Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model and metric choice of image retrieval system based on deep learning

In the era of big data, Content-Based Image Retrieval combined with deep learning technology gradually becomes the mainstream. This method can overcome some drawbacks of traditional CBIR, but at the same time there are still some problems to be solved, such as: The extracted feature dimension (generally more than 2000) is higher, which is not beneficial for efficient data storage and fast real-time query on a large scale; And the measurement method for feature matching is difficult to be determined, since the typical method based on distance is designed in the low dimension, but in high dimensional space curse of dimensionality can make those former methods may be no longer suitable. In this paper we discuss a fast efficient CBIR to improve the performace of image retrieval system, through contrasting different model and metric choices. Contrast experiments show that 4 kinds of distances (namely Euclidean Distance, Minkowski Distance, Cosine Distance, Pearson Correlation Distance) is more suitable for processing the similarity measurement on high-dimensional feature, and 5 kinds of models ( namely vgg-m-128, vgg-m-1024, vgg-m-2048, vgg-verydeep-16, vgg-verydeep-19) have higher average query precision for image retrieval task.
Blockade of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Hydrolysis by Selective Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitor 4-Nitrophenyl 4-(Dibenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl(hydroxy)methyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (JZL184) Enhances Retrograde Endocannabinoid Signaling

Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling mediates depolarization-induced suppression of excitation (DSE) and inhibition (DSI), two prominent forms of retrograde synaptic depression. N-Arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), two known eCBs, are degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), respectively. Selective blockade of FAAH and MAGL is critical for determining the roles of the eCBs in DSE/DSI and understanding how their action is regulated. 4-Nitrophenyl 4-(dibenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl(hydroxy)methyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate (JZL184) is a recently developed, highly selective, and potent MAGL inhibitor that increases 2-AG but not AEA concentrations in mouse brain. Here, we report that JZL184 prolongs DSE in Purkinje neurons in cerebellar slices and DSI in CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices. The effect of JZL184 on DSE/DSI is mimicked by the nonselective MAGL inhibitor methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate. In contrast, neither the selective FAAH inhibitor cyclohexylcarbamic acid 3′-carbomoylbiphenyl-3-yl ester (URB597) nor FAAH knockout has a significant effect on DSE/DSI. JZL184 produces greater enhancement of DSE/DSI in mouse neurons than that in rat neurons. The latter finding is consistent with biochemical studies showing that JZL184 is more potent in inhibiting mouse MAGL than rat MAGL. These results indicate that the degradation of 2-AG by MAGL is the rate-limiting step that determines the time course of DSE/DSI and that JZL184 is a useful tool for the study of 2-AG-mediated signaling.
How the headpiece hinge angle is opened: new insights into the dynamics of integrin activation

How the integrin head transitions to the high-affinity conformation is debated. Although experiments link activation with the opening of the hinge angle between the βA and hybrid domains in the ligand-binding headpiece, this hinge is closed in the liganded αvβ3 integrin crystal structure. We replaced the RGD peptide ligand of this structure with the 10th type III fibronectin module (FnIII10) and discovered through molecular dynamics (MD) equilibrations that when the conformational constraints of the leg domains are lifted, the βA/hybrid hinge opens spontaneously. Together with additional equilibrations on the same nanosecond timescale in which small structural variations impeded hinge-angle opening, these simulations allowed us to identify the allosteric pathway along which ligand-induced strain propagates via elastic distortions of the α1 helix to the βA/hybrid domain hinge. Finally, we show with steered MD how force accelerates hinge-angle opening along the same allosteric pathway. Together with available experimental data, these predictions provide a novel framework for understanding integrin activation.
Joint Optimization of User-Experience and Energy-Efficiency in Wireless Multimedia Broadcast

This paper presents a novel cross-layer optimization framework to improve the quality of user experience (QoE) and energy efficiency of the heterogeneous wireless multimedia broadcast receivers. This joint optimization is achieved by grouping the users based on their device capabilities and estimated channel conditions experienced by them and broadcasting adaptive content to these groups. The adaptive multimedia content is obtained by using scalable video coding (SVC) with optimal source encoding parameters resulted from an innovative cooperative game. Energy saving at user terminals results from using a layer-aware time slicing approach in the transmission stage. A trade-off between energy saving and QoE is observed, and is incorporated in the definition of a utility function of the players in the formulated heterogeneous user composition and physical channel aware game. An adaptive modulation and coding scheme is also optimally incorporated in order to maximize the reception quality of the broadcast receivers, while maximizing the network broadcast capacity. Compared to the conventional broadcast schemes, the proposed framework shows an appreciable improvement in QoE levels for all users, while achieving higher energy-savings for the energy constrained users.
Taking advantage of between- and within-participant variability?

⟪ All other things being equal or held constant ⟫ (i.e., ceteris paribus). This experimental principle is probably one of first concepts that teachers present in methodology courses in universities all around the word. Studying the influence of one (or more) experimental factors on a specific dependent variable requires an adequate control of all other sources that might affect it. This epistemological position is directly derived from positivism (e.g., Comte, 1869, 2010). According to this view, the most important scope in science is to develop theories that describe and model the environment and at the same time exclude all micro-variations. In other—philosophical—words, science attempts to understand what remains invariant despite constant transformation of the world. Language sciences follow this principle (psycholinguistics, linguistics, neurobiology of language processing, among others). Most studies try to differentiate the characteristics that human beings share—i.e., universals—from what is individual or specific.
On the Security of a Remote Data Possession Checking Scheme in Cloud Storage

Cloud-based outsourced storage alleviates the client's burden for storage management and maintenance by providing a comparably low-cost, scalable, location-independent platform. Nevertheless, the new conception does triggers lots of security issues. A major concern is how to ensure the integrity of the outsourced data. To deal with the problem, Chen et al. Recently proposed a remote data possession checking (RDPC) scheme based on homomorphic hashing and argued that it was efficient and secure. Unfortunately, through our security analysis, we find out that the scheme is vulnerable to attack by an active adversary. In this paper, we analyze the scheme and point out our attack on their scheme. Through launching the attack, the adversary is able to arbitrarily modify the cloud data without being detected by the data owner in the auditing process. Then we also put forward our solution to fix the problems without losing any desirable features of the original scheme.
Extremity Radioactive Iodine Uptake on Post-therapeutic Whole Body Scan in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Objective(s): We investigated a frequency of lower extremity uptake on the radioactive iodine (RAI) whole body scan (WBS) after RAI treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, in order to retrospectively examine whether or not the frequency was pathological. Methods: This retrospective study included 170 patients with thyroid cancer, undergoing RAI treatment. Overall, 99(58%) and 71(42%) patients received single and multiple RAI treatments, respectively. Post-therapeutic WBS was acquired after 3 days of RAI administration. For patients with multiple RAI treatments, the WBS of their last RAI treatment was evaluated. Lower extremity uptake on post-therapeutic WBS was classified into 3 categories: bilateral femoral uptake (type A), bilateral femoral and tibia uptake (type B), and uptake in bilateral upper and lower extremities (type C). Then, the patients with RAI uptake in the lower extremities on WBS were analyzed with clinical parameters. Results: Overall, 99 patients (58%) had the extremity uptake on their posttherapeutic RAI WBS. As the results indicated, 42, 53, and 4 patients had type A, type B, and type C uptakes, respectively. Lower extremity uptake was significantly associated with younger age, not only in subjects with multiple RAI treatments but also in all the patients (P<0.05). Accumulation in patients with multiple RAI treatments was more frequent than patients with single RAI treatment (P<0.05). Lower extremity uptake was not associated with counts of the white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, platelet count, estimated glomerular filtration rate, effective half-time of RAI, serum TSH level, and anti-Tg concentration. Conclusion: About half of the patients had lower extremity uptake on the posttherapeutic RAI WBS, especially younger patients and those with multiple courses of RAI treatment. Bilateral lower extremity’s RAI uptake on the posttherapeutic WBS should be considered as physiological RAI distribution in bone marrow.
An exploration of nurses' experiences of caring for people from different cultures in Ireland

This study aimed to explore the experiences of both student and qualified nurses of caring for patients from different cultures in one region of Ireland. In particular it explores the concerns and challenges experienced and how nurses dealt with them in their daily practice. Using a grounded theory approach, ten focus groups and thirty individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with student and qualified nurses. As data were collected, it was simultaneously analysed using the classic grounded theory methodological principles of coding, constant comparison and theoretical sampling. This study described the different challenges nurses face when caring for patients from different cultures and the coping strategies adopted to deal with such challenges in their daily practice. It provides a comprehensive picture of the personal, professional and organisational factors that contribute towards culturally insensitivity. Lack of knowledge leading to uncertainty was the consistent main concern that emerged for informants. Feelings of ambiguity were further influenced by an awareness of potential ethnocentric beliefs, values and stereotypes and the culture of the organisation in which informants learn and work in. The data reveals how nurses used rafts of disengagement strategies as a means of dealing with their lack of cultural knowledge. The culture within the organisation facilitated the disengagement and allowed it to go unnoticed. Accepting less than perfect care and becoming indifferent to the needs of patients who are not Irish is evident in the data. This went unchallenged and consequently culturally insensitive and sometimes even discriminatory care was perpetuated. This study has implications for nurse education and leaders and managers in clinical settings. Although this study specifically explored nurses’ experiences of caring for patients from different cultures, the findings may have wider implications for nursing practice in Ireland. It highlights the need for nurses to understand themselves and the way in which they form relationships with patients from different cultures. It reiterates the need for greater consideration into how culturally compassionate competence development is taught, learnt and perhaps more importantly applied in practice. Although acknowledging the organisational constraints and education deficiencies that were evident, this study highlights the need for greater individual and organisational commitment to culturally competent care.
Nerve growth factor in human semen: Effect of nerve growth factor on the normozoospermic men during cryopreservation process

Objective(s): Although routinely applied in assisted reproductive technology, human sperm cryopreservation is not a completely successful procedure. Adverse effects of cryopreservation on the fertilization capacity, motility, morphology, and viability of spermatozoa have been proven; cryopreservation has also shown a role in sperm DNA fragmentation and infertility. The post-thaw survival of spermatozoa improved after addition of supplementation of antioxidant molecules to freezing media. Nerve growth factor (NGF) as one of the prosurvival substances has gained great attention in recent years. The aim of this study was the usage of NGF as prosurvival factor after cryopreservation process of human semen samples to assess the motility and viability of sperm, nitric oxide (NO) concentration, and DNA fragmentation in normozoospermic men. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were collected from 25 normozoospermic men and were divided into fresh semen samples as control group, frozen–thawed semen samples without addition of exogenous NGF, and three groups of semen samples cryopreserved with addition of exogenous NGF (0.5, 1, and 5 ng/ml) in freezing medium. Viability was assessed by eosin-negrosin staining technique. Motility was evaluated with inverted microscope. NO concentration and apoptosis content were measured with flow cytometry. Results: Results showed that exogenous NGF at 0.5 ng/ml could significantly (P-value <0.05) influence viability, motility, nitric oxide, and DNA fragmentation content. Conclusion: Exogenous NGF as cryoprotectant improved sperm viability and motility, increased intracellular NO concentration, and decreased apoptosis content in normal human spermatozoa.
Educational Hands-On Testbed Using Lego Robot for Learning Guidance, Navigation, and Control

Abstract The aim of this paper is to propose an educational hands-on testbed using inexpensive systems composed of a Lego Mindstorms NXT robot and a webcam and easy-to-deal-with tools especially for learning and testing guidance, navigation, and control as well as search and obstacle mapping, however the extendibility and applicability of the proposed approach is not limited to only the educational purpose. In order to provide navigation information of the Lego robot in an indoor environment, an vision navigation system is proposed based on a colour marker detection robust to brightness change and an Extended Kalman filter. Furthermore, a spiral-like search, a command-to-line-of-sight guidance, a motor control, and two-dimensional Splinegon approximation are applied to sensing and mapping of a complex-shaped obstacle. The experimental result shows that the proposed testbed can be viewed as an efficient tool for the education of image processing and estimation as well as guidance, navigation, and control with a minimum burden of time and cost.
Data Warehousing in an Industrial Software Development Environment

Data quality is one of the bases for effective data mining. Flexible, consistent and extensible data storage is one of the requirements for effective data analysis. For more than 15 years, researchers in the database and decision making world have been studying the construction of data repositories for data analysis. Named data warehouses, these repositories are historical databases, which are separated both logically and physically from the organization production environment and designed to store data gathered from this environment. Data warehousing also includes data selection, integration and organization approaches to make data easily accessible to the decision making process. Based on our previous experience with data warehousing for mining software repositories, this paper presents a Data Warehousing Approach for software development data analysis.
SONIFICATION OF DAILY WEATHER RECORDS: ISSUES OF PERCEPTION, ATTENTION AND MEMORY IN DESIGN CHOICES

Daily climate records that include temperature and precipitation observations, along with other optional “event” records (such as a severe storm occurrence or the highlighting of record high or low temperatures) are a form of multivariate time series data that is well suited to sonification. Our project describes and demonstrates sonification of historical monthly weather records from Lincoln, Nebraska that allow perceptual comparisons between corresponding monthly records from different years for illustration of climatic trends and fluctuations. Choices of data-sound mapping schemes and temporal properties of the display will be related to basic principles of auditory perception, attention and cognition.
Biomechanics of the Vibrissa Motor Plant in Rat: Rhythmic Whisking Consists of Triphasic Neuromuscular Activity

The biomechanics of a motor plant constrain the behavioral strategies that an animal has available to extract information from its environment. We used the rat vibrissa system as a model for active sensing and determined the pattern of muscle activity that drives rhythmic exploratory whisking. Our approach made use of electromyography to measure the activation of all relevant muscles in both head-fixed and unrestrained rats and two-dimensional imaging to monitor the position of the vibrissae in head-fixed rats. Our essential finding is that the periodic motion of the vibrissae and mystacial pad during whisking results from three phases of muscle activity. First, the vibrissae are thrust forward as the rostral extrinsic muscle, musculus (m.) nasalis, contracts to pull the pad and initiate protraction. Second, late in protraction, the intrinsic muscles pivot the vibrissae farther forward. Third, retraction involves the cessation of m. nasalis and intrinsic muscle activity and the contraction of the caudal extrinsic muscles m. nasolabialis and m. maxillolabialis to pull the pad and the vibrissae backward. We developed a biomechanical model of the whisking motor plant that incorporates the measured muscular mechanics along with movement vectors observed from direct muscle stimulation in anesthetized rats. The results of simulations of the model quantify how the combination of extrinsic and intrinsic muscle activity leads to an enhanced range of vibrissa motion than would be available from the intrinsic muscles alone.
Notice of RetractionStatistical Analysis and Data Mining Research on Endocrine Hormone of Patients with Mammary Gland Disease

This thesis founds upon the Xiamen Social Development Plan Project "Modeling Analysis and Clinic Application of Pituitary Hormone "(NO: 3502Z20044003), bases on standardization of mass endocrine hormone clinic basic data, adopts frequent-used statistical analysis method, statistical analysis software(SPSS)and data mining tools(MATLAB), stresses analyzing statistic rule of clinic data of HPO axis, constructs basic data platform of endocrine hormone, studies statistic rule of patients' endocrine hormone, helps to study physiological and disease reason of endocrine system, clinical therapy, teaching, research, application and extension, is of research significance.
Regression-tree Tuning in a Streaming Setting

We consider the problem of maintaining the data-structures of a partition-based regression procedure in a setting where the training data arrives sequentially over time. We prove that it is possible to maintain such a structure in time O (log n) at any time step n while achieving a nearly-optimal regression rate of O (n-2/(2+d)) in terms of the unknown metric dimension d. Finally we prove a new regression lower-bound which is independent of a given data size, and hence is more appropriate for the streaming setting.
Towards a New Generation of Software Design Environments: Supporting the Use of Informal and Formal Notations with OctoUML

Software architects seek efficient support for planning and designing models. Many software design tools lack flexibility in combining informal and formal design. In this paper, we present OctoUML, a proof of a concept of a new generation software design environment that supports an effective software design process. The system provides options for collaborative software design and different input methods for creation of software models at various levels of formality. The design and architecture of OctoUML are also presented. The evaluation shows that OctoUML provides a user-friendly environment and has the potential to effectively support the activities of the designers.
High levels of hepatitis B virus after the onset of disease lead to chronic infection in patients with acute hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND Some patients with acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection develop chronic infection. However, the method for identifying these patients has not been established. METHODS We followed 215 Japanese patients with acute HBV infection until the clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or the development of chronic infection. Levels of HBsAg and HBV DNA were serially monitored from the onset. RESULTS Of the 215 patients, 113 (52.5%) possessed HBV genotype A, 26 (12.0%) genotype B, and 73 (34.0%) genotype C. Twenty-one of the 215 (9.8%) developed chronic infection, with the persistence of HBsAg for >6 months. The rate of chronicity of genotype A, B, and C was 12.4%, 3.8%, and 8.2%. Of the 21 patients, only 6 (2.8%) patients, including 5 with genotype A, failed to clear HBsAg within 12 months. Levels of HBsAg at 12 weeks and HBV DNA at 4 weeks were useful for distinguishing the patients who became chronic from those who did not (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Likewise, the levels of HBsAg at 12 weeks and HBV DNA at 8 weeks were useful for discriminating between the patients who lost HBsAg within 12 months and those who did not (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In acute HBV infection, clearance of HBV may happen between 6 and 12 months from the onset. Only those who fail to clear HBV within 12 months from the onset may develop chronic infection.
Distributed Resource Allocation for Multi-Cell Relay-Aided OFDMA Systems

We propose an efficient resource allocation (RA) scheme for downlink of relay-aided orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems. To mitigate excessive computational complexity of the centralized RA where the base station (BS) is responsible for resource allocation of the entire cell, we take a distributed RA strategy with which each relay station (RS) and BS perform resource allocation for their respective receivers by themselves. The proposed RA scheme is composed of two parts, RS resource allocation (RS-RA) and BS resource allocation (BS-RA). Considering that multiple RSs compete for radio resource in a distributive manner, we design the RS-RA scheme according to noncooperative game framework. The proposed RS-RA scheme aims at allocating less resource to two-hop transmission via RS so that more resource can be used for one-hop (direct) transmission. This RA strategy greatly heightens the system performance. Simulation results show that the proposed RA scheme provides the high cell throughput and the low outage probability. In addition, we devise a heuristic RA scheme that can lower the computational complexity further with much smaller reporting overhead and also suggest an iterative algorithm that can easily implement the proposed RA scheme.