Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving steganalysis by fusion techniques: a case study with image steganography

In the past few years, we have witnessed a number of powerful steganalysis technique proposed in the literature. These technique could be categorized as either specific or universal. Each category of techniques has a set of advantages and disadvantages. A steganalysis technique specific to a steganographic embedding technique would perform well when tested only on that method and might fail on all others. On the other hand, universal steganalysis methods perform less accurately overall but provide acceptable performance in many cases. In practice, since the steganalyst will not be able to know what steganographic technique is used, it has to deploy a number of techniques on suspected stego objects. In such a setting the most important question that needs to be answered is: What should the steganalyst do when the decisions produced by different steganalysis techniques are in contradiction? In this work, we propose and investigate information fusion techniques, that combine a number of steganalysis techniques. We start by reviewing possible fusion techniques which are applicable to steganalysis. Then we illustrate, through a number of case studies, how one is able to obtain performance improvements as well as scalability by employing suitable fusion techniques.
Resident Macrophages Phagocytosis in a Subpopulation of Tissue Enhances Complement-Mediated Complement Receptor of the Ig Superfamily

An important function of the complement cascade is to coat self and foreign particles with C3-proteins that serve as ligands for phagocytic receptors. Although tissue resident macrophages play an important role in complement-mediated clearance, the receptors coordinating this process have not been well characterized. In the present study, we identiﬁed a subpopulation of resident peritoneal macrophages characterized by high expression of complement receptor of the Ig superfamily (CRIg), a recently dis-covered complement C3 receptor. Macrophages expressing CRIg showed signiﬁcantly increased binding and subsequent internalization of complement-opsonized particles compared with CRIg negative macrophages. CRIg internalized monovalent ligands and was able to bind complement-opsonized targets in the absence of Ca 2 (cid:1) and Mg 2 (cid:1) , which differs from the (cid:2) 2 -integrin CR3 that requires divalent cations and polyvalent ligands for activation of the receptor. Although CRIg dominated in immediate binding of complement-coated particles, CRIg and CR3 contributed independently to subsequent particle phagocytosis. CRIg thus identiﬁes a subset of tissue resident macrophages capable of increased phagocytosis of complement C3-coated particles, a function critical for immune clearance. The Journal of Immunology, 2008, 181: 7902–7908. phagocytosis of iC3b-opsonized particles. We further illustrate that the requirements for and ingestion of target particles differ between CRIg (cid:3) and CRIg (cid:4) RPMs.
Turduckening black holes: An Analytical and computational study

We provide a detailed analysis of several aspects of the turduckening technique for evolving black holes. At the analytical level we study the constraint propagation for a family of formulations of Einstein's field equations and identify under what conditions the turducken procedure is rigorously justified and under what conditions constraint violations will propagate to the outside of the black holes. We present high resolution spherically symmetric studies which verify our analytical predictions. Then we present three-dimensional simulations of single distorted black holes using different variations of the turduckening method and also the puncture method. We study the effect that these different methods have on the coordinate conditions, constraint violations, and extracted gravitational waves. We find that the waves agree up to small but nonvanishing differences, caused by escaping superluminal gauge modes. These differences become smaller with increasing detector location.
Simulation-based mock codes significantly correlate with improved pediatric patient cardiopulmonary arrest survival rates*

Objective: To evaluate the viability and effectiveness of a simulation-based pediatric mock code program on patient outcomes, as well as residents' confidence in performing resuscitations. A resident's leadership ability is integral to accurate and efficient clinical response in the successful management of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Direct experience is a contributing factor to a resident's code team leadership ability; however, opportunities to gain experience are limited by relative infrequency of pediatric arrests and code occurrences when residents are on service. Design: Longitudinal, mixed-methods research design. Setting: Children's hospital at an tertiary care academic medical center. Patients: Pediatric. Interventions: Clinicians responsible for pediatric resuscitations responded to mock codes randomly called at increasing rates over a 48-month period, just as they would an actual CPA event. Events were recorded and used for immediate debriefing facilitated by clinical faculty to provide residents feedback about their performance. Measurements: Self-assessment data were collected from all team members. Hospital records for pediatric CPA survival rates were examined for the study duration. Results: Survival rates increased to approximately 50% (p = .000), correlating with the increased number of mock codes (r = .87). These results are significantly above the average national pediatric CPA survival rates and held steady for 3 consecutive years, demonstrating the stability of the program's outcomes. Conclusions: This study suggests that a simulation-based mock code program may significantly benefit pediatric patient CPA outcomes—applied clinical outcomes—not simply learner perceived value, increased confidence, or simulation-based outcomes. The use of mock codes as an integral part of residency programs could provide residents with the resuscitation training they require to become proficient in their practice. Future programs that incorporate transport scenarios, ambulatory care, and other outpatient settings could further benefit pediatric patients in prehospital contexts.
Heterogeneous Beliefs about Rare Event Risk in the Lucas Orchard

This paper investigates the asset pricing implications of investor disagreement about the likelihood of a systematic disaster. I specify a general equilibrium model with multiple trees and heterogeneous beliefs about rare event risk, to understand how risk-sharing mechanisms affect equity and variance risk premia, at an aggregate level and in the cross-section of stock returns. I identify a state dependent link between equity and variance premia, that changes with the distribution of agent consumption. Empirically, as in the model, the variance premium’s predictive power for future excess returns is greater during times of financial distress, mainly for small stocks.
Provably efficient neural network representation for image classification

The state-of-the-art approaches for image classification are based on neural networks. Mathematically, the task of classifying images is equivalent to finding the function that maps an image to the label it is associated with. To rigorously establish the success of neural network methods, we should first prove that the function has an efficient neural network representation, and then design provably efficient training algorithms to find such a representation. Here, we achieve the first goal based on a set of assumptions about the patterns in the images. The validity of these assumptions is very intuitive in many image classification problems, including but not limited to, recognizing handwritten digits.
Algorithms for Next-Generation High-Throughput Sequencing Technologies

Recent advances of DNA sequencing technologies are allowingresearchers to generateimmense amounts of data in a fast and cost effective fashion, enablinggenome-wide association study and populationgenetic research which could not be done a decade ago.There are quite numerous computational challenges arising from thisadvancement, however. Examples include efficient algorithms for processing rawdata generated by sequencing instruments, algorithms for detecting andcorrecting sequencing errors, algorithms for detecting genomevariations from sequence data, just to name a few. Because differentsequencing technologies can have drastically differentcharacteristics, these algorithms often need to be adapted in orderto produce most accurate results.In this thesis, I will address a few of the aforementioned problems. First, Iwill describe two model-based basecalling algorithms for the Illuminasequencing platforms: BayesCall and naiveBayesCall. The novelty of BayesCall algorithmis that it is fully unsupervised, requiring notraining data with known labels, and therefore it is applicable to data without a reference sequence.It also dramatically improves sequencing accuracies.Built upon BayesCall algorithm, naiveBayesCall dramatically improves computationalefficiency by approximating the original model without sacrificingaccuracy. We will also show that improved basecall can have positiveeffects on the downstream sequence analysis, such as the detection ofsingle nucleotide polymorphism and the assembly of novel genomes.In the third chapter, an algorithm, called ECHO, for correcting short-readsequencing errors will be described. The correction algorithm efficiently computesall overlaps between sequencing reads and corrects errorsby using statistical models. Since it does not rely on referencegenomes, ECHO can also be applied to de novo sequencing.Most other error correction algorithms require users to specifykey parameters, but the optimal values for these parameters are unknown tousers and can be hard to specify. Without key parameters beingoptimized, the effectiveness of error correction algorithm couldsometimes be dramatically reduced.Based on statistical models, ECHO optimizes these parametersaccordingly. We will show that ECHO can significantly reducesequence error rates and also facilitate downstream sequenceanalysis. It is also demonstrated that ECHO can be extended to detectheterozygousity from sequencing data.These algorithms are developed in hopes tomake downstream analysis of sequence data easier and ultimatelyfacilitate genome researches.
Nonnegative Matrix Partial Co-Factorization for Spectral and Temporal Drum Source Separation

We address a problem of separating drum sources from monaural mixtures of polyphonic music containing various pitched instruments as well as drums. We consider a spectrogram of music, described by a matrix where each row is associated with intensities of a frequency over time. We employ a joint decomposition to several spectrogram matrices that include two or more column-blocks of the mixture spectrograms (columns of mixture spectrograms are partitioned into 2 or more blocks) and a drum-only (drum solo playing) matrix constructed from various drums a priori. To this end, we apply nonnegative matrix partial co-factorization (NMPCF) to these target matrices, in which column-blocks of mixture spectrograms and the drum-only matrix are jointly decomposed, sharing a factor matrix partially, in order to determine common basis vectors that capture the spectral and temporal characteristics of drum sources. Common basis vectors learned by NMPCF capture spectral patterns of drums since they are shared in the decomposition of the drum-only matrix and accommodate temporal patterns of drums because repetitive characteristics are captured by factorizing column-blocks of mixture spectrograms (each of which is associated with different time periods). Experimental results on real-world commercial music signal demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Hypoglutamatergic activity in the STOP knockout mouse: A potential model for chronic untreated schizophrenia

In mice, the deletion of the STOP protein leads to hyperdopaminergia and major behavioral disorders that are alleviated by neuroleptics, representing a potential model of schizophrenia. The reduction of the glutamatergic synaptic vesicle pool in the hippocampus could reflect a disturbance in glutamatergic neurotransmission in this model. Here we examined potential disturbances in energy metabolism and interactions between neurons and glia in 15‐week‐old STOP KO, wild‐type, and heterozygous mice. Animals received [1‐13C]glucose and [1,2‐13C]acetate, the preferential substrates of neurons and astrocytes, respectively. Extracts from the whole forebrain and midbrain were analyzed by HPLC, 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Amounts and labeling of most metabolites were unchanged. However, glutamine concentration and amount of [4,5‐13C]glutamine derived from [1,2‐13C]acetate significantly decreased by 17% and 18%, respectively, in STOP KO compared with wild‐type mice. The amount of [4‐13C]glutamate was decreased in STOP KO and heterozygous compared with wild‐type mice. γ‐Aminobutyric acid labeling was not influenced by the genotype. Because STOP‐deficient mice have a lower synaptic vesicle density, less glutamate is released to the synaptic cleft, leading to decreased stimulation of the postsynaptic glutamate receptors, reflecting increased glutamine metabolism only in the vicinity of the postsynapse of STOP KO mice. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid DNA technologies at the crime scene ‘CSI’ fiction matching reality

This thesis describes how mobile Rapid DNA analysis may be implemented as a potential effective tool in modern day law enforcement. It is expected that this technology will affect the role of the forensic institutes and the tasks of professionals in the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The research in this thesis shows that the use of Rapid DNA at the crime scene is a promising tool to identify a suspect within hours. It also became clear that the technological, behavioural and legal implications must be taken into account before Rapid DNA analysis becomes reality. Key figures on the contribution of DNA to the identification of suspects and on the actual success rates of the DNA profiling process in analysing biological traces form a wide range of items illustrate the potential benefits of implementing Rapid DNA technologies. We further show that the possibility to deploy Rapid DNA analysis at the crime scene affects the decision-making processes of Scene of Crime Officers (SoCOs) regarding the selection of biological traces for subsequent DNA analysis. For that reason, we developed a decision model for the use of mobile Rapid DNA technologies by SoCOs. We also point out the need to establish a legal environment conducive to the harmonious introduction of mobile Rapid DNA technologies at the crime scene.
Bifurcations of global reinjection orbits near a saddle-node Hopf bifurcation

The saddle-node Hopf bifurcation (SNH) is a generic codimension-two bifurcation of equilibria of vector fields in dimension at least three. It has been identified as an organizing centre in numerous vector field models arising in applications. We consider here the case that there is a global reinjection mechanism, because the centre manifold of the zero eigenvalue returns to a neighbourhood of the equilibrium. Such a SNH bifurcation with global reinjection occurs naturally in applications, most notably in models of semiconductor lasers. We construct a three-dimensional model vector field that allows us to study the possible dynamics near a SNH bifurcation with global reinjection. This model follows on from our earlier results on a planar (averaged) vector field model, and it allows us to find periodic and homoclinic orbits with global excursions out of and back into a neighbourhood of the SNH point. Specifically, we use numerical continuation techniques to find a two-parameter bifurcation diagram for a well-known and complicated case of a SNH bifurcation that involves the break-up of an invariant sphere. As a particular feature we find a concrete example of a phenomenon that was studied theoretically by Rademacher: a curve of homoclinic orbits that accumulates on a segment in parameter space while the homoclinic orbit itself approaches a saddle-periodic orbit.
A randomised, prospective study to investigate the efficacy of riboflavin/ultraviolet A (370 nm) corneal collagen cross-linkage to halt the progression of keratoconus

Aims A blind, randomised, prospective, bilateral study to investigate the efficacy of riboflavin/ultraviolet A corneal collagen cross-linkage to halt the progression of keratoconus. Methods 24 patients with early/moderate bilateral keratoconus with recent progression were recruited. One eye was randomly assigned to undergo collagen cross-linkage following epithelial removal with riboflavin 0.1% and ultraviolet A (370 nm at 3 mW/cm2). The other remained untreated as a control. The follow-up was 18 months in 22 patients. Results At 18 months, Orbscan II 3 mm, 5 mm keratometry and simulated astigmatism and cone apex power and wave-front measurements (Keraton Scout), including root mean square, coma and pentafoil showed significant reductions from baseline in treated compared with untreated eyes (p=0.04). In treated eyes at 18 months, the best spectacle-corrected acuity improved (p=0.01), and Orbscan II-simulated keratometry (p<0.001), 3 mm keratometry (p=0.008), simulated astigmatism (p=0.007), cone apex power (p=0.002), root mean square, coma, spherical aberration, secondary astigmatism and pentafoil (p=0.05) decreased from baseline. One treated eye experienced transient recurrent corneal erosions; otherwise there were no complications attributable to the treatment. Conclusions Corneal collagen cross-linkage appears to be an effective and safe modality to halt the progression of keratoconus. Improvements in visual and topographic parameters are seen in some eyes.
The role of soy phytoestrogens in prostate cancer

Purpose of review As alternative medicine gains popularity in the US, a greater understanding of the proven benefits and detriments of the supplements commonly used is needed by physicians. Chemoprevention through the use of supplements or dietary means is one example. Through epidemiological studies, it is clear that there is variation in the geographic incidence of certain cancers. One such variation is in prostate cancer, for which Asian men have a decreased death rate as compared with their Western counterparts. One hypothesis for this reduction in prostate cancer deaths is due to the difference in soy consumption. The purpose of this paper is to review the effects of soy at the molecular level as well as to review the in-vivo effects. Recent findings The mechanism by which soy or, more accurately, the isoflavones act is described in this review. Multiple studies attempting to clarify the effects of the isoflavones on molecular pathways will be discussed. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrating the effect of isoflavones on prostate-specific antigen, testosterone, estrogen, and hormone receptor expression in human subjects will be reviewed. Summary After reading this review, we expect that the reader will understand the background of the isoflavones, the effect they exert at the molecular level, and their proposed benefits and limitations in human patients. However, what will be evident at the conclusion of this manuscript is the need for future studies of the effects of soy in prostate cancer patients.
Across the Mesothelium In Vitro and In Vivo Controls Neutrophil Migration g Cells: IFN-Production in Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Differential Regulation of Chemokine

Leukocyte recruitment into the infected peritoneal cavity consists of an early, predominant polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) inﬂux and subsequent, prolonged mononuclear cell migration phase. Although chemokine secretion by resident peritoneal cells plays a primary role in mediating this migration, the mechanisms involved in controlling the switch in phenotype of cell inﬁltrate remain unclear. The present study investigates a potential role for the Th1-type cytokine IFN- g in the process of leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. Stimulation of cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells with IFN- g (1–100 U/ml) alone or in combination with IL-1 b (100 pg/ml) or TNF- a (1000 pg/ml) resulted in signiﬁcant up-regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and RANTES protein secretion. In contrast, IFN- g inhibited basal and IL-1 b -, and TNF- a -induced production of IL-8. The modulating effects of IFN- g on chemokine production occurred at the level of gene expression, and the degree of regulation observed was dependent on the doses of IL-1 b and TNF- a used. Analysis of the functional effects of IFN- g on IL-1 b induced transmesothelial PMN migration with an in vitro human transmigration system and an in vivo murine model of peritoneal inﬂammation demonstrated that IFN- g was able to down-regulate PMN migration induced by optimal doses of IL-1 b . These effects were mediated in vivo via down-regulation of CXC chemokine synthesis. These ﬁndings suggest that IFN- g may play a role in controlling the phenotype PMN both in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that IFN- g has differential effects on MCP-1, RANTES, and IL-8 production. These changes in chemokine secretion correlated directly with the ability of IFN- g to down-regulate IL-1 b - or TNF- a -induced PMN transmesothelial migration both in vitro and in vivo. The ability of IFN- g to differentially modulate chemokine production and ulti-mately transmesothelial leukocyte migration may be a further mechanism by which IFN- g promotes mononuclear phagocyte function and the development of Th1-type responses.
Resuscitation-promoting factors are important determinants of the pathophysiology in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Abstract Resuscitation promoting factors (Rpf) are peptidoglycan-hydrolyzing enzymes that are pivotal in the resuscitation of quiescent actinobacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. From the published data, it is clear that Rpf are required for the resuscitation of non-replicating bacilli and pathogenesis in murine infection model of tuberculosis, although their direct influence on human Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is ill-defined. In this review, we describe the progress in the understanding of the roles that Rpf play in human tuberculosis pathogenesis and importance of bacilli dependent upon Rpf for growth for the outcome of human tuberculosis. We outline how this research is opening up important opportunities for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease, progress in which is essential to attain the ultimate goal of tuberculosis eradication.
Scientific results of the Vernay-Lang Kalahari Expedition, March to September, 1930. Crustacea

The Vernay-Lang Expedition to the Kalahari has brought back a very interesting collection of Crustacea, mostly Entomostraca, from a region hitherto quite unexplored so far as these animals are concerned. It was not to be expected that the Entomostracan fauna of the area traversed would prove very different from that of the neighbouring areas, and the collection contains nothing startling. The extension of the known distribution of many species, however, is important. There is one new species in the genus Leptestheriella.