Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Object-based image retrieval with kernel on adjacency matrix and local combined features

In object-based image retrieval, there are two important issues: an effective image representation method for representing image content and an effective image classification method for processing user feedback to find more images containing the user-desired object categories. In the image representation method, the local-based representation is the best selection for object-based image retrieval. As a kernel-based classification method, Support Vector Machine (SVM) has shown impressive performance on image classification. But SVM cannot work on the local-based representation unless there is an appropriate kernel. To address this problem, some representative kernels are proposed in literatures. However, these kernels cannot work effectively in object-based image retrieval due to ignoring the spatial context and the combination of local features. In this article, we present Adjacent Matrix (AM) and the Local Combined Features (LCF) to incorporate the spatial context and the combination of local features into the kernel. We propose the AM-LCF feature vector to represent image content and the AM-LCF kernel to measure the similarities between AM-LCF feature vectors. According to the detailed analysis, we show that the proposed kernel can overcome the deficiencies of existing kernels. Moreover, we evaluate the proposed kernel through experiments of object-based image retrieval on two public image sets. The experimental results show that the performance of object-based image retrieval can be improved by the proposed kernel.
A computational model on harmonizing Chinese folksong with piano accompaniment

Research on auto-harmonizing a melody (e.g. Chinese folksong) with piano accompaniment is trying to build up a computer system which generates a 3-voice music including piano left-hand voice and right-hand voice beside an input melody voice. This research belongs to the automatic harmonization field. Here we approach Chinese folksong harmonization with piano accompaniment as a machine learning task, in a probabilistic framework. We use existing example of Chinese folksong with piano accompaniment to build a model of piano accompaniment process. This model can then be used to harmonize new Chinese folksong with piano accompaniment.
Multidose Streptozotocin Induction of Diabetes in BALB/c Mice Induces a Dominant Oxidative Macrophage and a Conversion of TH1 to TH2 Phenotypes During Disease Progression

Macrophages (Mp) are implicated in both early and late phases in type 1 diabetes development. Recent study has suggested that a balance between reductive Mp (RMp) and oxidative Mp (OMp) is possible to regulate TH1/TH2 balance. The aim of this study is to investigate the redox status of peritoneal Mp and its cytokine profile during the development of autoimmune diabetes induced by multiple low-dose streptozotocin in BALB/c mice. Meanwhile, the polarization of TH1/TH2 of splenocytes or thymocytes was also examined. We found that peritoneal Mp appeared as an “incomplete” OMp phenotype with decreased icGSH along with disease progression. The OMp showed reduced TNF-α, IL-12, and NO production as well as defective phagocytosis activity compared to nondiabetic controls; however, there was no significant difference with IL-6 production. On the other hand, the levels of IFN-γ or IL-4 of splenocytes in diabetic mice were significantly higher compared to the control mice. The ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 was also higher at the early stage of diabetes and then declined several weeks later after the occurrence of diabetes, suggesting a pathogenetic TH1 phenotype from the beginning gradually to a tendency of TH2 during the development of diabetes. Our results implied that likely OMp may be relevant in the development of type 1 diabetes; however, it is not likely the only factor regulating the TH1H/TH2 balance in MLD-STZ-induced diabetic mice.
Oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, thrombophilias and risk of venous thromboembolism: a systematic review

Summary Combined oral contraceptives, oral hormone replacement therapy and thrombophilias are recognised risk factors for venous thromboembolism in women. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of thromboembolism among women with thrombophilia who are taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, conducting a systematic review and metaanalysis. Of 201 studies identified, only nine met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies included pre-menopausal women on oral contraceptives and two studies included peri-menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy. For oral contraceptive use, significant associations of the risk of venous thromboembolism were found in women with factor V Leiden (OR 15.62; 95%CI 8.66 to 28.15); deficiencies of antithrombin (OR 12.60; 95%CI 1.37 to 115.79), protein C (OR 6.33; 95%CI 1.68 to 23.87), or protein S (OR 4.88; 95%CI 1.39 to 17.10), elevated levels of factor VIIIc (OR 8.80; 95%CI 4.13 to 18.75); and factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A (OR 7.85; 95%CI 1.65 to 37.41). For hormone replacement therapy, a significant association was found in women with factor V Leiden (OR 13.16; 95%CI 4.28 to 40.47). Although limited by the small number of studies, the findings of this study support the presence of interaction between thrombophilia and venous thromboembolism among women taking oral contraceptives. However, further studies are required to establish with greater confidence the associations of these, and other, thrombophilias with venous thromboembolism among hormone users.
Iron overload causes endolysosomal deficits modulated by NAADP-regulated 2-pore channels and RAB7A

ABSTRACT Various neurodegenerative disorders are associated with increased brain iron content. Iron is known to cause oxidative stress, which concomitantly promotes cell death. Whereas endolysosomes are known to serve as intracellular iron storage organelles, the consequences of increased iron on endolysosomal functioning, and effects on cell viability upon modulation of endolysosomal iron release remain largely unknown. Here, we show that increasing intracellular iron causes endolysosomal alterations associated with impaired autophagic clearance of intracellular protein aggregates, increased cytosolic oxidative stress and increased cell death. These effects are subject to regulation by NAADP, a potent second messenger reported to target endolysosomal TPCNs (2-pore channels). Consistent with endolysosomal iron storage, cytosolic iron levels are modulated by NAADP, and increased cytosolic iron is detected when overexpressing active, but not inactive TPCNs, indicating that these channels can modulate endolysosomal iron release. Cell death triggered by altered intralysosomal iron handling is abrogated in the presence of an NAADP antagonist or when inhibiting RAB7A activity. Taken together, our results suggest that increased endolysosomal iron causes cell death associated with increased cytosolic oxidative stress as well as autophagic impairments, and these effects are subject to modulation by endolysosomal ion channel activity in a RAB7A-dependent manner. These data highlight alternative therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders associated with increased intracellular iron load.
Reinforcement Learning Based Path Selection and Wavelength Selection in Optical Burst Switched Networks

Optical burst switching (OBS) is a promising technology that exploits the benefits of optical communication and supports statistical multiplexing of data traffic at a fine granularity making it a suitable technology for the next generation Internet. Development of efficient algorithms for path selection and wavelength selection is crucial in minimizing the burst loss probability (BLP) in OBS networks. In this paper, we present novel Reinforcement Learning algorithms for path selection and wavelength selection in the context of OBS networks. We develop an online path selection algorithm based on Q-learning to minimize the BLP by choosing an optimal path among a set of predetermined routes between every pair of ingress and egress nodes. We also propose a Q-learning algorithm for wavelength selection that selects an optimal wavelength among the available wavelengths in a pre-routed path with an objective of minimizing the BLP. We assume no wavelength conversion and buffering to be available at the core nodes of the OBS network. We simulate the proposed algorithms under dynamic load to demonstrate that they reduce the BLP compared to the best known adaptive techniques for path selection and wavelength selection available in the literature.
Effect of the x2 test on construction of ID3 decision trees

Quinlan’s 1D3 machine learning algorithm induces classification trees (rules) from a set of Eaining examples. The algorithm is extremely effective when training examples contain little or no noise. Noisy training data may result in the induction of decision trees which are not representative of the domain being modeled, To reduce the effect of noise on ID3’s construction of decision trees, Quinlarr suggested the use of the Z2 statistic as a tool for identifying noise in training attributes. Attributes appearing ttr be noisy can then be excluded from consideration as branching attributes. Since an a[fribute may appear more than cmce in a tree, an attribute musl be tested for noise each time it is under consideration. The work presenled in this paper evaluates the effect of using the Z* statistic as a tool for identifying noise during ID3 tree construction. [t was found that the effects of this approach vary Jepending on the classifl( wiur. criterion used to match tree and test example conclusions. Numerical results are provided which illustrate these differences.
Integrated Architecture for Message Dissemination in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

This paper proposes an architecture for vehicular communications, providing an integrated solution, considering the benefit of both safety (e.g., accident warning) and comfort (e.g., Internet access) applications. Firstly, we define overall architecture which can be classified in cross-layer category. Then we develop some blocks of the architecture and introduce some challenges in designing each layer. Our protocol architecture provides a clear modular structure with flexibility for cross-layer protocol interactions whilst not violating legacy-layer structure
Identification of the N-Terminal Domain of the Influenza Virus PA Responsible for the Suppression of Host Protein Synthesis

ABSTRACT Cellular protein synthesis is suppressed during influenza virus infection, allowing for preferential production of viral proteins. To explore the impact of polymerase subunits on protein synthesis, we coexpressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or luciferase together with each polymerase component or NS1 of A/California/04/2009 (Cal) and found that PA has a significant impact on the expression of eGFP and luciferase. Comparison of the suppressive activity on coexpressed proteins between various strains revealed that avian virus or avian-origin PAs have much stronger activity than human-origin PAs, such as the one from A/WSN/33 (WSN). Protein synthesis data suggested that reduced expression of coexpressed proteins is not due to PA's reported proteolytic activity. A recombinant WSN containing Cal PA showed enhanced host protein synthesis shutoff and induction of apoptosis. Further characterization of the PA fragment indicated that the N-terminal domain (PANt), which includes the endonuclease active site, is sufficient to suppress cotransfected gene expression. By characterizing various chimeric PANts, we found that multiple regions of PA, mainly the helix α4 and the flexible loop of amino acids 51 to 74, affect the activity. The suppressive effect of PANt cDNA was mainly due to PA-X, which was expressed by ribosomal frameshifting. In both Cal and WSN viruses, PA-X showed a stronger effect than the corresponding PANt, suggesting that the unique C-terminal sequences of PA-X also play a role in suppressing cotransfected gene expression. Our data indicate strain variations in PA gene products, which play a major role in suppression of host protein synthesis.
"They Pulled Me Through the Darkest Times": exploring the social benefits of a women's group in rural Ireland

While much has been written about the importance of women’s groups in the developing world, less is known about whether such groups have relevance in western societies. In Ireland, women’s groups played a key role in challenging inequality and bringing about positive social change for women in society and were an intrinsic part of community development activity. However, in recent years, policy support for women’s groups has reduced. In order to assess whether women’s groups continue to have relevance in contemporary Irish society, this paper explores members’ perspectives regarding their experiences of being part of a rural women’s group in the midlands of Ireland, established by a local Family Resource Centre. The study involved one-to-one qualitative interviews with group members, with emerging themes centring on mental health and well-being; increased self-confidence; community and social integration and impact on children and families. On the basis of these findings, it is argued that social support groups should be supported due to their benefits for individuals, children and families and for the wider community.
Blind image quality metric for blurry and noisy image

In this paper, an objective assessment of image quality is considered. Principal human eyes function is to take out the region or edge information from the vision field. Based on this function, a new no-reference image quality measure is proposed. First, we identify the image edges using canny operator. Secondly, we compute the absolute difference mask. Then, the two operators are used to compute the entire metric. Experimental results show the efficiency of the suggested measure.
A field study of requirements engineering practices in information systems development

To make recommendations for improving requirements engineering processes, it is critical to understand the problems faced in contemporary practice. We describe a field study whose general objectives were to formulate recommendations to practitioners for improving requirements engineering processes, and to provide directions for future research on methods and tools. The results indicate that there are seven key issues of greatest concern in requirements engineering practice. These issues are discussed in terms of the problems they represent, how these problems are addressed successfully in practice, and impediments to the implementation of such good practices.
Reliability of the Xpert HPV assay to detect high-risk human papillomavirus DNA in a colposcopy referral population.

OBJECTIVES The Xpert HPV Assay (Xpert; Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) was developed for the multianalytic GeneXpert platform. METHODS In a colposcopy referral population of 708 women living in the United States, two cervical specimens, A and B, were collected, and both were tested by the Xpert assay for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA, permitting an evaluation of its test reliability. Specimen B was also tested by Hybrid Capture 2 (hc2; Qiagen, Germantown, MD) and the cobas HPV Test (cobas; Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA). RESULTS The κ and percent agreement for any hrHPV for the two Xpert results were 0.88 and 94.5%, respectively. There was no statistical difference in testing positive on both specimens by Xpert (P = .62). The sensitivity for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more severe (CIN2+) was 89.0% using specimen A and 90.4% using specimen B for Xpert, 90.4% for cobas, and 81.6% for hc2. CONCLUSIONS The Xpert assay was sensitive and reliable for the detection of hrHPV and the identification of women with CIN2+.
Study of Serotypes, Susceptibility to Macrolide and Virulence and Resistance Molecular Profiles in Invasive Strains of Streptococcus agalactiae in Two Argentine Provinces

A study of invasive strains of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) from Cordoba and Misiones, Argentina; was conducted to determine serotypes, the susceptibility to macrolides and molecular profiles of virulence and resistance. We studied 17 strains, recovered from cerebrospinal fluid, blood and cellulite and, a strain of trophoblastic remnants from Misiones. The serotypes were determined by agglutination with sera and phenotypes of resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB), were determined with the double-disk test (D-test). The confirmation was performed by E-test by ERI and CLI respectively that determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results were interpreted as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2013. Resistance genes: ermB, ermTR and mefA and the virulence genes: bac, bca, rib, lmb, hylB, scpB, fbsA, fbsB and cylB were investigated by conventional PCR. Serotype III (50%) and Ia (50%) were detected in Cordoba. One strain showed cMLSB phenotype, confirmed by MIC. The same strains showed a resistance gene ermB. All studied virulence genes were detected in 100% of * Corresponding author.
gap: Genetic Analysis Package

A preliminary attempt at collecting tools and utilities for genetic data as an R package called gap is described. Genomewide association is then described as a specific example, linking the work of Risch and Merikangas (1996), Long and Langley (1997) for family-based and population-based studies, and the counterpart for case-cohort design established by Cai and Zeng (2004). Analysis of staged design as outlined by Skol et al. (2006) and associate methods are discussed. The package is flexible, customizable, and should prove useful to researchers especially in its application to genomewide association studies.
Pixels grouping and shadow cache for faster integral 3D ray tracing

This paper presents for the first time, a theory for obtaining the optimum pixel grouping for improving the coherence and the shadow cache in integral 3D ray-tracing in order to reduce execution time. A theoretical study of the number of shadow cache hits with respect to the properties of the lenses and the shadow size and its location is discussed with analysis for three different styles of pixel grouping in order to obtain the optimum grouping. The first style traces rows of pixels in the horizontal direction, the second traces similar pixels in adjacent lenses in the horizontal direction, and the third traces columns of pixels in the vertical direction. The optimum grouping is a combination of all three dependant up on the number of cache hits in each. Experimental results show validation of the theory and tests on benchmark scenes show that up to a 37% improvement in execution time can be achieved by proper pixel grouping.
Functional extensions of Dip Pen NanolithographyTM: active probes and microfluidic ink delivery

Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN™) is an important technique for nanotechnology and a fundamental new tool for studying the consequences of miniaturization. In this scanning probe technique a sharp tip is coated with a functional molecule (the ‘ink’) then brought into contact with a surface where it deposits ink via a water meniscus. The DPN process is a direct-write pattern transfer technique with nanometer resolution and is inherently general with respect to usable inks and substrates, including biomolecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides. We present functional extensions of the basic DPN process by showing multiple active probes along with the ability to load different inks onto probe tips. We present the fabrication process and characterization of thermomechanically actuated probes that use the bimorph effect to induce deflection of individual cantilevers as well as the integration of these probes with control electronics and an interface module. As an additional improvement to DPN functionality, we developed the capability to write with different inks on the probe array, permitting the fabrication of multicomponent nanodevices in one writing session. For this purpose, we fabricate passive microfluidic devices and present the microfluidic behavior and ink loading performance of these components.
Near-Optimal Power Allocation and Multiuser Scheduling with Outage Capacity Constraints Exploiting Only Channel Statistics

In this letter, we consider a delay-constrained wireless communication system where a delay constraint is characterized by the information outage probability in a transmission of K-block Rayleigh flat-fading channels. With multiple users, each given an individual delay requirement, this letter aims to minimize the total transmitted power by optimizing jointly the power distribution and the time sharing of a time-division (TD) multiuser system where the transmitter knows only the channel statistics (CST) but the mobile receivers (or users) have perfect knowledge of the channels. A suboptimal solution which utilizes Gaussian approximation with the mean and variance derived on the instantaneous mutual information and convex optimization, is proposed. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme performs nearly the same as the global optimum.
Image Fusion Using Kuwahara Filter

This paper proposes an efficient method for image fusion using Kuwahara filter, which is used for edgepreserving noise removal of images. Source images are fused by weighted average using the weights computed from the detail images that are extracted from the source images using Kuwahara filter. The performance of this method has been verified on several pairs of multifocus and multisensor images and compared with the existing methods visually. It is found that, none of the methods have shown consistence performance for all the performance measures. But as compared to them, the proposed method has shown good performance in most of the cases. Further, the visual quality of the fused image by the proposed method is superior to other methods. Keywords— Kuwahara, image Fusion, PCA, Detail image, Multi focus, Multi sensor
Dynamic Meta-Scheduling Architecture Based on Monitoring in Distributed Systems

The Scheduling process in Large Scale Distributed System (LSDS) became more important due of increases of users and applications. This paper presents a dynamic meta-scheduling architecture model for LSDS based on monitoring. Dynamic scheduling process tries to perform task allocation on the fly as the application executes. The monitoring is important in this process because can offer a full view of nodes in distributed systems. The proposed architecture is an agent framework and contains a Grid Monitoring Service, an Execution Services and a Discovery Services. The performance of used monitoring system - MonALISA is very important for dynamic scheduling because ensure the real-time process. The experimental results validate our architecture and scheduling model.
Design and Implementation of a Multidimensional Packet Classifier on Network Processor

SUMMARY Network Processors (NPs) are emerging as very promising platforms for developing network devices of Next Generation Internet, due to their capability to combine the flexibility of general-purpose processors with the high performance features of hardware-based systems. They represent especially the most suitable solutions for implementing complex tasks related to QoS, such as packet classification, scheduling and filtering. This paper illustrates the implementation of a multidimensional packet filtering realized on top of the Intel® IXP2400 NP. The multidimensional multibit trie is chosen as the best algorithm to be implemented and it is modified to exploit the peculiar features of Network Processor. The different tasks are mapped on the NP computational resources and an optimized implementation is performed, with subsequent experimental validation. Reconfigurability and dynamic update are carefully focused and multitasking and multithreaded programming is accurately examined.