Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SEARCHING FOR ADDITIVE OUTLIERS IN NONSTATIONARY TIME SERIES *

Abstract. Recently, Vogelsang (1999) proposed a method to detect outliers which explicitly imposes the null hypothesis of a unit root. It works in an iterative fashion to select multiple outlier in a given series. We show, via simulations, that, under the null hypothesis of no outliers, it has the right size in finite samples to detect a single outlier but, when applied in an iterative fashion to select multiple outliers, it exhibits severe size distortions towards finding an excessive number of outliers. We show that his iterative method is incorrect and derive the appropriate limiting distribution of the test at each step of the search. Whether corrected or not, we also show that the outliers need to be very large for the method to have any decent power. We propose an alternative method based on first‐differenced data that has considerably more power. We also show that our method to identify outliers leads to unit root tests with more accurate finite sample size and robustness to departures from a unit root. The issues are illustrated using two US/Finland real‐exchange rate series.
Auto-parallelization of data structure operations for GPUs

We present an auto-parallelization technique for generating GPU implementation of data-structure operations from a sequential specification. The technique partitions the data-structure operations into barrier-separated phases such that each phase executes only homogeneous operations. Homogeneity is dictated by the method type, which is derived from the specification. Two key aspects of our technique are: (i) it ensures linearizability of the data-structure, and (ii) it is capable of composing multiple data-structure operations with the guarantee of optimal barrier placement, which we formally prove. We illustrate the usefulness of our techniques by synthesizing efficient GPU implementations of practical graph algorithms like single-source shortest paths which uses a concurrent worklist, Delaunay mesh refinement that uses a worklist and a mesh, and a doubly linked-list supporting arbitrary insertion and deletion.
Under Consideration for Publication in the Studies in Applied Math Explicitly Solvable Nonlocal Eigenvalue Problems and the Stability of Localized Stripes in Reaction-diffusion Systems

The transverse stability of localized stripe patterns for certain singularly perturbed two-component reaction-diffusion (RD) systems in the asymptotic limit of a large diffusivity ratio is analyzed. In this semi-strong interaction regime, the cross-sectional profile of the stripe is well-approximated by a homoclinic pulse solution of the corresponding 1-D problem. The linear instability of such homoclinic stripes to transverse perturbations is well-known from numerical simulations to be a key mechanism for the creation of localized spot patterns. However, in general, owing to the difficulty in analyzing the associated nonlocal and non self-adjoint spectral problem governing stripe stability for these systems, it has not previously been possible to provide an explicit analytical characterization of these instabilities, including determining the growth rate and the most unstable mode within the band of unstable transverse wavenumbers. Our focus is to show that such an explicit characterization of the transverse instability of a homoclinic stripe is possible for a subclass of RD system for which the analysis of the underlying spectral problem reduces to the study of a rather simple algebraic equation in the eigenvalue parameter. Although our simplified theory for stripe stability can be applied to a class of RD system, it is illustrated only for homoclinic stripe and ring solutions for a subclass of the Gierer-Meinhardt model and for a three-component RD system modeling patterns of criminal activity in urban crime.
Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems ( PACIS ) 2014 MEASURING CIVIC AWARENESS AND VALIDATING IT ’ S IMPACT ON E-PATICIPATION : AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON A G 2 C PLATFORM ADOPTION IN CHINA

In the networking age, Chinese government have done much on official online platforms for providing service and improving interaction between government to citizen (G2C). However the problem is the G2C platforms seem always could attract only part of citizen participation. Although most previous studies discuss e-participation, e-government service adoption from technological perspectives or personal psychological perspectives, this paper tries to explore the determinants of e-participation intention from the civic awareness perspective. After develop a feasible ways in Chinese culture to measure the concept of civic awareness in two dimensions, public value and contractual spirit, the paper propose a conceptual model of the impact of civic awareness on citizens’ e-participation intention and validate it by an empirical survey toward a G2C platform of Beijing, the capital of China. The statistical results of empirical data show that the perception of public value make makes dominant role on citizen e-participation. The briefly discussion and managerial implication toward government are also provided in the paper.
Engineered TAL Effector modulators for the large-scale gain-of-function screening

Recent effective use of TAL Effectors (TALEs) has provided an important approach to the design and synthesis of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins. However, it is still a challenging task to design and manufacture effective TALE modulators because of the limited knowledge of TALE–DNA interactions. Here we synthesized more than 200 TALE modulators and identified two determining factors of transcription activity in vivo: chromatin accessibility and the distance from the transcription start site. The implementation of these modulators in a gain-of-function screen was successfully demonstrated for four cell lines in migration/invasion assays and thus has broad relevance in this field. Furthermore, a novel TALE–TALE modulator was developed to transcriptionally inhibit target genes. Together, these findings underscore the huge potential of these TALE modulators in the study of gene function, reprogramming of cellular behaviors, and even clinical investigation.
Anti-Obesity Effect of 6,8-Diprenylgenistein, an Isoflavonoid of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruits in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity, which is characterized by excessive fat accumulation, is associated with several pathological disorders, including metabolic diseases. In this study, the anti-obesity effect of 6,8-diprenylgenistein (DPG), a major isoflavonoid of Cudrania tricuspidata fruits was investigated using high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice at the doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg for six week. The body weight of the DPG-treated groups was significantly lower compared to the HFD-treated group. In addition, fat accumulation in epididymal adipose tissue and liver was dramatically decreased in the HFD + DPG groups. The food efficiency ratios of the HFD + DPG groups were also lower compared to the HFD group with the same food intake. Metabolic parameters that had increased in the HFD group were decreased in the HFD + DPG groups. Further studies demonstrate that DPG efficiently reduces lipogenic genes by regulation of transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and hormones, such as leptin and adiponection. DPG also regulates acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Taken together, DPG is beneficial for the regulation of obesity, especially resulting from high fat intake.
Studies on the dimensionality of empathy: translation and adaptation of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)

Over years several methods have been proposed to assess empathy, being the self-evaluate scales the most employed method. Among these scales, we highlight Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), by Davis (1983) which assess cognitive and affective components of empathy. The main aims of this work were to translate and adapt IRI to using in Brazil, checking its psychometrics properties, and to assess the construct dimensionality of empathy using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results showed that: 1) the translated and adapted IRI version was valid to Brazilian context, 2) The Fantasy dimension is central to explain empathy and 3) A four-factor model explains better empathy than the one and two-factor models. This last finding lends support to the Davis’ and Hoffman’s thesis that a multidimensional view could explain better the construct of empathy.
First demonstration of a 12 DFB fiber laser array on a 100 GHz ITU grid, for underwater acoustic sensing application

We report for the first time a multiplexed array of 12 distributed feedback fiber lasers (DFB FLs) on a single optical fiber, separated by only 100 GHz (0.8 nm) in the C-band. These lasers are pumped by a 200 mW laser diode at 1480 nm with no apparent impact on the sensor noise floor despite the fact that the residual reflections from adjacent gratings may be enhanced due to the smaller wavelength separation. Each DFB FL, especially developed for serial multiplexing, exhibits low lasing threshold typically between 1 and 2 mW, low intensity noise and very low frequency noise (less than 30 dB re 1 Hz2/Hz at 1 kHz from optical carrier). From these experimental results, extension to 32 DFB FLs array (on 100 GHz ITU grid) multiplexed on one fiber will be discussed.
Palmprint principal lines extraction

The palmprint recognition has become a focus in biological recognition and image processing fields. In this process, the features extraction (with particular attention to palmprint principal line extraction) is especially important. Although a lot of work has been reported, the representation of palmprint is still an open issue. In this paper we propose a simple, efficient, and accurate palmprint principal lines extraction method. Our approach consists of six simple steps: normalization, median filtering, average filters along four prefixed directions, grayscale bottom-hat filtering, combination of bottom-hat filtering, binarization and post processing. The contribution of our work is a new method for palmprint principal lines detection and a new dataset of hand labeled principal lines images (that we use as ground truth in the experiments). Preliminary experimental results showed good performance in terms of accuracy with respect to three methods of the state of the art.
Message Segmentation to Enhance the Security of LSB Image Steganography

Classic Least Significant Bit (LSB) steganography technique is the most used technique to hide secret information in the least significant bit of the pixels in the stego-image. This paper proposed a technique by splitting the secret message into set of segments, that have same length (number of characters), and find the best LSBs of pixels in the stego-image that are matched to each segment. The main goal of this technique is to minimize the number of LSBs that are changed when substituting them with the bits of characters in the secret message. This will lead to decrease the distortion (noise) that is occurred in the pixels of the stego-image and as result increase the immunity of the stego-image against the visual attack. The experiment shows that the proposed technique gives good enhancement to the Classic Least Significant Bit (LSB) technique. Keywords—Security; Distortion; Embedding; Substitution. I. INTRODUCTION Steganography is one of many techniques that are used to hide secret information to prevent any attackers to make damage in this information or use it in illegal form. Steganography can be defined as the technique used to embed data or other secret information inside some other object commonly referred to as cover, by changing its properties. The purpose of steganography is to set up a secret communication path between two parties such that any person in the middle cannot detect its existence; the attacker should not gain any information about the embedded data by simply looking at cover file or stego file. Steganography is the art of hiding information in ways that prevent the detection of hidden messages. Steganography, derived from Greek, literally means "covered writing. " It includes a vast array of secret communications methods that conceal the message's very existence. These methods include invisible inks, microdots, character arrangement, digital signatures, covert channels, and
The Predictability of Preoperative Pilocarpine-Induced Lens Shift on the Outcomes of Accommodating Intraocular Lenses Implanted in Senile Cataract Patients

Purpose. To evaluate the predictability of lens shift induced by pilocarpine (LSPilo) on the outcomes of accommodating intraocular lens (Acc-IOL) implantation. Methods. Twenty-four eyes of 24 senile cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification and Acc-IOL implantation were enrolled. LSPilo was evaluated with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). At 3 months postoperatively, the best corrected distance visual acuities (BCDVA), distance-corrected near visual acuities (DCNVA), and subjective and objective accommodations were measured. IOL shifts under accommodation stimulus (IOLSAcc) were evaluated with AS-OCT. Results. The mean LSPilo was 112.29 ± 30.72 µm. LSPilo was not associated with any preoperative parameters. The mean IOLSAcc was 130.46 ± 42.71 µm. The mean subjective and objective accommodation were 1.54 ± 0.39 D and 1.27 ± 0.41 D, respectively. The mean postoperative BCDVA and DCNVA (log MAR value) were 0.22 ± 0.11 and 0.24 ± 0.12, respectively. LSPilo positively correlated with IOLSAcc (r = 0.541; P = 0.006), subjective accommodation (r = 0.412; P = 0.022), and objective accommodation (r = 0.466; P = 0.045), respectively. Conclusion. LSPilo is an independent preoperative parameter associated with the postoperative Acc-IOL mobility and pseudophakic accommodation. It may offer valuable information for ophthalmologists in determining the suitable candidates for Acc-IOL implantation.
Calprotectin Is a Useful Tool in Distinguishing Coexisting Irritable Bowel-Like Symptoms from That of Occult Inflammation among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in Remission

Background and Aim. In the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), many symptoms are similar to the functional disorder irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A challenge is thus to distinguish symptoms of IBD from IBS. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of calprotectin in IBS-positive IBD patients in remission. Methods. Remission was defined as a simple clinical colitis activity index (SCCAI) or simple crohn's disease activity index (SCDAI) score of less than three and less than four, respectively. The Rome II criteria were used to identify cases, and the calprotectin ELISA test was used to quantify calprotectin in stools. Results. The Rome II criteria were fulfilled in 24.6% of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, while the comparable number for Crohn's disease (CD) was 21.4%. There was a tendency for elevated fecal calprotectin levels in IBS-positive patients, regardless of diagnosis. However, these differences were only significant in CD. Conclusions. Calprotectin levels are elevated in subgroups of IBD patients that are in remission and have coexisting IBS-like symptoms. This study underscores the clinical usefulness of a noninvasive marker to distinguish patients in need of intensified followup from those that do not need further workup.
A general framework for subexponential discrete logarithm algorithms

We describe a generic algorithm for computing discrete logarithms in groups of known order in which a smoothness concept is available. The running time of the algorithm can be proved without using any heuristics and leads to a subexponential complexity in particular for finite fields and class groups of number and function fields which were proposed for use in cryptography. In class groups, our algorithm is substantially faster than previously suggested ones. The subexponential complexity is obtained for cyclic groups in which a certain smoothness assumption is satisfied. We also show how to modify the algorithm for cyclic subgroups of arbitrary groups when the smoothness assumption can only be verified for the full group.
Style-Independent Computer-Assisted Exploratory Analysis of Large Music Collections Büyük Müzik Koleksiyonlarinin Biçemden Baimsiz Bilgisayar Destekli Keif Niteliinde Çözümlenmesi

The first goal of this paper is to introduce musicologists and music theorists to the benefits offered by state-of-the-art pattern recognition techniques. The second goal is to provide them with a computer-based frame- work that can be used to study large and di- verse collections of music for the purposes of empirically developing, exploring and vali- dating theoretical models. The software pre- sented in this paper implements techniques from the fields of machine learning, pattern recognition and data mining applied to and considered from the perspectives of music theory and musicology. An important priority underpinning the software presented here is the ability to apply it to a much wider range of art, folk and popular musics of the world than is possible using the types of computer-based approaches traditionally used in music re- search. The tools and techniques presented here will thus enable exploratory research that can aid in the formation and validation of theoretical models for types of music for which such models have been elusive to date. These tools will also allow research on form- ing theoretical links spanning types of music that have traditionally been studied as distinct groups. A particular emphasis is placed on the importance of performing studies involving many pieces of music, rather than just a few compositions that may not in fact be truly representative of the overall corpus under consideration.
Oxygen and Glucocorticoids Modulate αENaC mRNA Translation in Fetal Distal Lung Epithelium

Glucocorticoid hormones play an important role in fetal lung maturation. It is unknown how they interact with changes in O2 tension, which play an important role in converting the lung from a fluid-secreting to a fluid-absorbing organ at birth. Airspace fluid absorption arises from active transepithelial Na+ transport with the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na channel (ENaC), consisting of α, β, and γ subunits, representing the rate-limiting step under nonpathologic conditions. We investigated the individual and combined effects of dexamethasone (DEX) and PO2 on αENaC mRNA levels, rate of αENaC protein synthesis, and amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current in primary cultures of rat fetal distal lung epithelial cells. DEX significantly induced αENaC mRNA in fetal (3%) and postnatal (21%) O2, but increases in αENaC protein synthesis and function occurred only when epithelia were grown under a postnatal PO2. Sucrose density gradient analyses showed that DEX treatment of cells cultured at 3% O2 decreased t.
SHREC'13 Track: Large Scale Sketch-Based 3D Shape Retrieval

Sketch-based 3D shape retrieval has become an important research topic in content-based 3D object retrieval. The aim of this track is to measure and compare the performance of sketch-based 3D shape retrieval methods based on a large scale hand-drawn sketch query dataset which has 7200 sketches and a generic 3D model target dataset containing 1258 3D models. The sketches and models are divided into 80 distinct classes. In this track, 5 runs have been submitted by 3 groups and their retrieval accuracies were evaluated using 7 commonly used retrieval performance metrics. We hope that this benchmark, its corresponding evaluation code, and the comparative evaluation results will contribute to the progress of this research direction for the 3D model retrieval community.
COUNTING HAMILTONIAN CYCLES ON PLANAR RANDOM LATTICES

A Hamiltonian cycle of a graph is a closed path if it passs through each of the vertices once and only once. In this letter, Hamiltonian cycles on planar random lattices are considered. The generating function for the number of Hamiltonian cycles is obtained and its singularity is studied. Its relation with two-dimensional quantum gravity is discussed.
Image Auto-Annotation and Retrieval Using Saliency Region Detecting and Segmentation Algorithm

Automatically assigning one or more relevant keywords to image has important significance. It is easier for people to retrieve and understand large collections of image data. Recent years much research has focused upon this field. In this paper, we introduce a salient region detection and segmentation algorithm used for image retrieval and keywords auto-annotation. We investigate the properties of a bin-cross bin metric between two feather-vectors called the Earth Mover's Distance (EMD), to enhance the precision and recall performance. The EMD is based on a solution to the transportation problem from linear optimization. It is more robust than histogram matching techniques. In this paper we only focus on applications about color-feathers, and we compare the performances about image auto-annotation and retrieval between EMD and other histogram matching distances. The results indicate that our methods are more flexible and reliable.
Online spatio-temporal Gaussian process experts with application to tactile classification

In this work, we are primarily concerned with robotic systems that learn online and continuously from multi-variate data-streams. Our first contribution is a new recursive kernel, which we have integrated into a sparse Gaussian Process to yield the Spatio-Temporal Online Recursive Kernel Gaussian Process (STORK-GP). This algorithm iteratively learns from time-series, providing both predictions and uncertainty estimates. Experiments on benchmarks demonstrate that our method achieves high accuracies relative to state-of-the-art methods. Second, we contribute an online tactile classifier which uses an array of STORK-GP experts. In contrast to existing work, our classifier is capable of learning new objects as they are presented, improving itself over time. We show that our approach yields results comparable to highly-optimised offline classification methods. Moreover, we conducted experiments with human subjects in a similar online setting with true-label feedback and present the insights gained.
The Zebrafish Motility Mutant twitch once Reveals New Roles for Rapsyn in Synaptic Function

Upon touch, twitch once zebrafish respond with one or two swimming strokes instead of typical full-blown escapes. This use-dependent fatigue is shown to be a consequence of a mutation in the tetratricopeptide domain of muscle rapsyn, inhibiting formation of subsynaptic acetylcholine receptor clusters. Physiological analysis indicates that reduced synaptic strength, attributable to loss of receptors, is augmented by a potent postsynaptic depression not seen at normal neuromuscular junctions. The synergism between these two physiological processes is causal to the use-dependent muscle fatigue. These findings offer insights into the physiological basis of human myasthenic syndrome and reveal the first demonstration of a role for rapsyn in regulating synaptic function.