Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptually Based Tone Mapping for night time Video

In this paper we present a system for perceptually-based tone mapping of low dynamic range video filmed in low light conditions. Our system extends the work of Kirk and O’Brien [2011], which models the non-linear shift in hue that takes place as the eye transitions from brightly lit scene (photopic) to the low light scene (scotopic). We describe how to approximate cones and rod responses from low dynamic range (LDR) RGB data, from which we can model the Purkinje effect by adding offsets in the opponent color model. We also explain how to handle saturated and dark pixels in the LDR input to avoid visual artifacts in the tone mapped image. Our goal is an efficient system with intuitive parameters for tone mapping low dynamic range videos filmed in low light conditions.
Saliency oriented object image re-ranking

For image retrieval, most users hope to retrieve a certain salient object instead of an obscure pattern in an image. This paper presents a novel object re-ranking algorithm based on visual saliency, which is employed to detect salient object regions in an image. The re-ranking is carried out with a SVM classifier on the salient regions to assure that the images ranked on the top of the list exhibit salient object pictures. To speed up the classifier training, a small code book (1K) is chosen. To improve the re-ranking efficacy, we employ the posterior probability of the salient region to adjust re-ranking, and derive an approximate formula of the posterior probability of the salient region. The formula is based on a hierarchical model, containing spatial information to compensate the feature disorder of the model of bags of visual words (BoVW). The posterior probability is calculated offline, so the online efficiency of re-ranking is high. Experiments demonstrate that our algorithm significantly improves online efficiency and saliency while possesses high accuracy of image retrieval.
Src Family Protein-tyrosine Kinases Alter the Function of PTEN to Regulate Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT Cascades*

Src family protein-tyrosine kinases, which play an important role in signal integration, have been implicated in tumorigenesis in multiple lineages, including breast cancer. We demonstrate, herein, that Src kinases regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling cascade via altering the function of the PTEN tumor suppressor. Overexpression of activated Src protein-tyrosine kinases in PTEN-deficient breast cancer cells does not alter AKT phosphorylation, an indicator of signal transduction through the PI3K pathway. However, in the presence of functional PTEN, Src reverses the activity of PTEN, resulting in an increase in AKT phosphorylation. Activated Src reduces the ability of PTEN to dephosphorylate phosphatidylinositols in micelles and promotes AKT translocation to cellular plasma membranes but does not alter PTEN activity toward water-soluble phosphatidylinositols. Thus, Src may alter the capacity of the PTEN C2 domain to bind cellular membranes rather than directly interfering with PTEN enzymatic activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PTEN is increased in breast cancer cells treated with pervanadate, suggesting that PTEN contains sites for tyrosine phosphorylation. Src kinase inhibitors markedly decreased pervanadate-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of PTEN. Further, expression of activated Src results in marked tyrosine phosphorylation of PTEN. SHP-1, a SH2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase, selectively binds and dephosphorylates PTEN in Src transfected cells. Both Src inhibitors and SHP-1 overexpression reverse Src-induced loss of PTEN function. Coexpression of PTEN with activated Src reduces the stability of PTEN. Taken together, the data indicate that activated Src inhibits PTEN function leading to alterations in signaling through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Croatian Mixed-Gender Conjunct Agreement: An ERP Study

Abstract:In a recent elicited-production study with native speakers of Slovenian, Marušič, Nevins, and Saksida (2007) and Marušič, Nevins, and Badecker (2015) show that there are three distinct variously attested gender-agreement grammars. In this study, the high temporal-resolution of the ERP (event-related potential) technique was used to detect neurological components and measure the processing cost of the three gender-computing mechanisms. The study is comprised of two acceptability-judgment experiments, using a factorial design with nonmasculine mixed-gender conjuncts. Experiment 1 contrasts two strategies, Distant- (DCA) and Closest-Conjunct Agreement (CCA), to question whether the linear distance between a participle and the two conjuncts is language- or memory-related. The Experiment 1 results show behaviorally an overall significant effect of gender; and neurologically a memory-related component, the P300. Experiment 2 sets out to detect alternations to the processing cost when default (Def) agreement is added to the experimental paradigm. The Experiment 2 results indicate no gender effects; instead, two language-related components, N250 and N450, were observed, statistically picking out DCA once again. We argue that in an ecologically valid environment where all three grammatical options are made available, processing of DCA is no longer supported by a general cognitive mechanism, such as memory, but is rather computed by language-related processes.
NOTCH2 mutations in Alagille syndrome

Background Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a dominant, multisystem disorder caused by mutations in the Jagged1 (JAG1) ligand in 94% of patients, and in the NOTCH2 receptor in <1%. There are only two NOTCH2 families reported to date. This study hypothesised that additional NOTCH2 mutations would be present in patients with clinical features of ALGS without a JAG1 mutation. Methods The study screened a cohort of JAG1-negative individuals with clinical features suggestive or diagnostic of ALGS for NOTCH2 mutations. Results Eight individuals with novel NOTCH2 mutations (six missense, one splicing, and one non-sense mutation) were identified. Three of these patients met classic criteria for ALGS and five patients only had a subset of features. The mutations were distributed across the extracellular (N=5) and intracellular domains (N=3) of the protein. Functional analysis of four missense, one nonsense, and one splicing mutation demonstrated decreased Notch signalling of these proteins. Subjects with NOTCH2 mutations demonstrated highly variable expressivity of the affected systems, as with JAG1 individuals. Liver involvement was universal in NOTCH2 probands and they had a similar prevalence of ophthalmologic and renal anomalies to JAG1 patients. There was a trend towards less cardiac involvement in the NOTCH2 group (60% vs 100% in JAG1). NOTCH2 (+) probands exhibited a significantly decreased penetrance of vertebral abnormalities (10%) and facial features (20%) when compared to the JAG1 (+) cohort. Conclusions This work confirms the importance of NOTCH2 as a second disease gene in ALGS and expands the repertoire of the NOTCH2 related disease phenotype.
CIEL*a*b*-based near-lossless compression of prepress images

Lossless image compression algorithms used in the prepress workflow suffer from the disadvantage that only moderate compression ratios can be achieved. Most lossy compression schemes achieve much higher compression ratios but there is no easy way to limit difference they introduce. Near- lossless image compression schemes are based on lossless techniques, but they give an opportunity to put constraints on the unavoidable pixel loss. The constraints are usually expressed in terms of differences within the individual CMYK separations and this error criterion does not match the human visual system. In this paper. we present a near- lossless image compression scheme which aims at limiting the pixel difference such as observed by the human visual system. It uses the subjectively equidistant CIEL*a*b*-space to express allowable color differences. Since the CMYK to CIEL*a*b* transform maps a 4D space onto a 3D space, singularities would occur resulting in a loss of the gray component replacement information; therefore an additional dimension is added. The error quantization is based on an estimated linearization of the CIEL*a*b* transform and on the singular value decomposition of the resulting Jacobian matrix. Experimental results on some representative CMYK test images show that the visual image quality is improved and that higher compression ratios can be achieved before the visual difference is detected by a human observer.
Development of the Assisting Hand Assessment for adolescents (Ad‐AHA) and validation of the AHA from 18 months to 18 years

To develop and evaluate a test activity from which bimanual performance in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) can be observed and scored with the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), and to evaluate the construct validity of the AHA test items for the extended age range 18 months to 18 years.
Efficient Fault-Tolerant Multicast Scheme for Hypercube Multicomputers

This paper presents a fault-tolerant multicast scheme for hypercube multicomputers. The method is based on the routing capability information that is stored in each node. In comparison with the previous schemes, this information is able to capture the fault status more precisely. Two multicast algorithms are presented in the paper. These algorithms multicast messages in an attempt to minimize derouting so that time optimality can be achieved. Moreover, the routing capability information is used to guide derouting in an efficient manner when such needs arise. The amount of traffic incurred is addressed in the paper. The hardware design for the algorithms is also discussed. Extensive simulation has been conducted to evaluate the performance of the scheme. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Detailed Atomistic Simulation of a Polymer Melt/Solid Interface:  Structure, Density, and Conformation of a Thin Film of Polyethylene Melt Adsorbed on Graphite

An atomistic modeling approach is presented for simulating the interface between a polymer melt and a crystalline solid substrate. As a test case, a thin film of polyethylene (PE) melt confined between a semiinfinite graphite phase on the one side and vacuum on the other is considered. The simulation is carried out in the NPT statistical ensemble with an efficient Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm based on state-of-the-art variable connectivity moves. The atomistic simulations are conducted by describing the PE chains with a united atom model, which considers each methylene (CH2) and methyl (CH3) group along the chain backbone as single interaction sites. To calculate the potential energy of interaction between polymer atoms and the semiinfinite graphite substrate, the method designed by Steele was implemented, capable of incorporating the exact crystallographic structure of graphite. The new approach has allowed us to analyze structural and conformational properties on the length scale of just a few angstroms f.
Mutation testing applied to validate specifications based on statecharts

The establishment of a low-cost, effective testing and validation strategy has been pursued by many researchers at the program level as well as at the specification level. The application of mutation testing for validating specifications based on statecharts is proposed. A mutation operator set for statecharts, one of the crucial points for effectively applying mutation testing is defined; in this scope these operators can be taken as a fault model. We also provide strategies to abstract the statechart components according to different statechart features that may comprise the testing and validation activity aims, providing in this way mechanisms for the establishment of an incremental, hierarchical, mutation-based testing strategy. Implementation and functional aspects of PROTEUM/ST, a tool under development are also presented.
A wake detector for wind farm control

The paper describes an observer capable of detecting the impingement on a wind turbine rotor of the wake of an upstream machine. The observer estimates the local wind speed and turbulence intensity on the left and right parts of the rotor disk. The estimation is performed based on blade loads measured by strain gages or optical fibers, sensors which are becoming standard equipment on many modern machines. A lower wind speed and higher turbulence intensity on one part of the rotor, possibly in conjunction with other information, can then be used to infer the presence of a wake impinging on the disk. The wake state information is useful for wind plant control strategies, as for example wake deflection by active yawing. In addition, the local wind speed estimates may be used for a rough evaluation of the vertical wind shear.
Kinanthropometry and performance of top ranking Indian basketball players.

It is understood that the physiological function or performance of an athlete is an adaptation as a result of intensive training, which in turn, has a marked influence on his kinanthropometry i.e. the size, shape, proportion, body composition and gross function (Cureton, 1951; Astrand, 1956; Tanner, 1964; Hirata, 1966; Carter, 1970; Malhotra et al, 1972; Sodhi, 1976a, b; 1980 Sodhi and Sidhu, 1978). It is also evident from these studies that certain kinanthropometric characteristics are not affected by any type of physical activity. For example, the length of any bony segment of the body which has biomechanically a close relation with performance in many games and events, cannot be altered by any amount of training in the adult. It is, therefore, evident that the natural endowment of such characteristics must be helpful in some biomechanical way to an athlete or sportsman during performance in a game. As the competition demands maximum from the body, it is essential to find a demonstration of the relationship of such bodily characteristics with respect to the requisite mechanical function in a game or event. Parnell (1951) in an anthropometric study of athletes concluded that an individual's choice of athletic events might largely be due to characteristics, probably inborn. Tanner (1964) examined the physique of Olympic track and field athletes and inferred that the athletes were both born and made. The basic structure, he stated, must be present for the possibility of being an athlete to arise. It is, therefore, reasonable to believe that a study of the kinanthropometry and performance can also indicate the requirements of the inbuilt characteristics and the functional and mechanical fitness of a sportsman in a game or event. The present study has, therefore, been conducted on top-ranking Indian Basketball players to understand the characteristics which are the result of natural endowment or either physical training.
Observation of spatial cross-phase modulation effects in a self-defocusing nonlinear medium.

We report on experimental observations of spatial modifications, induced by the Kerr effect, in the profile of a weak probe beam due to a cross-phase modulation from a strong pump beam. The measurements were performed in a self-defocusing nonlinear medium (semiconductor doped glass) where the observation of induced focusing and spatial modulation instability were made possible. The experimental results are in good agreement with numerical simulations
Evaluation of hepatocyte function after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with hepatobiliary scintigraphy

Objective:Extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a promising and effective therapy mode in the nonsurgical therapy of gallstones. This prospective study was conducted to investigate the effects of ESWL on hepatocellular function, using quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy, serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase (AML), and direct and indirect bilirubin levels.Methods:The study consisted of 22 patients with ultrasonographically documented gallstones. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy was applied to all patients before ESWL and biochemical tests were performed. Scintigraphy and biochemical tests were repeated in 16 patients 24 h, in seven patients 72 h, and in six patients 1 wk after ESWL. The hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) was calculated using deconvolution analysis of scintigraphic data.Results:All patients' pre-ESWL biochemical tests and HEF values were within the normal range. The 24- and 72-h post-ESWL aminotransferase, ALP, and AML levels and HEF values were significantly different from pre-ESWL values (p < 0.05). After 1 wk this difference disappeared. Decreased HEF values were observed in 50% of patients 24 h, in 71.7% of patients 72 h, and in 16.6% of patients 1 wk after ESWL. A direct relationship was also observed between the number of shocks applied and the degree of impairment in HEF values.Conclusion:Transient hepatocellular dysfunction, which usually occurs after ESWL, can be demonstrated and monitored using quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy.
Optimisation des critères d'identification des électrons et recherche de Supersymétrie dans les canaux avec deux leptons de même charge à partir des données du détecteur ATLAS

L’energie dans le centre de masse des collisions produites par le LHC a ete portee en 2015 a 13 TeV, augmentant fortement les sections efficaces de production de particules hypothetiques lourdes (par exemple d’un facteur 50 pour la production de paires de gluinos de masse 1.5 TeV) et ouvrant ainsi la voie a la recherche de nouvelle physique. Les travaux effectues dans ce contexte ont porte sur la definition des criteres d’identification des electrons et la recherche de Supersymetrie dans les donnees du detecteur ATLAS. La premiere partie est consacree a l’optimisation et aux performances attendues de l’identification des electrons, utilisee pour le declenchement et l’analyse des donnees en 2015. La methodologie mise au point pour adapter les criteres aux contraintes experimentales est presentee en details. La seconde partie est dediee a la recherche de particules supersymetriques produites par interaction forte dans les canaux avec deux leptons de meme charge electrique (electrons ou muons), des jets et de l’energie transverse manquante, a partir de l’ensemble des donnees collectees en 2015 (soit 3.2 1/fb a s = 13 TeV). Les principaux aspects de l’analyse sont decrits, avec une attention particuliere a l’estimation du bruit de fond experimental. L’absence d’exces par rapport aux predictions du Modele Standard est interpretee en terme de limites sur la masse des squarks, des gluinos et des neutralinos dans le cadre de modeles supersymetriques simplifies. Cela a permis par exemple d’exclure l’existence de gluinos de masse inferieure a 1.1 TeV dans certains modeles avec un spectre de masse compresse, ce qui represente une amelioration d’environ 150 GeV par rapport aux limites anterieures.
Big Picture History : Understanding Cultural Patterns Over Time , from Multiple Perspectives

Current tools for historical exploration, like history textbooks or Internet resources, make it easy to educate ourselves on narrow, focused events. However, it is very challenging to get a big picture sense of our society’s complex historical past. It is even harder to understand history from multiple perspectives. In this paper, we propose a new way to harness Wikipedia’s information space to give us a better understanding of important cultural trends over time and how they permeate through different realms of culture, like literature, film, music, and others. We discuss a simple method for extracting semantically relevant keywords from the synthesized, user-generated content of Wikipedia. Following, we discuss a new interactive visualization tool to help people understand and compare the ebb and flow of keywords as they appear in different contexts (history, literature, film, music, etc.) within Wikipedia. The goal of the visualization is to help users make comparative insights about our society and to encourage them to think critically about our culture.
Accounting for environmental flow requirements in global water assessments

As the water requirement for food production and other human needs grows, quantification of environmental flow requirements (EFRs) is necessary to assess the amount of water needed to sustain freshwater ecosystems. EFRs are the result of the quantification of water necessary to sustain the riverine ecosystem, which is calculated from the mean of an environmental flow (EF) method. In this study, five EF methods for calculating EFRs were compared with 11 case studies of locally assessed EFRs. We used three existing methods (Smakhtin, Tennant, and Tessmann) and two newly developed methods (the variable monthly flow method (VMF) and the Q90_Q50 method). All methods were compared globally and validated at local scales while mimicking the natural flow regime. The VMF and the Tessmann methods use algorithms to classify the flow regime into high, intermediate, and low-flow months and they take into account intra-annual variability by allocating EFRs with a percentage of mean monthly flow (MMF). The Q90_Q50 method allocates annual flow quantiles (Q90 and Q50) depending on the flow season. The results showed that, on average, 37% of annual discharge was required to sustain environmental flow requirement. More water is needed for environmental flows during low-flow periods (46–71% of average low-flows) compared to high-flow periods (17–45% of average high-flows). Environmental flow requirements estimates from the Tennant, Q90_Q50, and Smakhtin methods were higher than the locally calculated EFRs for river systems with relatively stable flows and were lower than the locally calculated EFRs for rivers with variable flows. The VMF and Tessmann methods showed the highest correlation with the locally calculated EFRs (R2=0.91). The main difference between the Tessmann and VMF methods is that the Tessmann method allocates all water to EFRs in low-flow periods while the VMF method allocates 60% of the flow in low-flow periods. Thus, other water sectors such as irrigation can withdraw up to 40% of the flow during the low-flow season and freshwater ecosystems can still be kept in reasonable ecological condition. The global applicability of the five methods was tested using the global vegetation and the Lund-Potsdam-Jena managed land (LPJmL) hydrological model. The calculated global annual EFRs for fair ecological conditions represent between 25 and 46% of mean annual flow (MAF). Variable flow regimes, such as the Nile, have lower EFRs (ranging from 12 to 48% of MAF) than stable tropical regimes such as the Amazon (which has EFRs ranging from 30 to 67% of MAF).
Radiation effects on advanced flash memories

Radiation tests of advanced flash memories including, multi-level flash technology, are compared with results from previous generations. Total dose failure levels are comparable to or lower than those of older technologies, but are likely still caused by degradation of the internal charge pump. Small numbers of read errors were observed during single event tests of the multi-level devices that appear to be caused by shifts in the sense amplifier detection levels or cell threshold shifts rather than loss of electrons off the floating gate.
Application of Discrete Particle Swarm Optimaization for Service Selection in Grid

Service selection plays a very important role in the grid middleware. Firstly, a service redundancy strategy is adapted and the corresponding target equation is designed for improving the QoS of the whole workflows in the grid. Secondly, considering of determining a optimal service schema virtually belongs to a combinatorial optimization problem, a resolving algorithm based on discrete particle swarm optimization to find a global optimum is proposed, and its encoding methods are given, In which, the suitable parameters in the algorithm are decided through the adjustment experiments. Finally, the results of some experiments show that the algorithm is feasible, and compared with some other algorithms, such as local optimization, greedy algorithm etc, the algorithm in the paper is more effective.