Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic Noise Samples

We present a practical approach to generate stochastic anisotropic samples with Poisson-disk characteristic over a two-dimensional domain. In contrast to isotropic samples, we understand anisotropic samples as nonoverlapping ellipses whose size and density match a given anisotropic metric. Anisotropic noise samples are useful for many visualization and graphics applications. The spot samples can be used as input for texture generation, for example, line integral convolution (LIC), but can also be used directly for visualization. The definition of the spot samples using a metric tensor makes them especially suitable for the visualization of tensor fields that can be translated into a metric. Our work combines ideas from sampling theory and mesh generation to approximate generalized blue noise properties. To generate these samples with the desired properties, we first construct a set of nonoverlapping ellipses whose distribution closely matches the underlying metric. This set of samples is used as input for a generalized anisotropic Lloyd relaxation to distribute noise samples more evenly. Instead of computing the Voronoi tessellation explicitly, we introduce a discrete approach that combines the Voronoi cell and centroid computation in one step. Our method supports automatic packing of the elliptical samples, resulting in textures similar to those generated by anisotropic reaction-diffusion methods. We use Fourier analysis tools for quality measurement of uniformly distributed samples. The resulting samples have nice sampling properties, for example, they satisfy a blue noise property where low frequencies in the power spectrum are reduced to a minimum.
Nucleus accumbens core and shell are differentially involved in general and outcome‐specific forms of Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer with alcohol and sucrose rewards

Alcohol‐associated stimuli contribute to relapse risk. Therefore, understanding the behavioural and neural mechanisms underlying the ability of such stimuli to promote alcohol‐seeking is important for developing effective treatments for alcohol‐use disorders. The Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer (PIT) paradigm can be used to study the influence of Pavlovian cues on independently‐trained instrumental responses earning reward. The effects can be either general, increasing the vigour of reward‐related behaviours, or specific to responses that earn a common outcome. These different forms of PIT are mediated by distinct neural circuits involving the nucleus accumbens (NAC) core and shell, respectively. Here we examined the effects of pharmacological inactivation of either the NAC core or shell on PIT generated by alcohol‐predictive and sucrose‐predictive stimuli in rats. We found that presentations of a stimulus predicting sucrose enhanced responding for sucrose but not alcohol, suggesting an outcome‐specific effect. In contrast, presentations of an alcohol‐predictive stimulus enhanced responding for both alcohol and sucrose, suggesting a generally arousing effect. Inactivation of the NAC core reduced PIT and, in particular, the effect of the alcohol stimulus. Inactivation of the NAC shell reduced the specificity of the stimulus effects but left the ability of the stimuli to non‐specifically invigorate responding intact, consistent with a role in mediating the specificity of PIT. Together, these results suggest that the NAC core plays a particularly important role in mediating the influence of alcohol‐predictive cues on reward‐seeking behaviours.
ScanSAR focusing and interferometry

The authors discuss an efficient phase preserving technique for ScanSAR focusing, used to obtain images suitable for ScanSAR interferometry. Given two complex focused ScanSAR images of the same area, an interferogram can be generated as for conventional repeat pass SAR interferometry. However, due to the nonstationary azimuth spectrum of ScanSAR images, the coherence of the interferometric pair and the interferogram resolution are affected, both by the possible scan misregistration between two passes and by the terrain slopes along the azimuth. The resulting decorrelation can be significantly reduced by means of an azimuth varying filter, provided that some conditions on the scan misregistration are met. Finally, the SAR-ScanSAR interferometry is proposed: here the decorrelation can always be removed. With no resolution loss by means of the technique presented.
The influence of social entities in virtual reality games on player experience and immersion

Virtual reality games have repeatedly been criticized as being isolating or "anti-social" due to the necessity of covering the player's perception and cognition from the real world in order to allow diving into the game world. Therefore, we investigate approaches to enhance the sociability of VR games by integrating social entities. In a comprehensive study with 75 participants using a testbed game, we compared the impact of a co-player and a virtual agent on virtual reality player experience in terms of enjoyment, perceived loneliness, social presence, and immersion. Results indicate that social entities decrease the perception of loneliness in VR and that their influence on player experience is moderated by their degree of agency and interactivity. Moreover, we found that social entities do not necessarily enhance enjoyment in VR games compared to a single player mode, but can instead also interfere with positive experiences. We conclude that adding a social component to a VR game can enhance player experience by reducing loneliness but requires close consideration to the design and implementation of both social interaction mechanics and the social entity itself.
Quality-Based Resource Brokerage for Autonomous Networked Multimedia Applications

In this paper, we assume that the network resources are managed by several brokers, which are endowed with resources by a (remote) central resource manager according to several predetermined policies. Our focus is on autonomous multimedia users. We propose a novel resource management scheme, where resource brokers choose well-suited axiomatic bargaining solutions to divide their allocated resources among the users associated with them. These resource division solutions enable resource brokers to provide strict minimum video quality guarantees according to the (varying) number of multimedia users associated with them. Finally, we show that the proposed solution enables us to model the problem of selecting resource brokers by multimedia users as an unweighted congestion game, thereby ensuring convergence to a stationary distribution of users across resource brokers. We investigate the number of required users' switches to reach the stationary distribution, and quantify the fairness of the stationary distribution by introducing a novel quality fairness comparison metric for the users.
Towards a Reflective Model of Collaborative Systems

In recent years, we have come to understand that the design of effective interactive systems is not simply about implementation models and techniques, but also about aspects of the system in use, many of which have come to us from psychology and social science. The issues of work practice, adaptation and evolution which surround interactive systems have become an extremely important area of research. This paper argues that the reorientation in our view of interactive systems which has resulted from these areas of interest necessitates a similar reorientation in the techniques by which we design and construct interactive systems. Using examples from ongoing work in the design of an open toolkit for collaborative applications, it illustrates how the principles of computational reflection and metaobject protocols can lead us towards a new model based on open abstraction which holds great promise in addressing these issues.
Optimal and Sustainable Plant Refurbishment in Historical Buildings: A Study of an Ancient Monastery Converted into a Showroom in Florence

The aim of this research is to study the possibility and sustainability of retrofit and refurbishment design solutions on historical buildings converted to different uses and often clashing with their original purpose and architectural features. The building studied is an ancient monastery located in the historical center of Florence (Italy). Today the original cloister is covered over by a single glazed pitched roof and used as a fashion showroom. Our proposed solution concerns a reversible and sustainable plant design integrated with an active transparent building casing. The existing glazed pitched roof was reconsidered and re-designed as part of the existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) plant system, based on the functioning of an active thermal buffer to control the high heat flow rates and external thermal loads due to solar radiation. Hourly whole building energy analysis was carried out to check the effectiveness and energy sustainability of our proposed solution. Results obtained showed, from the historical-architectural, energy and environmental points of view, its sustainability due to the building-plant system integration and interaction with its location, the external climatic conditions and defined expected uses, in particular with reference to indoor thermal comfort.
Evolution and phylogeographic dissemination of endemic porcine picornaviruses in Vietnam

Members of the Picornaviridae are important and often zoonotic viruses responsible for a variety of human and animal diseases. However, the evolution and spatial dissemination of different picornaviruses circulating in domestic animals are not well studied. We examined the rate of evolution and time of origin of porcine enterovirus G (EV-G) and porcine kobuvirus species C lineages (PKV-C) circulating in pig farms in Vietnam and from other countries. We further explored the spatiotemporal spread of EV-G and PKV-C in Southwest Vietnam using phylogeographic models. Multiple types of EV-G are co-circulating in Vietnam. The two dominant EV-G types among isolates from Vietnam (G1 and G6) showed strong phylogenetic clustering. Three clades of PKV-C (PKV-C1-3) represent more recent introductions into Vietnam; PKV-C2 is closely related to PKV-C from Southwest China, indicating possible cross-border dissemination. In addition, high virus lineage migration rates were estimated within four districts in Dong Thap province in Vietnam for both EV-G types (G1, G6) and all PKV-C (C1-3) clades. We found that Chau Thanh district is a primary source of both EV-G and PKV-C clades, consistent with extensive pig trading in and out of the district. Understanding the evolution and spatial dissemination of endemic picornaviruses in pigs may inform future strategies for the surveillance and control of picornaviruses.
Thunks (Continued)

Call-by-name can be simulated in a call-by-value setting using \thunks" (i.e., parameterless procedures) or continuation-passing-style (CPS). In this paper we uncover a relationship between the two simulations. We prove that the call-by-value CPS transformation Cv, when applied to a term T (t) which simulates call-by-name using thunks, yields a term identical to the call-by-name CPS transformation Cn applied directly to t (modulo renaming): Cv T Cn This result sheds new light on the call-by-name CPS transformation | it can be factored into two conceptually distinct steps: the suspension of argument evaluation (captured in T); the sequentialization of function application to give the usual tail-calls of CPS terms (captured in Cv).
Nonblocking commit protocols

Protocols that allow operational sites to continue transaction processing even though site failures have occurred are called nonblocking. Many applications require nonblocking protocols. This paper investigates the properties of nonblocking protocols. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a protocol to be nonblocking are presented and from these conditions a method for designing them is derived. Both a central site nonblocking protocol and a decentralized nonblocking protocol are presented.
Last Advances in Silicon-Based Optical Biosensors

We review the most important achievements published in the last five years in the field of silicon-based optical biosensors. We focus specially on label-free optical biosensors and their implementation into lab-on-a-chip platforms, with an emphasis on developments demonstrating the capability of the devices for real bioanalytical applications. We report on novel transducers and materials, improvements of existing transducers, new and improved biofunctionalization procedures as well as the prospects for near future commercialization of these technologies.
Status of a Marginal Dugong (Dugong Dugon) Population in the Lagoon of Mayotte (Mozambique Channel), in the Western Indian Ocean

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is one of the most endangered mammal species in eastern Africa. Dugongs are exposed to many human-induced threats, such as by-catch in fishing gears and deliberate killing. In order to understand the conservation and management issues surrounding this species status assessments are needed. An assessment was conducted in Mayotte (Comoros, Mozambique Channel) in 2003 to determine the status and distribution of the dugong. Questionnaire surveys were carried out in August 2003 with local fishermen. Results of opportunistic sightings were collected from 1999 to 2005 (n=53), and aerial surveys were undertaken between July and November 2005. The three data sources provide historical and actual data on the status of the species. Dugongs were common in the lagoon before the 1980’s, and then declined significantly due to hunting pressure and by-catch in fishing nets. In the 2000’s, opportunistic sightings have been made regularly by recreational dive operators and microlight aircraft pilots. Recent sightings indicate calving in the lagoon of Mayotte, with several observations of mother-calf pairs. Measures to protect Mayotte’s marine biodiversity, such as establishing a network of Marine Protected Areas, banning fishing nets and developing pelagic fisheries is expected to help ensure the future survival of the dugong in this area.
Oncologic Surveillance After Surgical Resection for Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Novel Risk-Based Approach.

PURPOSE The appropriate duration of surveillance for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after radical or partial nephrectomy remains unknown, and evidence to support current guidelines are lacking. Herein, we provide an approach to surveillance that balances the risk of recurrence versus the risk of non-RCC death. PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified 2,511 patients who underwent surgery for M0 RCC between 1990 and 2008. Patients were stratified for analysis by pathologic stage (pT1Nx-0, pT2Nx-0, pT3/4Nx-0, and pTanyN1), relapse location (abdomen, chest, bone, and other), age (< 50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70-79 and ≥ 80 years), and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; ≤ 1 and ≥ 2). Risks of disease recurrence and non-RCC death were estimated by using parametric models for time-to-failure with Weibull distributions. Surveillance duration was estimated at the point when the risk of non-RCC death exceeded the risk of recurrence. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 9.0 years (interquartile range, 6.4 to 12.7 years), a total of 676 patients developed recurrence. By using a competing-risk model, vastly different surveillance durations were appreciated. Specifically, among patients with pT1Nx-0 disease and a CCI ≤ 1, risk of non-RCC death exceeded that of abdominal recurrence risk at 6 months in patients age 80 years and older but failed to do so for greater than 20 years in patients younger than age 50 years. For patients with pT1Nx-0 disease but a CCI ≥ 2, the risk of non-RCC death exceeded that of abdominal recurrence risk already at 30 days after surgery, regardless of patient age. CONCLUSION We present an individualized approach to RCC surveillance that bases the duration of follow-up on the interplay between competing risk factors of recurrence and non-RCC death. This strategy may improve the balance between the derived benefit from surveillance and medical resource allocation.
Expanded Distorted-Wave Theory for Phase-Sensitive X-Ray Diffraction in Single Crystals

Diffraction of x rays is a widely used technique for studying structural information in condensed matter. One of the main advantages of this structural technique is that the diffracted intensities measured in experiments can be easily interpreted by a simple kinematic theory [1 ‐3] that is based on the first-order Born approximation where single scattering events are the predominant mechanism. The kinematic theory, however, is intrinsically limited by the phase problem of diffraction, i.e., its result is generally insensitive to the phases of scattering amplitudes even though both the phases and the magnitudes are needed for solving a complex structure. The only existing diffraction theory to date that can be phase sensitive is the so-called dynamical theory [4,5], which includes all possible interactions among multiply excited Bragg reflection waves inside a crystal. Unfortunately, this theory is rather complicated in its mathematical formulation, especially in the case of multiple Bragg waves [5], and it is generally viewed as a specialist’s theory and is rarely used in ev
Gait in Elderly With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Background and Purpose— Gait disorders are common in the elderly and are related to loss of functional independence and death. White matter lesions (WMLs) may be related, but only a minority of individuals with WMLs has gait disorders. Probably other factors are involved, including location and the independent effect of frequently coinciding lacunar infarcts, the other aspect of cerebral small vessel disease. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of both the severity and location of both WMLs and lacunar infarcts on gait. Methods— Four hundred thirty-one independently living, nondemented elderly aged between 50 and 85 years with cerebral small vessel disease were included in this analysis and underwent MRI scanning. The number and location of lacunar infarcts were rated and WML volume was assessed by manual segmentation with automated delineating of different regions. Gait was assessed quantitatively with an electronic walkway as well as the semiquantitatively Tinetti and Timed-Up-and-Go test. Results— WMLs and lacunar infarcts were both independently associated with most gait parameters with stride length as the most sensitive parameter related to WMLs. WMLs in the sublobar (basal ganglia/internal capsule) and limbic areas and lacunar infarcts in the frontal lobe and thalamus were related to a lower velocity. Conclusions— Cerebral small vessel disease is related to gait disturbances. Because small vessel disease may, in part, be preventable, it should be regarded as a potentially important target for postponing gait impairment.
A Joint Named Entity Recognition and Entity Linking System

We present a joint system for named entity recognition (NER) and entity linking (EL), allowing for named entities mentions extracted from textual data to be matched to uniquely identifiable entities. Our approach relies on combined NER modules which transfer the disambiguation step to the EL component, where referential knowledge about entities can be used to select a correct entity reading. Hybridation is a main feature of our system, as we have performed experiments combining two types of NER, based respectively on symbolic and statistical techniques. Furthermore, the statistical EL module relies on entity knowledge acquired over a large news corpus using a simple rule-base disambiguation tool. An implementation of our system is described, along with experiments and evaluation results on French news wires. Linking accuracy reaches up to 87%, and the NER F-score up to 83%.
One-Step Sneak-Path Free Read Scheme for Resistive Crossbar Memory

A one-step sneak-path free read scheme for resistive crossbar memory is proposed in this article. During read operation, it configures the crossbar array into a four-terminal resistance network, which is composed of the selected cell and three other resistors corresponding to unselected cells that contribute to the sneak-path. Two sensing voltages with equal potential are applied to three terminals of the network. One is for sensing the resistance of the selected cell; the other is for creating zero-voltage drop across one of the three resistors, which connects the sneak-path to the selected cell. This effectively suppresses the current injected by the sneak-path to the selected cell-sensing loop. This work also proposes a cost-effective data-encoding circuit that guarantees that at least half of the memory cells are in a high-resistance state, which further minimizes sneak-path current. The impact of key design parameters, such as sensing voltage, switch on-resistance, and the ratio of memory cell resistances in different states, as well as nonideal effects are investigated. Equations for estimating the maximum array size to share a single read circuit are derived. The effectiveness of the proposed design has been validated via circuit simulations. Impacts of the word-/bit-line resistance are also analyzed.
Multimedia conferencing in the Etherphone environment

The latest extension of the Etherphone project is described. It creates a powerful conferencing system that lets users control their participation in multiple conferences across multimedia networks. The emphasis is on the software mechanisms that support its new features: first, a Sparcstation facility called Phoenix that extends the Etherphone software architecture to permit more flexible conferencing and to control Sparcstation-based Ethernet audio transmission, and, second, the integration of the Phoenix capabilities with Macaw, the earlier video extensions. Also described is a multicast packet protocol for audio transmission, which reimplements and extends the earlier special-purpose protocols, adding per-channel volume control and full support for the extended conferencing modes. <<ETX>>
Neuroanatomical substrates for the volitional regulation of heart rate

The control of physiological arousal can assist in the regulation of emotional state. A subset cortical and subcortical brain regions are implicated in autonomic control of bodily arousal during emotional behaviors. Here, we combined human functional neuroimaging with autonomic monitoring to identify neural mechanisms that support the volitional regulation of heart rate, a process that may be assisted by visual feedback. During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 15 healthy adults performed an experimental task in which they were prompted voluntarily to increase or decrease cardiovascular arousal (heart rate) during true, false, or absent visual feedback. Participants achieved appropriate changes in heart rate, without significant modulation of respiratory rate, and were overall not influenced by the presence of visual feedback. Increased activity in right amygdala, striatum and brainstem occurred when participants attempted to increase heart rate. In contrast, activation of ventrolateral prefrontal and parietal cortices occurred when attempting to decrease heart rate. Biofeedback enhanced activity within occipito-temporal cortices, but there was no significant interaction with task conditions. Activity in regions including pregenual anterior cingulate and ventral striatum reflected the magnitude of successful task performance, which was negatively related to subclinical anxiety symptoms. Measured changes in respiration correlated with posterior insula activation and heart rate, at a more lenient threshold, change correlated with insula, caudate, and midbrain activity. Our findings highlight a set of brain regions, notably ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, supporting volitional control of cardiovascular arousal. These data are relevant to understanding neural substrates supporting interaction between intentional and interoceptive states related to anxiety, with implications for biofeedback interventions, e.g., real-time fMRI, that target emotional regulation.