Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Learning of Cone Spectral Classes from Natural Images

The first step in the evolution of primate trichromatic color vision was the expression of a third cone class not present in ancestral mammals. This observation motivates a fundamental question about the evolution of any sensory system: how is it possible to detect and exploit the presence of a novel sensory class? We explore this question in the context of primate color vision. We present an unsupervised learning algorithm capable of both detecting the number of spectral cone classes in a retinal mosaic and learning the class of each cone using the inter-cone correlations obtained in response to natural image input. The algorithm's ability to classify cones is in broad agreement with experimental evidence about functional color vision for a wide range of mosaic parameters, including those characterizing dichromacy, typical trichromacy, anomalous trichromacy, and possible tetrachromacy.
Production and playback of human figure motion for visual simulation

We describe a system for off-line production and real-time playback of motion for articulated human figures in 3D virtual environments. The key notion are (1) the logical storage of full-body motion in posture graphs, which provides a simple motion access method for playback, and (2) mapping the motions of high DOF figures to lower DOF figures using slaving to provide human models at several levels of detail, both in geometry and articulation, for later playback. We present our system in the context of a simple problem: animating human figures in a distributed simulation, using DIS protocols for communicating the human state information. We also discuss several related techniques for real-time animation of articulated figures in visual simulation.
The need for a Real Time Strategy game language

Real Time Strategy (RTS) games provide complex domain to test the latest artificial intelligence (AI) research. In much of the literature, AI systems have been limited to playing one game. Although, this specialization has resulted in stronger AI gaming systems it does not address the key concerns of AI research, which focuses on the development of AI agents that can autonomously interpret, learn, and apply new knowledge. To achieve human level performance, current AI systems rely on game specific knowledge of an expert. This paper proposes a RTS language in hopes of shifting the current research focus to the development of general RTS agents. General RTS agents are AI gaming systems that can play any RTS game, defined in the proposed RTS language. The structure of the RTS language prevents game specific knowledge from being hard coded into the system, thereby facilitating research that addresses the fundamental concerns of artificial intelligence.
Verifying Multimedia Use at MediaEval 2016

This paper provides an overview of the Verifying Multimedia Use task that takes places as part of the 2015 MediaEval Benchmark. The task deals with the automatic detection of manipulation and misuse of Web multimedia content. Its aim is to lay the basis for a future generation of tools that could assist media professionals in the process of verication. Examples of manipulation include maliciously tampering with images and videos, e.g., splicing, removal/addition of elements, while other kinds of misuse include the reposting of previously captured multimedia content in a dierent context (e.g., a new event) claiming that it was captured there. For the 2015 edition of the task, we have generated and made available a large corpus of real-world cases of images that were distributed through tweets, along with manually assigned labels regarding their use, i.e. misleading (fake) versus appropriate (real).
Scalable GWR: A Linear-Time Algorithm for Large-Scale Geographically Weighted Regression with Polynomial Kernels

Although a number of studies have developed fast geographically weighted regression (GWR) algorithms for large samples, none of them has achieved linear-time estimation, which is considered a requisite for big data analysis in machine learning, geostatistics, and related domains. Against this backdrop, this study proposes a scalable GWR (ScaGWR) for large data sets. The key improvement is the calibration of the model through a precompression of the matrices and vectors whose size depends on the sample size, prior to the leave-one-out cross-validation, which is the heaviest computational step in conventional GWR. This precompression allows us to run the proposed GWR extension so that its computation time increases linearly with the sample size. With this improvement, the ScaGWR can be calibrated with 1 million observations without parallelization. Moreover, the ScaGWR estimator can be regarded as an empirical Bayesian estimator that is more stable than the conventional GWR estimator. We compare the ScaGWR with the conventional GWR in terms of estimation accuracy and computational efficiency using a Monte Carlo simulation. Then, we apply these methods to a U.S. income analysis. The code for ScaGWR is available in the R package scgwr. The code is embedded into C++ code and implemented in another R package, GWmodel.
Power-optimal pipelining in deep submicron technology

This paper explores the effectiveness of pipelining as a power saving tool, where the reduction in logic depth per stage is used to reduce supply voltage at a fixed clock frequency. We examine power-optimal pipelining in deep submicron technology, both analytically and by simulation. Simulation uses a 70 nm predictive process with a fanout-of-four inverter chain model including input/output flipflops, and results are shown to match theory well. The simulation results show that power-optimal logic depth is 6 to 8 FO4 and optimal power saving varies from 55 to 80% compared to a 24 FO4 logic depth, depending on threshold voltage, activity factor, and presence of clock-gating. We decompose the power consumption of a circuit into three components, switching power, leakage power, and idle power, and present the following insights into power-optimal pipelining. First, power-optimal logic depth decreases and optimal power savings increase for larger activity factors, where switching power dominates over leakage and idle power. Second, pipelining is more effective with lower threshold voltages at high activity factors, but higher threshold voltages give better results at lower activity factors where leakage current dominates. Lastly, clock-gating enables deeper pipelining and more power saving because it reduces timing element overhead when the activity factor is low.
On the cognitive neurodynamics of listening effort: A phase clustering analysis of large-scale neural correlates

An increased listening effort represents a major problem in humans with hearing impairment. Neurodiagnostic methods for an objective listening effort estimation could revolutionize auditory rehabilitation. However the cognitive neurodynamics of listening effort is not understood and research related its neural correlates is still in its infancy. In this paper we present a phase clustering analysis of large-scale listening effort correlates in auditory late responses (ALRs). For this we apply the complex wavelet transform as well as tight Gabor Frame (TGF) operators. We show (a) that phase clustering on the unit circle can separate ALR data from auditory paradigms which require a graduated effort for their solution; (b) the application of TGFs for an inverse artificial phase stabilization at the α/θ-border enlarges the endogenously driven listening effort correlates in the reconstructed time- domain waveforms. It is concluded that listening effort correlates can be extracted from ALR sequences using an instantaneous phase clustering analysis, at least by means of the applied experimental pure tone paradigm.
Variable-length haplotype construction for geneߝgene interaction studies

Genetic epidemiology is a research field that aims to identify genetic polymorphisms that are involved in disease susceptibility. In this article, a variable-length haplotype construction for gene-gene interaction (VarHAP) technique is proposed. The technique will involve nonparametric classification where haplotypes inferred from multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data are the classifier inputs.
Principles of Template Design

The functionality of systems that extract information from texts can be specified quite simply: the input is a stream of texts and the output is some representation of the information to be extracted. Hence, the problem of template design is an instance of the problem of knowledge representation. In particular, it is the problem of representing essential facts about situations in a way that can mediate between texts that describe those situations and a variety of applications that involve reasoning about them.The research on which we report here is directed at elucidating principles of template design and at compiling these, with examples, in a manual for template designers.
Autonomous Engines Driven by Active Matter: Energetics and Design Principles

Because of its nonequilibrium character, active matter in a steady state can drive engines that autonomously deliver work against a constant mechanical force or torque. As a generic model for such an engine, we consider systems that contain one or several active components and a single passive one that is asymmetric in its geometrical shape or its interactions. Generally, one expects that such an asymmetry leads to a persistent, directed current in the passive component, which can be used for the extraction of work. We validate this expectation for a minimal model consisting of an active and a passive particle on a one-dimensional lattice. It leads us to identify thermodynamically consistent measures for the efficiency of the conversion of isotropic activity to directed work. For systems with continuous degrees of freedom, work cannot be extracted using a one-dimensional geometry under quite general conditions. In contrast, we put forward two-dimensional shapes of a movable passive obstacle that are best suited for the extraction of work, which we compare with analytical results for an idealised work-extraction mechanism. For a setting with many noninteracting active particles, we use a mean-field approach to calculate the power and the efficiency, which we validate by simulations. Surprisingly, this approach reveals that the interaction with the passive obstacle can mediate cooperativity between otherwise noninteracting active particles, which enhances the extracted power per active particle significantly.
Relationship between the GOLD combined COPD assessment staging system and bacterial isolation

Background Acute exacerbations, which are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity, adversely affect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prognosis by accelerating loss of lung function. It is important to know the microorganisms that commonly cause exacerbations in the patient groups classified according to clinical and functional characteristics for fast and accurate treatment of acute exacerbations. Objectives The last Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) publication recommended a new staging system containing obstruction degree, frequency of exacerbations, and quality of life questionnaires. This study is designed to analyze the relationship between the bacteria isolated in acute exacerbations and new GOLD stages. Methods Potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) isolation with culture and polymerase chain reaction methods were obtained from 114 acute exacerbation COPD patients, classified into A, B, C, and D groups by analyzing the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) value, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, and exacerbation frequency according to the new GOLD staging system. Results There was a significant correlation between exacerbation frequency and PPB isolation (P=0.002). There was no relationship between GOLD stage, FEV1, and CAT score with PPB isolation. The isolated bacteria diversity and mixed infection frequency were higher in the GOLD stage D group. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated only from D group patients. Conclusion Bacterial infection may cause an acute exacerbation equally in each stage for COPD. The difference in bacterial etiology is more related to exacerbation frequency than FEV1 and CAT scores for an acute exacerbation. Determining exacerbation frequency is significant for treatment success in empirical antibiotic selection.
Non-commutative geometry and new stable structures

1 This paper grew out of an observation that some new stable structures discovered in the 1990' as counterexamples to well-known conjectures in pure model theory might be related to non-commutative geometry. The general meaning of the conjectures was that " very good " , or more technically, very stable structures must be in a certain way reducible to algebraic geometry over algebraically closed fields or to linear structures (Tri-chotomy conjecture and Algebraicity conjecture for groups, see [Z0]). This proved to be true to some extent (see [HZ]) but still two types of counterexamples signal the necessity to reconsider the connection between model theoretic classification principles and classical mathematics. The first class of counterexamples shows that nonlinear one-dimensional Zariski geometries are not necessarily algebraic curves. Given a smooth algebraic curve C with big enough group of regular automorphisms one can produce a " smooth " Zariski curve˜C along with a finite cover p : ˜ C → C. ˜ C can not be identified with any algebraic curve because the construction produces an unusual subgroup of the group of regular automorphisms of˜C ([HZ, section 10). The main theorem of [HZ] states that it is the biggest deviation from an algebraic curve that can happen to a Zariski curve. Typical example of an unusual subgroup of a such˜C is the nilpotent group of two generators U and V with the central commutator = [U, V] of finite order N. So, the defining relations are UV = VU, N = 1. This, of course, hints towards the known structure of non-commutative geometry , the non-commutative (quantum) torus at the N th root of unity. We call this example T N. The other example is of a different nature. B.Poizat constructed in [P] a multiplicative subgroup G of an algebraically closed field (we may assume this to be the field C of complex numbers) such that (C, +, ·, G) has ω-stable theory of rank half of that of C (so called " bad field " , related to the Algebraicity conjecture). The present author has shown in [Z2] that, assuming Schanuel's conjecture, one can construct G by means of real analytic geometry. More specifically one can consider G of the form G = exp(αZ) · exp(βR), α and β linearly independent over R, β / ∈ R ∪ iR, and see that (C, +, ·, G) is superstable of dimension half of …
A Semi-supervised Learning Approach to Arabic Named Entity Recognition

We present ASemiNER, a semisupervised algorithm for identifying Named Entities (NEs) in Arabic text. ASemiNER does not require annotated training data, or gazetteers. It also can be easily adapted to handle more than the three standard NE types (Person, Location, and Organisation). To our knowledge, our algorithm is the first study that intensively investigates the semi-supervised pattern-based learning approach to Arabic Named Entity Recognition (NER). We describe ASemiNER and compare its performance with different supervised systems. We evaluate this algorithm by way of experiments to extract the three standard named-entity types. Ultimately, our algorithm outperforms simple supervised systems and also performs well when we evaluate its performance in order to extract three new, specialised types of NEs (Politicians, Sportspersons, and Artists).
Automated robot-based separation and palletizing of microcomponents

Separation and palletizing of microparts is a prerequisite for microhandling and microassembly, especially for components such as microspheres that cannot be efficiently produced and transported in a well-ordered form. Two mi-crorobots equipped with a microgripper and a sharp tungsten tip, respectively, can be effectively utilized to solve this task cooperatively. Based on a powerful visual feedback architecture, the automated palletizing of two different microspheres initially lying in an unordered agglomerated structure is demonstrated. The achieved sorting throughput is in the range of one sphere per second while maintaining a placement accuracy of 3µm.
Stem Cells on Biomaterials for Synthetic Grafts to Promote Vascular Healing

This review is divided into two interconnected parts, namely a biological and a chemical one. The focus of the first part is on the biological background for constructing tissue-engineered vascular grafts to promote vascular healing. Various cell types, such as embryonic, mesenchymal and induced pluripotent stem cells, progenitor cells and endothelial- and smooth muscle cells will be discussed with respect to their specific markers. The in vitro and in vivo models and their potential to treat vascular diseases are also introduced. The chemical part focuses on strategies using either artificial or natural polymers for scaffold fabrication, including decellularized cardiovascular tissue. An overview will be given on scaffold fabrication including conventional methods and nanotechnologies. Special attention is given to 3D network formation via different chemical and physical cross-linking methods. In particular, electron beam treatment is introduced as a method to combine 3D network formation and surface modification. The review includes recently published scientific data and patents which have been registered within the last decade.
Star Formation Rate Determinations

I review determinations of star formation rate (SFR) indicators from the ultraviolet to the infrared, in the context of their use for galaxies and galaxy surveys. The mid-infrared SFR indicators have garnered interest in recent years, thanks to the Spitzer capabilities and the opportunities offered by the upcoming Herschel Space Telescope. I discuss what we have learned in the mid-infrared from studies of local galaxies combining Spitzer with HST and other data.
On selfish behavior in CSMA/CA networks

CSMA/CA protocols rely on the random deferment of packet transmissions. Like most other protocols, CSMA/CA was designed with the assumption that the nodes would play by the rules. This can be dangerous, since the nodes themselves control their random deferment. Indeed, with the higher programmability of the network adapters, the temptation to tamper with the software or firmware is likely to grow; by doing so, a user could obtain a much larger share of the available bandwidth at the expense of other users. We use a game-theoretic approach to investigate the problem of the selfish behavior of nodes in CSMA/CA networks, specifically geared towards the most widely accepted protocol in this class of protocols, IEEE 802.11. We characterize two families of Nash equilibria in a single stage game, one of which always results in a network collapse. We argue that this result provides an incentive for cheaters to cooperate with each other. Explicit cooperation among nodes is clearly impractical. By applying the model of dynamic games borrowed from game theory, we derive the conditions for the stable and optimal functioning of a population of cheaters. We use this insight to develop a simple, localized and distributed protocol that successfully guides multiple selfish nodes to a Pareto-optimal Nash equilibrium.
Dissemination in Portugal of CTX-M-15-, OXA-1-, and TEM-1-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Strains Containing the aac(6′)-Ib-cr Gene, Which Encodes an Aminoglycoside- and Fluoroquinolone-Modifying Enzyme

CTX-M-15, recently detected in Portugal, is an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) that has spread worldwide ([3][1], [4][2], [9][3], [10][4], [15][5]). The basis for the successful dissemination of bla CTX-M-15 is unknown, although the spread of epidemic Escherichia coli strains and/or
Recent Advances of Stem Cell Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders characterized by progressive loss of photoreceptors and eventually leads to retina degeneration and atrophy. Until now, the exact pathogenesis and etiology of this disease has not been clear, and many approaches for RP therapies have been carried out in animals and in clinical trials. In recent years, stem cell transplantation-based attempts made some progress, especially the transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This review will provide an overview of stem cell-based treatment of RP and its main problems, to provide evidence for the safety and feasibility for further clinical treatment.
Concurrent measurement of antigen- and antibody-dependent oxidative burst and phagocytosis in monocytes and neutrophils.

The current study aims to review flow cytometric (FCM) parameters for the quantification of phagocytosis. A limitation of existing methods is their difficulty with accurate quantification of the phagocytic index, i.e., number of beads per phagocyte, in individual cell lines in mixed cell suspensions. We have quantified phagocytosis and the oxidative burst simultaneously using fluorescent beads coated with meningococcal outer membrane vesicles (OMV beads) by the conversion of dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR-123) to rhodamine 123 (R-123). Both these processes depend on specific serum opsonins. After the incubation, staining with a fluorescent anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody succeeded in discriminating phagocytosing monocytes from neutrophils. The spectral overlaps between OMV beads, R-123, and anti-CD14 could be completely compensated. Percentage of phagocytosis and the phagocytic index were similar in monocytes and neutrophils, but the oxidative burst behaved differently. Two monocyte subpopulations were observed. Both subpopulations spontaneously converted some DHR-123 into R-123, whereas the reaction was triggered by phagocytosis in neutrophils. The total oxidative response increased with increasing phagocytic index in both cell types, but the oxidative burst in monocytes was about twice that of neutrophils. The oxidative ratio (mean R-123 fluorescence value divided by the phagocytic index) declined with time in monocytes, but increased in neutrophils. Our results demonstrate the need for careful attention to technical details. This single-laser, three-color FCM method facilitates the comparative research of phagocytosis and the oxidative burst in monocytes and neutrophils and provides a basis for a number of applications in hematology, infectious medicine, and immunology.
An efficient coding algorithm for general Framed Pulse Width Modulations

This paper introduces a new coding algorithm for Framed Pulse Width Modulation (FPWM). The proposed algorithm requires 93% fewer look-up tables (LUTs) than the previous FPWM coding algorithm and increases a bitrate by 25%. The proposed algorithm is compatible with general FPWM with various frame lengths and pulse width resolutions. Theoretical bitrates and the sizes of LUT required for coding various FPWMs are also provided. The MATLAB simulation demonstrates the proposed FPWM signal which contains 14-bit information in 8 UI frame length, showing 75% higher bitrate than the NRZ signal with the same baud rate. The decoding algorithm restores the original bit without any bit error and validates the proposed FPWM and its coding scheme.