Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective semantic classification of consumer events for automatic content management

We study semantic event classification in the consumer domain by incorporating cross-domain and within-domain learning. An event is defined as a set of photos and/or videos that are taken within a common period of time, and have similar visual appearance. Events are generated from unconstrained consumer photo and video collections, by an automatic content management system, e.g., an automatic albuming system. Such consumer events have the following characteristics: an event can contain both photos and videos; there usually exist noisy/erroneous images resulting from imperfect albuming; and event data taken by different users, although from the same semantic category, can have highly diverse visual content. To accommodate these characteristics, we develop a general two-step Event-Level Feature (ELF) learning framework that enables the use of external data sources by cross-domain learning and the use of region-level representations, to enhance classification. Specifically, in the first step an elementary-level feature is used to represent images and videos. Then in the second step an ELF is constructed on top of the elementary feature to model each event as a feature vector. Semantic event classifiers can be directly built based on the ELF. Various ELFs are generated from different types of elementary-level features by using both cross-domain and within-domain learning: cross-domain approaches use two sets of concept scores at both image and region level that are learned from two external data sources; within-domain approaches use low-level visual features at both image and region level. Different types of ELFs complement each other for improved classification. Experiments over a large real consumer data set confirm significant improvements, e.g., over 90% MAP gain compared to the previous semantic event classification method.
REGULATION OF EXTRACELLULAR FLUID VOLUME BY INTEGRATED CONTROL OF SODIUM EXCRETION

The ability of the kidneys to regulate extracellular fluid volume by altering sodium excretion is important for maintaining adequate volume within the vascular system. Sodium excretion is controlled by integrating physical, neural, and hormonal regulatory systems. The major systems involved in retaining sodium include the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic systems, whereas natriuretic factors such as atrial natriuretic peptide and nitric oxide are important in promoting sodium excretion. In response to increased sodium intake, the sodium-retaining systems are inhibited and natriuretic hormones are activated. Pressures and flows within the microcirculation of the kidney, in concert with neural and hormonal systems, interact to regulate sodium excretion. The quantitative importance of each of these systems in regulating sodium balance is variable and is determined by the physiological or pathiophysiological condition.
Evaluating an Approach to Reasoning with Cases Using Abstract Dialectical Frameworks

Abstract Dialetical Frameworks (ADFs) are a recent development in computational argumentation which are, it has been suggested, a fruitful way of implementing factor based reasoning with legal cases. In this paper we evaluate this proposal, by reconstructing CATO using ADFs. We evaluate the ease of implementation, the efficacy of the resulting program, ease of refinement of the program, transparency of the reasoning, relation to formal argumentation techniques, and transferability across domains.Dialetical Frameworks (ADFs) are a recent development in computational argumentation which are, it has been suggested, a fruitful way of implementing factor based reasoning with legal cases. In this paper we evaluate this proposal, by reconstructing CATO using ADFs. We evaluate the ease of implementation, the efficacy of the resulting program, ease of refinement of the program, transparency of the reasoning, relation to formal argumentation techniques, and transferability across domains.
Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging by temporal diffusion spectroscopy

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) provides a unique approach for probing the microstructure of biological tissues and is an important tool for both clinical and research applications, such as for the diagnosis of stroke and detection of cancer. However, conventional DWI measurements using pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) methods cannot in practice probe very short diffusion times because of hardware limitations, and this restriction prevents conventional DWI from being able to characterize changes in intra-cellular structure, which may be critical in many applications. The method of diffusion temporal spectroscopy using oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) methods has been proposed to probe short diffusion times and to provide additional contrast in diffusion imaging. A comprehensive study of diffusion temporal spectroscopy is presented in this thesis, including (1) a simulation of OGSE methods in cellular systems using an improved finite difference method for more accurate and efficient computation of results ; (2) studies of biological tissues and DWI signals with diffusion temporal spectroscopy in order to predict and interpret data and extract quantitative tissue microstructural information; and (3) demonstration of the increased sensitivity of DWI measurements to variations of intracellular structures, such as nuclear sizes, using the diffusion temporal spectroscopy method. The work presented here provides a framework to interpret DWI data to obtain biological tissue microstructural information and may enhance the ability of diffusion imaging to be used as a biomarker for, for example, assessing the state of tumors in pre-clinical research.
Musical genre classification of audio signals using geometric methods

Musical genres are categorical labels characterizing pieces of music. Automatically classifying music into genres is gaining importance as a way to structure and organize the increasingly large numbers of music files available digitally on the web. In this work such a classification algorithm is developed and examined. The algorithm uses a vector of features based on the timbral texture of the music, and maps it into a new Euclidean space, by a non-linear method called “Diffusion Maps”, before the classification stage itself. This method allows dimensionality reduction while preserving and emphasizing the distinction between different genres. The proposed classifier classifies accurately 97% when classifying 2 musical genres, and 52% when classifying 10 musical genres. This is compared to an accuracy of 88% and 28% respectively, when classifying without the proposed mapping.
Long-Term Survival of a Patient with a Large Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Amongst therapies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinomas, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic artery chemoembolization have clinical application either for local tumor destruction or to control tumor progression and recurrence rate. Herein we present a patient with a large hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic hepatitis B and congenital absence of left hepatic lobe treated with hepatic artery chemoembolization, multiple RFA sessions and transarterial chemoembolizations resulted in long-term survival far beyond actual expected survival rate, while preserving quality of
Inventories and the Information Revolution: Implications for Output Volatility

The U.S. economy has experienced a signi cant decline in the volatility of real output since the early 1980's. A key feature of the contraction in output volatility is that it has occurred both absolutely and relative to the volatility of nal demand. This relative contraction is most pronounced in the durable goods sector. In this paper, we highlight the role of inventories in the durable goods sector in accounting for the increased stability in that sector as well as in the aggregate economy. We then provide a model in which technological change in the form of improved information about nal demand leads to less volatile output, both absolutely and relative to nal demand.
ENSYSTROB—Resistive Fault Current Limiter Based on Coated Conductors for Medium Voltage Application

A new German government funded project for a resistive fault current limiter has started in September 2009 (ENSYSTROB) and is presented. The consortium includes partners from industry, research centers and utilities. It aims the construction of a 3-phase medium voltage current limiter (12 kV, 800 A) for the protection of the domestic supply in a power plant. A special feature of this application is the presence of large in-rush currents (4100 Ap for 50 ms, 1800 A for 15 s). The superconducting components are bifilar pancake coils consisting of pairs of YBCO-tapes in face to back configuration. Successful limitation experiments on prototype components with prospective currents in the whole range are shown. Also the stability with respect to high voltage could be demonstrated. The AC-losses under normal operation are shown, by simulation and experiment, to be smaller than the heat input of the current leads. The current limiting components are compared with similar elements based on BSCCO 2212 bulk material (Nexans SuperConductors).
Reconfigurable RF Quadrature Patch Hybrid Coupler

A highly reconfigurable radio frequency patch hybrid coupler with a simple topology is presented for the first time. Due to the introduction of lumped equivalent circuit and flexibility of varactor loaded patterned ground plane, the complex reconfigurability in port arrangement and coupling coefficient can be implemented. Varying the capacitance across different planes allows the electronic switching between different operating modes of the patch hybrid coupler. When the auxiliary patch and patterned ground plane is placed closer to the two output ports, tunable coupling coefficient can also be implemented by changing the capacitance. This results in wide band reconfigurability for the coupling coefficient range. For demonstration purposes, a patch hybrid coupler operating at 2.4 GHz is designed and measured to validate the port reconfigurable concept. Also, a patch hybrid coupler with tunable coupling coefficient operating at 3.5 GHz is designed, fabricated, and measured. This circuit gives a reconfigurable coupling coefficient ranging from -4.2 to -10 dB while maintaining good performance.
Anti-Toxoplasma Antibody Prevalence, Primary Infection Rate, and Risk Factors in a Study of Toxoplasmosis in 4,466 Pregnant Women in Japan

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii and is prevalent worldwide under various climatic conditions. It is usually asymptomatic, but infection in pregnant women can pose serious health problems for the fetus. However, epidemiological information regarding toxoplasmosis in Japanese pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, the primary infection rate, and the risk factors for toxoplasmosis in Japanese pregnant women. We measured anti-Toxoplasma antibody titers in 4,466 pregnant women over a period of 7.5 years and simultaneously conducted interviews to identify the risk factors for toxoplasmosis. The overall prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was 10.3%, and it was significantly higher in women aged above 35 years. The rate of primary Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy was estimated to be 0.25%. A possibility of infection in the later stages of pregnancy was identified for those women who were not infected in the early stages. A history of raw meat intake was identified to be a risk factor related to toxoplasmosis. Therefore, to lower the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should refrain from eating raw and undercooked meat and maintain personal hygiene.
Sequence Diversity in MIC6 Gene among Toxoplasma gondii Isolates from Different Hosts and Geographical Locations

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals including humans with a worldwide distribution. Micronemes play an important role in invasion process of T. gondii, associated with the attachment, motility, and host cell recognition. In this research, sequence diversity in microneme protein 6 (MIC6) gene among 16 T. gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical regions and 1 reference strain was examined. The results showed that the sequence of all the examined T. gondii strains was 1,050 bp in length, and their A + T content was between 45.7% and 46.1%. Sequence analysis presented 33 nucleotide mutation positions (0-1.1%), resulting in 23 amino acid substitutions (0-2.3%) aligned with T. gondii RH strain. Moreover, T. gondii strains representing the 3 classical genotypes (Type I, II, and III) were separated into different clusters based on the locus of MIC6 using phylogenetic analyses by Bayesian inference (BI), maximum parsimony (MP), and maximum likelihood (ML), but T. gondii strains belonging to ToxoDB #9 were separated into different clusters. Our results suggested that MIC6 gene is not a suitable marker for T. gondii population genetic studies.
Peak power reduction for OFDM systems with orthogonal pilot sequences

In this paper, a novel peak-to-average power reduction approach for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been addressed. Two-dimensional pilot-symbol assisted modulation (2D-PSAM) is employed in coherent OFDM for channel estimation, and it is based on inserting known symbols spread throughout the 2D time-frequency grid. These pilot symbols are employed to simultaneously perform distortionless peak power reduction with a suboptimum technique named orthogonal pilot sequences (OPS), which reduces additional system complexity and side information compared to optimum pilot values. This proposal attains a further step over other previous works, since this set of sequences allows blind detection at the receiver without prior knowledge of any side information.
Blood Transfusion and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background—Blood transfusion is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to elucidate in more detail the relation between blood transfusion and AKI and its effects on short- and long-term mortality. Methods and Results—Nine hundred ninety-five patients with aortic stenosis underwent TAVI with the Medtronic CoreValve or the Edwards Valve in 7 centers. AKI was defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium (absolute increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL [≥26.4 &mgr;mol/L] or ≥50% increase <72 hours). Logistic and Cox regression was used for predictor and survival analysis. AKI occurred in 20.7% (n=206). The number of units of blood transfusion <24 hours was the strongest predictor of AKI (≥5 units, OR, 4.81 [1.45–15.95], 3–4 units, OR, 3.05 [1.24–7.53], 1–2 units, OR, 1.47 [0.98–2.22]) followed by peripheral vascular disease (OR, 1.48 [1.05–2.10]), history of heart failure (OR, 1.43 [1.01–2.03]), leucocyte count <72 hours after TAVI (OR, 1.05 [1.02–1.09]) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE; OR, 1.02 [1.00–1.03]). Potential triggers of blood transfusion such as baseline anemia, bleeding-vascular complications, and perioperative blood loss were not identified as predictors. AKI and life-threatening bleeding were independent predictors of 30-day mortality (OR, 3.15 [1.56–6.38], OR, 6.65 [2.28–19.44], respectively), whereas transfusion (≥3 units), baseline anemia, and AKI predicted mortality beyond 30 days. Conclusions—AKI occurred in 21% of the patients after TAVI. The number of blood transfusions but not the indication of transfusion predicted AKI. AKI was a predictor of both short- and long-term mortality, whereas blood transfusion predicted long-term mortality. These findings indicate that outcome of TAVI may be improved by more restrictive use of blood transfusions.
Characterization of Human, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Candida albicans mRNA Cap Methyltransferases and Complete Replacement of the Yeast Capping Apparatus by Mammalian Enzymes*

Human and fission yeast cDNAs encoding mRNA (guanine-N7) methyltransferase were identified based on similarity of the human (Hcm1p; 476 amino acids) andSchizosaccharomyces pombe (Pcm1p; 389 amino acids) polypeptides to the cap methyltransferase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Abd1p). Expression of PCM1 orHCM1 in S. cerevisiae complemented the lethal phenotype resulting from deletion of the ABD1 gene, as did expression of the NH2-terminal deletion mutantsPCM1(94–389) and HCM1(121–476). TheCCM1 gene encoding Candida albicans cap methyltransferase (Ccm1p; 474 amino acids) was isolated from a C. albicans genomic library by selection for complementation of the conditional growth phenotype of S. cerevisiae abd1-tsmutants. Human cap methyltransferase was expressed in bacteria, purified, and characterized. Recombinant Hcm1p catalyzed quantitativeS-adenosylmethionine-dependent conversion of GpppA-capped poly(A) to m7GpppA-capped poly(A). We identified by alanine-scanning mutagenesis eight amino acids (Asp-203, Gly-207, Asp-211, Asp-227, Arg-239, Tyr-289, Phe-291, and Phe-354) that are essential for human cap methyltransferase function in vivo. All eight residues are conserved in other cellular cap methyltransferases. Five of the mutant human proteins (D203A, R239A, Y289A, F291A, and F354A) were expressed in bacteria and found to be defective in cap methylation in vitro. Concordance of mutational effects on Hcm1p, Abd1p, and vaccinia capping enzyme underscores a conserved structural basis for cap methylation in DNA viruses, yeast, and metazoans. This is in contrast to the structural and mechanistic divergence of the RNA triphosphatase components of the yeast and metazoan capping systems. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that the entire three-component yeast capping apparatus, consisting of RNA 5′-triphosphatase (Cet1p), RNA guanylyltransferase (Ceg1p), and Abd1p could be replaced in vivo by the two-component mammalian apparatus consisting of a bifunctional triphosphatase-guanylyltransferase Mce1p and the methyltransferase Hcm1(121–476)p. Isogenic yeast strains with fungal versusmammalian capping systems should facilitate rational screens for antifungal drugs that target cap formation in vivo.
Adaptive, non-singular path-following control of dynamic wheeled robots

This paper derives a new type of control law to steer the dynamic model of a wheeled robot of unicycle type along a desired spatial path. The methodology adopted for path following control deals explicitly with vehicle dynamics and plant parameter uncertainty. Furthermore, it overcomes stringent initial condition constraints that are present in a number of path following control strategies described in the literature. This is done by controlling explicitly the rate of progression of a "virtual target" to be tracked along the path, thus bypassing the problems that arise when the position of the virtual target is simply defined by the projection of the actual vehicle on that path. The nonlinear adaptive control law proposed yields convergence of the (closed loop system) path following error trajectories to zero. Controller design relies on Lyapunov theory and backstepping techniques. Simulation results illustrate the performance of the control system proposed.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from pregnant women in Misiones , Argentina

Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal infections. The aims of this study were to determine the susceptibility patterns of GBS infection in Misiones, Argentina. To this end, 3125 pregnant women were studied between 2004 and 2010, and 293 GBS strains were identified. A total of 96 GBS strains were randomly selected for in vitro susceptibility testing. No resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, and vancomycin was found. High-level resistance to gentamicin was not detected in any of the isolates.The rate of resistance to erythromycin (11.6%) was higher than that reported previously in Argentina. The identification of resistant strains in this study suggests that these agents should be used with caution in the prophylaxis or treatment of GBS infection. The knowledge of the most prevalent phenotypes in our region is essential to carry out appropriate surveillance and appropriate procedures for the control and prevention of GBS infection.
BOND OF HOOKED GLASS FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC (GFRP) REINFORCING BARS TO CONCRETE

The objective of this study was to examine the bond behavior of hooked glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) reinforcing bars to concrete. Thirty-six 90-deg hooked reinforcing bar specimens were tested to determine the effects of concrete compressive strength, radius of bend, tail length, straight embedment length, and reinforcing bar diameter under monotonic static loading. The slip between the reinforcing bars and concrete was measured at the loaded end for various load levels. The tensile load was applied to the reinforcing bar until splitting of concrete or fracture of reinforcing bar occurred. The test results revealed that, with increases in concrete compressive strength, radius of bend, and straight embedment length, the ultimate tensile stress and initial stiffness increased and the maximum slip at failure decreased. The tail length beyond 12 bar diameters had little effect on the ultimate tensile stress. Based on a regression analysis of the test results, investigators recommend that the development length of hooked GFRP bars be taken as 16 times the bar diameter.
Compositional pointer and escape analysis for Java programs

This paper presents a combined pointer and escape analysis algorithm for Java programs. The algorithm is based on the abstraction of points-to escape graphs, which characterize how local variables and fields in objects refer to other objects. Each points-to escape graph also contains escape information, which characterizes how objects allocated in one region of the program can escape to be accessed by another region. The algorithm is designed to analyze arbitrary regions of complete or incomplete programs, obtaining complete information for objects that do not escape the analyzed regions. We have developed an implementation that uses the escape information to eliminate synchronization for objects that are accessed by only one thread and to allocate objects on the stack instead of in the heap. Our experimental results are encouraging. We were able to analyze programs tens of thousands of lines long. For our benchmark programs, our algorithms enable the elimination of between 24% and 67% of the synchronization operations. They also enable the stack allocation of between 22% and 95% of the objects.
Determinants of Intention to Use Open Data Website: An Insight from Indonesia

Open data is a flagship initiative in open government program to increase transparency, social and commercial value, and participatory governance. Open data is a relatively new field and the factors affecting its adoption by citizen has not been widely studied. A better understanding of these factors can help government to formulate policies and strategies that can improve the acceptance and use of open data website. The research model is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and integrated with the technology quality and trust factors. Data collection was conducted using questionnaire. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the research model. The results show that attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and trust directly affect intention to use open data website. Systems quality affects perceived usefulness, while information quality positively affects perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and trust. Both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use affect user’s attitude. The analysis of this study suggests that each influencing factor provide implications for government to stimulate the use of open data website.