Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An improved retrieval performance with hybrid shape descriptor and feature matching

Research on Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) has become popular as it offers solutions to overcome or complement the drawbacks of Text Based Image Retrieval (TBIR). In CBIR, feature extraction and feature matching are two critical processes, which are of high importance to the retrieval performance of the system. This paper introduces a new approach to shape-based image retrieval by combining global and local shape features using Zernike moments (ZM) and edge-gradient co-occurrence matrix (EGCM) respectively. Two-stage matching strategy is then used to measure similarity between images. Our proposed method achieves higher precision rate compared to other commonly used shape feature.
Complex network of channels beneath an Antarctic ice shelf

Ice shelves play an important role in stabilizing the interior grounded ice of the large ice sheets. The thinning of major ice shelves observed in recent years, possibly in connection to warmer ocean waters coming into contact with the ice‐shelf base, has focused attention on the ice‐ocean interface. Here we reveal a complex network of sub ice‐shelf channels under the Fimbul Ice Shelf, Antarctica, mapped using ground‐penetrating radar over a 100 km2 grid. The channels are 300–500 m wide and 50 m high, among the narrowest of any reported. Observing narrow channels beneath an ice shelf that is mainly surrounded by cold ocean waters, with temperatures close to the surface freezing point, shows that channelized basal melting is not restricted to rapidly melting ice shelves, indicating that spatial melt patterns around Antarctica are likely to vary on scales that are not yet incorporated in ice‐ocean models.
Optimizing Queries on Compressed Bitmaps

OptimizingQueriesOnCompressedBitmapsSihem Amer-YahiaAT&T Labs{Researchsihem@research.att. comTheo doreJohnsonjohnsont@research.att. comAbstractBitmap indices are used by DBMS's to accelerate decision supp ort queries.A signi cant advantage ofbitmap indices is that complex logical selection op erations can b e p erformed very quickly, by p erformingbit-wiseAND,OR,andNOTop erators.Althoughbitmapindicescanb espaceinecientforhighcardinalityattributes,the space use of compressed bitmapscompares well to other indexingmetho ds.Oracle and Sybase IQ are two commercial pro ducts that make extensive use of compressed bitmap indices.Our recent research showed that there are several fast algorithmsfor evaluatingBo oleanop eratorson compressedbitmaps.Dep endingon the natureof the op erandbitmaps(theirformat, densityandclusterdness) and the op eration to b e p erformed (AND, NOT, .), these algorithms can have executiontimes that are orders of magnitude di erent.Cho osing an algorithm for p erforming a Bo olean op erationhas global e ects in the Bo olean query expression, requiring global optimization.We present a linear timedynamicprogrammingsearch strategy based on a cost mo delto optimizequeryexpressionevaluationplans.We alsopresentrewritingheuristicsthat rewritethe queryexpressionto anequivalenonetoencourage b etter algorithmsassignments.Our p erformance results show that the optimizerrequiresanegligibl e amount of time to execute, and that optimized complex queries can execute up to three timesfaster than unoptimized queries on real data.1Intro ductionAbitmap indexis a bit string in which each bit is mapp ed to a record ID (RID) of a relation.A bit in thebitmap index is set (to 1) if the corresp onding RID has prop ertyP(i.e., the RID represents a customer thatlives in New York), and is reset (to 0) otherwise.In typical usage, the predicatePis true for a record if it hasthe valueafor attributeA.One such predicate is asso ciated to one bitmap index for each unique value ofthe attributeA.The predicates can b e more complex, for example bitslice indices [OQ97] and precomputedcomplex selection predicates [HEP99]. Oneadvantageofbitmapindicesisthatcomplexselectionpredicatescanb ecomputedveryquickly,by p erforming bit-wiseAND, OR, andNOTop erations on the bitmap indices.Furthermore, the indexableselection predicates can involve many attributes.Let's consider some examples, using a customer databasewith schemaCustomer(Name, Livesin, Worksin, Car, Numberofchildren, Hascable, Hasel lular)Supp osethatweanttoselectallcustomerswholivinNewEngland.Thentheselectioncon-ditionisLivesin=\ME"ORin=\VT"in=\NH"in=\MA"in=\CT"ORLivesin=\RI"in=\NY". Since a bitmap index is createdfor each value of the attributeLivesin, the query translates into mapping the attribute to all its p ossible values.1
Empowering full-duplex wireless communication by exploiting directional diversity

The use of directional antennas in wireless networks has been widely studied with two main motivations: 1) decreasing interference between devices and 2) improving power efficiency. We identify a third motivation for utilizing directional antennas: pushing the range limitations of full-duplex wireless communication. A characterization of full-duplex performance in the context of a base station transmitting to one device while receiving from another is presented. In this scenario, the base station can exploit “directional diversity” by using directional antennas to achieve additional passive suppression of the self-interference. The characterization shows that at 10 m distance and with 12 dBm transmit power the gains over half-duplex are as high as 90% and no lower than 60% as long as the directional antennas at the base station are separated by 45° or more. At 15 m distance the gains are no lower than 40% for separations of 90° and larger. Passive suppression via directional antennas also allows full-duplex to achieve significant gains over half-duplex even without resorting to the use of extra hardware for performing RF cancellation as has been required in the previous work.
Variable length coding of transformed LSF coefficients

In this paper, the use of Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT) and discrete cosine transform (DCT) is studied for encoding of the line spectrum frequency (LSF) parameters at variable bit rate (VBR). For VBR coding, scalar quantization (SQ) is used with Huffman coding. The basic idea in developing these schemes is using linear transform to exploit the strong intraframe and interframe correlation of LSF parameters to increase the performance of the SQ. First, several adaptive KLT schemes are developed to increase the efficiency of the KLT. To reduce the interframe correlation efficiently, two-dimensional transforms and moving average prediction of the transformed coefficients are also investigated. It is shown that these schemes introduce as good as or better performance in the examined bit rates compared to other methods in the field of LSF coding.
Billion-transistor architectures: there and back again

In September 1997, Computer published a special issue on billion-transistor microprocessor architectures. Comparing that issue's predictions about the trends that would drive architectural development with the factors that subsequently emerged shows a greater-than-predicted emphasis on clock speed and an unforeseen importance of power constraints. Of seven architectural visions proposed in 1997, none has yet emerged as dominant. However, as we approach a microarchitectural bound on clock speed, the primary source of improved performance must come from increased concurrency. Future billion-transistor architectures will be judged by how efficiently they support distributed hardware without placing intractable demands on programmers.
Making the future safe for the past: adding genericity to the Java programming language

We present GJ, a design that extends the Java programming language with generic types and methods. These are both explained and implemented by translation into the unextended language. The translation closely mimics the way generics are emulated by programmers: it erases all type parameters, maps type variables to their bounds, and inserts casts where needed. Some subtleties of the translation are caused by the handling of overriding.GJ increases expressiveness and safety: code utilizing generic libraries is no longer buried under a plethora of casts, and the corresponding casts inserted by the translation are guaranteed to not fail.GJ is designed to be fully backwards compatible with the current Java language, which simplifies the transition from non-generic to generic programming. In particular, one can retrofit existing library classes with generic interfaces without changing their code.An implementation of GJ has been written in GJ, and is freely available on the web.
Development and Implantation of a Minimally Invasive Wireless Subretinal Neurostimulator

A wirelessly operated, minimally invasive retinal prosthesis was developed for preclinical chronic implantation studies in Yucatan minipig models. The implant conforms to the outer wall of the eye and drives a microfabricated polyimide stimulating electrode array with sputtered iridium oxide electrodes. This array is implanted in the subretinal space using a specially designed ab externo surgical technique that fixes the bulk of the prosthesis to the outer surface of the sclera. The implanted device is fabricated on a host polyimide flexible circuit. It consists of a 15-channel stimulator chip, secondary power and data receiving coils, and discrete power supply components. The completed device is encapsulated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) except for the reference/counter electrode and the thin electrode array. In vitro testing was performed to verify the performance of the system in biological saline using a custom RF transmitter circuit and primary coils. Stimulation patterns as well as pulse strength, duration, and frequency were programmed wirelessly using custom software and a graphical user interface. Wireless operation of the retinal implant has been verified both in vitro and in vivo in three pigs for more than seven months, the latter by measuring stimulus artifacts on the eye surface using contact lens electrodes.
Evaluation of the Immunogenicity and Biological Activity of the Citrobacter freundii Vi-CRM197 Conjugate as a Vaccine for Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi

ABSTRACT Typhoid fever remains a major health problem in developing countries. Young children are at high risk, and a vaccine effective for this age group is urgently needed. Purified capsular polysaccharide from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Vi) is licensed as a vaccine, providing 50 to 70% protection in individuals older than 5 years. However, this vaccine is ineffective in infants. Vi conjugated to a carrier protein (i.e., an exoprotein A mutant from Pseudomonas aeruginosa [rEPA]) is highly immunogenic, provides long-term protection, and shows more than 90% protective efficacy in children 2 to 5 years old. Here, we describe an alternative glycoconjugate vaccine for S. Typhi, Vi-CRM197, where Vi was obtained from Citrobacter freundii WR7011 and CRM197, the mutant diphtheria toxin protein, was used as the carrier. We investigated the optimization of growth conditions for Vi production from C. freundii WR7011 and the immunogenicity of Vi-CRM197 conjugates in mice. The optimal saccharide/protein ratio of the glycoconjugates was identified for the best antibody production. We also demonstrated the ability of this new vaccine to protect mice against challenge with Vi-positive Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
Quantitative imaging of lipids in live mouse oocytes and early embryos using CARS microscopy

Mammalian oocytes contain lipid droplets that are a store of fatty acids, whose metabolism plays a substantial role in pre-implantation development. Fluorescent staining has previously been used to image lipid droplets in mammalian oocytes and embryos, but this method is not quantitative and often incompatible with live cell imaging and subsequent development. Here we have applied chemically specific, label-free coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy to mouse oocytes and pre-implantation embryos. We show that CARS imaging can quantify the size, number and spatial distribution of lipid droplets in living mouse oocytes and embryos up to the blastocyst stage. Notably, it can be used in a way that does not compromise oocyte maturation or embryo development. We have also correlated CARS with two-photon fluorescence microscopy simultaneously acquired using fluorescent lipid probes on fixed samples, and found only a partial degree of correlation, depending on the lipid probe, clearly exemplifying the limitation of lipid labelling. In addition, we show that differences in the chemical composition of lipid droplets in living oocytes matured in media supplemented with different saturated and unsaturated fatty acids can be detected using CARS hyperspectral imaging. These results demonstrate that CARS microscopy provides a novel non-invasive method of quantifying lipid content, type and spatial distribution with sub-micron resolution in living mammalian oocytes and embryos. Summary: CARS microscopy provides a novel and non-invasive method of quantifying lipid content, type and spatial distribution in living mouse oocytes and pre-implantation embryos.
Semiconductor infrared detectors

The history ofinfrared (IR) detector development began with the initial discovery ofIR radiation by Herschel in 1800 using thermometers. ' The IR spectral region has intrigued scientists for almost two hundred years, but until recently it has been impossible to create JR sensors analogous to the human eye. Recent breakthroughs have come about through the creation oflarge 2-D solid-state arrays that have millions of detectors distributed across the focal plane of an optical system. The days of scanning-type optical systems are numbered as such systems give way to staring-type sensors. The increased sensitivity and resolution in the system complexity of focal plane arrays (FPAs) offer significant advantages in military as well as civilian applications in thermal imaging, guidance, reconnaissance, surveillance, ranging, and communication systems. Progress in JR detector technology is mainly connected with semiconductor JR detectors, which are included in the class of photon detectors. Jn this class of detectors, the radiation is absorbed within the material by interaction with electrons bound to lattice atoms or impurity atoms or with free electrons. The observed electrical output signal results from the changed electronic energy distribution. Depending on the nature ofinteraction, the class ofphoton detectors is further subdivided into different types. The most important types are 1 . intrinsic detectors, 2. extrinsic detectors, 3. photoemissive (metal suicide Schottky barriers) detectors, and 4. quantum well detectors.
Eliciting the Low-Activity Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Asian Phenotype by an Antisense Mechanism Results in an Aversion to Ethanol

A mutation in the gene encoding for the liver mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2–2), present in some Asian populations, lowers or abolishes the activity of this enzyme and results in elevations in blood acetaldehyde upon ethanol consumption, a phenotype that greatly protects against alcohol abuse and alcoholism. We have determined whether the administration of antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (ASOs) can mimic the low-activity ALDH2–2 Asian phenotype. Rat hepatoma cells incubated for 24 h with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO-9) showed reductions in ALDH2 mRNA levels of 85% and ALDH2 (half-life of 22 h) activity of 55% equivalent to a >90% inhibition in ALDH2 synthesis. Glutamate dehydrogenase mRNA and activity remained unchanged. Base mismatches in the oligonucleotide rendered ASO-9 virtually inactive, confirming an antisense effect. Administration of ASO-9 (20 mg/kg/day for 4 d) to rats resulted in a 50% reduction in liver ALDH2 mRNA, a 40% inhibition in ALDH2 activity, and a fourfold (P < 0.001) increase in circulating plasma acetaldehyde levels after ethanol (1 g/kg) administration. Administration of ASO-9 to rats by osmotic pumps led to an aversion (−61%, P < 0.02) to ethanol. These studies provide a proof of principle that specific inhibition of gene expression can be used to mimic the protective effects afforded by the ALDH2–2 phenotype.
Feedback directed optimization of TCMalloc

TCMalloc [9] is an open-source memory allocator. Its use of thread-local caches of free objects enables most allocations/deallocations to be satisfied from thread-local heaps not requiring locks, making it a highly scalable memory allocator for multi-threaded applications. TCMalloc code contains several parameters that control the thread-local caches. The values of these parameters have been carefully chosen to provide good performance for the common case. However, as we will show, the optimal values of these parameters depend upon application-specific memory allocation behavior, so there is no one configuration that attains the optimal performance in all applications. In light of this, this paper presents a feedback-directed optimization of TCMalloc. The proposed optimization method targets the batch sizes, which determine the aggressiveness and timing of thread cache management mechanisms that move free objects between central and thread-local caches. It aims to tailor the batch sizes to application behavior, in order to make prefetching from the central cache aggressive enough to reduce unnecessary synchronization, without causing other performance problems due to excessive garbage collection of free objects in the thread caches. To this end, the optimization method observes a target application during a profile run and uses an iterative algorithm to compute batch sizes. Empirical results show that the proposed optimization results in up to 10% performance improvement over the default configuration on Google internal benchmark applications.
Behavior generation of bipedal robot using central pattern generator(CPG) (1st report: CPG parameters searching method by genetic algorithm)

In biological systems, the rhythm generator mechanism called Central Pattern Generator (CPG) has been involved in rhythmic activities, such as locomotion, respiration, heart beat, etc, and various mathematical neuron models are proposed to represent its oscillation signals. In this paper, the CPG network which consists of the Matsuoka neuron model are introduced to realize the locomotion of a bipedal robot. The outputs of neurons are utilized as the target angles of corresponding joints. A parameters searching method using Genetic Algorithm, which has several steps to find out large number of parameters according to structure of CPG network, is proposed to obtain the CPG parameters and realize the CPG network efficiently.
Forkhead Box O1 Is Present in Quiescent Pituitary Cells during Development and Is Increased in the Absence of p27Kip1

Congenital pituitary hormone deficiencies have been reported in approximately one in 4,000 live births, however studies reporting mutations in some widely studied transcription factors account for only a fraction of congenital hormone deficiencies in humans. Anterior pituitary hormones are required for development and function of several glands including gonads, adrenals, and thyroid. In order to identify additional factors that contribute to human congenital hormone deficiencies, we are investigating the forkhead transcription factor, FOXO1, which has been implicated in development of several organs including ovary, testis, and brain. We find that FOXO1 is present in the nuclei of non-dividing pituitary cells during embryonic development, consistent with a role in limiting proliferation and/or promoting differentiation. FOXO1 is present in a subset of differentiated cells at e18.5 and in adult with highest level of expression in somatotrope cells. We detected FOXO1 in p27Kip1-positive cells at e14.5. In the absence of p27Kip1 the number of pituitary cells containing FOXO1 is significantly increased at e14.5 suggesting that a feedback loop regulates the interplay between FOXO1 and p27Kip1.
Implications of CO 2 fertilization for future climate change in a coupled climate-carbon model

The terrestrial carbon cycle plays a critical role in determining levels of atmospheric CO2 that result from anthropogenic carbon emissions. Elevated atmospheric CO2 is thought to stimulate terrestrial carbon uptake, through the process of CO2 fertilization of vegetation productivity. This negative carbon cycle feedback results in reduced atmospheric CO2 growth, and has likely accounted for a substantial portion of the historical terrestrial carbon sink. However, the future strength of CO2 fertilization in response to continued carbon emissions and atmospheric CO2 rise is highly uncertain. In this paper, the ramifications of CO2 fertilization in simulations of future climate change are explored, using an intermediate complexity coupled climate–carbon model. It is shown that the absence of future CO2 fertilization results in substantially higher future CO2 levels in the atmosphere, as this removes the dominant contributor to future terrestrial carbon uptake in the model. As a result, climate changes are larger, though the radiative effect of higher CO2 on surface temperatures in the model is offset by about 30% due to reduced positive dynamic vegetation feedbacks; that is, the removal of CO2 fertilization results in less vegetation expansion in the model, which would otherwise constitute an important positive surface albedo-temperature feedback. However, the effect of larger climate changes has other important implications for the carbon cycle – notably to further weaken remaining carbon sinks in the model. As a result, positive climate–carbon cycle feedbacks are larger when CO2 fertilization is absent. This creates an interesting synergism of terrestrial carbon cycle feedbacks, whereby positive (climate–carbon cycle) feedbacks are amplified when a negative (CO2 fertilization) feedback is removed.
Length Optimized Chinese Prosodic Phrasing Model

The phrase length information is an important cue for assigning prosodic phrase breaks. However, it has not been fully utilized in the present TTS systems. Based on the study of the phrase length distribution and the interaction between prosodic words and prosodic phrases, this paper proposes a new stochastic model named phrase-length model for using the phrase length information. And it is proved in theory that the phrase length model is a global optimized model. To make use of other local linguistic constraints, a K-candidate approach is developed as the phrasing framework, and an SVM method is introduced to generate the K candidates. The experiments showed that this approach can efficiently combine the global optimization and local optimization principles. After using the phrase-length model in this framework, the recall of phrasing goes up about 7 percent and the F-score goes up 1.5 percent.
Stable flocking of mobile agents part I: dynamic topology

This is the second of a two-part paper, investigating the stability properties of a system of multiple mobile agents with double integrator dynamics. In this second part, we allow the topology of the control inter-connections between the agents in the group to vary with time. Specifically, the control law of an agent depends on the state of a set of agents that are within a certain neighborhood around it. As the agents move around this set changes, giving rise to a dynamic control interconnection topology and a switching control law. This control law consists of a combination of attractive/repulsive and alignment forces. The former ensure collision avoidance and cohesion of the group and the latter result to all agents attaining a common heading angle, exhibiting flocking motion. Despite the use of only local information and the time varying nature of agent interaction which affects the local controllers, flocking motion is established, as long as connectivity in the neighboring graph is maintained.