Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Object Recognition by a Cascade of Edge Probes

We frame the problem of object recognition from edge cues in terms of determining whether individual edge pixels belong to the target object or to clutter, based on the configuration of edges in their vicinity. A classifier solves this problem by computing sparse, localized edge features at image locations determined at training time. In order to save computation and solve the aperture problem, we apply a cascade of these classifiers to the image, each of which computes edge features over larger image regions than its predecessors. Experiments apply this approach to the recognition of real objects with holes and wiry components in cluttered scenes under arbitrary out-of-image-plane rotation. 1
Intrapulmonary blood flow redistribution during hypoxia increases gas exchange surface area.

We have previously shown that airway hypoxia causes pulmonary capillary recruitment and raises diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. This study was designed to determine whether these events were caused by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, which redistributed blood flow toward the top of the lung, or by an increase in cardiac output. We measured capillary recruitment at the top of the dog lung by in vivo microscopy, gas exchange surface area of the whole lung by diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and blood flow distribution by radioactive microspheres. During airway hypoxia recruitment occurred, diffusing capacity increased, and blood flow was redistributed upward. When a vasodilator was infused while holding hypoxia constant, these effects were reversed; i. e. , capillary "derecruitment" occurred, diffusing capacity decreased, and blood flow was redistributed back toward the bottom of the lung. The vasodilator was infused at a rate that left hypoxic cardiac output unchanged. These data show that widespread capillary recruitment during hypoxia is caused by increased vascular resistance and the resulting upward blood flow redistribution.
Promises to Keep: Thoughts in Old Age

1. Realising that Old Age Approaches 2. Great and Terrible Happenings 3. Family Matters 4. Uncertainties and After 5. Introduction to Intellectual Life 6. Self Love, Belief, Morals 7. Words and Writing 8. Memory 9. Among Thoughts of Death
Workflow Management for Task Scheduling in Grid Computing

Grid computing is gaining a lot of attention within the IT industry. The emergence of Grid computing has largely expanded the scale of scientific applications. Among the programming models designed for Grid computing, combining dependent tasks into workflow systems has received attention in recent past. Workflow scheduling is one of the key issues in the management of workflow execution.Many techniques have been made in the direction of the development of workflow management systems for Grid computing. In this paper, we define a classification that describes and classifies several approaches for construction and implementing workflows on Grids.
Study of method and system for diagnosis of cancer using autofluorescence and Raman spectroscopy

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and Raman spectra were measured from normal and tumorous human serum in an attempt to discover some values useful in discrimination between normal and tumorous cases. Red shift of fluorescence peak and decrease of fluorescence intensity were observed after samples radiated by laser. According to one thousand twenty-two samples' spectra, three parameters alpha, beta and Deltalambda are introduced to distinguish normal, benign and malignant from one another. The application of such parameters in clinical diagnosis was researched. The practical instrument of laser-induced serum fluorescence and resonance Raman spectra for cancer diagnosis or incipient cancer is designed, by combining laser spectroscopy, biomedical, photo-electron technology, controlling technology and computer technology. The instrument is intelligent for operating and diagnosing. The clinic application of this instrument has been carried out successfully in the diagnosing of stomach cancer and liver cancer (459 cases); the accuracy is about 85%. It develops a new technology in the field of cancer diagnosis
Sulforaphane enhances irradiation effects in terms of perturbed cell cycle progression and increased DNA damage in pancreatic cancer cells

Background Sulforaphane (SFN), an herbal isothiocyanate enriched in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, has gained popularity for its antitumor effects in cell lines such as pancreatic cancer. Antiproliferative as well as radiosensitizing properties were reported for head and neck cancer but little is known about its effects in pancreatic cancer cells in combination with irradiation (RT). Methods In four established pancreatic cancer cell lines we investigated clonogenic survival, analyzed cell cycle distribution and compared DNA damage via flow cytometry and western blot after treatment with SFN and RT. Results Both SFN and RT show a strong and dose dependent survival reduction in clonogenic assays, an induction of a G2/M cell cycle arrest and an increase in γH2AX protein level indicating DNA damage. Effects were more pronounced in combined treatment and both cell cycle perturbation and DNA damage persisted for a longer period than after SFN or RT alone. Moreover, SFN induced a loss of DNA repair proteins Ku 70, Ku 80 and XRCC4. Conclusion Our results suggest that combination of SFN and RT exerts a more distinct DNA damage and growth inhibition than each treatment alone. SFN seems to be a viable option to improve treatment efficacy of chemoradiation with hopefully higher rates of secondary resectability after neoadjuvant treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Table of Contents.

V RESUME . VI 1.0 INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 OBJECTIVES . 2 1.2 STUDY TEAM . 2 2.0 PUBLIC POLICY . 2 3.0 AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR . 3 3.1 SALMONIDS . 4 3.2 MUSSELS . 4 3.3 ATLANTIC COD . 5 4.0 LITERATURE REVIEW . 6 5.0 POTENTIAL AQUACULTURE EFFECTS . 7 5.1 WATER QUALITY . 8 5.1.1 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Concentrations . 9 5.1.2 Increased Turbidity . 10 5.1. 3 Release of Organic Substances . 10 5.1. 4 Potential Mitigations . 13 5.1. 5 Data Gaps . 15 5.2 SEDIMENT QUALITY . 15 5.2. 1 Settling Of Suspended Solids . 16 5.2. 2 Nutrient Enrichment/Loading . 17 5.2. 3 Increased Bacteria Levels (Hydrogen Sulphide Production) . 18 5.2. 4 Benthic Macrofauna . 19 5.2. 5 Sediment Disturbance . 20 5.2. 6 Monitoring of Sediment Quality . 20 5.2. 7 Potential Mitigation . 22 5.3 WASTE ACCUMULATION AT SITE . 24 5.4 ALTERATION OF NATURAL FISH MIGRATION . 24 5.4. 1 Escapes . 25 5.4. 2 Code of Containment . 26 5.5 DIRECT CHANGE OF HABITAT FOR NATURAL SPECIES . 27 6.0 SUMMARY . 27 6.1 THE CEAA PROCESS IN RELATION TO MARINE AQUACULTURE IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR . 28 6.1.1 A Class-type Approach . 28 6.1.2 Industry-Wide Pre-Development Activities . 29 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS . 31 Acknowledgements . 32 8.0 REFERENCES . 33
Further result about dynamic coupling for nonlinear output agreement

In recent work we have explored the role of dynamic coupling, as opposed to static coupling, in achieving output agreement in networks of nonlinear incrementally passive systems in the presence of exogenous disturbances. In this paper, we further investigate the problem for relaxed cocoercive and for contractive systems. We also study dynamic controllers that are able to restore the convergence of the network system to a synchronous solution of the system without disturbances.
Hausdorff dimension in exponential time

In this paper we investigate effective versions of Hausdorff dimension which have been recently introduced by Lutz. We focus on dimension in the class E of sets computable in linear exponential time. We determine the dimension of various classes related to fundamental structural properties including different types of autoreducibility and immunity. By a new general invariance theorem for resource-bounded dimension we show that the class of p-m-complete sets for E has dimension 1 in E. Moreover, we show that there are p-m-lower spans in E of dimension /spl Hscr/(/spl beta/) for any rational /spl beta/ between 0 and 1, where /spl Hscr/(/spl beta/) is the binary entropy function. This leads to a new general completeness notion for E that properly extends Lutz's concept of weak completeness. Finally we characterize resource-bounded dimension in terms of martingales with restricted betting ratios and in terms of prediction functions.
A dynamic disk spin-down technique for mobile computing

We address the problem of deciding when to spin down the disk of a mobile computer in order to extend bat tery life. Since one of the most critical resources in mobile computing environments is battery life, good energy conservation methods can dramatically increase the utility of mobile systems. We use a simple and ef ficient algorithm based on machine learning techniques that has excellent performance in practice. Our exper imental results are based on traces collected from HP C2474s disks. Using this data, the algorithm outper forms several algorithms that are theoretically optimal in under various worst-case assumptions, as well as the best fixed time-out strategy. In particular, the algo rithm reduces the power consumption of the disk to about half (depending on the disk's properties) of the energy consumed by a one minute fixed time-out. Since the algorithm adapts to usage patterns, it uses as lit tle as 88% of the energy consumed by the best fixed time-out computed in retrospect.
Global Role and Burden of Influenza in Pediatric Respiratory Hospitalizations, 1982–2012: A Systematic Analysis

Background The global burden of pediatric severe respiratory illness is substantial, and influenza viruses contribute to this burden. Systematic surveillance and testing for influenza among hospitalized children has expanded globally over the past decade. However, only a fraction of the data has been used to estimate influenza burden. In this analysis, we use surveillance data to provide an estimate of influenza-associated hospitalizations among children worldwide. Methods and Findings We aggregated data from a systematic review (n = 108) and surveillance platforms (n = 37) to calculate a pooled estimate of the proportion of samples collected from children hospitalized with respiratory illnesses and positive for influenza by age group (<6 mo, <1 y, <2 y, <5 y, 5–17 y, and <18 y). We applied this proportion to global estimates of acute lower respiratory infection hospitalizations among children aged <1 y and <5 y, to obtain the number and per capita rate of influenza-associated hospitalizations by geographic region and socio-economic status. Influenza was associated with 10% (95% CI 8%–11%) of respiratory hospitalizations in children <18 y worldwide, ranging from 5% (95% CI 3%–7%) among children <6 mo to 16% (95% CI 14%–20%) among children 5–17 y. On average, we estimated that influenza results in approximately 374,000 (95% CI 264,000 to 539,000) hospitalizations in children <1 y—of which 228,000 (95% CI 150,000 to 344,000) occur in children <6 mo—and 870,000 (95% CI 610,000 to 1,237,000) hospitalizations in children <5 y annually. Influenza-associated hospitalization rates were more than three times higher in developing countries than in industrialized countries (150/100,000 children/year versus 48/100,000). However, differences in hospitalization practices between settings are an important limitation in interpreting these findings. Conclusions Influenza is an important contributor to respiratory hospitalizations among young children worldwide. Increasing influenza vaccination coverage among young children and pregnant women could reduce this burden and protect infants <6 mo.
Murine Cytomegalovirus Interference with Antigen Presentation Has Little Effect on the Size or the Effector Memory Phenotype of the CD8 T Cell Response1

As with most herpesviruses, CMVs encode viral genes that inhibit Ag presentation to CD8 T cells (VIPRs). VIPR function has been assumed to be essential for CMV to establish its characteristic lifetime infection of its host. We compared infection of C57BL/6 mice with wild-type murine CMV (MCMV) and a virus lacking each of MCMV’s three known VIPRs: m4, m6, and m152. During acute infection, there was very little difference between the two viruses with respect to the kinetics of viral replication and clearance, or in the size and kinetics of the virus-specific CD8 T cell response. During chronic infection, a large, effector memory, virus-specific CD8 T cell population (CD8lowCD62L−CD11c+NKG2A+) was maintained in both infections; the size and phenotype of the CD8 T cell response to both viruses was remarkably similar. The characteristic effector memory phenotype of the CD8 T cells suggested that both wild-type and Δm4+m6+m152 virus continued to present Ag to CD8 T cells during the chronic phase of infection. During the chronic phase of infection, MCMV cannot be isolated from immunocompetent mice. However, upon immunosuppression, both Δm4+m6+m152 and wild-type virus could be reactivated from mice infected for 6 wk. Thus, restoring the ability of CD8 T cells to detect MCMV had little apparent effect on the course of MCMV infection and on the CD8 T cell response to it. These results challenge the notion that VIPR function is necessary for CMV persistence in the host.
Functional dissection of power electronic systems as learning technique

Functional dissection as a learning technique, applied to power electronic systems, is based on the application of reverse engineering techniques with industrial artifacts. Its specific application to power electronic converters will be made in a general framework with a clear relationship between inputs and outputs in each dissected block. The objectives in this educational methodology are to promote the comprehension of abstract and difficult theory in the power electronics area and to improve the performance of the power electronics simulation software. To achieve these objectives a complete modular system has been developed within a common framework which allows the application of multiple educational activities while optimizing the time students spend in the study of power electronics.
Scene Change Detection and Topological Map Construction Using Omnidirectional Image Sequences

Visual place recognition for mobile robot localization is an important problem in robotics and computer vision research. In this paper, we present a novel scene recognition technique that resembles human cognition based on the scene change observation. Our semantic scene descriptor, Extend-HCT, is based on the SURF features. We build a scene change judgement system by analyzing the parameters of Extend-HCT codewords. We design an algorithm to mark the interested regions and construct the topological map after the autonomous mobile robot passing through an unknown path. It can then be used to assist for the place recognition, localization and navigation tasks if the robot goes through the environment in the future. The experimental results for the indoor and outdoor scenes are presented.
Cell-based positioning method for wireless networks

One of the most important applications for mobile commerce is location-based application and the core technology of location-based applications is the location determination technology. In this paper, we present a positioning method, called cell-based positioning method and its positioning accuracy measure for the wireless networks with hexagon structure and mesh structure. In addition, the positioning accuracy is optimized by tuning the base stations' transmission power. In the optimal transmission power an accuracy of within 9.1% (7.2%) cell area for hexagonal structure (mesh structure) can be achieved by cell-based positioning method. We believe that the results are useful to deploy wireless networks for location-based applications.
Neuroimaging differences in spatial cognition between men and male-to-female transsexuals before and during hormone therapy.

INTRODUCTION Neuropsychological abnormalities in transsexual patients have been reported in comparison with subjects without gender identity disorder (GID), suggesting differences in underlying neurobiological processes. However, these results have not consistently been confirmed. Furthermore, studies on cognitive effects of cross-sex hormone therapy also yield heterogeneous results. AIM We hypothesized that untreated transsexual patients differ from men without GID in activation pattern associated with a mental rotation task and that these differences may further increase after commencing of hormonal treatment. METHOD The present study investigated 11 male-to-female transsexual (MFTS) patients prior to cross-sex hormone therapy and 11 MFTS patients during hormone therapy in comparison with healthy men without GID. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3-Tesla, a mental rotation paradigm with proven sexual dimorphism was applied to all subjects. Data were analyzed with SPM5. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patterns of brain activation associated with a mental rotation task. RESULTS The classical mental rotation network was activated in all three groups, but significant differences within this network were observed. Men without GID exhibited significantly greater activation of the left parietal cortex (BA 40), a key region for mental rotation processes. Both transsexual groups revealed stronger activation of temporo-occipital regions in comparison with men without GID. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirmed previously reported deviances of brain activation patterns in transsexual men from men without GID and also corroborated these findings in a group of transsexual patients receiving cross-sex hormone therapy. The present study indicates that there are a priori differences between men and transsexual patients caused by different neurobiological processes or task-solving strategies and that these differences remain stable over the course of hormonal treatment.
Magnetization Reversal Process of Hard/Soft Nano-Composite Structures Formed by Ion Irradiation

Discrete track media (DTM) and bit-patterned media (BPM) are being extensively studied as routes to achieve higher density hard disk drives. In the DTM and BPM, it is essential to isolate the data tracks or bits with non-magnetic materials to reduce the magnetic noise from adjacent tracks or bits. In contrast to the conventional procedure of physically etching the media, we attempted to isolate the tracks or bits with soft regions using an area-selective ion irradiation method. We prepared hard and soft nano-composite structures by nanoimprinting, followed by ion irradiation. In this study, we confirmed the magnetic reversal process of the hard and soft regions of the nano-composite structure using magnetic force microscopy (MFM) with various external applied magnetic fields. The analysis of the magnetization reversal process of patterned Coupled Granular Continuous (CGC) films with weak exchange coupling confirmed the validity of this novel approach for the fabrication of DTM and BPM.
What Are the Effects of Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care (EBHC)? Overview of Systematic Reviews

Background An evidence-based approach to health care is recognized internationally as a key competency for healthcare practitioners. This overview systematically evaluated and organized evidence from systematic reviews on teaching evidence-based health care (EBHC). Methods/Findings We searched for systematic reviews evaluating interventions for teaching EBHC to health professionals compared to no intervention or different strategies. Outcomes covered EBHC knowledge, skills, attitudes, practices and health outcomes. Comprehensive searches were conducted in April 2013. Two reviewers independently selected eligible reviews, extracted data and evaluated methodological quality. We included 16 systematic reviews, published between 1993 and 2013. There was considerable overlap across reviews. We found that 171 source studies included in the reviews related to 81 separate studies, of which 37 are in more than one review. Studies used various methodologies to evaluate educational interventions of varying content, format and duration in undergraduates, interns, residents and practicing health professionals. The evidence in the reviews showed that multifaceted, clinically integrated interventions, with assessment, led to improvements in knowledge, skills and attitudes. Interventions improved critical appraisal skills and integration of results into decisions, and improved knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour amongst practicing health professionals. Considering single interventions, EBHC knowledge and attitude were similar for lecture-based versus online teaching. Journal clubs appeared to increase clinical epidemiology and biostatistics knowledge and reading behavior, but not appraisal skills. EBHC courses improved appraisal skills and knowledge. Amongst practicing health professionals, interactive online courses with guided critical appraisal showed significant increase in knowledge and appraisal skills. A short workshop using problem-based approaches, compared to no intervention, increased knowledge but not appraisal skills. Conclusions EBHC teaching and learning strategies should focus on implementing multifaceted, clinically integrated approaches with assessment. Future rigorous research should evaluate minimum components for multifaceted interventions, assessment of medium to long-term outcomes, and implementation of these interventions.
Industrial-Graded Epoxy Nanocomposites with Mechanically Dispersed Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Static and Damping Properties

The majority of currently published dispersion protocols of carbon nanotubes rely on techniques that are not scalable to an industrial level. This work shows how to obtain polymer nanocomposites with good mechanical characteristics using multi-walled carbon nanotubes epoxy resins obtained by mechanical mixing only. The mechanical dispersion method illustrated in this work is easily scalable to industrial level. The high shearing force due to the complex field of motion produces a good and reproducible carbon nanotube dispersion. We have tested an industrial epoxy matrix with good baseline mechanical characteristics at different carbon nanotube weight loads. ASTM-derived tensile and compressive tests show an increment in both Young’s modulus and compressive strength compared with the pristine resin from a starting low wt %. Comparative vibration tests show improvement in the damping capacity. The new carbon nanotube enhanced epoxy resin has superior mechanical proprieties compared to the market average competitor, and is among the top products in the bi-components epoxy resins market. The new dispersion method shows significant potential for the industrial use of CNTs in epoxy matrices.