Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hashing + memory = low cost, exact pattern matching

In this paper we propose the combination of hashing and use of memory to achieve low cost, exact matching of SNORT-like intrusion signatures. The basic idea is to use hashing to generate a distinct address for each candidate pattern, which is stored in memory. Our implementation, hash-mem, uses simple CRC-style polynomials implemented with XOR gates, to achieve low cost hashing of the input patterns. We reduce the sparseness of the memory using an indirection memory that allows a compact storing of the search patterns and use a simple comparator to verify the match. Our implementation uses in the order of 0.15 logic cells per search pattern character, and a few tens of memory blocks, fitting comfortably in small or medium FPGA devices.
Color landmark based self-localization for indoor mobile robots

We present a simple artificial landmark model and a robust tracking algorithm for the navigation of indoor mobile robots. The landmark model is designed to have a three-dimensional structure consisting of a multi-colored planar pattern. A stochastic algorithm based on Condensation [1] tracks the landmark model robustly using the color distribution of the pattern. A new self-localization algorithm computes the location of robot with the tracked single landmark. Experimental results show that the proposed landmark model is eflective. Through extensive navigation experiments in a cluttered indoor environment, we demonstrate the feasibility of the single view based self-localization in real-time.
Multiplex shRNA Screening of Germ Cell Development by in Vivo Transfection of Mouse Testis

Spermatozoa are one of the few mammalian cell types that cannot be fully derived in vitro, severely limiting the application of modern genomic techniques to study germ cell biology. The current gold standard approach of characterizing single-gene knockout mice is slow as generation of each mutant line can take 6–9 months. Here, we describe an in vivo approach to rapid functional screening of germline genes based on a new nonsurgical, nonviral in vivo transfection method to deliver nucleic acids into testicular germ cells. By coupling multiplex transfection of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs with pooled amplicon sequencing as a readout, we were able to screen many genes for spermatogenesis function in a quick and inexpensive experiment. We transfected nine mouse testes with a pilot pool of RNA interference (RNAi) against well-characterized genes to show that this system is highly reproducible and accurate. With a false negative rate of 18% and a false positive rate of 12%, this method has similar performance as other RNAi screens in the well-described Drosophila model system. In a separate experiment, we screened 26 uncharacterized genes computationally predicted to be essential for spermatogenesis and found numerous candidates for follow-up studies. Finally, as a control experiment, we performed a long-term selection screen in neuronal N2a cells, sampling shRNA frequencies at five sequential time points. By characterizing the effect of both libraries on N2a cells, we show that our screening results from testis are tissue-specific. Our calculations indicate that the current implementation of this approach could be used to screen thousands of protein-coding genes simultaneously in a single mouse testis. The experimental protocols and analysis scripts provided will enable other groups to use this procedure to study diverse aspects of germ cell biology ranging from epigenetics to cell physiology. This approach also has great promise as an applied tool for validating diagnoses made from medical genome sequencing, or designing synthetic biological sequences that can act as potent and highly specific male contraceptives.
Avoiding Your Teacher's Mistakes: Training Neural Networks with Controlled Weak Supervision

Training deep neural networks requires massive amounts of training data, but for many tasks only limited labeled data is available. This makes weak supervision attractive, using weak or noisy signals like the output of heuristic methods or user click-through data for training. In a semi-supervised setting, we can use a large set of data with weak labels to pretrain a neural network and then fine-tune the parameters with a small amount of data with true labels. This feels intuitively sub-optimal as these two independent stages leave the model unaware about the varying label quality. What if we could somehow inform the model about the label quality? In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised learning method where we train two neural networks in a multi-task fashion: a "target network" and a "confidence network". The target network is optimized to perform a given task and is trained using a large set of unlabeled data that are weakly annotated. We propose to weight the gradient updates to the target network using the scores provided by the second confidence network, which is trained on a small amount of supervised data. Thus we avoid that the weight updates computed from noisy labels harm the quality of the target network model. We evaluate our learning strategy on two different tasks: document ranking and sentiment classification. The results demonstrate that our approach not only enhances the performance compared to the baselines but also speeds up the learning process from weak labels.
Boundary state of multiple D0-branes and closed string coupling

In this paper we study a boundary state of multiple D0-branes with spacetime dependent scalar fields in the \alpha' expansion. We calculate a formulas for non-Abelian boundary state defined by using a Wilson loop factor and path ordering. The boundary state contains divergences which vanish when the scalar fields on D0-branes satisfy the equation of motion. Hence the boundary state is well-defined if the configuration of D0-branes in on-shell. We can show the constructed boundary state is BRST invariant. From the constructed boundary state we extract couplings of the scalar fields to closed string fields. Our results reproduce the correct formulas for supergravity current distribution obtained from the disk amplitudes, Matrix theory potential, non-Abelian DBI action. Our calculations are performed up to order {\alpha'}^2 both in the bosonic string and the IIA superstring theory. Furthermore we confirm that our boundary state is identical to the correct one in the case of a single boosted D0-brane and a noncommutative D2-brane. These results support the correctness of the formulas for non-Abelian boundary states.
Endoscopic pancreatic balloon sphincteroplasty for difficult to treat pancreatic stones and strictures: experience in 80 patients

Abstract Background and aim There is paucity of data about endoscopic pancreatic sphincteroplasty (EPS) after endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPST) in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to establish the indications for EPS, complications related to it, and to examine its effectiveness in managing chronic pancreatitis after a year of follow-up. Methods We evaluated the safety and efficacy of pancreatic balloon dilation coupled with sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The technical success rate of balloon dilation, stone clearance, frequency of pancreatic stenting, and procedure-related adverse events were recorded. Results Out of 580 patients who underwent pancreatic endotherapy between July 2014 and February 2016, 80 patients underwent EPS. The mean age of these 80 patients was 34 ± 11 years, and 80 % (n = 64) were males. The common indications were removal of large radiolucent stones in 31 patients; unyielding radiopaque stones post extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 20 patients, and pancreatic duct stricture combined with stones in 29 patients. EPS could be successfully completed in 98.75 % of patients. Complete ductal clearance in a single session was achieved in only 25 patients, while 26 patients required two sessions. There were two adverse events of pain requiring admission for more than 24 hours and one procedure related bleeding, all of which were managed conservatively. The patients had an average follow-up of 8 months (6 – 12 months) and all the patients were pain free. Conclusions Endoscopic pancreatic sphincteroplasty is a relatively safe procedure with a low incidence of complications and a high rate of treatment success.
3D Finite Element Analysis on ChaHanWuSu CFRD Built on Thick Alluvium Deposits

As a very popular dam style, more concrete- faced rockfill dams have been built in the world, but there is presently only a few high CFRDs with dam height more than 100m built on thick alluvium deposits. ChaHaWuSu CFRD with dam height 107.60m and the maximum thickness of alluvium deposits 46.70m, has been built in Xinjiang province, China recently. The excessive of displacement of foundation and dam body may lead to big deformation of peripheral joint and cause the failure of seal materials and produce water leakage. Therefore, 3D finite element analysis was carried out to estimate the deformation of dam. Firstly, 3D mesh including surrounding mountain and alluvium deposits was established by use of advanced grid discreteness technique. Secondly, Desai thin layer elements were adopted to model the interface between the face slab and cushion layer. Moreover, joint elements were adopted to model the joints between the face slab and plinth, plinth and connecting slab, connecting slab and connecting slab, connecting slab and diaphragm wall. Finally, large scales of equations solving method were adopted in the procedure thus the computer calculation time was greatly reduced. The calculation result was compared with the monitored deformation date of ChaHaWuSu CFRD. All in all, the above research will do much benefit to the CFRD design on thick alluvium deposits.
Histone-binding of DPF2 mediates its repressive role in myeloid differentiation

Significance Double plant homeodomain finger 2 (DPF2) is a regulator of myeloid differentiation and implicated in a range of human cancers, including acute myelogenous leukemia. Recruitment of DPF2 to chromatin has been shown to alter the expression of target genes and inhibit myeloid differentiation. Here, we present the crystal structure of the human DPF2 tandem plant homeodomain finger domain and comprehensive structure-guided biochemical and in vivo analyses. Combined, our data delineate the determinants of DPF2’s chromatin recruitment and establish its regulatory role in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell differentiation. Double plant homeodomain finger 2 (DPF2) is a highly evolutionarily conserved member of the d4 protein family that is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues and was recently shown to inhibit the myeloid differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor and acute myelogenous leukemia cells. Here, we present the crystal structure of the tandem plant homeodomain finger domain of human DPF2 at 1.6-Å resolution. We show that DPF2 interacts with the acetylated tails of both histones 3 and 4 via bipartite binding pockets on the DPF2 surface. Blocking these interactions through targeted mutagenesis of DPF2 abolishes its recruitment to target chromatin regions as well as its ability to prevent myeloid differentiation in vivo. Our findings suggest that the histone binding of DPF2 plays an important regulatory role in the transcriptional program that drives myeloid differentiation.
Magnetic Flux Entropy as a Tool to Predict Transformer's Failures

This paper proposes magnetic flux entropy as another technique to assess electric transformer failures. The obtained tool based on entropy may reveal some irregularities, distortions, aging, overloading, and harmonics, all of them reflected over the electrical sine wave that supplies power to dwelling and industry. Some entropy concepts are reviewed and the basic equations are applied to data obtained from magnetic and infrared waves radiated by the (18 watts 110-20 V) prototype. Several experiments were made through non-invasive and indirect measurements of magnetic and thermal fluxes. Entropy, as an accepted indicator of physical complexity, is proportional to the logarithm of the number of states in a thermodynamic system. Failure prediction based on entropy of radiated magnetic waves could be easier, faster, and cheaper.
Electrospinning as a Processing Method for Electroactive Polymers and Composites

Electrospinning as a Processing Method for Electroactive Polymers and Composites By Kristin J. Pawlowski, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2004. Major Director: Gary L. Bowlin, Ph.D. Associate Professor Biomedical Engineering Electrospinning was examined for its potential to create functional materials. Three distinct electroactive materials were electrospun into fibers and fiber mats and then characterized with the intent of determining their utility in aerospace and biomedical applications such as micro-air vehicles and the cardiovascular system. Electrospun Graft Elastomers demonstrated potential as actuators, as electromechanical strain testing showed comparable response to the film form of this material. Further improvement of electroactive response was realized with high dielectric inclusions and fiber orientation. Electrospin processing imparted piezoelectric properties to the fibers of poly(vinylidene fluoride). Differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy indicated a degree of control over crystalline phase in poly(vinylidene fluoride) fibers based on electrospinning conditions. An increase in dielectric constant in the direction of fiber orientation proved that electrospinning also caused alignment of singlewalled carbon nanotubes within the fibers. Ultem/aligned single-walled carbon nanotube fiber nanocomposites were also fabricated; these showed evidence of enhanced piezoelectric strain response relative to fibers composed of the matrix alone. Thermal and static mechanical testing of all three types of fibers revealed no significant findings that would limit their use in abovementioned applications. Extract biocompatibility tests did not indicate severe adverse reaction of L929 mouse fibroblast cells to fiber mats for either Graft Elastomers or poly(vinylidene fluoride). These contributions prove that functional electroactive materials can be produced utilizing electrospinning as the processing method. This technique is simpler and cheaper to carry out, and resulting fiber mats showed comparable or improved properties and performance compared to other physical forms of the same materials.
Prediction of link residual lifetime using Kalman filter in vehicular ad hoc networks

In this paper, we present an algorithm to predict the residual link lifetime in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) by making use of Kalman filter based prediction technique. Assuming Gauss-Markov mobility model for the vehicles, the algorithm initially finds the relative location coordinates and velocity of the vehicles and using this information, the residual lifetime of the communication links are determined. Simulation results show that the procedure adopted for the prediction achieve good performance in the presence of velocity changes.
Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Text Generation

We present a novel approach to natural language generation (NLG) that applies hierarchical reinforcement learning to text generation in the wayfinding domain. Our approach aims to optimise the integration of NLG tasks that are inherently different in nature, such as decisions of content selection, text structure, user modelling, referring expression generation (REG), and surface realisation. It also aims to capture existing interdependencies between these areas. We apply hierarchical reinforcement learning to learn a generation policy that captures these interdependencies, and that can be transferred to other NLG tasks. Our experimental results---in a simulated environment---show that the learnt wayfinding policy outperforms a baseline policy that takes reasonable actions but without optimization.
Managing the Spectral-Spatial Mix in Context Classification Using Markov Random Fields

A straightforward method is presented for determining the most appropriate weighting of the spectral and spatial contributions in the Markov random field approach to context classification. The spectral and spatial components are each normalized to fall in the range (0,1) after which the appropriate value for the weighting coefficient can determined simply, guided by an assessment of the importance of the spatial contribution. Experimental results are presented using an artificial data set and real data recorded by the Landsat Thematic Mapper and Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer.
Ultrafast Transient Spectroscopy of Polymer/Fullerene Blends for Organic Photovoltaic Applications

We measured the picoseconds (ps) transient dynamics of photoexcitations in blends of regio-regular poly(3-hexyl-thiophene) (RR-P3HT) (donors-D) and fullerene (PCBM) (acceptor-A) in an unprecedented broad spectral range of 0.25 to 2.5 eV. In D-A blends with maximum domain separation, such as RR-P3HT/PCBM, with (1.2:1) weight ratio having solar cell power conversion efficiency of ~4%, we found that although the intrachain excitons in the polymer domains decay within ~10 ps, no charge polarons are generated at their expense up to ~1 ns. Instead, there is a build-up of charge-transfer (CT) excitons at the D-A interfaces having the same kinetics as the exciton decay. The CT excitons dissociate into separate polarons in the D and A domains at a later time (>1 ns). This “two-step” charge photogeneration process may be typical in organic bulk heterojunction cells. We also report the effect of adding spin 1/2 radicals, Galvinoxyl on the ultrafast photoexcitation dynamics in annealed films of RR-P3HT/PCBM blend. The addition of Galvinoxyl radicals to the blend reduces the geminate recombination rate of photogenerated CT excitons. In addition, the photoexcitation dynamics in a new D-A blend of RR-P3HT/Indene C60 trisadduct (ICTA) has been studied and compared with the dynamics in RR-P3HT/PCBM.
Self Similarity Wide-Joins for Near-Duplicate Image Detection

Near-duplicate image detection plays an important role in several real applications. Such task is usually achieved by applying a clustering algorithm followed by refinement steps, which is a computationally expensive process. In this paper we introduce a framework based on a novel similarity join operator, which is able both to replace and speed up the clustering step, whereas also releasing the need of further refinement processes. It is based on absolute and relative similarity ratios, ensuring that top ranked image pairs are in the final result. Experiments performed on real datasets shows that our proposal is up to three orders of magnitude faster than the best techniques in the literature, always returning a high-quality result set.
Arthroscopic Labral Repair versus Labral Debridement in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Minimum 2.5 Year Follow-up Study

Purpose To compare the clinical results of labral repair with labral debridement in patients undergoing arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement. Methods Between July 2008 and December 2011, 67 patients (73 hips) underwent arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement. The repair group consisted of 33 patients; 18 hips with pincer only, 1 with CAM only and 15 with combined impingement. The debridement group contained 34 patients; 6 with pincer only, 5 with CAM only and 28 with combined type. The mean age in the repair group was 33.5 years (range, 30-61) and in the debridement group was 39.5 years (range, 18-59 y). At the time of last follow-up, patient's hip function was evaluated with ROM of the hip; daily Hip Outcome scores (dHOS) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS). Results The mean follow-up was 45.2 month in the repair group and 47.2 month in debridement group. Daily hip outcome scores were significantly improved from preoperatively to last follow-up in both groups (p<0.05). However, there were no statistical significant difference in dHOS between repair and debridement groups (p>0.05) at last follow-up. 2 patients in the repair group and 1 patient in the debridement group had undergone total hip replacement at an average of 16 months (range, 4-32 m) after arthroscopic treatment. Hip joint instability occurred in 1 patient in the repair group due to aggressive capsular resection. This was treated by a periacetabular osteotomy. Conclusions No difference in hip functional outcomes was observed between labral debridement and labral repair in arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.
Optimal cost function and magnitude power for NMF-based speech separation and music interpolation

There has been a significant amount of research in new algorithms and applications for nonnegative matrix factorization, but relatively little has been published on practical considerations for real-world applications, such as choosing optimal parameters for a particular application. In this paper, we will look at two applications, single-channel source separation of speech and interpolating missing music data. We will present the optimal parameters found for the experiments as well as discuss how parameters affect performance.
Leitenstorfer , Tutz : Generalized Monotonic Regression Based on B-Splines with an Application to Air Pollution Data

In many studies where it is known that one or more of the certain covariates have monotonic effect on the response variable, common fitting methods for generalized additive models (GAM) may be affected by a sparse design and often generate implausible results. A fitting procedure is proposed that incorporates the monotonicity assumptions on one or more smooth components within a GAM framework. The flexible likelihood based boosting algorithm uses the monotonicity restriction for B-spline coefficients and provides componentwise selection of smooth components. Stopping criteria and approximate pointwise confidence bands are derived. The method is applied to data from a study conducted in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil, where the influence of several air pollutants like SO2 on respiratory mortality of children is investigated.
Maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic power based on the improved interleaved boost converter

As the core of controller of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for photovoltaic power, DC-DC converter influence the system's stability. An improved interleaved boost converter(IIBC) is proposed in this paper. Based on Matlab/Simulink model and simulation, an experimental comparison study has been investigated between the IIBC, the simple boost converter(SBC) and the traditional interleaved boost converter(TIBC). The IIBC could reduce the output voltage ripple, amplitude of variation and the voltage stress of the switches. The IIBC converter could select switches of low voltage and high level to reduce the loss of the circuit and is suitable in photovotaic power. Research and program MPPT algorithm by the incremental conductance method with variable step size based on the new converter.
General convex hull using the gem data structure ∗

We describe in detail a general algorithm for constructing the convex hull of a finite set of points in Euclidean space of arbitrary dimension n. The algorithm handles degenerate situations, such as non-simplicial faces and point sets contained in a lowerdimensional subspace. The topology of the hull is kept in a graph encoded map (gem) data structure, a novel representation for n-dimensional triangulations. The gem representation, which was introduced as a mathematical device by S. Lins in 1982, extends the cell-tuple (or generalized map) representation proposed by Brisson and Lienhardt to maps that are not barycentric subdivisions, to manifolds with borders, and to nonmanifold (but triangulable) topological spaces.