Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep learning prototype domains for person re-identification

Person re-identification (re-id) is the task of matching multiple occurrences of the same person from different cameras, poses, lighting conditions, and a multitude of other factors which alter the visual appearance. Typically, this is achieved by learning either optimal features or distance metrics which are adapted to specific pairs of camera views dictated by the pairwise labelled training datasets. In this work, we formulate a deep learning based novel approach to automatic prototype-domain discovery for domain perceptive person re-id. The approach scales to new and unseen scenes without requiring new training data. We learn a separate re-id model for each of the discovered prototype-domains and during model deployment, use the person probe image to automatically select the model of the closest prototype-domain. Our approach requires neither supervised nor unsupervised transfer learning, i.e. no data available from target domains. Extensive evaluations are carried out using automatically detected bounding boxes with low-resolution and partial occlusion on two large scale re-id benchmarks, CUHK-SYSU and PRW. Our approach outperforms state-of-the-art unsupervised methods significantly and is competitive against supervised methods which use labelled test domain data.
Arthroscopic Harvest of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells From the Infrapatellar Fat Pad

Background: The successful isolation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) from the arthroscopically harvested infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) would provide orthopaedic surgeons with an autologous solution for regenerative procedures. Purpose: To demonstrate the quantity and viability of the mesenchymal stem cell population arthroscopically harvested from the IFP as well as the surrounding synovium. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The posterior border of the IFP, including the surrounding synovial tissue, was harvested arthroscopically from patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Tissue was then collected in an AquaVage adipose canister, followed by fat fractionization using syringe emulsification and concentration with an AdiPrep device. In the laboratory, the layers of tissue were separated and then digested with 0.3% type I collagenase. The pelleted stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were then immediately analyzed for viability, mesenchymal cell surface markers by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and clonogenic capacity. After culture expansion, the metabolic activity of the ADSCs was assessed by an AlamarBlue assay, and the multilineage differentiation capability was tested. The transition of surface antigens from the SVF toward expanded ADSCs at passage 2 was further evaluated. Results: SVF cells were successfully harvested with a mean yield of 4.86 ± 2.64 × 105 cells/g of tissue and a mean viability of 69.03% ± 10.75%, with ages ranging from 17 to 52 years (mean, 35.14 ± 13.70 years; n = 7). The cultured ADSCs composed a mean 5.85% ± 5.89% of SVF cells with a mean yield of 0.33 ± 0.42 × 105 cells/g of tissue. The nonhematopoietic cells (CD45−) displayed the following surface antigens as a percentage of the viable population: CD44+ (52.21% ± 4.50%), CD73+CD90+CD105+ (19.20% ± 17.04%), and CD44+CD73+CD90+CD105+ (15.32% ± 15.23%). There was also a significant increase in the expression of ADSC markers CD73 (96.97% ± 1.72%; P < .01), CD10 (84.47% ± 15.46%; P < .05), and CD166 (11.63% ± 7.84%; P < .005) starting at passage 2 compared with freshly harvested SVF cells. The clonogenic efficiency of SVF cells was determined at a mean 3.21% ± 1.52% for layer 1 and 1.51% ± 0.55% for layer 2. Differentiation into cartilage, fat, and bone tissue was demonstrated by tissue-specific staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion: SVF cells from the IFP and adjacent synovial tissue were successfully harvested using an arthroscopic technique and produced ADSCs with surface markers that meet criteria for defined mesenchymal stem cells. Clinical Relevance: An autologous source of stem cells can now be harvested using a simple arthroscopic technique that will allow orthopaedic surgeons easier access to progenitor cells for regenerative procedures.
An Improved Dynamic Load Balancing Algorithm applied to a Cafeteria System in a University Campus

Load-balancing algorithms play a key role in improving the performance of practical distributed systems that consist of heterogeneous nodes. The performance of any load-balancing algorithms and its convergence-rate is affected by the structural factors of the network that executes the algorithm. The performance deteriorated as the number of system nodes, the network-diameter, the communication-overhead increased. Moreover, additional technical-factors of the algorithm itself significantly affect the performance of rebalancing the load among nodes. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach that improves the performance of load-balancing algorithms by considering the load-balancing technical-factors and the structure of the network executes the algorithm. We applied the proposed method to a cafeteria system in a university campus and compared our approach with two significant methods presented in the literature. Results indicate that our approach considerably outperformed the original neighborhood approach and the nearest neighbor approach in terms of response time, throughput, and communication overhead.
Occlusal overload and bone/implant loss.

AIM The aim of this search was to assess the biological consequences that overload might have on already osseointegrated oral implants through a systematic screening of the scientific literature. METHOD Detailed searches through PUBMED, OVID, EMBASE and LILACS databases were made. Articles published up to December 2011 and those reported on the clinical, radiographic and/or histological outcome of oral implants subjected to so-called overload were considered eligible for inclusion. Identified studies were assessed by one non-blinded reviewer according to well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. When doubt arose, the co-authors were counselled until final agreement was obtained. The PICO questions formulated was:"what is the effect of overload vs. no overload on bone/implant loss in clinically stable implants? " RESULTS The database searches as well as additional hand searching, resulted in 726 potentially relevant titles. Eventually, 16 clinical and 25 animal studies were considered relevant to the topic. After inclusion/exclusion criteria assessment, all clinical studies and all but three animal studies and one systematic review were considered at high risk of bias and excluded. The included animal studies did not reveal an association between overload and peri-implant bone loss in the absence of peri-implant inflammation, whereas in its presence, overload seemed to aggravate the peri-implant tissue breakdown. CONCLUSIONS The effect of implant overload on bone/implant loss in clinically well-integrated implants is poorly reported and provides little unbiased evidence to support a cause-and-effect relationship. The PICO question remained unanswered. At the animal level, "overload", mimicked by supra-occlusal contacts acting in an uninflamed peri-implant environment, did not negatively affect osseointegration and even was anabolic. In contrast, supra-occlusal contacts in the presence of inflammation significantly increased the plaque-induced bone resorption.
Stereo ambiguity index for semi-global matching

Stereoscopic reconstruction is important to automatic vision systems. As an intermediate step, estimating this reconstruction is not enough for good performance of the whole system, and its uncertainty must be characterized. Several methods propose uncertainty indexes based on specific data features, thus incomplete, while others are based on learning. We propose a simple index, named ambiguity index, taking into account both data and regularization, and derived directly from the optimization process. Exploiting properties of dynamic programming, this index is related to the posterior variance of the solution when the Semi-Global Matching (SGM) algorithm is used for stereo reconstruction. To illustrate its interest, improvements in refining stereo reconstruction are shown on the KITTI datasets when the index is used.
When Renewable Energy Meets Building Thermal Mass: A Real-time Load Management Scheme

We consider the optimal power management in renewable driven smart building MicroGrid under noise corrupted conditions as a stochastic optimization problem. We first propose our user satisfaction and electricity consumption balanced (USECB) profit model as the objective for optimal power management. We then cast the problem in noise corrupted conditions into the class of expectation maximizing in stochastic optimization problem with convex constraints. For this task, we design a Bregemen projection based mirror decent algorithm as an approximation solution to our stochastic optimization problem. Convergence and upper-bound of our algorithm with proof are also provided in our paper. We then conduct a broad type of experiment in our simulation to test the justification of our model as well as the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Cladodes from prickly pear as a functional ingredient: effect on fat retention, oxidative stability, nutritional and sensory properties of cookies

Abstract The stems of Opuntia ficus-indica known as cladodes are rich source of bioactive and functional substances, which make them important candidate for the production of health-promoting food. Cladodes powder was incorporated at different levels of substitution (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) in cookies (butter/wheat flour: 55/100 m/m). Substitution of wheat flour by cladodes powder improved dietary fiber, ash, potassium, magnesium and calcium contents of enriched cookies. The results also revealed that cladodes supplementation increased hardness; however, it decreased a* and b* values and reduced exudate loss of cookies during storage. Moreover, rising levels of cladodes powder contribute to the increase of antioxidant activity of cookies and decreased their oxidative degradation. Sensory evaluation showed that cladodes supplementation at 5% level remained acceptable at 5-point hedonic scale. The present study suggested that cladodes supplementation in high-fat cookies not only added nutritional value to food, but also improved its functional characteristics.
APPLIED MODELING FOR CORROSION PROTECTION DESIGN FOR MARINE BRIDGE SUBSTRUCTURES

Quantitative computational models have been developed to assist in predicting the course of corrosion-induced deterioration and the effect of corrosion protection models in reinforced concrete marine substructures. These models use the concept of a corrosion initiation stage (buildup of chloride ions until reaching a steel corrosion initiation threshold level) followed by a corrosion propagation stage (active corrosion leading to cracking and spalling of the concrete cover). Predictive models were applied to assess the reduction of corrosion rate by submerged and surface sacrificial anodes in marine piles. It was concluded that surface anodes located above water reduced corrosion significantly when the anode extended up to the top of the active steel zone. This predictive model was confirmed by parallel laboratory experiments with partially submerged piles and sacrificial anodes. Additional calculations applied the model to find the extent of cathodic protection feasible for partially submerged bridge footers with only submerged anodes. It was determined that useful protection may be obtained only when the concrete resistivity is very low. Modeling of the initiation stage of propagation resulted in the development of design derating factors to calculate the effect of diffusion geometries other than a flat wall (2- and 3-way corners, circular columns). Chloride ion binding by the concrete did not alter significantly the value of the derating factors, although it increased the time to corrosion initiation compared with a no-binding case. A final task of this work integrated the initiation and propagation phases of corrosion into a damage function model that predicts the amount of spalled area of a pile partially submerged in seawater as a function of service time. The quantitative formulation is suitable for selection of alternative corrosion protection strategies and incorporation in life cycle cost projection models.
Ral GTPases regulate neurite branching through GAP-43 and the exocyst complex

Neurite branching is essential for the establishment of appropriate neuronal connections during development and regeneration. We identify the small GTPase Ral as a mediator of neurite branching. Active Ral promotes neurite branching in cortical and sympathetic neurons, whereas Ral inhibition decreases laminin-induced branching. In addition, depletion of endogenous Ral by RNA interference decreases branching in cortical neurons. The two Ral isoforms, RalA and -B, promote branching through distinct pathways, involving the exocyst complex and phospholipase D, respectively. Finally, Ral-dependent branching is mediated by protein kinase C–dependent phosphorylation of 43-kD growth-associated protein, a crucial molecule involved in pathfinding, plasticity, and regeneration. These findings highlight an important role for Ral in the regulation of neuronal morphology.
CD44 Deficiency in Mice Protects the Heart Against Angiotensin Ii-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis

ABSTRACT This study tested the hypothesis that CD44 is involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis via angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 receptor-stimulated TNF&agr;/NF&kgr;B/I&kgr;B signaling pathways. Study was conducted in C57BL/6 wild type and CD44 knockout mice subjected to Ang II infusion (1,000 ng/kg/min) using osmotic minipumps up to 4 weeks or with gastric gavage administration of the AT1 receptor blocker, telmisartan at a dose of 10 mg/kg/d. Results indicated that Ang II enhances expression of the AT1 receptor, TNF&agr;, NF&kgr;B, and CD44 as well as downregulates I&kgr;B. Further analyses revealed that Ang II increases macrophage migration, augments myofibroblast proliferation, and induces vascular/interstitial fibrosis. Relative to the Ang II group, treatment with telmisartan significantly reduced expression of the AT1 receptor and TNF&agr;. These changes occurred in coincidence with decreased NF&kgr;B, increased I&kgr;B, and downregulated CD44 in the intracardiac vessels and intermyocardium. Furthermore, macrophage migration and myofibroblast proliferation were inhibited and fibrosis was attenuated. Knockout of CD44 did not affect Ang II-stimulated AT1 receptor and modulated TNF&agr;/NF&kgr;B/I&kgr;B signaling, but significantly reduced macrophage/myofibroblast-mediated fibrosis as identified by less extensive collagen-rich area. These results suggest that the AT1 receptor is involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis by stimulating TNF&agr;/NF&kgr;B/I&kgr;B-triggered CD44 signaling pathways. Knockout of CD44 blocked Ang II-induced cell migration/proliferation and cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, selective inhibition of CD44 may be considered as a potential therapeutic target for attenuating Ang II-induced deleterious cardiovascular effects.
Experimental Study on the Health Benefits of Garden Landscape

To mitigate the negative effects of modern cities on health, scientists are focusing on the diverse benefits of natural environments; a conceptual approach to use gardens for promoting human health is being attempted. In this study, the effects of the visual landscape of a traditional garden on psychological and physiological activities were investigated. Eighteen male and female adults participated in this indoor experiment (mean age, 26.7 years). Twelve different landscape images for city and garden were presented continuously for 90 s. In the time series changes of oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb), different patterns of changes were observed between the city and garden. The mean O2Hb values increased for the city landscapes, whereas they decreased for the garden landscapes both in the left and right prefrontal cortices. Significant differences in the negative psychological states of tension, fatigue, confusion, and anxiety were observed between the city and garden landscapes. Important differences in the physiological and psychological responses to the two different landscapes were also detected between male and female participants, providing valuable clues to individual differences in the health benefits of natural landscapes. To validate the use of gardens as a resource for promoting health in urban dwellers, further scientific evidence, active communication, and collaboration among experts in the relevant field are necessary.
A 14.5mm2 8nW −59.7dBm-sensitivity ultrasonic wake-up receiver for power-, area-, and interference-constrained applications

The next generation of the Internet of Things is envisioned to include unobtrusive, distributed mm-sized nodes capable of sensing and communicating information about their surroundings. Wake-up receivers (WuRXs) — ultra-low-power receivers that monitor their environment for a wake-up signature — are an important part of this vision, as they can extend the lifetime of a wireless node by keeping it asleep until interrogated. The state of the art in WuRXs, measured in terms of sensitivity and power, has recently been advanced by streamlining the signal path to include fewer power-hungry gain stages and instead obtaining the gain at the chip-antenna interface [1,2]. This has led to excellent power-sensitivity performance, but the accompanying increase in size hampers the applicability of these techniques in size-conscious applications, such as surveillance, asset tracking, and ubiquitous sensing. Moreover, size-reduction methods based on RF antenna miniaturization are fundamentally limited by high antenna Qs at low size-to-wavelength ratios [3]; efficiently matching to these antennas requires, in turn, high-Q passives that are generally unavailable at mm-scale.
Detection of Water Content in Rapeseed Leaves Using Terahertz Spectroscopy

The terahertz (THz) spectra of rapeseed leaves with different water content (WC) were investigated. The transmission and absorption spectra in the range of 0.3–2 THz were measured by using THz time-domain spectroscopy. The mean transmittance and absorption coefficients were applied to analyze the change regulation of WC. In addition, the Savitzky-Golay method was performed to preprocess the spectra. Then, the partial least squares (PLS), kernel PLS (KPLS), and Boosting-PLS were conducted to establish models for predicting WC based on the processed transmission and absorption spectra. Reliable results were obtained by these three methods. KPLS generated the best prediction accuracy of WC. The prediction coefficient correlation (Rval) and root mean square error (RMSEP) of KPLS based on transmission were Rval = 0.8508, RMSEP = 0.1015, and that based on absorption were Rval = 0.8574, RMSEP = 0.1009. Results demonstrated that THz spectroscopy combined with modeling methods provided an efficient and feasible technique for detecting plant physiological information.
XORiM: A case of in-memory bit-comparator implementation and its performance implications

The resurrection of Processing in memory (PIM) architectures is expected to address the ever-worsening memory wall issue in big data era. In this work, we propose XORiM, an inexpensive PIM design to achieve fast bulky bitwise XOR operation in commodity DRAM devices for memory-intensive workloads. Instead of resorting to 3D-integration or emerging memory technology, we reuse and adapt the peripheral circuits and row-buffers in memory to enable within-DRAM data manipulation. The implemented mechanism can also be employed to conduct high-throughput bulky data operations including memory initialization, AND, OR and INV. We present the detailed circuitry design and transistor-level simulation to evaluate the proposed method, and demonstrate the application of XO-RiM to realistic workloads by conducting full-system level simulation. The experimental results on data-intensive applications such as deduplication and data encryption show that about 1.5× and 5.1× overall performance benefits and 4.9× and 9.1× overall energy savings are achieved respectively by XORiM over conventional computing systems.
Alcohol marketing in the Americas and Spain during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Tournament

BACKGROUND AND AIMS To identify the nature of visual alcohol references in alcohol advertisements during televised broadcasts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Tournament matches and to evaluate cross-national differences according to alcohol marketing policy restrictiveness. DESIGN Content analysis using the Delphi method and identification of in-game sponsorships. SETTING Television broadcasts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Mexico, Spain and the United States. CASES Eighty-seven alcohol advertisements; 20 matches. MEASUREMENTS Quantitative rating scales, combined with the Delphi rating technique, were used to determine compliance of the alcohol advertisements with the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking's (IARD) Guiding Principles. Recordings of five matches from four countries were also used to identify the number of in- and out-of-game alcohol brand appearances. FINDINGS A total of 86.2% of all unique alcohol advertisements contained at least one violation of IARD's Guiding Principles, with violation rates ranging from 72.7% (Mexico) to 100% (Brazil). Countries with the least restrictive marketing policies had a higher prevalence of violations in guidelines designed to protect minors. There were 2.76 in-game alcohol brand appearances and 0.83 out-of-game alcohol brand appearances per minute. Brand appearances did not differ across countries or according to a country's marketing policy restrictiveness. CONCLUSIONS Self-regulation and statutory policies were ineffective at limiting alcohol advertising during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Tournament television broadcasts. Most advertisements contained content that violated the self-regulation codes, and there were high levels of within-broadcast brand appearances.