Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The hemi-cube: a radiosity solution for complex environments

This paper presents a comprehensive method to calculate object to object diffuse reflections within complex environments containing hidden surfaces and shadows. In essence, each object in the environment is treated as a secondary light source. The method provides an accurate representation of the "diffuse" and "ambient" terms found in typical image synthesis algorithms. The phenomena of "color bleeding" from one surface to another, shading within shadow envelopes, and penumbras along shadow boundaries are accurately reproduced. Additional advantages result because computations are indepedent of viewer position. This allows the efficient rendering of multiple views of the same scene for dynamic sequences. Light sources can be modulated and object reflectivities can be changed, with minimal extra computation. The procedures extend the radiosity method beyond the bounds previously imposed.
Cross-Lingual Cross-Document Coreference with Entity Linking

This paper describes our approach to the 2011 Text Analysis Conference (TAC) Knowledge Base Population (KBP) cross-lingual entity linking problem. We recast the problem of entity linking as one of cross-document entity coreference. We compare an approach where deductive entity linking informs crossdocument coreference to an inductive approach where coreference and linking judgements are mutually beneficial. We also describe our approach to cross-lingual entity linking comparing a native linking approach with an approach utilizing machine translation. Our results show that inductive linking to a native language knowledge base offers the best performance.
Efficient interpretation of Prolog programs

The paper focuses on three ideas for solving problems with writing interpreters for the logic programming language Prolog in Prolog and how to combine these ideas to an interpreter for Prolog which is both simple and efficient. The resulting interpreter system can be incorporated into a Prolog based on Warren's Abstract Machine and built mostly from existing parts of it. The interpreter has been implemented and is used in a Prolog system developed at Uppsala University.
Multi-robot Exploration of Unknown Environment Using 2D Laser Scanner

In this study, exploration of unknown environments using LMS 200 Laser scanners with a team of multiple mobile robots is investigated. The aim is to investigate the ability of the cheap LMS 200 laser scanners to scan the environment and build its map. Furthermore, this study proposes two exploration algorithms to reduce the time required to explore a given environment using this type of laser scanners. Each robot is equipped with a single 2D LMS 200 laser scanner which is very cheap compared with 3D rotating laser scanner to explore its surroundings. The proposed exploration algorithms are intensively assessed with this laser scanner. The results of these tests showed that this laser scanner is able to effectively explore unknown environments. Furthermore, the results showed that the proposed exploration algorithms have increased the exploration efficiency by reducing the exploration time. A comparison among different exploration algorithms has showed the effectiveness of the proposed ones compared with the already exist ones.
International Affective Picture System (IAPS) : Technical Manual and Affective Ratings

The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) is being developed to provide a set of normative emotional stimuli for experimental investigations of emotion and attention. The goal is to develop a large set of standardized, emotionally-evocative, internationally accessible, color photographs that includes contents across a wide range of semantic categories. The IAPS (pronounced EYE-APS), along with the International Affective Digitized Sound system (IADS), the Affective Lexicon of English Words (ANEW), as well as other collections of affective stimuli, are being developed and distributed by the NIMH Center for Emotion and Attention (CSEA) at the University of Florida in order to provide standardized materials that are available to researchers in the study of emotion and attention. The existence of these collections of normatively rated affective stimuli should: 1) allow better experimental control in the selection of emotional stimuli, 2) facilitate the comparison of results across different studies conducted in the same or different laboratory, and 3) encourage and allow exact replications within and across research labs who are assessing basic and applied problems in psychological science.
The Perceived School Climate in Invitational Schools in Hong Kong

This article describes the use of the Chinese translation of the revised Inviting School Survey (ISS-R; Smith, 2005; Smith &Bernard, 2004) to measure the invitational climate of seven invitational secondary schools in Hong Kong. The five subscales ofChinese version of ISS-R were found to be valid and reliable in a sample of 706 Grade 11 students. Students’ perceptions ofthe invitational climate in the key areas of people, places, processes, policies, and programs (5P’s) were analyzed. It issuggested that indications of invitational climate in the 5P’s could facilitate teachers’ and administrators’ consideration inimproving invitational practices to cater for the needs of different groups of students.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2) expression is regulated by multiple neural differentiation signals

Neuronal differentiation requires exquisitely timed cell cycle arrest for progenitors to acquire an appropriate neuronal cell fate and is achieved by communication between soluble signals, such as growth factors and extracellular matrix molecules. Here we report that the expression of TIMP‐2, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, is up‐regulated by signals that control proliferation (bFGF and EGF) and differentiation (retinoic acid and NGF) in neural progenitor and neuroblastoma cell lines. TIMP‐2 expression coincides with the appearance of neurofilament‐positive neurons, indicating that TIMP‐2 may play a role in neurogenesis. The up‐regulation of TIMP‐2 expression by proliferate signals suggests a role in the transition from proliferation to neuronal differentiation. Live labeling experiments demonstrate TIMP‐2 expression only on α3 integrin‐positive cells. Thus, TIMP‐2 function may be mediated via interaction with integrin receptor(s). We propose that TIMP‐2 represents a component of the neurogenic signaling cascade induced by mitogenic stimuli that may withdraw progenitor cells from the cell cycle permitting their terminal neuronal differentiation.
Identifying Failure-Correlated Dependence Chains

Coverage-based fault localization techniques aim at locating faulty code by first identifying the executing program elements that correlate the most with failure. It often happens that the correlation measure of such elements is not high enough to successfully guide the developer to the fault. This shortcoming is likely due to the fact that the covered program elements are simple (e.g., statements, branches, or def-use pairs), and thus, cannot characterize most defects that are typically non trivial. In this work we aim at identifying short dependence chains that are highly correlated with failure, which we term failure correlated dependence chains. For more effective fault localization, both the number and length of these failure correlated chains should be minimal. In addition to considering data and control dependences, we augment each chain by computing a set of predicates involving the source values and target values of its edges. This supplementary state information can potentially help identify failure-correlated chains that are shorter in length and can better assist in locating the faulty code. We used 18 versions of the Siemens test suite to evaluate the effectiveness of our technique in comparison to when statement coverage is used. In our experimental study we empirically quantified the following: How often is our technique successful at identifying chains that are relatively more correlated with failure? Our results were promising as the technique successfully identified more correlated chains in 17 out of 18 versions.
Expression and Characterization of a DNase IFc Fusion Enzyme *

Recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) is an important clinical agent that is inhaled into the airways where it degrades DNA to lower molecular weight fragments, thus reducing the viscoelasticity of sputum and improving the lung function of cystic fibrosis patients. To investigate DNases with potentially improved properties, we constructed a molecular fusion of human DNase I with the hinge and Fc region of human IgG1 heavy chain, creating a DNase I-Fc fusion protein. Infection of Sf9 insect cells with recombinant baculovirus resulted in the expression and secretion of the DNase I-Fc fusion protein. The fusion protein was purified from the culture medium using protein A affinity chromatography followed by desalting by gel filtration and was characterized by amino-terminal sequence, amino acid composition, and a variety of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and activity assays. The purified fusion contains DNase I, as determined by a DNase I ELISA and an actin-binding ELISA, and an intact antibody Fc region, which was quantified by an Fc ELISA, in a 2:1 stoichiometric ratio, respectively. The dimeric DNase I-Fc fusion was functionally active in enzymatic DNA digestion assays, albeit about 10-fold less than monomeric DNase I. Cleavage of the DNase I-Fc fusion by papain resulted in a specific activity comparable to the monomeric enzyme. Salt was inhibitory for wild type monomeric DNase I but actually enhanced the activity of the dimeric DNase I-Fc fusion. The DNase I-Fc fusion protein was also less Ca-dependent than DNase I itself. These results are consistent with a higher affinity of the dimeric fusion protein to DNA than monomeric DNase I. The engineered DNase I-Fc fusion protein described herein has properties that may have clinical benefits.
CLPTM1L Genetic Polymorphisms and Interaction With Smoking and Alcohol Drinking in Lung Cancer Risk

AbstractGenetic variants of cleft lip and palate trans-membrane 1-like (CLPTM1L) genes in the p15.33 region of chromosome 5 were previously identified to influence susceptibility to lung cancer. We examined the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CLPTM1L genes with lung cancer and explored their potential effects on the relationship between environmental risk factors (smoking, drinking) and lung cancer in a Chinese Han population.We genotyped 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CLPTM1L in a case–control study with 228 lung cancer cases and 301 controls from northwest China. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression.We identified that the minor alleles of rs451360, rs402710, and rs31484 in CLPTM1L were associated with a 0.52-fold, 0.76-fold, and 0.70-fold decreased risk of lung cancer in allelic model analysis, respectively. In the genetic model analysis, we found rs402710 and rs401681 were associated with decreased lung cancer risk. Further stratification analysis showed that rs380286 displayed a significantly decreased lung cancer risk (OR = 0.65, P = 0.041) in the non-drinkers. In addition, Haplotype “GTTATCTGT” was found to be associated with decreased lung cancer risk (OR = 0.50, P = 0.033). Our results verified that genetic variants of CLPTM1L contribute to lung cancer susceptibility in the northwest Chinese Han population. Additionally, we found that consumption of alcohol may interact with CLPTM1L polymorphisms to contribute to overall lung cancer susceptibility.
Les systèmes de recommandation à base de confiance

La divergence comportementale des utilisateurs sur le web resulte un probleme de fluctuation de performance chez les systemes de recommandation (SR) qui exploitent ce comportement pour recommander aux utilisateurs des items qu’ils vont apprecier. Ce probleme est observe dans l’approche de filtrage collaboratif (FC) qui exploite les notes attribuees par les utilisateurs aux items, et l’approche a base de confiance (SRC) qui exploite les notes de confiance que les utilisateurs attribuent l’un a l’autre. Nous proposons une approche hybride qui augmente le nombre d'utilisateurs beneficiant de la recommandation, sans perte significative de precision. Par la suite, nous identifions plusieurs caracteristiques comportementales qui permettent de constituer un profil comportemental de l’utilisateur. Ce qui nous permet de classifier les utilisateurs selon leur comportement commun, et d’observer la performance de chaque approche par classe. Par la suite, nous focalisons sur les SRC. Le concept de confiance a ete aborde dans plusieurs disciplines. Il n'existe pas veritablement de consensus sur sa definition. Cependant, toutes s'accordent sur son effet positif. La logique subjective (LS) fournit une plateforme flexible pour modeliser la confiance. Nous l’utilisons pour proposer et comparer trois modeles de confiance, dont l’objectif est de predire a un utilisateur source s’il peut faire confiance a un utilisateur cible. La recommandation peut s’appuyer sur l’experience personnelle de la source (modele local), un systeme de bouche a oreille (modele collectif), ou encore la reputation du cible (modele global). Nous comparons ces trois modeles aux termes de la precision, la complexite, et la robustesse face aux attaques malicieuses
Opposites Attract: Virtual Cluster Embedding for Profit

It is well-known that cloud application performance critically depends on the network. Accordingly, new abstractions for cloud applications are proposed which extend the performance isolation guarantees to the network. The most common abstraction is the Virtual Cluster V C(n, b): the n virtual machines of a customer are connected to a virtual switch at bandwidth b. However, today, not much is known about how to efficiently embed and price virtual clusters. This paper makes two contributions. (1) We present an algorithm called Tetris that efficiently embeds virtual clusters arriving in an online fashion, by jointly optimizing the node and link resources. We show that this algorithm allows to multiplex more virtual clusters over the same physical infrastructure compared to existing algorithms, hence improving the provider profit. (2) We present the first demand-specific pricing model called DSP for virtual clusters. Our pricing model is fair in the sense that a customer only needs to pay for what he or she asked. Moreover, it features other desirable properties, such as price independence from mapping locations.
Management Skills and Knowledge: A Case Example from the Construction Industry (Управленческие навыки и знания: случай из строительной отрасли промышленности)

Construction managers' perceived importance regarding their present and future skills and knowledge are presented. It is demonstrated that there is overall agreement among junior, middle and senior managers as to their skills and knowledge needs, now and for the future. Skills and knowledge in organisation, human relations, communication, personnel management and operational planning are most important in the practice of construction management. Few changes are anticipated in the 1990s which will significantly alter the role of the construction manager. As international markets deregulate post-1992, communication and computer technology will become increasingly important. It is recommended that educationalists respond to the needs of construction managers by providing courses that reflect current and future trends.
Increased Susceptibility to Apoptosis of CD56dimCD16+ NK Cells Induces the Enrichment of IFN-γ-Producing CD56bright Cells in Tuberculous Pleurisy1

Tuberculous pleuritis is a good model for the study of specific cells at the site of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. We investigated the frequency and phenotype of NK cells in paired samples of peripheral blood and pleural fluid (PF) from patients with tuberculosis (TB) or parapneumonic infection. We demonstrated for the first time a reduction of NK cells in PF from TB with an enrichment in the CD56brightCD16− subset. In agreement, in PF NK cells we observed an increased expression of CD94, NKG2A, CD62L, and CCR7 molecules and lower expression of Bcl-2 and perforin. The activation markers CD69 and HLA-DR were also increased. The enrichment in the CD56bright subset was due to an increased susceptibility to apoptosis of CD56+CD16+ NK cells mediated by heat-labile and stable soluble factors present in tuberculous effusions and not in PF from other etiologies. Furthermore, in TB patients, Mtb-induced IFN-γ production by PF NK cells was not dependent on the presence of CD3+, CD19+, and CD14+ cells, suggesting a direct interaction of CD56bright cells with Mtb and/or the involvement of other accessory cells present at the site of Mtb infection.
Emotionality and information concerning internal reactions.

It was hypothesized that emotional and unemotional individuals differ with respect to the utilization of internal sensations as cues. In comparison to unemotional Ss, emotional ones were expected to make more use of information concerning their internal reactions. Ss who were psychometrically classified as emotional or unemotional were shown 10 slides of seminude females while hearing a tape recording of sounds that were allegedly their heart beats. To 5 of the slides they heard a marked change in their "heart rates"; to the other 5 they heard no change. It was found that relatively emotional subjects labeled nudes as attractive or unattractive depending upon whether they thought their hearts had reacted. This effect was significantly less marked for unemotional subjects. These individual differences were still apparent 2 mo. later when subjects were allowed to choose photographs of the nudes as rewards.
Definición de engaño

A la vista del relativo desacuerdo entre quienes estudian el engano sobre como el engano, la mentira o la comunicacion enganosa deben ser definidos, en el presente trabajo se intenta integrar la vision de los autores mas influyentes en este campo con el fin de formular una definicion del engano comprehensiva y bien delimitada. El punto de partida lo conforman los elementos de la mentira prototipica senalados por Coleman y Kay (1981), asi como la nocion de "comunicacion enganosa" de Gerald Miller (1983; Miller y Stiff, 1993). El engano se define como el intento deliberado, exitoso o no, de ocultar, generar, y/o manipular de algun otro modo informacion factual y/o emocional, por medios verbales y/o no verbales, con el fin de crear o mantener en otra(s) persona(s) una creencia que el propio comunicador considera falsa. Cada termino de esta definicion se discute en detalle y, al hacerlo, resulta evidente que integra varias teorias sobre el engano y una serie de contribuciones de la psicologia social y la comunicacion. Ademas, se discuten algunas implicaciones especificas de la definicion, como la importancia que el elemento intencional (el intento deliberado) tiene para el sistema legal. El objetivo del articulo es contribuir a alcanzar un acuerdo entre los cientificos sociales sobre que debe entenderse por engano.
Cholesterol utilization in mycobacteria is controlled by two TetR-type transcriptional regulators: kstR and kstR2

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is able to use a variety of carbon sources in vivo and current knowledge suggests that cholesterol is used as a carbon source during infection. The catabolized cholesterol is used both as an energy source (ATP generation) and as a source of precursor molecules for the synthesis of complex methyl-branched fatty acids. In previous studies, we described a TetR-type transcriptional repressor, kstR, that controls the expression of a number of genes involved in cholesterol catabolism. In this study, we describe a second TetR-type repressor, which we call kstR2. We knocked this gene out in Mycobacterium smegmatis and used microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR to examine the effects on gene expression. We identified a palindromic regulatory motif for KstR2, showed that this motif is present in three promoter regions in mycobacteria and rhodococcus, and demonstrated binding of purified KstR2 to the motif. Using a combination of motif location analysis, gene expression analysis and the examination of gene conservation, we suggest that kstR2 controls the expression of a 15 gene regulon. Like kstR, kstR2 and the kstR2 regulon are highly conserved among the actinomycetes and studies in rhodococcus suggest a role for these genes in cholesterol catabolism. The functional significance of the regulon and implications for the control of cholesterol utilization are discussed.
Microscopy image focus quality assessment by overlapping tile analysis

Digital microscopy is a field that is becoming increasingly popular for tissue imaging. Most digital microscopes have a limited field-of-view, requiring the acquisition of multiple tiles across the tissue that are then stitched together in software. During the acquisition, however, the microscope may intermittently fail to focus correctly, which will result in out-of-focus images that no longer provide diagnostic value. While many approaches have been proposed to address this using absolute measures of focus quality, we here introduce a novel approach that instead operates on the overlap regions between acquired images. This provides a relative measure that is independent of tissue type and staining protocol. These automatic measures can then be used to identify failed images that need to be re-acquired. Our quantitative and qualitative results on large datasets demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the approach.
Experiments on local positioning with Bluetooth

This paper presents the design and implementation of the Bluetooth local positioning application. Positioning is based on received power levels, which are converted to distance estimates according to a simple propagation model. The extended Kalman filter computes a 3D position estimate on the basis of distance estimates. With the used Bluetooth hardware, the mean absolute error of positioning was measured to be 3.76 m. The accuracy can be improved if Bluetooth devices are able to measure received power levels more precisely.
Fault Diagnosis in Railway Track Circuits Using Support Vector Machines

This paper presents a fault diagnosis system for a key component called electrical separation joint in railway track circuits using multi-class support vector machines by one-versus-one strategy. Firstly, a track circuit electrical model is developed based on transmission line theory. A signal known as short-circuit current signal is obtained and the influences on it are then investigated for the existence of defective electrical separation joints. The signal is composed of arched curve segments, and each of the segments can be approximated by a quadratic polynomial. The coefficients of the polynomials for the first three arched segments are used as fault features to train the proposed diagnosis mode. Training parameters are selected using cross-validation technique. Polynomial and Gaussian RBF kernel functions are employed. Experiments with simulated data show that the correct diagnosis rates over 96% can be achieved using this approach, which can meet the requirement of practical application.