Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Separation of Reflection Components by Fourier Decoupling

Reflections exist in many natural images. For example, shiny surfaces attempt to reflect the surrounding scene, thus, resulting in a composite image that contains the mixture of reflected light and transmitted light. When viewed from a moving camera, different components appear to move differently relative to each other. Although multiple motion recovery problem has been previously studied by many researchers, few algorithms have been proposed to recover the component images themselves. In this paper, we present a novel approach to accurately separate the individual image components from a sequence of composite images. The separation of the images is realized in the Fourier domain, where each image component is represented by its frequency elements. A minimization framework exploring the magnitude and phase constraints between each frequency element is devised to find the correct motion vectors and decouple the composite frequency elements into individual components. Experimental results using both synthetic and real images demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of our algorithm.
Non-Conventional Tools to Preserve and Prolong the Quality of Minimally-Processed Fruits and Vegetables

The main topic of this paper is a focus on some non-conventional tools to preserve the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. The quality of fresh-cut foods is the result of a complex equilibrium involving surface microbiota, storage temperature, gas in the headspace and the use of antimicrobials. This paper proposes a short overview of some non-conventional approaches able to preserve the quality of this kind of product, with a special focus on some new ways, as follows: (1) use of edible or antimicrobial-containing coatings (e.g., chitosan-based coatings) on fruits or vegetables; (2) alternative modified atmospheres (e.g., high O2-modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)) or the use of essential oils in the headspace; (3) conditioning solutions with antimicrobials or natural compounds for fruit salad; and (4) biopreservation and use of a probiotic coating.
Imaging of Intracellular and Extracellular ROS Levels in Atherosclerotic Mouse Aortas Ex Vivo: Effects of Lipid Lowering by Diet or Atorvastatin

Objective The first objective was to investigate if intracellular and extracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the mouse aorta increase before or after diet-induced lesion formation. The second objective was to investigate if intracellular and extracellular ROS correlates to cell composition in atherosclerotic lesions. The third objective was to investigate if intracellular and extracellular ROS levels within established atherosclerotic lesions can be reduced by lipid lowering by diet or atorvastatin. Approach and Results To address our objectives, we established a new imaging technique to visualize and quantify intracellular and extracellular ROS levels within intact mouse aortas ex vivo. Using this technique, we found that intracellular, but not extracellular, ROS levels increased prior to lesion formation in mouse aortas. Both intracellular and extracellular ROS levels were increased in advanced lesions. Intracellular ROS correlated with lesion content of macrophages. Extracellular ROS correlated with lesion content of smooth muscle cells. The high levels of ROS in advanced lesions were reduced by 5 days high dose atorvastatin treatment but not by lipid lowering by diet. Atorvastatin treatment did not affect lesion inflammation (aortic arch mRNA levels of CXCL 1, ICAM-1, MCP-1, TNF-α, VCAM, IL-6, and IL-1β) or cellular composition (smooth muscle cell, macrophage, and T-cell content). Conclusions Aortic levels of intracellular ROS increase prior to lesion formation and may be important in initiation of atherosclerosis. Our results suggest that within lesions, macrophages produce mainly intracellular ROS whereas smooth muscle cells produce extracellular ROS. Short term atorvastatin treatment, but not lipid lowering by diet, decreases ROS levels within established advanced lesions; this may help explain the lesion stabilizing and anti-inflammatory effects of long term statin treatment.
High Potential Source for Biomass Degradation Enzyme Discovery and Environmental Aspects Revealed through Metagenomics of Indian Buffalo Rumen

The complex microbiomes of the rumen functions as an effective system for plant cell wall degradation, and biomass utilization provide genetic resource for degrading microbial enzymes that could be used in the production of biofuel. Therefore the buffalo rumen microbiota was surveyed using shot gun sequencing. This metagenomic sequencing generated 3.9 GB of sequences and data were assembled into 137270 contiguous sequences (contigs). We identified potential 2614 contigs encoding biomass degrading enzymes including glycoside hydrolases (GH: 1943 contigs), carbohydrate binding module (CBM: 23 contigs), glycosyl transferase (GT: 373 contigs), carbohydrate esterases (CE: 259 contigs), and polysaccharide lyases (PE: 16 contigs). The hierarchical clustering of buffalo metagenomes demonstrated the similarities and dissimilarity in microbial community structures and functional capacity. This demonstrates that buffalo rumen microbiome was considerably enriched in functional genes involved in polysaccharide degradation with great prospects to obtain new molecules that may be applied in the biofuel industry.
Inverse Dynamics for Action Recognition

Pose-based approaches for human action recognition are attractive owing to their accurate use of human motion information. Traditionally, such approaches used kinematic features for classification. However, in addition to having high dimensions and a small interclass variation, kinematic features do not consider the interaction of the environment on human motion. In this paper, we propose a method for action recognition using dynamic features, derived by applying inverse dynamics to a physics-based representation of the human body. The physics-based model is articulated and actuated with muscles and consists of joints with variable stiffness. Dynamic features under consideration include the torques from the knee and hip joints of both legs and, implicitly, gravity, ground reaction forces, and the pose of the remaining body parts. These features are more discriminative than kinematic features, resulting in a low-dimensional representation for human actions, which preserves much of the information of the original high-dimensional pose. This low-dimensional feature achieves good classification performance even with a relatively small training data set in a simple classification framework such as a hidden Markov model. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through experiments on the Carnegie Mellon University motion capture data set and Osaka University Kinect action data set with various actions.
Comparative evaluation of oral gabapentin versus clonidine as premedication on preoperative sedation and laryngoscopic stress response attenuation for the patients undergoing general anesthesia

Background: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation (L and I) is associated with rise in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), leading to adverse cardiological outcome especially in susceptible individuals. To compare the BP, HR during L and I as well as to evaluate the preoperative sedation status between oral clonidine (Group C) and oral gabapentine (Group G) as premedication for the patients undergoing major surgery under general anesthesia (GA). Materials and Methods: From April 2008 to December 2009; in a prospective, double-blinded, and randomized controlled study; 100 adult patients of either sex, aged 20-45, of American Society of Anesthesiologists status I and II scheduled to undergo major surgery of >1 hour duration, randomly allocated into groups C and G were pre treated with oral clonidine (200 µg) and gabapentin (800 mg) respectively 2 h prior to induction. Preoperative sedation was assessed 2 h after premedication administration. Hemodynamic parameters were noted just before induction, during L and I 1,3,5,7, and10 min after intubation. The results obtained were then analyzed with statistical unpaired “t” test and Chi-square test and compared. Results and Analysis: Preoperative sedation between two groups were similar but group C attenuated HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) more significantly before induction, during L and I, 1, 3, and 5 min, following L and I, while comparing with group G. Again gabapentin-reduced HR, BP, (SBP, DBP, MBP) significantly more at 7 and 10 min after L and I on comparison clonidine. Conclusion: Oral clonidine is equally effective in producing preoperative sedation in comparison to oral gabapentin, while on the contrary oral clonidine is more efficacious in reducing laryngoscopic stress response than oral gabapentin.
mopix : Playful Encounters with Surveillance in Everyday Urban Settings

We introduce the design of mopix, a location-based mobile media sharing platform that supports interaction within public spaces. Media messages, which include photos and text messages, are distributed by users throughout their physical environment and linked to the geo-coordinates of the locations where they were created. By sharing these digital traces of a user’s spatial and social contexts, users can engage in a playful process of surveilling and being surveilled. mopix relates location-aware and collaborative technologies in a way that supports the collective creation of a space, while simultaneously encouraging interaction between the occupants in the space in a reflective manner.
Measuring Function for Medicare Inpatient Rehabilitation Payment

We studied 186,766 Medicare discharges to the community in 1999 from 694 inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF). Statistical models were used to examine the relationship of functional items and scales to accounting cost within impairment categories. For most items, more independence leads to lower costs. However, two items are not associated with cost in the expected way. The probable causes of these anomalies are discussed along with implications for payment policy. We present the rules used to construct administratively simple, homogeneous, resource use groups that provide reasonable incentives for access and quality care and that determine payments under the new IRF prospective payment system (PPS).
A nonlinear system identification approach based on Fuzzy Wavelet Neural Network

This paper concerns the use of an alternative Fuzzy Wavelet Neural Network (FWNN) to model the input-output maps of nonlinear dynamic systems. The analyzed structure uses only wavelet functions in the consequent part of its fuzzy rules. The advantages and disadvantages of using this FWNN in model identification tasks are listed considering a comparative study performed with other FWNN structures found in literature. The evaluations are carried out using a real multisection liquid storage tank with abrupt transitions between its sections. The analysis is based on usual criteria such as: mean quadratic error, number of training epochs, number of adjustable parameters, quadratic error variance, among others. The results indicate that the modified FWNN structure maintains the capability of generalization and other important characteristics presented by traditional networks FWNN, despite the reduction in the complexity of the structure.
Model Compilation for Real-Time Planning and Diagnosis with Feedback

This paper describes MEXEC, an implemented micro executive that compiles a device model that can have feedback into a structure for subsequent evaluation. This system computes both the most likely current device mode from n sets of sensor measurements and the n-1 step reconfiguration plan that is most likely to result in reaching a target mode - if such a plan exists. A user tunes the system by increasing n to improve system capability at the cost of real-time performance.
Removal of random-valued impulse noise using overcomplete DCT dictionary

This paper proposes a novel two-stage denoising method for removing random-valued impulse noise from an image. First, a modified adaptive center-weighted median filter (MACWMF) is used to detect the pixels which are likely to be corrupted by the impulse noise (called the noise candidates). Then the noise candidates are reconstructed by using the image inpainting method in an iterative manner until convergence. The proposed method leads to a simple and very effective denoising algorithm for the random-valued impulse noise removal. It is experimentally shown that the proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art denoising techniques for the removal of random-valued impulse noise both visually and quantitatively.
Concussion in Professional Football: Injuries Involving 7 or More Days Out—Part 5

OBJECTIVE: A 6-year study was conducted to determine the signs, symptoms, and outcome of concussions with 7 or more (7+) days out from play or extended postconcussion recovery in the National Football League (NFL). METHODS: From 1996 to 2001, reporting of concussion was performed by NFL teams using a special standardized reporting form filled out by team physicians. Signs and symptoms were grouped by general symptoms, somatic complaints, cranial nerve effects, cognition problems, memory problems, and unconsciousness. Medical action taken and management were recorded. In all, 887 concussions were reported in practices and games. RESULTS: There were 72 concussions (8.1%) involving 7+ days out from play. The highest frequency occurred in quarterbacks (14.8%), the return unit on special teams (11.8%), and secondary (10.8%). Quarterbacks had the highest odds ratio (OR) of 7+ days out with concussion (OR = 2.10, P = 0.049), whereas running backs had the lowest relative risk (OR = 0.13, P = 0.021). The greatest fraction of 7+ days out occurred in passing plays (36.1%) and kickoffs (22.2%). Many signs and symptoms occurred at a greater frequency on initial examination in players 7+ days out; the average number per player was 4.64 with 7+ days out versus 2.58 with fewer days out (t = 6.02, df = 77.1). The signs and symptoms with the highest incidence for 7+ days out were disorientation to time (&khgr;2 = 51.2, P = 001), retrograde amnesia (&khgr;2 = 33.2, P = 0.001), fatigue (&khgr;2 = 28.1, P = 0.001), and the general category of cognition problems (&khgr;2 = 21.7, P = 0.001). Loss of consciousness for more than 1 minute was a predictor of 7+ days out (&khgr;2 = 33.5, P = 0.001), although it occurred in only 7.9% of cases. Of players with 7+ days out, 72.2% were removed from the game and 12.5% were hospitalized. These frequencies were significantly greater than for players with fewer than 7 days out (&khgr;2 = 68.03, df = 3, P < 0.0001). Approximately 90% of players were managed by rest, irrespective of days out, but a greater fraction were given drug or medical therapies with prolonged days out. CONCLUSION: The most vulnerable players for 7+ days out with concussion were quarterbacks and the secondary in professional football. Although 8.1% of concussions involved 7+ days out, only 1.6% involved a prolonged postconcussion syndrome. They recovered from symptoms and had a consistent return to play in the NFL.
MAR: a commuter router infrastructure for the mobile Internet

We introduce MAR, a commuter mobile access router infrastructure that exploits wireless diversity (e.g. channel diversity, network diversity, and technology diversity) to provide improved data performance for wireless data users. Our system design stems from the observation that rather than choosing a single wireless service provider (e.g. Sprint, AT&T, BT, Vodafone), a single technology (e.g. GPRS, UMTS, CDMA, 802.11), or a single wireless channel, users can obtain significant benefits by using the multiplicity of choices available. MAR is a wireless multi-homed device that can be placed in moving vehicles (e.g. car, bus, train) to enable high-speed data access. MAR dynamically instantiates new channels based on traffic demand, aggregates the bandwidth and dynamically shifts load from poor quality to better quality channels. MAR, thus, provides a faster, more stable, and reliable communication channel to mobile users.We have implemented and tested the MAR system in our testbed which spans the networks of three different cellular providers. Through our experiments we have performed a detailed evaluation to quantify the benefits of MAR for different protocols and applications. For example, even in highly mobile environments, MAR, on average, improves the end-user experience of web-browsing and streaming applications by a factor of 2.8 and 4.4 respectively. Our results show that significant benefits can be obtained by exploiting the diversity in coverage offered by many cellular operators, different technology networks (e.g. GPRS, CDMA), and diverse wireless channels.
Ja n 20 07 Geometrization of Quantum Mechanics

We show that it is possible to represent various descriptions of Quantum Mechanics in geometrical terms. In particular we start with the space of observables and use the momentum map associated with the unitary group to provide an unified geometrical description for the different pictures of Quantum Mechanics. This construction provides an alternative to the usual GNS construction for pure states.
FAP52 Regulates Actin Organization via Binding to Filamin*

FAP52, a focal adhesion-associated phosphoprotein, is a member of a FAP52/PACSIN/syndapin family of proteins. They share a multidomain structure and are implicated in actin-based and endocytotic functions. We show, by using both native and recombinant proteins, that FAP52 selectively binds to the actin cross-linking protein filamin (ABP-280). This was based on an affinity purification followed by a sequence determination by mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, overlay binding, and surface plasmon resonance analysis. Binding studies with deletion mutants showed that the sites of the interaction map to the highly α-helical N-terminal part of FAP52 and to the C-terminal region of filamin, which also contains binding sites to some transmembrane signaling proteins. In immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy of cultured fibroblasts, a different overall subcellular distribution was seen for filamin and FAP52 except for a stress fiber-focal adhesion junction where they showed a notable overlap. Overexpression of the full-length and mutant forms of FAP52 led to an extensive reorganization of actin and filamin in cultured fibroblasts. Thus, the results show that FAP52 interacts with filamin, and we propose that this interaction is important in linking and coordinating the events between focal adhesions and the actin cytoskeleton.
VULCAN: Vulnerability Assessment Framework for Cloud Computing

Assessing security of software services on Cloud is complex because the security depends on the vulnerability of infrastructure, platform and the software services. In many systems, the platform or the infrastructure on which the software will actually run may not be known or guaranteed. This implies that the security of the software service must be assured regardless of the underlying infrastructure or platform, requiring a large number of combinations. Another common trend in Cloud and Service oriented Architecture (SoA) environments is Service composition, whereby new services can be created rapidly by composing existing services. Once again, the component services must be tested for security levels on a large number of platform and infrastructure combinations. In this paper we propose a novel vulnerability assessment framework for cloud computing systems. We have designed and developed a prototype of our framework. We also present the design and development of our framework with some use cases.
Dendritic Cell Biology in Animal Models of Arthritis

In recent years the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has changed considerably with the advent of novel biologic agents that target cytokines such as TNF. The impact on clinical practice has been considerable with achievement of high hurdle endpoints and reduced articular damage. Unfortunately, remission that is long lasting is rarely achieved and almost never reached in the absence of chronic drug therapy. Thus, interest in what should be the critical objective of autoimmune therapeutics - the re-establishment of self-tolerance - has become increasingly prominent. Models of experimental arthritis have only just begun to reveal the intricacies of dendritic cell (DC) biology in RA. And while manipulation of antigen presenting cells such as DCs can be used in the suppression of experimental arthritis, the basic functions and mechanisms regarding their impact is mostly obtained indirectly by inference from other autoimmune and infectious studies. Indeed, our understanding of the contribution of DC biology to induction and perpetuation of RA is relatively ill defined. Here we discuss recent advances in understanding basic DC biology, their roles in, and impact on, experimental arthropathy and resulting therapeutic implications. It is essential that more research into the direct contribu- tion of DC activity in RA is forthcoming, particularly as they could hold the key to development of antigen specific thera- peutics. The major contributing factor to this knowledge deficit is the difficulty inherent in investigating what are most likely pre-clinical immunological events, an area more suited to study in animal models. Keyword: Dendritic cell, Arthritis, Animal model, Autoimmune, Tolerance.
Specification directed module testing

If a program is developed from a specification in a mathematically rigorous manner, work done in the development can be utilized in the testing of the program. The better understanding afforded by these methods provides a more thorough check on the correct operation of the program under test. This should lead to earlier detection of faults (making it easier to determine their causes), more useful debugging information, and a greater confidence in the correctness of the final product. Overall, a more systematic approach should expedite the task of the program tester and improve software reliability. The testing techniques described here apply to the testing of abstract data types (modulus, packages). The techniques utilize information generated during refinement of a data type, such as the data type invariant and the relationship between the specification and implementation states; this information is used to specify parts of the code to be written for testing.
Increasing Hamiltonian paths in random edge orderings

Let f be an edge ordering of Kn: a bijection E(Kn)→{1,2,…,(n2)} . For an edge e∈E(Kn) , we call f(e) the label of e. An increasing path in Kn is a simple path (visiting each vertex at most once) such that the label on each edge is greater than the label on the previous edge. We let S(f) be the number of edges in the longest increasing path. Chvátal and Komlós raised the question of estimating m(n): the minimum value of S(f) over all orderings f of Kn. The best known bounds on m(n) are n−1≤m(n)≤(12+o(1))n , due respectively to Graham and Kleitman, and to Calderbank, Chung, and Sturtevant. Although the problem is natural, it has seen essentially no progress for three decades.