Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sketching Sparse Matrices

This paper considers the problem of recovering an unknown sparse p⇥ p matrix X from an m ⇥ m matrix Y = AXB T ,w hereA and B are known m ⇥ p matrices with m ⌧ p. The main result shows that there exist constructions of the “sketching” matrices A and B so that even if X has O(p) non-zeros, it can be recovered exactly and eciently using a convex program as long as these non-zeros are not concentrated in any single row/column of X. Furthermore, it suces for the size of Y (the sketch dimension) to scale as m = O p # nonzeros in X ⇥ logp . The results also show that the recovery is robust and stable in the sense that if X is equal to a sparse matrix plus a perturbation, then the convex program we propose produces an approximation with accuracy proportional to the size of the perturbation. Unlike traditional results on sparse recovery, where the sensing matrix produces independent measurements, our sensing operator is highly constrained (it assumes a tensor product structure). Therefore, proving recovery guarantees require non-standard techniques. Indeed our approach relies on a novel result concerning tensor products of bipartite graphs, which may be of independent interest. This problem is motivated by the following application, among others. Consider a p ⇥ n data matrix D, consisting of n observations of p variables. Assume that the correlation matrix X := DD T is (approximately) sparse in the sense that each of the p variables is significantly correlated with only a few others. Our results show that these significant correlations can be detected even if we have access to only a sketch of the data S = AD with A 2 R m⇥p .
Role for Endogenous BDNF in Endocannabinoid-Mediated Long-Term Depression at Neocortical Inhibitory Synapses,,

Endocannabinoids and neurotrophins, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are potent neuromodulators that play critical roles in many behavioral and physiological processes. Disruption of either BDNF or endocannabinoid signaling is associated with an overlapping set of neurologic and psychiatric diseases, and both systems are currently major targets for the development of novel therapeutics, particularly in relation to depression, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. Abstract The endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system is an important regulator of synaptic function. Endocannabinoids acutely modulate inhibitory and excitatory transmission, and also mediate long-term depression at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. Typically, endocannabinoid synthesis and release is stimulated by depolarization-induced calcium influx and/or activation of phospholipase-C (PLC) signaling triggered by mGluR activation. Recently it has been shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can also induce endocannabinoid release. Although there is growing evidence for cross-talk between BDNF and endocannabinoid signaling, little is known about the functional relevance of these interactions. In the present studies, we examined BDNF−endocannabinoid interactions in regulating activity-dependent long-term depression at inhibitory synapses (iLTD). We found that theta burst stimulation (TBS) in layer 2/3 of mouse somatosensory cortical slices can induce a form of endocannabinoid-mediated iLTD that is independent of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activation. This endocannabinoid-dependent iLTD, however, requires endogenous BDNF-trkB signaling, as it is blocked by a trk tyrosine kinase inhibitor and by a trkB receptor antagonist, and also requires activation of diacylglycerol lipase (DAG-lipase, DGL). In addition, endocannabinoid-mediated iLTD can be induced by combining a subthreshold concentration of exogenous BDNF with weak TBS stimulation that by itself is insufficient to induce iLTD. Taken together, our results suggest that TBS can induce the release of endogenous BDNF, which triggers DGL-dependent endocannabinoid mobilization and cannabinoid receptor-dependent iLTD at layer 2/3 cortical synapses.
Measurement of basis weight and moisture content of composite boards using microwaves

Economic benefits from real-time, on-line measurement of partial wet and dry basis weight/density and true bulk moisture content (MC) of solid wood and composites are exceptional. Such information is useful for front-end processing, in-process control, and output quality control. This paper describes the use of a two-parameter (attenuation and phase), single-frequency (10 GHz), noncontacting microwave transmission system to simultaneously measure the partial water and dry wood basis weights (m w , m d ; (g/cm 2 )), the total basis weight (m tot = m d + m w ; (g/cm 2 )), and the MC (MC = m w /m d ; dry basis). Attention is focused on fiberboard composites, but the measurement techniques apply equally to other composites and to dimensioned wood.
Exploring the Possibility of Utilization of Red Mud Epoxy Based Functionally Graded Materials as Wear-Resistant Materials Using Taguchi Design of Experiment

The study aims for potential utilization of red mud (an industrial waste) to be utilized as a wear-resistant material. Investigations on mechanical and wear characteristics of red mud epoxy based homogeneous and their functionally graded materials (FGMs) developed with an intent of probable application in tribological systems are presented. The influence of significant operational parameters, material parameters, and their subsequent influences among themselves are explored. A specially designed experimental series is performed on a pin-on-disk machine with three different sliding velocities 105, 209, and 314 cm/s under three different loading conditions of 20, 30, and 40 N and compares the experimental results with the reported theoretical wear model. Artificial neural network approach is also applied to the wear data for subsequent validation. The comparative study indicates that although the homogeneous composites and FGMs exhibit relatively inferior mechanical properties, the sliding wear performance of the FGMs is better than homogeneous composites. It is also found that out of all synthesized composites FGMs exhibit the maximum impact strength and tensile modulus, which clearly indicates that the gradation achieved because the centrifugation technique enhances the crack arresting capability of the materials. The measured Young's moduli of homogeneous composites and FGMs were compared to standard theoretical prediction models. The measured moduli values showed good harmony with those predicted from Halpin–Tsai and Kerner models. Transmission electron microscopy microstructures confirm the continuous graded dispersion of red mud particles in the matrix.
A Decoupling Method for Serial Twin Linear Slider System with Machine Stand Vibration

In this paper, we propose a decoupling method for a serial twin linear slider system with a machine stand vibration. In the decoupling, we introduce a transfer function which can be designed arbitrarily by a desired decoupled model. One of designed examples of the transfer function is shown, and the effectiveness is demonstrated by two experiments. As a result, it is obtained that a positioning accuracy of the sliders can be improved by a decoupling method proposed here
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae Serovar 61:k:1,5,(7) Strain CRJJGF_00165 (Phylum Gammaproteobacteria)

ABSTRACT Here, we report a 4.78-Mb draft genome sequence of the Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae serovar 61:k:1,5,(7) strain CRJJGF_00165 [also called S. enterica subsp. IIIb serovar 61:k:1,5,(7) strain CRJJGF_00165], isolated from ground beef in 2007.
Classifiability-Based Optimal Discriminatory Projection Pursuit

Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) might be the most widely used linear feature extraction method in pattern recognition. Based on the analysis on the several limitations of traditional LDA, this paper makes an effort to propose a new computational paradigm named Optimal Discriminatory Projection Pursuit (ODPP), which is totally different from the traditional LDA and its variants. Only two simple steps are involved in the proposed ODPP: one is the construction of candidate projection set; the other is the optimal discriminatory projection pursuit. For the former step, candidate projections are generated as the difference vectors between nearest between-class boundary samples with redundancy well-controlled, while the latter is efficiently achieved by classifiability-based AdaBoost learning from the large candidate projection set. We show that the new “projection pursuit” paradigm not only does not suffer from the limitations of the traditional LDA but also inherits good generalizability from the boundary attribute of candidate projections. Extensive experimental comparisons with LDA and its variants on synthetic and real data sets show that the proposed method consistently has better performances.
Microtubule Associated Protein 1b (MAP1B) Is a Marker of the Microtubular Cytoskeleton in Podocytes but Is Not Essential for the Function of the Kidney Filtration Barrier in Mice

Podocytes are essential for the function of the kidney glomerular filter. A highly differentiated cytoskeleton is requisite for their integrity. Although much knowledge has been gained on the organization of cortical actin networks in podocyte’s foot processes, less is known about the molecular organization of the microtubular cytoskeleton in primary processes and the cell body. To gain an insight into the organization of the microtubular cytoskeleton of the podocyte, we systematically analyzed the expression of microtubule associated proteins (Maps), a family of microtubules interacting proteins with known functions as regulator, scaffold and guidance proteins. We identified microtubule associated protein 1b (MAP1B) to be specifically enriched in podocytes in human and rodent kidney. Using immunogold labeling in electron microscopy, we were able to demonstrate an enrichment of MAP1B in primary processes. A similar association of MAP1B with the microtubule cytoskeleton was detected in cultured podocytes. Subcellular distribution of MAP1B HC and LC1 was analyzed using a double fluorescent reporter MAP1B fusion protein. Subsequently we analyzed mice constitutively depleted of MAP1B. Interestingly, MAP1B KO was not associated with any functional or structural alterations pointing towards a redundancy of MAP proteins in podocytes. In summary, we established MAP1B as a specific marker protein of the podocyte microtubular cytoskeleton.
Mobile proxies for proactive buffering in wireless Internet multimedia streaming

The widespread popularity of roaming wireless devices with limited and heterogeneous capabilities is enabling new challenging deployment scenarios for multimedia streaming in wired-wireless integrated networks. Streaming services should consider not only the support of different forms of mobility and connectivity, but also runtime service personalization based on client characteristics and location, while possibly maintaining streaming continuity independently of client roaming. The paper proposes an original middleware solution based on mobile proxies that work at the wired-wireless network edges, close to their limited wireless clients, to support their personalized access to continuous services, especially by pre-fetching multimedia contents to avoid streaming interruptions. In particular, the paper focuses on how to exploit handover prediction i) to migrate mobile proxies in advance to the wireless cells where mobile clients are going to reconnect, and ii) to proactively manage mobile proxy buffers, thus reducing memory and bandwidth usage. Experimental results show that our original lightweight solution for IEEE 802.11 cell handover prediction can significantly improve the management of proactive multimedia buffers, by respecting the challenging time constraints of the addressed application domain.
Why Organizations Are Such a Mess ( and What an Economist Might Do About It )

___________________________ Author’s Note (November, 2014): I was wary of revisiting an essay that was both informal and dated but found it less horrible than I had feared—perhaps because I have been stuck in a rut for 15 years! For an update on Section 2 (i.e., relational contracts, management, and leadership), see Gibbons and Henderson (2012). For an update on Section 1 (i.e., economic models of internal organization), see 11 pages from Gibbons and Roberts (2015) or 1233 pages from Gibbons and Roberts (eds., 2013).
Theoretical, Numerical, and Experimental Analysis of Optical Fiber Tapering

An optical fiber taper is fabricated by heating and stretching a fiber. The resulting taper shape is important as it strongly affects optical performance. In this paper, the tapering process of solid optical fiber is modeled and analyzed under several heating and stretching conditions. The fiber material is assumed to be of non-Newtonian inelastic type. The results show that for a given heating profile, the shape of a tapered fiber is independent of the material properties and the stretching conditions applied at the fiber ends, and a section of uniform waist can be formed as long as the extensional deformation rate in a section of the heating zone is position-independent. Different shapes of fiber tapers can only be achieved by using different heating profiles. Therefore, spatially uniform heating of the fiber within the heating zone is of critical importance for producing a taper with a uniform waist. This is particularly true if the fiber material has a low deformation temperature
Whispering Gallery Mode Emission from Photonic Microtubes

We have found cylindrical glass microtubes can be formed by vacuum assisted filtration using a micro-channel glass matrix followed by thermal treatment of the material. The microtubes are strongly luminescent and exhibit sharp whispering gallery modes. The ease of fabrication suggest that such photonic structures will find use as both microsensors and microlasers
A web-based intervention trial for depressive symptoms and subjective well-being in patients with chronic HIV infection

The current study examined the efficacy of a web-based intervention (WBI; Avanti) on symptoms of depression and well-being for patients diagnosed with HIV. A two-armed randomized trial recruited patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at an outpatient clinic. Thirty-six patients were allocated to Avanti and 31 patients to a control group. Primary outcomes were symptoms of depression and subjective well-being (SWB), and secondary outcomes included life satisfaction and affect balance. Paired tests showed that only patients following Avanti had significant improvements in SWB by 3 months as well as affect balance. No significant differences between groups were detected in any of the outcome parameters at baseline after 3 months, as expected from group size and variability in the parameters. However, time since HIV diagnosis and ART initiation moderated the effects of Avanti. In conclusion, our data show that patients with HIV infection may benefit from a WBI in adjunct to medical treatment.
Development of Multi-model for Cogeneration System Using Statistical Analysis

Cogeneration system is a nonlinear multivariate system with a wide operating regime. The efficiency of electricity generating and thermoelectric conversion coefficient of turbine generator are affected by many factors such as load variation, extracted steam change, and unstable supplied power etc. In this paper, a kind of identification algorithm has been proposed to build the statistical model of generating efficiency. Firstly, key variables are selected by using stepwise regression method. Then, statistical models are built in different operating regimes. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of the presented algorithm. The field engineer can take the developed model as a reference and determine the operating operation of cogeneration system. As a result, the performance of turbine generator is improved and the operating cost is reduced.
Specimen Size Effects and Dynamic Fracture Toughness of Cement-Based Foams

AbstractThis paper presents the effect of geometrically similar specimen size on the mechanical properties of cement-based foams. The experimental study also investigates fracture-mechanical parameters under flexural impact. A preformed foam was employed to prepare the specimens using a synthetic foaming agent that was known to achieve a stable bubble structure. The cement-based foams were prepared to a cast density of 475 kg/m3 and were examined under compression and flexure. Along with a plain unreinforced mix, polypropylene fiber at a volumetric fraction of 0.2% was used to study the effect of microfiber reinforcement. The tested specimens scaled between one to four times in dimension. Parameters associated with their dynamic-fracture mechanics were evaluated under flexure with the help of a drop-weight impact tester equipped with a high speed imaging system. Bažant’s size effect model and the multifractal scaling model were employed to describe the size effect. It was seen that when subjected to comp.
TSIR: A Chinese Temporal semantics Information Retrieval system based on MapReduce

The significance of time in information production and consumption has been recognised in information retrieval research. Temporal information plays an important role in the webpage retrieval. The webpage has both the temporal metadata and temporal semantics in the content. However, the existing search engines conduct the information retrieval based on text keywords rather than temporal semantics. To address this issue, a Temporal semantics Information Retrieval (TSIR) System is proposed to deal with the Chinese temporal information retrieval. The TSIR system is deployed on Hadoop and implemented by the means of MapReduce. Firstly, the Chinese temporal regular expression rule is introduced to extract the explicit and implicit temporal phrases in the query keywords and webpages. Secondly, the scores of webpages are re-evaluated by taking text relevance and temporal semantics relevance into account and the returned results are ranked according to re-evaluation. Experiment shows that TSIR system could precisely and effectively match the keywords queries related to temporal expression.
Harvest-Then-Cooperate: Wireless-Powered Cooperative Communications

In this paper, we consider a wireless-powered cooperative communication network consisting of one hybrid access-point (AP), one source, and one relay. In contrast to conventional cooperative networks, the source and relay in the considered network have no embedded energy supply. They need to rely on the energy harvested from the signals broadcasted by the AP for their cooperative information transmission. Based on this three-node reference model, we propose a harvest-then-cooperate (HTC) protocol, in which the source and relay harvest energy from the AP in the downlink and work cooperatively in the uplink for the source's information transmission. Considering a delay-limited transmission mode, the approximate closed-form expression for the average throughput of the proposed protocol is derived over Rayleigh fading channels. Subsequently, this analysis is extended to the multi-relay scenario, where the approximate throughput of the HTC protocol with two popular relay selection schemes is derived. The asymptotic analyses for the throughput performance of the considered schemes at high signal-to-noise radio are also provided. All theoretical results are validated by numerical simulations. The impacts of the system parameters, such as time allocation, relay number, and relay position, on the throughput performance are extensively investigated.
Oscillator design for suppressing spurious signals

This article has shed some light upon typical problems of the oscillator design. A number of additional signals can be excited by the oscillator's active kernel due to parasitic effects. These interfere with the projected oscillation frequency or with its harmonics and produce a number of disturbing spurious signals. By the help of a suitable CAD program, such as C/NL2, it is possible to avoid this problem. The CAD program can analyze the reason for these additional oscillations and comfortably give advice how to take measures to inhibit the oscillator's circuit capability to produce these unwanted additional parasitic oscillations. This article examined the problem of exciting spurious emission in an oscillator circuit and proves, that an oscillator can be easily CAD designed and assembled, producing the designed frequency signal, only
Multiple Uses of Frequent Sets and Condensed Representations (Extended Abstract)

In interactive data mining it is advantageous to have condensed representations of data that can be used to efficiently answer different queries. In this paper we show how frequent sets can be used as a condensed representation for answering various types of queries. Given a table r with 0/1 values and a threshold σ, a frequent set of r is a set X of columns of r such that at least a fraction σ of the rows of r have a 1 in all the columns of X. Finding frequent sets is a first step in finding association rules, and there exists several efficient algorithms for finding the frequent sets. We show that frequent sets have wider applications than just finding association rules. We show that using the inclusion-exclusion principle one can obtain approximate confidences of arbitrary boolean rules. We derive bounds for the errors in the confidences, and show that information collected during the computation of frequent sets can also be used to provide individual error bounds for each clause. Experiments show that this method enables one to obtain different forms of rules from data extremely fast. Furthermore, we define a general notion of condensed representations, and show that frequent sets, samples and the data cube can be viewed as instantations of this concept.
A Semi-Empirical Friction Model for Cold Metal Rolling

A semi-empirical model of friction is developed for cold metal rolling in the mixed lubrication regime. An asperity flattening model is used to investigate the evolution of the contact area and hydrodynamic pressure between the roll and strip surfaces. An appropriate coefficient of friction for the contact areas between roll and strip surfaces is determined empirically using tests on a strip drawing rig. The asperity flattening model is combined with the empirical data for friction on the contact areas to predict the effect of speed on friction in rolling. Predicted values of friction coefficient are in reasonable agreement with published measurements. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Paper at the ASME/STLE Tribology Conference in Seattle, Washington, October 1–4, 2000
Snakes , Worms and Catheters : Continuum and Serpentine Robots for Minimally Invasive Surgery

A broad variety of serpentine and continuum robots have been developed for minimally invasive surgical applications. These vary in size from less than a millimeter to several centimeters in diameter and include flexible needles, robotic catheters, multi-segmented sheaths for NOTES applications, snake-like robots capable of suturing and inchworm devices that can move over the heart. While these devices share many common features, little effort has been devoted to exploring and exploiting these commonalities. This workshop focuses on bringing together interested researchers in academia and industry to identify unifying research questions and approaches for these types of devices.