Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preference for art: similarity, statistics, and selling price

Factors governing human preference for artwork have long been studied but there remain many holes in our understanding. Bearing in mind contextual factors (both the conditions under which the art is viewed, and the state of knowledge viewers have regarding art) that play some role in preference, we assess in this paper three questions. First, what is the relationship between perceived similarity and preference for different types of art? Second, are we naturally drawn to certain qualities-and perhaps to certain image statistics-in art? And third, do social and economic forces tend to select preferred stimuli, or are these forces governed by non-aesthetic factors such as age, rarity, or artist notoriety? To address the first question, we tested the notion that perceived similarity predicts preference for three classes of paintings: landscape, portrait/still-life, and abstract works. We find that preference is significantly correlated with (a) the first principal component of similarity in abstract works; and (b) the second principal component for landscapes. However, portrait/still-life images did not show a significant correlation between similarity and preference, perhaps due to effects related to face perception. The preference data were then compared to a wide variety of image statistics relevant to early visual system coding. For landscapes and abstract works, nonlinear spatial and intensity statistics relevant to visual processing explained surprisingly large portions of the variance of preference. For abstract works, a quarter of the variance of preference rankings could be explained by a statistic gauging pixel sparseness. For landscape paintings, spatial frequency amplitude spectrum statistics explained one fifth of the variance of preference data. Consistent with results for similarity, image statistics for portrait/still-life works did not correlate significantly with preference. Finally, we addressed the role of value. If there are shared "rules" of preference, one might expect "free markets" to value art in proportion to its aesthetic appeal, at least to some extent. To assess the role of value, a further test of preference was performed on a separate set of paintings recently sold at auction. Results showed that the selling price of these works showed no correlation with preference, while basic statistics were significantly correlated with preference. We conclude that selling price, which could be seen as a proxy for a painting's "value," is not predictive of preference, while shared preferences may to some extent be predictable based on image statistics. We also suggest that contextual and semantic factors play an important role in preference given that image content appears to lead to greater divergence between similarity and preference ratings for representational works, and especially for artwork that prominently depicts faces. The present paper paves the way for a more complete understanding of the relationship between shared human preferences and image statistical regularities, and it outlines the basic geometry of perceptual spaces for artwork.
Prognostic Significance of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Solid Tumor: A Meta-Analysis of the Literature

Purpose Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are considered with the capacity to have both negative and positive effects on tumor growth. The prognostic value of TAM for survival in patients with solid tumor remains controversial. Experimental Design We conducted a meta-analysis of 55 studies (n = 8,692 patients) that evaluated the correlation between TAM (detected by immunohistochemistry) and clinical staging, overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). The impact of M1 and M2 type TAM (n = 5) on survival was also examined. Results High density of TAM was significantly associated with late clinical staging in patients with breast cancer [risk ratio (RR) = 1.20 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–1.28)] and bladder cancer [RR = 3.30 (95%CI, 1.56–6.96)] and with early clinical staging in patients with ovarian cancer [RR = 0.52 (95%CI, 0.35–0.77)]. Negative effects of TAM on OS was shown in patients with gastric cancer [RR = 1.64 (95%CI, 1.24–2.16)], breast cancer [RR = 8.62 (95%CI, 3.10–23.95)], bladder cancer [RR = 5.00 (95%CI, 1.98–12.63)], ovarian cancer [RR = 2.55 (95%CI, 1.60–4.06)], oral cancer [RR = 2.03 (95%CI, 1.47–2.80)] and thyroid cancer [RR = 2.72 (95%CI, 1.26–5.86)],and positive effects was displayed in patients with colorectal cancer [RR = 0.64 (95%CI, 0.43–0.96)]. No significant effect was showed between TAM and DFS. There was also no significant effect of two phenotypes of TAM on survival. Conclusions Although some modest bias cannot be excluded, high density of TAM seems to be associated with worse OS in patients with gastric cancer, urogenital cancer and head and neck cancer, with better OS in patients with colorectal cancer.
Reconsidering the Role of Neuronal Intrinsic Properties and Neuromodulation in Vestibular Homeostasis

The sensorimotor transformations performed by central vestibular neurons constantly adapt as the animal faces conflicting sensory information or sustains injuries. To ensure the homeostasis of vestibular-related functions, neural changes could in part rely on the regulation of 2° VN intrinsic properties. Here we review evidence that demonstrates modulation and plasticity of central vestibular neurons’ intrinsic properties. We first present the partition of Rodents’ vestibular neurons into distinct subtypes, namely type A and type B. Then, we focus on the respective properties of each type, their putative roles in vestibular functions, fast control by neuromodulators and persistent modifications following a lesion. The intrinsic properties of central vestibular neurons can be swiftly modulated by a wealth of neuromodulators to adapt rapidly to temporary changes of ecophysiological surroundings. To illustrate how intrinsic excitability can be rapidly modified in physiological conditions and therefore be therapeutic targets, we present the modulation of vestibular reflexes in relation to the variations of the neuromodulatory inputs during the sleep/wake cycle. On the other hand, intrinsic properties can also be slowly, yet permanently, modified in response to major perturbations, e.g., after unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL). We revisit the experimental evidence, which demonstrates that drastic alterations of the central vestibular neurons’ intrinsic properties occur following UL, with a slow time course, more on par with the compensation of dynamic deficits than static ones. Data are interpreted in the framework of distributed processes that progress from global, large-scale coping mechanisms (e.g., changes in behavioral strategies) to local, small-scale ones (e.g., changes in intrinsic properties). Within this framework, the compensation of dynamic deficits improves over time as deeper modifications are engraved within the finer parts of the vestibular-related networks. Finally, we offer perspectives and working hypotheses to pave the way for future research aimed at understanding the modulation and plasticity of central vestibular neurons’ intrinsic properties.
A new class of finite time nonlinear consensus protocol with short convergence time for networks of dynamic agent

In this paper, finite time state consensus problem for networks of dynamic agent is discussed, a new protocol guaranteeing the state of multi-agent reaching an consensus in finite time is proposed. The protocol contains both a nonlinear term and a linear term, the nonlinear term can guarantee that the consensus can be realized in finite time, and the linear term can reduce the convergence time. The upper bound of convergence time is obtained, the relationship among the convergence time with the communication topology and the initial state is analyzed. Finally, several simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of the results.
Proving correctness of transformation functions in collaborative editing systems

Operational transformation (OT) is an approach which allows to build real-time groupware tools. This approach requires correct transformation functions regarding two conditions called TP1 and TP2. Proving correctness of these transformation functions is very complex and error prone. In this paper, we show how a theorem prover can address this serious bottleneck. To validate our approach, we verifed correctness of state-of-art transformation functions de ned on strings of characters with surprising results. Counter-examples provided by the theorem prover helped us to design the tombstone transformation functions. These functions verify TP1 and TP2, preserve intentions and ensure multi-effect relationships.
Source Capture Time Analysis of Privacy Communication Protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks

Communication privacy techniques that protect the locations of source sensor nodes and sink nodes from either global or local adversaries have received significant attention recently. The improvement in capture time, which is the time it takes for an adversary to identify the location of the source, is often estimated using simulations. In this paper, we present probabilistic models to analyze the expected capture time of source sensor nodes for recently privacy protocols against (1) local adversary using phantom routing, and (2) global adversary using statistically strong source anonymity (SSA). Using these models, we show that both phantom routing and SSA fall short of achieving high degree of anonymity. The phantom source routing improves the capture time over normal routing methods, but falls short of possible upper bounds on expected capture time. SSA is prone to simple time correlation attack by a global adversary; even with a large number of dummy message transmitted by non-source nodes, the propagation of one real message from source to sink will be sufficient to identify the source with almost no false positives. Based on these findings, we suggest a simple modification to SSA that increases the false positive rate to nearly 90 percent and thus the capture time.
Low-complexity high-performance LDPC decoder for CMMB

A low-complexity semi-parallel low density parity check (LDPC) decoder for China Mobile Multimedia Broadcasting (CMMB) system is designed based on the structure of LDPC codes. The designed decoder utilizes turbo decoding message passing algorithm. A new memory compressing strategy for message updating was proposed, which can reduce more than 50% memories. By using them appropriately, two different code rates can reuse memories without increasing any hardware resource. The decoder is implemented on FPGA of Altera Stratix II. The throughput of the LDPC decoder is up to 40Mbps under CMMB work point, which can fulfill the request of real time decoding.
A Paleoneurohistological Study of 3,000-Year-Old Mummified Brain Tissue from the Mediterranean Bronze Age

Objectives: Mummified nervous tissue is very rarely found in ancient remains and usually corresponds to corpses which were frozen or preserved in bogs, conditions which limit tissue autolysis and bacterial degradation. Here, we show the unusual finding of spontaneously mummified brain tissue from several individuals from the little known megalithic talaiotic culture of the island of Minorca, dating approximately 3,000 years before present and corresponding to the late Mediterranean Bronze Age. Methods: These individuals were part of an intact burial site containing 66 subjects. Intracraneal samples were carefully rehydrated with Sandison’s solution. We used classical histochemical as well as 2D and 3D (scanning) electron-microscopic techniques. Results: We provide evidence of the nervous nature of the samples as well as a detailed description of the morphological features of these ancient tissues. The intracranial material consisted of well-preserved eosinophilic reticular tissue and, although mostly absent, some exceptional pigment-containing neurons were identified. Conclusions: We present a detailed morphological analysis which can provide valuable information and guidelines for the interpretation of this scarce type of mummified samples and provide explanations for this surprising preservation.
Getting to more abstract places using the metro map metaphor

The network map of the London underground is often put forward as a good example of information visualisation. Certainly this style of metro map has been adopted in many cities to assist train travellers understand the various routes and network connections. This work reports on a preliminary investigation into the question: Can the metro map metaphor be adapted for effectively displaying more abstract knowledge? Four case studies are described that use the metro map metaphor for presenting abstract, interconnecting "trains of thought". These four case studies include using a metro map to summarise the ideas in a complex thesis, using a metro map to communicate a business plan, using a metro map as navigation aid for Web pages and using a metro map to assist university students understand a course structure. This work discusses the aspects of these abstract metro maps from an information visualisation perspective. Experiences learned from the case studies are used to introduce some issues and guidelines for using this metaphor to help people find their way through more abstract data.
Inversion factor based design methodology using the EKV MOS model

This paper presents a hierarchical design methodology based on the inversion factor (IF) as a key design parameter and the equations of the EKV MOS Model. A structured design approach is used to allow high flexibility. The efficiency of the methodology is demonstrated through the design of a fully differential folded-cascode OTA with gain boosting. Firstly, the partitioning into basic blocks is done. Then, each block is designed independently. The performance of the whole circuit is verified.
A performance analysis of a cache-based file prediction protocol for mobile file systems

File prediction is the process of bringing necessary files into cache before they are needed, while file caching is the process of maintaining required data in memory for future reuse. Our combined concept, which is the cache-based file prediction, is designed to support the main objectives of the Paradise File System, which are to provide high available and reliable storage for files, and guarantees that file operations are executed in spite of concurrency and failures. In this paper, we show that our cache-based file prediction scheme is efficient and practical by describing its design and implementation. Moreover, we report on its performance evaluation using a cluster of workstations. Our results indicate clearly that our design exhibits a significant degree of files availability and prediction accuracy
Turbo Channel Estimation and Equalization for a Superposition-based Cooperative System

Cooperative diversity based on superposition modulation demonstrates high spectral efﬁciency. A key point of this scheme is for the relay node to reliably estimate the channel and detect the transmission data. Exploring the superposition structure of the transmission data, this paper proposes a novel turbo least-square channel estimator which, without any pilot sequence, can converge to the ideal case as if all the transmission are known to the receiver. The soft-in-soft-out MMSE equalizer is also carefully re-derived to match the superimposed data structure. Finally computer simulation results are shown to verify the proposed algorithm.
Respiration analysis of the sternal Ballistocardiograph signal

In this research a new approach for processing of ballistocardiograph (BCG) signal is proposed in which, the respiration information is utilized to improve the averaging of the BCG signal. This method is based on our analysis that BCG cycles corresponding to the inspiration and expiration phases of respiration cycle are different in morphology. The new BCG average calculated based on this methodology is then considered as the template of the BCG signal for further processing and can be considered as the output of a clinical BCG instrument.
Optical fiber tapping: Methods and precautions

Optical fiber communication is not as secure as generally perceived. There are a number of known methods of extracting or injecting information into a fiber link, while avoiding detection. Few incidents have been reported as a successfully tapped fiber is difficult to detect. In this paper we highlight a number of known fiber tapping methods. We report simulation of optical characteristics of a fiber being tapped by ‘bend’ method and proof of concept with physical experiment. We also presented visualized scenarios in which a resourceful eavesdropper can compromise security of a fiber link with existing technologies. Some measures to prevent fiber tapping or to nullify the significance of information tapped from fiber were also discussed.
Modeling and Simulation of the Sliding Motion of a 3-D Soft Fingertip with Friction , Focusing on Stick-Slip Transition

We have proposed a dynamic model to investigate the sliding motion of a 3-dimensional soft fingertip on a plane with friction. The fingertip is comprised virtually of a finite number of elastic compressible and bendable cantilevers whose free ends act as infinitesimal contact points. The contact surface is afterward is meshed based on coordinates of contact points. By introducing Coulomb’s law and contact compliance into each contact point, we are able to assess the frictional characteristic during sliding motions of the fingertip, especially stick-slip motions. We also present experimental results to validate this model.
Semantic Lexical Resources Applied to Content-based Querying - the OntoQuery Project

This paper deals with the exploitation of the lexical and conceptual knowledge coded in the SIMPLE-DK lexicon in the methodology for content-based querying developed by the OntoQuery project. SIMPLE-DK has proven a rich and flexible lexical resource, which the project has taken advantage of in several ways. Firstly, the paper explains how the ontology provided by SIMPLE is used by the current project prototype to derive conceptual descriptors on which to base the matching of documents to user queries. Furthermore, it discusses how selectional restrictions and qualia roles, both coded in SIMPLE, can be used to construct an ontological grammar to build more complex descriptors.
Sustainable Intervention Policies and Exchange Rate Dynamics

Recently developed models of exchange rate dynamics emphasize the expectational effects of infrequent intervention. This paper proposes a stylized probabilistic framework in which such effects can be studied along with realistic concerns about the sustainability of the intervention policy. In this framework, the level of reserves determines the extent to which non-linear intervention affects the level of exchange rates and their sensitivity to movements in fundamentals. We show that all such effects are absent when the possible reserve levels are weighted by their long-run probabilities.
Cns1 Is an Essential Protein Associated with the Hsp90 Chaperone Complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae That Can Restore Cyclophilin 40-Dependent Functions in cpr7ΔCells

ABSTRACT Saccharomyces cerevisiae harbors two cyclophilin 40-type enzymes, Cpr6 and Cpr7, which are components of the Hsp90 molecular chaperone machinery. Cpr7 is required for normal growth and is required for maximal activity of heterologous Hsp90-dependent substrates, including glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the oncogenic tyrosine kinase pp60v-src . In addition, it has recently been shown that Cpr7 plays a major role in negative regulation of the S. cerevisiae heat shock transcription factor (HSF). To better understand functions associated with Cpr7, a search was undertaken for multicopy suppressors of the cpr7Δ slow-growth phenotype. The screen identified a single gene, designatedCNS1 (for cyclophilin seven suppressor), capable of suppressing the cpr7Δ growth defect. Overexpression ofCNS1 in cpr7Δ cells also largely restored GR activity and negative regulation of HSF. In vitro protein retention experiments in which Hsp90 heterocomplexes were precipitated resulted in coprecipitation of Cns1. Interaction between Cns1 and the carboxy terminus of Hsp90 was also shown by two-hybrid analysis. The functional consequences of CNS1 overexpression and its physical association with the Hsp90 machinery indicate that Cns1 is a previously unidentified component of molecular chaperone complexes. Thus far, Cns1 is the only tetratricopeptide repeat-containing component of Hsp90 heterocomplexes found to be essential for cell viability under all conditions tested.
Stronger Evidence of Long-Run Neutrality: A Comment on Bernanke and Mihov

Few propositions in macroeconomics are less controversial than long-run money neutrality, yet clear and robust empirical support has not been found in time series studies. Bernanke and Mihov (1998) are comparatively successful in this hunt, but their output response to monetary policy shocks remains stubbornly persistent. This paper argues that the omission of a measure of output gap from the VAR estimated by Bernanke and Mihov lies at the heart of this ''excessive'' persistence. In the theoretical framework of a New Keynesian model similar to that of Svensson (1997) and Clarida, Gali and Gertler (1999), I prove that this omission induces persistence overestimation under relatively mild assumptions. The inclusion of a proxy for the output gap in the VAR is then shown to drastically increase the evidence for long-run money neutrality on US data, as predicted by the theoretical analysis.
Observation of Very High Energy Gamma Rays from HESS J1804–216 with CANGAROO-III Telescopes

We observed the unidentified TeV gamma-ray source HESS J1804–216 with the CANGAROO-III atmospheric Cerenkov telescopes from 2006 May to July. We detected very high energy gamma rays above 600 GeV at the 10 σ level in an effective exposure of 76 hr. We obtained a differential flux of (5.0 ± 1.5stat± 1.6sys) × 10−12(E/1 TeV)−α cm−2 s−1 TeV−1 with a photon index α of 2.69 ± 0.30stat± 0.34sys, which is consistent with that of the H.E. S.S. observation in 2004. We also confirm the extended morphology of the source. By combining our result with multiwavelength observations, we discuss the possible counterparts of HESS J1804–216 and the radiation mechanism based on leptonic and hadronic processes for a supernova remnant and a pulsar wind nebula.
Determinants of Earning Distribution in Rural Households of Nasarawa state, Nigeria

The rising poverty incidence amidst “economic prosperity” and the restiveness in some part of Nigeria which has been repeatedly tied to poverty has agitated the minds of scholars. Policy prescriptions on tackling poverty are not in short supply, but often of the majority of the labor force (rural household) which is the worst hit by poverty, appear to hold much prospect in the fight against poverty. Understanding the determinants of criticizing as palliative measures with sustainability in doubt, increasing the earning capacity their earning capacity is therefore instructive. Using the Jacob Mincer model in its elaborate form, a cross sectional data set obtained from six hundred and fifty seven farmers were applied to an ordered probit model. Among others, it was revealed that age, years of schooling and experience have the likelihood of impacting positively on the earning capacity of labor. Though the rate of return on schooling was low, perhaps given the nature of occupation and the type of education given, it was however, recommended that agric business education on staggered modules be implemented in the study area.