Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theory of Index Selection General Theory of Selection on a Linear Index

With pit bull terriers it might be deemed that the breed should maintain a specific ratio of ugliness to vicious temperament, and a constrained index could incorporate this requirement along with any other breeding objectives deemed appropriate — Gibson and Kennedy (1990) While Chapters 30 and 31 present the basic theory for multivariate response, how, in practice, does one perform artificial selection on multiple traits? One of the commonest schemes is to construct some sort of index, wherein the investigator assigns (either explicitly or implicitly) a weighting scheme to each trait, creating a univariate character that becomes the target of selection. For example, if z is the vector of character values measured in an individual, the most common index is a linear combination b i z i = b T z and most of our discussion focuses on such linear indices. We start with a general review of the theory of selection on a linear index and then cover in great detail the Smith-Hazel index (the index giving the largest expected response in a specified linear combination of characters) and its extensions. We also discuss a number of other indices for different purposes, such as restricted (constraining changes in specified traits) and desired-gains (specifying how the components, rather than the index, will evolve) indices. We conclude our discussion of index selection by considering how to best handle nonlinear indices. We finish the chapter by examining the other approach for selecting on multiple traits, namely choosing traits sequentially. Tandem selection, focusing on a single trait each generation (where the focal trait changes over generations) is one such approach, while the other is to select different traits at different times within the life span of single individuals (independent culling and multistage index selection). There is a huge literature on the theory and application of selection indices. while specific applications to plant breeding (and other organisms with asexual reproduction and/or selfing) can be found in Consider selection on the univariate character defined by the linear index I = b j z j = b T z (33.1) where z is the vector of phenotypic values in an individual and b a vector of weights. Even though it has multivariate components, I is just a univariate trait, so all previous results from Chapters 10-15 apply to the index. For example, if we knew its heritability, the breeder's equation predicts its selection response (Chapter 10). …
Domain-specific Information Retrieval system with a correspondence graph

This paper describes different existing solutions and proposes a new approach for information retrieval with request specified in natural language within a specific domain and in a multilingual context. The experimental platform employed was the SIDIS- Enterprise car-diagnosis System of Siemens AG (Germany). The paper proposes a new methodology to retrieve car failures symptoms and is based on a correspondence graph. This methodology is more based on perception than on similarity computation between request and symptoms. A comparison study between this approach and usual retrieval methods (e.g. term frequency based) provide promising results.
Comparison of Height Models from High Resolution Aerial Images and from LiDAR

A digital Surface Model (DSM) has been generated with an Optech Gemini laser scanner with approximately 4 points/m2 in an area also covered by an UltraCam Eagle with 5cm GSD. Based on the digital images DSM and digital terrain models (DTM) were automatically/interactively produced with BAE SYSTEMS “NGATE” (New Generation of Automatic Terrain Extraction) and also SimActive’s “Correlator3D” with 50cm point spacing. A direct comparison of the overlapping LiDAR strips as well as the comparison of the LiDAR data with the height models based on the aerial data showed differences especially in areas covered by vegetation as well as at building limits, requiring a filtering for the correct comparison. As for all height models it is not so simple to specify the accuracy figures correctly. The standard deviation as well as the normalized median absolute deviation (NMAD), LE90 and LE95 by theory is based on normal distributed discrepancies. Normal distributed height discrepancies require corresponding point definition in compared height models and within the height models similar conditions as e.g. flat terrain. Operationally it is very difficult to filter height models in a manner leading to normal distributed values, so the frequency distribution of height discrepancies has to be investigated. The standard deviation is very sensitive for higher number of larger discrepancies which usually cannot be avoided. NMAD is not as sensitive as the standard deviation and describes the frequency distribution of height discrepancies in a better manner. The threshold values LE90 and LE95 are even depending upon larger discrepancies as the standard deviation and should be avoided. LiDAR and image matching both have advantages and disadvantages, with both methods qualified height models can be generated.
A relatively robust optimization algorithm for emergency facility location

In this paper, we put forward a relatively robust optimization algorithm for emergency facility location with uncertain demands (weights of nodes). We assume that for each node, only an interval estimate of the corresponding weight is known. The objective function is to minimum the total weighted distance between emergency facility and all emergency nodes. We compare the robust optimization result and the optimization result. Comparison result shows that the deviation of the robust optimization solution is the minimum in uncertain case compared with the value of optimization function. So this algorithm can avoid risk to a great extent.
A catalogue of soft X-ray sources in the galactic center region

We present a catalogue of 107 point-like X–ray sources derived from a systematic analysis of all the ROSAT PSPC observations of the galactic center region performed in 1992–1993. Besides SgrA*, the massive black hole at the galactic center, 41 X–ray sources have been positionally associated with already classiﬁed objects. Twenty are identiﬁed with foreground stars and ﬁve with known Low Mass X–ray Binaries. The majority of the sources in our catalogue still remains unidentiﬁed. They are hard and/or severely absorbed and probably represent a large population of X-ray binaries located in the galactic center region, accreting at low accretion rates, and still largely unknown.
IRIS2: A Semantic Search Engine That Does Rational Research

Popular techniques used in today's Web search engines and digital libraries for retrieving and ranking scientific publications have foundations in modern information retrieval. Information and users in the scientific research communities have their own characteristics, however, they have not been sufficiently exploited in existing retrieval and ranking methods. We present a semantic search engine, IRIS2, which represents the semantic entities and their relations using ontologies and knowledge bases. It utilises a ranking method based on the "rational research" model, which restores an elegant idea that a researcher does rational research in an academic environment. We explain in detail the design and implementation of the IRIS2 prototype and compare its retrieving and ranking performance with existing methods.
Global motion parameter extraction and deformable block motion estimation

SUMMARY A global motion parameter estimation method is proposed. The method can be used to segment an image sequence into regions of different moving objects. For any two pixels belonging to the same moving object, their associated global motion components have a fixed relationship from the projection geometry of camera imaging. Therefore, by examining the measured motion vectors we are able to group pixels into objects and, at the same time, identify some global motion information. In the presence of camera zoom, the object shape is distorted and conventional translational motion estimation may not yield accurate motion modeling. A deformable block motion estimation scheme is thus proposed to estimate the local motion of an object in this situation. Some simulation results are reported. For an artificially generated sequence containing only zoom activity, we find that the maximum estimation error in the zoom factor is about 2.8 %. Rather good moving object segmentation results are obtained using the proposed object local motion estimation method after zoom extraction. The deformable block motion compensation is also seen to outperform conventional translational block motion compensation for video material containing
The AR-CAVE : Distributed Collaborative Augmented Reality and Immersive Virtual Reality System

Combining augmented reality (AR) environments with immersive virtual environments (VEs) can reduce interaction gaps and provide embodied interactions in distributed collaborative works. It can also provide many opportunities and degrees of freedom for collaboration in both real and virtual worlds. A gesture based AR environment provides variety of input and output modalities to networked and distributed immersive VEs. In this paper, we present the AR-CAVE (Augmented Reality connected CAVE) platform that enables embodied interaction and tangible manipulations from a set of AR remote site to integrate physical free body interactions in a CAVE system. As a case study of the AR-CAVE, a simple 3D ball hitting task called the Ting Ting Together (T3) is demonstrated under a networked immersive VE and a computer vision based AR system.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors Resistance Mechanisms in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase protein involved in PI3K/AKT signaling with a central role in the processes of cell growth, survival and angiogenesis. Frequent mutations of this pathway make upstream and downstream components novel targets for tailored therapy design. Two mTOR inhibitors – everolimus and temsirolimus - enable an increase in overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) time in a treatment of renal cancer. Despite recent advances in renal cancer treatment, resistance to targeted therapy is common. Understanding of molecular mechanisms is the basis of drug resistance which can facilitate prediction of success or failure in combinational or sequential targeted therapy. The article provides current knowledge on the mTOR signaling network and gives insight into the mechanisms of resistance to mTOR inhibitors from the complex perspective of RCC biology. The mechanisms of resistance developed not only by cancer cells, but also by interactions with tumor microenvironment are analyzed to emphasize the role of angiogenesis in ccRCC pathogenesis. As recent studies have shown the role of PI3K/AKT-mTOR pathway in proliferation and differentiation of cancer stem cells, we discuss cancer stem cell hypothesis and its possible contribution to ccRCC resistance. In the context of drug resistance, we also elaborate on a new approach considering ccRCC as a metabolic disease. In conclusion we speculate on future developments in agents targeting the mTOR pathway taking into consideration the singular biology of ccRCC.
Design and implementation of an experimental platform for performance analysis in wireless sensor networks

Analysis of transmission delay and throughput in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is essential for the deployment of WSNs in real applications. Although researchers have already done a lot of theoretic analysis on transmission delay and throughput in WSNs, very few of them gave the real sensor test results. In this master thesis, an experimental platform for wireless sensor networks has been designed and implemented. The purpose of building this platform is to find out the systems and environment factors that have impacts on the transmission delay and throughput of single hop and multi-hop wireless sensor networks. With this platform, we can combine the theory analysis with real field tests and give more reliable analysis on the performance analysis problem. The platform is based on one of the most popular operating system for sensor networks –Contiki OS and the Maxfor CM 5000 sensor motes. On this experimental platform, several groups of simulation tests and field tests in single hop, multi-hop and multi-path sensor networks have been implemented. All of these tests are divided into several groups in order to test different system and environment conditions that impact the transmission delay and throughput. Through the tests, a large amount of information and results about the transmission delay and throughput of the wireless sensor networks has been obtained. To achieve the visualized result and help the analysis, the figures of transmission period time for every type of tests are drawn using Matlab. The results of simulation tests and field tests are compared. We found that the program used in COOJA simulator can be easily transplanted to the real sensor nodes. It is also figured out which test condition would have the effect on the transmission delay and throughput. Moreover, the throughput values of the wireless sensor networks under different conditions are given in the paper.
H∞ Loop Shaping Control of time delay systems

In this paper, the H∞ Loop Shaping Control (HLSC) strategy was studied; a systematic approach for weight selection based on the sensitivity function was proposed and applied to a first-order time delay system, then compared to the Internal Model Control (IMC) approach. Two cases were proposed for time delay: upper or lower then system time constant. The synthesis was based on first and second order Padé approximation of delay and good results were given for both methods.
Atrial fibrillation in athletes and the interplay between exercise and health.

This editorial refers to ‘Risk of arrhythmias in 52 755 long-distance cross-country skiers: a cohort study’[†][1], by K. Andersen et al. , on page 3624 Exercise is one of the most powerful lifestyle intervention strategies for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. There is a wealth of evidence regarding the lower ranges of the exercise dose–response relationship providing concrete evidence for the current recommendations of at least 30 min of moderate intensity exercise on most days as a means of reducing cardiovascular events.1 However, there is an increasing proportion of today's society engaging in sports practices which vastly exceed these guidelines, and there has been very limited study of the upper ranges of the exercise dose–response relationship.2 On the one hand are studies suggesting that long-term health and life expectancy of well-trained athletes is superior to that of the general population,3−5 while, on the other, there is evidence suggesting an increased prevalence of arrhythmias and chronic structural remodelling of the athletic heart.6−9 Atrial fibrillation (AF) may therefore represent the most intriguing and best evidenced example of the interplay between exercise and cardiac health. AF can be diagnosed in ∼1% of the population by age 60 and in >10% when older than 80 years,10 making it the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia in adults. In cohorts of young or middle-aged subjects, AF is relatively uncommon, thus implying that large cohorts would be required to provide sufficient power to identify any excess in prevalence due to sports practice. In this context, it is not surprising that Pelliccia et al . found only very few cases of AF despite significant left atrial enlargement in a fairly large ( n = 1777) athletic cohort aged 24 ± 6 years.11 In contrast, Baldesberger et al . … [1]: #fn-2
Confirmation of bistable stellar differential rotation profiles

Context. Solar-like di ﬀ erential rotation is characterized by a rapidly rotating equator and slower poles. However, theoretical models and numerical simulations can also result in a slower equator and faster poles when the overall rotation is slow. Aims. We study the critical rotational inﬂuence under which di ﬀ erential rotation ﬂips from solar-like (fast equator, slow poles) to an anti-solar one (slow equator, fast poles). We also estimate the non-di ﬀ usive ( Λ e ﬀ ect) and di ﬀ usive (turbulent viscosity) contributions to the Reynolds stress. Methods. We present the results of three-dimensional numerical simulations of mildly turbulent convection in spherical wedge geom- etry. Here we apply a fully compressible setup which would su ﬀ er from a prohibitive time step constraint if the real solar luminosity was used. To avoid this problem while still representing the same rotational inﬂuence on the ﬂow as in the Sun, we increase the luminosity by a factor of roughly 10 6 and the rotation rate by a factor of 10 2 . We regulate the convective velocities by varying the amount of heat transported by thermal conduction, turbulent di ﬀ usion, and resolved convection. Results. Increasing the e ﬃ ciency of resolved convection leads to a reduction of the rotational inﬂuence on the ﬂow and a sharp transition from solar-like to anti-solar di ﬀ erential rotation for Coriolis numbers around 1.3. We conﬁrm the recent ﬁnding of a large-scale ﬂow bistability: contrasted with running the models from an initial condition with unprescribed di ﬀ erential rotation, the initialization of the model with certain kind of rotation proﬁle sustains the solution over a wider parameter range. The anti-solar proﬁles are found to be more stable against perturbations in the level of convective turbulent velocity than the solar-type solutions. Conclusions. Our results may have implications for real stars that start their lives as rapid rotators implying solar-like rotation in the early main-sequence evolution. As they slow down, they might be able to retain solar-like rotation for lower Coriolis numbers, and thus longer in time, before switching to anti-solar rotation. This could partially explain the puzzling ﬁndings of anti-solar rotation proﬁles for models in the solar parameter regime.
HPIDB 2.0: a curated database for host–pathogen interactions

Identification and analysis of host–pathogen interactions (HPI) is essential to study infectious diseases. However, HPI data are sparse in existing molecular interaction databases, especially for agricultural host–pathogen systems. Therefore, resources that annotate, predict and display the HPI that underpin infectious diseases are critical for developing novel intervention strategies. HPIDB 2.0 (http://www.agbase.msstate.edu/hpi/main.html) is a resource for HPI data, and contains 45, 238 manually curated entries in the current release. Since the first description of the database in 2010, multiple enhancements to HPIDB data and interface services were made that are described here. Notably, HPIDB 2.0 now provides targeted biocuration of molecular interaction data. As a member of the International Molecular Exchange consortium, annotations provided by HPIDB 2.0 curators meet community standards to provide detailed contextual experimental information and facilitate data sharing. Moreover, HPIDB 2.0 provides access to rapidly available community annotations that capture minimum molecular interaction information to address immediate researcher needs for HPI network analysis. In addition to curation, HPIDB 2.0 integrates HPI from existing external sources and contains tools to infer additional HPI where annotated data are scarce. Compared to other interaction databases, our data collection approach ensures HPIDB 2.0 users access the most comprehensive HPI data from a wide range of pathogens and their hosts (594 pathogen and 70 host species, as of February 2016). Improvements also include enhanced search capacity, addition of Gene Ontology functional information, and implementation of network visualization. The changes made to HPIDB 2.0 content and interface ensure that users, especially agricultural researchers, are able to easily access and analyse high quality, comprehensive HPI data. All HPIDB 2.0 data are updated regularly, are publically available for direct download, and are disseminated to other molecular interaction resources. Database URL: http://www.agbase. msstate.edu/hpi/main.html
Parallel Top-k Query Processing using MapReduce

Top-k query processing plays an important role in data retrieval to give an answer to a user quickly. To our best knowledge, the traditional top-k query processing works with a local database. As the size of a database is lager, the database is stored in a distributed network, and it requires the parallel processing. We address a parallel top-k query processing using Google’s MapReduce programming model. We introduce a naive algorithm and propose another algorithm to improve the performance. Our experiment with the synthetic datasets shows the performance of the naive algorithm and its limitation.
Self-Organizing Topology Control based on Reaction-Diffusion Model for Data Gathering in Wireless Sensor Networks

A wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of a large number of small, low-cost, and fragile sensing devices, called sensor nodes, communicating with each other through unreliable and unstable wireless communication. Therefore, control mechanisms for WSNs must be scalable to the number of nodes, adaptive to dynamically changing communication environment, and robust to failures. In addition, due to difficulty in managing sensor nodes in a centralized manner for limited energy and network resources, control mechanisms must be fully distributed and selforganizing. Considering these requirements, it is not surprising that much attention has been paid to application of biological mechanisms in these days, ranging from signal transduction network to swarm intelligence. A variety of biologically-inspired control mechanisms have been proposed for routing, clustering, scheduling, and topology control of WSNs. In this thesis, we focus on topology control for energy efficient and low delay data gathering, which certainly is one of the most important issues of WSNs. Independently of applications, unless all sensor nodes operate with electric power supply, energy efficiency is a strong requirement for control mechanisms. In addition, it is necessary for sensor nodes to deliver up-to-date sensor information to a sink node of sensor data, e.g. a gateway server, as fast as possible for prompt reaction to detected events and conditions. The amount of consumed energy and the delay in data gathering heavily depend on the topology of a WSN. A variety of topologies have been considered for energy-efficient and low-delay data gathering in a WSN, such as, direct transmission from all sensor nodes to a sink node, a tree topology rooted at a sink node, and multi-tier topology organized by clustering sensor nodes into groups. However, there has never been comprehensive and complete comparison among them so far, to the best
Effects of exercise on cardiovascular performance in the elderly

Progressive aging induces several structural and functional alterations in the cardiovascular system, among whom particularly important are a reduced number of myocardial cells and increased interstitial collagen fibers, which result in impaired left ventricular diastolic function. Even in the absence of cardiovascular disease, aging is strongly associated to a age-related reduced maximal aerobic capacity. This is due to a variety of physiological changes both at central and at peripheral level. Physical activity (PA) appears in general to have a positive effect on several health outcomes in the elderly. This review aims to illustrate the beneficial effects of exercise on the physiologic decline of cardiovascular performance occurring with age. Furthermore, it will be stressed also the positive effect of physical activity in elderly patients affected by cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure and hypertension, and multiple comorbidities which may significantly worse prognosis in this high risk population.