Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic stereo matching using complex conjugate wavelet pyramids

A new genetic algorithm-based optimisation technique for stereo matching using complex conjugate wavelet pyramids is proposed. Reliable disparity fields are estimated in the wavelet domain with low computational cost. The new cost function is composed of the differences in wavelet coefficient values, plus vertical discontinuity and ordering constraints. Within homogenous regions, smoothness constraints on the disparity field are also employed. A genetic algorithm is used, where previously estimated vectors at the former image hierarchy are used to predict the corresponding search space of chromosomes, and to correct each newly calculated set of disparity vectors. This significantly reduces computational complexity compared to other methods, whilst maintaining robust performance.
Building Emulation Framework for Non-Volatile Memory

Emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) requires refactoring of the hardware and software stacks used on current computer systems. Modern researchers typically rely on simulators to test their innovations. Unfortunately, running a simulation requires orders of magnitude more time than performing a native run, and most simulation platforms are difficult to modify or debug. In this paper, we propose using emulation to reduce the substantial simulation overhead by proposing an extensible lightweight emulation framework called LEEF. Unlike previous NVM emulation implementations, which rely on specific hardware and use simple performance models, LEEF is built on a detailed performance model implemented through performance monitoring events that can be found on most commodity processors. LEEF also exposes a real-system memory trace generation interface for trace-based memory simulators. Using the traces, simulation results can be analyzed and integrated into future LEEF emulations. The results of experiments show that LEEF is more accurate than prior emulation approaches. We also present two case studies of recent micro-architectural innovations simulated on LEEF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that combines simulation with memory emulation.
A Systematic Literature Review of Experiments in Socially Assistive Robotics using Humanoid Robots

We perform a Systematic Literature Review to discover how Humanoid robots are being applied in Socially Assistive Robotics experiments. Our search returned 24 papers, from which 16 were included for closer analysis. To do this analysis we used a conceptual framework inspired by Behavior-based Robotics. We were interested in finding out which robot was used (most use the robot NAO), what the goals of the application were (teaching, assisting, playing, instructing), how the robot was controlled (manually in most of the experiments), what kind of behaviors the robot exhibited (reacting to touch, pointing at body parts, singing a song, dancing, among others), what kind of actuators the robot used (always motors, sometimes speakers, hardly ever any other type of actuator) and what kind of sensors the robot used (in many studies the robot did not use any sensors at all, in others the robot frequently used camera and/or microphone). The results of this study can be used for designing software frameworks targeting Humanoid Socially Assistive Robotics, especially in the context of Software Product Line Engineering projects.
Distributed path reservation algorithms for multiplexed all-optical interconnection networks

In this paper, we study distributed path reservation protocols for multiplexed all-optical interconnection networks. In such networks, a path for a connection is reserved such that transmitted data remains in the optical domain until it reaches its destination. The path reservation protocols negotiate the reservation and establishment of connections that arrive dynamically to the network. They can be applied to both wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM), which are two techniques that allow the large optical bandwidth to be shared among multiple connections. Two classes of protocols are discussed: forward reservation protocols and backward reservation protocols. Simulations of multiplexed 2-dimensional torus interconnection networks are used to evaluate and compare the performance of the protocols, and to study the impact of system parameters on both network throughput and communication delay. The simulation results show that the backward reservation schemes provide better performance than their forward reservation counterparts.
Simulation of the Bottleneck Controlling Access into a Rieske Active Site: Predicting Substrates of Naphthalene 1, 2-Dioxygenase

Naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase (NDO) has been computationally understudied despite the extensive experimental knowledge obtained for this enzyme, including numerous crystal structures and over 100 demonstrated substrates. In this study, we have developed a substrate prediction model that moves away from the traditional active-site-centric approach to include the energetics of substrate entry into the active site. By comparison with experimental data, the accuracy of the model for predicting substrate oxidation is 92%, with a positive predictive value of 93% and a negative predictive value of 98%. Also, the present analysis has revealed that the amino acid residues that provided the largest energetic barrier for compounds entering the active site are residues F224, L227, P234, and L235. In addition, F224 is proposed to play a role in controlling ligand entrance via π-π stacking stabilization as well as providing stabilization via T-shaped π-π interactions once the ligand has reached the active-site cavity. Overall, we present a method capable of being scaled to computationally discover thousands of substrates of NDO, and we present parameters to be used for expanding the prediction method to other members of the Rieske non-heme iron oxygenase family.
A comprehensive evaluation of bidirectional boost converter topologies for electrified vehicle applications

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for topology evaluation of bidirectional boost converters in electrified vehicle applications for higher power density. Based on the given specifications, major components in the converters are designed and sized, including the boost inductor, power module, and DC-link capacitor. 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations are conducted to evaluate the inductor loss. Power module loss is estimated based on the manufacturer datasheet parameters. With the proposed evaluation methodology, four bidirectional boost converter topologies are compared in terms of efficiency and power density: Single Phase Single Inductor (SPSI), Dual Phase Single Inductor (DPSI), Dual Phase Dual Inductor (DPDI), and Dual Phase Coupled Inductor (DPCI). The comparison results show that the power efficiency of DPCI is highest among these topologies, and DPCI can reduce the size of the inductor and DC-link capacitor. Therefore, DPCI is a strong candidate for bidirectional boost converter in electrified vehicle applications.
The potential of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-2) plays a major role in the ethanol detoxification pathway by removing acetaldehyde. Therefore, ALDH-2 inhibitors such as disulfiram represent the first therapeutic targeting of ALDH-2 for alcoholism therapy. Areas covered: Recently, ALDH-2 was identified as an essential bioactivating enzyme of the anti-ischemic organic nitrate nitroglycerin, bringing ALDH-2 again into the focus of clinical interest. Mechanistic studies on the nitroglycerin bioactivation process revealed that during bioconversion of nitroglycerin and in the presence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species the active site thiols of ALDH-2 are oxidized and the enzyme activity is lost. Thus, ALDH-2 activity represents a useful marker for cardiovascular oxidative stress, a concept, which has been meanwhile supported by a number of animal disease models. Mechanistic studies on the protective role of ALDH-2 in different disease processes identified the detoxification of 4-hydroxynonenal by ALDH-2 as a fundamental process of cardiovascular, cerebral and antioxidant protection. Expert opinion: The most recent therapeutic exploitation of ALDH-2 includes activators of the enzyme such as Alda-1 but also cell-based therapies (ALDH-bright cells) that deserve further clinical characterization in the future.
Fabrication of a polyvinylidene difluoride fiber with a metal core and its application as directional air flow sensor

We fabricated a sensitive air flow detector that mimic the sensing mechanism found at the tail of some insects. [see Y. Yang, A. Klein, H. Bleckmann and C. Liu, Appl. Phys. Lett. 99(2) (2011); J. J. Heys, T. Gedeon, B. C. Knott and Y. Kim, J. Biomech. 41(5), 977 (2008); J. Tao and X. Yu, Smart Mat. Struct. 21(11) (2012)]. Our bionic airflow sensor uses a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) microfiber with a molybdenum core which we produced with the hot extrusion tensile method. The surface of the fiber is partially coated with conductive silver adhesive that serve as surface electrodes. A third electrode, the metal core is used to polarize polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) under the surface electrodes. The cantilever beam structure of the prepared symmetric electrodes of metal core piezoelectric fiber (SMPF) is used as the artificial hair airflow sensor. The surface electrodes are used to measure output voltage. Our theoretical and experimental results show that the SMPF responds fast to air flow changes, th.
CCR8 Expression Defines Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells in Human Skin

Human skin harbors two major T cell compartments of equal size that are distinguished by expression of the chemokine receptor CCR8. In vitro studies have demonstrated that CCR8 expression is regulated by TCR engagement and the skin tissue microenvironment. To extend these observations, we examined the relationship between CCR8+ and CCR8− skin T cells in vivo. Phenotypic, functional, and transcriptomic analyses revealed that CCR8+ skin T cells bear all the hallmarks of resident memory T cells, including homeostatic proliferation in response to IL-7 and IL-15, surface expression of tissue localization (CD103) and retention (CD69) markers, low levels of inhibitory receptors (programmed cell death protein 1, Tim-3, LAG-3), and a lack of senescence markers (CD57, killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 1). In contrast, CCR8− skin T cells are heterogeneous and comprise variable numbers of exhausted (programmed cell death protein 1+), senescent (CD57+, killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 1+), and effector (T-bethi, Eomeshi) T cells. Importantly, conventional and high-throughput sequencing of expressed TCR β-chain (TRB) gene rearrangements showed that these CCR8-defined populations are clonotypically distinct, suggesting unique ontogenies in response to separate antigenic challenges and/or stimulatory conditions. Moreover, CCR8+ and CCR8− skin T cells were phenotypically stable in vitro and displayed similar levels of telomere erosion, further supporting the likelihood of a nonlinear differentiation pathway. On the basis of these results, we propose that long-lived memory T cells in human skin can be defined by the expression of CCR8.
Enhancing user privacy by preprocessing distributed smart meter data

The increasing presence of renewable sources requires power grid operators to continuously monitor electricity generation and demand in order to maintain the grid's stability. To this end, smart meters have been deployed to collect realtime information about the current grid load and forward it to the utility in a timely manner. High resolution smart meter data can however reveal the nature of appliances and their mode of operation with high accuracy, and thus endanger user privacy. In this paper, we investigate the impact on user privacy when the consumption data collected by distributed smart metering devices are preprocessed prior to their usage. We therefore assess the impact on the successful classification of appliances when sensor readings are (1) quantized, (2) down-sampled at a lower sampling rate, and (3) averaged by means of an FIR filter. Our evaluation shows that a combination of these preprocessing steps can provide a balanced trade-off that is in the interests of both users (privacy protection) and utilities (near real-time information).
Exploring the phylogeography of a hexaploid freshwater fish by RAD sequencing

Abstract The KwaZulu‐Natal yellowfish (Labeobarbus natalensis) is an abundant cyprinid, endemic to KwaZulu‐Natal Province, South Africa. In this study, we developed a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset from double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing of samples across the distribution. We addressed several hidden challenges, primarily focusing on proper filtering of RAD data and selecting optimal parameters for data processing in polyploid lineages. We used the resulting high‐quality SNP dataset to investigate the population genetic structure of L. natalensis. A small number of mitochondrial markers present in these data had disproportionate influence on the recovered genetic structure. The presence of singleton SNPs also confounded genetic structure. We found a well‐supported division into northern and southern lineages, with further subdivision into five populations, one of which reflects north–south admixture. Approximate Bayesian Computation scenario testing supported a scenario where an ancestral population diverged into northern and southern lineages, which then diverged to yield the current five populations. All river systems showed similar levels of genetic diversity, which appears unrelated to drainage system size. Nucleotide diversity was highest in the smallest river system, the Mbokodweni, which, together with adjacent small coastal systems, should be considered as a key catchment for conservation.
Directionality and Column Arrangement Principles of Precipitates in Al-Mg-Si-(Cu) and Al-Mg-Cu Linked to Line Defect in Al

In the structures of all metastable precipitates in Al-Mg-Cu and Al-Mg-Si alloys, we find that column surrounding of an element column in the needle/lath direction order according to simple principles. Advanced transmission electron microscopy and DFT calculations support the principles originate with a line defect, which is a segment of a <100>Al column shifted to interstitial positions. We propose the defect aids solute decomposition by partitioning the FCC matrix locally into columns of fewer and higher number of nearest neighbours, which suit smaller and larger size solute atoms, respectively. The defect explains how <100> directionality of the precipitates can arise in a cluster. Ordering of a few defects leads naturally to GPB zones in Al-Mg-Cu and to β'' in Al-Mg-Si.
Periimplant diseases: where are we now?--Consensus of the Seventh European Workshop on Periodontology.

BACKGROUND Peri-implant diseases present in two forms - peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature was systematically searched and critically reviewed. Four manuscripts were produced in specific topics identified as key areas to understand the microbial aetiology and the pathogenesis of peri-implant diseases and how the implant surface structure may affect pathogenesis. RESULTS While peri-implant mucositis represents the host response of the peri-implant tissues to the bacterial challenge that is not fundamentally different from gingivitis representing the host response to the bacterial challenge in the gingiva, peri-implantitis may differ from periodontitis both in the extent and the composition of cells in the lesion as well as the progression rate. A self-limiting process with a "protective" connective tissue capsule developing appears to dominate the periodontitis lesion while such a process may occasionally be lacking in peri-implantitis lesions. Bacterial biofilm formation on implant surfaces does not differ from that on tooth surfaces, but may be influenced by surface roughness. Nevertheless there is no evidence that such differences may influence the development of peri-implantitis. CONCLUSION It was agreed that clinical and radiographic data should routinely be obtained after prosthesis installation on implants in order to establish a baseline for the diagnosis of peri-implantitis during maintenance of implant patients.
Adaptive shared control strategies based in the Bayesian recursive technique in an intelligent wheelchair

In this paper we present an adaptive shared control method for an intelligent wheelchair based on the Bayesian recursive technique to assist a disable user in performing obstacle avoidance tasks. Three autonomous tasks have been developed for different types of environments to improve the performance of the overall system. The system combines local environmental information gathered using a laser range finder sensor with the user’s intentions to select the most suitable autonomous task in different situations. The evidences of these tasks are estimated by the Bayesian recursive technique during movements of the wheelchair. The most appropriate task is chosen to be the with the highest evidence value. Experimental results show significant performance improvements compared to our previously reported shared control methods.
Non-Isolated Single-Inductor DC/DC Converter With Fully Reconfigurable Structure for Renewable Energy Applications

A novel non-isolated three-port converter (NITPC) is introduced in this brief. The purpose of this topology is to integrate a regenerative load such as DC bus and motor with dynamic braking, instead of the widely reported consuming load, with a photovoltaic (PV)-battery system. Conventional methods require either a separate DC–DC converter to process the reversible power flow or employing an isolated three-port converter (TPC), which allows bi-directional power flow between any two ports. However, these methods require many switches, which increases the converter size and control complexity. This brief hence presents a compact but fully functional design by combining and integrating basic converters to form a simplified single-inductor converter structure while keeping a minimum amount of switches. The resultant converter is fully reconfigurable that all possible power flow combinations among the sources and load are achieved through different switching patterns, while preserving the single power processing feature of TPC. This brief presents a design example of the proposed NITPC for a PV-battery powered DC microgrid. Detailed circuitry analysis, operation principles of both DC grid-connected and islanded modes, and experimental results of different modes in steady state and mode transitions are presented.
Lenient Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning

Much of the success of single agent deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in recent years can be attributed to the use of experience replay memories (ERM), which allow Deep Q-Networks (DQNs) to be trained efficiently through sampling stored state transitions. However, care is required when using ERMs for multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MA-DRL), as stored transitions can become outdated because agents update their policies in parallel [11]. In this work we apply leniency [23] to MA-DRL. Lenient agents map state-action pairs to decaying temperature values that control the amount of leniency applied towards negative policy updates that are sampled from the ERM. This introduces optimism in the value-function update, and has been shown to facilitate cooperation in tabular fully-cooperative multi-agent reinforcement learning problems. We evaluate our Lenient-DQN (LDQN) empirically against the related Hysteretic-DQN (HDQN) algorithm [22] as well as a modified version we call scheduled-HDQN, that uses average reward learning near terminal states. Evaluations take place in extended variations of the Coordinated Multi-Agent Object Transportation Problem (CMOTP) [8] which include fully-cooperative sub-tasks and stochastic rewards. We find that LDQN agents are more likely to converge to the optimal policy in a stochastic reward CMOTP compared to standard and scheduled-HDQN agents.
Maternal stress and diet may influence affective behavior and stress-response in offspring via epigenetic regulation of central peptidergic function

Abstract It has been shown that maternal stress and malnutrition, or experience of other adverse events, during the perinatal period may alter susceptibility in the adult offspring in a time-of-exposure dependent manner. The mechanism underlying this may be epigenetic in nature. Here, we summarize some recent findings on the effects on gene-regulation following maternal malnutrition, focusing on epigenetic regulation of peptidergic activity. Numerous neuropeptides within the central nervous system are crucial components in regulation of homeostatic energy-balance, as well as affective health (i.e. health events related to affective disorders, psychiatric disorders also referred to as mood disorders). It is becoming evident that expression, and function, of these neuropeptides can be regulated via epigenetic mechanisms during fetal development, thereby contributing to the development of the adult phenotype and, possibly, modulating disease susceptibility. Here, we focus on two such neuropeptides, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), both involved in regulation of endocrine function, energy homeostasis, as well as affective health. While a number of published studies indicate the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in CRH-dependent regulation of the offspring adult phenotype, NPY has been much less studied in this context and needs further work.
Most Cases of Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV-Uninfected Patients in Vietnam Are Due to a Distinct Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism-Defined Cluster of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VN1

ABSTRACT Cryptococcal disease most commonly occurs in patients with an underlying immune deficit, most commonly HIV infection, and is due to Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii. Occasionally disease due to this variety occurs in apparently immunocompetent patients. The relationship between strains infecting immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients is not clear. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to characterize the relationship between strains infecting HIV-infected and uninfected patients. Isolates from 51 HIV-uninfected patients and 100 HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis were compared. C. neoformans var. grubii VNI was responsible for infections in 73% of HIV-uninfected and 100% of HIV-infected patients. AFLP analysis defined two distinct clusters, VNIγ and VNIδ. The majority (84%) of isolates from HIV-uninfected patients were VNIγ, compared with only 38% of isolates from HIV-infected patients (odds ratio, 8.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.04 to 26.6; P < 0.0001). In HIV-uninfected patients, underlying disease was less frequent in those with VNIγ infections. Two clusters of C. neoformans var. grubii VN1 are responsible for the majority of cases of cryptococcal meningitis in Vietnam. The distribution of these clusters differs according to the immune status of the host.