Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive shadow removal from a single image using hierarchical graph cut

We propose a method for extracting a shadow matte from a single image. The removal of shadows from a single image is a difficult problem to solve unless additional information is available. We use user-supplied hints to solve the problem. The proposed method estimates a fractional shadow matte using a graph cut energy minimization approach. We present a new hierarchical graph cut algorithm that efficiently solves the multi-labeling problems, allowing our approach to run at interactive speeds. The effectiveness of the proposed shadow removal method is demonstrated using various natural images, including aerial photographs.
Re-examining the U.K.'s greatest tornado outbreak: forecasting the limited extent of tornadoes along a cold front

On 23 November 1981, a strong cold front swept across the United Kingdom,producing tornadoes from the west to the east coasts. An extensive campaign to collect tornado reports by the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation(TORRO)resultedin 104 reports,the largest U.K. outbreakon record.The front was simulated with a convection-permitting numerical model down to 200-m horizontal grid spacing to better understand its evolution and meteorological environment. The event was typical of tornadoes in the United Kingdom, with convective available potential energy (CAPE) less than 150Jkg 2 1 , 0–1-km wind shear of 10–20ms –1 , and a narrow cold-frontal rainband forming precipitation cores and gaps. A line of cyclonic absolute vorticity existed along the front, with maxima as large as 0.04s 2 1 . Some hook-shaped misovortices bore kinematic similarity to supercells. The narrow swath along which the line was tornadic was bounded on the equatorward side by weak vorticity along the line and on the poleward side by zero CAPE, enclosing a region where the environment was otherwise favorable for tornadogenesis. To determine if the 104 tornado reports were plausible, ﬁrst possible duplicate reports were eliminated, resulting in as few as 58 tornadoes to as many as 90. Second, the number of possible parent misovortices that may have spawned tornadoes is estimated from model output. The number of plausible tornado reports in the 200-m grid-spacing domain was 22 and as many as 44, whereas the model simulation was used to estimate 30 possible parent misovortices within this domain. These results suggest that a number of 90 reports was plausible.
Connecting Clinical and Actuarial Prediction With Rule-Based Methods

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University of Birmingham Productive herpesvirus lytic replication in primary effusion lymphoma cells requires S-phase entry

Gammaherpesviruses establish lifelong latent infection in B lymphocytes and are the causative agent of several B-cell malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders. While a quiescent latent infection allows these pathogens to evade immune detection, initiation of an alternative lifecycle stage, known as lytic replication, is an essential step in the production and dissemination of infectious progeny. Although cessation of cellular proliferation is an eventual consequence of lytic induction, exactly how gammaherpesviruses manipulate the cell cycle prior to amplification of viral DNA remains under debate. Here we show that the onset of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic reactivation in B cells leads to S-phase accumulation and that exit from G1 is required for efficient viral DNA replication. We also show that lytic replication leads to an S- phase-specific activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) that is abrogated when lytic replication is restricted to G0/G1. Finally, we observe that expression of early lytic viral genes results in cellular replication stress with increased stalling of DNA replication forks. Overall, we demonstrate that S-phase entry is important for optimal KSHV replication, that G1 arresting compounds are effective inhibitors of viral propagation, and that lytic-induced cell-cycle arrest could occur through the obstruction of cellular replication forks and subsequent activation of the DDR.
infarction risk and antipsychotics use revisited: a meta-analysis of 10 observational studies

Objective: Associations between antipsychotic agent (AP) use and myocardial infarction (MI) risk have been inconsistent and remain controversial. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to address this knowledge gap. Method: Detailed electronic database searches were performed to identify reports of observational studies that evaluated the association between AP use and the risk of MI. Pooled odds ratios were calculated using random or fixed-effects models. Results: In total, 4 case-control studies, 2 case-crossover studies, 1 case-case time control study, 3 cohort studies, and 1 self-controlled case serieswere included. The pooled odds ratio (95% CIs) between any AP use and MI risk was 1.55 (1.33-1.79) compared with non-use: 1.39 (1.06-1.82) for atypical AP use and 1.57 (1.29-1.91) for typical AP use. Subgroup analyses indicated that male gender, schizophrenia diagnosis and AP exposure periods ≦ 60 days, but not prior cardiovascular disease diagnosisor older age, were associated with higher risk of MI.
Poverty Where People Live: What Do National Poverty Lines Tell us About Global Poverty?

Debate about national and international poverty measurement continued to evolve (see for example Abu-Ismail et al., 2012). The international poverty lines of US$1.25 and US$2/day are, respectively, the average of the national poverty lines for the poorest 15 countries and the average for all developing countries. While those lines allow us to compare countries in monetary terms, at national level, all countries define poverty, using various approaches. So what difference does it make if, instead, we look at how many poor people there are in the world, based on how poverty is defined in the countries where those people live (rather than by international poverty lines)? (? )
Mesothelioma in the age of “ Omics ” : Before and after The Cancer Genome Atlas

Feature Editor’s Introduction—Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly fatal cancer of the pleura that has been defeating standard and investigational therapies since its first description. The efficacies of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical therapy are limited, and we have been writing for decades that improved therapies are needed. MPM is born of inflammation, and approximately 80% of cases are associated with the smoldering tissue inflammatory responses against the carcinogenic fibers of asbestos. Emerging data on the use of programmed cell death protein 1 immune checkpoint inhibitors were initially exciting, but response is less than 20% and these agents are finding their place on the list of approaches with narrow efficacy. Molecular targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of other cancers, commonly result in striking antitumor responses, and directly embody precision medicine. For an example, we prescribe drugs for some lung adenocarcinomas that target the secondary mutations that develop as a resistance mechanism to their initial targeted therapy. The discovery of molecular therapeutics for any tumor begins with identification of a target through investigation of the genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic drivers of its carcinogenesis. Such an advance could revolutionize the treatment of mesothelioma. A comprehensive dissection of MPM’s molecular structure was recently published by 2 groups, the first from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and then from The Cancer Genome Atlas. In the Invited Expert Opinion article that follows, a practical account of the molecular underpinnings of
Space-charge-limited transport in spatially disordered organic materials: a fractional-dimensional approach

The charge carrier mobility is an important parameter to characterize the performance of organic semiconductors based optoelectronic devices. In a given organic semiconductor, the mobility is often calculated based on the space-charge-limited (SCL) current measurement by fitting the corresponding current-voltage (J-V) data with a range of available space-charge-limited transport models to achieve the best fit, however, the accuracy of extracted mobility parameter relies on the correctness of model being used. Here, we present a fractional-dimensional SCL transport model for organic semiconductors with spatial disorder based on the fractional-dimensional calculus approach. We show that the thickness scaling of the SCL current is related to the spatial disorder in organic devices. The fractional-dimensional SCL transport model agrees well with the measured current density of several organic diode devices. The reported model is able to extract mobility values in organic devices with better accuracy as compared to existing models in the literature.
Climate change 1994 : radiative forcing of climate change and an evaluation of the IPCC IS92 emission scenarios

Foreword Part I. Radiative Forcing of Climate Change: A Summary for Policy Makers: Preface to WGI Report Dedication 1. CO2 and the carbon cycle 2. Other trace gases and atmospheric chemistry 3. Aerosols 4. Radiative forcing 5. Trace gas radiative fircing indices Part II. An Evaluation of the IPCC IS92 Emission Scenarios: A Summary for Policymakers: Preface to WGIII Report 6. An evaluation of the IPCC IS92 emission scenarios Appendices.
On the host galaxy properties of stellar binary black hole mergers

Abstract We report our investigations on the host galaxy properties of stellar binary black holes (SBBHs) by implementing simple recipes for SBBH formation and merger into cosmological galaxy formation model. If the time delay between SBBH formation and merger ranges from Gyr to the Hubble time, SBBH mergers at redshift z < 0.3 occur preferentially in big galaxies with stellar mass M* > 2 × 1010M⊙ and metallicities Z peaking around ~0.6Z⊙. However, the host galaxy stellar mass distribution of heavy SBBH mergers (with total black hole mass >50M⊙) is bimodal with one peak at ~109M⊙ and the other peak at ~2 × 1010M⊙. The contribution fraction from metal-poor host galaxies (Z < 0.2Z⊙) to heavy mergers is much larger than that to less heavy mergers. If SBBHs were formed in the early universe, their mergers detected at z < 0.3 occur preferentially in even more massive galaxies with M* > 3 × 1010M⊙ and in galaxies with metallicities mostly >0.2Z⊙ and peaking at Z ~ 0.6Z⊙.
General Formulas for the Beam Properties of 1-D Bidirectional Leaky-Wave Antennas

In this paper, we analyze the beam properties of bidirectional 1-D leaky-wave antennas (1-D LWAs). Specifically, it is found that, even in the infinite-aperture case, the beam properties considerably change for certain combinations of the phase and the attenuation constants, and different radiation regimes are identified here. New analytic formulas are provided to exactly evaluate the beamwidth of an infinite 1-D bidirectional LWA operating in any radiating regime. However, when the antenna truncation is accounted for, the boundaries between the radiating regimes change as the radiation efficiency changes. Analytic formulas are, therefore, provided to accurately calculate such boundaries for any practical radiation efficiency. The interesting case of a finite-length bidirectional 1-D LWA radiating at broadside is then extensively discussed. With respect to previous beamwidth formulas found in the literature, the new formulas take into account the finiteness of the aperture, thus providing more useful and reliable results, especially in cases when the aperture truncation considerably affects the radiation efficiency. The numerical results corroborate the accuracy of the proposed expressions. These new formulas not only significantly improve the accuracy of the existing ones but also lay the groundwork for the analysis of the beamwidth properties of the important case of 2-D LWAs.
Identifying the elusive dwarf wedgemussel habitat through modeling and field approaches

Title of Document: IDENTIFYING THE ELUSIVE DWARF WEDGEMUSSEL HABITAT THROUGH MODELING AND FIELD APPROACHES Cara Ann Campbell, Doctor of Philosophy, 2014 Directed By: Dr. Karen L. Prestegaard Program of Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science Habitat identification is an important step in the conservation of at-risk species, but difficult due to the small, fragmented populations of rare species. In particular, finescale habitat features that constrain species occurrence may not be captured by landscape models. Thus, I used both modeling and field-based approaches to identify habitat characteristics for the endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. Community analyses and modeling were combined to identify characteristics of suitable habitat for A. heterodon in the Maryland Coastal Plain. Community analyses suggested that landscape, rather than biological, surrogates would be preferable for predictive habitat modeling. Subsequent MaxEnt modeling associated A. heterodon habitat in the Maryland Coastal Plain with the following variables: depth to the water table, pasture/hay land cover, woody wetlands, low intensity development, Tertiary-aged sediments, and minimum elevation. The results from this model directed field work to evaluate thermal, geochemical, and physical characteristics of A. heterodon reaches throughout the species’ range. Paired air-water temperature sensors placed in A. heterodon reaches suggested a potential thermal threshold of 29°C. Southern sites had higher maximum water temperatures but exhibited less diurnal variation and lower rates of temperature change than northern sites; characteristics that suggest intermediate to deep groundwater sources. Physical and chemical characteristics were measured along the length of Flat Brook, a stream with A. heterodon in the Delaware River basin. Data indicated that the mussel occurred in reaches that were stable during bankfull and lower discharges and water chemistry data indicated saturation with respect to aragonite during summer base flow. Field studies suggest several potential essential habitats for A. heterodon: (1) habitats with stable streambeds at bankfull and lower discharges; (2) stream waters in equilibrium with aragonite precipitation during baseflow conditions; and (3) habitats with maximum temperatures < 29°C and stable thermal regimes. The different thermal regimes and contributing groundwater sources between northern and southern populations suggest that geographic region be a consideration in species’ reintroductions. Until essential habitats are identified and management plans instituted, all populations should be similarly protected and the loss of individual populations prevented. IDENTIFYING THE ELUSIVE DWARF WEDGEMUSSEL HABITAT THROUGH MODELING AND FIELD APPROACHES
A Comparison of Factual/Low Context versus Emotional/High Context Message Appeals: Persuading Chinese Smokers to ring the Chinese Quitline

This study does not support the notion developed from cross cultural advertising literature that members of a particular cultural group will prefer a particular message advertising appeal if it reflects values that are congruent to its culture. An experimental design is applied to examine whether emotional/ high context appeals (n=120) are more persuasive than factual/ low context appeals (n=124) among target groups from collectivist cultural backgrounds. Analysis of Chinese smokers’ pre-and-post intentions to contact the Chinese Quitline after viewing print advertisements determined that there was no difference between the two ad groups’ shift scores. The common use of direct translations of Australian mainstream campaigns for this culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) target group could be viewed as an acceptable practice.
Personality Traits of Special Forces Operators

Dutch special forces operators, also known as commandos , perform in mentally and physically tough environments. An important question for recruitment and selection of commandos is whether they have particular personality traits. To answer this question, we first examined differences in personality traits between 110 experienced Dutch male commandos and a control sample of 275 men in the same age range. Second, we measured the personality traits at the start of the special forces selection program, and compared the scores of candidates who later graduated ( n = 53) or dropped out ( n = 138). Multilevel Bayesian models and t -tests revealed that commandos were less neurotic ( d = -0.58), more conscientious ( d = 0.45), and markedly less open to experiences ( d = -1.13) than the matched civilian group. Furthermore, there was a tendency for graduates to be less neurotic ( d = -0.27) and more conscientious ( d = 0.24) than dropouts. For selection, personality traits do not appear discriminative enough for graduation success and other factors need to be accounted for as well, such as other psychological constructs and physical performance. On the other hand, these results provide interesting clues for using personality traits to recruit people for the special forces program.
WORKING PAPER

This paper looks at the association between wage satisfaction and different notions of reference wage, based on a matched employer-employee dataset. It shows that workers’ satisfaction depends on other-people’s income in different ways. Relative income concerns are important, but we also find robust evidence of signal effects. For instance, workers are happier the higher the median wage in their firm, holding their own wage constant. This is true of all employees, whatever their relative position in the firm. This signal effect is stronger for young people and for women. These findings are based on objective measures of earnings as well as subjective declarations about wage satisfaction, awareness of other people’s wage and reported income comparisons
An Inherited Small Extra Chromosome:

large deletion of the long arms of chromosome No. 4 in a child with limb abnormalities. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 42, 428-434. Rybak, M. , Kozlowski, K. , Kleczkowska, A. , Lewandowska, J., Sckolowski, J., and Soltysik-Wilk, E. (1971). Holt-Oram syndrome associated with ectromelia and chromosomal aberrations. American_Journal of Diseases of Children, 121, 490-495. Steele, M. W. , Breg, W. R. , Eidelman, A. I. , Lion, D. T. , and Terzakis, T. A. (1966). A B-group ring chromosome with mosaicism in a newborn with 'cri du chat' syndrome. Cytogenetics, 5, 419-429. Surana, R. B. , Bailey, J. D. , and Conen, P. E. (1971). A ring 4 chromosome in a patient with normal intelligence and short stature. J7ournal of Medical Genetics, 8,517-521.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRUNK MUSCLE STRENGTH AND PELVIC OSCILLATION IN ASYMPTOMATIC PHYSICALLY INACTIVE ADULTS

Purpose: Pelvis and trunk structure are body segments that are integrated with each other. Collaboration between pelvic mobility and trunk muscles plays a significant role in walking and energy consumption. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between trunk muscle strength and pelvic oscillations. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy individuals volunteered for the study (16 women, 12 men; mean age 24.46 ± 2.97 yrs., height 172.03 ± 9.41cm, weight 67.78 ± 16.31 kg). Pelvic oscillations were measured by using a wireless tri-axial accelerometer. Trunk muscle strength was evaluated with Isokinetic Dynamometer (Cybex Humac Norm Testing & Rehabilitation System, USA). The trunk extensors and flexors were tested concentrically at 60°s. Statistically, the direction and level of the relationship were examined by using Spearman Correlation Analysis. Results: Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between concentric strength of trunk flexion and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt (r=-0.419 p<0.05), lateral pelvic tilt (r=-0.768 p<0.001), and hip rotation (r=-0.382 p<0.001). A statistically significant relationship was not observed between concentric strength of trunk extension and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt, and hip rotation (p>0.05). Conclusion: The current study reports that trunk muscle strength is associated with pelvic oscillations. In particular, the increase in the strength of the trunk flexor group muscles has been shown to limit the mobility of the pelvis. In addition, these results show that the increase in trunk muscle strength provides a stable basis for the pelvis during walking. Therefore, the authors of the current study think that a stable pelvis structure will contribute to the prevention of possible pathologies related to the lower extremity.
Quantitative assessment of harmonic power Doppler myocardial perfusion imaging with intravenous Levovist in patients with myocardial infarction: comparison with myocardial viability evaluated by thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography and coronary flow reserve.

BACKGROUND Intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography with harmonic power Doppler imaging is a novel technique for assessing myocardial perfusion. AIMS The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess myocardial perfusion by harmonic power Doppler imaging in patients with a previous myocardial infarction and compare myocardial contrast echocardiography results with myocardial viability evaluated by thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography ((201)Tl-SPECT) and the results of Doppler flow measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve. METHODS Twenty-three patients with anterior myocardial infarction who were scheduled for adenosine stress (201)Tl-SPECT underwent myocardial contrast echocardiography with harmonic power Doppler imaging. Harmonic power Doppler imaging was performed at rest and during adenosine infusion (0.15 mg/kg/min) using an intravenous infusion of Levovist. The peak colour pixel intensity ratios of the risk area to the control area were used for quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion by harmonic power Doppler imaging. Coronary blood flow velocity was measured using Doppler-tipped guidewire in the distal portion of left anterior descending artery and coronary flow velocity reserve was calculated. RESULTS In patients with myocardial viability assessed by (201)Tl-SPECT, pixel intensity ratios both at rest and during hyperaemia were significantly higher compared with those in patients without myocardial viability (at rest: 0.62 +/- 0.28 vs 0.37 +/- 0.17, P=0.038, during hyperaemia 0.72 +/- 0.19 vs 0.40 +/- 0.18, P=0.003). Coronary flow velocity reserve was significantly different between two groups (2.35 +/- 0.43 vs 1.49 +/- 0.53, P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Quantitative assessment of microvascular integrity by harmonic power Doppler imaging corresponds to the evaluation of the microcirculation by coronary flow velocity reserve.