Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Affective Music Recommendation System Reflecting the Mood of Input Image

We present an affective music recommendation system using input images without textual information. Music that matches our current mood can create a deep impression. However, we do not know which music best matches our present mood. As it is difficult to select music manually, we need a recommendation system that can operate affectively. In this paper, we assume that there exists a relationship between our mood and images because visual information affects our mood when we listen to music. Our system matches an input image with music using valence-arousal plane which is an emotional plane.
Performance Analysis of a Two-Way Relay Network with Multiple Interferers

SUMMARY This paper analyzes the performance of a two-way relay network experiencing co-channel interference from multiple interferers due to aggressive frequency reuse in cellular networks. We discuss two different scenarios: Outages are declared individually for each user (individual outage) and an outage is declared simultaneously for all users (common outage). We derive the closed-form expressions for the individual and common outage probabilities of the two-way relay network with multiple interferers. The validity of our analytical results is verified by a comparison with simulation results. It is shown that the analytical results perfectly match the simulation results of the individual and common outage probabilities. Also, it is shown that the individual and common outage probabilities increase as the number of interferers increases.
Rapid learning of humanoid body schemas with Kinematic Bézier Maps

This paper addresses the problem of hand-eye coordination and, more specifically, tool-eye recalibration of humanoid robots. Inspired by results from neuroscience, a novel method to learn the forward kinematics model as part of the body schema of humanoid robots is presented. By making extensive use of techniques borrowed from the field of computer-aided geometry, the proposed kinematic Bezier maps (KB-Maps) permit reducing this complex problem to a linearly-solvable, although high-dimensional, one. Therefore, in the absence of noise, an exact kinematic model is obtained. This leads to rapid learning which, unlike in other approaches, is combined with good extrapolation capabilities. These promising theoretical advantages have been validated through simulation, and the applicability of the method to real hardware has been demonstrated through experiments on the humanoid robot ARMAR-IIIa.
Approximation Theory of Output Statistics

Given a channel and an input process we study the minimum randomness of those input processes whose output statistics approximate the original output statistics with arbitrary accuracy. We introduce the notion of resolvability of a channel, defined as the number of random bits required per channel use in order to generate an input that achieves arbitrarily accurate approximation of the output statistics for any given input process. We obtain a general formula for resolvability which holds regardless of the channel memory structure. We show that, for most channels, resolvability is equal to Shannon capacity. By-products of our analysis are a general formula for the minimum achievable (fixed-length) source coding rate of any finite-alphabet source, and a strong converse of the identification coding theorem, which holds for any channel that satisfies the strong converse of the channel coding theorem.
Structure and Functional Analysis of the RNA- and Viral Phosphoprotein-Binding Domain of Respiratory Syncytial Virus M2-1 Protein

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protein M2-1 functions as an essential transcriptional cofactor of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex by increasing polymerase processivity. M2-1 is a modular RNA binding protein that also interacts with the viral phosphoprotein P, another component of the RdRp complex. These binding properties are related to the core region of M2-1 encompassing residues S58 to K177. Here we report the NMR structure of the RSV M2-158–177 core domain, which is structurally homologous to the C-terminal domain of Ebola virus VP30, a transcription co-factor sharing functional similarity with M2-1. The partial overlap of RNA and P interaction surfaces on M2-158–177, as determined by NMR, rationalizes the previously observed competitive behavior of RNA versus P. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we identified eight residues located on these surfaces that are critical for an efficient transcription activity of the RdRp complex. Single mutations of these residues disrupted specifically either P or RNA binding to M2-1 in vitro. M2-1 recruitment to cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, which are regarded as sites of viral RNA synthesis, was impaired by mutations affecting only binding to P, but not to RNA, suggesting that M2-1 is associated to the holonucleocapsid by interacting with P. These results reveal that RNA and P binding to M2-1 can be uncoupled and that both are critical for the transcriptional antitermination function of M2-1.
Protein Transfection Study Using Multicellular Tumor Spheroids of Human Hepatoma Huh-7 Cells

Several protein transfection reagents are commercially available and are powerful tools for elucidating function of a protein in a cell. Here we described protein transfection studies of the commercially available reagents, Pro-DeliverIN, Xfect, and TuboFect, using Huh-7 multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) as a three-dimensional in vitro tumor model. A cellular uptake study using specific endocytosis inhibitors revealed that each reagent was internalized into Huh-7 MCTS by different mechanisms, which were the same as monolayer cultured Huh-7 cells. A certain amount of Pro-DeliverIN and Xfect was uptaken by Huh-7 cells through caveolae-mediated endocytosis, which may lead to transcytosis through the surface-first layered cells of MCTS. The results presented here will help in the choice and use of protein transfection reagents for evaluating anti-tumor therapeutic proteins against MCTS models.
Hand Gesture Recognition Based on MEB-SVM

In this paper, we propose a novel static hand gesture recognition method, which is based on a new Support Vector Machine (abbreviated as SVM) classifier. SVM is a classification method based on Statistics Theory. Typical SVMs can be sufficient to deal with small scale datas, but these methods cause a lot of computation in quadratic programming while dealing with non-linear problems. SVM combined with MEB (minimum enclosing ball) is a powerful tool. It reduces the massive computation and also can separate all kinds of vectors in a hyperspace efficiently. First and foremost, image segmentation must be done before hand gesture recognition. We adopt mean shift, which is using skin color for the image feature. Finally using MEB-SVM to classify gestures, and achieve the aim of recognition.
Receptive Field Vectors of Genetically-Identified Retinal Ganglion Cells Reveal Cell-Type-Dependent Visual Functions

Sensory stimuli are encoded by diverse kinds of neurons but the identities of the recorded neurons that are studied are often unknown. We explored in detail the firing patterns of eight previously defined genetically-identified retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types from a single transgenic mouse line. We first introduce a new technique of deriving receptive field vectors (RFVs) which utilises a modified form of mutual information (“Quadratic Mutual Information”). We analysed the firing patterns of RGCs during presentation of short duration (~10 second) complex visual scenes (natural movies). We probed the high dimensional space formed by the visual input for a much smaller dimensional subspace of RFVs that give the most information about the response of each cell. The new technique is very efficient and fast and the derivation of novel types of RFVs formed by the natural scene visual input was possible even with limited numbers of spikes per cell. This approach enabled us to estimate the 'visual memory' of each cell type and the corresponding receptive field area by calculating Mutual Information as a function of the number of frames and radius. Finally, we made predictions of biologically relevant functions based on the RFVs of each cell type. RGC class analysis was complemented with results for the cells’ response to simple visual input in the form of black and white spot stimulation, and their classification on several key physiological metrics. Thus RFVs lead to predictions of biological roles based on limited data and facilitate analysis of sensory-evoked spiking data from defined cell types.
Cognitive Benefits of Social Dancing and Walking in Old Age: The Dancing Mind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background A physically active lifestyle has the potential to prevent cognitive decline and dementia, yet the optimal type of physical activity/exercise remains unclear. Dance is of special interest as it complex sensorimotor rhythmic activity with additional cognitive, social, and affective dimensions. Objectives To determine whether dance benefits executive function more than walking, an activity that is simple and functional. Methods Two-arm randomized controlled trial among community-dwelling older adults. The intervention group received 1 h of ballroom dancing twice weekly over 8 months (~69 sessions) in local community dance studios. The control group received a combination of a home walking program with a pedometer and optional biweekly group-based walking in local community park to facilitate socialization. Main outcomes Executive function tests: processing speed and task shift by the Trail Making Tests, response inhibition by the Stroop Color-Word Test, working memory by the Digit Span Backwards test, immediate and delayed verbal recall by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and visuospatial recall by the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVST). Results One hundred and fifteen adults (mean 69.5 years, SD 6.4) completed baseline and delayed baseline (3 weeks apart) before being randomized to either dance (n = 60) or walking (n = 55). Of those randomized, 79 (68%) completed the follow-up measurements (32 weeks from baseline). In the dance group only, “non-completers” had significantly lower baseline scores on all executive function tests than those who completed the full program. Intention-to-treat analyses showed no group effect. In a random effects model including participants who completed all measurements, adjusted for baseline score and covariates (age, education, estimated verbal intelligence, and community), a between-group effect in favor of dance was noted only for BVST total learning (Cohen’s D Effect size 0.29, p = 0.07) and delayed recall (Cohen’s D Effect size = 0.34, p = 0.06). Conclusion The superior potential of dance over walking on executive functions of cognitively healthy and active older adults was not supported. Dance improved one of the cognitive domains (spatial memory) important for learning dance. Controlled trials targeting inactive older adults and of a higher dose may produce stronger effects, particularly for novice dancers. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN12613000782730).
Processing of reverberant speech for time-delay estimation

In this paper, we present a method of extracting the time-delay between speech signals collected at two microphone locations. Time-delay estimation from microphone outputs is the first step for many sound localization algorithms, and also for enhancement of speech. For time-delay estimation, speech signals are normally processed using short-time spectral information (either magnitude or phase or both). The spectral features are affected by degradations in speech caused by noise and reverberation. Features corresponding to the excitation source of the speech production mechanism are robust to such degradations. We show that these source features can be extracted reliably from the speech signal. The time-delay estimate can be obtained using the features extracted even from short segments (50-100 ms) of speech from a pair of microphones. The proposed method for time-delay estimation is found to perform better than the generalized cross-correlation (GCC) approach. A method for enhancement of speech is also proposed using the knowledge of the time-delay and the information of the excitation source.
Effect of friction stroke length on damage and restoration of the passive film of cobalt chromium alloy

arious researchers have reported that the hip prostheses widely used in orthopedics have adverse effects such as pain, hypersensitivity, and local tissue necrosis postoperatively. A hip prosthesis is designed to be modular, so that there is an interface of two solids where they contact, e.g., the bearing surface consists of a liner and the femoral head. Moreover, the taper junction locks the femoral head with the neck or the neck and stem. In revision surgeries, a stain on the taper junction on the retrieved hip prostheses has been reported. Corrosion on taper junctions involves the release of metal ions and the generation of metal wear particles, which cause adverse reactions in postoperative patients. It is, therefore, it is recommended that a modular neck-stem junction be avoided. Cobalt chromium (CoCr) alloy is a commonly used for hip prostheses. In general, the alloy has a passive film that is a surface oxide layer with a thickness of a few nanometers, and it provides corrosion resistance. The passive film is easily damaged with friction at low shear Original Contribution Kitasato Med J 2017; 47: 10-16
Functional 3D Object Classification Using Simulation of Embodied Agent

This paper presents a cognitive-motivated approach for classification of 3D objects according to the functional paradigm. We hypothesize that classification can be achieved through simulation of actions meant to verify whether a candidate object fulfills a certain functionality. This paper presents ABSV: Agent Based Simulated Vision, a novel approach that tries to imitate the way humans perform certain classification tasks. ABSV can determine the category of a candidate object by verifying certain functional properties that the object should possess. Unlike conventional functional approaches, it uses virtual environment to simulate the interaction between the object and various examination agents to expose those functionalities. To demonstrate our approach we have implemented it for the recognition of several object categories. We achieved promising classification results using both complete CAD models and real 3D scanned data generated from a single view point. We believe that the concepts introduced in ABSV will influence significantly the design of robot classification systems.
NIR-PCA-SVM Based Pattern Recognition of Growing Area of Flue-cured Tobacco

To accurately identify the growing area of flue-cured tobacco,the contents of chemical components,including total sugar,reducing sugar,total nitrogen,nicotine,total chlorine and total potassium,in 402 cured tobacco samples collected from Yunnan,Henan,Anhui,Fujian,Guizhou and Jilin Provinces in 2010 were tested,and the samples were scanned by near infrared spectrometer.The near infrared spectra(NIR) pattern recognition models of growing area were developed by principal component analysis(PCA) and support vector machine(SVM) algorithms,and the growing areas of the samples were recognized.The results indicated that: 1) The prediction accuracy recognized by NIR-PCA-SVM models reached 97%,while that by chemical component-SVM and NIR-SVM models were lower.2) The NIR-PCA-SVM,and chemical component-SVM models all offered better recoginition for Yunnan tobacco samples.NIR-PCA-SVM model could be applied to pattern recognition of flue-cured tobacco samples of different origins.
2 . 1 Organising Committee

Visual Analytics enables analyses, assessments and communications of results from analytics on large complex multi-source, multi-type information sources. It goes beyond traditional information visualization for software engineering as seen in the recent special issue of Journal of Information Visualization Summer 2009 and at ACM SOFTVIZ 2008. This talk will provide an introduction to this science of visual analytics, the history and unique rapid growth in visual analytics, examples of early systems and technologies that demonstrate the value, and set the stage for producing a roadmap for future solutions to these rich opportunities, and encourage areas for collaboration. Bio Jim Thomas, with over 30 years of experiences in the sciences of graphics and visualization, is a visionary and leader of teams to develop advanced visualization technologies for applications of security, health, finance, cyber, and many other applications. With over 150 publications, 11 patents, 53 invited keynotes, 24 tutorials and workshops; he motivates highly interdisciplinary teams receiving many national and international science awards for innovation through deployments. Jim sits on several advisory boards for government, academia, and industry, sits on several editorial boards and leads special issues of Journals on new sciences of visualization. Jim is considered the father of visual analytics setting the vision and building international science teams to bring the vision of visual analytics to reality.
Testosterone and trenbolone enanthate increase mature myostatin protein expression despite increasing skeletal muscle hypertrophy and satellite cell number in rodent muscle

The androgen‐induced alterations in adult rodent skeletal muscle fibre cross‐sectional area (fCSA), satellite cell content and myostatin (Mstn) were examined in 10‐month‐old Fisher 344 rats (n = 41) assigned to Sham surgery, orchiectomy (ORX), ORX + testosterone (TEST; 7.0 mg week−1) or ORX + trenbolone (TREN; 1.0 mg week−1). After 29 days, animals were euthanised and the levator ani/bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscle complex was harvested for analyses. LABC muscle fCSA was 102% and 94% higher in ORX + TEST and ORX + TREN compared to ORX (p < .001). ORX + TEST and ORX + TREN increased satellite cell numbers by 181% and 178% compared to ORX, respectively (p < .01), with no differences between conditions for myonuclear number per muscle fibre (p = .948). Mstn protein was increased 159% and 169% in the ORX + TEST and ORX + TREN compared to ORX (p < .01). pan‐SMAD2/3 protein was ~30–50% greater in ORX compared to SHAM (p = .006), ORX + TEST (p = .037) and ORX + TREN (p = .043), although there were no between‐treatment effects regarding phosphorylated SMAD2/3. Mstn, ActrIIb and Mighty mRNAs were lower in ORX, ORX + TEST and ORX + TREN compared to SHAM (p < .05). Testosterone and trenbolone administration increased muscle fCSA and satellite cell number without increasing myonuclei number, and increased Mstn protein levels. Several genes and signalling proteins related to myostatin signalling were differentially regulated by ORX or androgen therapy.
A Case Study of Model Checking Retail Banking System with SPIN

Model checking is an important technique for ensuring the correctness of investigated system. However, the model checking tools subject to the state-space explosion problem, which is an ignored hurdle to the practical application of the technique. This paper presents a case study of model checking the business flow of retail banking System, through an example of verifying automatic teller machine (ATM) with SPIN. We present the specific approach to effectively abstract the related part of ATM system, and give our experiment results. The verification results show that model checking is feasible technique for verifying the ATM system.
Solving Models of Controlled Dynamic Planar Rigid-Body Systems with Frictional Contact

Effective modeling and control of multibody systems interacting with their environment through frictional contact remains a challenging problem. In this paper, we address the planar version of this problem by developing a general method to compute the instantaneous dynamic solution for planar rigid bodies interacting with their environment through Coulomb frictional contacts. The resulting analytical forward solution is represented in piecewise linear form, which admits tractable inversion for implementing behavioral control. We address the inherent problem of ambiguity in the resulting model (both between and within a particular linear model) by resorting to enumeration techniques and solve for the complete collection of possible model solutions in the presence of both contact constraints and additional task-specific linear constraints. We illustrate the application of these techniques by developing a controller to reliably achieve the dynamic self-righting of a hexapod robot.
Study of Artificial Aging Temperature Effect on Morphology of Structural Parameters in Aluminium Cast Alloy

The contribution describes changes in morphology of structural parameters in recycled (secondary) AlSi9Cu3 cast alloy microstructure. These changes depended on different temperatures of artificial aging. The T6 heat treatment, which was used for affecting the structural parameters morphology, consisted of solution treatment at temperature 515 °C with holding time 4 hours, water quenching at 40°C and artificial aging at different temperatures 130 °C, 150 °C, 170 °C, 190 °C and 210 °C with different holding time 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 hours. The morphology of structural parameters was observed using combination of different analytical techniques (light microscopy upon black-white and colour etching, scanning electron microscopy - SEM upon deep etching). The different temperatures of artificial aging led to changes in microstructure include the spheroidization and coarsening of eutectic silicon, gradual disintegration, shortening and thinning of Fe-rich intermetallic phases, the dissolution of precipitates and the precipitation of finer hardening phase (Al2Cu).
GDNF Schwann cells in hydrogel scaffolds promote regional axon regeneration, remyelination and functional improvement after spinal cord transection in rats

Positively‐charged oligo[poly(ethylene glycol)fumarate] (OPF+) is a biodegradable hydrogel used for spinal cord injury repair. We compared scaffolds containing primary Schwann cells (SCs) to scaffolds delivering SCs genetically modified to secrete high concentrations of glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Multichannel OPF+ scaffolds loaded with SCs or GDNF‐SCs were implanted into transected rat spinal cords for 4 weeks. GDNF‐SCs promoted regeneration of more axons into OPF+ scaffolds (2773.0 ± 396.0) than primary SC OPF+ scaffolds (1666.0 ± 352.2) (p = 0.0491). This increase was most significant in central and ventral‐midline channels of the scaffold. Axonal remyelination was quantitated by stereologic analysis. Increased myelination of regenerating axons was observed in the GDNF‐SC group. Myelinating cell and axon complexes were formed by host SCs and not by implanted cells or host oligodendrocytes. Fast Blue retrograde tracing studies determined the rostral‐caudal directionality of axonal growth. The number of neurons that projected axons rostrally through the GDNF‐SC scaffolds was higher (7929 ± 1670) than in animals with SC OPF+ scaffolds (1069 ± 241.5) (p < 0.0001). The majority of ascending axons were derived from neurons located more than 15 mm from the scaffold‐cord interface, and were identified to be lumbosacral intraspinal motor neurons. Transected animals with GDNF‐SC OPF+ scaffolds partially recovered locomotor function at weeks 3 and 4 following surgery. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.