Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Repeat before Forgetting: Spaced Repetition for Efficient and Effective Training of Neural Networks

We present a novel approach for training artificial neural networks. Our approach is inspired by broad evidence in psychology that shows human learners can learn efficiently and effectively by increasing intervals of time between subsequent reviews of previously learned materials (spaced repetition). We investigate the analogy between training neural models and findings in psychology about human memory model and develop an efficient and effective algorithm to train neural models. The core part of our algorithm is a cognitively-motivated scheduler according to which training instances and their “reviews” are spaced over time. Our algorithm uses only 34-50% of data per epoch, is 2.9-4.8 times faster than standard training, and outperforms competing state-of-the-art baselines. Our code is available at scholar.harvard. edu/hadi/RbF/.
Factorization in Integral Domains I

Definition 1.1. For r, s ∈ R, we say that r divides s (written r|s) if there exists a t ∈ R such that s = tr. An element u ∈ R is a unit if it has a multiplicative inverse, i.e. if there exists an element v ∈ R such that uv = 1. The (multiplicative) group of units is denoted R∗. If r, s ∈ R, then r and s are associates if there exists a unit u ∈ R∗ such that r = us. In this case, s = u−1r, and indeed the relation that r and s are associates is an equivalence relation (HW). Another easy result is (this was on the midterm):
Unnatural L0 Sparse Representation for Natural Image Deblurring

We show in this paper that the success of previous maximum a posterior (MAP) based blur removal methods partly stems from their respective intermediate steps, which implicitly or explicitly create an unnatural representation containing salient image structures. We propose a generalized and mathematically sound L0 sparse expression, together with a new effective method, for motion deblurring. Our system does not require extra filtering during optimization and demonstrates fast energy decreasing, making a small number of iterations enough for convergence. It also provides a unified framework for both uniform and non-uniform motion deblurring. We extensively validate our method and show comparison with other approaches with respect to convergence speed, running time, and result quality.
Contextual multi-armed bandits for web server defense

In this paper we argue that contextual multi-armed bandit algorithms could open avenues for designing self-learning security modules for computer networks and related tasks. The paper has two contributions: a conceptual and an algorithmical one. The conceptual contribution is to formulate the real-world problem of preventing HTTP-based attacks on web servers as a one-shot sequential learning problem, namely as a contextual multi-armed bandit. Our second contribution is to present CMABFAS, a new and computationally very cheap algorithm for general contextual multi-armed bandit learning that specifically targets domains with finite actions. We illustrate how CMABFAS could be used to design a fully self-learning meta filter for web servers that does not rely on feedback from the end-user (i.e., does not require labeled data) and report first convincing simulation results.
Concurrent Chikungunya and Dengue Virus Infections during Simultaneous Outbreaks, Gabon, 2007

An outbreak of febrile illness occurred in Gabon in 2007, with 20,000 suspected cases. Chikungunya or dengue-2 virus infections were identified in 321 patients; 8 patients had documented co-infections. Aedes albopictus was identified as the principal vector for the transmission of both viruses.
Motion vector coding for in-band motion compensated temporal filtering

Recently, a new wavelet-based video codec using in-band motion compensated temporal filtering (IBMCTF) was introduced This codec is fully scalable in resolution, quality aid frame-rate. In comparison to an equivalent video coding scheme based on spatial domain motion compensated temporal filtering (SDMCTF), its compression performance when decoding to lower resolutions is very promising. However, since the IBMCTF scheme is based on in-band motion estimation, considerably more motion vector data is generated than in the SDMCTF scheme. Efficient compression of these motion vectors is therefore of utmost importance. In this paper, several solutions for the compression of motion vectors generated by a video codec based on IBMCTF are presented and compared.
MCM-GPU: Multi-chip-module GPUs for continued performance scalability

Historically, improvements in GPU-based high performance computing have been tightly coupled to transistor scaling. As Moore's law slows down, and the number of transistors per die no longer grows at historical rates, the performance curve of single monolithic GPUs will ultimately plateau. However, the need for higher performing GPUs continues to exist in many domains. To address this need, in this paper we demonstrate that package-level integration of multiple GPU modules to build larger logical GPUs can enable continuous performance scaling beyond Moore's law. Specifically, we propose partitioning GPUs into easily manufacturable basic GPU Modules (GPMs), and integrating them on package using high bandwidth and power efficient signaling technologies. We lay out the details and evaluate the feasibility of a basic Multi-Chip-Module GPU (MCM-GPU) design. We then propose three architectural optimizations that significantly improve GPM data locality and minimize the sensitivity on inter-GPM bandwidth. Our evaluation shows that the optimized MCM-GPU achieves 22.8% speedup and 5x inter-GPM bandwidth reduction when compared to the basic MCM-GPU architecture. Most importantly, the optimized MCM-GPU design is 45.5% faster than the largest implementable monolithic GPU, and performs within 10% of a hypothetical (and unbuildable) monolithic GPU. Lastly we show that our optimized MCM-GPU is 26.8% faster than an equally equipped Multi-GPU system with the same total number of SMs and DRAM bandwidth.
Shareholder-Initiated Class Action Lawsuits: Shareholder Wealth Effects and Industry Spillovers

Abstract This paper documents significantly negative stock price reactions to shareholder-initiated class action lawsuits. We find that shareholders partially anticipate these lawsuits based on lawsuit filings against other firms in the same industry and capitalize part of these losses prior to a lawsuit filing date. We show that the more likely a firm is to be sued, the larger the partial anticipation effect (shareholder losses capitalized prior to a lawsuit filing date) and the smaller the filing date effect (shareholder losses measured on the lawsuit filing date). Our evidence suggests that previous research that typically focuses on the filing date effect understates the magnitude of shareholder losses, and that such an understatement is greater for firms with a higher likelihood of being sued.
A Model Modification Process for Grid-Connected Inverters Used in Islanded Microgrids

A method of modifying existing grid-connected inverter models for use in droop-controlled microgrids is presented. The modification involves combination with a model of a grid-forming inverter to accurately represent the coupling between complex power, bus voltage, and frequency. The combination is performed after the individual models are linearized, adding little in terms of computational complexity. The method is applicable to any three-phase inverter operating in a grid-supporting capacity and is scalable for any number of parallel inverters at the same point of connection. To examine the modification process and its effect on model performance, a generic grid-tied inverter model is derived and used as a test case. The newly derived model is modified according to the proposed method. The validity of this process is assessed through comparisons of model predictions-both from before and after modification-to results of hardware experiments. A simple design example is given to demonstrate the application of this process in the design of inverters in distributed-generation-based microgrids.
The influence of height in robot-mediated communication

A large body of research in human communication has shown that a person's height plays a key role in how persuasive, attractive, and dominant others judge the person to be. Robotic telepresence systems - systems that combine video-conferencing capabilities with robotic navigation to allow geographically dispersed people to maneuver in remote locations - represent remote users, operators, to local users, locals, through the use of an alternate physical representation. In this representation, physical characteristics such as height are dictated by the manufacturer of the system. We conducted a two-by-two (relative system height: shorter vs. taller; team role: leader vs. follower), between-participants study (n = 40) to investigate how the system's height affects the local's perceptions of the operator and subsequent interactions. Our findings show that, when the system was shorter than the local and the operator was in a leadership role, the local found the operator to be less persuasive. Furthermore, having a leadership role significantly affected the local's feelings of dominance with regard to being in control of the conversation.
A comparative evaluation of the internal adaptation of various lining materials to dentin under light cure composite restorations: A scanning electron microscope study

Aims and Objectives: To examine adaptation of lining materials to dentin and resin under scanning electron microscope in Class V restorations. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five caries-free extracted maxillary and mandibular molars were selected, and Class V restoration cavities prepared. The cavities were filled with Dycal as liner, resin-modified glass ionomer (Vitrebond [VT]) as base and restored with composite in different combinations. The statistical software SPSS version 11.0 and Systat 8.0 were used for the analysis of the data. Results: Microgaps were seen when Dycal and VT were used as liners and bases under composite resin restorations. Conclusion: Hybridization of dentin significantly reduced microgaps, especially after adhesive was applied.
Gate Length Variation Effect on Performance of Gate-First Self-Aligned In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFET

A multi-gate n-type In0.53Ga0. 47As MOSFET is fabricated using gate-first self-aligned method and air-bridge technology. The devices with different gate lengths were fabricated with the Al2O3 oxide layer with the thickness of 8 nm. In this letter, impact of gate length variation on device parameter such as threshold voltage, high and low voltage transconductance, subthreshold swing and off current are investigated at room temperature. Scaling the gate length revealed good enhancement in all investigated parameters but the negative shift in threshold voltage was observed for shorter gate lengths. The high drain current of 1.13 A/mm and maximum extrinsic transconductance of 678 mS/mm with the field effect mobility of 364 cm2/Vs are achieved for the gate length and width of 0.2 µm and 30µm, respectively. The source/drain overlap length for the device is approximately extracted about 51 nm with the leakage current in order of 10−8 A. The results of RF measurement for cut-off and maximum oscillation frequency for devices with different gate lengths are compared.
Life, surgery, and the pursuit of happiness.

I am deeply grateful to all of you for the honor of serving as president of the Western Surgical Association. Simply said, from my residency at the University of Michigan, my professional career has been tied to this organization. My mentors at Michigan—Bill Fry, Jim Stanley, Tom Dent, Jerry Turcotte, and Norm Thompson—were proud and active members. I presented my first paper in 1975 at the Broadmoor as a third-year resident with a level of anxiety, which was understandable considering the spirited discussion by George Block. Like many other interactions at this meeting, that random contact with George led to a 20-year friendship, which I cherished. In fact, in the last 30 years, the greatest number of my coauthors, colleagues, and closest physician friends have been members of our organization.
Reply to "Comment on 'Temperature inversion in long-range interacting systems' ".

We present evidence that the mechanism proposed in Teles et al. [Phys. Rev. E 92, 020101 (2015)PRESCM1539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.92. 020101], referred to as the TGDC mechanism, does apply to a model with repulsive mean-field interactions where it produces temperature inversion in a state whose inhomogeneity is due to an external field. Such evidence contradicts the core statement of the Comment. We also discuss a related issue, concerning the possible application of the TGDC mechanism to the solar corona.
Phox2b controls the development of peripheral chemoreceptors and afferent visceral pathways

We report that the afferent relays of visceral (cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory) reflexes, differentiate under the control of the paired-like homeobox gene Phox2b: the neural crest-derived carotid body, a chemosensor organ, degenerates in homozygous mutants, as do the three epibranchial placode-derived visceral sensory ganglia (geniculate, petrosal and nodose), while their central target, the nucleus of the solitary tract, which integrates all visceral information, never forms. These data establish Phox2b as an unusual `circuit-specific' transcription factor devoted to the formation of autonomic reflex pathways. We also show that Phox2b heterozygous mutants have an altered response to hypoxia and hypercapnia at birth and a decreased tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the petrosal chemosensory neurons, thus providing mechanistic insight into congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, which is associated with heterozygous mutations in PHOX2B.
Pan-Bcl-2 Inhibitor Obatoclax Delays Cell Cycle Progression and Blocks Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells

Despite the fact that new treatment regimes have improved overall survival of patients challenged by colorectal cancer (CRC), prognosis in the metastatic situation is still restricted. The Bcl-2 family of proteins has been identified as promising anti cancer drug target. Even though small molecules targeting Bcl-2 proteins are in clinical trials, little is known regarding their effects on CRC. The aim of this study was to preclinically investigate the value of ABT-737 and Obatoclax as anticancer drugs for CRC treatment. The effects of the BH3-mimetics ABT-737 and Obatoclax on CRC cells were assessed using viability and apoptosis assays. Wound healing migration and boyden chamber invasion assays were applied. 3-dimensional cell cultures were used for long term assessment of invasion and proliferation. Clinically relevant concentrations of pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor Obatoclax did not induce cell death. In contrast, the BH3-mimetic ABT-737 induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. Obatoclax caused a cell line specific slowdown of CRC cell growth. Furthermore, Obatoclax, but not ABT-737, recovered E-Cadherin expression and led to impaired migration and invasion of CRC cells. The proliferative capacity and invasiveness of CRC cells was strikingly inhibited by low dose Obatoclax in long term 3-dimensional cell cultures. Obatoclax, but not ABT-737, caused a G1-phase arrest accompanied by a downregulation of Cyclin D1 and upregulation of p27 and p21. Overexpression of Mcl-1, Bcl-xL or Bcl-2 reversed the inhibitory effect of Obatoclax on migration but failed to restore the proliferative capacity of Obatoclax-treated CRC cells. The data presented indicate broad and multifaceted antitumor effects of the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor Obatoclax on CRC cells. In contrast to ABT-737, Obatoclax inhibited migration, invasion and proliferation in sublethal doses. In summary, this study recommends pan-Bcl-2 inhibition as a promising approach for clinical trials in CRC.
HSDPA flow level performance: the impact of key system and traffic aspects

We present a flow-level performance evaluation for a umts hsdpa network. The results provide thorough insights into the performance impact of a number of key system, environment and traffic aspects, e.g. terminal location, the presence of intercellular interference, the intrinsic feedback delay in the channel quality indications, soft combining of retransmissions and the applied packet scheduling scheme. The contribution of the identified key aspects in the experienced service quality and spatial fairness is assessed by evaluating gradually more 'complete' scenarios.
Saliency Guided End-to-End Learning for Weakly Supervised Object Detection

Weakly supervised object detection (WSOD), which is the problem of learning detectors using only image-level labels, has been attracting more and more interest. However, this problem is quite challenging due to the lack of location supervision. To address this issue, this paper integrates saliency into a deep architecture, in which the location in- formation is explored both explicitly and implicitly. Specifically, we select highly confident object pro- posals under the guidance of class-specific saliency maps. The location information, together with semantic and saliency information, of the selected proposals are then used to explicitly supervise the network by imposing two additional losses. Meanwhile, a saliency prediction sub-network is built in the architecture. The prediction results are used to implicitly guide the localization procedure. The entire network is trained end-to-end. Experiments on PASCAL VOC demonstrate that our approach outperforms all state-of-the-arts.
Adaptive neural network control of nonlinear systems with unknown time delays

In this paper, adaptive neural control is presented for a class of strict-feedback nonlinear systems with unknown time delays. Using appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals, the uncertainties of varying unknown time delays are compensated for such that iterative backstepping design can be carried out. In addition, controller singularity problems are solved by using the integral Lyapunov function and employing practical robust neural network control. The feasibility of neural network approximation of unknown system functions is guaranteed by defining practical compact sets. It is proved that the proposed systematic backstepping design method is able to guarantee semi-global uniformly ultimately boundedness (SGUUB) of all the signals in the closed-loop system and the tracking error is proven to converge to a small neighborhood of the origin.
Role of Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Instrumental Learning: Blockade of Dopamine D1 Receptors Suppresses Overt but Not Covert Learning

HIGHLIGHTS Blockade of dopamine D1 receptors in ACC suppressed instrumental learning when overt responding was required. Covert learning through observation was not impaired. After treatment with a dopamine antagonist, instrumental learning recovered but not the rat's pretreatment level of effort tolerance. ACC dopamine is not necessary for acquisition of task-relevant cues during learning, but regulates energy expenditure and effort based decision. Dopamine activity in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is essential for various aspects of instrumental behavior, including learning and effort based decision making. To dissociate learning from physical effort, we studied both observational (covert) learning, and trial-and-error (overt) learning. If ACC dopamine activity is required for task acquisition, its blockade should impair both overt and covert learning. If dopamine is not required for task acquisition, but solely for regulating the willingness to expend effort for reward, i.e., effort tolerance, blockade should impair overt learning but spare covert learning. Rats learned to push a lever for food rewards either with or without prior observation of an expert conspecific performing the same task. Before daily testing sessions, the rats received bilateral ACC microinfusions of SCH23390, a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, or saline-control infusions. We found that dopamine blockade suppressed overt responding selectively, leaving covert task acquisition through observational learning intact. In subsequent testing sessions without dopamine blockade, rats recovered their overt-learning capacity but not their pre-treatment level of effort tolerance. These results suggest that ACC dopamine is not required for the acquisition of conditioned behaviors and that apparent learning impairments could instead reflect a reduced level of willingness to expend effort due to cortical dopamine blockade.
A Learning Approach for Word Sense Disambiguation in the Biomedical Domain

Word sense disambiguation, WSD, task has been investigated extensively within the natural language processing domain. In the biomedical domain, word sense ambiguity is more widely spread with bioinformatics research effort devoted to it is not commensurate and is allowing for more development. In this paper, we present and evaluate a machine learning based approach for WSD. The main limitation with supervised methods is the requirement for manually disambiguated instances of the ambiguous word to be used for training. However, the advances in automatic text annotation and tagging techniques with the help of the plethora of knowledge sources like ontologies and text literature in the biomedical domain will help lessen this limitation. Our approach has been evaluated with the benchmark dataset NLM-WSD with three settings. The accuracy results showed that our method performs better than recently reported results of other published techniques. * corresponding author: Hisham@uhcl.edu
New Insights into the Lifestyle of the Cold-Loving SM1 Euryarchaeon: Natural Growth as a Monospecies Biofilm in the Subsurface

ABSTRACT In the surface waters of sulfidic springs near Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany, the SM1 euryarchaeon, together with filamentous bacteria, forms the recently described unique string-of-pearls community. In addition to naturally occurring string-of-pearls communities, the growth of these communities was also observed on polyethylene nets provided as an artificial attachment material in the streamlets of springs. In order to learn more about the distribution and origin of the SM1 euryarchaeon and its possible occurrence in the subsurface, polyethylene nets were incubated as deeply as possible in different spring holes. After a short residence time, slime-like, milky drops, almost completely composed of SM1 euryarchaeon, were attached to the nets, indicating that this organism grows independent of a partner in deeper earth layers. A newly designed in situ biofilm trapping system allowed the quantitative harvesting of organisms exhibiting this newly discovered lifestyle of the SM1 euryarchaeon for detailed biological studies. The discovery of naturally occurring archaeal biofilms extends our knowledge of the biology and ecological significance of archaea in their environments.