Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic camera calibration for driver assistance systems

This article describes an algorithm for automatic calibration of embedded cameras used in driver assistance systems. The proposed method employs a lane detection algorithm to obtain road boundaries, and relies on the expected projection of the road in image coordinates to determine the parameters for the projective mapping. Such parameters are obtained automatically, and the only user-informed parameter is the lane width.
The Arabidopsis Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase, CPK6, Functions as a Positive Regulator of Methyl Jasmonate Signaling in Guard Cells1[W][OA]

Previous studies have demonstrated that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induces stomatal closure dependent on change of cytosolic free calcium concentration in guard cells. However, these molecular mechanisms of intracellular Ca2+ signal perception remain unknown. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) function as Ca2+ signal transducers in various plant physiological processes. It has been reported that four Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CDPKs, CPK3, CPK6, CPK4, and CPK11, are involved in abscisic acid signaling in guard cells. It is also known that there is an interaction between MeJA and abscisic acid signaling in guard cells. In this study, we examined the roles of these CDPKs in MeJA signaling in guard cells using Arabidopsis mutants disrupted in the CDPK genes. Disruption of the CPK6 gene impaired MeJA-induced stomatal closure, but disruption of the other CDPK genes did not. Despite the broad expression pattern of CPK6, we did not find other remarkable MeJA-insensitive phenotypes in the cpk6-1 mutant. The whole-cell patch-clamp analysis revealed that MeJA activation of nonselective Ca2+-permeable cation channels is impaired in the cpk6-1 mutant. Consistent with this result, MeJA-induced transient cytosolic free calcium concentration increments were reduced in the cpk6-1 mutant. MeJA failed to activate slow-type anion channels in the cpk6-1 guard cells. Production of early signal components, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, in guard cells was elicited by MeJA in the cpk6-1 mutant as in the wild type. These results provide genetic evidence that CPK6 has a different role from CPK3 and functions as a positive regulator of MeJA signaling in Arabidopsis guard cells.
Modeling and Layout Optimization for On-chip Inductive Coupling

In this paper, we study the modeling and layout optimization for on-chip interconnect structures to minimize the inductive coupling. We first investigate the characteristics of m utual (as well as self) inductance for coplanar, micro-stri pline, and stripline structures, and examine the effectiveness of des ign freedoms such as wire sizing, spacing, and shielding. We then propose formula-based keff models as the figures of merit for inductive coupling in the th ree interconnect structures, and apply the proposed models to automatically synthesize on-c hip interconnect structures. Experiments show that compar ed to the coupling coefficients computed by a numerical field sol ver, thekeff models have about 15% difference for coplanar structures, and have negligible difference for micro-stri pline and stripline structures. In addition, interconnect structures meeting given noise specifications can be synthesized insta ntly using proposedkeff models. This work makes use of machines donated by Intel, whose gener ous donation is greatly appreciated. Related works and upda te on this work can be found at http://eda.ece. wisc.edu.
Spatiotemporal facial features encoding for facial expression analysis in image sequences

Neurophysiology researchers concern on investigating the information processing that takes place inside the human cortex. Lately, the computer scientists try to simulate and build biological plausible systems for analyzing and encoding the spatiotemporal information in a similar way the biological brain cells do, incorporating the same biological constraints. In this paper we propose a method for extracting and encoding spa-tiotemporal information from face image sequences, representing various subjects expressing six basic emotions. Spatiotemporal features are first extracted from original patterns using a non-negative matrix decomposition and the resulting features are next converted into temporal pattern spikes which feed a leaky integrate-and-fire neuron with a dynamic synapse. The general framework aims at discriminating among the expressions through the timing of the output spike trains that form expression time clusters.
Ultraviolet Absorption by Contact Lenses and the Significance on the Ocular Anterior Segment

It is well established that both acute and chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure can lead to various ophthalmic pathologic conditions in the anterior segment. Several scientific studies have demonstrated that after UV exposure, the unprotected cornea is vulnerable to damage in the epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cellular layers. DNA damage, apoptosis, and altered protease expression are all examples of harmful changes that can occur within the cornea after irradiation. Beyond the cornea, damage associated with UV exposure, such as decreased antioxidant levels and increased reactive oxygen species production, has been noted in the aqueous humor and crystalline lens. Ultraviolet-blocking contact lenses have the potential to provide protection against such exposure to harmful UV radiation. Experimental use of UV-absorbing contact lenses prevented detrimental cellular changes to the cornea and maintained corneal clarity after UV exposure. Additionally, studies suggest that shielding the aqueous humor and crystalline lens from irradiation with UV-absorbing contact lenses aids in protection against precataractous changes. Despite ongoing research, to date, neither chronic nor clinical studies have been performed in humans to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other ocular disorders within the anterior segment. This article will discuss the impact of UV exposure on ocular tissue and the need for adequate UV protection, with particular emphasis on UV-blocking contact lenses.
Speech factorization for HMM-TTS based on cluster adaptive training

This paper presents a novel approach to factorize and control different speech factors in HMM-based TTS systems. In this paper cluster adaptive training (CAT) is used to factorize speaker identity and expressiveness (i.e. emotion). Within a CAT framework, each speech factor can be modelled by a different set of clusters. Users can control speaker identity and expressiveness independently by modifying the weights associated with each set. These weights are defined in a continuous space, so variations of speaker and emotion are also continuous. Additionally, given a speaker which has only neutral-style training data, the approach is able to synthesise speech with that speaker’s voice and different expressions. Lastly, the paper discusses how generalization of the basic factorization concept could allow the production of expressive speech from neutral voices for other HMM-TTS systems not based on CAT.
Clinical implications of research on brief dynamic psychotherapy II. How the therapist helps or hinders therapeutic progress.

Comment les interpretations du therapeute peuvent promouvoir le progres du traitement. La notion de «plan» de guerison inconscient (de la part du patient) est reprise: c'est a l'interieur de ce «plan» que le therapeute place ses interpretations. Illustration du propos par des vignettes
Maxillary sinus lateral wall thickness and morphologic patterns in the atrophic posterior maxilla.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to examine the sinus lateral wall thickness (LWT) of atrophic posterior maxilla (<10 mm) of patients with complete and partial edentulism and determine the influence of residual ridge height (RH), sex, and age on maxillary LWT. METHODS Four hundred fourteen measures were taken from 140 consecutive patients that met the inclusion criteria. On the selected sagittal section, a built-in digital caliper recorded in millimeters the RH and LWT (a perpendicular line at 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, and 15 mm from the lowest point of the sinus floor). Edentulous spans were further classified as complete edentulous atrophic maxilla (CEM) and partial edentulous atrophic maxilla (PEM). The mixed linear model was used to test the effects of sex, type of edentulism, edentulous span, and RH on the measurement of the LWT of the sinus. RESULTS Mean LWT for PEM was 1.71 ± 0.12 mm, and for CEM, 1.57 ± 0.07 mm (P = 0.01). The mixed model yielded significant effect of edentulous span (P = 0.048) and interactions among type of edentulism and edentulous span (P <0.001) and edentulous span by RH (P <0.01). Age and RH were positively associated with LWT; however, they did not interact with RH, sex, or type of edentulism. RH has been shown to correlate with edentulous span (P <0.001) and type of edentulism (P = 0.01). The longer the edentulous span, the thinner the LWT. Similarly, RH was larger for PEM (6.85 ± 0.34 mm) than CEM (5.69 ± 0.26 mm). CONCLUSIONS The maxillary sinus lateral wall tends to increase in thickness from the second premolar to the second molar and from 5 mm up to 15 mm. In addition, RH, presence of teeth adjacent to the edentulous atrophic ridge, and age were shown to influence maxillary sinus LWT.
Criteria Teachers Use To Score Performance Items.

The purpose of this study was to validate rubric-related and investigate rubric-unrelated features used by teacher raters to assign scores to constructed-response items for mathematics and reading assessment. The 1,000 papers rated for the rubric-related and -unrelated features were selected randomly from a 10% sample of student responses in Kansas. The results validated the influence of correctness of answer in both the mathematics and reading holistic scores. In mathematics, the rubric-related reasoning feature was also supported, as reflected in the holistic scores. However, the other rubric-related feature in reading-irrelevant and inaccurate responses-was not supported. In addition, one possible threat to validity-length of response-was related to holistic scores even when rubric-related features were controlled. The role of response length may reflect differences between teachers and assessors in the perceived constructs measured by constructed-response items. Further research is needed not only to .
Abdominal Wall Schwannoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 29-year-old female had presented to surgical outpatient's department complaining of lump in the anterior abdominal wall. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid degenerated tumor in the anterior abdominal wall. It was surgically excised, and histopathology confirmed it to be “ancient” schwannoma. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of an abdominal wall ancient schwannoma in the medical literature.
Search for Latent Periodicity in Amino Acid Sequences with Insertions and Deletions

The aim of this study was to show that amino acid sequences have a latent periodicity with insertions and deletions of amino acids in unknown positions of the analyzed sequence. Genetic algorithm, dynamic programming, and random weight matrices were used to develop the new mathematical algorithm for latent periodicity search. The method makes the direct optimization of the position-weight matrix for multiple sequence alignment without using pairwise alignments. The developed algorithm was applied to analyze the amino acid sequences of a small number of proteins. This study showed the presence of latent periodicity with insertions and deletions in the amino acid sequences of such proteins, for which the presence of latent periodicity was not previously known. The origin of latent periodicity with insertions and deletions is
Structural determination of wild-type lactose permease

Here we describe an x-ray structure of wild-type lactose permease (LacY) from Escherichia coli determined by manipulating phospholipid content during crystallization. The structure exhibits the same global fold as the previous x-ray structures of a mutant that binds sugar but cannot catalyze translocation across the membrane. LacY is organized into two six-helix bundles with twofold pseudosymmetry separated by a large interior hydrophilic cavity open only to the cytoplasmic side and containing the side chains important for sugar and H+ binding. To initiate transport, binding of sugar and/or an H+ electrochemical gradient increases the probability of opening on the periplasmic side. Because the inward-facing conformation represents the lowest free-energy state, the rate-limiting step for transport may be the conformational change leading to the outward-facing conformation.
Layang Layang: an empirical study on scuba divers' satisfaction.

Scuba diving is a burgeoning special interest tourism product in Malaysia. Layang Layang Island inthe middle of the South China Sea is one of the world’s most exciting diving destinations known forits hammerhead sharks among the diving community. This study is a pilot survey aimed at measuringdivers’ satisfaction with Layang Layang. One hundred self-administered questionnaires were givenout to divers on the last day of their stay in September 2004. Ninety-eight questionnaires were re-turned and analyzed. The results show that divers are generally Europeans, older, first timers, experi-enced, of high education and near equality between the sexes. The overall satisfaction is very high.The main contributors to diving satisfaction are underwater nature and the comfort and ease of accessto dive sites. Divers are less satisfied with the provision of marine life education facilities, rentalequipment, lodging, and the lack of other activities. It is suggested that in order to ensure divers’satisfaction, the management should appropriately manage divers’ expectations by providing accu-rate information about Layang Layang using the most satisfactory diving variables in the marketingmessage. The resort at the same time should ensure that the natural features of the island are sustain-able, because they are the reasons for divers’ visits. Future research should improve on the question-naire design and the size of diver sample population.Key words: Layang Layang; Scuba diving; Satisfaction; Hammerheads
Computation of Eddy Current Losses in Soft Magnetic Composites

We compute the classical eddy current losses in soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials, taking into account the eddy current paths appearing at the scale of the sample cross-section because of random contacts between the grains. The prediction of this loss contribution is a challenging task, because of the stochastic nature of the associated conduction process. We start our study from an identification of the statistical properties of the contacts between grains, starting from resistivity measurements. We then develop a numerical loss model for random grain-to-grain conduction, by which we demonstrate that the classical loss in SMCs can be decomposed into a contribution deriving from the eddy currents circulating inside the grains and a contribution due to the macroscopic eddy currents flowing from grain to grain via random contacts. An experimental validation of this model is proposed for a representative SMC material, where the magnetic losses are measured in ring samples with a range of cross-sectional areas.
The Influence of Appropriateness of Dress and Gender on The Self-Perception of Occupational Attributes

This study investigated male and female perceptions of the role clothing plays in enhancing ten occupational attributes: responsibility, competence, knowledgability, professionalism, honesty, reliability, intelligence, trustworthiness, willingness to work hard, and efficiency. The objective was to investigate gender differences of perceived influence of dress on enhancement of occupational attributes mediated by (a) two dress modes (properly dressed and not properly dressed), (b) subjects' self-perceptions of their own attributes, and (c) subjects' clothing interests. Data collected from 132 males and 190 females supported the belief that clothing generally enhances self-perception of occupational attributes. Males generally believed proper clothing can enhance occupational attributes (intelligence, competence, knowledgability, honesty, and reliability) and this belief was influenced by perceptions of their own attributes and clothing interests. Females did not believe many attributes could be enhanced by manipulation of clothing, and their belief was not influenced by perceptions of occupational attributes or clothing interests.
Staff Stress and Burnout in Intellectual Disability Services: Work Stress Theory and Its Application.

Background: Staff in intellectual disability services can be at risk of stress and burnout at work. Given that staff well-being has implications for the quality of life of the staff themselves and people with intellectual disabilities themselves, this is an important research and practical topic. In this paper, we review work stress theories that have been applied within intellectual disability research. Method: A search of the literature identified five stress theories that have been applied in intellectual disability research: person–environment, demand–support–control, cognitive-behavioural, emotional overload, and equity theory. Results: Each of the five work stress theories is described and the extent to which data within intellectual disability research relates to these theories is explored. Some of the key theoretical constructs within these work stress models have been explored in intellectual disability research but frequently the underlying processes within work stress models have not been fully tested. Conclusion: Partial exploration of work stress theories means that theoretical understanding of how best to explain work stress in intellectual disability staff is limited. Suggestions for future research are discussed, particularly concerning the relationship between empirical research and work stress theory.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Objective The development of biomarkers for the prediction of lymph node metastasis and prognosis is critical for deciding the treatment modality of tongue cancer. The purpose of our study is to investigate the clinical implications of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) expression in tongue cancer. Study Design Historical cohort study Setting Tertiary-care hospital. Subjects and Methods The study included 95 subjects with tongue cancer who underwent wide excision and neck dissection. According to characteristics of immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin and vimentin, we classified the tumors as complete EMT phenotype, incomplete EMT phenotype, or epithelial phenotype. The correlation between risk factors and nodal metastasis was assessed, and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed. Results Positive lymph nodes were detected in 46 (48.4%) patients and was found to correlate significantly with depth of invasion ≥4 mm and EMT expression on multivariate analysis (P = .030, P = .022, respectively). The mean follow-up period of all patients was 96.3 months (range, 6-149 months). Overall 5-year DFS was 61.7%. On multivariate analysis, the only factors affecting DFS were nodal stage and EMT expression (P = .033, P = .021, respectively). Conclusions Our study reveals that EMT expression is a significant biomarker for predicting lymph node metastasis and tumor recurrence in tongue cancer. Evaluation of EMT expression in tongue cancer can allow therapy to be offered accordingly.
Rethinking the Role of Television Advertising during Health Crises: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Federal AIDS Campaigns

Abstract Information provided by television advertising is an important weapon in the fight against a new public health pandemic—AIDS. The authors assess the brief history of AIDS advertising through a rhetorical analysis of the 1987, 1988, and 1989 federal AIDS television campaigns. The descriptive findings from this analysis provide insights for rethinking the role of television advertising in this, and possibly in other, pandemic crises.
The Relationship between Measured Teacher Attitude Change and Certain Personality Characteristics

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship of measured anxiety, autonomy, deference, self-acceptance, and grade point average to change in attitude toward teacher-pupil relationships of prospective teachers. From an educational psychology class, the 45 subjects who changed the most positively and the 45 subjects who changed the most negatively on the Minnesota Teacher Attitude Inventory (MTAI) based on difference scores, were identified.It was found that the group which changed toward a more positive attitude scored significantly higher on a deference scale and received significantly higher course grades. These results suggested that factors other than actual attitudes may be influencing the way individuals respond to the MTAI when the test is used as a criterion of change in attitude resulting from academic professional training.
Your country needs you! The economic viability of volunteers in the police

During the global economic downturn, those involved in the delivery of community safety and crime and disorder reduction must consider the economics of attempting to achieve their goals. Although there is a capacity for community volunteer schemes to be robustly implemented throughout crime and disorder reduction partnerships, (CDRPs), this paper will focus on the use of volunteers within the police service. This paper examines the use of volunteers within the police service in England and Wales and, in particular, the use of an economic costing model entitled VIVA, to illustrate the economic advantages of the volunteer approach. It is argued that increased use of volunteers would allow for greater public confidence and provide greater resonance in attempts by partnerships to engage with their communities.
Illegal Migration: What can We Know and what can we Explain? The Case of Germany 1

Methodological problems in the study of illegal migration as defined in this article relate to questions of indicators for illegal migration, with special reference to Germany. It is argued and demonstrated that illegal immigrants are traceable, to some degree, in official statistics and that these can be analyzed for trends. In present-day migration processes, illegal immigration frequently is undertaken with the support of human smugglers. The analysis of the social organization of different forms of smuggling is the other main focus of the article. From a methodological point of view, the literature and public discourse lack adequate concepts for describing and explaining the social organization of human smuggling. The theory of organized crime as a main actor in human smuggling is criticized. The study borrows concepts from market and networks theory and applies these to different forms of human smuggling and illegal migration. The social and technological organization of smuggling is under constant pressure to adapt to new conditions. The dynamism for this change results mainly from an “arms race” between smugglers and law enforcement. Since control over territory and population are central elements of state sovereignty, the state cannot simply withdraw from this race.