Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using the visual differences predictor to improve performance of progressive global illumination computation

A novel view-independent technique for progressive global illumination computing that uses prediction of visible differences to improve both efficiency and effectiveness of physically-sound lighting solutions has been developed. The technique is a mixture of stochastic (density estimation) and deterministic (adaptive mesh refinement) algorithms used in a sequence and optimized to reduce the differences between the intermediate and final images as perceived by the human observer in the course of lighting computation. The quantitive measurements of visibility were obtained using the model of human vision captured in the visible differences predictor (VDP) developed by Daly [1993]. The VDP responses were used to support the selection of the best component algorithms from a pool of global illumination solutions, and to enhance the selected algorithms for even better progressive refinement of image quality. The VDP was also used to determine the optimal sequential order of component-algorithm execution, and to choose the points at which switchover between algorithms should take place. As the VDP is computationally expensive, it was applied exclusively at the design and tuning stage of the composite technique, and so perceptual considerations are embedded into the resulting solution, though no VDP calculations were performed during lighting simulation. The proposed illumination technique is also novel, providing intermediate image solutions of high quality at unprecedented speeds, even for complex scenes. One advantage of the technique is that local estimates of global illumination are readily available at the early stages of computing, making possible the development of a more robust adaptive mesh subdivision, which is guided by local contrast information. Efficient object space filtering, also based on stochastically-derived estimates of the local illumination error, is applied to substantially reduce the visible noise inherent in stochastic solutions.
Microphysical characterization of microwave Radar reflectivity due to volcanic ash clouds

Ground-based microwave radar systems can have a valuable role in volcanic ash cloud monitoring as evidenced by available radar imagery. Their use for ash cloud detection and quantitative retrieval has been so far not fully investigated. In order to do this, a forward electromagnetic model is set up and examined taking into account various operating frequencies such as S-, C-, X-, and Ka-bands. A dielectric and microphysical characterization of volcanic vesicular ash is carried out. Particle size-distribution (PSD) functions are derived both from the sequential fragmentation-transport (SFT) theory of pyroclastic deposits, leading to a scaled-Weibull PSD, and from more conventional scaled-Gamma PSD functions. Best fitting of these theoretical PSDs to available measured ash data at ground is performed in order to determine the value of the free PSD parameters. The radar backscattering from spherical-equivalent ash particles is simulated up to Ka-band and the accuracy of the Rayleigh scattering approximation is assessed by using an accurate ensemble particle scattering model. A classification scheme of ash average concentration and particle size is proposed and a sensitivity study of ash radar backscattering to model parameters is accomplished. A comparison with C-band radar signatures is finally illustrated and discussed.
Vitality predicts level of guideline-concordant care in routine treatment of mood, anxiety and somatoform disorders.

OBJECTIVE To examine the clinical and psychosocial correlates of adherence to treatment guidelines among outpatients with common mental disorders in a routine clinical setting. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed 192 patients who were treated for a mood, anxiety or somatoform disorder with pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy or a combination of both treatment modalities. Guideline adherence was assessed with a disorder independent set of quality indicators during up to 3 years of follow-up. At baseline, a standardized diagnostic interview, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and demographic variables were assessed. Using multivariable regression analysis we identified independent predictors associated with guideline adherence. RESULTS Patients were aged 36.8 years (SD 11.6) on average. The majority of patients were treated with psychotherapy (47.4%), followed by pharmacotherapy (37.5%) and a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy (15.1%). Three adherence groups were defined: low (29.7%), intermediate (43.2%) and high (27.1%). Univariate predictors of low adherence were low scores on the subscales vitality and social functioning of the SF-36. In the multivariable model, low adherence was independently predicted by a score lower than 50 on the subscale vitality of the SF-36 (odds ratio per 10 units increase in vitality = 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.71). No significant differences were found within socio-demographic variables, co-morbidity and the scores on the BSI subscales between the adherence groups. CONCLUSIONS We found that patients with low scores on the vitality subscale of the SF-36 were at the highest risk to receive low guideline-concordant care. Understanding factors that affect treatment adherence may help to prevent non-adherence and increase the quality of care as well as cost-effectiveness.
A Routing Architecture for MPLS-TE Networks

This paper deals with Multi-Protocol Label Switching-Traffic Engineering Routing (MPLS-TE Routing) Systems which offer key Traffic Engineering features, such as optimization of resources utilization, Quality-of-Service (QoS) and Fast Recovery. Numerous MPLS-TE Routing systems have been defined in the past with their own advantages and drawbacks. This paper proposes a generic architecture for MPLS-TE Routing Systems, with the main objective of helping in classification, analysis and improvement of these systems or the design of new systems. This architecture includes main functions that may be required in an MPLS-TE Routing System. These functions and their interactions are described. Various approaches and options for the implementation and the distribution of these functions in network elements are qualitatively analyzed. A classification of some well known MPLS-TE routing systems is finally proposed.
Molecular epidemiological analysis of bat rabies viruses in Brazil.

A molecular epidemiological analysis was performed in 19 rabies viruses (RVs) isolated from haematophagous, frugivorous and insectivorous bats, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The authors carried out RT-PCR for amplification of the RV nucleoprotein (N) gene, and determined 1,335 nucleotide sequences of N gene by direct sequencing method. Phylogenetic analysis, which was based on the N gene of Brazilian RV isolates identified presently and previously, revealed that RVs isolated from bats were genetically divided into four lineages had a tendency to depend on the host bat species. The first lineage consisted mainly of haematophagous bat (Desmodus rotundus) isolates, including frugivorous bat (Artibeus spp.) isolates. Other three lineages consisted of insectivorous bat isolates; mainly Eptesicus spp. , Molossus spp. and Nyctinomops spp. isolates, respectively. These results indicate a possibility of that there are bat species-specific RV variants in Brazil.
Neuropsychological Correlates of Hazard Perception in Older Adults

Abstract Objectives: Hazard perception, the ability to identify and react to hazards while driving, is of growing importance in driving research, given its strong relationship to real word driving variables. Furthermore, although poor hazard perception is associated with novice drivers, recent research suggests that it declines with advanced age. In the present study, we examined the neuropsychological correlates of hazard perception in a healthy older adult sample. Methods: A total of 68 adults age 60 and older who showed no signs of dementia and were active drivers completed a battery of neuropsychological tests as well as a hazard perception task. Tests included the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, Wechsler Test of Adult Reading, Trail Making Test, Block Design, Useful Field of View, and the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Color Word Interference Test. Results: Hazard perception errors were related to visuospatial/constructional skills, processing speed, memory, and executive functioning skills, with a battery of tests across these domains accounting for 36.7% of the variance in hazard perception errors. Executive functioning, particularly Trail Making Test part B, emerged as a strong predictor of hazard perception ability. Conclusions: Consistent with prior work showing the relationship of neuropsychological performance to other measures of driving ability, neuropsychological performance was associated with hazard perception skill. Future studies should examine the relationship of neuropsychological changes in adults who are showing driving impairment and/or cognitive changes associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia. (JINS, 2015, 21, 332–340)
Breaking Substitution Ciphers Using a . Relaxation Algorithm

S h m u e l P e l e g a n d A z r i e l R o s e n f e l d U n i v e r s i t y o f M a r y l a n d In this paper, a completely automatic method for breaking substitution ciphers is presented, based on relaxation methods. Relaxation algorithms have recently been introduced in image processing [4, 6]. They are iterative parallel classification algorithms, where every element in a graph structure tries to estimate its class membership probabilities based on those of its neighbors. The process is iterated until a satisfactory classification is achieved. A new formulation of relaxation [4, 5], based on probability theory, paves the way for more general applications of relaxation. The use of relaxation for domains other than image classification is demonstrated in this paper. Section 2 describes the relaxation approach to probabilistic graph labeling; Section 4 discusses the application of this approach to substitution ciphers; and Section 5 summarizes the results obtained.
Mid-air text input techniques for very large wall displays

Traditional text input modalities, namely keyboards, are often not appropriate for use when standing in front of very large wall displays. Direct interaction techniques, such as handwriting, are better, but are not well suited to situations where users are not in close physical proximity to the display. We discuss the potential of mid-air interaction techniques for text input on very large wall displays, and introduce two factors, distance-dependence and visibility-dependence, which are useful for segmenting the design space of mid-air techniques. We then describe three techniques that were designed with the goal of exploring the design space, and present a comparative evaluation of those techniques. Questions raised by the evaluation were investigated further in a second evaluation focusing on distance-dependence. The two factors of distance- and visibility-dependence can guide the design of future text input techniques, and our results suggest that distance-independent techniques may be best for use with very large wall displays.
Anomaly detection for sea surveillance

In this paper, unsupervised clustering of normal vessel traffic patterns is proposed and implemented, where patterns are represented as the momentary location, speed and course of tracked vessels. The learnt cluster models are used for anomaly detection in sea traffic. The Gaussian Mixture Model is used as cluster model and a greedy version of the Expectation-Maximization algorithm is used as clustering algorithm. The models have been trained and evaluated using real recorded sea traffic. A qualitative analysis reveals that the most distinguishing anomalies found in the traffic are vessels crossing sea lanes and vessels traveling close to and in the opposite direction of sea lanes. In order to detect complex anomalies involving multiple vessels and/or behavior that develop over time, a more sophisticated pattern model should be developed. Yet, the generality of the proposed model is stressed, as it is potentially applicable to other domains involving surveillance of moving objects.
FIRST PASSAGE TIMES OF A JUMP DIFFUSION PROCESS

This paper studies the first passage times to flat boundaries for a double exponential jump diffusion process, which consists of a continuous part driven by a Brownian motion and a jump part with jump sizes having a double exponential distribution. Explicit solutions of the Laplace transforms, of both the distribution of the first passage times and the joint distribution of the process and its runningmaxima, are obtained. Because of the overshoot problems associated with general jump diffusion processes, the double exponential jump diffusion process offers a rare case in which analytical solutions for the first passage times are feasible. In addition, it leads to several interesting probabilistic results. Numerical examples are also given. The finance applications include pricing barrier and lookback options.
A generalized stoichiometric model of C3, C2, C2+C4, and C4 photosynthetic metabolism

Abstract The goal of suppressing photorespiration in crops to maximize assimilation and yield is stimulating considerable interest among researchers looking to bioengineer carbon‐concentrating mechanisms into C3 plants. However, detailed quantification of the biochemical activities in the bundle sheath is lacking. This work presents a general stoichiometric model for C3, C2, C2+C4, and C4 assimilation (SMA) in which energetics, metabolite traffic, and the different decarboxylating enzymes (NAD‐dependent malic enzyme, NADP‐dependent malic enzyme, or phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) are explicitly included. The SMA can be used to refine experimental data analysis or formulate hypothetical scenarios, and is coded in a freely available Microsoft Excel workbook. The theoretical underpinnings and general model behaviour are analysed with a range of simulations, including (i) an analysis of C3, C2, C2+C4, and C4 in operational conditions; (ii) manipulating photorespiration in a C3 plant; (iii) progressively upregulating a C2 shuttle in C3 photosynthesis; (iv) progressively upregulating a C4 cycle in C2 photosynthesis; and (v) manipulating processes that are hypothesized to respond to transient environmental inputs. Results quantify the functional trade‐offs, such as the electron transport needed to meet ATP/NADPH demand, as well as metabolite traffic, inherent to different subtypes. The SMA refines our understanding of the stoichiometry of photosynthesis, which is of paramount importance for basic and applied research.
Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of TSV Multi-chip Stacked Packages for Reliable 3D IC Applications

A multi-chip stacked package using through silicon-vias (TSVs) still has the reliability concerns due to tremendous number of TSVs and micro-bumps in the stacked chips. Cu-filled TSVs may bring about process-induced failures as copper protrusion or copper diffusion into silicon lattice. Micro-bumps have various failure modes such as non-wet, bump cracking, and head-in-pillow joints, which are obviously fatal in terms of long-term reliability of electronic products. At first, this paper introduces well-designed TSV test vehicles and test pattern architectures to address the robust and reliable 3D applications. Specially designed test features would provide the appropriate solutions how to ensure reliability as well as connectivity of TSVs and micro-bumps. This paper also describes several fault isolation techniques and physical failure analysis. And mechanical reliability of TSV multi-chip stack packages has been evaluated with proper test patterns. Finally thermal simulation and thermal resistance measurement results will be introduced for the understanding of thermal dissipation behavior.
Adaptive Evolutionary Algorithm for a Multi-Objective VRP

The Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Balanced Routes and Time Windows (CVRPBRTW) aims at optimizing the total distance cost, the number of vehicles used, and the route balancing subject to time windows and other constraints. Due to the multiple and often conflicting objectives, the proposed problem is formulated and tackled in a MultiObjective Optimization manner using a Hybrid Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decomposition (MOEA/D) hybridized with a pool of local search heuristics. The application of local search heuristics is not uniform but depends on specific objective preferences and instance requirements. To test the efficacy of the proposed approach, extensive experiments were conducted on well known benchmark problem instances and results were compared with other MOEAs.
Selective Decode-and-Forward Using Fixed Relays and Packet Accumulation

We propose a cooperative scheme using a fixed relay based on the selective decode-and-forward (SDF) protocol. The relay accumulates Z source packets, concatenates them into a single packet, and forwards this single packet to the destination with an increased spectral efficiency. The proposed scheme can considerably outperform the conventional SDF protocol, at the cost of a moderate increased maximum delay.
Expression is a Frequent Event in Primary Invasive Melanoma and Correlates with Sensitivity to the CDK 4 / 6 Inhibitor PD 0332991 in Melanoma Cell Lines

This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12228 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Received Date : 14-Sep-2013 Revised Date : 20-Dec-2013 Accepted Date : 30-Jan-2014 Article type : Original Article Manuscript Category: Experimental therapeutics / Preclinical (ETP)
In search of the sweet spot: agile open collaborative corporate software development

Corporate software developers are faced with many difficulties. Development windows are decreasing; scale and complexity are increasing; business requirements are vague and changing; and the underlying technology moves ever on. Agile methods have emerged as leading contenders to tame these challenges. Small teams, face-to-face communication, an emphasis on simplicity and a selection of development best practices contribute to software development which is relevant, yet fast and flexible. At the same time, Open Source Software is increasingly providing infrastructure, tools and components to companies. Progressive development teams are beginning to work in more open, collaborative, and distributed ways. In some respects these practices are similar to agile practices, but in important ways, very different. Yet, both are important and offer unique benefits. This paper discusses the prospects of combining the two in the context of corporate software development, and the approach we suggest to do this.
Effects of overexpression of the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase AhpC on the virulence and isoniazid resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mutations to the regulatory region of the ahpC gene, resulting in overproduction of alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, were encountered frequently in a large collection of isoniazid (INH)-resistant clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis but not in INH-susceptible strains. Overexpression of ahpC did not seem to be important for INH resistance, however, as most of these strains were already defective for catalase-peroxidase, KatG, the enzyme required for activation of INH. Transformation of the INH-susceptible reference strain, M. tuberculosis H37Rv, with plasmids bearing the ahpC genes of M. tuberculosis or M. leprae did not result in a significant increase in the MIC. Two highly INH-resistant mutants of H37Rv, BH3 and BH8, were isolated in vitro and shown to produce no or little KatG activity and, in the case of BH3, to overproduce alkyl hydroperoxide reductase as the result of an ahpC regulatory mutation that was also found in some clinical isolates. The virulence of H37Rv, BH3, and BH8 was studied intensively in three mouse models: fully immunocompetent BALB/c and Black 6 mice, BALB/c major histocompatibility complex class II-knockout mice with abnormally low levels of CD4 T cells and athymic mice producing no cellular immune response. The results indicated that M. tuberculosis strains producing catalase-peroxidase were considerably more virulent in immunocompetent mice than the isogenic KatG-deficient mutants but that loss of catalase-peroxidase was less important when immunodeficient mice, unable to produce activated macrophages, were infected. Restoration of virulence was not seen in an INH-resistant M. tuberculosis strain that overexpressed ahpC, and this finding was confirmed by experiments performed with appropriate M. bovis strains in guinea pigs. Thus, in contrast to catalase-peroxidase, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase does not appear to act as a virulence factor in rodent infections or to play a direct role in INH resistance, although it may be important in maintaining peroxide homeostasis of the organism when KatG activity is low or absent.
Role of endoplasmic reticulum depletion and multidomain proapoptotic BAX and BAK proteins in shaping cell death after hypericin‐mediated photodynamic therapy

Both the commitment event and the modality of cell death in photodynamic therapy (PDT) remain poorly defined. We report that PDT with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐associating hypericin leads to an immediate loss of SERCA2 protein levels, causing disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and cell death. Protection of SERCA2 protein rescues ER‐Ca2+ levels and prevents cell death, suggesting that SERCA2 photodestruction with consequent incapability of the ER to maintain intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is causal to cell killing. Apoptosis is rapidly initiated after ER‐Ca2+ depletion and strictly requires the BAX/BAK gateway at the mitochondria. Bax−/− Bak−/− double‐knockout (DKO) cells are protected from apoptosis but undergo autophagy‐associated cell death as revealed by electron microscopy and biochemical analysis. Autophagy inhibitors, but not caspase antagonists, significantly reduce death of DKO cells, suggesting that sustained autophagy is lethal. Thus, following ER photodamage and consequent disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis, BAX and BAK proteins model PDT‐mediated cell killing, which is executed through apoptosis in their presence or via an autophagic pathway in their absence.
Enhancing energy efficiency in resource allocation for real-time cloud services

Improving energy efficiency is a multidimensional challenge regarding cloud computing environments management, which can directly reduce the operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions, while increasing the system reliability. An energy-efficient resource allocation approach for real-time cloud services is proposed in this paper. Several policies for provisioning of virtual machines (VMs) and hosts for the purpose of minimizing energy consumption and deadline miss rate are presented here. Resource allocation is optimized in order to increase the acceptance rate of real-time tasks through VM scaling and migration. This proposed algorithm significantly reduces energy consumption, and guarantees the timing constraints of tasks in an effective manner.
The Context, Perspective, and Mission of ABPsi

On September 1, 1967, a year before the advent of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) and a mere 7 months before his death, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., took the podium at the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) annual convention in Washington, D.C., as the convention’s Invited Distinguished Address (reprinted in the Journal of Social Issues, Vol. 24, No. 1, 1968). His critique and call to action remain highly instructive and predestined the myriad reasons that birthed the ABPsi. Dr. King audaciously and eloquently stated,