Performance of an improved logarithmic phase mask with optimized parameters in a wavefront-coding system

In two papers [Proc. SPIE 4471, 272-280 (2001) and Appl. Opt. 43, 2709-2721 (2004)], a logarithmic phase mask was proposed and proved to be effective in extending the depth of field; however, according to our research, this mask is not that perfect because the corresponding defocused modulation transfer function has large oscillations in the low-frequency region, even when the mask is optimized. So, in a previously published paper [Opt. Lett. 33, 1171-1173 (2008)], we proposed an improved logarithmic phase mask by making a small modification. The new mask can not only eliminate the drawbacks to a certain extent but can also be even less sensitive to focus errors according to Fisher information criteria. However, the performance comparison was carried out with the modified mask not being optimized, which was not reasonable. In this manuscript, we optimize the modified logarithmic phase mask first before analyzing its performance and more convincing results have been obtained based on the analysis of several frequently used metrics. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America

Profiling of Complex Microbial Populations by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Analysis of Polymerase Chain Reaction-Amplified Genes Coding for 16S rRNA

We describe a new molecular approach to analyzing the genetic diversity of complex microbial populations. This technique is based on the separation of polymerase chain reaction-amplified fragments of genes coding for 16S rRNA, all the same length, by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). DGGE analysis of different microbial communities demonstrated the presence of up to 10 distinguishable bands in the separation pattern, which were most likely derived from as many different species constituting these populations, and thereby generated a DGGE profile of the populations. We showed that it is possible to identify constituents which represent only 1% of the total population. With an oligonucleotide probe specific for the V3 region of 16S rRNA of sulfate-reducing bacteria, particular DNA fragments from some of the microbial populations could be identified by hybridization analysis. Analysis of the genomic DNA from a bacterial biofilm grown under aerobic conditions suggests that sulfate-reducing bacteria, despite their anaerobicity, were present in this environment. The results we obtained demonstrate that this technique will contribute to our understanding of the genetic diversity of uncharacterized microbial populations.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the mantid shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Stomatopoda): Novel non-coding regions features and phylogenetic implications of the Stomatopoda

The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequence of Oratosquilla oratoria (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Stomatopoda) was determined; a circular molecule of 15,783 bp in length. The gene content and arrangement are consistent with the pancrustacean ground pattern. The mt control region of O. oratoria is characterized by no GA-block near the 3' end and different position of [TA(A)]n-blocks compared with other reported Stomatopoda species. The sequence of the second hairpin structure is relative conserved which suggests this region may be a synapomorphic character for the Stomatopoda. In addition, a relative large intergenic spacer (101 bp) with higher A + T content than that in control region was identified between the tRNA(Glu) and tRNA(Phe) genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on the current dataset of complete mt genomes strongly support the Stomatopoda is closely related to Euphausiacea. They in turn cluster with Penaeoidea and Caridea clades while other decapods form a separate group, which rejects the monophyly of Decapoda. This challenges the suitability of Stomatopoda as an outgroup of Decapoda in phylogenetic analyses. The basal position of Stomatopoda within Eumalacostraca according to the morphological characters is also questioned. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

裂隙/孔隙型弹性介质中地震波场模拟与叠前逆时偏移

With the development of oil/gas seismic exploration, seismic survey for fracture/porosity type reservoir is becoming more and more important. As for China, since it has over 60% store of low porosity and low permeability oil/gas reservoir, it’s more urgent to validly describe fracture/porosity type oil/gas trap and proposing the related, developed seismic technique. To achieve mapping fracture/porosity region and its development status, it demands profound understanding of seismic wave propagation discipline in complex fractured/pored media. Meanwhile, it has profound scientific significance and applied worth to study forward modeling of fracture/porosity type media and pre-stacked reverse time migration. Especially, pre-stacked reverse-time migration is the lead edge technique in the field of seismology and seismic exploration. In this paper, the author has summarized the meaning, history and the present state of numerical simulation of seismic propagation in fractured/pored media and seismic exploration of fractured/pored reservoirs. Extensive Dilatancy Anisotropy (EDA) model is selected as media object in this work. As to forward modeling, due to local limitation of solving spatial partial derivative when using finite-difference and finite-element method, the author turns to pseudo-spectral method (PSM), which is based on the global characteristic of Fourier transform to simulate three-component elastic wave-field. Artifact boundary effect reduction and simulation algorithm stability are also discussed in the work. The author has completed successfully forward modeling coding of elastic wave-field and numerical simulation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional EDA models with different symmetric axis. Seismic dynamic and kinematical properties of EDA media are analyzed from time slices and seismic records of wave propagation. As to pre-stacked reverse-time migration for elastic wave-field in fractured/pored media, based on the successful experience in forward modeling results with PSM, the author has studied pre-stacked reverse-time depth-domain migration technique using PSM of elastic wave-field in two dimensional EDA media induced by preferred fracture/pore distribution. At the same time, different image conditions will bring up what kind of migration result is detailed in this paper. The author has worded out software for pre-stacked reverse-time depth-domain migration of elastic wave-field in EDA media. After migration processing of a series of seismic shot gathers, influences to migration from different isotropic and anisotropy models are described in the paper. In summary, following creative research achievements are obtained:  Realizing two-dimensional and three-dimensional elastic wave-field modeling for fractured/pored media and related software has been completed.  Proposed pre-stacked reverse-time depth-domain migration technique using PSM of elastic wave-field.  Through analysis of the seismic dynamic and kinematical properties of EDA media, the author made a conclusion that collection of multi-component seismic data can provide important data basis for locating and describing the fracture/pore regions and their magnitudes and the preferred directions.  Pre-stacked reverse-time depth-domain migration technique has the ability to reconstruct complex geological object with steep formations and tilt fracture distribution. Neglecting seismic anisotropy induced by the preferred fracture/pore distribution, will lead to the disastrous imaging results.

动漫行业创业者胜任特征研究

Venture has become an important force for the sustainable economic growth of China, However, research on entrepreneurs is far failed to meet the actual needs, Animation and Comic Industry is an important component of the state-led Cultural and Creative Industries. Entrepreneurship is the rapid growth of population, but the empirical research on the Animation and Comic Industry entrepreneurs’ Competent Characteristic Model is rarely heard. As a manager of a national incubator which major in Cultural and Creative Industry, study these entrepreneurs competent characteristics is my responsibility. As an exploration, the study uses Competent Characteristic Model of classical design methods and behavior events interview method, and selects entrepreneurs which of animation and comic industry business start-up period as the objects. Through coding analysis of 31 entrepreneurs’ interview information, completed the amendment to the dictionary coding, and ultimately construct the animation and comic industry entrepreneurs need to have the threshold competence model and differentiating competence model. Differentiating competence model includes six competencies: tolerance and optimism, cooperation, creative innovation, pool talents, vision, decision-making and tempo control. Threshold competence model includes twenty features, divided into three dimensions: personal characteristics, knowledge quality, capacity of the quality. Knowledge and capacity of the quality are closely related to the core work of entrepreneurs, Personal characteristics concern the deep-seated motivation of the entrepreneurs. The study also analyses and discusses the characteristics of the entrepreneurs on the demographic variables.

Review of "Coding for Success" implementation.

Coding for Success was published in 2007 and described how bar coding and similar technologies can be used to improve patient safety, reduce costs and improve efficiency. This review aims to outline progress made since 2007, and was recommended by the Health Select Committee in its 2009 report on Patient Safety.

A framework for the transformation of the creative industries in a digital age.

The creative industries sector faces a constantly changing context characterised by the speed of the development and deployment of digital information systems and Information Communications Technologies (ICT) on a global scale. This continuous digital disruption has had significant impact on the whole value chain of the sector: creation and production; discovery and distribution; and consumption of cultural goods and services. As a result, creative enterprises must evolve business and operational models and practices to be sustainable. Enterprises of all scales, type, and operational model are affected, and all sectors face ongoing digital disruption. Management consultancy practitioners and business strategy academics have called for new strategy development frameworks and toolkits, fit for a continuously changing world. This thesis investigates a novel approach to organisational change appropriate to the digital age, in the context of the creative sector in Scotland. A set of concepts, methods, tools, and processes to generate theoretical learning and practical knowing was created to support enterprises to digitally adapt through undertaking journeys of change and organisational development. The framework is called The AmbITion Approach. It was developed by blending participatory action research (PAR) methods and modern management consultancy, design, and creative practices. Empirical work also introduced to the framework Coghlan and Rashford’s change categories. These enabled the definition and description of the extent to which organisations developed: whether they experienced first order (change), second order (adaptation) or third order (transformation) change. Digital research tools for inquiry were tested by a pilot study, and then embedded in a longitudinal study over two years of twentyone participant organisations from Scotland’s creative sector. The author applied and investigated the novel approach in a national digital development programme for Scotland’s creative industries. The programme was designed and delivered by the author and ran nationally between 2012-14. Detailed grounded thematic analysis of the data corpus was undertaken, along with analysis of rich media case studies produced by the organisations about their change journeys. The results of studies on participants, and validation criteria applied to the results, demonstrated that the framework triggers second (adaptation) and third order change (transformation) in creative industry enterprises. The AmbITion Approach framework is suitable for the continuing landscape of digital disruption within the creative sector. The thesis contributes to practice the concepts, methods, tools, and processes of The AmbITion Approach, which have been empirically tested in the field, and validated as a new framework for business transformation in a digital age. The thesis contributes to knowledge a theoretical and conceptual framework with a specific set of constructs and criteria that define first, second, and third order change in creative enterprises, and a robust research and action framework for the analysis of the quality, validity and change achieved by action research based development programmes. The thesis additionally contributes to the practice of research, adding to our understanding of the value of PAR and design thinking approaches and creative practices as methods for change.

Non-commutative symbolic coding

Gohm, Rolf; Kummerer, B.; Lang, T., (2006) 'Non-commutative symbolic coding', Ergodic Theory and Dynamical Systems 26(5) pp.1521-1548 RAE2008

Dynamic Binding of Visual Contours Without Temporal Coding

Recognition of objects in complex visual scenes is greatly simplified by the ability to segment features belonging to different objects while grouping features belonging to the same object. This feature-binding process can be driven by the local relations between visual contours. The standard method for implementing this process with neural networks uses a temporal code to bind features together. I propose a spatial coding alternative for the dynamic binding of visual contours, and demonstrate the spatial coding method for segmenting an image consisting of three overlapping objects.

Neural Pattern Recognition With Multi-Scale Pyramidal Coding and Selective Attention

A new neural network architecture for spatial patttern recognition using multi-scale pyramida1 coding is here described. The network has an ARTMAP structure with a new class of ART-module, called Hybrid ART-module, as its front-end processor. Hybrid ART-module, which has processing modules corresponding to each scale channel of multi-scale pyramid, employs channels of finer scales only if it is necesssary to discriminate a pattern from others. This process is effected by serial match tracking. Also the parallel match tracking is used to select the spatial location having most salient feature and limit its attention to that part.

Gröbner basis techniques for certain problems in coding and systems theory

There is much common ground between the areas of coding theory and systems theory. Fitzpatrick has shown that a Göbner basis approach leads to efficient algorithms in the decoding of Reed-Solomon codes and in scalar interpolation and partial realization. This thesis simultaneously generalizes and simplifies that approach and presents applications to discrete-time modeling, multivariable interpolation and list decoding. Gröbner basis theory has come into its own in the context of software and algorithm development. By generalizing the concept of polynomial degree, term orders are provided for multivariable polynomial rings and free modules over polynomial rings. The orders are not, in general, unique and this adds, in no small way, to the power and flexibility of the technique. As well as being generating sets for ideals or modules, Gröbner bases always contain a element which is minimal with respect tot the corresponding term order. Central to this thesis is a general algorithm, valid for any term order, that produces a Gröbner basis for the solution module (or ideal) of elements satisfying a sequence of generalized congruences. These congruences, based on shifts and homomorphisms, are applicable to a wide variety of problems, including key equations and interpolations. At the core of the algorithm is an incremental step. Iterating this step lends a recursive/iterative character to the algorithm. As a consequence, not all of the input to the algorithm need be available from the start and different "paths" can be taken to reach the final solution. The existence of a suitable chain of modules satisfying the criteria of the incremental step is a prerequisite for applying the algorithm.

“Something isn’t right here”: American exceptionalism and the creative nonfiction of the Vietnam War

In this thesis, I argue that few attempts were as effective in correcting the exceptionalist ethos of the United States than the creative nonfiction written by the veterans and journalists of the Vietnam War. Using critical works on creative nonfiction, I identify the characteristics of the genre that allowed Paul John Eakin to call it ‘a special kind of fiction.’ I summarise a brief history of creative nonfiction to demonstrate how it became a distinctly American form despite its Old World origins. I then claim that it was the genre most suited to the kind of ideological transformation that many hoped to instigate in U.S. society in the aftermath of Vietnam. Following this, the study explores how this “new” myth-making process occurred. I use Tim O’Brien’s If I Die in a Combat Zone and Philip Caputo’s A Rumor of War to illustrate how autobiography/memoir was able to demonstrate the detrimental effect that America’s exceptionalist ideology was having on its population. Utilising narrative and autobiographical theory, I contend that these accounts represented a collective voice which spoke for all Americans in the years after Vietnam. Using Neil Sheehan’s A Bright Shining Lie and C.D.B. Bryan’s Friendly Fire, I illustrate how literary journalism highlighted the hubris of the American government. I contend that while poiesis is an integral attribute of creative nonfiction, by the inclusion of extraneous bibliographic material, authors of the genre could also be seen as creating a literary context predisposing the reader towards an empirical interpretation of the events documented within. Finally, I claim that oral histories were in their essence a synthesis of “everyman” experiences very much in keeping with the American zeitgeist of the early Eighties. Focussing solely on Al Santoli’s Everything We Had, I demonstrate how such polyphonic narratives personalised the history of the Vietnam War.

SDC: Scalable description coding for adaptive streaming media

Video compression techniques enable adaptive media streaming over heterogeneous links to end-devices. Scalable Video Coding (SVC) and Multiple Description Coding (MDC) represent well-known techniques for video compression with distinct characteristics in terms of bandwidth efficiency and resiliency to packet loss. In this paper, we present Scalable Description Coding (SDC), a technique to compromise the tradeoff between bandwidth efficiency and error resiliency without sacrificing user-perceived quality. Additionally, we propose a scheme that combines network coding and SDC to further improve the error resiliency. SDC yields upwards of 25% bandwidth savings over MDC. Additionally, our scheme features higher quality for longer durations even at high packet loss rates.

Coffee Filters and Creativity: The Value of Multiple Filters in the Creative Process

Creativity is often defined as developing something novel or new, that fits its context, and has value. To achieve this, the creative process itself has gained increasing attention as organizational leaders seek competitive advantages through developing new products, services, process, or business models. In this paper, we explore the notion of the creative process as including a series of “filters” or ways to process information as being a critical component of the creative process. We use the metaphor of coffee making and filters because many of our examples come from Vietnam, which is one of the world’s top coffee exporters and which has created a coffee culture rivaling many other countries. We begin with a brief review of the creative process its connection to information processing, propose a tentative framework for integrating the two ideas, and provide examples of how it might work. We close with implications for further practical and theoretical directions for this idea.

MUSICAL IMPROVISATION AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Musical improvisation combines technical proficiency and musical intuition. Due to its interactive nature, improvisation provides an avenue of communication among all art forms. This dissertation project explores the collaborative aspects of improvisation involving a musician, visual artist, a small group of dancers, and videographer. Video footage from two separate recording sessions provided hours of visual materials which were studied and edited. The first session was a live performance recorded in front of a studio audience. The second session was a two-day collaboration between musician and dancers in a studio space. The process of editing and compiling images with audio-an important element in this project-presented many unforeseeable challenges and lessons. This recorded dissertation is comprised of seven music videos that demonstrate my ability as an artist in collaboration with visual artist-professor Richard Klank, dancers David Yates, Jamie Garcia, Raha Behnam, Rachel Wolfe and Adrian Galvin, and video artist Nguyen Nguyen. Each video represents an individual creative process involving musical performance, studio lighting, sound recording, and video editing.