Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Biological Process and Key Pathway in Three Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Species Under Drought Stress

Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses that seriously affects cotton growth, development, and production worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism, key pathway, and responsible genes for drought tolerance incotton have not been stated clearly. In this research, high-throughput next generation sequencing technique was utilized to investigate gene expression profiles of three cotton species (Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, and Gossypium barbadense L.) under drought stress. A total of 6968 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, where 2053, 742, and 4173 genes were tested as statistically significant; 648, 320, and 1998 genes were up-regulated, and 1405, 422, and 2175 were down-regulated in TM-1, Zhongmian-16, and Pima4-S, respectively. Total DEGs were annotated and classified into functional groups under gene ontology analysis. The biological process was present only in tolerant species(TM-1), indicating drought tolerance condition. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes showed the involvement of plant hormone signal transduction and metabolic pathways enrichment under drought stress. Several transcription factors associated with ethylene-responsive genes (ICE1, MYB44, FAMA, etc.) were identified as playing key roles in acclimatizing to drought stress. Drought also caused significant changes in the expression of certain functional genes linked to abscisic acid (ABA) responses (NCED, PYL, PP2C, and SRK2E), reactive oxygen species (ROS) related in small heat shock protein and 18.1 kDa I heat shock protein, YLS3, and ODORANT1 genes. These results will provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms of drought stress adaptation in cotton.
Exploiting the HTX-Board as a Coprocessor for Exact Arithmetics

Certain numerical computations benefit from dedicated computation units, e.g. providing increased computation accuracy. Exploiting current interconnection technologies and advances in reconfigurable logic, restrictions and drawbacks of past approaches towards application-specific units can be overcome. This paper presents our implementation of an FPGA-based hardware unit for exact arithmetics. The unit is tightly integrated into the host system using state-of-the-art HyperTransport technology. An according runtime system provides OS-level support including dynamic function resolution. The approach demonstrates suitability and applicability of the chosen technologies, setting the pace towards broadly acceptable use of reconfigurable coprocessor technology for application-specific computing.
I Know That Person: Generative Full Body and Face De-identification of People in Images

We propose a model for full body and face deidentification of humans in images. Given a segmentation of the human figure, our model generates a synthetic human image with an alternative appearance that looks natural and fits the segmentation outline. The model is usable with various levels of segmentation, from simple human figure blobs to complex garment-level segmentations. The level of detail in the de-identified output depends on the level of detail in the input segmentation. The model de-identifies not only primary biometric identifiers (e.g. the face), but also soft and non-biometric identifiers including clothing, hairstyle, etc. Quantitative and perceptual experiments indicate that our model produces de-identified outputs that thwart human and machine recognition, while preserving data utility and naturalness.
Performance Evaluation of an Algorithm for Estimation of DOA Using Model Estimation Technique

This paper proposes a model for estimating the direction of arrival (DOA) of a signal source impinging on a Uniform Linear Array(ULA). An algorithm which uses this model for estimating the delay of the signal received at two separated sensors, in a system identification perspective has been developed and its performance is compared with the results obtained through beam forming using conventional and Minimum Variance Distortionless Response(MVDR) methods. The unknown parameter, which is the phase delay at the sensors, as a result of the target presence at any bearing is estimated using the proposed method. The phase delayed signals at any sensor is generated by interpolating the samples form the previous sensor. The interpolation coefficients are estimated by considering them as part of the state vector of an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The EKF is used to recursively estimate the interpolation coefficients and thereby the delay. Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the model and the algorithm in estimating DOA both for narrowband and broadband signals. The mean of the estimates shows a reasonable degree of convergence to the true value. The variance of the estimate of the proposed method is less than that of the conventional method and very close to the MVDR method. Further it has been found that the proposed method exhibits a faster convergence.
Subjective and objective quality evaluation of lar coded art images

Quality assessment is of major importance when designing and testing an image/video coding technique. Compression performances are usually evaluated by means of rate-distortion curves. However, the PSNR is commonly employed as the distortion measure. We hereby present a full quality assessment benchmark for the LAR (Locally Adaptive Resolution) coder. We conducted a subjective experiment, where nineteen observers were asked to assess the perceptual quality of LAR coded images under normalized viewing conditions. Furthermore, five objective quality assessment metrics were used in order to determine the most suitable metric for the LAR coder. Finally, both JPEG and JPEG200 images were generated and assessed during the subjective experiment in order to define the optimal quality metric which should be used when comparing the codecs' output images quality.
Numerical Simulation and Dimensional Analysis for Impact Resistant of the Building Structures

Theoretical analysis and numerical calculation of the building structures with impact resistant character depend on the parameters and results of the experiment. The dimensions of the plototype is shrunken to the experimental model. The minification of the dimension and strength is not accordant between the plototype and the experimental model. Usually,the relative strength of the experimental model is greater than the plototype. Thus, the research on convergent-divergent ratio is needed when designing the experimental model with impact resistant character. The relationship between convergent-divergent of physical dimension and deformation, stress, pressure, wave speed, time, mass point speed is researched based on impact dimensional analysis. The lamination crack of concrete is also obtained.
Linear 2D localization and mapping for single and multiple robot scenarios

We show how to recover 2D structure and motion linearly in order to initialize simultaneous mapping and localization (SLAM) for bearings-only measurements and planar motion. The method supplies a good initial estimate of the geometry, even without odometry or in multiple robot scenarios. Hence, it substantially enlarges the scope in which non-linear batch-type SLAM algorithms can be applied. The method is applicable when at least seven landmarks are seen from three different vantage points, whether by one robot that moves over time or by multiple robots that observe a set of common landmarks.
Using Abstractions for Decision-Theoretic Planning with Time Constraints

Recently Markov decision processes and optimal control policies have been applied to the problem of decision-theoretic planning. However, the classical methods for generating optimal policies are highly intractable, requiring explicit enumeration of large state spaces. We explore a method for generating abstractions that allow approximately optimal policies to be constructed; computational gains are achieved through reduction of the state space. Abstractions are generated by identifying propositions that are "relevant" either through their direct impact on utility, or their influence on actions. This information is gleaned from the representation of utilities and actions. We prove bounds on the loss in value due to abstraction and describe some preliminary experimental results.
Live demonstration: Spiking neural circuit based navigation inspired by C. elegans thermotaxis

We demonstrate a Spiking Neural Network (SNN) driven autonomous navigation system implemented on a robot. The neural architecture is inspired by those in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans used for thermotaxis, the behavior of tracking thermal isotherms. Our network uses light intensity as the sensor input, instead of temperature in the worm. The network is able to detect the gradations in sensor-input based on local information, and to make decisions in real time. This enables the robot to do a random search and to track specific intensity regions.
Impaired Inhibitory Force Feedback in Fixed Dystonia

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a multifactorial disorder associated with an aberrant host response to tissue injury. About 25% of CRPS patients suffer poorly understood involuntary sustained muscle contractions associated with dysfunctional reflexes that result in abnormal postures (fixed dystonia). A recent modeling study simulated fixed dystonia (FD) caused by aberrant force feedback. The current study aims to validate this hypothesis by experimentally recording the modulation of reflexive force feedback in patients with FD. CRPS patients with and without FD, patients with FD but without CRPS, as well as healthy controls participated in the experiment. Three task instructions and three perturbation characteristics were used to evoke a wide range of responses to force perturbations. During position tasks (“maintain posture”), healthy subjects as well as patients resisted the perturbations, becoming more stiff than when being relaxed (i.e., the relax task). Healthy subjects and CRPS patients without FD were both more compliant during force tasks (“maintain force”) than during relax tasks, meaning they actively gave way to the imposed forces. Remarkably, the patients with FD failed to do so. A neuromuscular model was fitted to the experimental data to separate the distinct contributions of position, velocity and force feedback, as well as co-contraction to the motor behavior. The neuromuscular modeling indicated that inhibitory force feedback is deregulated in patients with FD, for both CRPS and non-CRPS patients. From previously published simulation results and the present experimental study, it is concluded that aberrant force feedback plays a role in fixed dystonia.
Talash: Friend Finding In Federated Social Networks

In large online social networks, Friend Recommendation has evolved into an interesting problem. We try to nd known acquaintances and new interesting friends on a Federated Social Network (FSN) , using StatusNet as our platform. FSNs are decentralized networks on the internet which can interoperate using the OStatus Suite of protocols. Friend nding on these networks is hard because we do not know the existence of other social networks or Users. We show how Linked Data representation like FOAF can solve this problem. We devise a model for the Federated Network centered around a User and use it to dene the problem of Friend Finding. The solution uses two phases, rst known as Quick Connect which tries to nd old acquaintances. The second phase, Delayed Connect uses the Social Graph of Users to nd prospective friends. We show how the FSN information centered around a User can be extracted from FOAF entries and generate new recommendations. We shall illustrate the working of Talash as a part of StatusNet. We experimented on the existing FSN and collected feedback from its Users. The results are encouraging and open new avenues for Friend Finding on the Internet. To the best of our knowledge, this is the rst study of Federated Social Networks and the problem of Friend Finding in them.
Aortic vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 Tesla: A reproducibility study of respiratory navigator gated free‐breathing 3D black blood magnetic resonance imaging

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a free‐breathing three‐dimensional (3D) dual inversion‐recovery (DIR) segmented k‐space gradient‐echo (turbo field echo [TFE]) imaging sequence at 3T for the quantification of aortic vessel wall dimensions. The effect of respiratory motion suppression on image quality was tested. Furthermore, the reproducibility of the aortic vessel wall measurements was investigated. Seven healthy subjects underwent 3D DIR TFE imaging of the aortic vessel wall with and without respiratory navigator. Subsequently, this sequence with respiratory navigator was performed twice in 10 healthy subjects to test its reproducibility. The signal‐to‐noise (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), vessel wall sharpness, and vessel wall volume (VWV) were assessed. Data were compared using the paired t‐test, and the reproducibility of VWV measurements was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). SNR, CNR, and vessel wall sharpness were superior in scans performed with respiratory navigator compared to scans performed without. The ICCs concerning intraobserver, interobserver, and interscan reproducibility were excellent (0.99, 0.94, and 0.95, respectively). In conclusion, respiratory motion suppression substantially improves image quality of 3D DIR TFE imaging of the aortic vessel wall at 3T. Furthermore, this optimized technique with respiratory motion suppression enables assessment of aortic vessel wall dimensions with high reproducibility. Magn Reson Med 61:35–44, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acceptance with joy: Writing as a means of embodying compassion

This article reports on research using writing workshops conducted with three women who distanced themselves from problematic relationships with their bodies that were induced by eating disorders. The article focuses on the use of writing tasks based on appreciative inquiry and outsider witnessing processes, practised with a group of women in a manner that provided space for the participants to story compassion for their bodies. The article explores the writing tasks that the participants were invited to undertake, and discusses the subsequent interviewing and outsider witnessing process as forms of narrative therapy practice. The article also documents the process of capturing a participant’s voice in a rescued speech poem.
In Vivo Monitoring of Natural Killer Cell Trafficking During Tumor Immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells are a crucial part of the innate immune system and play critical roles in host anti-viral, anti-microbial, and antitumor responses. The elucidation of NK cell biology and their therapeutic use are actively being pursued with 200 clinical trials currently underway. In this review, we outline the role of NK cells in cancer immunotherapies and summarize current noninvasive imaging technologies used to track NK cells in vivo to investigate mechanisms of action, develop new therapies, and evaluate efficacy of adoptive transfer.
Kinetics of biosynthetic human proinsulin in patients with terminal renal insufficiency.

Eight volunteers with terminal renal insufficiency having consented to the investigation, were given an i.v. bolus administration of 40 pmol biosynthetic human proinsulin on their dialysis-free day. Intravenous blood for the determination of blood glucose proinsulin, insulin and C-peptide was collected in short intervals for 6 hours and thereafter in longer intervals for 24 hours. Proinsulin was determined by immunoradiometric assay with monoclonal antibodies. The proinsulin kinetics were compared with the kinetics of normal volunteers. The behaviour of proinsulin concentration-time is best described with a 3-compartment model. The dominant biological half-life in terminal renal insufficiency was 6.8 hours which signifies a 4.4-fold increase of the normal half-life. The distribution volumes (V1) in the central compartment do not differ in the two groups, whereas the distribution volume after complete distribution (Vss) is significantly increased in renal insufficiency. The total metabolic clearance in renal insufficiency namely 0.63 ml/kg/min is 2.6 times lower compared to normal subjects with 1.67 ml/kg/min. The extra-renal clearance is 39% of the total metabolic clearance rate, whereas the renal clearance comprises 61%. Peripheral conversion from proinsulin to insulin and C-peptide does not occur in terminal renal insufficiency. The basal endogenous proinsulin secretion rate in renal insufficiency does not differ from that of normal volunteers. The following conclusions can be drawn: 1) Hyperinsulinism observed in renal insufficiency can be explained by circulating proinsulin. 2) In the potential therapeutic use of biosynthetic human proinsulin in diabetics with renal insufficiency dosis adjustment according to the remaining renal function would probably be required.
SaRAD: a Simple and Robust Abbreviation Dictionary

MOTIVATION Due to recent interest in the use of textual material to augment traditional experiments it has become necessary to automatically cluster, classify and filter natural language information. RESULTS The Simple and Robust Abbreviation Dictionary (SaRAD) provides an easy to implement, high performance tool for the construction of a biomedical symbol dictionary. The algorithms, applied to the MEDLINE document set, result in a high quality dictionary and toolset to disambiguate abbreviation symbols automatically.
Preemptive Action: Accelerating Human Reaction using Electrical Muscle Stimulation Without Compromising Agency

We enable preemptive force-feedback systems to speed up human reaction time without fully compromising the user's sense of agency. Typically these interfaces actuate by means of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) or mechanical actuators; they preemptively move the user to perform a task, such as to improve movement performance (e.g., EMS-assisted drumming). Unfortunately, when using preemptive force-feedback users do not feel in control and loose their sense of agency. We address this by actuating the user's body, using EMS, within a particular time window (160 ms after visual stimulus), which we found to speed up reaction time by 80 ms in our first study. With this preemptive timing, when the user and system move congruently, the user feels that they initiated the motion, yet their reaction time is faster than usual. As our second study demonstrated, this particular timing significantly increased agency when compared to the current practice in EMS-based devices. We conclude by illustrating, using examples from the HCI literature, how to leverage our findings to provide more agency to automated haptic interfaces.
Marital Interaction Coding System.

Abstract : The marital interaction coding system (MICS) has been developed and used to objectively record verbal and nonverbal behaviors that occur as marriage partners attempt to negotiate, in a laboratory setting, resolutions of their marital problems. Primary emphasis is placed on the accurate coding of every behavior emitted that can be classified, with these responses being recorded sequentially in 30-second blocks. The basic unit is defined as a verbal or nonverbal response which is homogeneous in content, without regard for its duration or its arbitrary syntactical properties, such as division into words and sentences. Homogeneity of content is judged with reference to the 28 categories which have been created.
Perspective sur la mémoire sociale de Maurice Halbwachs : La mémoire sociale

Cette relecture de l'œuvre de Maurice Halbwachs vise a examiner l'etude de la memoire sociale en tant qu'elle est une contribution remarquable a la morphologie sociale tant sous l'angle de la definition des problemes que sous celui des solutions avancees. La sociologie de la memoire de Maurice Halbwachs est une sociologie de l'experience sociale. Dans un premier temps, l'A. soutiendra que celle-ci constitue une theorie de la socialisation qui met au jour les modalites d'appropriation sociale de l'existence humaine a travers l'organisation et la mise en rapport des memoires collectives. Dans un second temps, ses prolongements sont explores. Ce modele de socialisation fonde sur l'etude de la multiplicite des memoires et leurs regles sociales de composition ouvre le champ de recherche des formes de l'intelligence sociale constituant l'existence complexe contemporaine ainsi localisee a travers ces memoires de l'experience et dans l'experience. A l'appui de cette mise en perspective de la sociologie de la memoire de Maurice Halbwachs, l'A. trace un parallele entre ses travaux et ceux, subsequents, de J. Piaget, qui constate que l'activite de la memoire se confond pratiquement dans son integration avec celle de l'intelligence humaine
Steganalysis of Colored JPEG Images

Images, especially colored JPEG images, are increasingly being used as cover by many steganography techniques. Steganalysis detects the presence of message embedded by steganography techniques. Many authors have given different steganalysis techniques which differ mainly on the feature sets being used. In this paper we are comparing feature sets of six of these steganalysis techniques for multiclass JPEG steganalysis. The work considers three JPEG steganography techniques (i.e. F5, OutGuess and Model-Based) and different embedding rates for creating stego images. SVM, a binary classifier by nature, is used as classifier and to handle multiple classification task of multi-class steganalysis One-Against-All technique is applied. Experimental results show that the ability of steganalysis schemes to detect stego-images vary for different steganography techniques. Also, the performance of steganalysis schemes show upward trend with increase in the embedding rate.
Consumer acoustic reflectometry by parents in detecting middle-ear fluid among children undergoing tympanostomy

Objective. This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of a consumer model acoustic reflectometer in the hands of parents in the detection of middle-ear fluid among children. Design. Prospective diagnostic study according to STARD guidelines. Acoustic reflectometry recorded by the parents was compared with otomicroscopic myringotomy with suction in general anaesthesia, performed immediately afterwards. Setting. Secondary care (Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, Finland). Patients. Pre-school (<7 years) children undergoing otomicroscopic myringotomy due to recurrent acute otitis media or suspicion of glue ear. Main outcome measures. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of acoustic reflectometry. Results. Consumer model acoustic reflectometry performed by parents reached sensitivity of 94% (95% confidence interval 88–100%) and negative predictive value of 92% (83–100%) with result 1 (green colour) on a scale of 1–5. On the other hand, the method was not very specific and positive predictive value was poor. Conclusions. The negative screening result was very reliable. Thus, home screening of otitis among otitis-prone children and home follow-up of resolution of middle-ear fluid afterwards deserves to be studied in the home setting in the future.