Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Restoration Technique for the Elimination of Salt and Pepper Noise using 8-Neighbors based Median Filter

Adaptive median filters are used for eliminating salt and pepper noise that occurs during acquisition and transmission of images by digital electronic devices. These filters remove details from images during restoration. In this paper, a novel 8-neighbors based restoration technique is introduced to improve their performance in terms of sharpness and edge preservation. The proposed method restores a noisy pixel using the connectivity or similarity of gray-levels of the uncorrupted 8-neighbors of the noisy pixel. It is integrated in the restoration stage of the adaptive median filter (AMF) and its performance is measured in terms of Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Structural Similarity index measures (MSSIM), Image Enhancement Factor (IEF) and Edge Preservation Ratio in terms of accuracy (EPRa) and robustness (EPRr). The modified AMF shows an improvement of 1-10% in PSNR, 2-28% in MAE, 1-7% in MSSIM, 1-19% in EPRa and 1-26% in EPRr for noise densities ranging from 10-90%. Additionally, the proposed restoration technique is also integrated with a recent variation of the adaptive median filter proposed by Haidi et al. [19] (AMF_Haidi) and the results prove that the integrated filter outperforms the existing filter. It shows an improvement of 1-14% in PSNR, 3-37% in MAE, 1-2% in MSSIM, 4-22% in EPRa and 5-21% in EPRr for noise densities ranging from 10-90%. The performance of the improved AMF and the improved AMF_Haidi are also compared with some existing high density saltand-pepper noise removal algorithms. The improved AMF_Haidi outperforms all the compared filters at all noise densities. The results imply that the integration of the proposed restoration technique with any variation of the 2852 S. Samsad Beagum and Dr. S. Sheeja adaptive median filter may improve its performance in terms of noise suppression, sharpness and edge preservation.
DRAFT Economic Analysis of Simulation Selection Problems

Ranking and selection procedures are standard methods for selecting the best of a finite number of simulated design alternatives, based on a desired level of statistical evidence for correct selection. But the link between statistical significance and financial significance is indirect and poorly understood. This paper presents a new approach to the simulation selection problem, one that maximizes the expected net present value (NPV) of decisions made when using stochastic simulation. We provide a framework for answering these managerial questions: When does a proposed system design, whose performance is unknown, merit the time and money needed to develop a simulation to infer its performance? For how long should the simulation analysis continue before a design is approved or rejected? We frame the simulation selection problem as a “stoppable” version of a Bayesian bandit problem that treats the ability to simulate as a real option prior to project implementation. For a single proposed system, we solve a free boundary problem for a heat equation that approximates the solution to a dynamic program that finds optimal simulation project stopping times and that answers the managerial questions. For multiple proposed systems, we extend previous Bayesian selection procedures to account for discounting and simulation-tool development costs.
hysiology admium interferes with maintenance of auxin homeostasis n Arabidopsis seedlings an

Auxin and its homeostasis play key roles in many aspects of plant growth and development. Cadmium (Cd) is a phytotoxic heavy metal and its inhibitory effects on plant growth and development have been extensively studied. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the effects of Cd stress on auxin homeostasis is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the root elongation, shoot weight, hypocotyl length and chlorophyll content in wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis seedlings were significantly reduced after exposure to Cd stress. However, the lateral root (LR) formation was markedly promoted by Cd stress. The level and distribution of auxin were both greatly altered in primary root tips and cotyledons of Cd-treated plants. The results also showed that after Cd treatment, the IAA content was significantly decreased, which was accompanied by increases in the activity of the IAA oxidase and alteration in the expression of several putative auxin biosynthetic and catabolic genes. Application of the auxin transport ateral root inhibitor, 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and 1-naphthoxyacetic acid (1-NOA), reversed the effects of Cd on LR formation. Additionally, there was less promotion of LR formation by Cd treatment in aux1-7 and pin2 mutants than that in the WT. Meanwhile, Cd stress also altered the expression of PINs and AUX1 in Arabidopsis roots, implying that the auxin transport pathway is required for Cd-modulated LR development. Taken together, these findings suggest that Cd stress disturbs auxin homeostasis through affecting auxin level, distribution, metabolism, and transport in Arabidopsis seedling.
Recovery Rates in Consumer Lending: Empirical Evidence and Model Comparison

The bank regulation embodied in the Basel II Accord has opened-up a new era in estimating recovery rates or complementary loss given default in the retail lending credit evaluation process. In this paper we investigate the properties of survival analysis models applied to recovery rates in order to predict loss given default for retail lending. We compare the results to standard techniques such as linear and logistic regressions and discuss the pros and cons of the respective methods. The study is performed on a real dataset of a major Czech bank.
Deep brain stimulation of the VIM thalamic nucleus modifies several features of essential tremor

Background: Pharmacologic interventions (e.g., β blockers) and thalamic lesions have failed to alter the pathophysiology of essential tremor (ET) beyond a reduction in tremor amplitude. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus successfully reduces tremor rating scores. It is unknown how VIM DBS alters the pathophysiologic characteristics of ET. Objective: To determine the effects of VIM DBS on the neurophysiologic characteristics of ET. Methods: Hand tremor and EMG activity of forearm extensor and flexor muscles were recorded in six patients with ET ON-DBS and OFF-DBS and from six age- and sex-matched control subjects. Hand tremor was assessed across different inertial loads. The amplitude, frequency, regularity, and tremor–EMG coherence were analyzed. Results: VIM DBS reduced the amplitude, increased the frequency, decreased the regularity, and reduced the 1 to 8 Hz tremor–EMG coherence of ET. ON-DBS, patients with ET had greater tremor amplitude, lower frequency, more regularity, and greater tremor–EMG coherence compared to control subjects. Conclusions: Whereas pharmacologic and thalamic lesions have previously failed to change characteristics of ET beyond amplitude reduction, VIM DBS modified multiple features of ET. The changes in ET after VIM DBS provide strong evidence for clinical efficacy.
Human Antithrombin Concentrates and Experimental Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

The effect of human antithrombin III concentrates was studied in a dog model in which DIC was produced by the infusion of 0.66 M lactic acid. In 35 animals infused with lactic acid only, platelet counts, fibrinogen levels, alpha 2-antiplasmin levels, and antithrombin levels decreased significantly over a 4-hour observation period. At the same time, the levels of fibrin(ogen) split products increased. At the end of the experimental period, the glomeruli of the dogs' kidneys contained significant quantities of fibrin. Hemodynamically, the dogs experienced a significant decrease in cardiac output, whereas the mean arterial blood pressures remained unchanged. Urine output seemed to decline during the time of study. Appreciable quantities of heparin could be measured in the dogs' plasmas. In 13 dogs that were treated in the same manner as the just described 35 animals, 1 U of human antithrombin concentrate per ml of calculated dog plasma was infused over a 90-minute time span, beginning after 1 hour of acidosis. Although no differences were noted in the decrease in platelet counts between the two groups, fibrinogen levels and alpha 2-antiplasmin levels declined less drastically in the antithrombin-treated group. Also the levels of fibrin(ogen) split products increased less in the treated group. The antithrombin activity levels increased markedly and remained at their high levels even after the infusion of antithrombin had ceased. The amount of human antithrombin circulating was followed by immunologic assays using a human antibody to antithrombin. Also, with this technique, the levels of infused antithrombin did not decrease. The amount of fibrin found in the glomeruli of this group of animals was significantly lower than in the nontreated group (p less than 0.001). Even cardiac output was higher in the treated group and urine production seemed to increase. Also, these dogs had appreciable quantities of heparin in their plasmas. In a control group of six animals who were infused with saline instead of lactic acid, no major changes were observed in the coagulation and cardiovascular parameters. These data seem to suggest that antithrombin concentrates exert a certain protective effect in this particular DIC animal model.
A genetic screen for Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants affecting proteasome function, using a ubiquitin‐independent substrate

The great majority of proteasome substrates are marked for degradation by the attachment of polyubiquitin chains. Ornithine decarboxylase is degraded by the proteasome in the absence of this modification. We previously showed that this mechanism of degradation was conserved in eukaryotic cells. Here we use a reporter destabilized by mouse ornithine decarboxylase to screen non‐essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion mutants. We identified novel mutants that affect both ubiquitin‐dependent and ‐independent proteasome degradation pathways. YLR021W (IRC25/POC3) and YPL144W (POC4) encode interacting proteins that function in proteasome assembly, with putative homologues widespread among eukaryotes. Several additional mutants suffered from defects in proteasome‐mediated proteolysis. These included mutants in the urmylation pathway of protein modification (but not the Urm1 modifier itself) and the Reg1 regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1. Finally, we noted increased rates of ornithine decarboxylase turnover in an rpn10Δ mutant in which the degradation of certain ubiquitinated substrates is impaired. Together, these results highlight the utility of a ubiquitin‐independent degron in uncovering novel factors affecting general and substrate‐specific proteasome function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SWAT MODELLING SYSTEMS FOR LARGE CORN BELT RIVER BASINS PART 2 : MODEL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION

Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 500101070, United States Civil Engineering Department, North Carolina A&T State University, 1601 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27410, United States Spatial Sciences Laboratory, 1500 Research Plaza, Office 221E, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845 United States USDA-ARS, Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory, Temple, TX, 76502, United States email: ypanag@iastate.edu;
HYBRID MODELLING OF ELECTRICAL MOTORS FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES

The paper presents hybrid modelling of electrical motors. To improve diagnostic performance, the analytical model is combined with Adaptive-Networkbased Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to compensate the modelling error. The architecture and hybrid learning procedure is presented. The method is applied to vacuum cleaner motors. The unit consists of a universal motor with stator and rotor coils in series and air turbine as load. Necessary measurements are supply voltage, current and speed of rotation. In the first step, parameters of analytical model are identified by simple least-square method. Then, the modelling error is compensated by hybrid learning procedure. This way, the meaning of the physical parameters can be preserved. Diagnostic results show higher sensitivity of faults without affecting detectability. False alarms are minimised which improves the reliability of the whole diagnostic system.
Molecular cloning and functional analysis of a novel macrolide‐resistance determinant, mefA, from Streptococcus pyogenes

Several streptococcal strains had an uncharacterized mechanism of macrolide resistance that differed from those that had been reported previously in the literature. This novel mechanism conveyed resistance to 14‐ and 15‐membered macrolides, but not to 16‐membered macrolides, lincosamides or analogues of streptogramin B. The gene encoding this phenotype was cloned by standard methods from total genomic digests of Streptococcus pyogenes 02C1064 as a 4.7 kb heterologous insert into the low‐copy vector, pACYC177, and expressed in several Escherichia coli K‐12 strains. The location of the macrolide‐ resistance determinant was established by functional analysis of deletion derivatives and sequencing. A search for homologues in the genetic databases confirmed that the gene is a novel one with homology to membrane‐associated pump proteins. The macrolide‐resistance coding sequence was subcloned into a pET23a vector and expressed from the inducible T7 promoter on the plasmid in E. coli BL21(DE3). Physiological studies of the cloned determinant, which has been named mefA for macrolide efflux, provide evidence for its mechanism of action in host bacteria. E. coli strains containing the cloned determinant maintain lower levels of intracellular erythromycin when this compound is added to the external medium than isogenic clones without mefA. Furthermore, intracellular accumulation of [14C]‐erythromycin in the original S. pyogenes strain was always lower than that observed in erythromycin‐sensitive strains. This is consistent with a hypothesis that the gene encodes a novel antiporter function which pumps erythromycin out of the cell. The gene appears to be widely distributed in S. pyogenes strains, as demonstrated by primer‐specific synthesis using the polymerase chain reaction.
Assisted suicide for prisoners? Stakeholder and prisoner perspectives

ABSTRACT For a wider project on aging in prison, the authors interviewed 35 older prisoners and 24 stakeholders (prison staff, prison healthcare professionals, and policy makers) about healthcare for prisoners. In all, 6 prisoners and 3 stakeholders spontaneously expressed their attitudes concerning assisted suicide. Some prisoners seek assisted suicide for medical reasons and others because they regard spending the rest of their lives in prison as undignified. However, stakeholders identified several ethical and practical challenges in providing assisted suicide to prisoners. This article presents these perspectives on assisted suicide in prison and provides an ethical analysis of the issues raised.
even rainfed wheat rotation systems in a drought-prone editerranean climate illiam

Increasing cropping intensity and use of no-till fallow (NTF) has been successful in many rainfed Mediterranean agricultural regions around the world, including of the Inland US Pacific Northwest (PNW) where annual precipitation exceeds 290 mm. However, in the low-precipitation (<290 mm annual) region eastcentral Washington and north-central Oregon, these practices have not been widely adopted and a 2-year winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-tilled summer fallow rotation is practiced by the vast majority of farmers. The objective here was to evaluate the productivity of seven wheat rotation systems that reduce or eliminate tillage and increase cropping intensity in a 6-year study at Lind, WA. The study included: (i) soft white, hard red, and hard white market classes of wheat; (ii) both NTF and undercutter conservationtillage summer fallow (UTF), and; (iii) continuous annual no-till cropping of wheat. Crop-year (September 1–August 31) precipitation over the six years averaged just 217 mm. Across years, market class, and rotation system, spring wheat (SW) grain yield was only 33% of winter wheat (WW) after UTF. Thus, although only one crop was produced every other year with WW-UTF, this system had water use efficiency (WUE) of 5.5 grain/mm precipitation versus as low as 3.0 kg grain/mm precipitation for SW with no preceding fallow year. Possible mechanisms for differences in grain yield and WUE among rotations were: (i) Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) weed infestation was at least eleven times greater in the various SW systems and much greater still with WW after SW with no fallow year compared to in WW after NTF and UTF, and; (ii) precipitation storage efficiency (PSE) in the 180 cm soil profile during fallow for NTF-WW-SW was only 30% compared to 39 and 42% for the UTF-WW-SW and UTF-WW treatments, respectively. Critically, the seed zone of NTF was too dry for early planting of WW in most years whereas adequate seed-zone water was present every year in the UTF systems. Primarily due to late planting necessitated from lack of seed-zone water, grain yield of WW after NTF was reduced 35% compared to WW after UTF. Optimum grain yields and soil conservation are both required for sustainable agriculture, and WW with the UTF method was the clear winner of systems evaluated in this study. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Cloning and analysis of resistance gene analogs in sunflower

Resistance to the sunflower downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara halstedii, is conferred by major and dominant genes named Pl. Genetics studies have shown that some Pl genes can be clustered. Using a PCR-based methods, we have cloned some cDNA and genomic fragments from the sunflower line RHA266 containing the Pl1 locus. Sequence comparison of these clones has showed that Pl genes belong probably to the large TIR-NBSLRR class of plant resistance genes. In addition, these clones are members of a complex family in sunflower.
Optimization of soft tofu and ginger drink formula as components of soft tofu dessert using response surface methodology ( RSM )

The objective of this research was to optimize formula composition of soft tofu and ginger drink as components of soft tofu dessert using response surface methods. Two factors (independent variables) and three responses (dependent variables) were determined to obtain optimum formula for each component. As many as 16 formulas were delivered from Design-Expert based on the studied factors range. These formulas then were tested one by one by measuring the determined responses. The optimum formula for soft tofu was obtained by combining two factors: 1) soy concentration (0.33 g/mL) and 2) CaSO4 concentration (0.01 g/mL). The factors for ginger drink were 1) ginger concentration (0.23 g/mL) and 2) sugar concentration (0.37 g/ mL). These optimum formulas were chosen according to the desirability value of model for soft tofu and ginger drink formulas which were 0.847 and 0.896 respectively. Verification was done by remaking soft tofu and ginger drink using the optimum formulas and remeasuring the responses as well. Responses for soft tofu with optimum formula were hardness (116.80 gf), solid content (11.21%), and protein content (4.78%). Different responses for ginger drink with optimum formula were total phenolic content (0.61 mg GAE/g), reducing sugar content (10.99 mg/g), and total soluble solid (26.73°Brix). These values were closed to the prediction values resulted by the Design-Expert. In conclusion, the model of formula optimization was suitable to produce soft tofu and ginger drink with optimum responses in the studied range.
Computational de novo design of antibodies binding to a peptide with high affinity

Antibody drugs play a critical role in infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammation. However, experimental methods for the generation of therapeutic antibodies such as using immunized mice or directed evolution remain time consuming and cannot target a specific antigen epitope. Here, we describe the application of a computational framework called OptMAVEn combined with molecular dynamics to de novo design antibodies. Our reference system is antibody 2D10, a single‐chain antibody (scFv) that recognizes the dodecapeptide DVFYPYPYASGS, a peptide mimic of mannose‐containing carbohydrates. Five de novo designed scFvs sharing less than 75% sequence similarity to all existing natural antibody sequences were generated using OptMAVEn and their binding to the dodecapeptide was experimentally characterized by biolayer interferometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. Among them, three scFvs show binding affinity to the dodecapeptide at the nM level. Critically, these de novo designed scFvs exhibit considerably diverse modeled binding modes with the dodecapeptide. The results demonstrate the potential of OptMAVEn for the de novo design of thermally and conformationally stable antibodies with high binding affinity to antigens and encourage the targeting of other antigen targets in the future. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1331–1342. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Users Conference Blast / Impact ( 2 ) 1 LS-DYNA ® Applications in Simulating Impact Tests of Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grids and Drop Tests of Fuel Shipping Packages

Presented in the paper are two of our recent LS-DYNA applications in developing simulation models for: (1) impact tests of spacer grid – a key structural component of nuclear fuel, and (2) drop tests of shipping packages for fresh nuclear fuel, as described in the following, in that order. Resistance of nuclear fuel structure to impact loads during postulated seismic and/or loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) events needs to be demonstrated to show that no excessive fuel structural deformation would occur so that the three criteria are met: (i) fuel rod fragmentation does not occur, (ii) control rod insertion is ensured, and (iii) the core coolable geometry is maintained. The demonstration is accomplished through comparison of prediction through full core simulation with the strengths of the various structural components of the fuel. The impact tests of the spacer grids provide one such strength. As the impact test of the spacer grids requires significant lead time and effort, capability to simulate the spacer grid behavior under testing conditions is of great interest. More importantly, it provides a powerful tool for design. To meet shipping package safety requirements for transporting fresh nuclear fuel assemblies, structural performance of the shipping package under hypothetical accident conditions must be evaluated and demonstrated to have adequate protection to the fuel assembly it transports. To efficiently evaluate design changes in the shipping package, a simplified finite element model for the shipping package and fuel assembly has been developed using LSDYNA. The development and validation of the finite element model, along with a few design analysis examples to illustrate its usefulness are described. 1. Simulating Impact Tests of Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grids 1.