Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Lightweight Approach for On-the-Fly Reflectance Estimation

Estimating surface reflectance (BRDF) is one key component for complete 3D scene capture, with wide applications in virtual reality, augmented reality, and human computer interaction. Prior work is either limited to controlled environments (e.g., gonioreflectometers, light stages, or multi-camera domes), or requires the joint optimization of shape, illumination, and reflectance, which is often computationally too expensive (e.g., hours of running time) for real-time applications. Moreover, most prior work requires HDR images as input which further complicates the capture process. In this paper, we propose a lightweight approach for surface reflectance estimation directly from 8-bit RGB images in real-time, which can be easily plugged into any 3D scanning-and-fusion system with a commodity RGBD sensor. Our method is learning-based, with an inference time of less than 90ms per scene and a model size of less than 340K bytes. We propose two novel network architectures, HemiCNN and Grouplet, to deal with the unstructured input data from multiple viewpoints under unknown illumination. We further design a loss function to resolve the color-constancy and scale ambiguity. In addition, we have created a large synthetic dataset, SynBRDF, which comprises a total of 500K RGBD images rendered with a physically-based ray tracer under a variety of natural illumination, covering 5000 materials and 5000 shapes. SynBRDF is the first large-scale benchmark dataset for reflectance estimation. Experiments on both synthetic data and real data show that the proposed method effectively recovers surface reflectance, and outperforms prior work for reflectance estimation in uncontrolled environments.
COMIC: A System for Conceptual Modelling and Information Construction

The designer of a data base or an information system has to develop conceptual models describing the Universe ofDiscourse (UoD) for the specification of meaning and semantic structure of the data. He has also to handle descriptions ofdata structures and perform technical design of the system. Finally the system must be implemented. Often the amount of work required is so large that it would be useful to have a computerized tool to support the design process. In this paper such an integrated system is briefly described. The system, called COMIC, supports first the conceptual modelling phase, then the logical design phase, and finally the implementation of the data base, and moreover it can be used as a query and update system of the data base. The graphical language, CONCEPT D, used to describe a conceptul schema is new. CONCEPT D is a visual language that supports conceptual modelling of the DoD, the development of a conceptual schema, and the use of the application data base corresponding to the conceptual schema. The language is based on the intensional approach to conceptual modelling, i.e. the descliption of knowledge in concepts is emphasized instead of extensions of these concepts. The language contains three sub-languages: one, called CONCEPT DID, for knowledge acquisition about concepts used in the DoD and developing graphic descriptions of concept definition hierarchies, one, called CONCEPT DICS, for describing conceptual schemata of the UoD, and one, called Conceptual Query Language CQL, for interacting with the application data base. A conceptual schema is used as a basis for making queries from the application data base corresponding to the conceptual schema. A graphic conceptual schema supports the user in recalling and understanding the conceptual structure of the DoD. It hides the relational data base schema from the user so that he works only with concepts of the UoD. Hehasnot to know e.g. therelations or foreign keys between relations. In this work someofthemain features ofCQL are presented. A query is formulated by pointing at concepts required, and possibly by giving some selection criteria and instructions for formatting the output. CQL is unique in its capability in manipulating concept definition hierarchies. The core component of the COMIC system is the concept data base on which other components, such as a conceptual schema editor, a schema translator and a conceptual query language have been built.
An Analysis of x86-64 Inline Assembly in C Programs

C codebases frequently embed nonportable and unstandardized elements such as inline assembly code. Such elements are not well understood, which poses a problem to tool developers who aspire to support C code. This paper investigates the use of x86-64 inline assembly in 1264 C projects from GitHub and combines qualitative and quantitative analyses to answer questions that tool authors may have. We found that 28.1% of the most popular projects contain inline assembly code, although the majority contain only a few fragments with just one or two instructions. The most popular instructions constitute a small subset concerned largely with multicore semantics, performance optimization, and hardware control. Our findings are intended to help developers of C-focused tools, those testing compilers, and language designers seeking to reduce the reliance on inline assembly. They may also aid the design of tools focused on inline assembly itself.
Illness episodes and cortisol in healthy older adults during a life transition

Alterations in neuroendocrine functioning and in the neuroendocrine response to stress have been observed in older adults. Stressful life events have also been associated with increased illness vulnerability. However, effects of natural life stressors on neuroendocrine functioning and health of the elderly have not been well characterized. This research examines relationships among cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), distress, and illness episodes in an elderly population experiencing the life transition of housing relocation. Thirty older adults moving to congregate living facilities were assessed in their homes 1 month premove and 2 weeks postmove. Twenty-eight nonmoving comparison participants were assessed at similar time points. Assessments included measures of intrusion, cortisol, DHEA-S, and self-reported infectious illness episodes. Movers reported more illness episodes between the two assessments than controls. Significant alterations in neuroendocrine measures were not observed among movers at either time point. Individuals with more intrusive thoughts had higher cortisol levels concurrently and prospectively, but these relationships did not vary by group. Greater intrusion at premove was associated with a greater likelihood of reported illness episodes between the two assessments, but there were no relationships between neuroendocrine factors and illness episodes, and intrusion did not mediate the relationships between group and likelihood of illness. In healthy elders, a temporary life stressor may increase vulnerability to illness but does not appear to pose a risk for sustained alterations in neuroendocrine hormones. However, the presence of intrusive thoughts may be a risk factor for elevations in cortisol.
Binding mechanism and dynamic conformational change of C subunit of PKA with different pathways

Significance PKA is one of the largest kinase families in eukaryotes. The conformational change of catalytic subunit of PKA (PKAc) is linked to the substrate recognition and catalytic activity. We quantified the free energy landscapes of PKAc dynamics and uncovered the binding mechanism of two different ligands, ATP and PKI to PKAc, by using the weighted coarse-grained model and molecular dynamics simulations. Our results suggest mixed binding mechanism of induced fit and conformational selection and favor the pathway with PKAc-ATP as an intermediate (ATP binding first). Also, our studies indicate the critical residues at different stages of binding during the conformational change process from open to closed states. The catalytic subunit of PKA (PKAc) exhibits three major conformational states (open, intermediate, and closed) during the biocatalysis process. Both ATP and substrate/inhibitor can effectively induce the conformational changes of PKAc from open to closed states. Aiming to explore the mechanism of this allosteric regulation, we developed a coarse-grained model and analyzed the dynamics of conformational changes of PKAc during binding by performing molecular dynamics simulations for apo PKAc, binary PKAc (PKAc with ATP, PKAc with PKI), and ternary PKAc (PKAc with ATP and PKI). Our results suggest a mixed binding mechanism of induced fit and conformational selection, with the induced fit dominant. The ligands can drive the movements of Gly-rich loop as well as some regions distal to the active site in PKAc and stabilize them at complex state. In addition, there are two parallel pathways (pathway with PKAc-ATP as an intermediate and pathway PKAc-PKI as an intermediate) during the transition from open to closed states. By molecular dynamics simulations and rate constant analyses, we find that the pathway through PKAc-ATP intermediate is the main binding route from open to closed state because of the fact that the bound PKI will hamper ATP from successful binding and significantly increase the barrier for the second binding subprocess. These findings will provide fundamental insights of the mechanisms of PKAc conformational change upon binding.
Full-Pose Tracking Control for Aerial Robotic Systems With Laterally Bounded Input Force

A class of abstract aerial robotic systems is introduced, the laterally bounded force vehicles, in which most of the control authority is expressed along a principal thrust direction, while along the lateral directions a (smaller and possibly null) force may be exploited to achieve full-pose tracking. This class approximates platforms endowed with noncollinear rotors that can modify the orientation of the total thrust in a body frame. If made possible by the force constraints, the proposed SE(3)-based control strategy achieves the independent tracking of position-plus-orientation trajectories. The method, which is proven using a Lyapunov technique, deals seamlessly with both underactuated and fully actuated platforms, and guarantees at least the position tracking in the case of an unfeasible full-pose reference trajectory. Several experimental tests are presented that clearly show the approach practicability and the sharp improvement with respect to state of the art.
Csn5 Is Required for the Conidiogenesis and Pathogenesis of the Alternaria alternata Tangerine Pathotype

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is a highly conserved protein complex involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Its metalloisopeptidase activity resides in subunit 5 (CSN5). Functions of csn5 in phytopathogenic fungi are poorly understood. Here, we knocked out the csn5 ortholog (Aacsn5) in the tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata. The ΔAacsn5 mutant showed a moderately reduced growth rate compared to the wildtype strain and was unable to produce conidia. The growth of ΔAacsn5 mutant was not affected in response to oxidative and osmotic stresses. Virulence assays revealed that ΔAacsn5 induced no or significantly reduced necrotic lesions on detached citrus leaves. The defects in hyphal growth, conidial sporulation, and pathogenicity of ΔAacsn5 were restored by genetic complementation of the mutant with wildtype Aacsn5. To explore the molecular mechanisms of conidiation and pathogenesis underlying Aacsn5 regulation, we systematically examined the transcriptomes of both ΔAacsn5 and the wildtype. Generally, 881 genes were overexpressed and 777 were underexpressed in the ΔAacsn5 mutant during conidiation while 694 overexpressed and 993 underexpressed during infection. During asexual development, genes related to the transport processes and nitrogen metabolism were significantly downregulated; the expression of csn1–4 and csn7 in ΔAacsn5 was significantly elevated; secondary metabolism gene clusters were broadly affected; especially, the transcript level of the whole of cluster 28 and 30 was strongly induced. During infection, the expression of the host-specific ACT toxin gene cluster which controls the biosynthesis of the citrus specific toxin was significantly repressed; many other SM clusters with unknown products were also regulated; 86 out of 373 carbohydrate-active enzymes responsible for breaking down the plant dead tissues showed uniquely decreased expression. Taken together, our results expand our understanding of the roles of csn5 on conidiation and pathogenicity in plant pathogenic fungi and provide a foundation for future investigations.
Peri- and Postoperative Treatment with the Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Anakinra Is Safe in Patients Undergoing Renal Transplantation: Case Series and Review of the Literature

In patients undergoing solid organ transplantation, the presence of an interleukin-1 (IL-1) driven disease may require the addition of IL-1 inhibiting drugs to the standard immunosuppressive regimen to protect against inflammation and negative graft outcome. Three patients undergoing renal transplantation were treated perioperatively with the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist anakinra. Kidney function increased rapidly in all three and the only complications seen were minor infections. In vitro studies report associations between serum and urinary levels of IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist and negative graft outcome, and studies in animals and two small human trials illustrate a possible protective effect of anti-IL-1 therapy after solid organ transplantation. Peri- and postoperative use of anakinra is safe and effective in patients undergoing renal transplantation.
Analysis of Fractional-Slot Concentrated Winding PM Vernier Machines With Regular Open-Slot Stators

Permanent magnet (PM) vernier (PMV) machines have been extensively researched for direct-drive applications due to their inherently high torque density. This paper presents a quantitative investigation on fractional-slot concentrated winding PMV (FSCW-PMV) machines with regular open-slot stator topology. Based on winding theory, the configuration of two winding types, i.e., nonoverlapping winding and FSCW with two-slot coil pitch are analytically derived for PMV machines, respectively. Through finite element analysis, comparative study of FSCW-PMV machines, regular integral slot winding PMV machines, and regular PM machines are performed. It is found that the flux modulation effect also exists in regular nonoverlapping winding PM machines. In other words, the regular nonoverlapping winding PM machine also belongs to the PMV machine family. The PMV machine with two-slot coil pitch is newly proposed, and turns out to be a promising PMV machine topology with competitive torque capability and power factor. Finally, a prototype of 18-slot, 14-rotor pole pair, and 4-stator pole pair PMV machine with two-slot coil pitch is built. Experimental results show that the torque density of the prototype can reach 20.0 kNm/m3 and the power factor is 0.91.
Current Age, Age at First Sex, Age at First Homelessness, and HIV Risk Perceptions Predict Sexual Risk Behaviors among Sexually Active Homeless Adults

While HIV disproportionately impacts homeless individuals, little is known about the prevalence of HIV risk behaviors in the southwest and how age factors and HIV risk perceptions influence sexual risk behaviors. We conducted a secondary data analysis (n = 460) on sexually active homeless adults from a cross-sectional study of participants (n = 610) recruited from homeless service locations, such as shelters and drop-in centers, in an understudied region of the southwest. Covariate-adjusted logistic regressions were used to assess the impact of age at homelessness onset, current age, age at first sex, and HIV risk perceptions on having condomless sex, new sexual partner(s), and multiple sexual partners (≥4 sexual partners) in the past 12 months. Individuals who first experienced homelessness by age 24 were significantly more likely to report condomless sex and multiple sexual partners in the past year than those who had a later onset of their first episode of homelessness. Individuals who were currently 24 years or younger were more likely to have had condomless sex, new sexual partners, and multiple sexual partners in the past 12 months than those who were 25 years or older. Those who had low perceived HIV risk had lower odds of all three sexual risk behaviors. Social service and healthcare providers should consider a younger age at homelessness onset when targeting HIV prevention services to youth experiencing homelessness.
Microsatellites for the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly: De Novo Transcriptome Sequencing, and a Comparison with Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) Markers

Background Until recently the isolation of microsatellite markers from Lepidoptera has proved troublesome, expensive and time-consuming. Following on from a previous study of Edith's checkerspot butterfly, Euphydryas editha, we developed novel microsatellite markers for the vulnerable marsh fritillary butterfly, E. aurinia. Our goal was to optimize the process in order to reduce both time and cost relative to prevailing techniques. This was accomplished by using a combination of previously developed techniques: in silico mining of a de novo assembled transcriptome sequence, and genotyping the microsatellites found there using an economic method of fluorescently labelling primers. Principal Findings In total, we screened nine polymorphic microsatellite markers, two of which were previously published, and seven that were isolated de novo. These markers were able to amplify across geographically isolated populations throughout Continental Europe and the UK. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were evident in some populations, most likely due to the presence of null alleles. However, we used an Fst outlier approach to show that these markers are likely selectively neutral. Furthermore, using a set of 128 individuals from 11 populations, we demonstrate consistency in population differentiation estimates with previously developed amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers (r = 0.68, p<0.001). Significance Rapid development of microsatellite markers for difficult taxa such as Lepidoptera, and concordant results with other putatively neutral molecular markers, demonstrate the potential of de novo transcriptional sequencing for future studies of population structure and gene flow that are desperately needed for declining species across fragmented landscapes.
Numerical Simulation of Underwater Explosive Welding Process

Recently, underwater explosive welding shows its advantage in some difficult-to-weld combinations such as material with thin thickness, high hardness, and fragile quality. The pattern of the typical wave morphology in the interface of the welding specimen indicates the suitability of the selected experimental parameters and sound strength of the laminates. For the existence of the water, traditional Gurney formula and Aziz formula can not directly be used to evaluate the velocity and acceleration process of the flyer plate. Numerical simulation is necessary and irreplaceable for existing knowledge. Underwater explosive welding process was numerically simulated by ANSYS/LS-DYNA to explore the underwater shock wave and deformation process of the flyer plate. Velocity and pressure distribution of welding plates were obtained. The velocity of the flyer plate could satisfy the minimum velocity in explosive welding. It was found that water prevented the gross distortion and ensured the integrity of the composite laminate. Welding rate was increased by expanding the size of the explosive.
A machine learning approach to reducing image coding artifacts

In this paper, a method for reducing coding artifacts introduced by lossy image compression is proposed. The method is similar to sample adaptive offset (SAO) which is adopted in the H.265/HEVC video coding standard as one of in-loop filtering tools. In the SAO, samples of the reconstructed image are classified into several categories based on some simple algorithms, and an optimum offset value is then added to the samples belonging to each category. Since the classification algorithms are switched on a block-by-block basis, not a negligible amount of side-information must be transmitted to the decoder in addition to the offset values. On the other hand, our method adopts a machine learning technique using a support vector machine (SVM) for the classification process. By applying the common SVM classifier to a whole image, the amount of the side-information can be considerably reduced. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method provides bitrate savings of up to 1.0 % for HD size images degraded through intra frame coding of the H.265/HEVC standard.
Regulatory link between DNA methylation and active demethylation in Arabidopsis

Significance DNA methylation is critical for transposon silencing and gene regulation. DNA methylation levels are determined by the combined activities of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases. This study found a 39-bp DNA methylation monitoring sequence (MEMS) in the promoter of the DNA demethylase REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1) gene of Arabidopsis plants. DNA methylation of MEMS is responsive to both RNA-directed DNA methylation and ROS1-dependent active demethylation. Thus, MEMS can sense DNA methylation and demethylation activities, and it regulates genomic DNA methylation by adjusting ROS1 expression levels. Our results suggest that the ROS1 promoter, with the MEMS and an adjacent helitron transposon element, functions as a “methylstat” that senses and regulates genomic DNA methylation levels. De novo DNA methylation through the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway and active DNA demethylation play important roles in controlling genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in plants. Little is known about how cells manage the balance between DNA methylation and active demethylation activities. Here, we report the identification of a unique RdDM target sequence, where DNA methylation is required for maintaining proper active DNA demethylation of the Arabidopsis genome. In a genetic screen for cellular antisilencing factors, we isolated several REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 (ros1) mutant alleles, as well as many RdDM mutants, which showed drastically reduced ROS1 gene expression and, consequently, transcriptional silencing of two reporter genes. A helitron transposon element (TE) in the ROS1 gene promoter negatively controls ROS1 expression, whereas DNA methylation of an RdDM target sequence between ROS1 5′ UTR and the promoter TE region antagonizes this helitron TE in regulating ROS1 expression. This RdDM target sequence is also targeted by ROS1, and defective DNA demethylation in loss-of-function ros1 mutant alleles causes DNA hypermethylation of this sequence and concomitantly causes increased ROS1 expression. Our results suggest that this sequence in the ROS1 promoter region serves as a DNA methylation monitoring sequence (MEMS) that senses DNA methylation and active DNA demethylation activities. Therefore, the ROS1 promoter functions like a thermostat (i.e., methylstat) to sense DNA methylation levels and regulates DNA methylation by controlling ROS1 expression.