Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accelerate Histogram-Based Contrast Enhancement by Selective Downsampling

In this paper, we propose a general framework to accelerate the universal histogram-based image contrast enhancement (CE) algorithms. Both spatial and gray-level selective down- sampling of digital images are adopted to decrease computational cost, while the visual quality of enhanced images is still preserved and without apparent degradation. Mapping function calibration is novelly proposed to reconstruct the pixel mapping on the gray levels missed by downsampling. As two case studies, accelerations of histogram equalization (HE) and the state-of-the-art global CE algorithm, i.e., spatial mutual information and PageRank (SMIRANK), are presented detailedly. Both quantitative and qualitative assessment results have verified the effectiveness of our proposed CE acceleration framework. In typical tests, computational efficiencies of HE and SMIRANK have been speeded up by about 3.9 and 13.5 times, respectively.
E1A can provoke G1 exit that is refractory to p21 and independent of activating cdk2.

E1A can evoke G1 exit in cardiac myocytes and other cell types by displacing E2F transcription factors from tumor suppressor "pocket" proteins and by a less well-characterized p300-dependent pathway. Bypassing pocket proteins (through overexpression of E2F-1) reproduces the effect of inactivating pocket proteins (through E1A binding); however, pocket proteins associate with a number of molecular targets apart from E2F. Hence, pocket protein binding by E1A might engage mechanisms for cell cycle reentry beyond those induced by E2F-1. To test this hypothesis, we used adenoviral gene transfer to express various E2F-1 and E1A proteins in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes that are already refractory to mitogenic serum, in the absence or presence of several complementary cell cycle inhibitors-p16, p21, or dominant-negative cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (Cdk2). Rb binding by E2F-1 was neither necessary nor sufficient for G1 exit, whereas DNA binding was required; thus, exogenous E2F-1 did not merely function by competing for the Rb "pocket. " E2F-1-induced G1 exit was blocked by the "universal" Cdk inhibitor p21 but not by p16, a specific inhibitor of Cdk4/6; p21 was permissive for E2F-1 induction of cyclins E and A, but prevented their stimulation of Cdk2 kinase activity. In addition, E2F-1-induced G1 exit was blocked by dominant-negative Cdk2. Forced expression of cyclin E induced endogenous Cdk2 activity but not G1 exit. Thus, E2F-1-induced Cdk2 function was necessary, although not sufficient, to trigger DNA synthesis in cardiac muscle cells. In contrast, pocket protein-binding forms of E1A induced G1 exit that was resistant to inhibition by p21, whereas G1 exit via the E1A p300 pathway was sensitive to inhibition by p21. Both E1A pathways-via pocket proteins and via p300-upregulated cyclins E and A and Cdk2 activity, consistent with a role for Cdk2 in G1 exit induced by E1A. However, p21 blocked Cdk2 kinase activity induced by both E1A pathways equally. Thus, E1A can cause G1 exit without an increase in Cdk2 activity, if the pocket protein-binding domain is intact. E1A also overrides p21 in U2OS cells, provided the pocket protein-binding domain is intact; thus, this novel function of E1A is not exclusive to cardiac muscle cells. In summary, E1A binding to pocket proteins has effects beyond those produced by E2F-1 alone and can drive S-phase entry that is resistant to p21 and independent of an increase in Cdk2 function. This suggests the potential involvement of other endogenous Rb-binding proteins or of alternative E1A targets.
Precise minimax redundancy and regret

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in redundancy of lossless coding. The redundancy (regret) of universal fixed-to-variable length coding for a class of sources determines by how much the actual code length exceeds the optimal (ideal over the class) code length. In a minimax scenario one finds the best code for the worst source either in the worst case (called also maximal minimax) or on average. We first study the worst case minimax redundancy over a class of stationary ergodic sources and replace Shtarkov's bound by an exact formula. Among others, we prove that a generalized Shannon code minimizes the worst case redundancy, derive asymptotically its redundancy, and establish some general properties. This allows us to obtain precise redundancy for memoryless, Markov, and renewal sources. For example, we present the exact constant of the redundancy for memoryless and Markov sources by showing that the integer nature of coding contributes log(logm/(m-1))/logm+o(1) where m is the size of the alphabet. Then we deal with the average minimax redundancy and regret. Our approach here is orthogonal to most recent research in this area since we aspire to show that asymptotically the average minimax redundancy is equivalent to the worst case minimax redundancy for some classes of sources. After formulating some general bounds relating these two redundancies, we prove our assertion for memoryless and Markov sources. Nevertheless, we provide evidence that maximal redundancy of renewal processes does not have the same leading term as the average minimax redundancy (however, our general results show that maximal and average regrets are asymptotically equivalent).
Using Random Walks for Question-focused Sentence Retrieval

We consider the problem of question-focused sentence retrieval from complex news articles describing multi-event stories published over time. Annotators generated a list of questions central to understanding each story in our corpus. Because of the dynamic nature of the stories, many questions are time-sensitive (e.g. "How many victims have been found? ") Judges found sentences providing an answer to each question. To address the sentence retrieval problem, we apply a stochastic, graph-based method for comparing the relative importance of the textual units, which was previously used successfully for generic summarization. Currently, we present a topic-sensitive version of our method and hypothesize that it can outperform a competitive baseline, which compares the similarity of each sentence to the input question via IDF-weighted word overlap. In our experiments, the method achieves a TRDR score that is significantly higher than that of the baseline.
Nitric oxide synthase gene therapy: progress and prospects

NOS gene therapy has been the focus of extensive research as dysfunction of this enzyme has been implicated in several cardiovascular diseases. Research has concentrated on comparing the effect of gene delivery of NOS isoforms (eNOS, iNOS and nNOS) in healthy and diseased animal models on intimal hyperplasia, restenosis, vascular tone and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Most results demonstrate therapeutic benefits following vascular gene delivery of all NOS in pre-clinical models of cardiovascular disease. eNOS has been shown to have particular promise as it promotes re-endothelialisation and inhibits intimal hyperplasia in injured blood vessels. The ultimate goal is to translate the benefit of NOS gene therapy in animal models into clinical practise. To develop NOS gene therapy for clinical use further work needs to be undertaken to improve delivery systems and vectors to minimise detrimental side-effects and enhance positive treatment outcomes. This review focuses on current research on NOS gene therapy in cardiovascular disease and identifies the next steps that would be necessary to lead to clinical trials.
Learning through working: a case study of Chinese college students in South Korea

This qualitative case study was designed to provide an understanding of the work experience of Chinese college students in South Korea. A growing number of Chinese students are coming to South Korea for college education, and their aspirations for better work materialize into work experiences in South Korean businesses. In-depth interviews were conducted with five Chinese students to investigate their learning experience at local workplaces. The Chinese students' work experience not only led them to a deeper understanding of local culture and language, but also gave them integral learning within an experiential, situated learning environment.
Environmental scanning electron microscopy for biology and polymer science

Electron microscopy of materials in a gaseous environment has its origins as far back as about the 1950s for the transmission electron microscope (TEM), later followed by developments for the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Focusing on the latter, this review outlines the history and commercial development of the technology, culminating in the environmental SEM (ESEM), and the techniques for applying ESEM to materials of interest in biology and polymer sciences. corresponding author details Dr Debbie J Stokes, FEI Company,
What is typical for call centre jobs? Job characteristics, and service interactions in different call centres

Call centres have been one of the few booming branches in recent years. The main task of call centre operators is to interact with customers by telephone, usually supported by computer systems. It has been argued that call centre work is a modern form of “Taylorism”, because it is characterized by routine tasks, and low level of control for the employees. Moreover, it has been suggested that there is a high level of stress at work, both with regard to the work tasks and to the interactions with customers. In the present study a sample of 375 call centre employees from eight different call centres was compared with a sample of noncall centre workers (N = 405) in terms of job characteristics, job stressors, and emotional labour (emotion work). The results showed that call centre workers had worse job characteristics, but were better off with regard to most job stressors compared to representative comparison groups of no-service workers, service workers, and workers in human services respectively. Moreover, compared to the other groups, customer service representatives (CSRs) had to express less negative emotions, but were most frequently exposed to states of emotional dissonance. A comparison of the working conditions of the eight call centres revealed that in most call centres the working conditions could be substantially improved. In addition, various call centre parameters such as inbound vs. outbound, or inhouse vs. external service centres were examined. The strongest effects were found for the percentage of time spent on the telephone. With some exceptions, the results support the view that the majority of call centres have been established to organize mass service for customers, that the work in the call centres is characterized by routine work and low task control, and that call centre employees are required to suggest a “friendly smile” when they are on the phone.
Effects of Inconsistent Behaviors on Person Impressions: A Multidimensional Study

This study addresses effects of expectancy-inconsistent behaviors on two characteristics of person impressions: the target person 's perceived position and fit within a multidimensional trait structure of Implicit Personality Theory (IPT). Inconsistency was manipulated with respect to two dimensions of IPT evaluation and potency. Behaviors with inconsistent evaluation implications did not affect the impressions. Inconsistencies on potency produced an asymmetry: Unexpected strong behaviors had the effect of higher ratings on traits reflecting high-potency, but not proportionately lower ratings on low-potency traits (producing a shift in the target's position as well as a decrease in the target's fit within subjects'IPT); effects of unexpected weak behaviors were substantially smaller. Thus effects of inconsistent information depended on (a) dimension of contrast (evaluation/potency), (b) valence of initial expectancy, and (c) valence of response trait scales.
[Determination of oxidation-reduction level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

OBJECTIVE To examine the oxidation or reduction products in patients with rheumatism arthritis (RA), and investigate the relationship between oxidation or reduction products and occurrence and development of RA. METHODS The serum levels of total ascorbic acid (TAA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA)/TAA, vitamin E, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in 83 RA patients and 30 healthy adults. Correlation analysis of AOPP, MDA and hs-CRP was performed. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, significantly higher serum MDA, DHAA/TAA, and AOPP levels were detected in RA patients (P<0.05), but vitamin E showed no significant difference (P<0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that MDA (P<0.01) was positively but AOPP (P>0.05) negatively correlated to hs-CRP. CONCLUSIONS Oxidation or reduction products in serum of RA patients increases significantly, which may be an important mechanism for the occurrence and development of RA. Serum AOPP and MDA levels can reflect the oxidation status in RA patients.
THE STATE, THE CHILD, AND IMPERFECT PARENTING

This paper considers state interventions in families on behalf of children whose parents are negligent. The state faces an `agency problem' when it intervenes on behalf of neglected children because it cannot fully monitor families; for instance, it can give cash transfers to poor parents, but it cannot observe them and make sure that they spend the money on their children. Consideration of this agency problem leads to three additional considerations: that because of the state's agency problem, legislators have preferred giving in-kind benefits, rather than income transfers, to negligent parents; that society benefits economically from maintaining alternatives to the traditional family, such as foster homes; and that parents neglect their children because they prefer their own consumption over that of their children.
Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition of Senior Female Students of the University of the Third Age in View of Their Diverse Physical Activity

Purpose. Human physical activity is an important component of health and it gains a special significance with age, influencing the quality of life of elderly people. The present study discusses the question of whether the level of physical activity is a sufficient stimulus to evoke positive changes in body composition and bone mineral density in women from the University of the Third Age. Basic procedures. The research was conducted on 90 women aged between 65 and 74, students of the U3A. The subjects were divided into two groups on the basis of the amount of their level of physical activity declared by them in questionnaires (1–2 times a week – low physical activity group; 3 and more times a week – high physical activity group). The following measurements were taken: body weight and body height (on the basis of which the BMI was calculated for each subject), body composition including percent fat and water content as well as the amount of body fat and water, with the aid of Futurex-5000 (NIR technique). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal segment of the femoral bone (g/cm) with the Lunar DPX-plus densitometer. Main findings. Mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were applied in the statistical analysis. The differences between the variables were analyzed with Student’s t-test. Conclusions. The research results imply the necessity of conducting a systematic and thorough analysis of the lifestyle and quality of life of elderly people.
Persistence in Data Warehousing

Persistence of redundant data in Data Warehouses is often simply justified with an achievement of better performance when accessing data for analysis and reporting. However, there are other reasons to store data persistently, which are often not recognized when designing Data Warehouses. As processing and maintenance of data is complex and requires huge effort, less redundancy downsizes effort. Latest in-memory technologies enable good response times for data access. That arises the question, what data for what purposes really need to be stored persistently. We present a compendium of purposes for data persistence and use it as a basis for decision-making whether to store data or not.
Self-Employment, Work-Family Conflict and Work-Family Synergy: Antecedents and Consequences

Abstract This paper examines self-employment in relation to work-family conflict, work-family synergy, autonomy, work pressure, mental health, physical health, and satisfaction indices. The analysis uses data from a national probability sample (n = 708 self-employed), the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce. Significant relationships were found for all of the major variables while controlling for gender, age, and marital status. Mental health symptoms were the strongest predictor of work-family conflict overall while work pressure was the strongest predictor of work-interfering with family (WIF) conflict. Work-family conflict was negatively and significantly related to satisfaction outcomes (i.e., job, family, and life) controlling for age, gender, and marital status, while work-family synergy was positively related to these satisfaction outcomes. A post hoc analysis comparing self-employed participants to wage and salary participants indicated better overall adjustment for the self-employe Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
MYC in Regulating Immunity: Metabolism and Beyond

Myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) family members, including cellular MYC (c-Myc), neuroblastoma derived MYC (MYCN), and lung carcinoma derived MYC (MYCL), have all been implicated as key oncogenic drivers in a broad range of human cancers. Beyond cancer, MYC plays an important role in other physiological and pathological processes, namely immunity and immunological diseases. MYC largely functions as a transcription factor that promotes the expression of numerous target genes to coordinate death, proliferation, and metabolism at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. It has been shown that the expression of MYC family members is tightly regulated in immune cells during development or upon immune stimulations. Emerging evidence suggests that MYC family members play essential roles in regulating the development, differentiation and activation of immune cells. Through driving the expression of a broad range of metabolic genes in immune cells, MYC family members coordinate metabolic programs to support immune functions. Here, we discuss our understanding of MYC biology in immune system and how modulation of MYC impacts immune metabolism and responses.
Counts and colours of faint galaxies in the U and R bands

Ground-based counts and colors of faint galaxies in the U and R bands in one field at high Galactic latitude are presented. Integrated over flux, a total of 1.2x10^5 sources per square degree are found to U=25.5 mag and 6.3x10^5 sources per square degree to R=27 mag, with d log N/dm ~ 0.5 in the U band and d log N/dm ~ 0.3 in the R band. Consistent with these number-magnitude curves, sources become bluer with increasing magnitude to median U-R=0.6 mag at 24<U<25 mag and U-R=1.2 mag at 25 < R < 26 mag. Because the Lyman break redshifts into the U band at z~3, at least 1.2x10^5 sources per square degree must be at redshifts z<3. Measurable U-band fluxes of 73 percent of the 6.3x10^5 sources per square degree suggest that the majority of these also lie at z < 3. These results require an enormous space density of objects in any cosmological model.
Characterization of the S100A1 Protein Binding Site on TRPC6 C-Terminus

The transient receptor potential (TRP) protein superfamily consists of seven major groups, among them the “canonical TRP” family. The TRPC proteins are calcium-permeable nonselective cation channels activated after the emptying of intracellular calcium stores and appear to be gated by various types of messengers. The TRPC6 channel has been shown to be expressed in various tissues and cells, where it modulates the calcium level in response to external signals. Calcium binding proteins such as Calmodulin or the family of S100A proteins are regulators of TRPC channels. Here we characterized the overlapping integrative binding site for S100A1 at the C-tail of TRPC6, which is also able to accomodate various ligands such as Calmodulin and phosphatidyl-inositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate. Several positively charged amino acid residues (Arg852, Lys856, Lys859, Arg860 and Arg864) were determined by fluorescence anisotropy measurements for their participation in the calcium-dependent binding of S100A1 to the C terminus of TRPC6. The triple mutation Arg852/Lys859/Arg860 exhibited significant disruption of the binding of S100A1 to TRPC6. This indicates a unique involvement of these three basic residues in the integrative overlapping binding site for S100A1 on the C tail of TRPC6.
Urban geography I

In the midst of what has been termed the ‘urban age’, two divergent approaches to understanding life in cities have emerged. In this first of three urban geography progress reports, I engage these two strands of urban theory, identifying key differences in their intellectual, political and geographical genealogies, and consider their political and epistemological implications. Borrowing from Chakrabarty’s concept of History 1 and History 2, I name these approaches ‘Urbanization 1’ and ‘Urbanization 2’. Urbanization 1 is exemplified by the planetary urbanization thesis that posits the complete urbanization of society, whereas Urbanization 2 is characterized by a more diverse set of interventions, united by a political and epistemological strategy of refusing Eurocentrism and ‘provincializing’ urban theory.
Min-Cost Multicast of Selfish Information Flows

We study multicast in a non-cooperative environment where information flows selfishly route themselves through the cheapest paths available. The main challenge is to enforce such selfish multicast flows to stabilize at a socially optimal operating point incurring minimum total edge cost, through appropriate cost allocation and other economic measures, with replicable and encodable properties of information flows considered. We show that known cost allocation schemes are not sufficient. We provide a shadow-price based cost allocation for networks without capacity limits, and show it enforces minimum-cost multicast. This improves previous result where a 2-approximate multicast flow is enforced. For capacitied networks, computing cost allocation by ignoring edge capacities will not yield correct results. We show that an edge tax scheme can be combined with a cost allocation to strictly enforce optimal multicast flows in this more realistic case. If taxes are not desirable, they can be returned to flows while maintaining weak enforcement of the optimal flow. We relate the taxes to VCG payment schemes and discuss an efficient primal-dual algorithm that simultaneously computes the taxes, the cost allocation, and the optimal multicast flow.
Extracting navigation states from a hand-drawn map

Being able to interact and communicate with robots in the same way we interact with people has long been a goal of AI and robotics researchers. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to communicating a navigation task to a robot, which allows the user to sketch an approximate map on a PDA and then sketch the desired robot trajectory relative to the map. State information is extracted from the drawing in the form of relative, robot-centered spatial descriptions, which are used for task representation and as a navigation language between the human user and the robot. Examples are included of two hand-drawn maps and the linguistic spatial descriptions generated from the maps.