A multiple intelligent agent system for credit risk prediction via an optimization of localized generalization error with diversity

Company bankruptcies cost billions of dollars in losses to banks each year. Thus credit risk prediction is a critical part of a bank＇s loan approval decision process. Traditional financial models for credit risk prediction are no longer adequate for describing today＇s complex relationship between the financial health and potential bankruptcy of a company. In this work, a multiple classifier system （embedded in a multiple intelligent agent system） is proposed to predict the financial health of a company. In our model, each individual agent （classifier） makes a prediction on the likelihood of credit risk based on only partial information of the company. Each of the agents is an expert, but has limited knowledge （represented by features） about the company. The decisions of all agents are combined together to form a final credit risk prediction. Experiments show that our model out-performs other existing methods using the benchmarking Compustat American Corporations dataset.     

The effects of sodium and amiloride on the motility of the caudal epididymal spermatozoa of the rat

Summary The forward motility of the rat caudal epididymal spermatozoa has been studied in different Na⁺ concentrations. When spermatozoa were suspended in a completely Na⁺-free solution, the forward motility suffered a progressive fall and after 3 h was completely suppressed. This effect was fully reversible on resuspending the spermatozoa in a solution containing Na⁺. Amiloride caused a fall in motility and the effect was similar to that of Na⁺ removal. The inhibition by amiloride of the motility was concentration dependent and the dose response curve showed an IC₅₀-value of about 5×10^–5 M. The role of Na⁺ influx in the maintenance of sperm motility was discussed.This work was supported by the World Health Organization.The technical assistance of Mr C.M. Li and the gift of amiloride from Merck, Sharp and Dohme are gratefully acknowledged.     

Ghostburster模型鞍结分岔点附近放电模式的转迁控制

在不同的电流刺激下,ghostburster模型表现出周期放电、混沌簇放电、周期簇放电等多种放电模式.其中,周期放电和混沌簇放电之间的转迁是通过极限环的鞍结分岔实现的.应用washout滤波器实现了ghostburster模型鞍结分岔点周围放电模式的转迁;并通过快慢系统分解方法分析了放电模式转迁的内在机制.研究发现快子系统固定点的鞍结分岔和快子系统从周期一极限环转换到周期二极限环的临界点在树突产生不完全放电过程中起到关键作用.Washout滤波器的加入改变了树突膜电位极大值的分岔点的位置,从而改变了ghostburster模型的放电模式.     

A sperm GPI-anchored protein elicits sperm-cumulus cross-talk leading to the acrosome reaction

The acrosome reaction has long been thought to be induced by the zona pellucida. Here we report the identification and function of a novel human sperm glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein, NYD-SP8. The release of the protein during sperm-egg interaction and its binding to the cumulus, the first layer of egg investment, elicits cross-talk between the gametes and produces calcium dependant release of progesterone, which lead to the acrosome reaction. An in vivo mouse model of NYD-SP8 immunization is also established showing a reduced fertility rate. Thus, contrary to accepted dogma, our study demonstrates for the first time that, prior to reaching the zona pellucida, sperm may release a surface protein that acts on the cumulus cells leading to the acrosome reaction, which may be important for determining the outcome of fertilization. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Received 11 August 2008; received after revision 18 December 2008; accepted 22 December 2008     

Relationship of prodigiosin condensing enzyme activity to the biosynthesis of prodigiosin and its precursors in Serratia marcescens

Prodigiosin condensing enzyme (PCE) activities were present in Serratia marcescens wild type 08, mutants OF, WF and 9-3-3. Their specific activities exhibited different maxima and at different times during the late log phase or the early stationary phase of cell growth. The levels of prodigiosin and its precursors also showed a significant increase at this period. The results support that prodigiosin and/or its precursors are secondary metabolites. The ubiquity of the PCE activity in mutants deficient in prodigiosin biosynthesis suggest that this particular enzyme may also be present in non-pigmented clinical isolates.     

宝山堇菜（Viola baoshanensis）、紫花地丁（V. yedoensis）叶绿素荧光参数的日变化

利用调制叶绿素荧光仪研究了宝山堇菜（Viola baoshanensis）和紫花地丁(V. yedoensis)叶片叶绿素荧光参数的日变化.Y值与温度和光合有效辐射的变化趋势相反. 紫花地丁NPQ呈单峰型增长,宝山堇菜NPQ有先增加,后下降的趋势,变化幅度相对紫花地丁平缓.2种堇菜rETR首先迅速上升,维持在一个较高水平,然后迅速下降,Ik变化趋势相对一致.紫花地丁Pm和 呈双峰型变化,宝山堇菜有先增加,后下降的变化趋势.相关性显示,宝山堇菜叶片叶绿素荧光参数与温度和光合有效辐射相关程度低,仅叶片rETR与光合有效辐射呈显著正相关（p 0.05）. 紫花地丁叶片温度分别与Y、NPQ呈显著负相关和正相关（p 0.05）,叶表光合有效辐射与Y、NPQ分别达极显著负相关和正相关（p 0.01）,与rETR显著正相关（p 0.05）.结果表明,正午时刻两种堇菜光系统Ⅱ遭受了光抑制,温度和光合有效辐射是引起紫花地丁光抑制的重要因素,热耗散和光呼吸是紫花地丁的重要光保护机制,宝山堇菜通过光呼吸来保护光合机构.     

肌肉中的HH模型钠离子通道反电势的Hopf分岔分析

以肌肉中的Hodgkin-Huxley模型为研究对象，研究病理实验中有显著变化的钠离子通道反电势参数对Hodgkin-Huxley模型的影响并分析其Hopf分岔。采用高维方程的代数判据进行Hodgkin-Huxley模型单参数动态分岔分析，简化了分析过程，并用研究结果解释相应的生理过程，试图从生物系统动态过程异变的角度探讨生理疾病的成因。