changes from bulk-infected host tissues. Here, we report a new technique called effector-inducible isolation of nuclei tagged in specific cell types (eINTACT), which facilitates affinity-based purification of nuclei from Arabidopsis plant cells that have received Xanthomonas bacterial effectors. Analysis of purified nuclei reveals that the Xanthomonas effector XopD manipulates the expression of Arabidopsis abscisic acid signalling-related genes and activates OSCA1.1, a gene encoding a calcium-permeable channel required for stomatal closure in response to osmotic stress. The loss of OSCA1.1 causes leaf wilting and reduced bacterial growth in infected leaves, suggesting that OSCA1.1 promotes host susceptibility. eINTACT allows us to uncover that XopD exploits host OSCA1.1/abscisic acid osmosignalling-mediated stomatal closure to create a humid habitat that favours bacterial growth and opens up a new avenue for accurately elucidating functions of effectors from numerous gram-negative plant bacteria in native infection contexts.Fil: You, Yuan. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Koczyk, Grzegorz. Polish Academy of Sciences; ArgentinaFil: Nuc, Maria. Polish Academy of Sciences; ArgentinaFil: Morbitzer, Robert. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Holmes, Danalyn R.. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: von Roepenack Lahaye, Edda. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen; AlemaniaFil: Hou, Shiji. Huazhong Agricultural University; ChinaFil: Giudicatti, Axel Joel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral; ArgentinaFil: Gris, Carine. Université de Toulouse; FranciaFil: Manavella, Pablo Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral; ArgentinaFil: Noël, Laurent D.. Université de Toulouse; FranciaFil: Krajewski, Paweł. Polish Academy of Sciences; ArgentinaFil: Lahaye, Thomas. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen; Alemani

Fifteen years of the Australian imaging, biomarkers and lifestyle (AIBL) study: Progress and observations from 2,359 older adults spanning the spectrum from cognitive normality to Alzheimer\u27s disease

Background: The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) Study commenced in 2006 as a prospective study of 1,112 individuals (768 cognitively normal (CN), 133 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 211 with Alzheimer\u27s disease dementia (AD)) as an \u27Inception cohort\u27 who underwent detailed ssessments every 18 months. Over the past decade, an additional 1247 subjects have been added as an \u27Enrichment cohort\u27 (as of 10 April 2019). Objective: Here we provide an overview of these Inception and Enrichment cohorts of more than 8,500 person-years of investigation. Methods: Participants underwent reassessment every 18 months including comprehensive cognitive testing, neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI; positron emission tomography, PET), biofluid biomarkers and lifestyle evaluations. Results: AIBL has made major contributions to the understanding of the natural history of AD, with cognitive and biological definitions of its three major stages: preclinical, prodromal and clinical. Early deployment of Aβ-amyloid and tau molecular PET imaging and the development of more sensitive and specific blood tests have facilitated the assessment of genetic and environmental factors which affect age at onset and rates of progression. Conclusion: This fifteen-year study provides a large database of highly characterized individuals with longitudinal cognitive, imaging and lifestyle data and biofluid collections, to aid in the development of interventions to delay onset, prevent or treat AD. Harmonization with similar large longitudinal cohort studies is underway to further these aims

Effect of Arka Taila and Patoladi Gana Kashaya in Dooshivishajanya Vicharchika

Toxicology, is a slow acting less potent poison, which does not kill the person immediately, but gets manifested in the form of many diseases. Skin diseases (Kustha) are one among the main symptoms of Dooshivisha. Vicharchika, is one among Kshudra kustha, which is highly prevalent, common and distressing condition. Recurrence and chronicity are the main threat faced by patients suffering from Vicharchika. Most of the features of Vicharchika show similarity with symptoms of the disease entity, eczema of modern dermatology. In India, the point prevalence of dermatological cases are 9.25%, and that of eczema is 6.75%. Arkatailam is the formulation prescribed in Yogaratnakaram, which reflects the therapeutic effect of toxic plant Arka, which is directly indicated for Vicharchika. The aims and objective of the study is to evaluate the combined effect of Arkataila and Patoladi gana kashaya in Dooshivishajanya Vicharchika. The study design was an interventional pre-post study with sample size 30. Patients with signs and symptoms of Vicharchika, having history of Dooshivisha, of age group between 20-60 satisfying the diagnostic criteria selected from the OPD of Government Ayurveda College Panchakarma, Hospital, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, were included in the study. The study group was given Avipathychoorna internally on first day for Virechana. On 2nd day onwards Patoladi gana Kashaya was given internally and Arkataila externally for 14 days. Symptomatic assessments were done before treatment, on 8th day, after the treatment and after the follow up period of 7 days. Results were analyzed statistically. The results show that the effect of Arkataila and Patoladiganakashaya is very effective in Dooshivishajanya vicharchika

The Effect of Karkatibeejadi Churna by Internal Administration in Mutraghata with special reference to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland caused by excessive growth of prostatic tissue. The main symptoms of BPH include hesitancy, frequency, urgency, weak stream urination, straining and nocturia. These together termed as LUTS. We cannot see a single disease in Ayurveda which shows all the features of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Mutragranthi is one among the 12 types of Mutraghatas which can be compared with benign prostatic hyperplasia due to its similarities in morphological, anatomical, and clinical features. Lower urinary symptoms in patients are very troublesome which affects their daily routine and sleep pattern and a negative impact on their quality of life. Embarrassment and the treatment cost prevent them to take timely treatment. In modern system of medicines, the treatment of BPH is done by conservative and surgical therapies. These methods have significant complications and are too expensive. Karkatibeejadi churna is mentioned in Bhaishajyaratnavali in Mutraghata prakarana. The ingredients of this Choorna are easily available and easy to prepare and consume. This case study was done in a participant of age 67 years with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia which was confirmed by USG in search of an effective, cost effective conservative treatment. The Choorna was given for 60 days and assessments were done on 0th, 16th 31st, 46th and 61st days and the result showed significant reduction in symptoms, prostate volume and post void residual urine of benign prostatic hyperplasia

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To study the clinical profile of acute encephalitic syndrome in children aged 3 months to 12 years

Background: Acute encephalitic syndrome (AES) poses challenges to physicians owing to acute presentation, often rapid deterioration with various causes including infective inflammatory conditions of central nervous system. Thus, the aim of our study was to assess clinical profile of AES and to assess the outcome of management of AES in children. Materials and Methods: For this hospital-based observational prospective study, 32 clinically diagnosed hospitalized AES children, as per WHO case definition over a period of 2 years consecutively were enrolled. Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) samples were tested for viral PCR and MRI was performed in all cases. Results: Major clinical manifestations were seizures 24 (75%), vomiting (40.6%) and abnormal gait (31.2%) were noted. Dengue infection was most common etiology for AES followed by Covid-19 infection and Tubercular meningitis. Rabies encephalitis, Autoimmune encephalitis, HSV encephalitis and Pneumococcal meningitis were also found among the study samples. Conclusion: The most common causes found in our study were Dengue fever and Covid-19 infection, therefore, one should be aware of common etiological agents causing AES as well as newer etiological agents like Covid-19 which might come in the future