Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-binary GLD codes and their lattices

The recently discovered family of generalized low-density (GLD) lattices brings new mathematical challenges to coding theorists and practitioners. Given the excellent performance of integer GLD lattices in high dimensions and motivated by the simple lattice structure used for fast iterative decoding, this paper is a first attempt to analyze GLD lattices for asymptotically large dimensions. Firstly, we describe non-binary GLD codes and show their asymptotic goodness in terms of minimum Hamming distance. Secondly, we consider a GLD lattice ensemble built via Construction A from non-binary GLD codes, and analyze their goodness with respect to Poltyrev limit on the Gaussian channel. Finally, at large dimensions and using a large code alphabet, we prove that infinite GLD lattice constellations attain Poltyrev capacity limit under maximum likelihood decoding.
Tailor-made functional surfaces: potential elastomeric biomaterials I

In the present investigation, different functional monomers, like hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, N-vinyl pyrrolidone and glycidyl methacrylate, have been grafted onto the surface of EPDM film (approx. 200 μm) using simultaneous photo-grafting (λ ≥ 290 nm) and cold plasma-grafting techniques, to alter the surface properties, such as hydrophilicity and, therefore, biocompatibility. Here, we have carried out simultaneous plasma-grafting, unlike the conventional post plasma-grafting. The effect of different surface grafting techniques on the degree of surface modification and resultant biocompatibility has been investigated. The chemical changes on the polymer backbone are followed from the results of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which shows the peaks corresponding to the functional groups of the monomers grafted onto the film surface. The morphology of the modified surfaces was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The induced hydrophilicity and resultant cell compatibility were followed from the water contact angle measurements and in vitro human carcinoma cell adhesion/proliferation tests, respectively. All the grafted samples exhibited variable cell compatibilities depending upon the type of monomer and their degree of grafting; however, always better than the neat samples. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid showed exceptionally high cell compatibility in terms of cell adhesion and proliferation.
CREEP OF PORTLAND CEMENT PASTE

COMPRESSION CREEP TESTS WERE PERFORMED AT APPROXIMATELY FORTY PER CENT OF ULTIMATE STRESS ON HOLLOW CYLINDERS OF HARDENED PORTLAND CEMENT PASTE OF WATER/CEMENT RATIOS OF 0.3 TO 0.4. THE SPECIMENS WERE ABOUT 6 BY 1 IN. AND 0.1 IN. THICK. THE TESTS WERE CONTINUED TO ABOUT 1000 HR AND WERE PERFORMED ON SATURATED AND OVEN-DRY SPECIMENS. STRAINS WERE MEASURED OPTICALLY. SATURATED SPECIMENS GAVE CREEP CURVES THAT HAD THREE FAIRLY DISTINCT REGIONS, INDICATING MORE THAN ONE MECHANISM TO BE IMPORTANT. THESE CURVES ALSO SHOW A DEFINITE PATTERN OR SCALLOP EFFECT FOR WHICH A MECHANISM IS POSTULATED. THE OVEN-DRY SPECIMENS EXHIBITED NO CREEP AT ALL WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE MEASUREMENTS. THIS RESULT POINTS TO WATER MOVEMENT AS THE DOMINANT MECHANISM IN CREEP OF CONCRETE. /AUTHOR/
Dependability Benchmarking: making choices in an n-dimensional problem space

Dependability benchmarks should provide costeffective ways to evaluate the behavior of components and computer systems in the presence of faults, allowing the quantification of dependability attributes or the characterization of the systems into well defined dependability classes. Beyond existing evaluation techniques, a dependability benchmark should represent an agreement accepted by the computer industry or/and by the user community, and specify the measures, the methods, and techniques required to perform measurements. This paper discusses the different dimensions involved in the dependability benchmarking problem and presents basic components required to specify dependability benchmarks. Although several obstacles still persist and are currently the subject of research, the definition of all the dimensions of the problem and the agreement of the community on a basic set of components that constitute a possible framework for dependability benchmarking seem to us a first step in the proposal of actual dependability benchmarks.
New Constraints on the Luminosity Evolution of Spheroidal Galaxies in Distant Clusters

We investigate various probes of luminosity evolution in the rich cluster environment, concentrating in particular on the spheroidal (E/S0) galaxies, using a newly constructed catalog of morphologically classified Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of galaxies observed in the cores of 13 clusters with redshifts 0.17 ≤ z ≤ 0.56. An important distinction of this study compared to earlier work is the availability for a substantial subset of our HST fields of new near-infrared ground-based photometry, which we have used to select and study the various populations. We find no significant change in the characteristic luminosity, M*K, of the spheroidal populations at redshifts of 0.31 and 0.56. As a more sensitive probe of luminosity evolution, we analyze the surface photometry of our HST-classified ellipticals by deriving effective metric radii, Re, and mean effective surface brightnesses, ⟨μ⟩e. At the standard condition corresponding to Re = 1 kpc, we find convincing evidence of evolutionary brightening in both rest frame B and K light, consistent with model predictions based on the passive evolution of stellar populations.
Effect of a Dental Chew on Dental Substrates and Gingivitis in Cats

The use of special diets or dietary adjuncts, although not eliminating the need for regular professional therapy, may serve to improve gingival health during the interval between professional oral health assessments and intervention. This study was performed to determine the effect of a dental chew on dental hygiene and gingival health in cats. The accumulation of dental substrates and the development of gingivitis were assessed in cats fed either a dry diet only or a dry diet supplemented with dental chews. A two-period, crossover design was used with the test phase lasting 4-weeks. Results indicated that the daily addition of dental chews to a dry diet was effective in reducing plaque and calculus accumulation on tooth surfaces in cats, as well as reducing the severity of gingivitis.
An objective examination of consumer perception of nutrition information based on healthiness ratings and eye movements

Abstract Objective Previous research on nutrition labelling has mainly used subjective measures. This study examines the effectiveness of two types of nutrition label using two objective measures: eye movements and healthiness ratings. Design Eye movements were recorded while participants made healthiness ratings for two types of nutrition label: standard and standard plus the Food Standards Agency's ‘traffic light’ concept. Setting University of Derby, UK. Subjects A total of 92 participants (mean age 31.5 years) were paid for their participation. None of the participants worked in the areas of food or nutrition. Results For the standard nutrition label, participant eye movements lacked focus and their healthiness ratings lacked accuracy. The traffic light system helped to guide the attention of the consumer to the important nutrients and improved the accuracy of the healthiness ratings of nutrition labels. Conclusions Consumers have a lack of knowledge regarding how to interpret nutrition information for standard labels. The traffic light concept helps to ameliorate this problem by indicating important nutrients to which to pay attention.
On modeling and controlling intelligent systems

1. Abstract The aim of this paper is to show how certain diverse and advanced techniques of information processing and system theory might be integrated into a model of an intelligent, complex entity capable of materially enhancing an advanced information management system. To this end, we first examine the notion of intelligence and ask whether a semblance thereof can arise in a system consisting of ensembles of finite-state automata. Our goal is to find a functional model of intelligence in an information-management setting that can be used as a tool. The purpose of this tool is to allow us to create systems of increasing complexity and utility, eventually reaching the goal of an intelligent information management system that provides and anticipates needed data and information. We base our attempt on the ideas of general system theory where the four topics of system identification, modeling, optimization, and control provide the theoretical framework for constructing a complex system that will be capable of interacting with complex systems in the real world. These four key topics are discussed within the purview of cellular automata, neural networks, and evolutionary programming. This is a report of ongoing work, and not yet a success story of a synthetic intelligent system.
A High-Accuracy Passive 3D Measurement System Using Phase-Based Image Matching

This paper presents a high-accuracy 3D (three-dimen-sional) measurement system using multi-camera passive stereo vision to reconstruct 3D surfaces of free form objects. The proposed system is based on an efficient stereo correspondence technique, which consists of (i) coarse-to-fine correspondence search, and (ii) outlier detection and correction, both employing phase-based image matching. The proposed sub-pixel correspondence search technique contributes to dense reconstruction of arbitrary-shaped 3D surfaces with high accuracy. The outlier detection and correction technique contributes to high reliability of reconstructed 3D points. Through a set of experiments, we show that the proposed system measures 3D surfaces of objects with sub-mm accuracy. Also, we demonstrate high-quality dense 3D reconstruction of a human face as a typical example of free form objects. The result suggests a potential possibility of our approach to be used in many computer vision applications.
A conformant planner based on approximation: CpA(H)

This article describes the planner C<scp>p</scp>A(<i>H</i>), the recipient of the <i>Best Nonobservable Nondeterministic Planner Award</i> in the “Uncertainty Track” of the 6<i><sup>th</sup></i> International Planning Competition (IPC), 2008. The article presents the various techniques that help C<scp>p</scp>A(<i>H</i>) to achieve the level of performance and scalability exhibited in the competition. The article also presents experimental results comparing C<scp>p</scp>A(<i>H</i>) with state-of-the-art conformant planners.
Multi-objective assessment of pre-optimized build orders exemplified for StarCraft 2

Modern realtime strategy (RTS) games as Star-Craft 2 educe so-called metagames in which the players compete for the best strategies. The metagames of complex RTS games thrive in the absence of apparent dominant strategies, and developers will intervene to adjust the game when such strategies arise in public. However, there are still strategies considered as strong and ones thought of as weak. For the Zerg faction in StarCraft 2, we show how strong strategies can be identified by taking combat strength and economic power into account. The multi-objective perspective enables us to clearly rule out the unfavourable ones of the single optimal build orders and thus selects interesting openings to be tested by real players. By this means, we are e.g. able to explain the success of the recently proposed 7-roach opening. While we demonstrate our approach for StarCraft 2 only, it is of course applicable to other RTS games, given build-order optimization tools exist.
10.1 A 28nm DSP powered by an on-chip LDO for high-performance and energy-efficient mobile applications

A very-long instruction word (VLIW) Hexagon™ DSP is fabricated using a 28 nm high-κ metal-gate process technology optimized for mobile applications [1]. The DSP is designed for a heterogeneous computing environment. It targets high performance and low power across a wide variety of multimedia and modem applications, under aggressive area targets. Its architecture pursues high IPC as opposed to high frequency [2]. It includes a 32 kB L1 data cache (D$), a 16 kB L1 instruction cache (I$), and a 256 kB L2 cache.
An improved algorithm based on reference selection for time difference of arrival location

Least Square (LS) estimation is a simple but not good enough for localization method which is widely used for target position estimation. The time difference of arrival (TDOA) location based on LS method needs to select a reference sensor to obtain a series of equations. Thus, the measured error of the selected first sensor will certainly influence the location accuracy. In our article, an algorithm based on select the primary sensor is proposed, which selects the primary station according the residual. New algorithm improves performs better than conventional method in harsh environment. Simulation shows that the location precise of new algorithm is much better than the other NLOS mitigation methods.
Freezing of gold nanoclusters into poly-decahedral structures

A new family of cluster structures is found by molecular dynamics freezing simulations of gold nanoclusters in the 2–4 nm size range. These clusters are poly-decahedra, characterized by having several fivefold symmetry axes, each surrounded by a local decahedral arrangement. This family includes as a subset the bi-decahedral particles recently observed in experiments among gold nanoparticles frozen from liquid, and this leads to a comparison between experimental and simulated structural distributions.
Overview and quantity competition with large fixed costs

The authors introduce a class of alternating-move, infinite-horizon models of duopoly. The timing captures the presence of short-run commitment s. They apply this framework to a natural monopoly in which costs are so large that at most one firm can make a profit. The firms install short-run capacity. In the unique symmetric Markov perfect equilibriu m, only one firm is active and practices the quantity analogue of lim it pricing. For commitments of brief duration, the market is almost c ontestable. The authors conclude with a discussion of more general mo dels where the alternating timing is derived rather than imposed. Copyright 1988 by The Econometric Society.
Kronecker product approximations for image restoration with anti‐reflective boundary conditions

The anti‐reflective boundary condition for image restoration was recently introduced as a mathematically desirable alternative to other boundary conditions presently represented in the literature. It has been shown that, given a centrally symmetric point spread function (PSF), this boundary condition gives rise to a structured blurring matrix, a submatrix of which can be diagonalized by the discrete sine transform (DST), leading to an O(n2 log n) solution algorithm for an image of size n × n. In this paper, we obtain a Kronecker product approximation of the general structured blurring matrix that arises under this boundary condition, regardless of symmetry properties of the PSF. We then demonstrate the usefulness and efficiency of our approximation in an SVD‐based restoration algorithm, the computational cost of which would otherwise be prohibitive. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical applications of X-ray charge-density analysis.

4. Laplacian of the Electron Density 1592 5. AIM Properties 1593 IV. Topological Analyses of Experimental Densities 1593 A. Experimental versus Theoretical Topology 1593 1. Carbon−Carbon Bond 1593 2. Polar Bonds 1594 B. Reproducibility of the Experimental Topology 1596 1. Amino Acids and Oligopeptides 1596 2. Model Ambiguities 1598 C. Applications to Molecular Crystals 1599 1. Aromaticity in Carbon-Based Ring Systems 1599
Processes regulating nitric oxide emissions from soils

Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive gas that plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry by influencing the production and destruction of ozone and thereby the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere. NO also contributes by its oxidation products to the formation of acid rain. The major sources of NO in the atmosphere are anthropogenic emissions (from combustion of fossil fuels) and biogenic emission from soils. NO is both produced and consumed in soils as a result of biotic and abiotic processes. The main processes involved are microbial nitrification and denitrification, and chemodenitrification. Thus, the net result is complex and dependent on several factors such as nitrogen availability, organic matter content, oxygen status, soil moisture, pH and temperature. This paper reviews recent knowledge on processes forming NO in soils and the factors controlling its emission to the atmosphere. Schemes for simulating these processes are described, and the results are discussed with the purpose of scaling up to global emission.
Dominant negative inhibitors of signalling through the phosphoinositol 3-kinase pathway for gene therapy of pancreatic cancer

Background: Ras signalling is frequently aberrant in pancreatic cancer so that there is constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT/protein kinase B pathway, as well as the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Aims: In the present study we investigated the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in malignant transformation of pancreatic cancer cells. Methods: A genetic approach was used to interfere with signal transduction in vitro and in vivo. RASN17, a dominant negative mutant of RAS, was applied to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway upstream of PI3K. The regulatory p85β subunit of PI3K and the negative regulator PTEN were utilised to inhibit the pathway at the level of PI3K, and AAA-AKT, a dominant negative mutant of AKT was employed to interfere with PI3K/AKT signalling at the level of AKT. Results: Antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and anticancer effects were documented, showing that inhibition of the PI3K pathway in these cell lines suppresses tumour cell growth in vitro and reduces growth in nude mice. Conclusions: The PI3K/AKT pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, and gene therapy may be one approach to produce selective inhibition.
Denoising EOG Signal using Stationary Wavelet Transform

Denoising EOG Signal using Stationary Wavelet Transform Eye movements are critical signs of the neurological disorders and they can be acquired by EOG. The EOG signal is electrical signal generated due to eye ball movements and is contaminated with brain signals and power line while recording. As the EOG signal is a non-stationary signal, it can be denoised by wavelet transformation techniques. The present work covers denoising of noisy EOG signal using Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT), which was done with all suitable wavelets that are morphologically similar to an EOG signal by applying both Soft and Hard Thresholding methods. An EOG signal was simulated and added with noise to obtain noisy EOG signal. The wavelet analysis of the simulated noisy EOG signal reveals that the Biorthogonal 3.3 wavelet is the best wavelet to denoise by using SWT technique, wherein the yield achieved was good with Signal to Noise Ratio of 36.5882 dB and minimum Mean Square Error of 0.383313 for quality diagnosis.
When epigenetics kills: MLL fusion proteins in leukemia

Chromosomal aberrations that affect the MLL (Mixed Lineage Leukemia) gene at the locus 11q23 are associated with an aggressive subtype of leukemia. These alterations create MLL fusion derivatives with an active transforming potential. This review summarizes recent advances in our knowledge about normal and malignant MLL proteins with special emphasis on epigenetic processes affected by these molecules. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential Checking: Reallocation-Free Data-Distribution Algorithm for Scale-out Storage

Using tape or optical devices for scale-out storage is one option for storing a vast amount of data. However, it is impossible or almost impossible to rewrite data with such devices. Thus, scale-out storage using such devices cannot use standard data-distribution algorithms because they rewrite data for moving between servers constituting the scale-out storage when the server configuration is changed. Although using rewritable devices for scale-out storage, when server capacity is huge, rewriting data is very hard when server constitution is changed. In this paper, a data-distribution algorithm called Sequential Checking is proposed, which can be used for scale-out storage composed of devices that are hardly able to rewrite data. Sequential Checking 1) does not need to move data between servers when the server configuration is changed, 2) distribute data, the amount of which depends on the server's volume, 3) select a unique server when datum is written, and 4) select servers when datum is read (there are few such server(s) in most cases) and find out a unique server that stores the newest datum from them. These basic characteristics were confirmed through proofs and simulations. Data can be read by accessing 1.98 servers on average from a storage comprising 256 servers under a realistic condition. And it is confirmed by evaluations in real environment that access time is acceptable. Sequential Checking makes selecting scale-out storage using tape or optical devices or using huge capacity servers realistic.
ASYMPT OTIC BEHAVIOR OF ACMA

The algebraicconstantmodulus algorithm (ACMA) is a noniterative blind sourceseparationalgorithm. It computesjointly beamforming vectorsfor all constantmodulussourcesasthesolution of a joint diagonalizationproblem. In this paperwe analyze its asymptoticpropertiesandshowthat(unlike theiterativeCMA) it convergesto the Wienersolution in samplesor SNR.We also sketchits connectionto therelatedJADE algorithm.
Bidding Behavior in a Multi-attribute First-price Auction

Abstract : This research examines bidding behavior in a sealed bid first price multi-attribute auction environment. The auction environment is designed to allow subjects to bid on multiple attributes, where an attribute is analogous to a component of a compensation package. Preliminary findings in base case experiments reveal that over successive rounds bids converge to subject's reserve price, independent of the number of sellers in a market.
Decentralized Access Control in Networked File Systems

The Internet enables global sharing of data across organizational boundaries. Traditional access control mechanisms are intended for one or a small number of machines under common administrative control, and rely on maintaining a centralized database of user identities. They fail to scale to a large user base distributed across multiple organizations. This survey provides a taxonomy of decentralized access control mechanisms intended for large scale, in both administrative domains and users. We identify essential properties of such access control mechanisms. We analyze popular networked file systems in the context of our taxonomy.