Apparent Features Research Articles

Deep self-taught learning for facial beauty prediction

Most modern research of facial beauty prediction focuses on geometric features by traditional machine learning methods. Geometric features may easily lose much feature information characterizing facial beauty, rely heavily on accurate manual landmark localization of facial features and impose strict restrictions on training samples. Deep architectures have been recently demonstrated to be a promising area of research in statistical machine learning. In this paper, deep self-taught learning is utilized to obtain hierarchical representations, learn the concept of facial beauty and produce human-like predictor. Deep learning is helpful to recognize a broad range of visual concept effectively characterizing facial beauty. Through deep learning, reasonable apparent features of face images are extracted without depending completely on artificial feature selection. Self-taught learning, which has the ability of automatically improving network systems to understand the characteristics of data distribution and making recognition significantly easier and cheaper, is used to relax strict restrictions of training samples. Moreover, in order to choose a more appropriate method for mapping high-level representations into beauty ratings efficiently, we compare the performance of five regression methods and prove that support vector machine (SVM) regression is better. In addition, novel applications of deep self-taught learning on local binary pattern (LBP) and Gabor filters are presented, and the improvements on facial beauty prediction are shown by deep self-taught learning combined with LBP. Finally, human-like performance is obtained with learning features in full-sized and high-resolution images.

The More Control, the Better?

Despite of the popularity of interactive movie trailers, rigorous research on one of the most apparent features of these interfaces – the level of user control – has been scarce. This study explored the effects of user control on users’ immersion and enjoyment of the movie trailers, moderated by the content type. We conducted a 2 (high user control versus low user control) × 2 (drama film trailer versus documentary film trailer) mixed-design factorial experiment. The results showed that the level of user control over movie trailer interfaces decreased users’ immersion when the trailer had an element of traditional story structure, such as a drama film trailer. Participants in the high user control condition answered that they were less fascinated with, absorbed in, focused on, mentally involved with, and emotionally affected by the movie trailer than participants in the low user control condition only with the drama movie trailer. The negative effects of user control on the level of immersion for the drama trailer translated into users’ enjoyment. The impact of user control over interfaces on immersion and enjoyment varies depending on the nature of the media content, which suggests a possible trade-off between the level of user control and entertainment outcomes.

Characterization of the porosity distribution in the upper part of the karst Biscayne aquifer using common offset ground penetrating radar, Everglades National Park, Florida

• We use common offset GPR to rapidly characterize porosity in karst limestone. • We demonstrate the ability of GPR to characterize subsurface heterogeneities. • The CRIM petrophysical model is used to build field scale GPR-based porosity models. The karst Biscayne aquifer is characterized by a heterogeneous spatial arrangement of porosity and hydraulic conductivity, making conceptualization difficult. The Biscayne aquifer is the primary source of drinking water for millions of people in south Florida; thus, information concerning the distribution of karst features that concentrate the groundwater flow and affect contaminant transport is critical. The principal purpose of the study was to investigate the ability of two-dimensional ground penetrating radar (GPR) to rapidly characterize porosity variability in the karst Biscayne aquifer in south Florida. An 800-m-long GPR transect of a previously investigated area at the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park, collected in fast acquisition common offset mode, shows hundreds of diffraction hyperbolae. The distribution of diffraction hyperbolae was used to estimate electromagnetic (EM) wave velocity at each diffraction location and to assess both horizontal and vertical changes in velocity within the transect. A petrophysical model (complex refractive index model or CRIM) was used to estimate total bulk porosity. A set of common midpoint surveys at selected locations distributed along the common-offset transect also were collected for comparison with the common offsets and were used to constrain one-dimensional (1-D) distributions of porosity with depth. Porosity values for the saturated Miami Limestone ranged between 25% and 41% for common offset GPR surveys, and between 23% and 39% for common midpoint GPR surveys. Laboratory measurements of porosity in five whole-core samples from the saturated part of the aquifer in the study area ranged between 7.1% and 41.8%. GPR estimates of porosity were found to be valid only under saturated conditions; other limitations are related to the vertical resolution of the GPR signal and the volume of the material considered by the measurement methodology. Overall, good correspondence between GPR estimates and the direct porosity values from the whole-core samples confirms the ability of GPR common offset surveys to provide rapid characterization of porosity variability in the Biscayne aquifer. The common offset survey method has several advantages: (1) improved time efficiency in comparison to other GPR acquisition modes such as common midpoints; and (2) enhanced lateral continuity of porosity estimates, particularly when compared to porosity measurements on 1-D samples such as rock cores. The results also support the presence of areas of low EM wave velocity or high porosity under saturated conditions, causing velocity pull-down areas and apparent sag features in the reflection record. This study shows that GPR can be a useful tool for improving understanding of the petrophysical properties of highly heterogeneous systems such as karst aquifers, and thus may assist with the development of more accurate groundwater flow models, such as those used for restoration efforts in the Everglades.

A tomographic osteology of the taxonomically puzzling catfishKryptoglanis shajii(Siluriformes, Siluroidei,incertae sedis): description and a first phylogenetic interpretation

The recent discovery and description of an unusually puzzling catfish, Kryptoglanis shajii Vincent and Thomas (2011) from ground and surface waters in Kerala State, southwestern, peninsular India, added an unresolved taxon to the order Siluriformes. Here we use high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) and X-radiography to illustrate, describe and compare the bony skeleton of Kryptoglanis with the objective of determining its phylogenetic position.Several characteristics of Kryptoglanis are strongly modified and structurally complex, setting this catfish apart from other siluriforms. Striking examples are its greatly shortened mesethmoid with overlapping frontals; non-tubular nasal bone; absence of the infraorbital lateralis sensory canal and canal bones but with an apparent antorbital bone; the flat and expansive orbitosphenoid; the vaulted supraoccipital-Weberian neural arch joint; the fenestrated occipital wall; the upwardly flexed occipito-vertebral joint; three pairs of elongated accessory processes off the compound Weberian vertebra; a unique exoccipital process for attachment of the transscapular ligament; hyomandibular-sphenotic ball and socket articulation; a serially notched anterior ceratohyal; and a novel posttemporo-supracleithum joint with the fourth transverse process. Some of these apparent autapomorphic features may eventually be found in some other siluriforms and judged to be informative on phylogenetic relationships. Presently, however, we have identified a few features that support the placement of Kryptoglanis in the Siluroidei (the presence of a posterior nostril barbel and position of the pterosphenoid along the anterior margin of the trigeminofacial foramen), and therein, as the sister lineage to family Siluridae (the nodular form and small size of the autopalatine).

“Snake”: New Object of Hypothetical Venusian Fauna

On March 1 and 5, 1982, experiments in television photography instrumented by the landers VENERA-13 and 14 returned panoramas of the Venus surface at the landing site. Over the past 31 years, no similar missions have been sent to Venus. In connection with the renewed interest in what was occurring during the experiment and to the discovery of manifestations of possible life revealed on some of the pictures, the panoramas were re-examined. Analysis of treated once again VENERA-14 panoramic images revealed a “snake” object about 40 cm in size possessing apparent terramorphic features. The snake’s body stands out with its honeycomb, spotty surface against the stone plates close by. The “snake” can be included into the list of the most significant findings of the hypothetical Venusian fauna. Apart from that, of interest is a “dove” object, although details of its structure cannot be discerned. The snake’s body show slow movements, which is another evidence of the Venusian fauna’s very slow style of activity, which appears to be associated with its energy constraints, and that is more likely, with the properties of its internal medium. The terramorphic features of the fauna, if they are confirmed, may point out outstandingly important and yet undiscovered general laws of the animated nature.

Signs of hypothetical fauna of Venus

On March 1 and 5, 1982, experiments in television photography instrumented by the landers VENERA-13 and -14, yielded 37 panoramas (or their fragments) of the Venus surface at the landing site. Over the past 31 years, no similar missions have been sent to Venus. Using a modern technique the VENERA panoramas were re-examined. A new analysis of Venusian surface panoramas' details has been made. A few relatively large objects of hypothetical fauna of Venus were found with size ranging from a decimeter to half meter and with unusual morphology. Treated once again VENERA-14 panoramic images revealed 'amisada' object about 15 cm in size possessing apparent terramorphic features. The amisada's body stands out with its lizard-like shape against the stone plates close by. The amisada can be included into the list of the most significant findings of the hypothetical Venusian fauna. The amisada's body show slow movements, which is another evidence of the Venusian fauna's very slow style of activity, which appears to be associated with its energy constraints or, and that is more likely, with the properties of its internal medium. The terramorphic features of the Venusian fauna, if they are confirmed, may point out at outstandingly important and yet undiscovered general laws of the animated nature on different planets. 1 Introduction. Finds of the TV-VENERA experiments The results of a series of Soviet VENERA missions are the only existing observations of Venus' surface; they were conducted in 1975 and 1982 (1-4). The experiments were of extreme technical complexity. Over the years, they have not been repeated by any Russian or other space agencies. Recently a new analysis of Venusian surface panoramas' details has been made. A few samples of the planet's hypothetical flora have been found. The lander VENERA-13 worked longer than the others (127 min instead of 30 min guaranteed.) The coordinates of the lander landing site were 7.5°S, 303.5°E, and its height above the level of radius 6051 km was 1.9 km (5). The temperature was 735 K (462°C) and the pressure was 8.87 MPa, which corresponds to the atmospheric density 59.5 kg/m3, with the composition CO2 (96.5%) and N2 (3.5%). The local time was 10:00 am, and the solar zenith angle was of 37°. Illumination by the diffused sunlight was 3-3.5 kLux.

“Snake”: One more Terramorphic Entity of the Hypothetical Venus Fauna

During the years that passed since the time of TV experiments employing VENERA landers (1975 and 1982), no similar experiments or missions to Venus have been performed. Analysis of treated once gain VENERA-13 and VENERA-14 panoramic images revealed (among other hypothetic living entities) a 'snake' object about 40 cm in size possessing apparent terramorphic features. The snake’s body stands out with its honeycomb, spotty surface against the stone plates close by. The ‘snake’ can be included into the list of the most significant findings of the hypothetical Venusian fauna. Apart from that, of interest is a ‘dove’ object, although details of its structure cannot be discerned. The snake’s body show slow movements, which is another evidence of the Venusian fauna’s very slow style of activity, which appears to be associated with its energy constraints or, and that is more likely, with the properties of an internal medium of its body. The terramorphic features of the fauna, if they are confirmed, may point out at outstandingly important and yet undiscovered general laws of the animated nature.

“Snake”: One more Terramorphic Entity of the Hypothetical Venus Fauna

During the years that passed since the time of TV experiments employing VENERA landers (1975 and 1982), no similar experiments or missions to Venus have been performed. Analysis of treated once gain VENERA-13 and VENERA-14 panoramic images revealed (among other hypothetic living entities) a 'snake' object about 40 cm in size possessing apparent terramorphic features. The snake’s body stands out with its honeycomb, spotty surface against the stone plates close by. The ‘snake’ can be included into the list of the most significant findings of the hypothetical Venusian fauna. Apart from that, of interest is a ‘dove’ object, although details of its structure cannot be discerned. The snake’s body show slow movements, which is another evidence of the Venusian fauna’s very slow style of activity, which appears to be associated with its energy constraints or, and that is more likely, with the properties of an internal medium of its body. The terramorphic features of the fauna, if they are confirmed, may point out at outstandingly important and yet undiscovered general laws of the animated nature.

Turkish experience in rheumatoid arthritis patients with clinical apparent amyloid deposition

Objectives: We evaluated the frequency of clinical apparent amyloid deposition, clinical features and outcome in our rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Methods: Medical records of 1415 RA patients were examined. During routine follow-up, RA patients with proteinuria on urinalysis, underwent rectal biopsy.Results: Eleven patients (0.78%) were diagnosed with clinical apparent amyloid deposition. While the mean annual incidence of AA amyloidosis between 2001 and 2005 was 0.2%, it was 0.13% between 2006 and 2011. At initial presentation, three RA-related AA amyloidosis patients had nephrotic-range proteinuria and renal insufficiency, four had only nephrotic-range proteinuria, three had non-nephrotic-range proteinuria, and one had non-nephrotic-range proteinuria and renal insufficiency. The mean age in RA patients with AA amyloidosis was 60.8 years and disease duration was 12 years. Ten of 11 cases had positive rheumatoid factor. Two RA patients with AA amyloidosis who had been diagnosed in the pre-anti-TNF era died. Of the rest nine patients with AA amyloidosis, eight were administered anti-TNF therapy and one was given rituximab. In four patients, anti-TNF therapy led to disappearance of clinical features, decrement in proteinuria and resulted in improvement of or at least stabilization of renal functions. One patient using anti-TNF therapy died because of tuberculosis. One patient discontinued anti-TNF therapy and developed end-stage renal disease. Two patients have been started to be given anti-TNF therapy recently. In one patient who was given rituximab, there was regression of proteinuria and improvement in renal functions.Conclusions: We diagnosed a 0.78% frequency of AA amyloidosis in RA. It seems that – other than the risks of infection, tuberculosis – anti-TNF drugs seem to be effective on RA disease activity and also have renoprotective effects in RA patients with AA amyloidosis.

Mono- and Polynuclear Copper(II) Complexes of Alloferons 1 with Point Mutations (H6A) and (H12A): Stability Structure and Cytotoxicity

Mononuclear and polynuclear copper(II) complexes of the alloferons 1 (Allo1) with point mutations (H6A) H(1)GVSGA(6)GQH(9)GVH(12)G-COOH (Allo6A) and (H12A) H(1)GVSGH(6)GQH(9)GVA(12)G-COOH (Allo12A) have been studied by potentiometric, UV-visible, CD, EPR spectroscopic, and mass spectrometry (MS) methods. Complete complex speciation at different metal-to-ligand ratios ranging from 1:1 to 3:1 was obtained. At physiological pH 7.4 and a 1:1 metal-to-ligand molar ratio, the Allo6A and Allo12A peptides form CuL complexes with the 4N {NH2, N(Im)-H(1),2N(Im)} binding mode. The amine nitrogen donor and the imidazole nitrogen atoms (H(9)H(12) or H(6)H(9)) can be considered to be independent metal-binding sites in the species formed for the systems studied. As a consequence, di- and trinuclear complexes for the metal-to-ligand 2:1 and 3:1 molar ratios dominate in solution, respectively. The induction of apoptosis in vivo in Tenebrio molitor cells by the ligands and their copper(II) complexes at pH 7.4 was studied. The biological results show that copper(II) ions in vivo did not cause any apparent apoptotic features. The most active was the Cu(II)-Allo12A complex formed at pH 7.4 with a {NH2, N(Im)-H(1),N(Im)-H(6),N(Im)-H(9)} binding site. It exhibited 123% higher of caspase activity in hemocytes than the native peptide, Allo1.

Perceptual experience and seeing that $$p$$

I open my eyes and see that the lemon before me is yellow. States like this—states of seeing that \(p\)—appear to be visual perceptual states, in some sense. They also appear to be propositional attitudes (and so states with propositional representational contents). It might seem, then, like a view of perceptual experience on which experiences have propositional representational contents—a Propositional View—has to be the correct sort of view for states of seeing that \(p\). And thus we can’t sustain fully general non-Propositional but Representational, or Relational Views of experience. But despite what we might initially be inclined to think when reflecting upon the apparent features of states of seeing that \(p\), a non-propositional view of seeing that \(p\) is, I argue, perfectly intelligible.

Fast and Accurate Inference for the Smoothing Parameter in Semiparametric Models

SummaryA fast and accurate method of confidence interval construction for the smoothing parameter in penalised spline and partially linear models is proposed. The method is akin to a parametric percentile bootstrap where Monte Carlo simulation is replaced by saddlepoint approximation, and can therefore be viewed as an approximate bootstrap. It is applicable in a quite general setting, requiring only that the underlying estimator be the root of an estimating equation that is a quadratic form in normal random variables. This is the case under a variety of optimality criteria such as those commonly denoted by maximum likelihood (ML), restricted ML (REML), generalized cross validation (GCV) and Akaike's information criteria (AIC). Simulation studies reveal that under the ML and REML criteria, the method delivers a near‐exact performance with computational speeds that are an order of magnitude faster than existing exact methods, and two orders of magnitude faster than a classical bootstrap. Perhaps most importantly, the proposed method also offers a computationally feasible alternative when no known exact or asymptotic methods exist, e.g. GCV and AIC. An application is illustrated by applying the methodology to well‐known fossil data. Giving a range of plausible smoothed values in this instance can help answer questions about the statistical significance of apparent features in the data.

Pancreatic cancer: Lack of association between apparent diffusion coefficient values and adverse pathological features

To identify retrospectively potential associations between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and tumour grade as well as other pathological features, using histopathological assessment from the Whipple procedure as the reference standard. Thirty patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging with b-values of 0 and 500s/mm(2) before the Whipple procedure. Two radiologists independently recorded the ADC values of the tumour and benign pancreas for all cases. ADC values were compared with histopathological findings following the Whipple procedure. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.689 for benign pancreas and 0.695 for tumours, indicating good inter-reader agreement for ADC values. The mean ADC value was significantly lower in tumours than in benign pancreas for both readers (reader 1: 1.74±0.34×10(-3)mm(2)/s versus 2.08±0.48×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively, p=0.006; reader 2: 1.69±0.41×10(-3)mm(2)/s versus 2.11±0.54×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively, p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in mean ADC between poorly and well/moderately differentiated tumours for either reader (reader 1: 1.69±0.36×10(-3)mm(2)/s versus 1.78±0.33×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively, p=0.491; reader 2: 1.62±0.33×10(-3)mm(2)/s versus 1.75±0.49×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively, p=0.405). The area under the curve (AUC) for differentiation of poorly and well/moderately differentiated tumours was 0.611 and 0.596 for readers 1 and 2, respectively, and was not significantly better than an AUC of 0.500 for either reader (p≥0.306). In addition, ADC was not significantly different for either reader between tumours with stage T3 versus stage T1/T2, between tumours with and without metastatic peri-pancreatic lymph nodes, or between tumours located in the pancreatic head versus other pancreatic regions (p≥0.413). No associations between ADC values of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and tumour grade or other adverse pathological features were observed.

Stachyops, a new nototanaid genus (Crustacea: Peracarida: Tanaidacea) from New Zealand, with remarks on nototanaid and tanaissuid phylogeny

A new genus and species, Stachyops sebparri, is described from the eulittoral of Cook Strait, New Zealand and is the firstrecord of a nototanaid from one of the main islands. A very small species, it has several morphological characters that areshared with some species of the Tanaissuidae, such as a narrow mandibular molar and fewer pereopods 4–6 carpal spines,yet retains some apparent plesiomorphic features more typical of the Nototanaidae or other ‘basal’ paratanaoideans. Aphylogenetic analysis does group it with the Nototanaidae sensu Bird &amp; Larsen, but more phylogenetic studies of these two families are needed to clarify their composition, relationships, and validity.

Congenital hyperinsulinism in an infant with paternal uniparental disomy on chromosome 11p15: Few clinical features suggestive of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is the most common congenital overgrowth syndrome involving tumor predisposition. BWS is caused by various epigenetic or genetic alterations that disrupt the imprinted genes on chromosome 11p15.5 and the clinical findings of BWS are highly variable. Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is reported in about half of all babies with BWS. We identified an infant with diazoxide-unresponsive congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) without any apparent clinical features suggestive of BWS, but diagnosed BWS by molecular testing. The patient developed severe hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia within a few hours after birth, with macrosomia and mild hydronephrosis. We excluded mutations in the K(ATP) channel genes on chromosome 11p15.1, but found a rare homozygous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of ABCC8. Parental SNP pattern suggested paternal uniparetal disomy in this region. By microsatellite marker analysis on chromosome 11p15, we could diagnose BWS due to the mosaic of paternal uniparental disomy. Our case suggests that some HI of unknown genetic etiology could involve undiagnosed BWS with no apparent clinical features, which might be diagnosed only by molecular testing.

Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemistry of the Ni–Au Carbonyl Cluster [Ni12Au(CO)24]3– and Its Relation to [Ni32Au6(CO)44]6–

A detailed study of the reaction between [Ni(6)(CO)(12)](2-) and [AuCl(4)](-) afforded the isolation of the new Ni-Au cluster [Ni(12)Au(CO)(24)](3-) as well as identifying an improved synthesis for the previously reported [Ni(32)Au(6)(CO)(44)](6-). The new [Ni(12)Au(CO)(24)](3-) cluster is composed by two [Ni(6)(CO)(12)](2-) moieties coordinated to a central Au(I) ion, as determined by X-ray diffraction. It is noteworthy that the two [Ni(6)(CO)(12)](2-) fragments display different geometries, i.e., trigonal antiprismatic (distorted octahedral) and distorted trigonal prismatic (monocapped square pyramidal). The chemical reactivity of these clusters and their electrochemical behavior have been studied. [Ni(12)Au(CO)(24)](3-) is irreversibly transformed, upon electrochemical reduction, into Au(0) and [Ni(6)(CO)(12)](2-), followed by the reversible reduction of the latter homometallic cluster. Conversely, [Ni(32)Au(6)(CO)(44)](6-) displays five reductions, with apparent features of reversibility, confirming the ability of larger metal carbonyl clusters to reversibly accept and release electrons.

Consideration of a Primitive Chaos

Since the chaos was discovered, it has been recognized that we are surrounded by diverse chaotic behaviors. The purpose of this study is to reconsider the implication of this fact through the notion of a primitive chaos. Under natural conditions, each primitive chaos leads to apparent chaotic features, such as the existence of a nonperiodic orbit, the existence of the periodic point whose prime period is n for any n ∈ N , the existence of a dense orbit, the density of periodic points, sensitive dependence on initial conditions, and topological transitivity, while infinite varieties of the primitive chaos are guaranteed by a nondegenerate Peano continuum.

Quercetin 3-O-methyl ether protects FL83B cells from copper induced oxidative stress through the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk pathway

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that exhibits several biological functions in vitro and in vivo. Quercetin 3-O-methyl ether (Q3) is a natural product reported to have pharmaceutical activities, including antioxidative and anticancer activities. However, little is known about the mechanism by which it protects cells from oxidative stress. This study was designed to investigate the mechanisms by which Q3 protects against Cu2+-induced cytotoxicity. Exposure to Cu2+ resulted in the death of mouse liver FL83B cells, characterized by apparent apoptotic features, including DNA fragmentation and increased nuclear condensation. Q3 markedly suppressed Cu2+-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 activation, and PARP cleavage, in Cu2+-exposed cells. The involvement of PI3K, Akt, Erk, FOXO3A, and Mn-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) was shown to be critical to the survival of Q3-treated FL83B cells. The liver of both larval and adult zebrafish showed severe damage after exposure to Cu2+ at a concentration of 5μM. Hepatic damage induced by Cu2+ was reduced by cotreatment with Q3. Survival of Cu2+-exposed larval zebrafish was significantly increased by cotreatment with 15μM Q3. Our results indicated that Cu2+-induced apoptosis in FL83B cells occurred via the generation of ROS, upregulation and phosphorylation of Erk, overexpression of 14-3-3, inactivation of Akt, and the downregulation of FOXO3A and MnSOD. Hence, these results also demonstrated that Q3 plays a protective role against oxidative damage in zebrafish liver and remarked the potential of Q3 to be used as an antioxidant for hepatocytes.

Development of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in unaffected fellow eyes

PurposeTo assess longitudinal changes and determine their angiographic risk factors in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 47 patients with...

FAR-ULTRAVIOLET OBSERVATION OF THE AQUILA RIFT WITHFIMS/SPEAR

We present the results of far ultraviolet (FUV) observations of the broad region around the Aquila Rift including the Galactic plane. As compared with various wavelength data sets, dust scattering is found to be the major origin of the diffuse FUV continuum in this region. The FUV intensity clearly correlates with the dust extinction level for E(B – V) 0.2 due to heavy dust extinction combined with the effect of nonuniform interstellar radiation fields. The FUV intensity also correlates well with Hα intensity, implying that at least some fraction of the observed Hα emission could be the dust-scattered light of Hα photons originating elsewhere in the Galaxy. Most of the Aquila Rift region is seen devoid of diffuse FUV continuum due to heavy extinction while strong emission is observed in the surrounding regions. Molecular hydrogen fluorescent emission lines are clearly seen in the spectrum of Aquila-Serpens, while Aquila-East does not show any apparent line features. CO emission intensity is also found to be higher in the Aquila-Serpens region than in the Aquila-East region. In this regard, we note that regions of star formation have been found in Aquila-Serpens but not in Aquila-East.