Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contour detection based on the property of orientation selective inhibition of non-classical receptive field

The majority of neurons in primary visual cortex (V1) of brain are orientation-selective. Both the classical receptive field (CRF) and the non-classical receptive field (NCRF), which modulates the CRF and mainly yields inhibition, could be orientation-selective and may obtain different tune. For a single neuron, the response is determined by the interaction of its CRF and NCRF. And the horizontal connections play an important role when forming inhibition. Inspired by those visual cortical mechanisms, a modified inhibition model, called orientation selectivity of NCRF, is introduced to improve the performance of contour detectors. The orientation saliency is determined by the energy, the output of a Gabor Energy filter, in each direction. And the inhibition term is taken based on the saliency of the orientation. This proposed method could selectively retain the object contours and suppress texture edges effectively, which is demonstrated by the processing of several natural images.
Distop: A Low-Overhead Cluster Monitoring System

Current systems for managing workload on clusters of workstations, particularly those available for Linux-based (Beowulf) clusters, are typically based on traditional process-based, coarse-grained parallel and distributed programming. The DESPOT project is building a sophisticated thread-level resource-monitoring system for computational, storage and network resources [2]. The original implementation of DESPOT was based on SGI’s Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) to facilitate the collection of performance monitoring data and to provide an API for the scheduling algorithm to retrieve the data. Unfortunately, the overhead of PCP and the infrastructure required to use PCP slowed down the performance of the DESPOT scheduling algorithms. In this paper we present an alternative to PCP which we call Distop. Distop was developed speci£cally to satisfy the needs of the DESPOT project for low-overhead, £ne-grained resource-monitoring tools for per-process network and other resource usage. We also present experimental results indicating the overhead of our system is minimal while providing accurate resource utilization data.
Layered Call Admission Policy for 3G Cellular Data Networks: A CDMA2000 Case Study

Since IP networks are networks of choice due to their widespread footprint, cellular networks like CDMA2000 Packet Data Networks use them as their data network backbone. However, the IP networks are prone to discrepancies like routing loops that might cause service degradation and sometimes end-toend path failures. In CDMA2000 Packet Data Networks, existence of loops between different routers in the core IP network due to accidental or deliberate misconfigurations result in repeated retransmissions of packets of same ID across the network. Consequence of these retransmissions is more bandwidth consumption and degradation in overall network throughput. Moreover, Mobile Stations remain in transmission mode longer than they actual need, consequently more battery power is consumed and average cost per communicated data packet increases. Existing physical layer Call Admission Policies accept and sustain data calls despite core IP network is unable to entertain these calls. We propose a novel Call Admission Policy for 3G cellular data networks in general and CDMA2000 Packet Data Networks in particular that detects the existence of routing loop through Multi-Layer Call Admission Architecture implemented on PDSN and promptly drops the data calls experiencing routing loops. Admission of new data calls associated to misconfigured HA or core network router is blocked to increase network throughput and reduce unnecessary bandwidth utilization. In addition, significant decrease in average cost per data packet and battery power consumption will result as a consequence of reduced retransmissions.
Valuing Double Barrier Options With Time-Dependent Parameters by Fourier Series Expansion

Based upon the Fourier series expansion, we propose a simple and easy-to-use approach for computing accurate estimates of Black-Scholes double barrier option prices with time-dependent parameters. This new approach is also able to provide tight upper and lower bounds of the exact barrier option prices. Furthermore, this approach can be straightforwardly extended to the valuation of standard European options with specified moving boundaries as well.
Heparin-induced antibodies and cardiovascular risk in patients on dialysis

Summary The clinical relevance of heparin-induced antibodies (HIA) in the absence of thrombocytopenia remains to be defined. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the prevalence of HIA in patients treated by dialysis, (ii) to determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and (iii) to test whether HIA are associated with adverse outcomes. Sera from 740 patients treated by hemodialysis (HD, n=596) and peritoneal dialysis (PD, n=144) were tested for HIA (IgG, IgA or IgM) by masked investigators at approximately six months after enrolment in the Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for End-Stage Renal Disease (CHOICE) study. We assessed, with time-to-event Cox proportional hazards models, whether the presence of HIA predicted any of four clinical outcomes: arterial cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolism, vascular access occlusion and mortality. HIA prevalence was 10.3% overall. HIA positivity did not predict development of thrombocytopenia or any of the four clinical outcomes over a mean follow-up of 3.6 years, with hazard ratios for arterial cardiovascular events of 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.70–1.37), venous thromboembolism 1.39 (0.17–11.5), vascular access occlusion 0.82 (0.40–1.71), and mortality 1.18 (0.85–1.64). Chronic intermittent heparin exposure was associated with a high seroprevalence of HIA. In dialysis patients these antibodies were not an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality. Our data do not suggest that dialysis patients should be monitored for HIA antibodies in the absence of thrombocytopenia.
Simulated annealing for graph bisection

We resolve in the affirmative a question of R.B. Boppana and T. Bui: whether simulated annealing can with high probability and in polynomial time, find the optimal bisection of a random graph an G/sub npr/ when p-r=(/spl Theta/n/sup /spl Delta/-2/) for /spl Delta//spl les/2. (The random graph model G/sub npr/ specifies a "planted" bisection of density r, separating two n/2-vertex subsets of slightly higher density p.) We show that simulated "annealing" at an appropriate fixed temperature (i.e., the Metropolis algorithm) finds the unique smallest bisection in O(n/sup 2+/spl epsi//) steps with very high probability, provided /spl Delta/>11/6. (By using a slightly modified neighborhood structure, the number of steps can be reduced to O(n/sup 1+/spl epsi//). ) We leave open the question of whether annealing is effective for /spl Delta/ in the range 3/2</spl les/11/6, whose lower limit represents the threshold at which the planted bisection becomes lost amongst other random small bisections. It also remains open whether hillclimbing (i.e. annealing at temperature 0) solves the same problem. <<ETX>>
Correlating Microstructure with Texture of Particulate Biopolymer Gels

The microstructure of particulate biopolymer gels has been studied to comprehend the effect of microstructure on textural properties. Particulate structures have been characterized at different levels by using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Various microstructural parameters have been defined for particulate structures. Methods for quantification have been developed and particulate structures have been quantified. Two different systems have been analysed: dispersions of starch particles and particulate protein gels. The microstructure of particulate gels has been related to texture, as measured instrumentally and by sensory perception. Two protein systems were chosen as particulate gel model systems, (-lactoglobulin and whey protein, WPC. Both proteins form gels on heating and particulate gels are formed around the iso-electrical point (∼ pH 5.2). Fine-stranded gels were formed at high pH, above pH 6, and at low pH, below 4, when no salt was added. In order to comprehend the size concept in microstructural terms, such as individual particles or clusters, particles in a dispersion were analysed. The size of industrially produced spherical starch particles was estimated by using light microscopy in combination with image analysis. Methods for size estimation were analysed taking clustering and orientation of clusters into account. Quantification of microstructural parameters facilitated the structural analysis of a large amount of samples and the statistical correlation of structure with the perceived texture. A stereological approach was used to estimate the size of pores and particles in the particulate gels. The size was estimated by the star volume. Three-dimensional features, such as strand characteristics and clustering phenomena, have been defined and quantified in an objective manner by the trained human experts on a microstructural panel. The microstructural data was correlated to textural data. It was found that the microstructure can explain texture, as measured instrumentally or perceived sensorily. Microstructural parameters of particulate protein gels can be divided into two groups: overall network characteristics (pore size and particle size) and strand characteristics ('mode of aggregation'). The test principles of analysing texture can also be divided into two groups: destructive tests and non-destructive tests. The texture analysed by using a large force, either when perceived sensorily (chewing or the appearance of a newly cut surface) or when measured instrumentally (tensile tests), was sensitive to the overall network dimensions. The texture analysed by using a small deformation, either as perceived sensorily by pressing lightly with the forefinger or as measured viscoelastically, was shown to be sensitive to the strand characteristics of the particulate gels.
The Effect of the Process Temperature on the Bondability in Diffusion Bonding of AISI 430 with Nodular Cast Iron

Abstract The effect of process temperature on the bondability of stainless steel AISI 430 and nodular cast iron was studied. The diffusion bonding was investigated experimentally under a protective atmosphere at various temperatures and a prescribed constant pressure blow which would cause macro-deformation. Microstructure examinations were carried out with the help of optical microscopy, SEM and EDS. Hardness values were measured by HV scale under a load of 200 g. At the bond interface cross section, decarburized and dechromised regions were observed on the ductile cast iron side and the stainless steel side respectively. Best mechanical and metallurgical properties were observed for the specimen bonded at 1100 °C process temperature at 15 MPa, for 20 min. As a function of the process temperature elevation, an increase of graphite atoms, migrating towards the interface, and a reduction of graphite atoms at the nodular graphite diameters was noticed.
Torture against children in rebel captivity in Northern Uganda: physical and psychological effects and implications for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND Although torture in adults is well documented, studies that document its use against children, especially during war, are rare. This study documented the use of torture against children and its physical and psychological consequences during the war in Northern Uganda. METHODOLOGY Changes to the skin were examined by medical assistants, photographs taken, and allegations of torture verified in an interview and the case histories filed upon admission to the rehabilitation centres. The sample included 183 children aged 12 to 18 (mean age 14.8, SD 2.9) of which 60 were physically examined in two rehabilitation centres. The impact of torture was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R) in a multiple regression model. RESULTS Medical examinations showed visible evidence of physical trauma. Torture methods included burns, beatings, carrying heavy objects, gunshots, cuts with bayonets and machetes, long distance treks, etc. resulting into scars and keloids in different parts of the body. The scars were consistent with injuries inflicted on purpose. The children scored highly on the subscales of IES-R indicating severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress. The experience of torture explained between 26 to 37 per cent of the variance in symptoms of posttraumatic stress. CONCLUSIONS The physical trauma is consistent with histories and reports filed upon admission to the rehabilitation centres indicating that the children were indeed tortured. As a result of the torture, the children were psychologically distressed. The challenge for clinicians is to employ a holistic approach of treating survivors of torture by recognising not only the physical complaints but stress symptoms as well. This is because the mental states of debilitation, dependency, dread and disorientation that is induced in victims may have long-lasting consequences just like the physical and psychological consequences.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Control TLR7 Sensitivity of Naive B Cells via Type I IFN1

Detailed information of human B cell activation via TLR may lead to a better understanding of B cell involvement in autoimmunity and malignancy. In this study we identified a fundamental difference in the regulation of TLR7- and TLR9-mediated B cell stimulation: whereas the induction of polyclonal naive B cell proliferation by the TLR7 ligands resiquimod (R848) and loxoribine required the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs), activation via the TLR9 ligand CpG was independent of PDCs. We found that PDC-derived type I IFN enhanced TLR7 sensitivity of B cells by selectively up-regulating TLR7 expression. In contrast the expression levels of TLR9 and of other TLRs studied remained unchanged. In the presence of type I IFN, TLR7 ligation triggered polyclonal B cell expansion and B cell differentiation toward Ig-producing plasma cells; notably, this occurred independently of T cell help and B cell Ag. Human B cells did not respond to ligands of other TLRs including TLR2, TLR4 and TLR6 with and without type I IFN. In conclusion, our results reveal a distinct regulation of TLR7 and TLR9 function in human B cells and highlight TLR7 and TLR9 as unique targets for therapeutic intervention in B cell-mediated immunity and disease.
Surface Crack Search and Marking on Materials with Regional Phase Unwrapping Technology

Depending on the size of sets, a wrapped phase map is unwrapped by either region or pixel. In region phase unwrapping, the jump point threshold value is adjusted to search the region boundary after filtering a wrapped map with higher noise and then phase unwrapping ±2nπ in each region without filtering. The latter compares if the phase difference of adjacent pixels is greater than π as a reference for determining pixel point ±2π to perform phase unwrapping point by point. Although the former unwraps phase by means of boundary search and the latter with the phase difference of adjacent pixels, phase unwrapping errors occur in both cases in detecting surface cracks on materials as data on both sides of a crack are discontinuous. This paper proposes a solution for phase unwrapping on discontinuous surfaces by means of crack search and marking with region assembly phase unwrapping technology to locate boundaries in both region splits and crack splits and further extends the scope of application of region assembly phase unwrapping.
Plan-view transmission electron microscopy of crack tips in bulk materials

A focused ion beam (FIB) system has been applied to prepare a thin foil specimen of Si, MgO and alumina which contained cracks in the plan of foil. It was possible to observe a much larger area at and near a crack tip than has been hitherto possible. FIB was also applied to observation of microstructure near a crack tip evolved during severe rolling contact fatigue in a steel.
Composition of the Volatile Oils of Three Different Species of Artemisia

The essential oils of the aerial parts of three different Artemisia species (A. scoparia, A. diffusa, A. turanica) growing wildly in the northeast of Iran were analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty-two, twenty-six, and thirteen components were identified in the essential oils of these plants, respectively. The major constituents of the oil of A. scoparia were β-pinene (16.10%), carvacrol (13.81%), limonene (8.82%), cis-ocimene (8.38%), methyl eugenol (7.62%), and transocimene (7.17%). Camphor (25.5%), 1,8-cineol (25.0%), β-thujone (22.%), and α-thujone (6.0%) were the major components identified in the volatile oil of A. diffusa. The main identified compounds in the volatile oil of A. turanica were 1,8-cineol (40.94%), cis-verbenyl acetate (19.03%) and camphor (11.03%). The identified components and their percentages in the essential oil of three different Artimisia species in this study were quite different. Since the chemical composition of the oil depends on various environmental conditions, therefore, these differences can be expected.
Maximum a posteriori estimation for multivariate Gaussian mixture observations of Markov chains

In this paper, a framework for maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation of hidden Markov models (HMM) is presented. Three key issues of MAP estimation, namely, the choice of prior distribution family, the specification of the parameters of prior densities, and the evaluation of the MAP estimates, are addressed. Using HMM's with Gaussian mixture state observation densities as an example, it is assumed that the prior densities for the HMM parameters can be adequately represented as a product of Dirichlet and normal-Wishart densities. The classical maximum likelihood estimation algorithms, namely, the forward-backward algorithm and the segmental k-means algorithm, are expanded, and MAP estimation formulas are developed. Prior density estimation issues are discussed for two classes of applications/spl minus/parameter smoothing and model adaptation/spl minus/and some experimental results are given illustrating the practical interest of this approach. Because of its adaptive nature, Bayesian learning is shown to serve as a unified approach for a wide range of speech recognition applications. >
Effects of halides and bicarbonate on chloride transport in human red blood cells

Chloride self-exchange was determined by measuring the rate of 36Cl efflux from human red blood cells at pH 7.2 (0 degrees C) in the presence of fluoride, bromide, iodide, and bicarbonate. The chloride concentration was varied between 10--400 mM and the concentration of other halides and bicarbonate between 10--300 mM. Chloride equilibrium flux showed saturation kinetics. The half-saturation constant increased and the maximum flux decreased in the presence of halides and bicarbonate: the inhibition kinetics were both competitive and noncompetitive. The competitive and the noncompetitive effects increased proportionately in the sequence: fluoride less than bromide less than iodide. The inhibitory action of bicarbonate was predominantly competitive. The noncompetitive effect of chloride (chloride self-inhibition) on chloride transport was less dominant at high inhibitor concentrations. Similarly, the noncompetitive action of the inhibitors was less dominant at high chloride concentrations. The results can be described by a carrier model with two anion binding sites: a transport site, and a second site which modifies the maximum transport rate. Binding to both types of sites increases proportionately in the sequence: fluoride less than chloride less than bromide less than iodide.
Comet: odel-Based Reasoning to Accounting Systems

An important problem faced by auditors is gauging how much reliance can be placed on the accounting systems that process millions of transactions to produce the numbers summarized in a company’s financial statements. Accounting systems contain internal controls, procedures designed to detect and correct errors and irregularities that may occur in the processing of transactions. In a complex accounting system, it can be an extremely difficult task for the auditor to anticipate the possible errors that can occur and to evaluate the effectiveness of the controls at detecting them. An accurate analysis must take into account the unique features of each company’s business processes. To cope with this complexity and variability, the Comet system applies a model-based reasoning approach to the analysis of accounting systems and their controls. An auditor uses Comet to create a hierarchical flowchart model that describes the intended processing of business transactions by an accounting system and the operation of its controls. Comet uses the constructed model to automatically analyze the effectiveness of th< controls in detecting potential errors. Price Waterhouse auditors have used Comet on a variety of real audits in several countries around the world.
Dosimetry Requirements for Pressure Vessel Steels Toughness Curve in the Ductile to Brittle Range

As part of PWR life-time assessment project, a large R&D program, PV-CT50, has been carried out from 1995 to 2004, to assess pressure vessel (PV) steel's toughness curve using very large compact tension (CT) specimens (50 × 125 × 120 mm3) allowing measurements in the ductile to brittle transition range. A new high capacity irradiation rig was designed to meet the specific CT50 specimens loading requirements in the 70 MWth OSIRIS material testing reactor operated by CEA's Nuclear Energy Division at the Saclay Research Center. This paper presents the measurement and calculation developments required in these particular conditions. Spectrum characteristics and neutron flux levels were determined by a comprehensive dosimetry on mock-ups featuring activation foils and damage monitors. At the same time, a new calculation methodology based on the TRIPOLI-4.3 Monte Carlo code and IRDF-2002 dosimetry files was validated against calorimetric and neutron activation measurements.
Perceptual Deterioration is Reflected in the Neural Response: Fmri Study of Nappers and Non-Nappers

Repeated training on a perceptual task can result in performance deterioration. In the case of vision, this practice-dependent decrease, or perceptual deterioration is restored by changing the target orientation, spatial location, or by taking a daytime nap. Behavioral studies suggest the locus of these performance changes to be primary visual cortex. We used fMRI to directly probe whether perceptual deterioration and nap-dependent maintenance of performance can be detected at the level of primary visual cortex. We also asked whether these changes are due to a bottom–up, stimulus-driven response or a top–down plasticity of attentional mechanisms. Subjects were scanned while performing a texture-discrimination task. Half the subjects took a nap between sessions. We measured the relationship between changes in performance and changes in BOLD signal modulation between the two groups. Non-nappers showed performance deterioration that was significantly correlated with decreased BOLD signal modulation, exclusively in area V1 and limited to the bottom–up condition. In contrast, no change was detected in performance and BOLD response in the two conditions for nappers. These results indicate that napping prevented performance deterioration, which was reflected in the fMRI response of neurons in V1. Without a nap, perceptual deterioration was related to decreases in the stimulus-driven, bottom–up representation, rather than decreases in attentional modulation to the stimulus.