Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 B-Band Parallel Survey: A Study of Galaxy Morphology for Magnitudes 18 ≤ B ≤ 27

We present the results of the Hubble Space Telescope B-Band Parallel Survey (BBPS). It covers 0.0370 deg2 and consists of 31 shallow (four- to six-orbit), randomly selected high-latitude HST WFPC2 parallel fields with images taken in both the B (F450W) and I (F814W) filters. The goal of this survey is to morphologically classify the galaxies in a homogeneous manner and study galaxy properties as a function of type and B-band magnitude for 18 mag ≲ bJ ≲ 23.5 mag. The full sample contains 1800 galaxies, 370 of which are brighter than the formal statistical completeness limit of bJ ≲ 23.5 mag. The galaxies are selected from the B-band images and classified using an artificial neural network (ANN) galaxy classifier on the higher signal-to-noise ratio I-band images. These provide (more) reliable types for I ≲ 24 mag (or bJ ≲ 26 mag), since these I-band classifications are less subject to the uncertain redshifted rest-frame UV morphology. The ANN classification depends on the shape of the surface brightness profile, but not on color. These results are combined with similar (deeper) studies in the Hubble Deep Field and the deep WFPC2 field surrounding the radio galaxy 53W002, for which galaxies have been classified to bJ ≲ 27 mag. The galaxy counts for the combined B-band–selected samples show adequate statistics for a range 19 mag ≲ bJ ≲ 27 mag and are in good agreement with other studies in the flux range where they overlap, while showing improved statistics at the bright end. The galaxies are subdivided into three morphological classes: early types (E/S0), mid types (Sabc), and late types (Sd/Irr), and the B-band counts are presented for each class, as well as the total counts. The faint end of the counts is dominated by the irregular galaxies, which have a steep count slope of d log N/dm ≈ 0.4. These type-dependent counts are compared with models based on local luminosity functions that include the effects of the cosmological constant, ΩΛ. The whole BBPS sample, along with the two deeper fields, is used to delineate the general trends of effective radius and B-I color as function of both morphological type and apparent magnitude for 18 mag ≲ bJ ≲ 27 mag. These properties are discussed in the context of recent redshift surveys. A possible explanation for the combined results is given in terms of the effects of ΩΛ on the evolution of the merger rate in a hierarchical scenario.
A Reliable Transport Protocol for Unreliable Networks

Unstable networks such as wireless mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are radically different from traditional fixed networks like the Internet. The success of these emerging networks is determined by the performance of the communication layers and the transport layer. For the latter, many protocols have been proposed based on adaptations of TCP for such unstable networks. In this paper, we claim that the underlying principles of TCP are not suitable for unstable networks and propose a fundamentally different reliable transport protocol called SAFT. SAFT employs the store-and-forward principle to enable data transfer across networks with intermittent end-to-end connectivity. Using simulations, we show that SAFT realizes faster data transmission and uses network resources more efficiently than TCP. Furthermore, SAFT behaves more fairly when multiple connections compete for network resources in the same collision domain. We argue that our transport protocol results in several benefits including robustness, flexibility, and fairness.
eLearning 2.0: Learning Management Systems Readiness

Nowadays, internet becomes more user centered allowing two-way exchange of information. People become creators of knowledge and materials instead of passive readers or consumers. This advancement of web technologies and its applications known as web 2.0. In education, the integration of web 2.0 technologies and tools into educational and institutional practice is called eLearning 2.0. Researches stress on the importance of implementing eLearning 2.0 in the learning process. Universities and schools are investing substantial amounts of time and money in implementing learning management systems (LMS). If not designed with eLearning 2.0 support in mind, the LMS can pose difficulty for instructors and students to benefit from these technologies through LMS directly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readiness of learning management systems to support eLearning 2.0. This research reviewed the literature for the most common web 2.0 tools used in eLearning process. Six tools were identified Wikis, blogs, RSS, pod casts, book marking and virtual environments. Then an evaluation model was developed and applied on two respective learning management systems Black Board and MOODLE. The results of readiness evaluation shows that MOODLE is more ready for eLearning 2.0 than Black Board. Anyhow, the findings of this study provide several important implications for learning management system research and management.
The efficacy of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% dosed once daily in achieving zero-to-trace anterior chamber cell severity following cataract surgery

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% dosed once daily in achieving zero-to-trace (0–5 cells) anterior chamber cells, following cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Methods The study designed employed two Phase III, double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials of 440 subjects, randomized to either bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% (n=222) or placebo (n=218). Subjects self-dosed once daily, beginning 1 day before undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation (day –1) and again on the day of surgery (day 0) and for 14 days postoperatively. Follow-up was on days 1, 3, 8, and 15. The outcome measures included the percentage of subjects with zero-to-trace anterior chamber cells at each visit, as determined by the percentage of subjects with ≤5 anterior chamber cells, overall anterior chamber cell grades, and summed ocular inflammation score (SOIS) (combined anterior chamber cell and flare scores). Results The proportion of subjects with zero-to-trace anterior chamber cells was significantly higher in the bromfenac 0.07% group compared with the placebo group as early as day 3 (P=0.0007), continued at day 8 (P<0.0001), and through day 15 (P<0.0001). At day 15, 80.2% of subjects in the bromfenac 0.07% group achieved zero-to-trace anterior chamber cells compared with 47.2% of subjects who did so in the placebo group. The overall anterior chamber cell scores were significantly lower in the bromfenac 0.07% group compared with the placebo group at days 3, 8, and 15 (P<0.0001 at each visit). The SOIS were also significantly lower in the bromfenac group compared with the placebo group at days 3, 8, and 15 (P<0.0001 at each visit). Conclusion Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07%, dosed once daily was clinically effective in achieving zero-to-trace anterior chamber cell severity after cataract surgery and was superior to placebo in all anterior chamber cell severity and inflammation outcome measures.
Global optimization by suppression of partial redundancies

The elimination of redundant computations and the moving of invariant computations out of loops are often done separately, with invariants moved outward loop by loop. We propose to do both at once and to move each expression directly to the entrance of the outermost loop in which it is invariant. This is done by solving a more general problem, i.e. the elimination of computations performed twice on a given execution path. Such computations are termed partially redundant. Moreover, the algorithm does not require any graphical information or restrictions on the shape of the program graph. Testing this algorithm has shown that its execution cost is nearly linear with the size of the program, and that it leads to a smaller optimizer that requires less execution time.
Choice of Appropriate Space-Time Coding Scheme for MIMO Systems Employing Channel Coding under BICM

We consider the use of MIMO structures in the fourth generation of cellular networks. We contrast the performances of the two general categories of orthogonal and non-orthogonal space-time schemes while considering a relatively simple iterative detector for the latter case. We show that with perfect channel knowledge, a substantial gain is obtained by using appropriate non-orthogonal schemes, which justifies the increased receiver complexity. The gain is more considerable for a larger number of transmit antennas. This conclusion remains true when channel estimation at receiver is not perfect
Liraglutide Promotes Natriuresis but Does Not Increase Circulating Levels of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Hypertensive Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists induce natriuresis and reduce blood pressure (BP) through incompletely understood mechanisms. We examined the effects of acute and 21-day administration of liraglutide on plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), urinary sodium excretion, office and 24-h BP, and heart rate (HR). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Liraglutide or placebo was administered for 3 weeks to hypertensive subjects with type 2 diabetes in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial in the ambulatory setting. End points included within-subject change from baseline in plasma ANP, Nt-proBNP, office BP, and HR at baseline and over 4 h following a single dose of liraglutide (0.6 mg) and after 21 days of liraglutide (titrated to 1.8 mg) versus placebo administration. Simultaneous 24-h ambulatory BP and HR monitoring and 24-h urine collections were measured at baseline and following 21 days of treatment. RESULTS Plasma ANP levels did not change significantly after acute (+16.72 pg/mL, P = 0.24, 95% CI [−12.1, +45.5] at 2 h) or chronic (−17.42 pg/mL, 95% CI [−36.0, +1.21] at 2 h) liraglutide administration. Liraglutide significantly increased 24-h and nighttime urinary sodium excretion; however, 24-h systolic BP was not significantly different. Small but significant increases in 24-h and nighttime diastolic BP and HR were observed with liraglutide. Body weight, HbA1c, and cholesterol were lower, and office-measured HR was transiently increased (for up to 4 h) with liraglutide administration. CONCLUSIONS Sustained liraglutide administration for 3 weeks increases urinary sodium excretion independent of changes in ANP or BP in overweight and obese hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV Infection: Not Only a Bone Disorder

Hypovitaminosis D is a worldwide disorder, with a high prevalence in the general population of both Western and developing countries. In HIV patients, several studies have linked vitamin D status with bone disease, neurocognitive impairment, depression, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, infections, autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the most recent epidemiological and experimental data dealing with the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and HIV infection. We analysed the extent of the problem, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in HIV-infected subjects.
Enterprise Architecture Modeling with the Unified Modeling Language

This chapter describes the key concepts for modeling the organization’s enterprise architecture using the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Enterprise architecture consists on defining and understanding the different elements that shape the organization and how these elements are inter-related with the purpose of understand and facilitate organizational evolution and change. It separates core organizational concerns as different architectural views; the authors argue that modeling the multidimensional aspects of the enterprise should be organized into five architectural components: Organization, Business, Information, Application and Technological architectures. These five components are supported in a small set of fundamental concepts described using UML 2.0. Furthermore the authors argue that any organization model may be abstracted to three elements: Activity, Role and Entity. The authors also propose a set of rules for assessing the alignment between the enterprise architectural elements.
Some Remarks on Weak Bisimilarity of BPA-Processes

The purpose of this work is to examine the decidability problem of weak bisimilarity for BPA-processes. It has been known that strong bisimilarity, which may be considered a special case of weak bisimilarity, where the internal (silent) action tau is treated equally to observable actions, is decidable for BPA-processes. For strong bisimilarity, these processes are finitely branching and so for two non-bisimilar processes there exists a level n that distinguishes the two processes. Additionally, from the decidability of whether two processes are equivalent at a given level n, semidecidability of strong non-bisimilarity directly follows. We examine the following two closely related approaches to semidecidability of strong equivalence: 1.construction of a (finite) bisimulation or expansion tree, 2.construction of a finite Caucal base. We have attempted to find out if any of the above mentioned approaches could be generalized to (semi)decide weak bisimilarity. Our findings indicate that a direct generalization is not sufficient and an efficient (semi)decision procedure cannot be obtained in this way.
An Empirical Study on Usage Intention of Mobile E-Commerce: Technology Acceptance Model Approach

This paper focuses on usage intention of the e-commerce based on ATM model. After empirical analysis, the following conclusions were made: Customer usage attitude has a significant positive impact on customer usage intension; customer perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived risk would significantly affect usage attitude. At the end, this paper proposes related suggestion about e-commerce.
Eurographics Symposium on Point-based Graphics (2005) Surface Reconstruction with Enriched Reproducing Kernel Particle Approximation Author Manuscript, Published in "eurographics Symposium on Point-based Graphics, New York : United States (2005)"

There are many techniques that reconstruct continuous 3D surfaces from scattered point data coming from laser range scanners. One of the most commonly used representations are Point Set Surfaces (PSS) defined as the set of stationary points of a Moving Least Squares (MLS) projection operator. One interesting property of the MLS projection is to automatically filter out high frequency noise, that is usually present in raw data due to scanning errors. Unfortunately, the MLS projection also smoothes out any high frequency feature, such as creases or corners , that may be present in the scanned geometry, and does not offer any possibility to distinguish between such feature and noise. The main contribution of this paper, is to present an alternative projection operator for surface reconstruction, based on the Enriched Reproducing Kernel Particle Approximation (ERKPA), which allows the reconstruction process to account for high frequency features, by letting the user explicitly tag the corresponding areas of the scanned geometry. 1. Motivation The recent evolution in 3D acquisition devices, which has made 3D range scanners available to a larger public, has generated a shift that 3D models are more and more often acquired rather than modeled. Various techniques have been developed that directly deal with the acquired unorganized point sets, without any triangulation step, see [KB04, AGP * 04] for recent surveys. These techniques are becoming more and more popular, as many topological operations , such as level-of-detail generation, are much more efficient when directly performed on point sets rather than on polygonal meshes. One of the most popular techniques to reconstruct a continuous 3D surface from scattered point data is the Point Set Surface (PSS) model, initially proposed by Alexa et al. [ABCO * 01, ABCO * 03]. This technique involves a projection operator based on the Moving Least Squares (MLS) method [LS81, Lev99, Lev03] that projects any point in the neighborhood of the point set onto a continuous surface that minimizes a local least-squares error criterion (for that reason, PSS are sometimes called MLS surfaces). PSS are then implicitly defined as the set of points that project onto themselves. This MLS projection operator generates a smooth surface that approximates the scattered data, and automatically filters out high frequency noise that may be present in raw data due to scanning errors. Due to their robustness and efficiency, PSS have been successfully used in various a application fields, such as point-based modeling …
Calcineurin Interacts with PERK and Dephosphorylates Calnexin to Relieve ER Stress in Mammals and Frogs

Background The accumulation of misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers a cellular process known as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). One of the earliest responses is the attenuation of protein translation. Little is known about the role that Ca2+ mobilization plays in the early UPR. Work from our group has shown that cytosolic phosphorylation of calnexin (CLNX) controls Ca2+ uptake into the ER via the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) 2b. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we demonstrate that calcineurin (CN), a Ca2+ dependent phosphatase, associates with the (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK), and promotes PERK auto-phosphorylation. This association, in turn, increases the phosphorylation level of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 α (eIF2-α) and attenuates protein translation. Data supporting these conclusions were obtained from co-immunoprecipitations, pull-down assays, in-vitro kinase assays, siRNA treatments and [35S]-methionine incorporation measurements. The interaction of CN with PERK was facilitated at elevated cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations and involved the cytosolic domain of PERK. CN levels were rapidly increased by ER stressors, which could be blocked by siRNA treatments for CN-Aα in cultured astrocytes. Downregulation of CN blocked subsequent ER-stress-induced increases in phosphorylated elF2-α. CN knockdown in Xenopus oocytes predisposed them to induction of apoptosis. We also found that CLNX was dephosphorylated by CN when Ca2+ increased. These data were obtained from [γ32P]-CLNX immunoprecipitations and Ca2+ imaging measurements. CLNX was dephosphorylated when Xenopus oocytes were treated with ER stressors. Dephosphorylation was pharmacologically blocked by treatment with CN inhibitors. Finally, evidence is presented that PERK phosphorylates CN-A at low resting levels of Ca2+. We further show that phosphorylated CN-A exhibits decreased phosphatase activity, consistent with this regulatory mechanism being shut down as ER homeostasis is re-established. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest two new complementary roles for CN in the regulation of the early UPR. First, CN binding to PERK enhances inhibition of protein translation to allow the cell time to recover. The induction of the early UPR, as indicated by increased P-elF2α, is critically dependent on a translational increase in CN-Aα. Second, CN dephosphorylates CLNX and likely removes inhibition of SERCA2b activity, which would aid the rapid restoration of ER Ca2+ homeostasis.
Wave atom based Compressive Sensing and adaptive beamforming in ultrasound imaging

The paper investigates combining Compressive Sensing (CS) with the robust Capon beamformer (RCB) for the purpose of medical ultrasound image formation with a much reduced number of samples compared to those used in current state-of-art ultrasound. The proposed CS algorithm uses wave atom dictionary as a low dimension projection, a Bernouli random matrix as a sensing matrix and a regularized-l1 optimization technique for recovery. The reconstructed signals are then pre-processed before using the RCB technique augmented with spatial smoothing and diagonal loading. This approach is demonstrated through simulations, wire phantom and in vivo cardiac data with a reduction of up to 1/8 in the processed data rate and ultrasound images of similar perceived quality.
Geometry-based finite-element modeling of the electrical contact between a cultured neuron and a microelectrode

The electrical contact between a substrate embedded microelectrode and a cultured neuron depends on the geometry of the neuron-electrode interface. Interpretation and improvement of these contacts requires proper modeling of all coupling mechanisms. In literature, it is common practice to model the neuron-electrode contact using lumped circuits in which large simplifications are made in the representation of the interface geometry. In this paper, the finite-element method is used to model the neuron-electrode interface, which permits numerical solutions for a variety of interface geometries. The simulation results offer detailed spatial and temporal information about the combined electrical behavior of extracellular volume, electrode-electrolyte interface and neuronal membrane.
Memory-based Modeling and Prioritized Sweeping in Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement Learning (RL) is a popular method in machine learning. In RL, an agent learns a policy by observing state-transitions and receiving feedback in the form of a reward signal. The learning problem can be solved by interaction with the system only, without prior knowledge of that system. However, real-time learning from interaction with the system only, leads to slow learning as every time-interval can only be used to observe a single state-transition. Learning can by accelerated by using a Dyna-style algorithm. This approach learns from interaction with the real system and a model of that system simultaneously. Our research investigates two aspects of this method: Building a model during learning and implementing this model into the learning algorithm. We use a memory-based modeling method called Local Linear Regression (LLR) to build a state-transition model during the learning process. It is expected that the quality of the model increases as the number of observed state-transitions increase. To assess the quality of the modeled state-transitions we introduce prediction intervals. We show that LLR is able to model various systems, including a complex humanoid robot. The LLR model was added to the learning algorithm to generate more state-transitions for the agent to learn from. We show that an increasing number of experiences leads to faster learning. We introduce Prioritized Sweeping (PS) and Look Ahead (LA) Dyna as possibilities to use the model more efficiently. We show how prediction intervals can be used to increase the performance of the various algorithms. The learning algorithms were compared using an inverted pendulum simulation, which had to learn a swing-up control task.
Circuit partitioning based fingerprinting method for IP protection

The continuously widening design productivity gap in the past few decades gives high incentives to counterfeiting ICs. Existing intellectual property (IP) protection schemes demand high overheads, and some techniques like watermarking do not facilitate tracing of illegal users. In this letter,we propose a novel fingerprinting method based on post-processing on circuit partitions. We evaluate our method on the ISPD98 benchmark suite. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal. The fingerprinting design is distinct because the Hamming distance between fingerprinted IP designs is large enough to resist a collusion attack.