Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Data Driven Feature Extraction by Means of Mutual Information Maximization

In Earth observations technical literature, several methods have been proposed and implemented to efficiently extract a proper set of features for classification and segmentation purposes. However, these architectures show drawbacks when the considered datasets are characterized by complex interactions among the samples, especially when they rely on strong assumptions on noise and label domains. In this paper, a new unsupervised approach for feature extraction, based on data driven discovery, is introduced for accurate classification of remotely sensed data. Specifically, the proposed architecture exploits mutual information maximization in order to retrieve the most relevant features with respect to information measures. Experimental results on real datasets show that the proposed approach represents a valid framework for feature extraction from remote sensing images.
Sickle cell anemia is associated with reduced nitric oxide bioactivity in peripheral conduit and resistance vessels

The purpose of the study was to examine endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasodilation of conduit and resistance vessels in sickle cell anemia (HbSS). We measured the effects of intra‐arterial infusion of methacholine, sodium nitroprusside, and NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA) on forearm blood flow using venous occlusion plethysmography in eight patients with HbSS and 11 HbAA controls. We assessed vasodilation of the conduit brachial artery using ultrasound in 17 patients with HbSS and 41 nonanemic controls. Forearm blood flow response to methacholine was similar in HbSS and HbAA, while the response to sodium nitroprusside was greater in those with HbSS. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition with L‐NMMA attenuated methacholine‐induced forearm blood flow to a lesser extent in HbSS compared to HbAA, suggesting diminished nitric oxide (NO) contribution to endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Flow‐mediated and nitroglycerin‐induced dilation were impaired in HbSS compared to controls and were not affected by the antioxidant vitamin C or the precursor substrate for NO synthesis L‐arginine. NO bioactivity is reduced but differs in peripheral conduit and resistance vessels in HbSS. Resistance vessels have preserved response to exogenous NO donors but have diminished contribution of NO to endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Conduit vessels demonstrate impaired vasodilation to endogenous and exogenous NO. Am. J. Hematol. 74:104–111, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Digital Image Watermarking Using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Singular Value Decomposition

The main objective of developing an image-watermarking technique is to satisfy both imperceptibility and robustness requirements. To achieve this objective, a hybrid image-watermarking scheme based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and singular value decomposition (SVD) is proposed in this paper. In our approach, the watermark is not embedded directly on the wavelet coefficients but rather than on the elements of singular values of the cover image's DWT subbands. Experimental results are provided to illustrate that the proposed approach is able to withstand a variety of image-processing attacks.
Optimization of Stability Period in WSN using GA based Stable Election Protocol

Wireless sensor network is an emerging and new technology in the field of data processing and wireless communication. The wireless network is composed of tiny nodes called as sensor nodes which are battery powered and are capable of transferring information to the destination i.e. Sink. Being battery powered these nodes are limited in energy and loose the energy during the process of routing. Once the sensor node has lost all its energy, it is dead. With the death of first sensor node the network becomes unstable. The stable election protocol (SEP) aims to increase the stability period of the network i.e. the period before the death of the first node. In this paper we propose the optimization of the stability period the sensor network and optimizing tool used here is genetic algorithm (GA). For the proficiency in stability period, the GA is applied on SEP. The simulation of the proposed algorithm is done on MATLAB and the results are compared with heterogeneous LEACH and SEP.
[Tyrosinase inhibitor from Angelica dahurica roots].

OBJECTIVE To isolate and identify the tyrosinase inhibitory constituent from Angelica dahurica. METHOD A tyrosinase inhibitory constituent was isolated by silica gel column chromatography combined with a bioassay-linked HPLC method. RESULT An extract of heat-processed A. dahurica roots showed more potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity than that of the crude drug. Tyrosinase inhibitory furanocoumarin, 8-hydroxy-5-methoxypsoralen,was isolated. It express stronger tyrosinase inhibition than the known tyrosinase inhibitor, kojic acid (IC50 = 0.0907 mmol x L(-1)) with IC50 value of 0.0086 mmol x L(-1). Therefore, it is contributive to the increased tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the heat-processed A. dahurica. CONCLUSION The active constituent was 8-hydroxy-5-methoxypsoralen from the heat-processed A. dahurica.
Attempts to eliminate phytoplasmas from grapevine clones by tissue culture techniques

Individual lines of Vitis vinifera Barbera and Chardonnay were obtained by in vitro culture of axillary buds collected from phytoplasma-affected mother plants. The molecular assays did not detect the “flavescence doree” (FD) phytoplasma in the 66 lines tested after 6-9 months of culture, while the “bois noir”-associated phytoplasma was detected in 22 out of 50 lines. Despite the observed inefficiency of the FD phytoplasma in infecting micropropagated grapevine plants, additional strategies for phytoplasma elimination are advisable. Preliminary assays on the sensitivity of grapevine explants to oxytetracycline showed that axillary bud cultures were severely damaged by 100 mg . l -1 oxytetracycline in the culture medium, while 50 mg . l -1 did not inhibit the growth of plantlets with young roots.
An Improved Tibetan Lhasa Speech Recognition Method Based on Deep Neural Network

Deep Neural Networks (DNN) are the dominant technique widely used in English and Chinese speech recognition currently. However, Tibetan speech recognition research starts late and mainly uses Hidden Markov Model (HMM). In this paper, We show a better method of replacing Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) by DNN to Tibetan Lhasa dialect speech recognition system. The system contains seven layers of features and a very large number of parameters. The Tibetan Lhasa dialect speech recognition system is implemented by combining the ability of sequence modeling with HMM. DNN has recently proved to be very effective for a variety of machine learning problems. From the results, we can find that the word error rate(WER) of Tibetan speech recognition is reduced from 41.7% to 28.3% compared with the basic HMM.
Sense and avoid technology developments at Queensland University of Technology

In recent years, the avoidance strategies have become progressively more complex, yet better aligned to pilot see and avoid behaviour. Significant advances have also allowed the system to be characterised by two mutual exclusive thresholds, one for making avoidance decisions and the other for determining when to stop avoidance behaviour. The importance of this is that existing performance evaluation techniques, used to asses systems, such as TCAS, can be leveraged to simultaneously optimise system parameters, determine performance limits, and visualise design trade-offs. The evaluation framework also follows on naturally from the techniques utilising receiver operating curves used to asses the detection performance using similar techniques.
Enhancement of a robust arcuate GABAergic input to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in a model of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Significance Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Although the etiology of PCOS is unclear, disrupted central mechanisms mediating steroid hormone feedback to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons have been suggested. We describe here, in a mouse model reflecting the clinical neuroendocrine phenotype of PCOS, evidence for disordered progesterone (P4)-sensitive GABAergic input to GnRH neurons, originating specifically within the arcuate nucleus. These discoveries define a previously unidentified neuronal pathway, potentially critical for the steroid hormone feedback control of fertility. Of clinical relevance, our findings help explain the impact of GABA agonist drugs on menstrual cycle irregularity and interference with oral contraceptives and could be the basis for understanding clinical therapies of PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of female infertility, is associated with an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency, implicating abnormal steroid hormone feedback to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. This study investigated whether modifications in the synaptically connected neuronal network of GnRH neurons could account for this pathology. The PCOS phenotype was induced in mice following prenatal androgen (PNA) exposure. Serial blood sampling confirmed that PNA elicits increased LH pulse frequency and impaired progesterone negative feedback in adult females, mimicking the neuroendocrine abnormalities of the clinical syndrome. Imaging of GnRH neurons revealed greater dendritic spine density that correlated with increased putative GABAergic but not glutamatergic inputs in PNA mice. Mapping of steroid hormone receptor expression revealed that PNA mice had 59% fewer progesterone receptor-expressing cells in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARN). To address whether increased GABA innervation to GnRH neurons originates in the ARN, a viral-mediated Cre-lox approach was taken to trace the projections of ARN GABA neurons in vivo. Remarkably, projections from ARN GABAergic neurons heavily contacted and even bundled with GnRH neuron dendrites, and the density of fibers apposing GnRH neurons was even greater in PNA mice (56%). Additionally, this ARN GABA population showed significantly less colocalization with progesterone receptor in PNA animals compared with controls. Together, these data describe a robust GABAergic circuit originating in the ARN that is enhanced in a model of PCOS and may underpin the neuroendocrine pathophysiology of the syndrome.
All antihistamines cross blood-brain barrier

EDITOR—With reference to the paper by Mann et al,1 the dichotomy between antihistamines of the first and second generation was introduced to indicate a big pharmacological difference between these drugs. The second generation antihistamines were less soluble in lipid and thus less readily penetrated the blood-brain barrier. When given to people in therapeutic doses, terfenadine produced about 17% occupancy of histamine H1 receptors in the frontal lobe whereas the first generation antihistamine chlorpheniramine produced about 77% occupancy.2 In …
Photoacoustic Imaging of Brain Perfusion on Albino Rats by Using Evans Blue as Contrast Agent

The visualization of the brain vascular system could be of great importance for studying its functionality and for diagnosing possible disorders. In this paper we report the use of photoacoustics for imaging brain perfusion on Albino rats in vivo and post mortem. The measurements on the animals were direct on the skin surface. The blood perfusion on skull cartilage was imaged and 2D slices were constructed by using a beamforming algorithm. From the images representation the Interactive Data Language (IDL®, Research System Inc.) was used. We also investigated the possibility of using the Evans Blue dye as a substitute of blood for imaging brain structures in vitro. The breakdown of the dye under pulsed laser irradiation was studied and the energy under which this effect occurs was calculated for the wavelength of 532 nm.
Iterative Decoding for MIMO-BICM Systems with an EM-Based Signal Detector

We introduce an iterative receiver for the bit-interleaved coded modulated (BICM) symbols in multiple antenna systems. We propose a space-time signal detector based on the EM algorithm. The principal concept of the proposed receiver is the exploration of the neighbourhood for each transmitted symbol. Based on the neighbourhood subsets, the detector provides a close approximation of the a posteriori probability (APP) for each encoded bit. Accordingly, extrinsic information is extracted and exchanged between the EM-based detector and the MAP decoder in each iteration. The proposed receiver is scalable, in the sense that, the extent of the neighbourhood can be shrunk or expanded to provide a tradeoff between the computational complexity and bit error rate performance
Spatial frequency modulates visual cortical response to temporal frequency variation of visual stimuli: an fMRI study

The brain response to temporal frequency (TF) variation has already been reported, but with no study for different TF with respect to various spatial frequencies (SF). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed with a 1.5 Tesla General Electric system in 14 volunteers during square-wave reversal checkerboard visual stimulation with different temporal frequencies of 4, 6, 8 and 10 Hz in two states of low SF of 0.4 and high SF of 8 cpd (cycles/degree). The activation map was created using the data obtained from the block-designed fMRI study. Voxels whose Z value was above a threshold of 3.0, at a significance level P = 0.05, were considered activated. The results demonstrated that the percentage BOLD signal change in response to different TFs was the maximum value at 6 Hz for a high SF of 8 cpd, whereas it was the maximum at TF of 8 Hz for a low SF of 0.4 cpd. The results of this study agree with the results of animal invasive neurophysiological studies showing spatial and temporal frequency selectivity of neurons in visual cortical areas. These results can be useful for vision therapy (such as the treatment of amblyopia) and selecting a visual task in fMRI studies.
Energy Allocation Strategies for Micro-Grids

The advances of the information and communication technology (ICT) brought changes in the energy distribution domain, introducing the Smart Grid (SG). In SG, generators, distributors, and consumers communicate in a bidirectional way. SGs are envisaged to include micro-grids (MG) consisting of distributed control networks of consumers, prosumers, and the power grid. Two-way communication in MGs allows allocating the produced energy inside a community of consumers, to decentralize the energy flow. However, challenges arise regarding energy sharing, namely: (i) how to balance the demand and supply inside communities; (ii) are there policies that prioritize among the consumers while distributing the producers’ excess of energy; and (iii) how to balance the economic benefit –under a policy– for everyone who participates. In this thesis, we propose energy allocation strategies (EAS) for MG communities consisting of households that use renewable sources of energy (RSEs). Our objective is to maximize the energy usage and the cost reduction, under certain priority policies. Through an in-depth analysis of energy and socioeconomic data of the community, we form groups of households that share similar characteristics, and we channelize the energy flow at will. We present seven, simple and optimized, EASs and several consumer priority policies (CPPs). Our EASs and CPPs are scalable and can meet the specific needs of an MG community. We evaluate our algorithms and techniques using real data, acquired from a community of 443 households over a year. We show that the groups of households that we prioritize cover their needs of energy, sometimes completely, in periods of high energy production. We compare on economic basis trading energy within the MG and requesting energy form the grid (classic way). The expenses for prioritized groups of consumers under our EASs are decreased, up to 50% in certain cases. Further, it is shown that even the non-prioritized consumers are benefited economically by allocating the excess of energy.
A new belt-type apparatus for neutron-based rheological measurements at gigapascal pressures

We have developed a new solid-media apparatus for performing rheological investigations at multi-gigapascal pressures. The pressure cell consists of a simple belt design and fits in a modified 250 tonne Paris–Edinburgh press. Elastic strains are measured by neutron diffraction, on the ENGIN-X experimental station at ISIS. Stresses are estimated from the measured strains in combination with published values of the elastic moduli. As an exemplair of the method, we present data from initial deformation experiments on pyrope garnet at 1.5 GPa and 873 K. Data collection times are as short as 60 min and the elastic strain resolution is better than 10−4. We anticipate, however, that by interrupted testing, strain rates as low as 10−9/s, or lower, will be measurable.
Approche guidée pour l'anonymisation de bases de données

RESUME. L’anonymisation des données personnelles requiert l’utilisation d’algorithmes complexes permettant de minimiser le risque de ré-identification tout en préservant l’utilité des données. Dans cet article, nous décrivons une approche fondée sur les modèles qui guide le propriétaire des données dans son processus d’anonymisation. Le guidage peut être informatif ou suggestif. Il permet de choisir l’algorithme le plus pertinent en fonction des caractéristiques des données mais aussi de l’usage ultérieur des données anonymisées. Le guidage a aussi pour but de définir les bons paramètres à appliquer à l’algorithme retenu. Dans cet article, nous nous focalisons sur les algorithmes de généralisation de microdonnées. Les connaissances liées à l’anonymisation tant théoriques qu’expérimentales sont stockées dans une ontologie.
Distributed electric vehicles cooperative charge control with wind power

Load dispatch such as electric vehicles (EVs) is considered as a promising approach to promote the integration of wind power. In this paper, a distributed framework is proposed to coordinate a large number of EVs with wind power based on stochastic dual programming theory. Lagrangian Relaxation (LR) and Auxiliary Problem principle are adopted in the problem decomposition. Compared with existing distributed methods, the proposed method gains an advantage in minimizing generation cost and is proper for masses of EVs. In addition, it can depose of non-convex problems with coupling constraints and it is with larger applications. The method is verified feasible and valid by the case study on IEEE-RTS.
GPR detection of saturated areas into concrete in the presence of a water gradient

In the concrete, saturated areas are most of the time limited by a transition zone, presenting a water gradient. This transition zone can affect the GPR wave's reflection and decrease the reflection coefficient by comparison to the coefficient that would be obtained on a sharp interface. To quantify the impact of the water gradient on the reflection coefficient, we performed finite differences simulations. They showed that the reflection coefficient was reduced by 70% if the thickness of the transition zone was larger than 2/5 of the wavelength. Laboratory experiments, using hygrométric sensors for the water content control, confirmed this trend.
Significant reduction in phantom limb pain after low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the primary sensory cortex.

OBJECTIVE Phantom limb pain (PLP) is believed to be linked to the reorganization of the deafferented sensory cortex. We present a case of a patient with upper extremity PLP who was successfully treated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). METHODS We treated an active duty service member who suffered an amputation of his right upper extremity after sustaining a blast injury in Afghanistan. He had 28 sessions of alternating sequences of rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and primary sensory cortex of the left cerebral hemisphere. Pain intensity was assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS We delivered 1 Hz stimulation to the sensory cortex corresponding to the area of amputation five times a week. After 4 sessions, the patient's pain decreased from a Visual Analogue Scale of 5 to 2. Left 10 Hz stimulation was added and after 28 sessions, the pain decreased from 2 to 1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support that rTMS was an effective modality for this patient in treating his PLP. The significance of 10 Hz stimulation is unknown because of the lack of an effect size and is possibly associated with a floor effect.
Individual differences in impression management: an exploration of the psychological processes underlying faking

The present study proposes and tests a model of psychological processes underlying faking, which integrates concepts from earlier models of faking by McFarland and Ryan (2000; 2001) and Snell, Sydell, and Lueke (1999). The results provided partial support for the model, suggesting personality factors and perceptions of situational factors contribute to faking behavior. The implications of these findings are (a) people differ with regard to how much they will fake on a personality test in a simulated employment setting with some people faking substantially and others faking very little or not at all, and (b) the extent to which an individual fakes is partially determined by the person’s attitudes and personality characteristics. The present findings are interpreted, discussed, and might be useful for the prevention and mitigation of faking by altering people's beliefs about their ability to fake and the appropriateness of faking.
KHARON Is an Essential Cytoskeletal Protein Involved in the Trafficking of Flagellar Membrane Proteins and Cell Division in African Trypanosomes*

African trypanosomes and related kinetoplastid parasites selectively traffic specific membrane proteins to the flagellar membrane, but the mechanisms for this trafficking are poorly understood. We show here that KHARON, a protein originally identified in Leishmania parasites, interacts with a putative trypanosome calcium channel and is required for its targeting to the flagellar membrane. KHARON is located at the base of the flagellar axoneme, where it likely mediates targeting of flagellar membrane proteins, but is also on the subpellicular microtubules and the mitotic spindle. Hence, KHARON is probably a multifunctional protein that associates with several components of the trypanosome cytoskeleton. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of KHARON mRNA results in failure of the calcium channel to enter the flagellar membrane, detachment of the flagellum from the cell body, and disruption of mitotic spindles. Furthermore, knockdown of KHARON mRNA induces a lethal failure of cytokinesis in both bloodstream (mammalian host) and procyclic (insect vector) life cycle stages, and KHARON is thus critical for parasite viability.