Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Auto-configuration of 802.11n WLANs

Channel Bonding (CB) combines two adjacent frequency bands to form a new, wider band to facilitate high data rate transmissions in MIMO-based 802.11n networks. However, the use of a wider band with CB can exacerbate interference effects. Furthermore, CB does not always provide benefits in interference-free settings, and can even degrade performance in some cases. We conduct an in-depth, experimental study to understand the implications of CB. Based on this study we design an auto-configuration framework, ACORN, for enterprise 802.11n WLANs. ACORN integrates the functions of user association and channel allocation, since our study reveals that they are tightly coupled when CB is used. We show that the channel allocation problem with the constraints of CB is NP-complete. Thus, ACORN uses an algorithm that provides a worst case approximation ratio of [EQUATION] with Δ being the maximum node degree in the network. We implement ACORN on our 802.11n testbed. Our experiments show that ACORN (i) outperforms previous approaches that are agnostic to CB constraints; it provides per-AP throughput gains from 1.5x to 6x and (ii) in practice, its channel allocation module achieves an approximation ratio much better than [EQUATION].
Cut saturation for p-cycle design

Preconfigured protection cycles (p-cycles) provide recovery times for mesh networks that are near the recovery times of BLSR ring networks while providing lower spare-to-working capacity ratios. However, the efficiency of p-cycles defined by the spare-to-working capacity ratio is affected by the topology of the network. An efficient method for adding links to an existing network is required to take advantage of p-cycles. In this work, a heuristic called p-cycle cut saturation (PCUT) is proposed. It extends the well-known cut saturation heuristic to strategically add links to an existing network to lower the spare-to-working capacity ratios in networks using p-cycles. PCUT is applied to a 28-node network to add spans and lowers the spare-to-working capacity ratio by 20%.
Towards anovel perceptual color difference metric using circular processing of hue components

This paper introduces a novel metric for image difference prediction, capable of handling color data. The proposed metric, namely, color difference index based on circular hue, is a full-reference based scheme, which independently processes achromatic and chromatic differences of two input color images. Within the framework, chromatic information is analyzed using two perceptual attributes, hue and chroma information, simulating human visual system mechanism. Unlike conventional approaches where the periodic nature of hue is disregarded, we propose to estimate hue difference by adopting theory of circular statistics. Performance of the proposed solution is validated using benchmark image quality assessment databases. Experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed metric against a wide range of distortions, especially on chromatic distortions, making it better suited for color gamut mapping applications.
Layered Model for Breasts in Electrical Impedance Tomography

We are presently using Electrical Impedance Tomography as a technique for breast cancer imaging, determining the admittivity distribution inside the breast. The admittivities we observed in compressed breasts in EIT were lower than those seen in earlier studies involving whole chest imaging. We attribute this to a thin low admittance skin layer which dominates in compressed breasts. To more accurately model breasts, we have developed a layered analytical forward model. Our layered model has three layers, thin low admittivity top and bottom layers representing skin and a thicker high admittivity middle layer representing breast tissue. In this paper we derive the forward solution for this layered geometry and compare it to the forward solution for the homogeneous case. We also demonstrate the improvement in reconstruction of a target embedded in a layered body when the homogeneous forward solution is replaced by the layered forward solution.
Fast Fusion of Range and Video Sensor Data

This paper brings an innovative approach to generate 3D scene views from real world data using a matrix range sensor and a 2D video sensor. Besides the enhanced visualization, combining 2D and 3D data provides also valuable information for object detection and recognition as well as for other image processing methods. The scope of this work includes a discussion on extracting good features from low resolution images, necessary for the system calibration. The registration process is based on a geometrical model which is derived from the calibration parameters of the cameras. Finally, a FPGA-based solution is provided, which generates the 3D scene on-the-fly. The proposed architecture achieves its maximum performance with a fully pipelined implementation from the raw data to the generated fusion coordinates, while limited hardware resources are consumed. In contrast to standard processor approaches, a significant performance boost is achieved with the FPGA architecture.
7 key challenges for visualization in cyber network defense

What does it take to be a successful visualization in cyber security? This question has been explored for some time, resulting in many potential solutions being developed and offered to the cyber security community. However, when one reflects upon the successful visualizations in this space they are left wondering where all those offerings have gone. Excel and Grep are still the kings of cyber security defense tools; there is a great opportunity to help in this domain, yet many visualizations fall short and are not utilized. In this paper we present seven challenges, informed by two user studies, to be considered when developing a visualization for cyber security purposes. Cyber security visualizations must go beyond isolated solutions and "pretty picture" visualizations in order to impact users. We provide an example prototype that addresses the challenges with a description of how they are met. Our aim is to assist in increasing utility and adoption rates for visualization capabilities in cyber security.
Dipyrimidine-based inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase

The pol gene of HIV type-1 (HIV-1) encodes for three essential enzymes: protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN). Current FDA-approved drugs target the first two enzymes and at present there are no approved drugs against IN. Discovery of diketo acid-containing inhibitors was important in validating IN as a suitable therapeutic target [1]. The success of S-1360, a small-molecule diketoacid analogue, presently in Phase II clinical trials as an orally administered drug, attests to this achievement [2,3]. Over 10 years of experience with RT inhibitors and protease inhibitors (PIs) in the clinic and the availability of 16 FDA drugs, has not yet resulted in the eradication of HIV. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly clear that more drugs are needed that target the above enzymes, and many more drugs are needed that target IN and other sites important for viral replication. With the recent progress in the field of drug design and discovery (see, for example, [4]), new clinical candidates should surface in an accelerated manner. In general all reported IN inhibitors fall into five categories:
Clinical and molecular analysis in families with autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta identifies mutations in five genes and suggests genotype–phenotype correlations

Autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (AR‐OI) is an inherited condition which in recent years has been shown with increasing genetic and clinical heterogeneity. In this article, we performed clinical assessment and sought mutations in patients from 10 unrelated families with AR‐OI, one of whom was presented with the additional features of Bruck syndrome (BS). Pathogenic changes were identified in five different genes: three families had mutations in FKBP10, three in SERPINF1, two in LEPRE1, one in CRTAP, and one in PPIB. With the exception of a FKBP10 mutation in the BS case, all changes are novel. Of note, insertion of an AluYb8 repetitive element was detected in exon 6 of SERPINF1. Since the studied patients had variable manifestations and some distinctive features, genotype/phenotype correlations are suggested. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antheraea pernyi Silk Fibroin Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

Silk nanoparticles were easily obtained from regenerated Antheraea Pernyi Silk Fibroin (ASF). The morphology and average size of the silk particles was sensitive to pH value of fibroin solution. The diameter of nanoparticles prepared was in the range of 30 nm to 1000 nm with a narrow size distribution. On this process, the molecular conformation of regenerated ASF changed from α-helix to β-sheet structure. The shape of prepared nanoparticles were regular spherical structure when the pH value was about 4.3 (pI) in ASF solution. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was loaded in the ASF particles as drug release model and the drug-loading ratio was 3.4 %. The release rate of DOX from ASF nanoparticles was pH sensitive. After 23 days release, there was still 84% DOX in the ASF nanoparticles. The result suggested that the ASF nanoparticles might be suitable microcarriers for drug delivery.
DEFORMATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS AT SMALL TO INTERMEDIATE STRAINS FROM CYCLIC TESTS. INTERIM REPORT

The deformational characteristics of various soils at small (.00001 to .001%) to intermediate (.001 to .1%) shearing strains using resonant column and torsional shear (RCTS) equipment were investigated. Soils tested include dry sand, undisturbed silts and clays, and compacted clay subgrades. In addition, metal specimens have been developed to investigate system compliance of RCTS equipment which resulted in damping ratios of soils measured at frequencies above 1 Hz being corrected for equipment compliance. A key aspect of this work was to measure accurate stress-strain hysteresis loops at shearing strains below . 001%. To accomplish this task, the motion monitoring system in the torsional shear test was modified with a micro-proximitor system; shear modulus was then measured at strains as small as . 00001% and hysteretic damping ratio was measured at strains as small as . 006%. The elastic zone, where the stress-strain relation is independent of loading cycles and strain amplitude, was also verified. Hysteretic damping was found even in this elastic zone. The effects of loading frequency and number of loading cycles on deformational characteristics (modulus and damping) were investigated. Resonant column (RC) and torsional shear (TS) tests were performed in a sequential series on the same specimen. A cyclic threshold strain was defined for dry sand where the deformational characteristics are independent of loading cycles. The cyclic threshold strain was about 4 to 10 times greater than the elastic threshold strain. At strains above the cyclic threshold, shear modulus increases and damping ratio decreases with increasing number of loading cycles. Moduli and damping ratios of dry sand are independent of loading frequency, and values obtained from both RC and TS tests are identical, provided the number of loading cycles is considered in the comparison. A cyclic threshold strain was also defined for cohesive soil. Above the cyclic threshold strain, the modulus of cohesive soil decreases with increasing number of cycles, while damping ratio is almost independent of number of load cycles. Moduli and damping ratios of cohesive soil obtained by the RC test are higher than those from the TS test because of the frequency effect. Shear modulus of cohesive soil increases linearly as a function of the logarithm of loading frequency while damping ratio of cohesive soil remains constant below about 2 Hz. Synthetic specimens were developed and calibrated with independent tests. With known stiffness specimens, the compliance problem in resilient modulus (M sub R) equipment was detected and modifications of equipment were undertaken. After calibrating the equipment, moduli obtained from both M sub R and RCTS tests agree well in synthetic specimens as well as compacted subgrade soils.
A first stage in the development of a test platform for evaluation and design of electric traction control strategies

This paper presents the advances in the construction of a test platform whose main objective is to develop and validate control strategies on a traction wheel motor for electric bicycles (EB). It serves as a tool to evaluate strategies of torque and speed control, regenerative braking, pedaling assistance, among others. In the future, it is expected to obtain a controller to achieve a higher dynamic performance and efficiency of the EB, compared to the controllers that can be commercially found today, so that it can be inserted in the local market. As a first step to achieve this objective, this paper presents the development of torque and speed control of a permanent magnets motor wheel. Experimental results are shown to validate the control strategies proposed.
For Internal Verification of Running-Times

This paper presents a Coq library that lifts an abstract yet precise notion of running-time into the type of a function. Our library is based on a monad that counts abstract steps, controlled by one of the monadic operations. The monad’s computational content, however, is simply that of the identity monad so programs written in our monad (that recur on the natural structure of their arguments) extract into idiomatic OCaml code. We evaluated the expressiveness of the library by proving that red-black tree insertion and search, merge sort, insertion sort, Fibonacci, iterated list insertion, BigNum addition, and Okasaki’s Braun Tree algorithms all have their expected running times.
Covering Ambiguity Resolution in Chinese Word Segmentation Based on Contextual Information

Covering ambiguity is one of the two basic types of ambiguities in Chinese word segmentation. We regard its resolution as equivalent to word sense disambiguation, and make use of the classical vector space model in information retrieval to formulate the contexts of ambiguous words. A variation form of TFIDF weighting is proposed and a Chinese thesaurus is additionally utilized to cope with data sparseness problem. We select 90 frequent cases of covering ambiguities as the target. The training set includes 77654 sentences, and the test set includes 19242 sentences. The experimental results showed that our model has achieved 96.58% accuracy, outperforming the original form of TFIDF weighting as well as another baseline model, the hidden Markov model.
Identifying bottlenecks in manufacturing systems using stochastic criticality analysis

System design is a difficult process with many design-choices for which the impact may be difficult to foresee. Manufacturing system design is no exception to this. Increased use of flexible manufacturing systems which are able to perform different operations/use-cases further raises the design complexity. One important criterion to consider is the overall makespan and associated critical path for the different use-cases of the system. Stochastic critical path analysis plays a fundamental role in providing useful feedback for system designers to evaluate alternative specifications, which traditional fixed-time analysis cannot. In this paper, we extend our formal model-based framework, for the specification and design of manufacturing systems, with stochastic analysis abilities by associating a criticality index to each action performed by the system. This index can then be visualized and used within the framework such that a system designer can make better informed decisions. We propose a Monte-Carlo method as an estimation algorithm and we explicitly define and use confidence intervals to achieve an acceptable estimation error. We further demonstrate the use of the extended framework and stochastic analysis with an example manufacturing system.
Scalable one chip design for a multiplex tap with timestamping [QoS validation applications]

Precise tracking of delay, delay jitter and packet loss is one of the key issues in validating quality of service (QoS) goals in practice. As VoIP is deployed, low cost solutions are needed to enable a good coverage of hot spots even in the networks of medium sized or small enterprises. This work reports on the development and integration of an appropriate capturing tool in a one chip core.
Incomplete Hippocampal Inversion: A Comprehensive MRI Study of Over 2000 Subjects

The incomplete-hippocampal-inversion (IHI), also known as malrotation, is an atypical anatomical pattern of the hippocampus, which has been reported in healthy subjects in different studies. However, extensive characterization of IHI in a large sample has not yet been performed. Furthermore, it is unclear whether IHI are restricted to the medial-temporal lobe or are associated with more extensive anatomical changes. Here, we studied the characteristics of IHI in a community-based sample of 2008 subjects of the IMAGEN database and their association with extra-hippocampal anatomical variations. The presence of IHI was assessed on T1-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using visual criteria. We assessed the association of IHI with other anatomical changes throughout the brain using automatic morphometry of cortical sulci. We found that IHI were much more frequent in the left hippocampus (left: 17%, right: 6%, χ2−test, p < 10−28). Compared to subjects without IHI, subjects with IHI displayed morphological changes in several sulci located mainly in the limbic lobe. Our results demonstrate that IHI are a common left-sided phenomenon in normal subjects and that they are associated with morphological changes outside the medial temporal lobe.
Characterization of Ether-à-go-go Channels Present in Photoreceptors Reveals Similarity to IKx, a K+ Current in Rod Inner Segments

In this study, we describe two splice variants of an ether-à-go-go (EAG) K+ channel cloned from bovine retina: bEAG1 and bEAG2. The bEAG2 polypeptide contains an additional insertion of 27 amino acids in the extracellular linker between transmembrane segments S3 and S4. The heterologously expressed splice variants differ in their activation kinetics and are differently modulated by extracellular Mg2+. Cooperativity of modulation by Mg2+ suggests that each subunit of the putative tetrameric channel binds a Mg2+ ion. The channels are neither permeable to Ca2+ ions nor modulated by cyclic nucleotides. In situ hybridization localizes channel transcripts to photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Comparison of EAG currents with IKx, a noninactivating K+ current in the inner segment of rod photoreceptors, reveals an intriguing similarity, suggesting that EAG polypeptides are involved in the formation of Kx channels.
A feedback model of perceptual learning and categorization

Top-down, feedback, influences are known to have significant effects on visual information processing. Such influences are also likely to affect perceptual learning. This paper employs a computational model of the cortical region inter-actions underlying visual perception to investigate possible influences of top-down information on learning. The results suggest that feedback could bias the way in which perceptual stimuli are categorized and could also facilitate the learning of subordinate level representations suitable for object identification and perceptual expertise.
Exploring the chemistry and evolution of the isomerases

Significance Biologists are now challenged with the functional interpretation of vast amounts of sequencing data derived from genomics initiatives. Among all known proteins, the function of enzymes is probably the most investigated and best described at the molecular level. Together with enzymes changing the redox state of substrates and transferring chemical groups between molecules, isomerases catalyze interconversion of isomers, molecules sharing the same atomic composition but different arrangements of chemical groups. This study presents a way of describing isomerases that will give biochemists a method to search and utilize reaction data in a more knowledge-based manner. It captures our current knowledge, characterizing the chemistry of isomerization in biology, and will contribute to improving the annotation of sequences derived from genomes. Isomerization reactions are fundamental in biology, and isomers usually differ in their biological role and pharmacological effects. In this study, we have cataloged the isomerization reactions known to occur in biology using a combination of manual and computational approaches. This method provides a robust basis for comparison and clustering of the reactions into classes. Comparing our results with the Enzyme Commission (EC) classification, the standard approach to represent enzyme function on the basis of the overall chemistry of the catalyzed reaction, expands our understanding of the biochemistry of isomerization. The grouping of reactions involving stereoisomerism is straightforward with two distinct types (racemases/epimerases and cis-trans isomerases), but reactions entailing structural isomerism are diverse and challenging to classify using a hierarchical approach. This study provides an overview of which isomerases occur in nature, how we should describe and classify them, and their diversity.
Leaf powers

For an integer k, a tree T is a k-leaf root of a finite simple undirected graph G = (V, E) if the set of leaves of T is the vertex set V of G and for any two vertices x, y ∈ V , x 6= y, xy ∈ E if and only if the distance of x and y in T is at most k. Then graph G is a k-leaf power if it has a k-leaf root. G is a leaf power if it is a k-leaf power for some k. This notion was introduced and studied by Nishimura, Ragde and Thilikos; it has its background and motivation in computational biology and phylogeny. In this survey, we describe recent results on leaf powers, variants and generalizations. We discuss the relationship between leaf powers and strongly chordal graphs as well as fixed tolerance NeST graphs, describe some subclasses of leaf powers, give the complete inclusion structure of k-leaf power classes, and describe various characterizations of 3and 4-leaf powers, as well as of distance-hereditary 5-leaf powers. Finally we discuss two variants of the notion of k-leaf power such as (k, l)-leaf powers and exact leaf powers, and we generalize leaf powers (of trees) to simplicial powers of graphs. Most of the presented results are part of joint work, mostly with Van Bang Le and Peter Wagner, but also with Christian Hundt, Federico Mancini, R. Sritharan, and Dieter Rautenbach.
Multi-faceted evolution of simple arcade games

We present a system for generating complete game designs by evolving rulesets, character layouts and terrain maps in an orchestrated way. In contrast to existing approaches to generate such game components in isolation, our ANGELINA system develops game components in unison with an appreciation for their interrelatedness. We describe this multi-faceted evolutionary approach, and give some results from a first round of experimentation.