Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Person re-identification based on viewpoint correspondence pattern

Person re-identification (re-id) aims to match people across disjoint camera views. The large viewpoint variation of pedestrian due to camera view changes decreases the accuracy of person re-id. However, the viewpoint variation has several relative stable correspondence patterns (e.g. front/back, front/side, side/back) because of the constraints from settled camera locations. In this paper, we propose a viewpoint correspondence based metric learning model to capture the intrinsic difference between two persons. First, we introduce a deep convolutional neural network to identify the different viewpoints of pedestrians. Then, the pedestrian pairs are grouped into several classes according to their different viewpoint correspondence patterns. Finally, the specific distance metrics are computed in these classes, respectively. Our contributions are (1) the classification of viewpoint correspondence pattern, (2) and the viewpoint-specific distance metric, which selects the optimal metric between two persons. The experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves the comparable performance versus the representative methods.
Measurements of morphological and biophysical alterations in individual neuron cells associated with early neurotoxic effects in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. However, therapeutic methods of PD are still limited due to complex pathophysiology in PD. Here, optical measurements of individual neurons from in vitro PD model using optical diffraction tomography (ODT) are presented. By measuring 3D refractive index distribution of neurons, morphological and biophysical alterations in in‐vitro PD model are quantitatively investigated. It was found that neurons show apoptotic features in early PD progression. The present approach will open up new opportunities for quantitative investigation of the pathophysiology of various neurodegenerative diseases. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Pupillometer-Based Neurofeedback Cognitive Training to Improve Processing Speed and Social Functioning in Individuals at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

Objective: Among individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis, processing speed (PS) has been related to social and role functioning regardless of conversion to schizophrenia. This information processing dysfunction is a gateway to broader behavioral deficits such as difficulty executing social behaviors. We examined the feasibility of improving information processing relevant to social situations in CHR, including its sustainability at 2-month follow-up, and its association with concurrent social function. Method: This was a double-blind RCT in which 62 CHR participants were randomized to Processing Speed Training (PST) or an active control matched for training format and the same dose and duration of treatment. PST is a tablet-based program that uses pupillometry-based neurofeedback to continually adjust training parameters for an optimal neurocognitive load and to improve visual scanning efficiency by inhibiting selection of nonessential targets and discriminating figure-ground details. Results: The PST group showed faster motoric and nonmotoric PS at post training and 2-month follow-up. At 2 month follow-up, the PST group reported better overall social adjustment. Changes in PS from baseline to 2 months were correlated with overall social adjustment and social avoidance in the entire sample. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: This is the first study to test focal neurofeedback-based cognitive training for PS deficits in the putatively prodromal phase of schizophrenia to address associated social morbidity. Targeting PS appears to be a promising pathway to decreasing comorbidity and mitigating a risk factor for psychosis.
Apoplastic pH during low-oxygen stress in Barley.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Anoxia leads to an energy crisis, tolerance of which varies from plant to plant. Although the apoplast represents an important storage and reaction space, and engages in the mediation of membrane transport, this extracellular compartment has not yet been granted a role during oxygen shortage. Here, an attempt is made to highlight the importance of the apoplast during oxygen stress and to test whether information about it is transferred systemically in Hordeum vulgare. METHODS Non-invasive ion-selective microprobes were used which, after being inserted through open stomata, directly contact the apoplastic fluid and continuously measure the apoplastic pH and changes to it. KEY RESULTS (a) Barley leaves respond to oxygen stress with apoplastic alkalinization and membrane depolarization. These responses are persistent under anoxia (N2; O2 < 3%) but transient under hypoxia. (b) Being applied to the root, the information 'anoxia' is signalled to the leaf as an increase in pH, whereas 'hypoxia' is not: flooding of the roots within the first 2 h has no effect on the leaf apoplastic pH, whereas anoxia (N2) or chemical anoxia (NaCN/salicylic hydroxamic acid) rapidly increase the leaf apoplastic pH. (c) Under anoxia, the proton motive force suffers a decrease by over 70 %, which impairs H(+) -driven transport. CONCLUSIONS Although anoxia-induced apoplastic alkalinization is a general response to stress, its impact on the proton motive force (reduction) and thus on transport mediation of energy-rich compounds is evident. It is concluded that anoxia tolerance depends on how the plant is able to hold the proton motive force and H(+) turnover at a level that guarantees sufficient energy is harvested to overcome the crisis.
Circadian Rhythms and Redox State in Plants: Till Stress Do Us Part

A growing body of evidence demonstrates a significant relationship between cellular redox state and circadian rhythms. Each day these two vital components of plant biology influence one another, dictating the pace for metabolism and physiology. Diverse environmental stressors can disrupt this condition and, although plant scientists have made significant progress in re-constructing functional networks of plant stress responses, stress impacts on the clock-redox crosstalk is poorly understood. Inter-connected phenomena such as redox state and metabolism, internal and external environments, cellular homeostasis and rhythms can impede predictive understanding of coordinated regulation of plant stress response. The integration of circadian clock effects into predictive network models is likely to increase final yield and better predict plant responses to stress. To achieve such integrated understanding, it is necessary to consider the internal clock not only as a gatekeeper of environmental responses but also as a target of stress syndromes. Using chlorophyll fluorescence as a reliable and high-throughput probe of stress coupled to functional genomics and metabolomics will provide insights on the crosstalk across a wide range of stress severity and duration, including potential insights into oxidative stress response and signaling. We suggest the efficiency of photosystem II in light conditions (Fv′/Fm′) to be the most dynamic of the fluorescence variables and therefore the most reliable parameter to follow the stress response from early sensing to mortality.
fCDN: A Flexible and Efficient CDN Infrastructure without DNS Redirection or Content Reflection

Flexible and efficient CDNs are critical to facilitate content distribution in 5G+ architectures. Current CDNs suffer from inefficient request mapping based on DNS redirection, and inefficient content distribution from origin to edge servers, through content reflection. We proposes a novel, flexible CDN architecture that removes the need for DNS-based mapping and content reflection. Instead, requests to/from the CDN are treated as service transactions in the network, which utilises a routing function embraced from emerging research in Information-Centric Networks (ICN) to route edge-to-edge transactions to the true nearest service point. The same function is utilized to establish path-based flows over a fast forwarding substrate; thereby, eliminating the need for IP routing between service points within a single domain, and potentially at peering points with other domains. We model our architecture and formulate the resource placement problem as a variance of the K-center problem. To address the problem, we propose a greedy algorithm, Swing, that balances the placement of service points between highly and poorly connected nodes. We evaluate the efficiency of our architecture in utilising the CDN and network resources through Monte Carlo simulations that explore a range of K values. Moreover, we compare the goodness of the placement solutions provided by Swing with those provided by Largest First and Closest First Algorithms. Evaluation results show the superiority of our fCDN solution in reducing the edge-to-edge path length and the required network resources.
Applied Erasure Coding in Networks and Distributed Storage

The amount of digital data is rapidly growing. There is an increasing use of a wide range of computer systems, from mobile devices to large-scale data centers, and important for reliable operation of all computer systems is mitigating the occurrence and the impact of errors in digital data. The demand for new ultra-fast and highly reliable coding techniques for data at rest and for data in transit is a major research challenge. Reliability is one of the most important design requirements. The simplest way of providing a degree of reliability is by using data replication techniques. However, replication is highly inefficient in terms of capacity utilization. Erasure coding has therefore become a viable alternative to replication since it provides the same level of reliability as replication with significantly less storage overhead. The present thesis investigates efficient constructions of erasure codes for different applications. Methods from both coding and information theory have been applied to network coding, Optical Packet Switching (OPS) networks and distributed storage systems. The following four issues are addressed: - Construction of binary and non-binary erasure codes; - Reduction of the header overhead due to the encoding coefficients in network coding; - Construction and implementation of new erasure codes for large-scale distributed storage systems that provide savings in the storage and network resources compared to state-of-the-art codes; and - Provision of a unified view on Quality of Service (QoS) in OPS networks when erasure codes are used, with the focus on Packet Loss Rate (PLR), survivability and secrecy.
The thermal work limit is a simple reliable heat index for the protection of workers in thermally stressful environments.

BACKGROUND Workers in many industries are exposed to thermally stressful work environments. Protection of the health of workers without unnecessarily compromising productivity requires the adoption of a heat index that is both reliable and easy to use. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the Thermal Work Limit (TWL), in a controlled environment and under field conditions, against these criteria. METHODS Volunteers performed graded work in a controlled thermal environment to determine the limiting workload for the conditions. Core temperature and heart rate were monitored as indicators of thermoregulation. In the field study, outdoor workers were monitored for signs of physiological strain in thermal environments which were characterized using both the traditional Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and the TWL. Abilities of each of these indices to accurately reflect the thermal stress on workers were evaluated. RESULTS In the controlled environment, the TWL was found to reliably predict the limiting workload. In the field study, TWL was a more appropriate and realistic index than WBGT, which was found to be excessively conservative. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm previously published studies evaluating TWL in underground environments, which have led to its widespread adoption in the Australian mining industry. The study extends the applicability of TWL to outdoor environments and generates management guidelines for its implementation.
Relaying Schemes for MIMO Broadcast Channels: Coexistence of Direct-Link and Relay-Link Users

The combination of relay and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) techniques can significantly benefit the signal transmission in cellular networks. In this work, we propose a novel relaying scheme for the relay assisted MIMO broadcast channel including user classification and precoding. The users are firstly classified as Direct Link (DL) users and Relay Link (RL) users according to their channel conditions. After classification, both DL and RL users may coexist in the system, and Zero-Forcing (ZF) precoding is employed at both the BS and the relay for interference cancellation. Analysis and simulation results show that the proposed relaying scheme can effectively combat the large scale fading of the channels and provide significant performance gain compared with the conventional MIMO relaying schemes without user classification.
Numerical Simulation on Stress-Strain Curve of Recycled Concrete under Uniaxial Compression with Lattice Model

Based on the property of recycled coarse aggregates,a random aggregate model for recycled concrete was created.According to this model and theory of lattice model,five types of lattice elements were defined.They are natural coarse aggregate element,new mortar element,new interfacial transition zone(ITZ) element,old mortar element and old ITZ element.Different parameters and failure criteria were assigned to these elements.Then,a computer program based on member structure finite element method was compiled with Fortran to calculate the stress-strain curve of recycled concrete under uniaxial compression.After comparing the simulating curves with testing ones,it can be found that if the element parameters are properly selected,the lattice model can be used to simulate the stress-strain curve of recycled concrete under uniaxial compression.
Development of novel methods for analysis of autonomic balance and gamma coherence in autism

Development of novel methods for analysis of autonomic balance and gamma coherence in autism.Development of novel methods for analysis of autonomic balance and gamma coherence in autism. " ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The influence of many individuals has greatly enriched both my undergraduate and graduate careers at the University of Louisville. I would first like to thank Dr. Tato Sokhadze for his mentorship these past three years, and encouraging my involvement in various research projects in his lab. Dr. Sokhadze taught me how to navigate a research project from start to finish, from data collection to analysis to interpreting and presenting results. I now understand the diligence and commitment required to be successful in research. I am very grateful for the time he has dedicated to advising me in the preparation of this thesis. Dr. Ayman El-Baz has been a wonderful source of advice throughout my years in Bioengineering. Dr. El-Baz has been my advisor since sophomore year of college and has always been there to help me figure out my class schedule and discuss my career goals. When I first expressed interest in participating in research Dr. El-Baz introduced me to Dr. Sokhadze right away, which paved the way for a rewarding and meaningful research experience. I am also very fortunate to have the support and guidance of my family. My family has been there every step of the way, and I am so thankful for everything they have done to help me reach my goals. The excellent company of mentors, friends, and family means so much to me and has been a significant part of my accomplishments over the past five years. v ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by difficulty in social interactions, limited range of interests, and repetitive behaviors. ASD has been shown to negatively affect both ambient vision and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The objectives of this thesis were to determine the efficacy of two novel therapies, visuo-motor training with ambient prism lenses and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), on autonomic balance and EEG gamma coherence. Heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance level (SCL) were used as indicators of autonomic function. HRV is an excellent indicator of autonomic balance because it has a low frequency (LF) component, representative of combined parasympathetic and sympathetic inputs, and a high frequency (HF) component, representative of parasympathetic only inputs. SCL is controlled solely by …
Sarcoma of the heart: survival after surgery.

OBJECTIVES Malignant intracardiac tumours are rare, and consensus concerning the optimal therapeutic approach is lacking. We performed a retrospective medical analysis, identifying 9 patients having been operated for cardiac sarcomas. All of them had a complete postoperative long-term follow-up. To enhance understanding of the best therapeutic approach for future patients, it is crucial to reveal special medical problems and to analyse the potential impact they may have on disease course and survival rate in this specific patient group. METHODS Cardiac tumours operated on 2000 to the end of 2015 were reviewed. Late mortality during the follow-up period was determined. The impact of tumour extension, tumour localization, resection status (complete versus partial) and histopathological diagnosis on survival was analysed retrospectively. RESULTS Of all cardiac malignant tumours resected, sarcomas were, with an incidence of 0.14% (9 patients), the most frequent histological group admitted to cardiac surgery. All of the patients presented with cardiac symptoms. All of the patients survived the operation and all had relief or improvement of cardiac symptoms. The mean follow-up period was 17 ± 13 months. Five patients died after 6, 8, 12, 12 and 15 months, respectively. Four survivors (3 with a pulmonary artery tumour sarcoma and 1 with a left atrial sarcoma) had a mean follow-up of 26 ± 17 months. Macroscopically complete tumour resection, absence of metastatic spread and histological sarcoma type had an impact on follow-up survival. CONCLUSIONS Although cardiac sarcomas are rare, surgeons occasionally encounter them. A 1-year mortality rate of 44% reflects an unfavourable prognosis, but surgery seems to be a secure, reliable option in selected patients for treating cardiac symptoms and avoiding early cardiac-related deaths.
Morphological and neurochemical differences in peptidergic nerve fibers of the mouse vagina

The vagina is innervated by a complex arrangement of sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nerve fibers that contain classical transmitters plus an array of neuropeptides and enzymes known to regulate diverse processes including blood flow and nociception. The neurochemical characteristics and distributions of peptide‐containing nerves in the mouse vagina are unknown. This study used multiple labeling immunohistochemistry, confocal maging and analysis to investigate the presence and colocalization of the peptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), calcitonin‐gene related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), and the nitric oxide synthesizing enzyme neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in nerve fibers of the murine vaginal wall. We compared cervical and vulvar areas of the vagina in young nullipara and older multipara C57Bl/6 mice, and identified differences including that small ganglia were restricted to cervical segments, epithelial fibers were mainly present in vulvar segments and most nerve fibers were found in the lamina propria of the cervical region of the vagina, where a higher number of fibers containing immunoreactivity for VIP, CGRP, SP, or nNOS were found. Two populations of VIP‐containing fibers were identified: fibers containing CGRP and fibers containing VIP but not CGRP. Differences between young and older mice were present in multiple layers of the vaginal wall, with older mice showing overall loss of innervation of epithelium of the proximal vagina and reduced proportions of VIP, CGRP, and SP containing nerve fibers in the distal epithelium. The distal vagina also showed increased vascularization and perivascular fibers containing NPY. Immunolabeling of ganglia associated with the vagina indicated the likely origin of some peptidergic fibers. Our results reveal regional differences and age‐ or parity‐related changes in innervation of the mouse vagina, effecting the distribution of neuropeptides with diverse roles in function of the female genital tract.
Jaw‐Muscle Fiber Architecture and Leverage in the Hard‐Object Feeding Sooty Mangabey are not Structured to Facilitate Relatively Large Bite Forces Compared to Other Papionins

Numerous studies have sought to link craniofacial morphology with behavioral ecology in primates. Extant hard‐object feeders have been of particular interest because of their potential to inform our understanding about the diets of early fossil hominins. Sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) are hard‐object feeders that frequently generate what have been described as audibly powerful bites at wide jaw gapes to process materially stiff and hard seeds. We address the hypothesis that sooty mangabeys have features of the masticatory apparatus that facilitate this feeding behavior by comparing fiber architecture and leverage of the masseter and temporalis muscles between sooty mangabeys and three papionin primates that do not specialize on hard objects. Contrary to predictions, sooty mangabeys do not have relatively larger muscle physiologic cross‐sectional areas or weights compared to other papionins, nor do they consistently display improved leverage. In this regard, sooty mangabeys differ in their morphology from other hard‐object feeders such as tufted capuchins. However, males of all four papionin species converge on a shared pattern of relatively longer anterior superficial masseter fibers compared with female conspecifics, suggesting that males are likely prioritizing muscle stretch to improve gape performance as part of a behavioral repertoire that includes agonistic social interactions and intense male–male competition. These findings strengthen support for the hypothesis that gape display behaviors can exert a strong selective influence throughout the musculoskeletal masticatory apparatus. Results also raise questions about the morphological suitability of extant cercopithecines as models for interpreting feeding behavior and diet in fossil hominins with limited jaw gape capacity. Anat Rec, 301:325–342, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.