Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximate Labeling via Graph Cuts Based on Linear Programming

A new framework is presented for both understanding and developing graph-cut-based combinatorial algorithms suitable for the approximate optimization of a very wide class of Markov random fields (MRFs) that are frequently encountered in computer vision. The proposed framework utilizes tools from the duality theory of linear programming in order to provide an alternative and more general view of state-of-the-art techniques like the alpha-expansion algorithm, which is included merely as a special case. Moreover, contrary to alpha-expansion, the derived algorithms generate solutions with guaranteed optimality properties for a much wider class of problems, for example, even for MRFs with nonmetric potentials. In addition, they are capable of providing per-instance suboptimality bounds in all occasions, including discrete MRFs with an arbitrary potential function. These bounds prove to be very tight in practice (that is, very close to 1), which means that the resulting solutions are almost optimal. Our algorithms' effectiveness is demonstrated by presenting experimental results on a variety of low-level vision tasks, such as stereo matching, image restoration, image completion, and optical flow estimation, as well as on synthetic problems.
TGFβ1 inhibits lymphatic endothelial cell differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells

The lymphatic vasculature is essential for the maintenance of tissue fluid, immune surveillance, and dissemination of metastasis. Recently, several models for lymphatic vascular research and markers specific for lymphatic endothelium have been characterized. Despite these significant achievements, our understanding of the early lymphatic development is still rather limited. The purpose of the study was to further define early lymphatic differentiation regulatory pathways. In the present study, we have developed conditions leading to lymphatic endothelial cell differentiation under both serum‐rich and serum‐free conditions, using the coculture system of Flk‐1‐positive vascular precursors derived from murine embryonic stem (ES) cells grown on an OP9 stromal cell layer. In this work, we also identified Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) as a negative regulator of lymphvasculogenesis from ES‐derived vascular progenitors. Finally, we could show that TGFβ1 addition decreases COUP‐TFII and Sox18 mRNA levels, which are two transcription factors known to be involved in early lymphatic endothelial differentiation. Taken together these findings support the concept that manipulating the TGFβ signaling pathway may represent an interesting target to favor lymphatic endothelial cell expansion for cell replacement strategies. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3593–3602, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inverting a Permutation is as Hard as Unordered Search

We show how an algorithm for the problem of inverting a permutation may be used to design one for the problem of unordered search (with a unique solution). Since there is a straightforward reduction in the reverse direction, the problems are essentially equivalent. The reduction we present helps us bypass the hybrid argument due to Bennett, Bernstein, Brassard, and Vazirani (1997) and the quantum adversary method due to Ambainis (2002) that were earlier used to derive lower bounds on the quantum query complexity of the problem of inverting permutations. It directly implies that the quantum query complexity of the problem is asymptotically the same as that for unordered search, namely in Theta(sqrt(n)).
An Information Theoretic Approach Characterizing Diffusion Anisotropy in Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Images

We propose an alternative approach that does not rely on tensor models for characterizing diffusion anisotropy from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images. Information content inherent in the diffusion attenuation values are the only measures needed for our characterization. We explore the information content inherent in these values. We calculate Shannon's entropy on the diffusion attenuation values measured across the applied diffusion-sensitizing gradient directions. This method is evaluated with data generated with different diffusion gradient encoding schemes demonstrating the validity of our approach and its potential use to better differentiate between brain tissue types over tensor-based measures
Metabolic abnormalities in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE Although there are few data on the underlying mechanisms of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), it has been suggested that metabolic diseases may play a role in the evolution of the disease. We carried out the present study to investigate the involvement of metabolic disturbances in POAG pathogenesis. MATERIAL/METHODS Serum metabolic parameters were evaluated in 49 POAG patients without a known history of diabetes mellitus and 72 age and sex matched individuals without glaucoma (control group). RESULTS Among the metabolic parameters examined, only fasting serum glucose and uric acid levels were found significantly higher in patients with glaucoma compared to the control population (117+/-17 mg/dl vs 105+/-11 mg/dl, p=0.05 and 6.2+/-1.9 mg/dl vs 5+/-1.2 mg/dl, p=0.006, respectively). Additionally, a considerably greater proportion of patients had disturbances of the carbohydrate metabolism and hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION We conclude that disturbances of carbohydrate and uric acid metabolism could play a role in glaucoma damage and pathogenesis.
Phylogenetic evidence for cladogenetic polyploidization in land plants.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Polyploidization is a common and recurring phenomenon in plants and is often thought to be a mechanism of "instant speciation". Whether polyploidization is associated with the formation of new species (cladogenesis) or simply occurs over time within a lineage (anagenesis), however, has never been assessed systematically. METHODS We tested this hypothesis using phylogenetic and karyotypic information from 235 plant genera (mostly angiosperms). We first constructed a large database of combined sequence and chromosome number data sets using an automated procedure. We then applied likelihood models (ClaSSE) that estimate the degree of synchronization between polyploidization and speciation events in maximum likelihood and Bayesian frameworks. KEY RESULTS Our maximum likelihood analysis indicated that 35 genera supported a model that includes cladogenetic transitions over a model with only anagenetic transitions, whereas three genera supported a model that incorporates anagenetic transitions over one with only cladogenetic transitions. Furthermore, the Bayesian analysis supported a preponderance of cladogenetic change in four genera but did not support a preponderance of anagenetic change in any genus. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these phylogenetic analyses provide the first broad confirmation that polyploidization is temporally associated with speciation events, suggesting that it is indeed a major speciation mechanism in plants, at least in some genera.
A taxonomy of handheld augmented reality applications

This paper provides a straightforward layer based taxonomy for categorizing research and development in handheld augmented reality (HAR) applications. The taxonomy provides a framework for articulating and differentiation of research and development specific to HAR applications within a visual model. A literature review is used to place examples of previous research into the model. In addition we show two use cases where we illustrate how we use the taxonomy to position our own current research into the model. We conclude that the model enables a more focused view on topics specific for HAR within the field of AR.
Enhanced Skin Adhesive Patch with Modulus‐Tunable Composite Micropillars

Modulus-tunable composite micropillars are presented by combining replica molding and selective inking for skin adhesive patch in "ubiquitous"-health diagnostic devices. Inspired from hierarchical hairs in the gecko's toe pad, a simple method is presented to form composite polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars that are highly adhesive (∼1.8 N cm(-2) ) and mechanically robust (∼30 cycles).
Toward Optimal DoS-Resistant Authentication in Crowdsensing Networks via Evolutionary Game

With the increasing demand of Quality of Service(QoS) in Crowdsensing Networks, providing broadcast authentication and preventing Denial of Service (DoS) attacks become not only a fundamental issue but also a challenging security service. The multi-level TESLA is a series of lightweight broadcast authentication protocols, which can effectively mitigate DoS attacks via randomly selected messages. However, the rule of the parameter selection still remains a problem. In this paper, we formulate the attack-defense model as an evolutionary game accordingly, and then present an optimal solution, which achieves security assurance along with minimum resource cost. We then analyze the stability of our evolutionary strategy theoretically. Simulation results are given to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm under low QoS channels and severe DoS attacks, which demonstrates that our proposed protocol canworks even in the extreme case.
Effect of low level laser therapy on proliferation and differentiation of the cells contributing in bone regeneration.

INTRODUCTION Low level laser therapy (LLLT) also known as photobiomodulation, is a treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to change cellular function and is a clinically well accepted tool in regenerative medicine and dentistry. Considering the variety of laser, exposure, cells and study types, the exact effects of low level laser therapy seems to be unclear. The aim of this study was to review the data published in the field of the effects of low level laser therapy on proliferation and differentiation of the cells contributing in bone regeneration. METHODS To access relevant articles, an electronic search in PubMed was conducted from 2001 to April 2014. English language published papers on low level laser therapy were found using the selected keywords . The full texts of potentially suitable articles were obtained for final assessment according to the exclusion and inclusion criteria. RESULTS 240 articles were found from 2001 to April 2014. Following the initial screening of titles and abstracts as well as the final screening of full texts, 22 articles completely fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this study. Wavelength used in LLLT irradiation varied between 600 to 1000 nm with an energy density of 0.04-60J/cm(2) . Although almost all studies agreed on getting positive effects from LLLT, some had opposing results. CONCLUSION Low level laser with low-energy density range appears to exert a biostimulatory effect on bone tissue, enhance osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation on cell lines used in in vitro studies. Despite the fact that many researches have been recently done on the effects of LLLT on different cell lines, without knowing the precise mechanism and effects, we are not able to offer a clinical treatment protocol. This paper is a beginning to help further progress and extend practical use of LLLT in future.
A Web-Based Communities of Practice Support System for Caregivers

CareNet is an interactive Web-based system intended to support informal caregivers (ordinary citizens who are engaged in providing residential healthcare to their families and friends). The design of CareNet uses concepts from a number of areas including: Communities of Practice, software engineering, content authoring, and knowledge management to create a supportive environment for the caregiver. The specific objectives of the CareNet project are: (1) To create a highly effective interactive environment that addresses the needs of caregivers to: (1a) obtain information and guidance, (1b) achieve efficient communication with professional healthcare workers with whom they collaborate and with other caregivers from whom they can gain advice, emotional support and solace, (1c) access other information and physical resources that are needed for proper care, and (1d) document their observations, interventions and insights that can in future become a knowledge resource for other caregivers; and (2) To demonstrate the beneficial impact of CareNet on caregivers who collaborate with professional care providers and on their interactions with professional care providers.
The Development of the Vedic Canon and its Schools : The Social and Political Milieu

A detailed list of the texts which make out the Vedic canon does not exist in Vedic or early post-Vedic literature. There are, of course, medieval lists of Vedic texts and schools, such as those contained in the Prapancahrdaya. In the Vedic period itself, we find incipient lists which stress the particular division of the Vedic texts into three (trayī) or four branches (RV, SV, YV; AV). As will be shown, this division became typical as a result of the Kuru reformation of the Vedic ritual. Yet a Vedic corpus, as more or less fixed canon, was recognized and quoted by the early grammarians (Panini c. 400 B.C., Patanjali c. 150 B.C.), and it was detailed in the Pali canon (c. 250 B.C.) which already knew of the complete Vedic corpus.
p 53 Gene Mutation Spectrum in Hepatocellular Carcinoma 1

In order to clarify the significance of mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in the genesis and development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an aflatoxin I! , Ion-exposure area, the spec trum, i.e. incidence, type, and site, oipS3 gene mutations was examined in 169 tissue samples resected mainly from Japanese patients using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequenc ing. Forty-nine tumors (29%) showed a p53 mutation (39 point muta tions and 10 frameshifts). The point mutations comprised 18 transitions, only 4 of which occurred at CpG sites, and 21 transversions. Two evolutionarily conserved domains, IV and V, contained 65% of all muta tions and codon 249 was the most frequent mutation site (7/49). The spectrum of p53 mutation did not differ among HCCs in relation to the type of hepatitis virus infection, sex, age, and background liver disease of patients, tumor size, or presence of metastasis, but incidence and site were significantly associated with the degree of differentiation of cancer cells. In poorly differentiated HCC, p53 mutation was frequent (54%) and clustered on domains IV and V, whereas in well or moderately differentiated HCC, the mutation was less frequent (21%) and equally distributed on domains II to V. Restriction fragment length polymor phism analysis revealed loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 17p in 55 (69%) of 80 informative cases and in 34 (95%) of 36 cases with pS3 mutation. Therefore, p53 gene mutation is suggested to occur indepen dently of the type of viral infection or status of preexisting liver disease and to occur preferentially in moderately and poorly differentiated HCCs in association with or after loss of another p53 alÃ-eleas a late event of HCC progression.
Multiply Victimized Women: How Do They Change?

Recent studies have demonstrated that women are frequently victims of several types of violent actions via different agents throughout their life spans. Furthermore, multiple victimizations have been associated with psychological difficulties. The present study aimed to understand the change processes, in a self-directed way, of 19 female victims of multiple violent actions during their lifetimes. The women were evaluated for one year using a depression scale and a qualitative interview. The interviews were analyzed using the innovative moments (IMs) model. The results evidenced three groups, according to the evolution of their depressive symptoms during the one-year evaluation period. There were two unchanged groups, one being the symptomatic group (N = 6), which continuously presented symptoms at a clinical level, and the other the asymptomatic group (N = 7), which did not report depressive symptoms at any assessment moment. The change group (N = 6) exhibited a reliable decrease in clinically significant symptoms. Regarding IMs, the majority of the women were able to develop innovative moments regarding the dominant problem over a one-year evaluation period. Those women mobilized alternative ways to address multiple victimization experiences primarily through reflection IMs. Although there were several exceptions to the problematic narratives during the one-year assessment, the change group had a higher proportion and diversity of IM types—namely, a higher reconceptualization and reflection subtype II—compared with the unchanged groups. Moreover, reconceptualization differentiated the change group from the other two groups. These latter IMs may reflect the concept of “postvictimization growth” and the positive changes that arise from experiences of victimization.
Toward link predictability of complex networks

Significance Quantifying a network's link predictability allows us to (i) evaluate predictive algorithms associated with the network, (ii) estimate the extent to which the organization of the network is explicable, and (iii) monitor sudden mechanistic changes during the network's evolution. The hypothesis of this paper is that a group of links is predictable if removing them has only a small effect on the network's structural features. We introduce a quantitative index for measuring link predictability and an algorithm that outperforms state-of-the-art link prediction methods in both accuracy and universality. This study provides fundamental insights into important scientific problems and will aid in the development of information filtering technologies. The organization of real networks usually embodies both regularities and irregularities, and, in principle, the former can be modeled. The extent to which the formation of a network can be explained coincides with our ability to predict missing links. To understand network organization, we should be able to estimate link predictability. We assume that the regularity of a network is reflected in the consistency of structural features before and after a random removal of a small set of links. Based on the perturbation of the adjacency matrix, we propose a universal structural consistency index that is free of prior knowledge of network organization. Extensive experiments on disparate real-world networks demonstrate that (i) structural consistency is a good estimation of link predictability and (ii) a derivative algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art link prediction methods in both accuracy and robustness. This analysis has further applications in evaluating link prediction algorithms and monitoring sudden changes in evolving network mechanisms. It will provide unique fundamental insights into the above-mentioned academic research fields, and will foster the development of advanced information filtering technologies of interest to information technology practitioners.
Image retrieval at memory's edge: known image search based on user-drawn sketches

With the increasingly growing size of digital image collections, known image search is gaining more and more importance. Especially in collections where individual objects are not tagged with metadata describing their content, content-based image retrieval (CBIR) is a promising approach, but usually suffers from the unavailability of query images that are good enough to express the user's information need. In this paper, we present the QbS system that provides CBIR based on user-drawn sketches. The QbS system combines angular radial partitioning for the extraction of features in the user-provided sketch, taking into account the spatial distribution of edges, and the image distortion model. This combination offers several highly relevant invariances that allow the query sketch to slightly deviate from the searched image in terms of rotation, translation, relative size, and/or unknown objects in the background. To illustrate the benefits of the approach, we present search results from the evaluation of the QbS system on the basis of the MIRFLICKR collection with 25,000 objects and compare the retrieval results of pure metadata-driven approaches, pure content-based retrieval using different sketches, and combinations thereof.
Preaching as a language of hope, C.J.A. Vos, L.L. Hogan & J.H. Cilliers (Reds.) : book review

Die sesde uitgawe van Studia Homiletica bevat die referate wat tydens die wereldkongres van die Societas Homiletica in Pretoria (2006) gelewer is. Die kongrestema, "Preaching as a language of hope", is uiters gepas in die lig van talle krisisse in die wereld, waarvan armoede en VIGS waarskynlik die belangrikste is as die referate as aanduiding geneem moet word. Die roeping van die kerk om die Woord van God aan 'n wereld te verkondig wat in 'n skynbare proses van verval is, behoort hoop in 'n verwarde wereld te bring. Prediking wat nie in staat is om hoop te skep nie, is ontrou aan die aard van die prediking as die kommunikasie van God se antwoord vir die nood van mense.
Effect of Acepromazine and Haloperidol in Male Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica) Captured by Box-Trap

Short-acting neuroleptic drugs are used to prevent adverse effects of stress in wildlife. We compared the effect of aceproma-zine and haloperidol in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) captured with box-traps. We captured 23 male Iberian ibex at the National Game Reserve of Ports de Tortosa i Beseit, northeastern Spain, March 2003–June 2005. Seven animals received 0.1 mg/kg of acepromazine maleate, eight received 0.33 mg/kg of haloperidol and eight animals acted as controls. Clinical, hematologic, and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Both treatments decreased rectal temperature, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and concentrations of creatinine, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Acepromazine also decreased red blood cells, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, neutrophils, and concentrations of glucose and cholesterol. Haloperidol also decreased heart rate and concentrations of urea and potassium. Our results demonstrate the suitability of using acepromazine and haloperidol in capture operations to reduce stress and prevent its adverse effects.
The Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Suicide Ideation across the Ageing Population

Suicide refers to an act whereby the person ends their own life willingly, mainly to escape problematic family or social environments. Preceding this is suicide ideation, which is having plans and wishes to commit suicide, but not making any explicit attempt. Previous research has suggested that approximately 1 million people commit suicide each year, with around 5,000 of these in the United Kingdom alone. Causes were examined in terms of Psychosocial factors, and research explicated many possible factors. Existing literature has espoused a clear dichotomy concerning which age and gender are most at risk of suicidal thought. Responses from eighty participants (N=80) were measured on four questionnaires, measuring suicide ideation, hope, self-esteem and social support, with age, gender, employment and relationship status as mediating factors. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only social support satisfaction and hope (agency) formed a significant model of prediction for suicide ideation, while independent t-tests showed significant correlations between suicidal thought and the four mediating factors. Social support satisfaction and hope (agency) are therefore part of a potentially significant model of prediction. Future research needs to include a more comprehensive model, greater sample and compare geographical location.