Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strokes-matting method based on sample search

Image matting plays an important role in image editing and computer vision. Alpha matting is to solve the problem of softly extracting the foreground object from an image. The problem is inherently ill-posed. Existing matting approaches usually use a given trimap to estimate the alpha value for each unknown pixel. So the results rely on not only the different algorithms, but also the given trimap. In this paper, we present an easy interactive matting method based on the sample search matting. Users only require drawing some strokes or points on the foreground and background to extract the foreground object. This method can easily collect the samples available to compute the alpha value for the whole image pixels.
Plasma protein concentrations in interstitial fluid from human aortas

The concentration of plasma proteins was examined in interstitial fluid collected from human aortas, obtained at autopsy, from patients from whom a blood sample had been taken for routine analysis shortly before death. The interstitial fluid was absorbed onto small, preweighed pieces of filter paper which were inserted into natural strip planes in the tunica intima and inner tunica media. After equilibration the papers were removed and weighed to measure the amount of interstitial fluid collected, then analysed by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis for three plasma proteins covering a range of molecular masses (Mr): low density lipoprotein (LDL) with molecular mass 2.4 x 106, α2-macroglobulin (Mr 720 000) and serum albumin (Mr 68 000). In interstitial fluid obtained from normal intima of 20 men and women, the mean levels of the proteins were LDL 215%, α2-macroglobulin 115% and albumin 54% of the concentration in the patient’s own plasma. Concentrations were not influenced by depth within the intima, or by distance down the aorta. The patients covered the age range 31-96 years; relative concentrations of LDL, α2-macroglobulin and albumin increased in parallel by about 10% per decade. Large samples (up to 7 μl) of interstitial fluid were collected from inner media but they contained no measurable LDL; the levels of α2-macroglobulin and albumin were respectively 11 and 18% of plasma concentration. Analysis of interstitial fluid from one sample of normal intima obtained at vascular surgery, and from two freshly killed pigs, suggested that results were not invalidated by the use of autopsy material. Direct comparison of whole intimal tissue and interstitial fluid provided no evidence of preferential binding of LDL in tissue. There was no evidence of preferential adsorbtion of LDL by the filter paper. Interstitial fluid of six samples of normal intima from four patients was compared with normal plasma by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. The peaks produced in the antiserum to LDL were identical in mobility, shape and staining properties. Thus the concentration of LDL found in interstitial fluid from normal aortic intima was more than twice the plasma concentration, and the relation between concentration and molecular mass was the inverse of that reported for peripheral interstitial fluid and lymph. Endothelium appears to trap LDL in the intima instead of keeping it out, and this raises fundamental questions about the function of arterial endothelium.
A Provocation for Rethinking and Democratising Emoji Design

Use of emoji is now pervasive in all manner of online messaging and communication. We review how emoji are selected for inclusion in the widely-accepted Unicode Standard and argue that end users are insufficiently engaged in this design process. We argue that this is a timely topic for discussion and call for suggestions to democratise methods for emoji design and selection. As an example we propose our own online platform for emoji co-design and argue that a design approach that engages with user communities more will result in emoji that are flexible across languages and cultures, and are used more frequently.
ONWEIGHTEDKULLBACK-LEIBLER DIVERGENCE FORDOUBLY TRUNCATED RANDOMVARIABLES

• In this communication, we study doubly truncated weighted Kullback-Leibler divergence (KLD) between two nonnegative random variables. The proposed measure is a generalization of the dynamic weighted KLD introduced by Yasaei Sekeh et al. (2013). In reliability theory and survival analysis, it plays a significant role to study several aspects of a system when lifetimes fall in a time interval. It is showed that under some conditions, the proposed measure determines the distribution function uniquely. Further, characterization theorems for various lifetime distributions are proved. The effect of the monotone transformation on the proposed measure is studied. Some inequalities and bounds in terms of useful measures are obtained and finally, few applications are provided. Key-Words: • Weighted Kullback-Leibler divergence, generalized failure rate, weighted geometric vitality function, proportional (reversed) hazard model, likelihood ratio order. AMS Subject Classification: • 94A17, 62E10, 62N05, 60E15. 2 Rajesh Moharana and Suchandan Kayal On doubly truncated weighted Kullback-Leibler divergence 3
Enhancing the performance of a GMM-based speaker identification system in a multi-microphone setup

In this paper the speaker identiﬁcation system developed at Athens Information Technology is presented. It is based on the Gaussian Mixture modeling of the Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefﬁcients of speech. Starting from this basic algorithm, we describe and discuss two signiﬁcant modiﬁcations that have resulted in performance enhancements, in terms of both processing speed and identiﬁcation accuracy. We present the performance of our system in the recent CLEAR 2006 evaluation workshop and also discuss approaches to further improve our system by fusing decisions derived from a multitude of sensors in a multi-microphone setup.
Linear dimension reduction of sequences of medical images: III. Factor analysis in signal space

A method is presented for improving the precision of factor analysis by utilizing physiological information. The first step is an optimal linear dimension reduction, whereby the data are projected onto a low-dimensional signal space. Then, principal component analysis is performed in the signal space rather than in the entire data space. This improves the precision of the principal components. Unlike ordinary principal component analysis, the present method is not degraded when the time intervals are subdivided, provided that the signal space is correct. Alternatively, but with identical results, the covariance matrix can be calculated from the whole data space. The covariance matrix is then transformed and principal component analysis is performed in either a low-rank matrix or a low-dimensional submatrix instead of in the whole covariance matrix. Factor analysis using the intersection method with a theory space may be improved by employing the present method. In simulations based on a []flumazenil study with 27 frames, the proposed method required only 58 per cent of the radioactivity to produce the same precision as the intersection method and only 27 per cent when compared to ordinary principal component analysis.
Advanced process control using automated recipe editing triggered by SPC

Maintaining product measurements and tool parameters within tolerance limits is insufficient, if a semiconductor manufacturer desires to remain competitive. National Semiconductor Corporation, South Portland, Maine (NSME) manufactures a variety of semiconductor products with a diverse mixture of process flows. For chemical vapor deposited (CVD) films, it is a challenge to maintain each unique deposition process on-target for film thickness, while not wasting valuable resources and process time running qual wafers to validate adjustments to those processes. NSME uses proprietary software to respond to minute deviations (in some cases, less than 1%) from target film thickness by automatically making small adjustments to process recipe deposition times for individual process chambers. While constantly minimizing thickness deviation from target, these adjustments are performed in a way that minimizes tool impact.
Hysteresis and bifurcations in the classical model of generator

The single machine operating onto an infinite bus is analyzed for its nonlinear dynamics using the classical model. Many aspects of limit cycle oscillations, bifurcation, and hysteresis in the system are brought to attention that were not known in the context of a power generator. A parameter graph that determines the nature of the dynamics for a given mechanical power at a given damping coefficient of the rotor is provided which helps determine the precise parameter values where hysteresis effects are to be expected.
Lambda: An Entity-Relationship Based Query Language for the Retrieval of Structured Documents

An apparatus for applying AC power to a load while maintaining a minimum charge across a capacitor for use as a DC power supply, that may be connected in series with the power supply and load, and does not require a parallel connection to the power supply, including power control means responsive to the phase of the power supply signal such that the voltage across said power control means is allowed to rise to a given voltage each cycle, before power is applied to the load, and charging means operable to charge said capacitor to said given voltage.
Clonal plasticity of aquatic plant species submitted to mechanical stress: escape versus resistance strategy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The plastic alterations of clonal architecture are likely to have functional consequences, as they affect the spatial distribution of ramets over patchy environments. However, little is known about the effect of mechanical stresses on the clonal growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clonal plasticity induced by mechanical stress consisting of continuous water current encountered by aquatic plants. More particularly, the aim was to test the capacity of the plants to escape this stress through clonal plastic responses. METHODS The transplantation of ramets of the same clone in two contrasting flow velocity conditions was carried out for two species (Potamogeton coloratus and Mentha aquatica) which have contrasting clonal growth forms. Relative allocation to clonal growth, to creeping stems in the clonal biomass, number and total length of creeping stems, spacer length and main creeping stem direction were measured. KEY RESULTS For P. coloratus, plants exposed to water current displayed increased total length of creeping stems, increased relative allocation to creeping stems within the clonal dry mass and increased spacer length. For M. aquatica, plants exposed to current displayed increased number and total length of creeping stems. Exposure to current induced for both species a significant increase of the proportion of creeping stems in the downstream direction to the detriment of creeping stems perpendicular to flow. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that mechanical stress from current flow induced plastic variation in clonal traits for both species. The responses of P. coloratus could lead to an escape strategy, with low benefits with respect to sheltering and anchorage. The responses of M. aquatica that may result in a denser canopy and enhancement of anchorage efficiency could lead to a resistance strategy.
Defence versus growth in a hostile world: lessons from phage and bacteria

Bacterial communities are often highly diverse with several closely related species (or strains) coexisting together. These bacteria compete for resources and the competitive exclusion principle predicts that all but the fastest-growing bacteria will go extinct. When exposed to phage, it is predicted that bacterial strains with restriction-modification (RM) systems can circumvent the competitive exclusion principle and reach diversity on the order of the phage burst size. We show that with a trade-off between bacterial growth rates and the strength of their RM systems, the diversity of such an ecosystem can further increase several fold beyond the burst size limit. Moreover, we find that the ratio of the growth rate of a bacterial strain to the imperfection of its RM system is an excellent predictor of (i) whether the strain will go extinct or not, and (ii) the biomass of the strain if it survives. In contrast, the growth rate alone is not a determinant of either of these properties. Our work provides a quantitative example of a model ecosystem where the fitness of a species is determined not by growth rate, but by a trade-off between growth and defence against predators.
Resonance conditions of long-period gratings in temperature sensitive polymer ring optical fibers

Recently a novel optical fiber with a temperature sensitive polymer ring and long-period grating has been experimentally produced and studied. We present here results from a finite-element based simulation of such a structure. The numerically determined resonance conditions for varying temperature show similar behavior to previously reported experimental results. We predict for the first time, as far as the authors are aware, that it is possible for this type of fiber to exhibit dual resonance conditions and as a consequence suffer band rejection broadening.
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene polymorphism and MMP-9 plasma levels in primary Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether plasma matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and MMP9 (-1562C-->T) polymorphism have an effect on the disease phenotype in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS Plasma MMP-9 concentrations and polymorphism of the MMP9 gene were analysed in 66 patients with pSS. These data were studied in relation to the clinical data of the patients. The genetic data of patients were compared with the data of 66 healthy subjects. RESULTS Plasma MMP-9 was higher in patients with definite pSS than in patients with possible pSS. This association was principally caused by higher plasma MMP-9 in patients with a positive Schirmer test and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. pSS patients with purpura, SS-A autoantibodies and RF had significantly lower plasma MMP-9 than patients without these characteristics. The overall MMP9 (-1562C-->T) allele frequencies were similar in patients and control subjects. The frequency of the allele T was higher in patients without Raynaud's phenomenon than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS MMP9 (-1562C-->T) could not be used for risk assessment in pSS. The presence of the rarer allele T may decrease the risk of Raynaud's phenomenon in pSS. High plasma MMP-9 is indicative of definite pSS but may paradoxically have a preventive effect on the eruption of purpura and on the development of autoantibody reaction in pSS.
Implementing an Integrated Nutrition Package at Large Scale in Madagascar: The Essential Nutrition Actions Framework

Background Madagascar has some of the highest rates of child stunting, maternal malnutrition, and infant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective To improve infant and young child feeding practices, increase uptake of micronutrient supplements, and improve women's dietary practices through implementation of a nutrition project based on the Essential Nutrition Actions (ENA) framework. Methods Interventions included training, interpersonal communication, community mobilization, and mass media. Changes in practices were assessed through a comparison of data for children under 2 years of age from representative cross-sectional household surveys collected at baseline in 2000 (n = 1,200) and at the end of program implementation in 2005 (n = 1,760). The surveys were conducted in six districts with a population of 1.4 million. Results The rate of initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth increased from 32% to 68%, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding of infants under 6 months of age increased from 42% to 70%, the rate of continuation of breastfeeding at 20 to 23 months increased from 43% to 73%, the rate of feeding children the minimum recommended number of meals per day at 6 to 23 months increased from 87% to 93%, the rate of iron–folic acid supplementation during pregnancy increased from 32% to 76%, and the rate of postpartum vitamin A supplementation increased from 17% to 54% (p <.001 for all changes). Modest improvement was achieved in maternal dietary practices during lactation and feeding of the sick child after illness. The results were inconclusive regarding food diversity for complementary feeding. No improvements were reported in increasing food intake during child illness or pregnancy. Conclusions The ENA framework allows broad-scale improvement of nutritional practices to be achieved through the maximization of contacts using multiple program opportunities within existing health systems and community structures and through mass media.
Entity Matching in the Wild: A Consistent and Versatile Framework to Unify Data in Industrial Applications

Entity matching -- the task of clustering duplicated database records to underlying entities -- has become an increasingly critical component in modern data integration management. Amperity provides a platform for businesses to manage customer data that utilizes a machine-learning approach to entity matching, resolving billions of customer records on a daily basis. We face several challenges in deploying entity matching to industrial applications at scale, and they are less prominent in the literature. These challenges include: (1) Providing not just a single entity clustering, but supporting clusterings at multiple confidence levels to enable downstream applications with varying precision/recall trade-off needs. (2) Many customer record attributes may be systematically missing from different sources of data, creating many pairs of records in a cluster that appear to not match due to incomplete, rather than conflicting information. Allowing these records to connect transitively without introducing conflicts is invaluable to businesses because they can acquire a more comprehensive profile of their customers without incorrect entity merges. (3) How to cluster records over time and assign persistent cluster IDs that can be used for downstream use cases such as A/B tests or predictive model training; this is made more challenging by the fact that we receive new customer data every day and clusters naturally evolving over time still require persistent IDs that refer to the same entity. In this work, we describe Amperity's entity matching framework, Fusion, and how its design provides solutions to these challenges. In particular, we describe our pairwise matching model based on ordinal regression that permits a well-defined way to produce entity clusterings at different confidence levels, a novel clustering algorithm that separates conflicting record pairs in clusters while allowing for pairs that may appear dissimilar due to missing data, and a persistent ID generation algorithm which balances stability of the identifier with ever-evolving entities.
Increase in Capacity of an IM/DD OFDM-PON Using Super-Nyquist Image-Induced Aliasing and Simplified Nonlinear Equalization

For long reach passive optical networks, double-sideband intensity modulation and direct detection can offer the advantages of low cost and low complexity. In this paper, we investigate a joint chromatic dispersion (CD) and nonlinearity compensation technique using super-Nyquist image-induced aliasing and a Volterra series-based simplified nonlinear equalizer (SNE) in a decision feedback manner. The SNE employed in our experiments offers signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance comparable to the conventional nonlinear equalizers (NE), but with much fewer coefficients. The distribution of the nonlinear coefficients and the memory length of the SNE/NE are also investigated. Experimental results show that with the proposed aliasing-based CD compensation technique combined with SNE used in each down-sampled signal before per-subcarrier maximum ratio combining, the SNR can be significantly improved. The data rate of the 10-GHz optical OFDM signals is increased by 45%, 52%, and 51% after 48.8, 79.2, and 99.6 km of standard single mode fiber transmission, respectively, compared with those without CD/nonlinearity compensation.
MiR-203 controls proliferation, migration and invasive potential of prostate cancer cell lines

Prostate cancers show a slow progression from a local lesion (primary tumor) to a metastatic and hormone-resistant phenotype. After an initial step of hyperplasia, in a high percentage of cases a neoplastic transformation event occurs that, less frequently, is followed by epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasion of healthy tissues (usually bones). MicroRNA-203 (miR-203) is a tumor suppressor microRNA often silenced in different malignancies. Here, we show that miR-203 is downregulated in clinical primary prostatic tumors compared to normal prostate tissue, and in metastatic prostate cancer cell lines compared to normal epithelial prostatic cells. Overexpression of miR-203 in brain or bone metastatic prostate cell lines (DU145 and PC3) is sufficient to induce a mesenchymal to epithelial transition with inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness. We have identified CKAP2, LASP1, BIRC5, WASF1, ASAP1 and RUNX2 as new miR-203 direct target mRNAs involved in these events. Therefore, miR-203 could be a potentially new prognostic marker and therapeutic target in metastatic prostate cancer.
Assessing Fertility among Cultivars of Winged Euonymus

Significance to Industry: Invasive species are an important issue for the nursery industry. A limited number of non-native species that are grown for landscape use can be weedy to the point of being invasive, i.e., their introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health that outweighs any beneficial effects (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/docs/council/isacdef.pdf). Winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus), for example, has been found to naturalize over broad areas and habitats (http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/). Concern over potential environmental impacts has recently led numerous states to ban or limit sales of winged euonymus. However, winged euonymus continues to be an economically, aesthetically, and environmentally important crop. As such, the selection/development of seedless/noninvasive cultivars would be an ideal solution whereby these valuable plants can be utilized without detriment. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare fertility of E. alatus ‘Compactus’ with E. alatus ‘Odom’ Little MosesTM (USPP# 13168), a cultivar that has been observed to have low fertility in field and production settings.
Cellular responses to human chondrocytes: absence of allogeneic responses in the presence of HLA‐DR and ICAM‐1

To assess the accessory cell function of human articular chondrocytes, we assessed the ability of human chondrocytes to stimulate allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to support phytohacmagglutinin (PHA)‐induced proliferation of highly purified T cells. We also examined the surface expression of HLA‐DR and ICAM‐1 on the chondrocytes both unstimulated and stimulated with cytokines in vitro. Chondrocytes failed to stimulate allogeneic PBMC despite the constitutive expression of MHC class I molecules and the cytokine‐induced expression of class II molecules but were able to support T cell proliferation to PHA, IFN‐γ and to a limited extent, IL‐1β, induced class II expression on chondrocytes. ICAM‐1 was present on 94–99% of freshly isolated cells; this declined with culture (17–59%; P<0.005) but was readily induced by IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha. Alloreactivity and, presumably, autoreactivity to chondrocytes requires factors in addition to the surface expression of DR and ICAM‐1. However the presence of these molecules suggests a capacity for cell‐cell interactions in inflammatory sites such as the cartilage pannus junction.