Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variations in Intensity Statistics for Representational and Abstract Art, and for Art from the Eastern and Western Hemispheres

Two recent studies suggest that natural scenes and paintings show similar statistical properties. But does the content or region of origin of an artwork affect its statistical properties? We addressed this question by having judges place paintings from a large, diverse collection of paintings into one of three subject-matter categories using a forced-choice paradigm. Basic statistics for images whose caterogization was agreed by all judges showed no significant differences between those judged to be ‘landscape’ and ‘portrait/still-life’, but these two classes differed from paintings judged to be ‘abstract’. All categories showed basic spatial statistical regularities similar to those typical of natural scenes. A test of the full painting collection (140 images) with respect to the works' place of origin (provenance) showed significant differences between Eastern works and Western ones, differences which we find are likely related to the materials and the choice of background color. Although artists deviate slightly from reproducing natural statistics in abstract art (compared to representational art), the great majority of human art likely shares basic statistical limitations. We argue that statistical regularities in art are rooted in the need to make art visible to the eye, not in the inherent aesthetic value of natural-scene statistics, and we suggest that variability in spatial statistics may be generally imposed by manufacture.
The Economics of Bitcoin Mining, or Bitcoin in the Presence of Adversaries

The Bitcoin digital currency depends for its correctness and stability on a combination of cryptography, distributed algorithms, and incentivedriven behavior. We examine Bitcoin as a consensus game and determine that it relies on separate consensus about the rules and about game state. An important aspect of Bitcoin’s design is the mining mechanism, in which participants expend resources on solving computational puzzles in order to collect rewards. This mechanism purportedly protects Bitcoin against certain technical problems such as inconsistencies in the system’s distributed log data structure. We consider the economics of Bitcoin mining, and whether the Bitcoin protocol can survive attacks, assuming that participants behave according to their incentives. We show that there is a Nash equilibrium in which all players behave consistently with Bitcoin’s reference implementation, along with innitely many equilibria in which they behave otherwise. We also show how a motivated adversary might be able to disrupt the Bitcoin system and \crash" the currency. Finally, we argue that Bitcoin will require the emergence of governance structures, contrary to the commonly held view in the Bitcoin community that the currency is ungovernable.
Divide-by-Three Injection-Locked Frequency Dividers Over 200 GHz in 40-nm CMOS

Four divide-by-3 injection-locked frequency dividers (ILFDs) are fabricated in 40-nm CMOS technology. A second-harmonic peaking technique is used to enhance the locking range. The distributed inductor technique is used to enhance the operation frequency and the locking range. The locking range and design considerations of the proposed ILFDs are discussed. The largest measured locking range among four ILFDs is 236.6~245.2 GHz. The highest operation frequency is over 280 GHz. These ILFDs consume 2.97~3.96 mW from a supply of 1.1 V excluding output buffers.
Roaming Data Redundancy for Assurance in Critical Data Services

— Static data redundancy has been proven useful in providing fault tolerance and load balancing, but it may not provide enough assurance on the continuous availability of mission critical data in the presence of a determined adversary which locates all the static redundant copies and shuts them down using DoS attacks. In this paper, we propose a roaming data redundancy scheme to address this problem. This scheme requires that if a certain percentage of static redundant copies of the critical data has already been shut down, then a small number of roaming redundant copies will be stored in randomly selected hosts that are changed periodically. Simulation results show that this scheme can effectively mitigate the impacts of DoS attacks and host failures to ensure continuous availability of critical data, with better efficiency compared to the static data redundancy scheme.
Automatic Borders Detection of Camera Document Images

When capturing a document using a digital camera, the resulting document image is often framed by a noisy black border or includes noisy text regions from neighbouring pages. In this paper, we present a novel technique for enhancing the document images captured by a digital camera by automatically detecting the document borders and cutting out noisy black borders as well as noisy text regions appearing from neighbouring pages. Our methodology is based on projection profiles combined with a connected component labelling process. Signal cross-correlation is also used in order to verify the detected noisy text areas. Experimental results on several camera document images, mainly historical, documents indicate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Feral Swine near Spinach Fields and Cattle, Central California Coast

We investigated involvement of feral swine in contamination of agricultural fields and surface waterways with Escherichia coli O157:H7 after a nationwide outbreak traced to bagged spinach from California. Isolates from feral swine, cattle, surface water, sediment, and soil at 1 ranch were matched to the outbreak strain.
Conditional, Probabilistic Planning: A Unifying Algorithm and Effective Search Control Mechanisms

Several recent papers describe algorithms for generating conditional and/or probabilistic plans. In this paper, we synthesize this work, and present a unifying algorithm that incorporates and clarifies the main techniques that have been developed in the previous literature. Our algorithm decouples the search-control strategy for conditional and/or probabilistic planning from the underlying plan-refinement process. A similar decoupling has proven to be very useful in the analysis of classical planning algorithms, and we show that it can be at least as useful here, where the search-control decisions are even more crucial. Previous probabilistic/ conditional planners have been severely limited by the fact that they do not know how to handle failure points to advantage. We show how a principled selection of failure points can be performed within the framework our algorithm. We also describe and show the effectiveness of additional heuristics. We describe our implemented system called Mahinur and experimentally demonstrate that our methods produce efficiency improvements of several orders of magnitude.
Graphene-on-Porous-Silicon Carbide Structures

3D–SiC/graphene structures were fabricated on the basis of SiC wafers by first producing micro–porous material by anodization, and then using two–step annealing to modify the porous matrix and cover it with a 2D carbon coating. Topological features of the obtained structures extend from macro– down to nano–scale. It is expected that such topology in combination with high resistance to corrosion, and bio–compatibility of both SiC and nano–carbon will make the 3D–SiC/graphene structures prospective for tissue–inducing matrixes.
Pixel Level Handwritten and Printed Content Discrimination in Scanned Documents

Classification of the content of a scanned document as either printed or handwritten is typically tackled as a segmentation problem of pages into text lines or words. However these methods are not applicable on documents where handwritten annotations overlay printed text. In this paper we propose to treat the task as a pixel classification task, i.e., To classify individual foreground pixels into either printed or handwritten pixels. Our method uses various features of diverse nature taking the surrounding window into account. The influence of the features and their parameters are investigated and optimized on a validation set. Each foreground pixel is then classified by a multilayer perceptron using feature vectors based on a pixel neighborhood. Finally, a post-processing step corrects typical misclassifications, i.e., It removes outliers based on several heuristics. We evaluated our method on printed documents with real handwritten annotations and reached an accuracy of 96.10% on the test set. This is significantly higher than a previously published methods based on local features.
Bending stress relaxation and recovery of wool, nylon 66, and terylene fibers

The bending stress relaxation and subsequent recovery behavior were determined for merino wool, nylon, and Terylene fibers. The effect of four experimental parameters were investigated, viz., the level of bending strain (0.5–4%), the time of stress relaxation before release (1–1000 min), the relative humidity (0–85%), and the temperature (20°–60°C). For small strains the merino and nylon fibers displayed behavior characteristic of linear viscoelastic materials, while Terylene exhibited a degree of nonrecoverable set. It was possible to construct master recovery curves for fibers held bent for different times before release. These curves can be used as a more convenient means of presenting the results. A relationship was found, for each fiber type, between the percentage stress relaxation and the time taken to recover to a given level of set. This relationship appeared to be independent of the experimental conditions employed. Although the fibers were not linear viscoelastic under all conditions, recovery could be roughly predicted from their stress relaxation behavior at the particular test conditions using the Boltzmann superposition principle.
Identification of a DNA sequence element required for efficient expression of a developmentally regulated and cAMP‐inducible gene of Dictyostelium discoideum

The cysteine proteinase 2 gene of Dictyostelium encodes a developmentally regulated sulphydryl proteinase which is first expressed late during cellular aggregation. The mRNA is slightly enriched in pre‐stalk over pre‐spore cells but we show here that it is expressed at a somewhat higher level in mature spore cells than in stalk cells. The mRNA is induced to accumulate precociously in response to exogenous cAMP and we show that a fragment of DNA containing 921 nucleotides upstream of the major start site of transcription directs regulated expression of the gene. Approximately 200 nucleotides upstream of the cap site there are two, adjacent, homologous G‐rich regions of 9 nucleotides in length. We have constructed small internal deletions and point mutations which affect the distal element. We find a major reduction in regulated transcription indicating this element to be important in mediating cAMP induction of gene expression.
Improving Geometric Hashing by Means of Feature Descriptors

Geometric Hashing is a well-known technique for object recognition. This paper proposes a novel method aimed at improving the performance of Geometric Hashing in terms of robustness toward occlusion and clutter. To this purpose, it employs feature descriptors to notably decrease the amount of false positives that generally arise under these conditions. An additional advantage of the proposed technique with respect to the original method is the reduction of the computation requirements, which becomes significant with increasing number
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Ca2+ Following Axotomy and Throughout the Recovery Process of Cultured Aplysia Neurons

This study investigates the alterations in the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during axotomy and throughout the recovery process of cultured Aplysia neurons, and correlates these alterations with changes in the neurons input resistance and trans‐membrane potential. For the experiments, the axons were transected while imaging the changes in [Ca2+]i with fura‐2, and monitoring the neurons’resting potential and input resistance (Ri) with an intracellular microelectrode inserted into the cell body. The alterations in the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of [Ca2+]i were essentially the same in the proximal and the distal segments, and occurred in two distinct steps: concomitantly with the rupturing of the axolemma, as evidenced by membrane depolarization and a decrease in the input resistance, [Ca2+]i increased from resting levels of 0.05 – 0.1 μM to 1 – 1.5 μM along the entire axon. This is followed by a slower process in which a [Ca2+]i front propagates at a rate of 11 – 16 μm/s from the point of transection towards the intact ends, elevating [Ca2+]i to 3 – 18 μM. Following the resealing of the cut end 0.5 – 2 min post‐axotomy, [Ca2+]i recovers in a typical pattern of a retreating front, travelling from the intact ends towards the cut regions. The [Ca2+]i recovers to the control level 7 – 10 min post‐axotomy. In Ca2+‐free artificial sea water (2.5 mM EGTA) axotomy does not lead to increased [Ca2+]i and a membrane seal is not formed over the cut end. Upon reperfusion with normal artificial sea water, [Ca2+]i is elevated at the tip of the cut axon and a membrane seal is formed. This experiment, together with the observations that injections of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ into intact axons do not induce the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, indicates that Ca2+ influx through voltage gated Ca2+ channels and through the cut end are the primary sources of [Ca2+]i following axotomy. However, examination of the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of [Ca2+]i following axotomy and during the recovery process indicates that diffusion is not the dominating process in shaping the [Ca2+]i gradients. Other Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms seem to be very effective in limiting these gradients, thus enabling the neuron to survive the injury.
Silicon Probes for Cochlear Auditory Nerve Stimulation and Measurement

Cochlear Implant's (CI's) are devices that provides sense of sound to people who are deaf or severely hard of hearing. The important issue with CI's is the electrode design and its placement. The array should be placed close to the modiolar wall of cochlea to stimulate the auditory neurons in accordance with the frequency of the sound and the tonotopic organization of cochlea. It should be flexible for easy surgical insertion and biocompatible enough to withstand the hostile and saline warm environment inside the cochlea. Silicon semiconductor micro-fabrication is an promising technology for advanced CI electrode arrays which will replace the traditional fabrication method. In this paper the design for the silicon electrode array with its consideration is shown. Preliminary simulation results for a stiff probe puncturing the cochlear auditory nerve, which is done to get the stimulation pattern and to realise the mechanical strength of the stiff probe.
Remapping for visual stability

Visual perception is based on both incoming sensory signals and information about ongoing actions. Recordings from single neurons have shown that corollary discharge signals can influence visual representations in parietal, frontal and extrastriate visual cortex, as well as the superior colliculus (SC). In each of these areas, visual representations are remapped in conjunction with eye movements. Remapping provides a mechanism for creating a stable, eye-centred map of salient locations. Temporal and spatial aspects of remapping are highly variable from cell to cell and area to area. Most neurons in the lateral intraparietal area remap stimulus traces, as do many neurons in closely allied areas such as the frontal eye fields the SC and extrastriate area V3A. Remapping is not purely a cortical phenomenon. Stimulus traces are remapped from one hemifield to the other even when direct cortico-cortical connections are removed. The neural circuitry that produces remapping is distinguished by significant plasticity, suggesting that updating of salient stimuli is fundamental for spatial stability and visuospatial behaviour. These findings provide new evidence that a unified and stable representation of visual space is constructed by redundant circuitry, comprising cortical and subcortical pathways, with a remarkable capacity for reorganization.
Mechanism of Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity on Atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease Role of endothelial progenitor cells in the beneficial effects of physical exercise on atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease

Lenk K, Uhlemann M, Schuler G, Adams V. Role of endothelial progenitor cells in the beneficial effects of physical exercise on atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. J Appl Physiol 111: 321–328, 2011. First published February 4, 2011; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01464. 2010. —In clinical trials as well as in several animal experiments it is evident that physical exercise is a powerful tool to positively influence the development and/or progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). The main target of physical exercise seems to be the maintenance of an intact endothelial cell layer. Since the discovery that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are present in the circulation and the knowledge that exercise, either as a single exercise bout or an exercise training program, have the potency to mobilize EPCs from the bone marrow, the contribution of the EPCs for the preservation or repair of the endothelial cell layer is still under debate. Either the EPCs differentiate into mature endothelial cells, or they stimulate via a paracrine mechanism mature endothelial cells to proliferate. It is still unclear, if the exercise-induced mobilization of EPCs is casually related to the improvement of endothelial function. This review will discuss the role of endothelial progenitor cells in the beneficial effects of physical exercise on atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Preparation and in vivo pharmacokinetics of curcumin-loaded PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymeric nanoparticles

Background: Curcumin (CUR) has been linked with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti amyloid, and antitumor effects, but its application is limited because of its low aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability. Methods: To improve its bioavailability and water solubility, we synthesized two series of poly (ε-Caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-Caprolactone) triblock copolymers by ring-opening polymerization of poly (ethylene glycol) and ε-Caprolactone, with stannous 2-ethylhexanoate as the catalyst. Structure of the copolymers was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using a probe-type ultrasonic emulsion and solvent evaporation method. To obtain an optimal delivery system, we explored the effect of the length of the copolymers’ hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains on the encapsulation of hydrophobic CUR, performing entrapment efficiency and drug loading evaluations, as well as studying the particle distribution and in vitro release using the direct dispersion method. Finally, study of the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the CUR-loaded NPs was also carried out on selected copolymers in comparison with CUR solution formulations. Results: CUR was encapsulated with 94.3% and 95.5% efficiency in biodegradable nanoparticulate formulations based on NP43 and NP63, respectively. Dynamic laser light scattering and transmission electron microscopy indicated a particle diameter of 55.6 nm and 62.4 nm for NP43 and NP63, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the NPs showed that CUR was encapsulated into the NPs. The in vitro release experiments showed that NP63 controlled the release of CUR more effectively, with only 55% of CUR released after 96 hours. In comparison with the free-drug solution in vivo, encapsulation of the CUR in NP63 increased mean residence time from 0.169 to 40.148 hours and the area under the concentration–time curve 4.178-fold. Conclusion: CUR was effectively entrapped by the prepared NPs, which could improve the solubility of CUR and prolong its retention in the systemic circulation.
The manufacturing technology of continuous glass fibres

1. A Brief History. 2. Glass and Glass Fibres. 3. The Products and Manufacturing Processes. The products. An outline of the manufacturing processes. 4. Glass Manufacture. Glass compositions. Selection of raw materials for E glass manufacture. Handling, weighing, and mixing of raw materials into batch. Production of E glass. The forehearth or feeder. Technical control of glass manufacture. 5. The Conversion of Glass into Glass Fibre. Marbles quality control. Sorting and feeding of marbles to bushings. The fibre drawing furnace - the bushing. Bushings, heating and associated services, temperature control, and their start-up and operation. Fibre size applicators. Water sprays, gathering shoes, combs and pull-down rollers. The mechanical attenuation of fibres: winders and other equipment, their principles of operation and construction. The fibre forming department. The handling of fibre cakes or direct-wound rovings. The drying of glass fibre cakes. Control of the fibre forming process. 6. Fibre Sizes for Continuous Glass Fibres. Fibre sizes for yarns and fabrics. Fibre sizes for glass fibres for the direct reinforcement of polymers. Formulations of fibre sizes for the reinforcement of plastics, etc. Factors governing adjustments to fibre size formulations. Fibre sizes for yarns and cords for the reinforcement of rubber and elastomers. Appendices 7. The Conversion of Glass Fibre Strand into Products. The manufacture of chopped strand mat. The manufacture of continuous strand mat. The manufacture of tissue or roofing mat. The manufacture of rovings. The manufacture of woven roving fabric. The manufacture of chopped strands from cakes. The manufacture of yarns. The disposal of waste glass fibre strands and products. 8. Health and Safety.
Demo: Vision based smart in-car camera system for driver yawning detection

In this demo we will present a vision-based smart environment using in-car cameras that can be used for real time tracking and monitoring of a driver in order to detect the driver's drowsiness based on yawning detection. As driver fatigue and drowsiness is a major cause behind a large number of road accidents, the assistive systems that monitor a driver's level of drowsiness and alert the driver in case of vigilance can play an important role in the prevention of such accidents. Our system is built on the top of an embedded platform, called APEX™ from CogniVue Corp., that is easy and practical for installation inside a car. Moreover, we have aimed at optimizing the system in a way that it meets the real time requirements of the monitoring task while relying on the limited processing power of the embedded platform.