Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hardware-Efficient Bilateral Filtering for Stereo Matching

This paper presents a new bilateral filtering method specially designed for practical stereo vision systems. Parallel algorithms are preferred in these systems due to the real-time performance requirement. Edge-preserving filters like the bilateral filter have been demonstrated to be very effective for high-quality local stereo matching. A hardware-efficient bilateral filter is thus proposed in this paper. When moved to an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 GPU, it can process a one megapixel color image at around 417 frames per second. This filter can be directly used for cost aggregation required in any local stereo matching algorithm. Quantitative evaluation shows that it outperforms all the other local stereo methods both in terms of accuracy and speed on Middlebury benchmark. It ranks 12th out of over 120 methods on Middlebury data sets, and the average runtime (including the matching cost computation, occlusion handling, and post processing) is only 15 milliseconds (67 frames per second).
Numerical Mathematics of the Subtraction Method for the Modeling of a Current Dipole in EEG Source Reconstruction Using Finite Element Head Models

In electroencephalography (EEG) source analysis, a dipole is widely used as the model of the current source. The dipole introduces a singularity on the right-hand side of the governing Poisson-type differential equation that has to be treated specifically when solving the equation toward the electric potential. In this paper, we give a proof for existence and uniqueness of the weak solution in the function space of zero-mean potential functions, using a subtraction approach. The method divides the total potential into a singularity and a correction potential. The singularity potential is due to a dipole in an infinite region of homogeneous conductivity. We then state convergence properties of the finite element (FE) method for the numerical solution to the correction potential. We validate our approach using tetrahedra and regular and geometry-conforming node-shifted hexahedra elements in an isotropic three-layer sphere model and a model with anisotropic middle compartment. Validation is carried out using sophisticated visualization techniques, correlation coefficient (CC), and magnification factor (MAG) for a comparison of the numerical results with analytical series expansion formulas at the surface and within the volume conductor. For the subtraction approach, with regard to the accuracy in the anisotropic three-layer sphere model (CC of 0.998 or better and MAG of 4.3% or better over the whole range of realistic eccentricities) and to the computational complexity, 2mm node-shifted hexahedra achieve the best results. A relative FE solver accuracy of $10^{-4}$ is sufficient for the used algebraic multigrid preconditioned conjugate gradient approach. Finally, we visualize the computed potentials of the subtraction method in realistically shaped FE head volume conductor models with anisotropic skull compartments.
Identification and Characterisation of an Iron-Responsive Candidate Probiotic

Background Iron is an essential cofactor in almost all biological systems. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB), frequently employed as probiotics, are unusual in having little or no requirement for iron. Iron in the human body is sequestered by transferrins and lactoferrin, limiting bacterial growth. An increase in the availability of iron in the intestine by bleeding, surgery, or under stress leads to an increase in the growth and virulence of many pathogens. Under these high iron conditions, LAB are rapidly out-competed; for the levels of probiotic bacteria to be maintained under high iron conditions they must be able to respond by increasing growth rate to compete with the normal flora. Despite this, iron-responsive genera are poorly characterised as probiotics. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we show that a panel of probiotics are not able to respond to increased iron availability, and identify an isolate of Streptococcus thermophilus that can increase growth rate in response to increased iron availability. The isolate of S. thermophilus selected was able to reduce epithelial cell death as well as NF-κB signalling and IL-8 production triggered by pathogens. It was capable of crossing an epithelial cell barrier in conjunction with E. coli and downregulating Th1 and Th17 responses in primary human intestinal leukocytes. Conclusions/Significance We propose that an inability to compete with potential pathogens under conditions of high iron availability such as stress and trauma may contribute to the lack of efficacy of many LAB-based probiotics in treating disease. Therefore, we offer an alternative paradigm which considers that probiotics should be able to be competitive during periods of intestinal bleeding, trauma or stress.
Multi-view anchor graph hashing

Multi-view hashing seeks compact integrated binary codes which preserve similarities averaged over multiple representations of objects. Most of existing multi-view hashing methods resort to linear hash functions where data manifold is not considered. In this paper we present multi-view anchor graph hashing (MVAGH), where nonlinear integrated binary codes are efficiently determined by a subset of eigenvectors of an averaged similarity matrix. The efficiency behind MVAGH is due to a low-rank form of the averaged similarity matrix induced by multi-view anchor graph, where the similarity between two points is measured by two-step transition probability through view-specific anchor (i.e. landmark) points. In addition, we observe that MVAGH suffers from the performance degradation when the high recall is required. To overcome this drawback, we propose a simple heuristic to combine MVAGH with locality sensitive hashing (LSH). Numerical experiments on CIFAR-10 dataset confirms that MVAGH(+LSH) outperforms the existing multi- and single-view hashing methods.
A pruning algorithm for extreme learning machine based on sparse coding

This paper presents a pruned sparse extreme learning machine (PS-ELM) algorithm, which can generate a compact single-hidden-layer neural network (SLNN) by automatically pruning the number of hidden nodes while keep high accuracy. In this PS-ELM algorithm, input connections between input and hidden layers are base vectors, which can sparsely map the input features into hidden layer by using gradient projection (GP) algorithm; The output weights between hidden and output layers can map the sparse features into class labels. This PS-ELM algorithm initializes the SLNN given superfluous number of hidden nodes. The subsequent training process consists of four iterative steps. The first one is to update base vectors by using Lagrange dual optimization. The second one is to prune zero base vectors which are considered to be insignificant. The third one is sparse coding which re-encodes the training samples given remained base vectors. The fourth one is to update output weight matrix by using ELM-like algorithm. This iterative process stops once the number of hidden nodes at current time is equal to the number at the last time. This PS-ELM algorithm can improve the sparsity and distinction of hidden layer feature representations. Meanwhile, the pruning is independent on hand-designed threshold. Experimental results on benchmark datasets have shown that the PS-ELM algorithm can automatically achieve a reasonable compact network structure while keep comparable or much higher accuracy in classification.
Confounded Expectations: Informedia at TRECVID 2004

For TRECVID 2004, CMU participated in the semantic feature extraction task, and the manual, interactive and automatic search tasks. For the semantic features classifiers, we tried unimodal, multi-modal and multi-concept classifiers. In interactive search, we compared a visual-only vs a complete video retrieval system using visual AND text data, and also contrasted expert vs novice users; The manual runs were similar to 2003, but they did not work comparably to last year, Additionally, we shared our low-level features with the TRECVID community.
Identification of genes in HepG2 cells that respond to DNA methylation and histone deacetylation inhibitor treatment

Previous studies have demonstrated that epigenetics has an important role in the regulation of gene expression in cancer. Epigenetics is the study of reversible, heritable changes in gene function, which occur independently from changes in the DNA sequence. DNA methylation and histone deacetylation are the two most important epigenetic modifications. DNA methylation was one of the first discovered epigenetic modifications and it may lead to changes in chromatin structure, DNA conformation and DNA stability, thereby controlling gene expression. Sample data on the HepG2 cell line from the Gene Expression Omnibus database under GSE5230 accession number were obtained and GEOquery and the limma package were then used to analyze the data and identify differentially expressed genes using Gene Otology. This was conducted in order to investigate the effect on gene expression of inhibiting DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, and to explore the potential role of epigenetics in the development and treatment of hepatic carcinoma. It was found that inhibition of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation affected not only substance metabolism, but also the immune activity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, common target sites for transcription factors were identified in the differentially expressed genes. It may be concluded that the inhibition of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation contributes to the treatment of hepatic carcinoma and may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic cancer.
Successful Aging in the Middle-Aged Gay Man

Abstract Successful aging into middle age is impeded by internalized ageism in the gay man. Developmental theory inadequately details the tasks at this stage. Lesbian and gay human developmental theory is now being conceptualized to encompass the entire lifespan. This article identifies and elaborates specific developmental tasks for the middle-aged gay man based on psychotherapy clients who successfully aged into midlife. Focusing on the elimination of internalized ageism and the development of a positive attitude towards aging, the author provides a human developmental model for successful aging at midlife.
Adaptation and habitat selection in the eco-evolutionary process

The struggle for existence occurs through the vital rates of population growth. This basic fact demonstrates the tight connection between ecology and evolution that defines the emerging field of eco-evolutionary dynamics. An effective synthesis of the interdependencies between ecology and evolution is grounded in six principles. The mechanics of evolution specifies the origin and rules governing traits and evolutionary strategies. Traits and evolutionary strategies achieve their selective value through their functional relationships with fitness. Function depends on the underlying structure of variation and the temporal, spatial and organizational scales of evolution. An understanding of how changes in traits and strategies occur requires conjoining ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Adaptation merges these five pillars to achieve a comprehensive understanding of ecological and evolutionary change. I demonstrate the value of this world-view with reference to the theory and practice of habitat selection. The theory allows us to assess evolutionarily stable strategies and states of habitat selection, and to draw the adaptive landscapes for habitat-selecting species. The landscapes can then be used to forecast future evolution under a variety of climate change and other scenarios.
Learning games and children's user experience : the effects of context

Lehtiharju, Merja Learning games and children’s user experience the effects of context Jyvaskyla: University of Jyvaskyla, 2015, 61 p. Information Systems, Master’s Thesis Supervisors: Rousi, Rebekah and Kujala, Tuomo The purpose of this thesis was to study whether or not there are differences in user experiences of children when playing digital games in two different contexts. User experiences were studied also by observing the flow experiences of the players. The game used in this study is MinecraftEdu, which a modification is made for educational purposes from Minecraft by TeacherGaming LLC. The variation of contexts is based on playing the same game in free time and during school time. Not only do the external factors vary but also the goals, tasks, and motivations because of the nature of these two contexts. The methods used are a combination of thinking aloud, co-operative observation and questionnaires. The context did seem to have an effect on the user experience even though the effects on flow experience were not found. Generally the goal making was clearly the most influential category in the play experiences of both contexts. The difference in user experience was that there is more variation in play experience during school time play experience than during free time play sessions. This might occur because of the influence of different external features existing during school time when comparing to the free time context. Environment, equipment and relations are different in these two contexts. Even though the goal making category was a major element of user experience also during free time play experiences, the pondering play style was more influential during free time and at the expense of goal making. In the pondering style player is thinking the features of the game or the earlier play experiences. It is not clear if the differences in context have an effect on the flow experience, but the same persons are getting similar flow experiences scores both during school and free time play experience. The game experience order does not seem to create the first effect acting on the play experiences in this study. Second trials received better flow scores for both those who started in school and in free time. This means that the flow experience was affected merely by the familiarity than first impression despite of the context.
Dye label interference with RNA modification reveals 5-fluorouridine as non-covalent inhibitor

The interest in RNA modification enzymes surges due to their involvement in epigenetic phenomena. Here we present a particularly informative approach to investigate the interaction of dye-labeled RNA with modification enzymes. We investigated pseudouridine (Ψ) synthase TruB interacting with an alleged suicide substrate RNA containing 5-fluorouridine (5FU). A longstanding dogma, stipulating formation of a stable covalent complex was challenged by discrepancies between the time scale of complex formation and enzymatic turnover. Instead of classic mutagenesis, we used differentially positioned fluorescent labels to modulate substrate properties in a range of enzymatic conversion between 6% and 99%. Despite this variegation, formation of SDS-stable complexes occurred instantaneously for all 5FU-substrates. Protein binding was investigated by advanced fluorescence spectroscopy allowing unprecedented simultaneous detection of change in fluorescence lifetime, anisotropy decay, as well as emission and excitation maxima. Determination of Kd values showed that introduction of 5FU into the RNA substrate increased protein affinity by 14× at most. Finally, competition experiments demonstrated reversibility of complex formation for 5FU-RNA. Our results lead us to conclude that the hitherto postulated long-term covalent interaction of TruB with 5FU tRNA is based on the interpretation of artifacts. This is likely true for the entire class of pseudouridine synthases.
Higher Leptin and Adiponectin Concentrations Predict Poorer Performance-based Physical Functioning in Midlife Women: the Michigan Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

BACKGROUND Excess fat mass is a greater contributor to functional limitations than is reduced lean mass or the presence of obesity-related conditions. The impact of fat mass on physical functioning may be due to adipokines, adipose-derived proteins that have pro- or anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS Serum samples from 1996 to 2003 that were assayed for leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were provided by 511 participants from the Michigan site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Physical functioning performance was assessed annually during study visits from 1996 to 2003. RESULTS Among this population of Black and White women (mean baseline age = 45.6 years, SD = 2.7 years), all of whom were premenopausal at baseline, higher baseline leptin concentrations predicted longer stair climb, sit-to-rise, and 2-pound lift times and shorter forward reach distance (all p < .01). This relationship persisted after adjustment for age, BMI, percent skeletal muscle mass, race/ethnicity, economic strain, bodily pain, diabetes, knee osteoarthritis, and C-reactive protein. Baseline total adiponectin concentrations did not predict any mobility measures but did predict quadriceps strength; a 1 µg/mL higher adiponectin concentration was associated with 0.64 Nm lower quadriceps strength (p = .02). Resistin was not associated with any of the physical functioning performance measures. Change in the adipokines was not associated with physical functioning. CONCLUSION In this population of middle-aged women, higher baseline leptin concentrations predicted poorer mobility-based functioning, whereas higher adiponectin concentrations predicted reduced quadriceps strength. These findings suggest that the relationship between the adipokines and physical functioning performance is independent of other known correlates of poor functioning.
An Efficient Four-State Zero Common-Mode Voltage PWM Scheme With Reduced Current Distortion for a Three-Level Inverter

In this paper, a new carrier-based pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy providing common-mode voltage (CMV) elimination and reduced current ripple in a three-level neutral-point-clamped inverter is introduced. The employed switching sequences are made up of the three zero CMV (ZCMV) vectors, and one among the three vec-tors is applied at two ends of a half-carrier cycle. The output current ripple characteristics pertaining to those switching sequences are investigated. In a carrier cycle, the root-mean-square current ripple minimization is analyzed and an optimal sequence is derived accordingly. The presented PWM scheme results in a considerably reduced current harmonic distortion in a wide modulation region as compared to the two existing ZCMV schemes on the same average switching frequency. Also, an implementation of sawtooth-carrier-based PWM patterns is proposed for further improvement of the harmonic performance. The algorithm requires small computational burden and is straightforward for an online implementation. Simulation and experimental results are both provided to validate the good performance of the proposed PWM method.
Relatedness Curves for Acquiring Paraphrases

In this paper we investigate methods for computing similarity of two phrases based on their relatedness scores across all ranks k in a SVD approximation of a phrase/term co-occurrence matrix. We confirm the major observations made in previous work and our preliminary experiments indicate that these methods can lead to reliable similarity scores which in turn can be used for the task of paraphrasing.
Hydrophobic patches on the surfaces of protein structures

A survey of hydrophobic patches on the surface of 112 soluble, monomeric proteins is presented. The largest patch on each individual protein averages around 400 Å2 but can range from 200 to 1,200 Å2. These areas are not correlated to the sizes of the proteins and only weakly to their apolar surface fraction. Ala, Lys, and Pro have dominating contributions to the apolar surface for smaller patches, while those of the hydrophobic amino acids become more important as the patch size Increases. The hydrophilic amino acids expose an approximately constant fraction of their apolar area independent of patch size; the hydrophobic residue types reach similar exposure only in the larger patches. Though the mobility of residues on the surface is generally higher, it decreases for hydrophilic residues with Increasing patch size. Several characteristics of hydrophobic patches catalogued here should prove useful in the design and engineering of proteins. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The 293 K structure of tetradehydrohaliclonacyclamine A.

The polycyclic title compound {systematic name: (1S,16S,17S,31S)-3,20-diazatetracyclo[15.15. 0(1,17). 1(3,31). 1(16,20)]tetratriaconta-6,8,23,25-tetraene}, C(32)H(52)N(2), has recently been isolated and characterized structurally, in solution by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. At 130 K the structure is monoclinic (P2(1), Z = 4) and comprises two molecules in the asymmetric unit with distinctly different conformations in the twelve-C-atom bridging chains. We report that, at 250 K, a phase change from monoclinic to orthorhombic (P22(1)2(1), Z = 4) occurs. The higher-temperature phase is structurally characterized herein at 293 K. The two different conformers resolved in the monoclinic low-temperature form merge to give a single disordered molecule in the asymmetric unit of the high-temperature phase.
Low static-power frequent-value data caches

Static energy dissipation in cache memories will constitute an increasingly larger portion of total microprocessor energy dissipation due to nanoscale technology characteristics and the large size of on-chip caches. We propose to reduce the static energy dissipation of an on-chip data cache by taking advantage of the frequent values (FV) that widely exist in a data cache memory. The original FV-based low-power cache design aimed at only reducing dynamic power, at the cost of a 5% slowdown. We propose a better design that reduces both static and dynamic cache power, and that uses a circuit design that eliminates performance overhead. A designer can utilize our architecture by simulating an application and then synthesizing the FVs into an application-specific cache design when values will not change, or by simulating and then writing to an FV-cache with configuration registers when values could change. Furthermore, we describe hardware that can dynamically determine FVs and write to the configuration registers completely transparently. Experiments on 11 Spec 2000 benchmarks show that, in addition to the dynamic power savings, 33% static energy savings for data caches can be achieved.