Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What is the set of images of an object under all possible lighting conditions?

The appearance of a particular object depends on both the viewpoint from which it is observed and the light sources by which it is illuminated. If the appearance of two objects is never identical for any pose or lighting conditions, then-in theory - the objects can always be distinguished or recognized. The question arises: What is the set of images of an object under all lighting conditions and pose? In this paper, we consider only the set of images of an object under variable illumination (including multiple, extended light sources and attached shadows). We prove that the set of n-pixel images of a convex object with a Lambertian reflectance function, illuminated by an arbitrary number of point light sources at infinity, forms a convex polyhedral cone in IR/sup n/ and that the dimension of this illumination cone equals the number of distinct surface normals. Furthermore, we show that the cone for a particular object can be constructed from three properly chosen images. Finally, we prove that the set of n-pixel images of an object of any shape and with an arbitrary reflectance function, seen under all possible illumination conditions, still forms a convex cone in IR/sup n/. These results immediately suggest certain approaches to object recognition. Throughout this paper, we offer results demonstrating the empirical validity of the illumination cone representation.
Analysis of RTO Caused by Retransmission Loss to Combat Channel Noise

A Retransmission Time Out (RTO) is inevitable, when the retransmission of a packet fails to reach the receiver. An RTO compels TCP to reduce packet flow drastically. However, in case of an RTO resulting from retransmission failure caused by the channel noise, reduction in the flow is inappropriate. The problem is compounded when a TCP sender is forbidden to continue transmission till the occurrence of the timeout. In this paper, we investigate the impact of such RTOs with the help of an empirical mathematical analysis. The analysis presented in the paper calculates the idle period of the sender in terms of number of RTTs, which depends on the value of congestion window before the timeout. The mathematical analysis is supported by the results of simulation based experiments and the evaluation of a scheme that improves TCP performance in case of avoidable timeouts caused by the loss of retransmission on an erroneous wireless link.
EXIT chart approximations using the role model approach

Extrinsic Information Transfer (EXIT) functions can be measured by statistical methods if the message alphabet size is moderate or if messages are true a-posteriori distributions. We propose an approximation we call mixed information that constitutes a lower bound for the true EXIT function and can be estimated by statistical methods even when the message alphabet is large and histogram-based approaches are impractical, or when messages are not true probability distributions and time-averaging approaches are not applicable. We illustrate this with the hypothetical example of a rank-only message passing decoder for which it is difficult to compute or measure EXIT functions in the conventional way. We show that the role model approach [9] can be used to optimize post-processing for the decoder and that it coincides with Monte Carlo integration in the non-parametric case. It is guaranteed to tend towards the optimal Bayesian post-processing estimator and can be applied in a blind setup with unknown code-symbols to optimize the check-node operation for non-binary Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) decoders.
Internet Multi-Tier Information Retrieval Agent System Architecture

The explosive growth in the volume of information available on the Internet computing environments requires new architectures for information retrieval systems. Typically, in these environments, the information resources are dynamic, heterogeneous and distributed. In addition, these computing environments are open, where information resources may be connected or disconnected at any time. This paper presents the design and implementation details of N-Tier Agent-Based Architecture For Web Information Retrieval. It will also explained that how these agents communicate with each other in order to accomplish information retrieval through an AMR (Agent Messaging Router) which is a part of a software package called JAT (Java Agent Template). JAT provides the basic infrastructure for creation of agents and their communication.
ReHLS: Resource-Aware Program Transformation Workflow for High-Level Synthesis

Despite considerable improvements in existing HLS tools, they still require designer interventions to provide efficient synthesis results. This manual design space exploration and code rewriting and optimization takes significant time and negates the HLS design productivity gains. To overcome this challenge, this paper uses compiler frontend as an independent preprocessing step to explore the design space and adds an automated sourceto- source transformation step before HLS. In particular, it shows how inherent regularity in applications can be used to construct a workflow that analyzes the program, explores the design space for resource optimization opportunity, and transforms the program accordingly. When the transformed program is synthesized using the HLS tool, it uses less hardware resources with similar latency comparing to the original design. The synthesis results on a modern Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGA for a diverse set of applications show that our automated transformation can reduce the design area by an average of 15.4% with less than 1% performance overhead compared to the state-of-the-art Xilinx HLS tool solutions. This automated tool reduces the design time and especially can be useful for non-expert FPGA designers.
Meta-Learning for Adaptive Identification of Non-Linear Dynamical Systems

Adaptive identification of non-linear dynamical systems via recurrent neural networks (RNNs) is presented in this paper. We explore the notion that a fixed-weight RNN needs to change only its internal state to change its behavior policy. This ability is acquired through prior training procedure that enable the learning of adaptive behaviors. Some simulation results are presented
The AKARI FU-HYU galaxy evolution program: first results from the GOODS-N field

The AKARI FU-HYU mission program carried out mid-infrared imaging of several well studied Spitzer fields preferentially selecting fields already rich in multi-wavelength data from radio to X-ray wavelengths filling in the wavelength desert between theSpitzer IRAC and MIPS bands. We present the initial resultsfor the FU-HYUsurvey in the GOODS-Nfield. Weutilize the supreme multiwavelength coverage in the GOODS-N field to produce a multiwavelength catalogue from infrared to ultraviolet wavelengths, containing more than 4393 sources, including photometric redshifts. Using the FU-HYU catalogue we present colour-colour diagrams that map the passage of PAH features through our observation bands. We find that the longer mid-infrared bands from AKARI (IRC-L18W 18 micron band) and Spitzer (MIPS24 24 micron band) provide an accurate measure of the total MIR emission of the sources and therefore their probable total mid-infrared luminosity. We also find that colours incorporating the AKARI IRC-S11 11 micron band produce a bimodal distribution where an excess at 11 microns preferentially selects moderate redshift star-forming galaxies. These powerful colour-colour diagnostics are further used as tools to extract anomalous colour populations, in particular a population of Silicate Break galaxies from the GOODS-N field showing that dusty starbursts can be selected of specific redshift ranges (z = 1.2−1.6) by mid-infrared drop-out techniques. The FU-HYU catalogue will be made publically available to the astronomical community.
Optimizing resource allocation for approximate real-time query processing

Query optimization techniques are proved to be essential for high performance of database management systems. In the context of new querying paradigms, such as similarity based search, exact query evaluation is neither computationally feasible nor meaningful, and approximate query evaluation is the only reasonable option. In this paper a problem of resource allocation for approximate evaluation of complex queries is considered. An approximate algorithm for a near-optimal resource allocation is presented, providing the best feasible quality of the output subject to a limited total cost of a query. The results of experiments have shown that the approximate resource allocation algorithm is accurate and efficient.
Serum Levels of Human MIC-1/GDF15 Vary in a Diurnal Pattern, Do Not Display a Profile Suggestive of a Satiety Factor and Are Related to BMI

The TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1/GDF15 circulates in the blood of healthy humans. Its levels rise substantially in cancer and other diseases and this may sometimes lead to development of an anorexia/cachexia syndrome. This is mediated by a direct action of MIC-1/GDF15 on feeding centres in the hypothalamus and brainstem. More recent studies in germline gene deleted mice also suggest that this cytokine may play a role in physiological regulation of energy homeostasis. To further characterize the role of MIC-1/GDF15 in physiological regulation of energy homeostasis in man, we have examined diurnal and food associated variation in serum levels and whether variation in circulating levels relate to BMI in human monozygotic twin pairs. We found that the within twin pair differences in serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels were significantly correlated with within twin pair differences in BMI, suggesting a role for MIC-1/GDF15 in the regulation of energy balance in man. MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels altered slightly in response to a meal, but comparison with variation its serum levels over a 24hour period suggested that these changes are likely to be due to bimodal diurnal variation which can alter serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels by about plus or minus 10% from the mesor. The lack of a rapid and substantial postprandial increase in MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels suggests that MIC1/GDF15 is unlikely to act as a satiety factor. Taken together, our findings suggest that MIC-1/GDF15 may be a physiological regulator of energy homeostasis in man, most probably due to actions on long-term regulation of energy homeostasis.
Heterologous Production of an Energy-Conserving Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase Complex in the Hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important intermediate in anaerobic carbon fixation pathways in acetogenesis and methanogenesis. In addition, some anaerobes can utilize CO as an energy source. In the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus onnurineus, which grows optimally at 80°C, CO oxidation and energy conservation is accomplished by a respiratory complex encoded by a 16-gene cluster containing a CO dehydrogenase, a membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase and a Na+/H+ antiporter module. This complex oxidizes CO, evolves CO2 and H2, and generates a Na+ motive force that is used to conserve energy by a Na+-dependent ATP synthase. Herein we used a bacterial artificial chromosome to insert the 13.2 kb gene cluster encoding the CO-oxidizing respiratory complex of T. onnurineus into the genome of the heterotrophic archaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus, which grows optimally at 100°C. P. furiosus is normally unable to utilize CO, however, the recombinant strain readily oxidized CO and generated H2 at 80°C. Moreover, CO also served as an energy source and allowed the P. furiosus strain to grow with a limiting concentration of sugar or with peptides as the carbon source. Moreover, CO oxidation by P. furiosus was also coupled to the re-utilization, presumably for biosynthesis, of acetate generated by fermentation. The functional transfer of CO utilization between Thermococcus and Pyrococcus species demonstrated herein is representative of the horizontal gene transfer of an environmentally relevant metabolic capability. The transfer of CO utilizing, hydrogen-producing genetic modules also has applications for biohydrogen production and a CO-based industrial platform for various thermophilic organisms.
Hamiltonian formalisms for multidimensional calculus of variations and perturbation theory

In a first part we propose an introduction to multisymplectic formalisms, which are generalisations of Hamilton's formulation of Mechanics to the calculus of vari- ations with several variables: we give some physical motivations, related to the quantum field theory, and expound the simplest example, based on a theory due to T. de Donder and H. Weyl. In a second part we explain quickly a work in collaboration with J. Kouneiher on generalizations of the de Donder-Weyl theory (known as Lepage theories). Lastly we show that in this framework a perturbative classical field theory (analog of the perturbative quantum field theory) can be constructed.
A Cell-Intrinsic Role for Mst1 in Regulating Thymocyte Egress1

The MST1 kinase was recently identified as playing an essential role in the promotion of lymphocyte polarization and adhesion stimulated by chemokines and TCR signaling. However, the physiological relevance of the Mst1 pathway in thymocyte development is not completely understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of Mst1 disruption on thymocyte development and migration. Mst1-deficient (Mst1−/−) mice displayed an accumulation of mature thymocytes in the thymus, a dramatic reduction of lymphocytes in blood and peripheral lymphoid tissues, and a decrease of homing ability to peripheral lymph nodes. Mst1−/− thymocytes were impaired in chemotactic response to chemokines, such as CCL19, but not to sphingosine-1-phosphate. Further analyses of Mst1−/− mice revealed a severe impairment in the egress of mature T cells from the thymus. T lineage-specific knockout of the Mst1 gene demonstrates a cell-intrinsic role for Mst1 in regulating T cell development. Our study indicates that Mst1 is crucial in controlling lymphocyte chemotaxis and thymocyte emigration.
An Extensive Review on Digital Image Watermarking

In the past decade, application of digital multimedia contents has grown rapidly because of their advantages over analog contents. Ease of transferring and broadcasting over networks, higher quality and durability, online/offline easy editing, copying, and simplicity of archiving or storing are just a few advantages of digital multimedia over analog contents. Ironically, all the above advantageous properties have raised the main concerns in copyright management and privacy protection of such contents. Encryption methods such as conventional connection-based security systems cannot carry out the required proper protection level as it is impossible to monitor how a legitimate user handles the content after decryption, which makes it possible for hackers and adversaries to illegally redistribute or manipulate the content.
Antitumor Effects of a Novel Small Molecule Targeting PCNA Chromatin Association in Prostate Cancer

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays an essential role in DNA replication and repair. Tumor cells express high levels of PCNA, identifying it as a potentially ideal target for cancer therapy. Previously, we identified nine compounds termed PCNA inhibitors (PCNA-Is) that bind directly to PCNA, stabilize PCNA trimer structure, reduce chromatin-associated PCNA, and selectively inhibit tumor cell growth. Of these compounds, PCNA-I1 is most potent. The purposes of this study were to further investigate the effects of targeting PCNA chromatin association on DNA damage and cytotoxicity and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of PCNA-I1 against tumors in mice. Given the important roles of tumor suppressor p53 in regulating sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics, we performed studies in two human prostate cancer cell lines differing in p53 expression: LNCaP cells (wild-type p53) and PC-3 cells (p53-null). PCNA-I1 induced DNA damage and apoptosis in both LNCaP and PC-3 cells and enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis triggered by cisplatin. PCNA-I1 also induced autophagy in PC-3 cells. A short-term pretreatment with PCNA-I1 reduced colony formation by 50% in both cell lines. These data suggest that, unlike many other cytotoxic drugs, the effects of PCNA-I1 on tumor cells do not depend on expression of p53. Intravenous administrations of PCNA-I1 significantly retarded growth of LNCaP tumors of in nude mice without causing detectable effects on mouse body weight and hematology profiles. These data provide proof of concept that targeting PCNA chromatin association could be a novel and effective therapeutic approach for treatment of cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 2817–26. ©2014 AACR.
Online social integration is associated with reduced mortality risk

Significance People who have stronger social networks live longer. However, can we say the same about online social networks? Here, we conduct such a study. Using public California vital records, we compare 12 million Facebook users to nonusers. More importantly, we also look within Facebook users to explore how online social interactions—reflecting both online and offline social activity—are associated with longevity. We find that Facebook users who accept more friendships have a lower risk of mortality, but there is no relationship for those who initiate more friendships. Mortality risk is lowest for those with high levels of offline social interaction and moderate levels of online social interaction. Social interactions increasingly take place online. Friendships and other offline social ties have been repeatedly associated with human longevity, but online interactions might have different properties. Here, we reference 12 million social media profiles against California Department of Public Health vital records and use longitudinal statistical models to assess whether social media use is associated with longer life. The results show that receiving requests to connect as friends online is associated with reduced mortality but initiating friendships is not. Additionally, online behaviors that indicate face-to-face social activity (like posting photos) are associated with reduced mortality, but online-only behaviors (like sending messages) have a nonlinear relationship, where moderate use is associated with the lowest mortality. These results suggest that online social integration is linked to lower risk for a wide variety of critical health problems. Although this is an associational study, it may be an important step in understanding how, on a global scale, online social networks might be adapted to improve modern populations’ social and physical health.
Natalizumab induction and maintenance therapy for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND Natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against alpha4 integrin, inhibits leukocyte adhesion and migration into inflamed tissue. METHODS We conducted two controlled trials to evaluate natalizumab as induction and maintenance therapy in patients with active Crohn's disease. In the first trial, 905 patients were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg of natalizumab or placebo at weeks 0, 4, and 8. The primary outcome was response, defined by a decrease in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of at least 70 points, at week 10. In the second trial, 339 patients who had a response to natalizumab in the first trial were randomly reassigned to receive 300 mg of natalizumab or placebo every four weeks through week 56. The primary outcome was a sustained response through week 36. A secondary outcome in both trials was disease remission (a CDAI score of less than 150). RESULTS In the first trial, the natalizumab and placebo groups had similar rates of response (56 percent and 49 percent, respectively; P=0.05) and remission (37 percent and 30 percent, respectively; P=0.12) at 10 weeks. Continuing natalizumab in the second trial resulted in higher rates of sustained response (61 percent vs. 28 percent, P<0.001) and remission (44 percent vs. 26 percent, P=0.003) through week 36 than did switching to placebo. Serious adverse events occurred in 7 percent of each group in the first trial and in 10 percent of the placebo group and 8 percent of the natalizumab group in the second trial. In an open-label extension study, a patient treated with natalizumab died from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, associated with the JC virus, a human polyomavirus. CONCLUSIONS Induction therapy with natalizumab for Crohn's disease resulted in small, nonsignificant improvements in response and remission rates. Patients who had a response had significantly increased rates of sustained response and remission if natalizumab was continued every four weeks. The benefit of natalizumab will need to be weighed against the risk of serious adverse events, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. (ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00032786 and NCT00032799.)
The Prognostic Significance of Plasma Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients with Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer: Results from Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9480

Interleukin-6 signaling can activate androgen receptor in a ligand-independent manner and may play an important functional role in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRCaP) progression and patient survival. Plasma and serum IL-6 levels have been associated with prostate cancer progression in several small studies. In order to evaluate its prognostic significance in metastatic HRCaP patients, we measured IL-6 in plasma collected at baseline from patients in a large cooperative group study [Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9480 (CALGB 9480)]. Methods: 191 patients entered on CALGB 9480 had pretreatment plasma collected and centrally stored. Using a human IL-6 immunoassay, quantitative levels of IL-6 were measured in duplicate on 300 μL samples. The proportional hazard model was used to assess the prognostic significance of IL-6 in predicting overall survival. Results: Median IL-6 level for the cohort of 191 patients was 4.80 pg/mL. Survival time among patients with IL-6 levels less than or equal to the median was 19 months (95% CI, 17-22) compared with 11 (95% CI, 8-14) months for patients above the median (P = 0.0004). In multivariate analysis, adjusting on performance status, lactate dehydrogenase, and prostate-specific antigen level, the hazard ratio was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.01-1.89; P = 0.043) using the median level as a cut point. Furthermore, a cut point of 13.31 pg/mL revealed robust prognostic significance with a hazard ratio of 2.02 (95% CI, 1.36-2.98; P = 0.0005). Conclusions: Plasma IL-6 level has prognostic significance in patients with metastatic HRCaP from CALGB 9480. These findings support using IL-6 levels in prognostic models and support the rationale for IL-6-targeted therapy in patients with HRCaP.