Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pointillist Halftoning

We explore an extension of current halftoning algorithms that aims to reproduce pointillism, a style of post-impressionist painting. Halftoning algorithms solve the problem of reproducing an image with many colors on a device with very few colors (usually only two, black and white). Pointillist painters also created images using a very limited number of paint colors. Both halftoning and point-illism use dot patterns to suggest intermediate colors not available on the image created. In order to reproduce pointillism, we extend error diffusion, which is a commonly used halftoning algorithm. Error diffusion relies on an ordered grid of pixels, which appear as dots of color on the ﬁnal image. If these dots are initially not on a grid, but are placed randomly, a new algorithm is needed. Our solution is to build a graph of pixels with links between neighbors on the image, and replace row-by-row processing with graph traversal. This extension of error diffusion is the main contribution of the paper. Beyond simulating an artist’s technique, our extension improves color reproduction, by producing alias-free dot patterns and more highly saturated colors for offset color printing.
Ray tracing with polarization parameters

Incorporating polarization parameters into the lighting model can enhance the physical realism of images rendered with a ray tracer. Polarization effects can be important in certain scenes, and the difference in rendering even simple scenes with and without proper treatment of polarization can be striking. All light waves possess a state of polarization, which changes almost every time light reflects off a material surface. A single reflection partially polarizes and may even completely polarize previously unpolarized light. Polarization influences the rendering of a scene because the reflected radiant intensity depends largely on the incident light waves's polarization state. E. Wolf's (1959) coherence matrix formalism of polarization has been incorporated into the Torrance-Sparrow reflectance model. This combination allows elegant quantitative derivations of the altered polarization state of light upon reflection in a ray tracer. Comparisons of identical scenes rendered with a conventional ray tracer and the ray tracer presented incorporating a polarization model show that the present method renders specular interobject reflections more accurately with respect to reflected radiance and color. <<ETX>>
Associations between early maternal sensitivity and children's sleep throughout early childhood

Despite strong theoretical reasons to believe that the quality of parent–infant interactions should influence child sleep, the empirical evidence for links between maternal behavior and children's sleep is equivocal. Notably, it is unclear at which ages such influences might be particularly salient. The current study aimed to examine prospective longitudinal associations between early maternal sensitivity and children's sleep during early childhood. Maternal sensitivity was assessed at 12 months during a home visit. Children's sleep was measured at 12 and 18 months as well as at 2, 3, and 4 years, using a sleep diary completed by mothers. Results revealed significant or marginal positive associations between maternal sensitivity and children's sleep consolidation (percentage of nighttime sleep) at 2, 3, and 4 years, but not at the most proximal assessments of 12 and 18 months. These findings suggest that child age could potentially be a key factor in the associations between maternal behavior and children's sleep. Highlights Associations between three dimensions of early maternal sensitivity and children's sleep from 1 to 4 years of age were investigated. Maternal sensitivity was positively associated with children's sleep between 2 and 4 years, but not at 12 and 18 months. The results suggest that child age could be a key factor in the associations between maternal behavior and children's sleep.
New subspace updating algorithm for adaptive direction estimation and tracking and its statistical analysis

Subspace estimation is of importance to high-resolution direction estimation in array processing. In this paper, a new recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm is proposed for null space estimation, which is used to estimate or track the directions of coherent and/or incoherent signals impinging on a uniform linear array (ULA). Especially by investigating the expectation computation of an inverse matrix, the statistical analysis of the RLS algorithm is studied in the mean and mean-squares senses in stationary environment, and further the mean-square-error (MSE) and mean-square derivation (MSD) learning curves are derived explicitly. The theoretical analyses and effectiveness of the proposed RLS algorithm are substantiated through numerical examples.
School-age children's implicit theories of intelligence and competence perception and their relation to motivation for learning

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a child's implicit theory of intelligence and perceived competence in self-concept domains deemed important to the child could predict the locus (intrinsic or extrinsic) of that child's motivation to learn. Traditional measures for assessing learning motivation have proved to be poor predictors of children's performance in specific behavioral domains. To achieve greater accuracy in predicting children's motivation to learn, this study focused on two major predictors; (1) children's belief their ihtellectual ability, using Dweck's (1992) Measure of Implicit Theories of Tntelligence, and (2) children's perceived competencies, using Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children and Dweck's Confidence in intelligence Measure. Additional predictors included age and gender. Learning motivation was assessed using Harter's (1985) Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom Scale. Items comprising the above measures were scored on three-, fourand six-point scales indicating how much they agreed with the statemeiits. The collected data were analyzed via factorial design.
The zero point energy and gravitation

A possible connection between the energy W of the vacuum fluctuations of quantum fields and gravity in "empty space" is conjectured in this paper using a natural cutoff of high momenta with the help of the gravitational radius of the vacuum region considered. We found that below some "critical" length $L = 1 mm$ the pressure $sigma$ is one third of the energy density $epsilon$, as for dark matter, but above $1 mm$ the equation of state is $sigma = -(epsilon)$ (dark energy). In the case of a massive field, W does not depend on the mass of the field for $L >1 mm$ it does not depend on the Planck constant. In addition, when the Newton constant tends to zero, W becomes infinite. The energy density is also a function of the volume V of the vacuum region taken into account.
A fast asynchronous re-configurable architecture for multimedia applications

In this paper we describe a fast re-configurable asynchronous architecture for multimedia applications. The asynchronous architecture reflects the data-flow characteristics of such multimedia applications. As an example we realized the DCT/IDCT algorithms. These algorithms are used for MPEG encoding and decoding. The realized DCT/IDCT algorithms are based on those of Chen-Wang (1984). It is known as one of the most efficient implementations of the DCT/IDCT algorithms. Each DCT/IDCT consists of multiplications and additions. We realized one operator network of different asynchronous components to map the DCT and the IDCT on it. Furthermore, first simulation results of VHDL models show, the effectiveness of the approach.
The Brand Effect of Key Phrases and Advertisements in Sponsored Search

In this paper, we analyze the relationship between performance and use of brand terms in the key phrases that link advertisements to searcher queries. We use data that consist of more than 2.5 million daily records from a key word advertising campaign of a major U.S. retailer. The campaign spanned nearly four years, involved approximately $8 million in advertising cost, and generated more than $23 million in sales. We categorize key phrases and advertisements as either brand focused or non-brand focused. Using analysis of variance in a 2 × 2 design, we analyze use of branded terms on the critical key word advertising metrics of number of clicks, cost per click, sales revenue generated, number of orders, number of items ordered, and return on advertising cost, as well as number of impressions triggered by these key phrases. Therefore, we investigate a significant spectrum of user actions and consumer behaviors in a sponsored search campaign. Our findings show that there is a significant advantage to matching branding terms in key phrases and advertisements relative to any other combination of key phrase or advertisement for all the metrics examined. A combination of a branded phrase and a branded advertisement generated 15 times more sales revenue than any other combination of phrase and advertisement. Therefore, a focus by key word advertisers on branded terms for search engine ads could be quite beneficial for both the effectiveness and efficiency of key word advertising. The implication for online advertising and key word search in the e-commerce domain, especially for large retailers, is that brand mentions in both key phrase and advertisements correlate with higher conversions.
Existence of generalized quantum Kodama states. II. The minisuperspace Ashtekar--Klein--Gordon model

Existence of generalized quantum Kodama states. II. The minisuperspace Ashtekar–Klein–Gordon model. Abstract This is the second in a series of papers outlining an algorithm to consistently construct a finite quantum theory of gravity in Ashtekar variables. In Part I we constructed a generalized semiclassical Ko-dama state by solving the classical Hamiltonian constraint under the condition of a broken semiclassical-quantum correspondence due to a Klein-Gordon scalar field. In Part II we will demonstrate a method of restoring this correspondence by generalizing the self-duality condition for the Ashtekar electromagnetic field. The end result will be to establish the existence of a generalized quantum Kodama state devoid of quantum corrections in the minisuperspace model. We also derive the equations needed to solve for the full theory of a finite theory of quantum gravity within the context of this new interpretation.
Observation of a Structural and Mott Transition in Single Crystal Ca 2

We report a first-order structural and Mott transition accompanied by a magnetic anomaly at T=357 K in single crystal Ca2RuO4, an isomorph to the superconductor Sr 2RuO4. A discontinuous jump in electrical resistivity with a concomitant change in magnetic moment is triggered by a pronounced structural transition from a high temperature tetragonal phase to a low temperature orthorhombic phase. Based on a similar mechanism responsible for the Mott transition, it is argued that the elastic energy associated with the reduction of the crystal symmetry coupled with the electronic energy is a primary force that drives the observed Mott transition.
Future changes in Mekong River hydrology: impact of climate change and reservoir operation on discharge

Abstract. The transboundary Mekong River is facing two ongoing changes that are expected to significantly impact its hydrology and the characteristics of its exceptional flood pulse. The rapid economic development of the riparian countries has led to massive plans for hydropower construction, and projected climate change is expected to alter the monsoon patterns and increase temperature in the basin. The aim of this study is to assess the cumulative impact of these factors on the hydrology of the Mekong within next 20–30 yr. We downscaled the output of five general circulation models (GCMs) that were found to perform well in the Mekong region. For the simulation of reservoir operation, we used an optimisation approach to estimate the operation of multiple reservoirs, including both existing and planned hydropower reservoirs. For the hydrological assessment, we used a distributed hydrological model, VMod, with a grid resolution of 5 km × 5 km. In terms of climate change's impact on hydrology, we found a high variation in the discharge results depending on which of the GCMs is used as input. The simulated change in discharge at Kratie (Cambodia) between the baseline (1982–1992) and projected time period (2032–2042) ranges from −11% to p15% for the wet season and −10% to p13% for the dry season. Our analysis also shows that the changes in discharge due to planned reservoir operations are clearly larger than those simulated due to climate change: 25–160% higher dry season flows and 5–24% lower flood peaks in Kratie. The projected cumulative impacts follow rather closely the reservoir operation impacts, with an envelope around them induced by the different GCMs. Our results thus indicate that within the coming 20–30 yr, the operation of planned hydropower reservoirs is likely to have a larger impact on the Mekong hydrograph than the impacts of climate change, particularly during the dry season. On the other hand, climate change will increase the uncertainty of the estimated reservoir operation impacts: our results indicate that even the direction of the flow-related changes induced by climate change is partly unclear. Consequently, both dam planners and dam operators should pay closer attention to the cumulative impacts of climate change and reservoir operation on aquatic ecosystems, including the multibillion-dollar Mekong fisheries.
SHriMP views: an interactive environment for exploring Java programs

The paper describes a demonstration of the SHriMP visualization tool. SHriMP provides a flexible and customizable environment for exploring software programs. It supports the embedding of multiple views, both graphical and textual within a nested graph display of a program's software architecture. SHriMP has recently been redesigned and reimplemented using Java Bean components. These APIs allow SHriMP to be easily integrated with other software understanding tools. The article demonstrates the use of SHriMP for exploring and browsing Java programs.
Contemporary Religious Violence and the Environment: Some Tentative Observations and Assessments

Abstract The implications of current approaches to changes in the environment are that reason and voluntary actions are the only acceptable ways of offsetting deleterious environmental actions. Thus any form of biological regulation is to be deplored and prevented, and further any Malthusian checks on environmental deterioration by means of war, famine and disease cannot be considered as viable options. There is also the possibly in our thinking of the remnants of nineteenth century ascent of man optimism that the decisions of man, collectively and individually, are based on the calm considerations of logic and compromise. This paper considers these views in the light of current affairs in which religion is the principal component and which has actively affected the environment.
Enrichment of Targetable Mutations in the Relapsed Neuroblastoma Genome

Neuroblastoma is characterized by a relative paucity of recurrent somatic mutations at diagnosis. However, recent studies have shown that the mutational burden increases at relapse, likely as a result of clonal evolution of mutation-carrying cells during primary treatment. To inform the development of personalized therapies, we sought to further define the frequency of potentially actionable mutations in neuroblastoma, both at diagnosis and after chemotherapy. We performed a retrospective study to determine mutation frequency, the only inclusion criterion being availability of cancer gene panel sequencing data from Foundation Medicine. We analyzed 151 neuroblastoma tumor samples: 44 obtained at diagnosis, 42 at second look surgery or biopsy for stable disease after chemotherapy, and 59 at relapse (6 were obtained at unknown time points). Nine patients had multiple tumor biopsies. ALK was the most commonly mutated gene in this cohort, and we observed a higher frequency of suspected oncogenic ALK mutations in relapsed disease than at diagnosis. Patients with relapsed disease had, on average, a greater number of mutations reported to be recurrent in cancer, and a greater number of mutations in genes that are potentially targetable with available therapeutics. We also observed an enrichment of reported recurrent RAS/MAPK pathway mutations in tumors obtained after chemotherapy. Our data support recent evidence suggesting that neuroblastomas undergo substantial mutational evolution during therapy, and that relapsed disease is more likely to be driven by a targetable oncogenic pathway, highlighting that it is critical to base treatment decisions on the molecular profile of the tumor at the time of treatment. However, it will be necessary to conduct prospective clinical trials that match sequencing results to targeted therapeutic intervention to determine if cancer genomic profiling improves patient outcomes.
Estimated Tissue and Blood N2 Levels and Risk of Decompression Sickness in Deep-, Intermediate-, and Shallow-Diving Toothed Whales during Exposure to Naval Sonar

Naval sonar has been accused of causing whale stranding by a mechanism which increases formation of tissue N2 gas bubbles. Increased tissue and blood N2 levels, and thereby increased risk of decompression sickness (DCS), is thought to result from changes in behavior or physiological responses during diving. Previous theoretical studies have used hypothetical sonar-induced changes in both behavior and physiology to model blood and tissue N2 tension PN2, but this is the first attempt to estimate the changes during actual behavioral responses to sonar. We used an existing mathematical model to estimate blood and tissue N2 tension PN2 from dive data recorded from sperm, killer, long-finned pilot, Blainville’s beaked, and Cuvier’s beaked whales before and during exposure to Low- (1–2 kHz) and Mid- (2–7 kHz) frequency active sonar. Our objectives were: (1) to determine if differences in dive behavior affects risk of bubble formation, and if (2) behavioral- or (3) physiological responses to sonar are plausible risk factors. Our results suggest that all species have natural high N2 levels, with deep diving generally resulting in higher end-dive PN2 as compared with shallow diving. Sonar exposure caused some changes in dive behavior in both killer whales, pilot whales and beaked whales, but this did not lead to any increased risk of DCS. However, in three of eight exposure session with sperm whales, the animal changed to shallower diving, and in all these cases this seem to result in an increased risk of DCS, although risk was still within the normal risk range of this species. When a hypothetical removal of the normal dive response (bradycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction), was added to the behavioral response during model simulations, this led to an increased variance in the estimated end-dive N2 levels, but no consistent change of risk. In conclusion, we cannot rule out the possibility that a combination of behavioral and physiological responses to sonar have the potential to alter the blood and tissue end-dive N2 tension to levels which could cause DCS and formation of in vivo bubbles, but the actually observed behavioral responses of cetaceans to sonar in our study, do not imply any significantly increased risk of DCS.
Ursolic Acid—A Pentacyclic Triterpenoid with a Wide Spectrum of Pharmacological Activities

Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural terpene compound exhibiting many pharmaceutical properties. In this review the current state of knowledge about the health-promoting properties of this widespread, biologically active compound, as well as information about its occurrence and biosynthesis are presented. Particular attention has been paid to the application of ursolic acid as an anti-cancer agent; it is worth noticing that clinical tests suggesting the possibility of practical use of UA have already been conducted. Amongst other pharmacological properties of UA one can mention protective effect on lungs, kidneys, liver and brain, anti-inflammatory properties, anabolic effects on skeletal muscles and the ability to suppress bone density loss leading to osteoporosis. Ursolic acid also exhibits anti-microbial features against numerous strains of bacteria, HIV and HCV viruses and Plasmodium protozoa causing malaria.
50-GHz bandwidth base-band amplifiers using GaAs-based HBTs

Base-band amplifiers have been demonstrated using AlGaAs/InGaAs HBTs with regrown base contacts. The transimpedance amplifier achieved a bandwidth of 49.3 GHz and a transimpedance gain of 43.7 dB /spl Omega/. The Darlington feedback amplifier achieved a bandwidth of 54.7 GHz and a gain of 8.2 dB. These are the widest bandwidths yet reported for lumped-circuit-design amplifiers. These performances suggest the great potential of these amplifiers for use in future optical communication and millimeter-wave applications.
Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Review of Biology and Applications in Plastic Surgery

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the reader should be able to: 1. Define the role of platelets in hemostasis and wound healing. 2. Describe the technologies for platelet concentration and application. 3. Characterize the platelet concentration and growth factor components of platelet-rich plasma. 4. List the potential applications of platelet-rich plasma in plastic surgery and how it may be applied intraoperatively. 5. Discuss the limitations of the use of platelet-rich plasma and its potential complications. Summary: Healing of hard and soft tissue is mediated by a complex array of intracellular and extracellular events that are regulated by signaling proteins, a process that is, at present, incompletely understood. What is certain, however, is that platelets play a prominent if not deciding role. Controlled animal studies of soft and hard tissues have suggested that the application of autogenous platelet-rich plasma can enhance wound healing. The clinical use of platelet-rich plasma for a wide variety of applications has been reported; however, many reports are anecdotal and few include controls to definitively determine the role of platelet-rich plasma. The authors describe platelet biology and its role in wound healing; the preparation, characterization, and use of platelet-rich plasma; and those applications in plastic surgery for which it may be useful.
Gravitational Instabilities in Gaseous Protoplanetary Disks and Implications for Giant Planet Formation

Protoplanetary gas disks are likely to experience gravitational instabilites (GI's) during some phase of their evolution. Density perturbations in an unstable disk grow on a dynamic time scale into spiral arms that produce efficient outward transfer of angular momentum and inward transfer of mass through gravitational torques. In a cool disk with rapid enough cooling, the spiral arms in an unstable disk form self-gravitating clumps. Whether gas giant protoplanets can form by such a disk instability process is the primary question addressed by this review. We discuss the wide range of calculations undertaken by ourselves and others using various numerical techniques, and we report preliminary results from a large multi-code collaboration. Additional topics include -- triggering mechanisms for GI's, disk heating and cooling, orbital survival of dense clumps, interactions of solids with GI-driven waves and shocks, and hybrid scenarios where GI's facilitate core accretion. The review ends with a discussion of how well disk instability and core accretion fare in meeting observational constraints.