Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variable Elimination in the Fourier Domain

The ability to represent complex high dimensional probability distributions in a compact form is one of the key insights in the field of graphical models. Factored representations are ubiquitous in machine learning and lead to major computational advantages. We explore a different type of compact representation based on discrete Fourier representations, complementing the classical approach based on conditional independencies. We show that a large class of probabilistic graphical models have a compact Fourier representation. This theoretical result opens up an entirely new way of approximating a probability distribution. We demonstrate the significance of this approach by applying it to the variable elimination algorithm. Compared with the traditional bucket representation and other approximate inference algorithms, we obtain significant improvements.
Arabic Query Expansion Using WordNet and Association Rules

Query expansion is the process of adding additional relevant terms to the original queries to improve the performance of information retrieval systems. However, previous studies showed that automatic query expansion using WordNet do not lead to an improvement in the performance. One of the main challenges of query expansion is the selection of appropriate terms. In this paper, the authors review this problem using Arabic WordNet and Association Rules within the context of Arabic Language. The results obtained confirmed that with an appropriate selection method, the authors are able to exploit Arabic WordNet to improve the retrieval performance. Their empirical results on a sub-corpus from the Xinhua collection showed that their automatic selection method has achieved a significant performance improvement in terms of MAP and recall and a better precision with the first top retrieved documents.
How much gradient noise does a gradient-based linesearch method tolerate?

Among numerical methods for smooth unconstrained optimization, gradient-based linesearch methods, like quasi-Newton methods, may work quite well even in the presence of relatively high amplitude noise in the gradient of the objective function. We present some properties on the amplitude of this noise which ensure a descent direction for such a method. Exploiting this bound, we also discuss conditions under which global convergence can be guaranteed.
Distribution of aflatoxins in contaminated corn fractions segregated by size

The efficiency of segregation, by particle size, in reducing the aflatoxin content of corn lots under the Brazilian conditions was studied. The aflatoxin content, in the corn fractions obtained after sieving thirty contaminated samples, with approximately 3.0 kg each, was determined. The samples were passed through 4.5 mm round-hole sieves and the fractions with particles ³4.5 mm (fraction A) and <4.5 mm (fraction B) and then analyzed for aflatoxins by TLC. The results showed that the distribution of the aflatoxins among the fractions A and B varied from sample to sample. However, the fraction B presented higher content (6 to 1,422 µg/kg) of aflatoxins (P<5%), than samples of fraction A (4 to 389 µg/kg). In spite of that the segregation of this fraction did not reduce significantly the contamination of the samples. This probably occurred because the contribution of the fraction B for the estimated total of the concentration of aflatoxin of the sample was smaller than that of the fraction A, due to the smallest amount of the fraction B in the sample weight total. In spite of being significant for the studied samples the correlation among the percentages of the groups of grains with defects a) burning grains, sprouted, burned and moldy and b) total injured, with the estimated level of contamination for the samples, more studies will be necessary so that better conclusions can be drawn for this correlation.
Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Blood Rheology

Effects of astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis (AX) on human blood rheology were investigated in 20 adult Japanese men with a single‐blind method. The experimental group (n=10) was 57.5 ± 9.8 years of age and the placebo group (n=10) was 50.8 ± 13.1 years of age. A blood rheology test that measures whole blood transit time was conducted using heparinized blood of the volunteers by a MC‐FAN apparatus (microchannel array flow analyzer, bloody 6–7; 8736 channels; width 7 micrometer, length 30 micrometer, depth 4.5 micrometer; Hitachi Haramachi Electronics Co., Ltd.). After administration of AX 6mg/day for 10 days, the values of the experimental group were decreased from 52.8 ± 4.9 sec to 47.6 ± 4.2 sec (p<0.01) and a comparison of the values between the experimental (47.6 ± 4.2 sec) and the placebo (54.2 ± 6.7 sec) groups showed a significant difference (p<0.05). There were no adverse effects resulting from the administration of AX 6mg/day for 10 days. Informed consent was obtained from each subject. This study complied with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Approaches to selection and their effect on fitness modelling in an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm

Selection is one of the defining characteristics of an evolutionary algorithm, yet inherent in the selection process is the loss of some information from a population. Poor solutions may provide information about how to bias the search toward good solutions. Many estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) use truncation selection which discards all solutions below a certain fitness, thus losing this information. Our previous work on distribution estimation using Markov networks (DEUM) has described an EDA which constructs a model of the fitness function; a unique feature of this approach is that because selective pressure is built into the model itself selection becomes optional. This paper outlines a series of experiments which make use of this property to examine the effects of selection on the population. We look at the impact of selecting only highly fit solutions, only poor solutions, selecting a mixture of highly fit and poor solutions, and abandoning selection altogether. We show that in some circumstances, particularly where some information about the problem is already known, selection of the fittest only is suboptimal.
Recognition and transport of ferric enterobactin in Escherichia coli

The specificity of the outer membrane protein receptor for ferric enterobactin transport in Escherichia coli and the mechanism of enterobactin-mediated transport of ferric ions across the outer membrane have been studied. Transport kinetic and inhibition studies with ferric enterobactin and synthetic structural analogs have mapped the parts of the molecule important for receptor binding. The ferric complex of the synthetic structural analog of enterobactin, 1,3,5-N,N',N''-tris-(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)triaminomethylbenzene (MECAM), was transported with the same maximum velocity as was ferric enterobactin. A double-label transport assay with [59Fe, 3H]MECAM showed that the ligand and the metal are transported across the outer membrane at an identical rate. Under the growth conditions used, large fractions of the transported complexes were available for exchange across the outer membrane when a large excess of extracellular complex was added to the cell suspension; at least 60% of the internalized [59Fe]enterobactin exchanged with extracellular [55Fe]enterobactin. Internalized [59Fe, 3H]MECAM was released from the cell as the intact complex when either unlabeled Fe-MECAM or Fe-enterobactin was added extracellularly. The results suggest a mechanism of active transport of unmodified coordination complex across the outer membrane with possible accumulation in the periplasm.
Efficiency of microSIMD architectures and index-mapped data for media processors

We show that microSIMD architectures are more efficient for media processing than other parallel architectures like SIMD or MIMD parallel processor architectures, and VLIW or superscalar architectures. We define alternative mappings of data onto subwords, and show that the index mapping is an ideal mapping for achieving maximal subword parallelism with minimal revamping of the original serial loop code. We show an example where packed data loaded directly into registers from memory can be interpreted as index-mapped data rather than area-mapped data. This allows increased use of the subword parallelism provided by the microSIMD architecture, by exploiting data parallelism across loop iterations rather than within a loop. We also show how to convert rapidly between data mappings by using the Mix permutation instruments, first defined in the MAX-2 multimedia extensions for PA-RISC processors. We propose a new instruction, MixPair, which cuts by half the cost of parallel Mix functional units, while achieving maximum subword permutation performance.
A two‐magma chamber model as a source of deformation at Grímsvötn Volcano, Iceland

Grímsvötn Volcano is the most active volcano in Iceland, and its last three eruptions were in 1998, 2004, and 2011. Here we analyze the displacement around Grímsvötn during these last three eruptive cycles using 10 GPS stations. The observed displacements in this region generally contain a linear component of tectonic and glacio‐isostatic origin, in agreement with the previously estimated values of plate motions and vertical rebound. Larger amplitude deformation observed close to Grímsvötn at the GFUM continuous GPS station clearly reflects a major volcanic contribution superimposed on a tectonic component. We estimate and subtract the tectonic trend at this station using regional observed displacement. The direction and pattern of the residual volcanic displacement (for coeruptive and intereruptive periods) are consistent for all three of these eruptive cycles. The posteruptive inflation is characterized by an exponential trend, followed by a linear trend. In this study, we explain this temporal behavior using a new analytic model that has two connected magma chambers surrounded by an elastic medium and fed by a constant basal magma inflow. During the early posteruptive phase, pressure readjustment occurs between the two reservoirs, with replenishment of the shallow chamber from the deep chamber. Afterward, due to the constant inflow of magma into the deep reservoir, the pressurization of the system produces linear uplift. A large deep reservoir favors magma storage rather than surface emission. Based on displacement measured at GFUM station, we estimate an upper limit for the radius of the deep reservoir of ∼10 km.
An Approach to Automated House Recognition from Digital Stereo Imagery

One of the most critical steps in 3D GIs database establishment and revision as well as automated digital photogrammetry is to capture the 3D man-made structures from stereo images automatically and accurately. The key problem for fulfilling such a task is to resolve the correspondence problem between image pairs. The most challenging problems exist in the large scale imagery of dense urban or suburban areas where the structures are very complex, unsmooth and quite different in size. In this paper, we address an reliable and effective system aiming at reconstructing the ground surface and extracting houses with relative disparity from the complex aerial imagery in urban areas.
Energy saving in air conditioning of buildings

The external heat load of residential buildings in summer is the dominant parameter of the required cooling load and refrigeration capacity of air conditioning systems. The consumed energy of air conditioning system is proportional to the outside conditions and intensity of solar radiation. The maximum heat load of building may occur at 3 O’clock PM, although the peak of solar radiation occurs at noon. The construction materials of building is playing an important rolls of heat transmission through buildings outside walls and glazing windows. The walls thermal insulation can be effective in energy conservation by reducing the cooling load and required electrical energy. The building is constructed from common materials with 0~12 cm thermal insulation in outside walls, ceilings, and double layers glazing windows. The building heat loads are calculated for two models of walls. The optimum thickness of thermal insulation is also determined and is found between 6~8 cm for insulation of thermal conductivity of 0.039 W/m.K the energy saving is 50.45% at 6 cm insulation thickness.
Polar Codes for Gaussian Degraded Relay Channels

In this paper we apply polar codes for the Gaussian degraded relay channel. We study the conditions to be satisfied by the codes and provide an efficient method for constructing them. The relay-destination link is special because the noise is the sum of two components: the Gaussian noise and the signals from the source. We study this link and provide the log-likelihood expression to be used by the polar code detector. We perform simulations of the channel and the results show that polar codes of high rate and large codeword length are closer to the theoretical limit than other good codes.
An Introduction to Genomics and SAS ® Scientific Discovery Solutions

The commoditization of genomics instrumentation has created a strong need for management and analysis of the resultant high volumes of complex data. This paper provides a brief description of the basic science underlying these data sources and an overview of the initial steps SAS has taken to address them in our new SAS Scientific Discovery Solutions product line. Three core SAS foundational elements--data warehousing, analytical servers, and JM--apply across the three principal foci of the central dogma of molecular biology: genetics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. The integration of these elements in a unified application provides you with unprecedented power to intelligently extract knowledge from your genomics data and make breakthrough discoveries. We highlight the technical aspects of this system using a microarray data example and then discuss several new development directions.
EbayesThresh: R Programs for Empirical Bayes Thresholding

Suppose that a sequence of unknown parameters is observed sub ject to independent Gaussian noise. The EbayesThresh package in the S language implements a class of Empirical Bayes thresholding methods that can take advantage of possible sparsity in the sequence, to improve the quality of estimation. The prior for each parameter in the sequence is a mixture of an atom of probability at zero and a heavy-tailed density. Within the package, this can be either a Laplace (double exponential) density or else a mixture of normal distributions with tail behavior similar to the Cauchy distribution. The mixing weight, or sparsity parameter, is chosen automatically by marginal maximum likelihood. If estimation is carried out using the posterior median, this is a random thresholding procedure; the estimation can also be carried out using other thresholding rules with the same threshold, and the package provides the posterior mean, and hard and soft thresholding, as additional options. This paper reviews the method, and gives details (far beyond those previously published) of the calculations needed for implementing the procedures. It explains and motivates both the general methodology, and the use of the EbayesThresh package, through simulated and real data examples. When estimating the wavelet transform of an unknown function, it is appropriate to apply the method level by level to the transform of the observed data. The package can carry out these calculations for wavelet transforms obtained using various packages in R and S-PLUS. Details, including a motivating example, are presented, and the application of the method to image estimation is also explored. The final topic considered is the estimation of a single sequence that may become progressively sparser along the sequence. An iterated least squares isotone regression method allows for the choice of a threshold that depends monotonically on the order in which the observations are made. An alternative possibility, also discussed in detail, is a particular parametric dependence of the sparsity parameter on the position in the sequence.
Fatigue Properties of Ultra-Fine Grained Al-Mg-Si Wires with Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Electrical Conductivity

This paper focuses on the mechanical properties, electrical conductivity and fatigue performance of ultra-fine-grained (UFG) Al-Mg-Si wires processed by a complex severe plastic deformation route. It is shown that the nanostructural design via equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) Conform followed by heat treatment and cold drawing leads to the combination of enhanced tensile strength, sufficient ductility, enhanced electrical conductivity, and improved fatigue strength compared to the wires after traditional T81 thermo-mechanical treatment used in wire manufacturing. The Processing-microstructure-properties relationship in the studied material is discussed.
Cluster-based Joint Matrix Factorization Hashing for Cross-Modal Retrieval

Cross-modal retrieval has been an emerging topic over the last years, as modern applications have to efficiently search for multimedia documents with different modalities. In this study, we propose a cross-modal hashing method by following a cluster-based joint matrix factorization strategy. Our method first builds clusters for each modality separately and then generates a cross-modal cluster representation for each document. We formulate a joint matrix factorization process with the constraint that pushes the documents' representations of the different modalities and the cross-modal cluster representations into a common consensus matrix. In doing so, we capture the inter-modality, intra-modality and cluster-based similarities in a unified latent space. Finally, we present an efficient way to generate the hash codes using the maximum entropy principle and compute the binary codes for external queries. In our experiments with two publicly available data sets, we show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art hashing methods for different cross-modal retrieval tasks.
Genome‐wide architecture of reproductive isolation in a naturally occurring hybrid zone between Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus

Studies of a hybrid zone between two house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus) along with studies using laboratory crosses reveal a large role for the X chromosome and multiple autosomal regions in reproductive isolation as a consequence of disrupted epistasis in hybrids. One limitation of previous work has been that most of the identified genomic regions have been large. The goal here is to detect and characterize precise genomic regions underlying reproductive isolation. We surveyed 1401 markers evenly spaced across the genome in 679 mice collected from two different transects. Comparisons between transects provide a means for identifying common patterns that likely reflect intrinsic incompatibilities. We used a genomic cline approach to identify patterns that correspond to epistasis. From both transects, we identified contiguous regions on the X chromosome in which markers were inferred to be involved in epistatic interactions. We then searched for autosomal regions showing the same patterns and found they constitute about 5% of autosomal markers. We discovered substantial overlap between these candidate regions underlying reproductive isolation and QTL for hybrid sterility identified in laboratory crosses. Analysis of gene content in these regions suggests a key role for several mechanisms, including the regulation of transcription, sexual conflict and sexual selection operating at both the postmating prezygotic and postzygotic stages of reproductive isolation. Taken together, these results indicate that speciation in two recently diverged (c. 0.5 Ma) house mouse subspecies is complex, involving many genes dispersed throughout the genome and associated with distinct functions.
Improved intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides by square wave electroporation.

Prior studies have shown that electroporation is a simple and effective method for the introduction of oligonucleotides (ODN) into cells. In ex vivo bone marrow purging models, electroporation of ODN into cells has been associated with selective killing of human neoplastic cells while sparing hematopoietic stem cells. Prior studies used conventional electroporation methods (i.e., exponential decay) to introduce ODN into cells. Square wave electroporation allows the delivery of a more defined and regulated electrical pulse and is associated with high transfection efficiencies in a variety of systems. The current study was undertaken to determine whether square wave electroporation was more effective than exponential decay electroporation for the delivery of ODN into hematopoietic cells. Using fluorescein-tagged ODN and K562, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells, higher transfection rates were observed after square wave electroporation. In addition, c-myc antisense ODN were more effective in reducing c-myc protein when introduced by square wave electroporation, as compared with introduction by exponential decay electroporation. Square wave electroporation is thus identified as the optimal method for delivering ODN into hematopoietic cells.
Tradeoffs for packet classification

We present an algorithmic framework for solving the packet classification problem that allows various access time versus memory tradeoffs. It reduces the multidimensional packet classification problem to solving a few instances of the one-dimensional IP lookup problem. It gives the best known lookup performance with moderately large memory space. Furthermore, it efficiently supports a reasonable number of additions and deletions to the rulesets without degrading the lookup performance. We perform a thorough experimental study of the tradeoffs for the two-dimensional packet classification problem on rulesets derived from datasets collected from AT&T WorldNet, an Internet service provider.
Direct product theorems for classical communication complexity via subdistribution bounds: extended abstract

A basic question in complexity theory is whether the computational resources required for solving k independent instances of the same problem scale as k times the resources required for one instance. We investigate this question in various models of classical communication complexity. We introduce a new measure, the subdistribution bound , which is a relaxation of the well-studied rectangle or corruption bound in communication complexity. We nonetheless show that for the communication complexity of Boolean functions with constant error, the subdistribution bound is the same as the latter measure, up to a constant factor. We prove that the one-way version of this bound tightly captures the one-way public-coin randomized communication complexity of any relation, and the two-way version bounds the two-way public-coin randomized communication complexity from below. More importantly, we show that the bound satisfies the strong direct product property under product distributions for both one- and two-way protocols, and the weak direct product property under arbitrary distributions for two-way protocols. These results subsume and strengthen, in a unified manner, several recent results on the direct product question. The simplicity and broad applicability of our technique is perhaps an indication of its potential to solve yet more challenging questions regarding the direct product problem.