Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polarimetric Two-Scale Two-Component Model for the Retrieval of Soil Moisture Under Moderate Vegetation via L-Band SAR Data

Recently, we have proposed a retrieval technique based on an original polarimetric two-scale model (PTSM), which is able to estimate the volumetric water content of bare soils from polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. In this paper, to extend the field of application of our retrieval technique to moderately vegetated soils, we combine the PTSM with a randomly oriented dipole-cloud volumetric scattering model, thus obtaining a polarimetric two-scale two-component model (PTSTCM). By using this model we show that, in principle, suitable combinations of the polarimetric SAR channels, i.e., “modified copolarized ratio” and “modified copolarized correlation coefficient,” are related only to the surface parameters because the dependence on the unknown volumetric contribution intensity cancels out. This allows us to retrieve soil moisture from L-band SAR data not only for bare soils but also in moderately vegetated areas, interested by a nonnegligible volumetric scattering contribution, provided that the double-bounce scattering component is negligible. In addition, describing the surface component by using the PTSM allows us to mitigate the well-known problem of overestimating the volume component, which affects most model-based target decompositions and that may lead to the so-called “negative power problem. ” Both the performance and validity limits of the estimation method are assessed by comparing the obtained soil-moisture retrieval results to “in situ” measurements. To this aim, data from SMEX'03 and AGRISAR'06 campaigns available in literature are considered. They refer to sites with a flat topography. In particular, we employ the AGRISAR database, which includes data from several fields covering a period that spans all the phases of vegetation growth, to explore the validity range of the method in terms of vegetation height. Results of PTSTCM are also compared with those of available three-component methods (3CMs) employing more simplified surface scattering models. It has turned out that the use of the PTSTCM provides more accurate results for low vegetation (average modulus of soil moisture relative error for vegetation height smaller than 50 cm: 18.5% for the PTSTCM and 34% for the 3CM). Conversely, for higher vegetation, 3CMs should be more conveniently employed (average modulus of relative error for vegetation height greater than 50 cm: 17.5% for the 3CM and about 100% for the PTSTCM). A simple method to adaptively and automatically (i.e., based on measured data) select between PTSTCM and 3CM on a pixel-by-pixel basis is finally suggested, leading to a less than 20% average modulus of relative error on the retrieved soil moisture for the considered fields over the entire vegetation growth cycle.
The Zurich urban micro aerial vehicle dataset

This paper presents a dataset recorded on-board a camera-equipped micro aerial vehicle flying within the urban streets of Zurich, Switzerland, at low altitudes (i.e. 5–15 m above the ground). The 2 km dataset consists of time synchronized aerial high-resolution images, global position system and inertial measurement unit sensor data, ground-level street view images, and ground truth data. The dataset is ideal to evaluate and benchmark appearance-based localization, monocular visual odometry, simultaneous localization and mapping, and online three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms for micro aerial vehicles in urban environments.
Block boundary filtering for intra prediction samples

This paper presents a new intra prediction technique for HEVC, which is next-generation video coding standard that has collaboratively been developed by ISO/MPEG and ITU-T/VCEG. On intra coding for HEVC, extension of MPEG4-AVC/H.264-like intra prediction scheme has been studied. In this conventional scheme, the prediction block is generated by simply copying adjacent reference samples, interpolating the reference samples toward prediction direction or averaging the reference samples. Thus, signal discontinuity between prediction block and adjacent reconstructed blocks could occur, which causes loss of coding efficiency of residual signal. In this paper, we propose an adaptive filtering scheme for intra prediction samples generated by either DC or directional prediction that solves the above issue. According to our evaluation, the proposed scheme achieves approximately 0.6% bitrate savings on average compared to the conventional AVC-style intra coding.
The External Knowledge Sources for Firms' Technology Capabilities Accumulation

This paper handles two questions: Do external technology sources have determined technology capability accumulation in Chinese firms? If so, which sources are more important, foreign technologies or Chinese institutions and customers? To deal with these questions, according to our research on some Chinese firms, we select some types of technological change and the stage of firms' technology capabilities evolution as explanatory variables of external knowledge sources. Basing on the survey data administered to six manufacturing firms of four industries in China, we have found that they all view external knowledge sources as important forces to accumulate technology capabilities. Furthermore, through data analysis, we discover that the six firms can be divided into two types: one type consists of five firms, their primary external sources are foreign firms. The second type consists of two firms, their primary external knowledge sources are Chinese universities and the institutes of scientific research and customers. This result is consistent with our theory analysis
A sparsity constrained low-rank matrix completion approach for image tag refinement

In recent years, the vast images with user-provided tags are easily available on the photo-sharing platform, which can greatly promote image retrieval and management. However, these tags often are incomplete and noisy, impeding the tag related image applications. To address this challenge, a Sparsity Constrained Low-Rank Matrix Completion (SCLRMC) model is proposed for simultaneously completing and de-noising the image tags. Compared with the previous low-rank matrix completion model, the SCLRMC model integrates with the inherent sparsity property of image tags. Furthermore, a Linearized Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (LADMM) based on Proximal Forward Backward Splitting (PFBS) algorithm is employed to solve the proposed SCLRMC model. Experimental results on the benchmark datasets well verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed SCLRMC model.
A model for the analysis of competitive relaxation effects of manganese and iron in vivo

Manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) are both paramagnetic species that can affect magnetic resonance relaxation rates. They also share common transport systems in vivo and thus in experimental models of metal exposure their effects on relaxation rates may interact in a complex fashion. Here we present a novel model to interpret the combined effects of Mn and Fe on MRI relaxation rates. To achieve varying levels of both metals, adult rats were separated into four groups; a control group and three groups treated with weekly intravenous injections of 3 mg Mn/kg body for 14 weeks. The three treated groups were fed either a normal diet, Fe deficient or Fe enriched diet. All rats were scanned using MRI at the 14th week to measure regional water relaxation rates. Rat brains were removed at the end of the study (14th week) and dissected into regions for measurement of Mn and Fe by atomic absorption spectroscopy. For the normal diet groups, R1 was strongly correlated with tissue Mn concentrations. However, the slopes of the linear regression fits varied significantly among different brain regions, and a simple linear model failed to explain the changes in relaxation rate when both Mn and Fe contents changed. We propose a competition model, which is based on the ability of Mn and Fe to compete in vivo for common binding sites. The combined effect of Mn and Fe on the relaxation rates is complicated and additional studies will be necessary to explain how MRI signals are affected when the levels of both metals are varied. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase transitions and modulated phases in lipid bilayers.

Lipid molecules have charged or polar heads and one or two hydrocarbon tails. When dissolved in water at suKcient concentration, they self-assemble into bilayer membranes in which their oily tails are shielded &om contact with the surrounding water. Under appropriate conditions, lamellar phases consisting of periodically spaced parallel membranes separated by water are the equilibrium phases. Membranes in lamellar phases as well as isolated membranes (e.g. , in closed vesicles) can exhibit varying degrees of order. It is customary to classify membrane order according to the equilibrium lamellar phase whose membranes exhibit that order. There is the L or fluid phase [1] in which the long axes of constituent molecules, like those of a smectic-A liquid crystal, are on average parallel to the membrane or layer normal. There are the Lp phases [1] in which long molecular axes, like those in a smectic-C liquid crystal, tilt on average relative to the membrane or layer normal. The molecular tilt de6nes a two-dimensional tangent-plane order parameter. The L p phases, of which there are three, also exhibit hexatic bond-angle order and are distinguished &om each other by the angle the tilt direction makes with the direction of hexatic order [2]. Finally, there is the rippled or Ppi phase [1,2]. This phase, whose lamellar realization is depicted schematically in Fig. 1, is characterized by a one-dimensional height modulation of each membrane [1—6] in addition to nonzero tilt [1,3]. The height modulations of the lamellar Ppi phase have two-dimensional crystalline symmetry in the plane containing the layer normals and the membrane modulation vector. In the direction perpendicular to this plane, there is only fluid. like short-range order if the membranes themselves have only orientational order, not crystalline order. A schematic representation of the phase diagram for dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) in the temperature —relative-humidity plane is shown in Fig. 2. In this paper, we present and analyze a phenomenological Landau model [7] for tilted bilayer membranes that includes coupling between tangent-plane order and membrane shape (or curvature) and chiral couplings present when constituent molecules are chiral. This model predicts phase transitions from the L phase to the tilted Lp phases. It also predicts the possible existence of a number of distinct rippled phases distinguished by height
Trust in the new information age

In promoting new ways of communicating and doing business, AT&T and other creators of new communications systems need to address some issues of fundamental importance to our customers. People need to have a sense of security about the information that they store, transmit, and receive. They must have confidence in its integrity, source, and destination. Commitments implied by an electronic transaction must be backed by authority that is clearly defined and dependable. People and organizations must also be confident that their correspondence and transactions will not be electronically collected and pieced together to form an image that may someday be used to haunt them. These issues touch the very essence of AT&T's business, and they will affect AT&T's success in carrying out its mission. This paper highlights some ways in which security technology can be used to address fundamental problems that arise with the introduction of new information and communications systems.
Alteration of DNA binding, dimerization, and nuclear translocation of SHOX homeodomain mutations identified in idiopathic short stature and Leri‐Weill dyschondrosteosis

Haploinsufficiency of the short stature homeobox gene SHOX has been found in patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS) and Leri‐Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD). In addition to complete gene deletions and nonsense mutations, several missense mutations have been identified in both patient groups, leading to amino acid substitutions in the SHOX protein. The majority of missense mutations were found to accumulate in the region encoding the highly conserved homeodomain of the paired‐like type. In this report, we investigated nine different amino acid exchanges in the homeodomain of SHOX patients with ISS and LWD. We were able show that these mutations cause an alteration of the biological function of SHOX by loss of DNA binding, reduced dimerization ability, and/or impaired nuclear translocation. Additionally, one of the mutations (c.458G>T, p.R153L) is defective in transcriptional activation even though it is still able to bind to DNA, dimerize, and translocate to the nucleus. Thus, we demonstrate that single missense mutations in the homeodomain fundamentally impair SHOX key functions, thereby leading to the phenotype observed in patients with LWD and ISS. Hum Mutat 26(1), 44–52, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sheets of embryonic epidermis can be isolated and cultured with or without the basal lamina

In the current study, we determine the concentration of Dispase II, a neutral protease, and the incubation time necessary for isolation of embryonic avian epidermis. The epidermis can be isolated from the dermis consistently with or without the basal lamina. Because the action of Dispase II is selective and easily controlled, this study suggests that Dispase can serve as a powerful tool for studying epidermal‐extracellular matrix interactions. In further experiments we study the response of sheets of epidermis isolated with and without its basal lamina to extracellular matrix. When the epidermis is isolated without the basal lamina, the basal surface blebs and the actin in the basal cytoplasm are disrupted. Epidermis isolated without the basal lamina and cultured on extracellular matrix reorganizes the basal actin mat and retracts the blebs. However, epidermis isolated without the basal lamina and cultured in the absence of extracellular matrix continues to have blebs and a disorganized actin cortical mat. In contrast, the control epidermis isolated with the basal lamina retains a flat basal surface and organized actin cortical mat after culturing either with or without extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix has been shown by many investigators to play an important role in cytoskeletal organization, metabolism, and differentiation. How the extracellular matrix interacts and influences these functions has not been completely elucidated. The ability to isolate tissue consistently with and without its basal lamina using Dispase II will facilitate addressing these and other epithelial cell biology questions.
The Regulation of the Differential Expression of the Human Globin Genes During Development

Although a great deal is known about the structure and molecular pathology of the human haemoglobin genes it is still not clear how their differential expression during normal development is regulated. As well as being of considerable interest to developmental geneticists, this problem has important practical implications. Varia­ bility in the expression of the foetal globin genes plays a major role in modifying the clinical course of some of the common genetic disorders of adult haemoglobin production. If it were possible to prevent the switching off of foetal haemoglobin production after the neonatal period, or to reactivate it even partially, we would have an extremely valuable approach to the management of these conditions, which are globally the commonest single gene disorders. Here I shall summarize what has been learnt from the experimental systems that are being used to study the regulation of the developmental changes in globin gene expression. It will be possible to touch on only those areas that seem to be of particular promise for future work. Several recent reviews cover human haemoglobin genetics and the developmental biology of haemoglobin in more detail (Wood & Weatherall, 1983; Collins & Weissman, 1984; Orkin & Kazazian, 1984; Weatherall, Higgs, Wood & Clegg, 1984; Weatherall & Wainscoat, 1985); original references to much of the experimental work described here will be found in these articles.
DRUSEN CHARACTERIZATION WITH MULTIMODAL IMAGING

Purpose: To characterize the known appearance of cuticular drusen, subretinal drusenoid deposits (reticular pseudodrusen), and soft drusen as revealed by multimodal fundus imaging and to create an explanatory model that accounts for these observations. Methods: Reported color, fluorescein angiographic, autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography images of patients with cuticular drusen, soft drusen, and subretinal drusenoid deposits were reviewed, as were actual images from affected eyes. Representative histological sections were examined. The geometry, location, and imaging characteristics of these lesions were evaluated. A hypothesis based on the Beer-Lambert law of light absorption was generated to fit these observations. Results: Cuticular drusen appear as numerous, uniform, round, yellow-white punctate accumulations under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Soft drusen are larger, yellow-white dome-shaped mounds of deposit under the RPE. Subretinal drusenoid deposits are polymorphous light-gray interconnected accumulations above the RPE. Based on the model, both cuticular and soft drusen appear yellow because of the removal of shorter wavelength light by a double pass through the RPE. Subretinal drusenoid deposits, which are located on the RPE, are not subjected to short-wavelength attenuation and therefore are more prominent when viewed with blue light. The location and morphology of extracellular material in relationship to the RPE, and associated changes to RPE morphology and pigmentation, appeared to be the primary determinants of druse appearance in different imaging modalities. Conclusion: Although cuticular drusen, subretinal drusenoid deposits, and soft drusen are composed of common components, they are distinguishable by multimodal imaging because of differences in location, morphology, and optical filtering effects by drusenoid material and the RPE.
A Further Piece of the Puzzle: Positive FOBT, Colonoscopy, Aspirin and the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

COX-2 inhibitors with a statistically significant 34% reduction in overall adenoma recurrence risk (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.60–0.72) and a 55% reduction in advanced adenoma incidence (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.35–0.58) in a population of individuals with a previous history of colonic adenomas. However, no data are available for COX-2 inhibitors for the general population [1] . Although these data are promising, it should be mentioned that both aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors are associated with adverse effects like dyspepsia, gastrointestinal bleeding and haemorrhagic stroke ( table 1 ). Therefore, it will still be important to consider the risk-benefit ratio before recommending these agents for general chemoprevention. Whereas chemoprevention aims to prevent the development of CRC, the use of FOBT and screening colonoscopy target at the early detection of colonic lesions like adenoma or early CRC. It was promptly assumed that early detection and removal of colonic adenomas has the potential to prevent the development of CRC. A systematic review done through the Cochrane Collaboration, examining all CRC screening randomized trials that involved FOBT on more than one occasion, showed that trial participants allocated to screening had a 16% lower CRC mortality (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78–0.90) [3] . Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the cause of death in more than 600,000 people worldwide and is one of the most frequent cancers in the Western world. Therefore, the search for effective strategies for prevention or detection of adenomas or early CRC with the potential of cure has a high priority. In several countries the current practised strategies include fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and/ or screening colonoscopies for the detection of colonic cancer or removal of colonic adenomas (polyps). One of the most promising agents for chemoprevention is aspirin or a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor like celecoxib. In the general population, a significant 26% reduction in CRC incidence by aspirin intake was demonstrated in studies with a 23-year follow-up (relative risk (RR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57– 0.97) [1] . In addition, an analysis of aspirin versus no aspirin in individuals with a history of adenomas or CRC has shown a statistically significant 21% reduction in risk of adenoma recurrence (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.68–0.92) [1] . A very recent study on the long-term effect (56 months) of aspirin on cancer risk in carriers of hereditary CRC (CAPP2 Trial) confirmed this positive effect and reported a reduced risk of CRC (incidence rate ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 –0.99, p = 0.05) [2] . Similar data are available for Published online: April 21, 2012
Oral leukoplakia and malignant transformation. A follow‐up study of 257 patients

Two hundred fifty‐seven patients with oral leukoplakia were studied and followed for an average period of 7.2 years. All lesions were more than one cm in size and had been present and observed for a minimum of 6 months. Of the initial biopsies, 235 revealed a benign hyperkeratosis and 22 others contained some degree of epithelial dysplasia. Seventy‐three percent of the patients used tobacco, with cigarette usage being the predominant form. Forty‐five patients (17.5%) subsequently developed squamous carcinomas in the hyperkeratotic epithelial site in an average time of 8.1 years. Eight of these malignant transformations came from patients who originally had epithelial dysplasia. High risks for malignant transformation also included non‐smoking patients, the clinical presence of erythroplasia (erythroleukoplakia), and a clinical verrucous‐papillary hyperkeratotic pattern. Duration of the leukoplakia progressively increased the total number of malignant transformations, with the largest rate occurring in the second year. This study confirms that oral leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion and that certain characteristics indicate greater risks and warrant consideration of more aggressive management.