Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Phosphorylated Isoforms of NRL Are Expressed in Rod Photoreceptors*

NRL, a bZIP transcription factor of the Maf subfamily, interacts with the homeodomain protein CRX and synergistically regulates rhodopsin expression. Here we report that six isoforms of NRL (29–35 kDa) are generated by phosphorylation and expressed specifically in the mammalian retina. The anti-NRL antibody also cross-reacts with a cytosolic 45-kDa protein, which is detected in neuronal tissues but is not encoded by the NRL gene. In both human retinal cell cultures and sections of fetal and adult human retina, NRL is present in the nuclei of developing and mature rods but not cones. We propose that NRL regulates rod photoreceptor-specific gene expression and is involved in rod differentiation.
Placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating a 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strip.

OBJECTIVE A placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a 10% hydrogen peroxide strip-based whitening system in subjects with tooth discoloration and no previous history of tooth whitening. METHODOLOGY Informed consent was obtained, and 39 healthy adults were randomly assigned to either 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips (Crest Whitestrips Premium) or placebo strips with no peroxide. Strips were used unsupervised twice daily for 30 minutes over a seven-day period. At day four and day eight, tooth color (L*a*b*) was measured on the maxillary anterior teeth from standard digital images, and safety was assessed from examinations and subject reports. RESULTS After three treatment days, the 10% hydrogen peroxide strip group had significant (p < 0.0001) color improvement from baseline, with means (SD) for deltab* and deltaL* of -1.57 (0.472) and 1.72 (0.619), respectively. Continued strip use from day four to day eight resulted in significant (p < 0.002) incremental improvement in both yellowness and lightness. By the end of treatment (day eight), the adjusted mean (SE) color change between groups was -2.20 (0.275) for deltab* and 2.24 (0.254) for deltaL*, a highly significant (p < 0.0001) color improvement for the 10% hydrogen peroxide group relative to placebo, of similar absolute magnitude for deltab* and deltaL*. Treatment with the 10% hydrogen peroxide strips was well-tolerated, with tooth sensitivity and oral irritation representing the most common findings. CONCLUSION In this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, statistically significant tooth whitening was evident after three days' treatment with 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips, and color improved with continued usage over seven days.
Survey and Taxonomy of Duty Cycling Mechanisms in Wireless Sensor Networks

Motivated by stringent power constraints, duty cycling - the practice of turning a mote's radio on and off to conserve energy - has become a fundamental mechanism in the design of Wireless Sensor Networks. Because of its importance, a variety of approaches to duty cycling have emerged during the last decade and are being now proposed with increasingly ambitious goals, such as achieving ultra low duty cycles as low as 0.1%. Such propositions differ mostly in their reliance on nodes' synchronization, which, in turn, translates into different hardware requirements and implementation complexity. However, duty cycling may also differ in other aspects as topology dependency, network density requirements and increase in end-to-end delay. This paper organizes the most important proposals into a taxonomy and provides insights into their strengths and weaknesses in relation to important characteristics of applications, mote's hardware and network deployments.
An Interframe Prediction Technique Combining Template Matching Prediction and Block-Motion Compensation for High-Efficiency Video Coding

This paper introduces an interframe prediction technique that combines two motion vectors (MVs) derived respectively from template and block matching for overlapped block motion compensation (OBMC). It has a salient feature of not having to signal the template MV, while achieving a prediction performance close to that of bi-prediction. We begin by studying template matching prediction (TMP) from a theoretical perspective. Based on two signal models, the template MV is shown to approximate the pixel true motion around the template centroid, through which we explain why TMP generally outperforms SKIP prediction but is inferior to block-based motion compensation in terms of prediction performance. We then approach the problem of finding another MV to best complement the template MV from both deterministic and statistical viewpoints, the latter leading to the search of its optimal sampling location in the motion field. The result is a search criterion with OBMC window functions forming a geometry-like motion partitioning when the template area is straddled on the top and to the left of a target block. Generalizations to adaptive template design, multihypothesis prediction and motion merging are made to explore the complexity and performance trade-offs. Extensive experiments based on the HM-6.0 software show that the best of them, in terms of compression performance, achieves 1.7-2.0% BD-rate reductions at a cost of 26% and 39% increases in encoding and decoding times, respectively.
A hyperscalar multi-core architecture

This paper proposes a reconfigurable multi-core architecture, called hyperscalar that enables many scalar cores to be united dynamically as a larger superscalar processor to accelerate a thread. To accomplish this, we propose the virtual shared register files (VSRF) that allow the instructions of a thread executed in the united cores to logically face a uniform set of register files. We also propose the instruction analyzer (IA) with the capability of detecting and tagging the dependence information to the newly fetched instructions. According to the tags, instructions in the united cores can issue requests to obtain their remote operands via the VSRF. The reconfigurable feature of hyperscalar can cover a spectrum of workloads well, providing high single-thread performance when TLP is low and high throughput when TLP is high. Simulation results show that the a 8-core hyperscalar chip multiprocessor's 2, 4, and 8-core-united configurations archive 94%, 90%, and 83% of the performance of the monolithic 2, 4, and 8-issue out-of-order superscalar processors with lower area costs and better support for software diversity.
Option pricing under the double stochastic volatility with double jump model

In this paper, we deal with the pricing of power options when the dynamics of the risky underling asset follows the double stochastic volatility with double jump model. We prove efficiency of our considered model by fast Fourier transform method, Monte Carlo simulation and numerical results using power call options i.e. Monte Carlo simulation and numerical results show that the fast Fourier transform is correct.
Performance benefits through integration hubs

Some recent integration hubs provide configurations that facilitate optimization beyond the buyer-supplier dyad provided by traditional point-to-point integration. We argue that coordination so far has been preliminary dyadic but that a new era of network-level optimization is possible, providing future benefits beyond dyadic coordination and optimization mechanisms through the use of integration hubs and B2B marketplaces.
PERFORMANCE-RELATED TEST FOR ASPHALT EMULSIONS

Yield stress was investigated as a potential quality control parameter for asphalt emulsions. Viscometric data were determined using the concentric cylinder, parallel plate, and cone and plate geometries with rotational rheometers. The authors also investigated the use of a novel slotted plate technique to determine the yield stress in a direct way--that is to say, without extrapolation. The Saybolt "viscosity" was determined with a Saybolt Viscometer following the AASHTO T 72-97 standard procedure. The slotted plate technique generated reproducible and consistent results that were far superior to those obtained by rotational rheometer techniques. The yield stress of the emulsions appears to be a more accurate measure of the performance specification for asphalt emulsions than the Saybolt "viscosity" data.
Buckling and vibration analysis of layered and multiphase magneto‐electro‐elastic cylinders subjected to uniform thermal loading

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the linear thermal buckling and vibration analysis of layered and multiphase magneto‐electro‐elastic (MEE) cylinders made of piezoelectric/piezomagnetic materials using finite element method.Design/methodology/approach – The constitutive equations of MEE materials are used to derive the finite element equations involving the coupling between mechanical, electrical, magnetic and thermal fields. The present study is limited to clamped‐clamped boundary conditions. The linear thermal buckling is carried out for an axisymmetric cylinder operating in a steady state axisymmetric uniform temperature rise. The influence of stacking sequences and volume fraction of multiphase MEE materials on critical buckling temperature and vibration behaviour is investigated. The influence of coupling effects on critical buckling temperature and vibration behaviour is also studied.Findings – The critical buckling temperature is higher for MEE axisymmetric cylinder as compared .
Resting state glutamate predicts elevated pre-stimulus alpha during self-relatedness: A combined EEG-MRS study on “rest-self overlap”

Recent studies have demonstrated neural overlap between resting state activity and self-referential processing. This “rest-self” overlap occurs especially in anterior cortical midline structures like the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (PACC). However, the exact neurotemporal and biochemical mechanisms remain to be identified. Therefore, we conducted a combined electroencephalography (EEG)-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study. EEG focused on pre-stimulus (e.g., prior to stimulus presentation or perception) power changes to assess the degree to which those changes can predict subjects’ perception (and judgment) of subsequent stimuli as high or low self-related. MRS measured resting state concentration of glutamate, focusing on PACC. High pre-stimulus (e.g., prior to stimulus presentation or perception) alpha power significantly correlated with both perception of stimuli judged to be highly self-related and with resting state glutamate concentrations in the PACC. In sum, our results show (i) pre-stimulus (e.g., prior to stimulus presentation or perception) alpha power and resting state glutamate concentration to mediate rest-self overlap that (ii) dispose or incline subjects to assign high degrees of self-relatedness to perceptual stimuli.
Detection and tracking of road networks in rural terrain by fusing vision and LIDAR

The ability to perceive a robot's local environment is one of the main challenges in the development of mobile ground robots. Here, we present a robust model-based approach for detection and tracking of road networks in rural terrain. To get a rich environment representation, we fuse the complementary data provided by a 3D LIDAR and an active camera platform into an accumulated, colored 3D elevation map of the terrain. Additionally, we use commercially available GIS data to get a rough idea about the geometry of the road network ahead of the robot. This way, the system is able to dynamically adjust the geometric model used within a particle filter framework for both detection and estimation of the road network's geometry. The estimation process makes use of edge- and region-based image features as well as obstacle information, all supplied by the dense terrain map. Instead of tuning the likelihood functions used within the particle filter's cue fusion concept by hand, as commonly done, we apply supervised learning techniques to derive an appropriate weighting of all features. We finally show that the proposed approach enables our ground robot MuCAR-3 to autonomously navigate on rural- and dirt-road networks.
Biomimicry of Symbiotic Multi-Species Coevolution for Global Optimization

In recent years, symbiosis as a rich source of potential engineering applications and computational model has attracted more and more attentions in the adaptive complex systems and evolution computing domains. Inspired by different symbiotic coevolution forms in nature, this paper proposed a series of multi-swarm particle swarm optimizers called PS2Os, which extend the single population particle swarm optimization (PSO) [1] algorithm to interacting multi-swarms model by constructing hierarchical interaction topologies and enhanced dynamical update equations. According to different symbiotic interrelationships, four versions of PS2O are initiated to mimic mutualism, commensalism, predation, and competition mechanism, respectively. In the experiments, with five benchmark problems, the proposed algorithms are proved to have considerable potential for solving complex optimization problems. The coevolutionary dynamics of symbiotic species in each PS2O vesion are also studied respectively to demonstrate the heterogeneity of different symbiotic interrelationships that effect on the algorithm’s performance.
Algebraic and statistical conditions for use of SLL

Common approaches for indoor positioning based on cellular communication systems use the received signal strength (RSS) as measurements. In order to work properly, such a system often requires many calibration points before its start. Applying Simultaneous Localization and Learning (SLL) a self-calibrating RSS-based positioning system can be realized. Clearly, SLL avoids the requirement for manually obtained reference measurements. This paper explores the algebraic and statistical conditions required to perform the SLL approach. Firstly, as basis of the analysis a closed form of SLL is introduced. As main result of this paper the algebraic and statistical conditions are revealed that need to be satisfied such that SLL can successfully be utilized, leading to a self-calibration of RSS-based positioning systems. While the analysis is restricted to the one-dimensional case and although the extension of the analysis to higher dimensions is more complex, the results can straightforwardly be extended to the more-dimensional cases.
Research on exposure model for DMD-based digital gray-tone mask

Based on DMD-lithography system, the mapping relation between gray scale and photoresist relief has been investigated. We obtain DMD reflectivity of different gray scale by experiment. Testing curve shows the light modulation of DMD is nonlinear from 0 to 255. However, the testing curve shows local linearization as well. The modulation of DMD is approximately linear from 40 to 130 and from 160 to 230. When designing the gray-scale mask, we should choose the gray scales in the same linear region to satisfy the requirement of multi-step relief. After being modulated by DMD, the reflection with mask information passes through the reduction projection system and images on the photoresist. After development, the photoresist relief can be formed. By comprehensively considering the influence of all parts on lithography, the exposure model is set up. We calculate the gray tones of 4-step and 8-step elements respectively according to the model. Experimental results show that the exposure model is reasonable and correct. The establishment of exposure model has reference value for the precise control on relief depth.
On a New Method to Determine the Yield Stress in Lubricating Grease

An experimental study using both a controlled stress and a controlled strain rheometer has been undertaken to characterize lubricating grease in shear, creep, stress relaxation, and oscillatory flow, with a main focus on determining the yield stress. The yield stress was examined using a cone–plate and parallel-plate system with smooth and rough surfaces. Clear discrepancies were observed in the yield stress values obtained using different techniques where oscillatory strain sweep measurements seem to be the best choice. This technique is less sensitive to wall slip, shows good reproducibility, and is relatively easy to perform. The method also shows that the yield stress is a function of the imposed frequency and therefore of the time domain. At lower values of shear—that is, in the linear viscoelastic regime—there is no structural breakdown and the rheology of the grease can be described by the Maxwell model where the stress and the strain are almost proportional to each other. Based on this observation, a novel method to determine the yield stress is proposed: “The yield stress can be determined from the point where this linearity no longer applies. ” This method is compared to those that are commonly used. The yield stress was found to depend exponentially on temperature and linearly on frequency.
Basis Technology at TAC 2012 Entity Linking

Basis Technology participated in the TAC Entity-Link task of the Knowledge Base Population track at TAC 2012. We developed a supervised learning approach which produces a single model that is capable of operating across all languages and entity types. Our features are based on the outputs of other models, many of which are unsupervised.
32nm and beyond Multi-VT Ultra-Thin Body and BOX FDSOI: From device to circuit

A low-cost and high-manufacturability Multi-VT Ultra-Thin BOX and Body (UT2B) FDSOI technology is proposed for high-performance and low-leakage digital circuits. This concept allows setting up low, standard and high threshold voltage (VT) devices without degrading the good channel electrostatic control and the low VT dispersion of the FDSOI technology. Device electrical characteristics, process flow and physical design are described and the performance of digital circuits is evaluated.
Classification of Mutation Operators Applied to Design Models

Mutation testing is a testing technique supporting assessment of tests quality or selection of adequate tests. The technique, to perform effectively, requires a set of so called mutation operators to be defined. However, these operators may have different impact on the process, costs and results of mutation testing. Thus, a choice of operators that are most likely to ensure accurate results at acceptable costs is essential to make mutation testing practical. The paper presents results of an experiment evaluating effectiveness of operators defined for design models. The results of the experiment would help to make a decision regarding the choice of the most useful operators.
Environmental Influence on the Evolution of Morphological Complexity in Machines

Whether, when, how, and why increased complexity evolves in biological populations is a longstanding open question. In this work we combine a recently developed method for evolving virtual organisms with an information-theoretic metric of morphological complexity in order to investigate how the complexity of morphologies, which are evolved for locomotion, varies across different environments. We first demonstrate that selection for locomotion results in the evolution of organisms with morphologies that increase in complexity over evolutionary time beyond what would be expected due to random chance. This provides evidence that the increase in complexity observed is a result of a driven rather than a passive trend. In subsequent experiments we demonstrate that morphologies having greater complexity evolve in complex environments, when compared to a simple environment when a cost of complexity is imposed. This suggests that in some niches, evolution may act to complexify the body plans of organisms while in other niches selection favors simpler body plans.
SMERS: Music Emotion Recognition Using Support Vector Regression

Music emotion plays an important role in music retrieval, mood detection and other music-related applications. Many issues for music emotion recognition have been addressed by different disciplines such as physiology, psychology, cognitive science and musicology. We present a support vector regression (SVR) based music emotion recognition system. The recognition process consists of three steps: (i) seven distinct features are ex- tracted from music; (ii) those features are mapped into eleven emotion categories on Thayer's two-dimensional emotion model; (iii) two regression functions are trained using SVR and then arousal and valence values are pre- dicted. We have tested our SVR-based emotion classifier in both Cartesian and polar coordinate system empirically. The result indicates the SVR classifier in the polar repre- sentation produces satisfactory result which reaches 94.55% accuracy superior to the SVR (in Cartesian) and other machine learning classification algorithms such as
Scriptless Timing Attacks on Web Browser Privacy

The existing Web timing attack methods are heavily dependent on executing client-side scripts to measure the time. However, many techniques have been proposed to block the executions of suspicious scripts recently. This paper presents a novel timing attack method to sniff users' browsing histories without executing any scripts. Our method is based on the fact that when a resource is loaded from the local cache, its rendering process should begin earlier than when it is loaded from a remote website. We leverage some Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) features to indirectly monitor the rendering of the target resource. Three practical attack vectors are developed for different attack scenarios and applied to six popular desktop and mobile browsers. The evaluation shows that our method can effectively sniff users' browsing histories with very high precision. We believe that modern browsers protected by script-blocking techniques are still likely to suffer serious privacy leakage threats.
Towards automatic reverse engineering of software security configurations

The specifications of an application's security configuration are crucial for understanding its security policies, which can be very helpful in security-related contexts such as misconfiguration detection. Such specifications, however, are often ill-documented, or even close because of the increasing use of graphic user interfaces to set program options. In this paper, we propose ConfigRE, a new technique for automatic reverse engineering of an application's access-control configurations. Our approach first partitions a configuration input into fields, and then identifies the semantic relations among these fields and the roles they play in enforcing an access control policy. Based upon such knowledge, ConfigRE automatically generates a specification language to describe the syntactic relations of these fields. The language can be converted into a scanner using standard parser generators for scanning configuration files and discovering the security policies specified in an application. We implemented ConfigRE in our research and evaluated it against real applications. The experiment results demonstrate the efficacy of our approach.