Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new three-phase interleaved isolated boost converter with active clamp for fuel cells

In this paper, a new three-phase high power dc/dc converter with an active clamp is proposed. The converter is capable of increased power transfer due to its three-phase power configuration, and it reduces the rms current per phase, thus reducing conduction losses. Further, interleaved operation of three-phase boost converter reduces overall ripple current, which is imposed into fuel cells and realizes smaller sized filter components, increasing effective operating frequency and leading to higher power density. Each output current of three-phase boost converter is combined by the three-phase transformer and flows in the continuous conduction mode by the proposed three-phase PWM strategy. An efficiency of above 96% is mainly achieved by reducing conduction losses and switching losses are reduced by the action of active clamp branches, as well. The proposed converter and three-phase PWM strategy are analyzed, simulated and implemented in hardware. Experimental results are obtained on a 500 W prototype unit, with all of the design verified and analyzed.
Differential organization of cortical inputs to striatal projection neurons of the matrix compartment in rats

In prior studies, we described the differential organization of corticostriatal and thalamostriatal inputs to the spines of direct pathway (dSPNs) and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (iSPNs) of the matrix compartment. In the present electron microscopic (EM) analysis, we have refined understanding of the relative amounts of cortical axospinous vs. axodendritic input to the two types of SPNs. Of note, we found that individual dSPNs receive about twice as many axospinous synaptic terminals from IT-type (intratelencephalically projecting) cortical neurons as they do from PT-type (pyramidal tract projecting) cortical neurons. We also found that PT-type axospinous synaptic terminals were about 1.5 times as common on individual iSPNs as IT-type axospinous synaptic terminals. Overall, a higher percentage of IT-type terminals contacted dSPN than iSPN spines, while a higher percentage of PT-type terminals contacted iSPN than dSPN spines. Notably, IT-type axospinous synaptic terminals were significantly larger on iSPN spines than on dSPN spines. By contrast to axospinous input, the axodendritic PT-type input to dSPNs was more substantial than that to iSPNs, and the axodendritic IT-type input appeared to be meager and comparable for both SPN types. The prominent axodendritic PT-type input to dSPNs may accentuate their PT-type responsiveness, and the large size of axospinous IT-type terminals on iSPNs may accentuate their IT-type responsiveness. Using transneuronal labeling with rabies virus to selectively label the cortical neurons with direct input to the dSPNs projecting to the substantia nigra pars reticulata, we found that the input predominantly arose from neurons in the upper layers of motor cortices, in which IT-type perikarya predominate. The differential cortical input to SPNs is likely to play key roles in motor control and motor learning.
Bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of maize and the surrounding carbonate-rich bulk soil

Maize represents one of the main cultivar for food and energy and crop yields are influenced by soil physicochemical and climatic conditions. To study how maize plants influence soil microbes we have examined microbial communities that colonize maize plants grown in carbonate‐rich soil (pH 8.5) using culture‐independent, PCR‐based methods. We observed a low proportion of unclassified bacteria in this soil whether it was planted or unplanted. Our results indicate that a higher complexity of the bacterial community is present in bulk soil with microbes from nine phyla, while in the rhizosphere microbes from only six phyla were found. The predominant microbes in bulk soil were bacteria of the phyla Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, while Gammaproteobacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Lysobacter were the predominant in the rhizosphere. As Gammaproteobacteria respond chemotactically to exudates and are efficient in the utilization of plants exudate products, microbial communities associated to the rhizosphere seem to be plant‐driven. It should be noted that Gammaproteobacteria made available inorganic nutrients to the plants favouring plant growth and then the benefit of the interaction is common.
Underlay of low-rate machine-type D2D links on downlink cellular links

Wireless cellular networks feature two emerging technological trends: direct Device-to-Device (D2D) communications and Machine-Type Communications (MTC). MTC devices (MTDs) pose new challenges to the cellular network, such as low transmission power and massive access that can lead to overload of the radio interface. In this paper we explore the opportunity opened by D2D links for supporting Low-rate Low-power MTDs that are connected to a nearby device, such as an on-body MTD connected to a mobile phone that acts as a relay towards the Base Station (BS). The low-rate requirement for this D2D connection allows underlay operation with Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) during the cellular downlink transmissions. We consider different ways to use SIC and investigate the trade-off between, on one hand, the achieved rate for the downlink cellular users and, on the other hand, the outage probability for the MTC link. The results show that SIC is an important enabler of low-power underlay D2D transmission for low-rate machine-type traffic; however, it may incur a significant rate penalty for the cellular users when trying to meet the outage requirements of the MTC link.
A Guide to Scientific Evaluation in Information Visualization

This paper addresses some fundamental and practical issues that should be considered when pursuing evaluation studies in Information Visualization. The main focus is on quantitative experimental research but the general information applies to all kinds of studies. The purpose is to increase awareness of what constitutes a sound scientific approach to evaluation and to point out common pitfalls and mistakes during the phases of such study. These phases cover how to plan, design, conduct and analyse the outcome of an evaluation and finally how to report in a way that enhances readability, provides details relevant to the outcome and that allows replication. The paper could be used as a guide when conducting evaluation and it could also be helpful when reviewing publications since the same rules apply.
Permittivity Coupling across Brain Regions Determines Seizure Recruitment in Partial Epilepsy

Brain regions generating seizures in patients with refractory partial epilepsy are referred to as the epileptogenic zone (EZ). During a seizure, paroxysmal activity is not restricted to the EZ, but may recruit other brain regions and propagate activity through large brain networks, which comprise brain regions that are not necessarily epileptogenic. The identification of the EZ is crucial for candidates for neurosurgery and requires unambiguous criteria that evaluate the degree of epileptogenicity of brain regions. To obtain such criteria and investigate the mechanisms of seizure recruitment and propagation, we develop a mathematical framework of coupled neural populations, which can interact via signaling through a slow permittivity variable. The permittivity variable captures effects evolving on slow timescales, including extracellular ionic concentrations and energy metabolism, with time delays of up to seconds as observed clinically. Our analyses provide a set of indices quantifying the degree of epileptogenicity and predict conditions, under which seizures propagate to nonepileptogenic brain regions, explaining the responses to intracerebral electric stimulation in epileptogenic and nonepileptogenic areas. In conjunction, our results provide guidance in the presurgical evaluation of epileptogenicity based on electrographic signatures in intracerebral electroencephalograms.
Optimal Operating Point in MIMO Channel for Delay-Sensitive and Bursty Traffic

We consider a system with a bursty and delay-sensitive data source to be transmitted over a constant-rate MIMO channel with no CSI information at the transmitter. Given the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff region of the MIMO channel, we find the optimal multiplexing rate that optimizes the end-to-end loss probability. Based on the effective bandwidth model of the source, we present an analytical tradeoff between the error probability over the MIMO channel and the probability of delay violation. We illustrate the optimal operating points for i.i. d. sources and Markov-modulated sources and show the relation between sources burstiness, delay bound, and optimal multiplexing rate
Error simulation for training statistical dialogue systems

Human-machine dialogue is heavily influenced by speech recognition and understanding errors and it is hence desirable to train and test statistical dialogue system policies under realistic noise conditions. This paper presents a novel approach to error simulation based on statistical models for word-level utterance generation, ASR confusions, and confidence score generation. While the method explicitly models the context-dependent acoustic confusability of words and allows the system specific language model and semantic decoder to be incorporated, it is computationally inexpensive and thus potentially suitable for running thousands of training simulations. Experimental evaluation results with a POMDP-based dialogue system and the Hidden Agenda User Simulator indicate a close match between the statistical properties of real and synthetic errors.
On-demand multi-batch self-assembly of hybrid MEMS by patterning solders of different melting points

Self-assembly has been widely accepted as the next generation technology for integrating highly dense microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), in particular for complex and hybrid systems composed of sensing, actuating, optical, electronic, mechanical and fluidic components. In addition, some micro components may have the same material, size, shape and binding affinity, but different functions. Ideally, each micro component should bind and can only bind to a designated binding site with no recognition error even for similar sites. Due to the spontaneous nature of ‘self’-assembly, challenges remain in controlling this process. In this work, a relatively simple controllable, fluid-based self-assembly method has been demonstrated, which is able to integrate hybrid MEMS in a multi-batch-wise manner. The essence of this method is to pattern solders with different melting points to designated binding sites, and to activate them separately and sequentially, even individually if needed, with appropriate processing steps at adequate temperatures. Thus, self-assembly of MEMS micro components becomes programmable.
Cross‐talk between catalytic and regulatory elements in a DEAD motor domain is essential for SecA function

SecA, the motor subunit of bacterial polypeptide translocase, is an RNA helicase. SecA comprises a dimerization C‐terminal domain fused to an ATPase N‐terminal domain containing conserved DEAD helicase motifs. We show that the N‐terminal domain is organized like the motor core of DEAD proteins, encompassing two subdomains, NBD1 and IRA2. NBD1, a rigid nucleotide‐binding domain, contains the minimal ATPase catalytic machinery. IRA2 binds to NBD1 and acts as an intramolecular regulator of ATP hydrolysis by controling ADP release and optimal ATP catalysis at NBD1. IRA2 is flexible and can undergo changes in its α‐helical content. The C‐terminal domain associates with NBD1 and IRA2 and restricts IRA2 activator function. Thus, cytoplasmic SecA is maintained in the thermally stabilized ADP‐bound state and unnecessary ATP hydrolysis cycles are prevented. Two DEAD family motifs in IRA2 are essential for IRA2–NBD1 binding, optimal nucleotide turnover and polypeptide translocation. We propose that translocation ligands alleviate C‐terminal domain suppression, allowing IRA2 to stimulate nucleotide turnover at NBD1. DEAD motors may employ similar mechanisms to translocate different enzymes along chemically unrelated biopolymers.
Infrared thermography to study endwall cooling and heat transfer in turbine stator vane passages using the auxiliary wall method and comparison to numerical simulations

Experiments using the auxiliary wall method and infrared thermography allow to study film cooling and heat transfer in turbomachinery research with high spatial resolution. Using heater foils and pulse width modulation, an aluminium body is heated to constant wall temperature, controlled by thermocouples. The heat flux is then determined across a low conductivity layer of Ethylene-Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), whereby 1-D conduction is assumed. Setting the base body to several quasi-steady state wall temperatures allows to deduce adiabatic wall temperatures and heat transfer coefficients. Given a coolant and main flow with different temperature, cooling effectiveness can be calculated, using a superposition approach. Experiments in the linear cascade test rig of the Institute for Gas Turbines and Aerospace Propulsion have been performed to study the effect of hub side coolant injection on the endwall heat transfer of a turbine stator row. The quality of results is examined through extensive data analysis, accompanied by a numerical simulation of the experiment.
Convolutional codes with maximum column sum rank for network streaming

The column Hamming distance of a convolutional code determines the error correction capability when streaming over a class of packet erasure channels. We show that the column sum rank parallels column Hamming distance when streaming over a network with link failures. We prove rank analogues of several column distance properties and introduce a new family of convolutional codes that maximize the column sum rank up to the code memory. Our construction involves finding a class of super-regular matrices that preserve this property after multiplication with non-singular block diagonal matrices in the ground field.
PKI based Semi-Fragile Watermark for Visual Content Authentication

Multimedia content owners always endure of copyright protection and ownership verification of their digital assets. Robust watermarking techniques are invented to defeat these problems. However evolution of the watermarks focused different security aspects of multimedia data such as content integrity, data authentication, etc. As a result, fragile watermarking was introduced which is contrary to robust watermarks. Evolution of the fragile watermarks derives a new prospective watermarking concept called semi-fragile watermark which overcomes several limitations of fragile watermarking technique such as fragility for trusted image processing manipulations. In this paper we propose a new PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) based semi-fragile watermarking technique to authenticate perceptible content (information perceived by Human Visual System) of the digital data (digital images). Additionally our definition localizes the compromised regions of the image. Proposed method inherits all security features in public key authentication system. On the other hand visual distortions are acceptable up to some extend in particular applications. Therefore distortions due to the watermark should be minimized. However large watermarks are more secure and it causes more distortions. In this paper we present sophisticated analysis of this tradeoff with analysis matrices (graphs & tables), which makes easier to optimize the security with minimal visual distortions.
Collision Detection in Densely Packed Fiber Assemblies with Application to Hair Modeling

In this paper we investigate the application of bounding volume hierarchies in collision detection among densely packed fiber assemblies like hair strands or cable looms. In particular, we glance at collision detection algorithms with sub-quadratic upper bound and their practicability and performance in complex dynamic hair scenes. Unlike common collision detection techniques our approach exploits the topological structure of the underlying filament assembly and allows for fast hierarchy updates in dynamic deformable scenes. Furthermore, we compare hierarchies of the wrapped and the layered type and show the feasibility of fiber based collision detection on full human hair models. We simulate each fiber of an assembly by means of Cosserat rod models. Keywords—collision detection, fiber assemblies, hair modeling, wrapped / layered hierarchies, COSSERAT rods
Interactive facial sketch expression generation using local constraints

In this paper, an interactive sketch expression generation method is presented. By dragging one or a few control points on a new input sketch face, the system can draw corresponding natural expressions automatically. However, for an unseen target, with just a few knowledge of its neutral face, users' arbitrary input will often lead to unnatural even unreasonable results. In the proposed method, two kinds of priors are learnt from a set of different facial examples first-facial shape prior and correlated motion prior, which guarantee the global facial structures and the specific correlated motion regulations of the face respectively. Then, we present an integrated statistic face model to combine these two priors with user-input local constraints. The experimental results showed that our method could generate natural expression results to satisfy the user's requirements. Our interactive system is also easy and simple to operate even for the first-time user.
Structure Similarity Metrics for Texture Analysis and Retrieval

The presence of computers in almost every sphere of today’s human life creates the need for bridging the gap between human and machine perception of the world. It is a difficult task, given that the complexity and structure of human mind and the architecture of computers are not in accordance. Since humans are mainly visual creatures, developing ways to compare the similarity of images which would mimic human perception is an important issue. It has been shown that the traditional metrics that are intrinsic to the computer representation of images, such as point-by-point comparisons, do not perform well when compared to human judgments of similarity. Therefore, there have been several attempts to incorporate structural information in image comparisons, such as Structural Similarity Metrics (SSIM). More recently, Complex-Wavelet SSIM (CWSSIM) and Structural Texture SIM (ST-SIM) have been explored in this context. The drawbacks of these approaches are that they only use the gray-scale aspect of images, and do not utilize the (usually strong) correlations between information contained in different subband decompositions of an image. In this work, an attempt is made to overcome these drawbacks and juxtapose the results to human similarity judgments for the purpose of evaluation and comparison. The information about the color composition of images is incorporated into the similarity metrics. Also, measures that represent inter-subband correlations are added to provide results closer to human evaluations.
CLASH: PRECISE NEW CONSTRAINTS ON THE MASS PROFILE OF THE GALAXY CLUSTER A2261

We precisely constrain the inner mass profile of A2261 (z = 0.225) for the first time and determine that this cluster is not “overconcentrated” as found previously, implying a formation time in agreement with ΛCDM expectations. These results are based on multiple strong-lensing analyses of new 16-band Hubble Space Telescope imaging obtained as part of the Cluster Lensing and Supernova survey with Hubble. Combining this with revised weak-lensing analyses of Subaru wide-field imaging with five-band Subaru + KPNO photometry, we place tight new constraints on the halo virial mass Mvir = (2.2 ± 0.2) × 1015 M☉ h−170 (within rvir ≈ 3 Mpc h−170) and concentration cvir = 6.2 ± 0.3 when assuming a spherical halo. This agrees broadly with average c(M, z) predictions from recent ΛCDM simulations, which span 5 ≲ 〈c〉 ≲ 8. Our most significant systematic uncertainty is halo elongation along the line of sight (LOS). To estimate this, we also derive a mass profile based on archival Chandra X-ray observations and find it to be ∼35% lower than our lensing-derived profile at r2500 ∼ 600 kpc. Agreement can be achieved by a halo elongated with a ∼2:1 axis ratio along our LOS. For this elongated halo model, we find Mvir = (1.7 ± 0.2) × 1015 M☉ h−170 and cvir = 4.6 ± 0.2, placing rough lower limits on these values. The need for halo elongation can be partially obviated by non-thermal pressure support and, perhaps entirely, by systematic errors in the X-ray mass measurements. We estimate the effect of background structures based on MMT/Hectospec spectroscopic redshifts and find that these tend to lower Mvir further by ∼7% and increase cvir by ∼5%.
The molecular underpinning of lobular histological growth pattern: a genome‐wide transcriptomic analysis of invasive lobular carcinomas and grade‐ and molecular subtype‐matched invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the most frequent special type of breast cancer. The majority of these tumours are of low histological grade, express hormone receptors, and lack HER2 expression. The pleomorphic variant of ILCs (PLCs) is characterized by atypical cells with pleomorphic nuclei and is reported to have an aggressive clinical behaviour. Expression profiling studies have demonstrated that classic ILCs preferentially display a luminal phenotype, whereas PLCs may be of luminal, HER2 or molecular apocrine subtypes. The aims of this study were two‐fold: to determine the transcriptomic characteristics of lobular carcinomas and to define the genome‐wide transcriptomic differences between classic ILCs and PLCs. To define the transcriptomic characteristics of ILCs, minimizing the impact of histological grade and molecular subtype on the analysis, we subjected a series of grade‐ and molecular subtype‐matched ILCs and invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs) to genome‐wide gene expression profiling using oligonucleotide microarrays. Hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated that ILCs formed a separate cluster and a supervised analysis revealed that 5.8% of the transcriptionally regulated genes were significantly differentially expressed in ILCs compared to grade‐ and molecular subtype‐matched IDCs. ILCs displayed down‐regulation of E‐cadherin and of genes related to actin cytoskeleton remodelling, protein ubiquitin, DNA repair, cell adhesion, TGF‐beta signalling; and up‐regulation of transcription factors/immediate early genes, lipid/prostaglandin biosynthesis genes, and cell migration‐associated genes. Supervised analysis of classic ILCs and PLCs demonstrated that less than 0.1% of genes were significantly differentially expressed between these tumour subtypes. Our results demonstrate that ILCs differ from grade‐ and molecular subtype‐matched IDCs in the expression of genes related to cell adhesion, cell‐to‐cell signalling, and actin cytoskeleton signalling. However, classic ILCs and PLCs are remarkably similar at the molecular level and should be considered as part of a spectrum of lesions. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing a Monotone Submodular Function Subject to a Matroid Constraint

An improved coating pan apparatus and spray arm assembly are disclosed for providing facilitated maintenance and cleaning of sensitive spray nozzles. The spray arm assembly includes means for varying the spray length and spray angle from a position external to the coating drum. Additionally, this invention provides adjustment means for removing the fixture containing the spray nozzles entirely from the coating drum and laterally from the coating apparatus housing for purging.