Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Dimension-free Algorithm for Contextual Continuum-armed Bandits

In contextual continuum-armed bandits, the contexts $x$ and the arms $y$ are both continuous and drawn from high-dimensional spaces. The payoff function to learn $f(x,y)$ does not have a particular parametric form. The literature has shown that for Lipschitz-continuous functions, the optimal regret is $\tilde{O}(T^{\frac{d_x+d_y+1}{d_x+d_y+2}})$, where $d_x$ and $d_y$ are the dimensions of contexts and arms, and thus suffers from the curse of dimensionality. We develop an algorithm that achieves regret $\tilde{O}(T^{\frac{d_x+1}{d_x+2}})$ when $f$ is globally concave in $y$. The global concavity is a common assumption in many applications. The algorithm is based on stochastic approximation and estimates the gradient information in an online fashion. Our results generate a valuable insight that the curse of dimensionality of the arms can be overcome with some mild structures of the payoff function.
Coordinating Users of Shared Facilities via Data-driven Predictive Assistants and Game Theory

We study data-driven assistants that provide congestion forecasts to users of shared facilities (roads, cafeterias, etc.), to support coordination between them, and increase efficiency of such collective systems. Key questions are: (1) when and how much can (accurate) predictions help for coordination, and (2) which assistant algorithms reach optimal predictions? First we lay conceptual ground for this setting where user preferences are a priori unknown and predictions influence outcomes. Addressing (1), we establish conditions under which self-fulfilling prophecies, i.e., "perfect" (probabilistic) predictions of what will happen, solve the coordination problem in the game-theoretic sense of selecting a Bayesian Nash equilibrium (BNE). Next we prove that such prophecies exist even in large-scale settings where only aggregated statistics about users are available. This entails a new (nonatomic) BNE existence result. Addressing (2), we propose two assistant algorithms that sequentially learn from users' reactions, together with optimality/convergence guarantees. We validate one of them in a large real-world experiment.
From cytoskeletal dynamics to organ asymmetry: a non-linear, regulative pathway underlies left-right patterning

Consistent left-right asymmetry is a fundamental aspect of the bodyplan across phyla, and errors of laterality form an important class of human birth defects. Its molecular underpinning was first discovered as a sequential pathway of left-and right-sided gene expression that controlled positioning of the heart and visceral organs. Recent data have revised this picture in two important ways. First, the physical origin of chirality has been identified; cytoskeletal dynamics underlie the asymmetry of single cell behavior and of patterning of the left-right axis. Second, the pathway is not linear: early disruptions that alter the normal sidedness of upstream asymmetric genes do not necessarily induce defects in the laterality of the downstream genes or in organ situs. Thus, the LR pathway is a unique example of two fascinating aspects of biology: the interplay of physics and genetics in establishing large-scale anatomy, and regulative (shape-homeostatic) pathways that correct errors of patterning over time. Here, we review aspects of asymmetry from its intracellular, cytoplasmic origins to the recently-uncovered ability of the LR control circuitry to achieve correct gene expression and morphology despite reversals of key “determinant” genes. We provide novel functional data, in Xenopus laevis, on conserved elements of the cytoskeleton that drive asymmetry, and repair of downstream gene expression anomalies over developmental time. LR patterning can thus serve as a paradigm of how subcellular physics and gene expression cooperate to achieve developmental robustness of a body axis.
The Enterprise and its Architecture: Ontology & Challenges

Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a set of concepts and practices based on holistic systems thinking, principles of shared language, and the long-standing disciplines of engineering and architecture. EA represents a change in how we think about and manage information technologies (ITs) and the organizations they serve. Many existing organizational activities are EA-type activities, but done in isolation, by different groups, using different tools, models, and vernaculars. EA is about bridging the chasms among these activities, from strategy to operations, and better aligning, integrating, optimizing, and synergizing the whole organization. This article: (1) posits that EA is about the architecture of the entire enterprise including its ITs; (2) describes an ontology for the information needed to holistically define and represent that architecture; and (3) asserts that this raises significant challenges for information system (IS) professionals, educators, and researchers who, like those in most other disciplines and professions, tend toward reductionist specializations.
Network models of stochastic processes in cancer

Complex systems which can be modelled as networks are ubiquitous. Well-known examples include social and economic networks, as well as many examples in cell biology such as gene regulatory and protein signalling networks. Many cell biological processes are inherently stochastic and non-stationary, and this is the perspective from which I have developed novel mathematical and computational statistical models, focusing particularly on network models. These models are primarily motivated by cell biological processes relating to DNA methylation and stem cell and cancer biology, but can be generalised to other systems and domains. I have used these and other models to identify and analyse novel DNA-based cancer biomarkers.
Glu-370 in the Large Subunit Influences the Substrate Binding, Allosteric, and Heat Stability Properties of Potato ADP-glucose Pyrophosphorylase

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is a key allosteric enzyme in plant starch biosynthesis. Plant AGPase is a heterotetrameric enzyme that consists of large (LS) and small subunits (SS), which are encoded by two different genes. In this study, we showed that the conversion of Glu to Gly at position 370 in the LS of AGPase alters the heterotetrameric stability along with the binding properties of substrate and effectors of the enzyme. Kinetic analyses revealed that the affinity of the LSE370GSSWT AGPase for glucose-1-phosphate is 3-fold less than for wild type (WT) AGPase. Additionally, the LSE370GSSWT AGPase requires 3-fold more 3-phosphogyceric acid to be activated. Finally, the LSE370GSSWT AGPase is less heat stable compared with the WT AGPase. Computational analysis of the mutant Gly-370 in the 3D modeled LS AGPase showed that this residue changes charge distribution of the surface and thus affect stability of the LS AGPase and overall heat stability of the heterotetrameric AGPase. In summary, our results show that LSE370 intricately modulate the heat stability and enzymatic activity of the AGPase. Abbreviations AGPase ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase BSA bovine serum albumin DTT dithiothreitol G1P glucose-1-phosphate IPTG isopropyl-P-D-thiogalactopyranoside LS large subunit 3PGA 3-phosphoglyceric acid Pi inorganic phosphate SS small subunit TBS Tris-buffered saline WT wild type
A Multidimensional Scaling Analysis of Musical Instruments' Time-Varying Spectra

A musical sound is usually defined by four qualities: its pitch, intensity, duration, and timbre. Pitch allows a musician to classify a sound on a scale ranging from low to high. Intensity classifies tones from weak to loud, and duration from short to long. The term "timbre" is difficult to define with any precision. Often, it is considered to be the quality that allows one to distinguish sounds that are identical in pitch, duration, and intensity (American Standard Acoustical Terminology 1960). Composers have used pitch, duration, and intensity in an elaborate way: until the 19th century, timbre seems to have played only a decorative role. Romantic composers, such as Hector Berlioz, as well as later ones, especially Claude Debussy, began to consider timbre as part of the expression of music. Arnold Sch6nberg and the Vienna School tried to enlarge the role of timbre in music, and contemporary composers commonly use timbre as a main element in music aesthetics.
Comparison of 16S and COX1 genes mitochondrial regions and their usefulness for genetic analysis of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

INTRODUCTION In recent decades the analysis of mitochondrial genes has been used for population and phylogenetic studies of ticks allowing many advances in their systematics. Mitochondrial ribosomal 16S (16S) subunit is one of the most frequently used among those genes available for tick analysis, whereas cytochrome oxidase gene 1 (COX1) has recently been used and proposed as an alternative to the traditional 16S gene marker. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of 16S and COX1 in genetic studies of ticks by analyzing sequences of three species commonly found in the Caribbean region of Colombia. RESULTS The analysis of both genes sequences allowed us to identify the three species with high levels of confidence and interspecific genetic divergence (19-22%), although only COX1 allowed us to detect intraspecific genetic variability (up to ~0.8%). A substitution saturation analysis indicated that the 16S gene was not saturated with transitions while the COX1 gene showed saturation distances starting at ~17%. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that the 16S gene seems to have better features for interspecific phylogenetic analyses because of its high level of genetic divergence and low saturation pattern, while the COX1 gene appears to be more useful for intraspecific genetic variability studies. However, as our study was conducted at a local scale, future studies at different biogeographical scales would help to establish its usefulness in wider and more complex scenarios.
Transparent telemanipulation in the presence of time delay

This paper presents a method for providing stability and robust transparency in bilateral teleoperator loops that include a time delay in the communication channel. Specifically, the proposed approach incorporates an adaptive Smith predictor within a frequency domain loop shaping approach that addresses both stability and transparency of the teleoperator loop. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Indigofera oblongifolia Prevents Lead Acetate-Induced Hepatotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, Fibrosis and Apoptosis in Rats

The current study was aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of Indigofera oblongifolia leaf extract (IOLE) on lead acetate (PbAc)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. PbAc was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 5 days alone or in combination with the IOLE (100 mg/kg). Liver lead concentration and oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and glutathione content were investigated in addition to the enzymatic antioxidant activities. PbAc injection caused a significant elevation in the liver function parameters, lead level, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, with a concomitant decline in the glutathione content compared with the control, accompanied by a significant inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities. The induction of oxidative stress, lead accumulation, and histological alterations in the liver were successfully minimized by pre-administration of IOLE. In addition, the PbAc group showed increase in the levels of Bax, caspase-3, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 proteins, while the expression of Bcl-2 protein was decreased. Prior administration of IOLE significantly mitigated apoptosis and fibrosis in the liver. Finally, the major components in I. oblongifolia extract were identified as polyphenols, flavonoids, and organic acids using liquid chromatography coupled mass spectroscopy. Thus, the findings of the current study revealed that I. oblongifolia had protective, anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities on PbAc-induced hepatotoxicity. The beneficial effects of I. oblongifolia were in part mediated by Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Feratox® as a Humane Control Agent for Wallabies in Tasmania

Author(s): Statham, Mick; Eason, Charles T. ; Statham, Helen L. ; Shapiro, Lee; MacMorran, Duncan | Abstract: Compound 1080 has been used to control native wallabies and possums in Tasmania for over 50 years. Public concern in relation to humaneness and its effects on domestic dogs and nontarget species has led to opposition to its use. Feratox®, a form of encapsulated cyanide pellet registered for brushtail possum control in New Zealand, was considered as a replacement toxin. Trials in New Zealand showed that the material is fast-acting and humane in wallabies. In Tasmania, protocols were developed using bait stations that would minimise access by nontarget macropods and wombats. In field trials using Feratox®, however, there was excessive spillage of toxic pellets and variation in bait take between seasons by Tasmanian pademelons. Further work is under way to resolve these issues to see if protocols can be developed for the safe and effective use of cyanide pellets in areas where nontarget mammals are prevalent.
Analysis Of The Relationships Between A Prior Background Activity And EMG Evoked Potentials During Fatigue

Analysis of muscular fatigue by means of EMG evoked potential is presented. Muscle fibers seem to be more highly activated during evoked potentials rather than sustained contractions. The responses are, however, nonstationary and nonlinear in essence. We employ the instantaneous frequency analysis to know the change of the shapes of EMG evoked potential during fatigue. As a result, two different stages were observed with the instantaneous frequency pattern in the time domain. Moreover, the correlation between a prior background activity and the features extracted from the latter half of the waveform was high during the whole process of fatigue.
Implementation of Physical Layer Communication Protocol for Cloud Storage System Based on FPGA

Abstract The serial communication has the advantages of faster transformation speed, less interference and interface complexity, et, al, so it is widely used in cloud storage system. Cloud storage applies the network technology to manage the storage devices to work together and it will be the development trend of storage technology. The paper introduces the principle of a serial communication protocol for cloud storage system. In order to realize the system, we use USB protocol as an example to analyze the physical layer communication protocol for cloud storage system. The design is described in VHDL language, simulated with ISE Simulator and then verified on FPGA of Xilinx Virtex series. The serial communication has the advantages of faster transformation speed, less interference and interface complexity, et, al, so it is widely used in cloud storage system. Cloud storage applies the network technology to manage the storage devices to work together and it will be the development trend of storage technology. The paper introduces the principle of a serial communication protocol for cloud storage system. In order to realize the system, we use USB protocol as an example to analyze the physical layer communication protocol for cloud storage system. The design is described in VHDL language, simulated with ISE Simulator and then verified on FPGA of Xilinx Virtex series.
Fault Tolerant Consensus of Multi-Agent Systems with Linear Dynamics

This paper deals with the consensus problem of linear multi-agent systems with actuator faults. A fault estimator based consensus protocol is provided, together with a convergence analysis. It is shown that the consensus errors of all agents will converge to a small set around the origin, if parameters in the consensus protocol are properly chosen. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol.
Hybrid HMM-MLP classifier for prosthetic arm control purpose

This paper describes an approach for classifying electromyographic (EMG) signals using multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) and hidden Markov models (HMMs) hybrid classifier. Instead of using MLPs as probability generators for HMMs we propose to use MLPs as the second classifiers to increase the discrimination rates of myoelectric patterns. This strategy is proposed to overcome weak discrimination and to consider the dynamic properties of EMG signals. Three discrimination strategies (DHMM, cascaded DHMMs, and HMM with three subnet MLPs) for discriminating signals representative of 6 primitive class of motions are described and compared. The proposed strategy increase the discrimination results considerably. Results are presented to support this approach.
Adaptive filtering using neural network integrated circuits

How analog neural network techniques can be used to implement efficient adaptive filtering as a replacement to current digital implementations is discussed. Several experimental circuits and systems for analog adaptive signal processing are presented. An approach to vector quantization using these systems is discussed. The fabrication of a decision-directed filter using neural network techniques to improve the frequencies at which these filters may be used is examined. <<ETX>>
Research on the improvement measures of BISLD method in mobile computing

There has been active research on recovery methods through real- time transaction in the mobile computing environment. However, the research on the improvement of the recovery method's function is relatively inadequate. Consequently, this research seeks to propose measures to improve the functions of the BISLD method out of the mobile recovery methods for uniformity of the data base in the mobile computing environment. Keywords: We would like to encourage you to list your keywords in this section.
Failure of Pareto-based MOEAs: does non-dominated really mean near to optimal?

Many multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) have been proposed over the years. The main part of the most successful algorithms such as PESA, or NSGA-II, are the Pareto based selection strategy that decide survivors using dominance among individuals. However, does the Pareto based selection strategy always succeed in finding the Pareto optimal solutions? This paper shows a very simple example that can cause serious trouble for the Pareto based MOEAs. In such an instance, various solutions, which are apart from the true Pareto-optimums, are left as hardly-dominated solutions. We define such solutions as dominance resistant solutions (DRSs), and show a class of problems which produces DRSs easily. To cope with this difficulty we propose the /spl alpha/-domination strategy that relaxes the domination introducing a weak trade-off among objectives. With the /spl alpha/-domination strategy, the DRSs are effectively purged from the population.
顔部品の「Bag of Words」とPHOG記述子を用いた顔表情認識

Facial expression recognition has many potential applications in areas such as human-computer interaction (HCI), emotion analysis, and synthetic face animation. This paper proposes a novel framework of facial appearance and shape information extraction for facial expression recognition. For appearance information extraction, a facial-component-based bag of words method is presented. We segment face images into four component regions: forehead, eye-eyebrow, nose, and mouth. We then partition them into 4 × 4 sub-regions. Dense SIFT (scale-invariant feature transform) features are calculated over the sub-regions and vector quantized into 4 × 4 sets of codeword distributions. For shape information extraction, PHOG (pyramid histogram of orientated gradient) descriptors are computed on the four facial component regions to obtain the spatial distribution of edges. Multi-class SVM classifiers are applied to classify the six basic facial expressions using the facial-component-based bag of words and PHOG descriptors respectively. Then the appearance and shape information is fused at decision level to further improve the recognition rate. Our framework provides holistic characteristics for the local texture and shape features by enhancing the structure-based spatial information, and makes it possible to use the bag of words method and the local descriptors in facial expression recognition for the first time. The recognition rate achieved by the fusion of appearance and shape features at decision level using the Cohn-Kanade database is 96.33%, which outperforms the state-of-the-art research works.
AN ARCHITECTURE FOR PROTECTION OF NETWORK HOSTS FROM DENIAL OF SERVICE ATTACKS

2000 Dedicated to my parents, Balu and Dhaksha and my sister, Vidya iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Richard Newman for his constant encouragement and support and the opportunity to work on this research project. He has been a great source of inspiration and my mentor. I would also like to thank Dr. Randy Chow for being my co-advisor and Dr. Abdelsalam Helal for willingly agreeing to serve on my committee and for giving their valuable suggestions and feedback. I express my gratitude to officemates Paramtap Desai, Wenqiu Zhang and Anna Brown for their endless discussions on the subject. I thank my parents and sister, for their inspiration and support throughout my academic career. I would also like to thank all my friends, far and near for being there to help me always.
Comparison of some feature subset selection methods for use in remote sensing image analysis

As feature subset selection constitutes an important aspect of data fusion in general, this paper compares different measures of goodness and their influence on the classification results. These measures are 1) Fukunaga's (1990) criterion, and 2) the ML criterion with a user-specified upper limit for the total error (Smits). Results are presented using publicly available multi-spectral/multi-sensor and hyperspectral images, and it is concluded that the ML criterion with a user-specified upper limit for the total error is a valid alternative to classical methods.
Detecting the impact of temperature on transmission of Zika, dengue and Chikungunya using mechanistic models

Recent epidemics of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya have heightened the need to understand the seasonal and geographic range of transmission by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. We use mechanistic transmission models to derive predictions for how the probability and magnitude of transmission for Zika, chikungunya, and dengue change with mean temperature, and we show that these predictions are well matched by human case data. Across all three viruses, models and human case data both show that transmission occurs between 18-34°C with maximal transmission occurring in a range from 26-29°C. Controlling for population size and two socioeconomic factors, temperature-dependent transmission based on our mechanistic model is an important predictor of human transmission occurrence and incidence. Risk maps indicate that tropical and subtropical regions are suitable for extended seasonal or year-round transmission, but transmission in temperate areas is limited to at most three months per year even if vectors are present. Such brief transmission windows limit the likelihood of major epidemics following disease introduction in temperate zones.
Exponential stabilization problem of nonholonomic chained systems with specified transient response

In this paper, we propose a control method for nonholonomic systems expressed by the chained form, where the exponential convergence to the desired final state is guaranteed and the desired transient response is achieved simultaneously. Next, we propose a trajectory generation method for the chained system, which gives a systematic procedure to find a reference trajectory that passes several given points at each specified time and exponentially converges to the origin. Finally, our method is applied to control of a 4-wheeled car. In this case, to express all the state of the 4-wheeled car by the chained form, the above method is extended to the case where several coordinate frames are needed.