Human motion retrieval from hand-drawn sketch

The rapid growth of motion capture data increases the importance of motion retrieval. The majority of the existing motion retrieval approaches are based on a labor-intensive step in which the user browses and selects a desired query motion clip from the large motion clip database. In this work, a novel sketching interface for defining the query is presented. This simple approach allows users to define the required motion by sketching several motion strokes over a drawn character, which requires less effort and extends the users’ expressiveness. To support the real-time interface, a specialized encoding of the motions and the hand-drawn query is required. Here, we introduce a novel hierarchical encoding scheme based on a set of orthonormal spherical harmonic (SH) basis functions, which provides a compact representation, and avoids the CPU/processing intensive stage of temporal alignment used by previous solutions. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can well retrieve the motions, and is capable of retrieve logically and numerically similar motions, which is superior to previous approaches. The user study shows that the proposed system can be a useful tool to input motion query if the users are familiar with it. Finally, an application of generating a 3D animation from a hand-drawn comics strip is demonstrated.     

Correction to: Embrittlement Analysis of Σ5[210]/(-1-20) FeAl Grain Boundary in Presence of Defects: An Ab Initio Study

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A -     

Behavioral Neuroscience in the Era of Genomics: Tools and Lessons for Analyzing High-Dimensional Datasets

Behavioral neuroscience underwent a technology-driven revolution with the emergence of machine-vision and machine-learning technologies. These technological advances facilitated the generation of high-resolution, high-throughput capture and analysis of complex behaviors. Therefore, behavioral neuroscience is becoming a data-rich field. While behavioral researchers use advanced computational tools to analyze the resulting datasets, the search for robust and standardized analysis tools is still ongoing. At the same time, the field of genomics exploded with a plethora of technologies which enabled the generation of massive datasets. This growth of genomics data drove the emergence of powerful computational approaches to analyze these data. Here, we discuss the composition of a large behavioral dataset, and the differences and similarities between behavioral and genomics data. We then give examples of genomics-related tools that might be of use for behavioral analysis and discuss concepts that might emerge when considering the two fields together.     

Isomerization and Decomposition of Chloromethylacetylene

The isomerization and thermal decomposition of chloromethylacetylene (CMA) has been studied with two shock tube techniques. The first experiment (Jerusalem) utilizes single-pulse shock tube methods to measure the isomerization rate of CMA to chloroallene. In addition, equilibrium constants can be estimated at ∼1200 K. The second experiment (Argonne) monitors Cl-atom formation at temperatures above ∼1150 K. Absolute yield measurements have been performed over the 1200–1700 K range and indicate that two decomposition channels contribute to CMA destruction, namely, Cl fission and HCl elimination. The results show that the branching fraction between processes is temperature dependent. Therefore, direct Cl-atom fission is accompanied by molecular elimination, undoubtedly giving HCl and one or more isomers of C₃H₂. MP2 6–31G(d,p) ab initio electronic structure calculations have been used to determine vibration frequencies and moments of inertia for three C₃H₃Cl isomers. Using these quantities, the experimental equilibrium constants required that ΔH⁰₀(CH₂Cl–C≡CH ⇌ CHCl=C=CH₂) = −;0.24 kcal mole⁻¹. A potential energy surface pertinent to the present system has been constructed, and RRKM calculations have been carried out in order to explain the isomerization rates. The isomerization data can be explained with E₀ = 52.3 kcal mole⁻¹ and 〈ΔE_down〉 = 225 cm⁻¹. Subsequent semi-empirical Troe and RRKM-Gorin modeling of the Cl atom rate data require E₀ = (67.5 ± 0.5) kcal mole⁻¹ with a 〈ΔE_down〉 = (365 ± 90) cm⁻¹. This suggests a heat of formation for propargyl radicals of (79.0 ± 2.5) kcal mole⁻¹.     

A biotechnological perspective on the application of iron oxide nanoparticles

In recent decades,magnetic iron nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much attention due to properties such as superparamagnetism,high surface area,large surface-to-volume ratio,and easy separation under external magnetic fields.Therefore,magnetic iron oxides have potential for use in numerous applications,including magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement,tissue repair,immunoassay,detoxification of biological fluids,drug delivery,hyperthermia,and cell separation.This review provides an updated and integrated focus on the fabrication and characterization of suitable magnetic iron NPs for biotechnological applications.The possible perspective and some challenges in the further development of these NPs are also discussed.     

Embrittlement Analysis of $$\sum {{{{5}\left[ {{21}0} \right]} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{5}\left[ {{21}0} \right]} {\left( {\overline{1}\overline{2}0} \right)}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\left( {-{1}-{2}0} \right)}}}$$ FeAl Grain Boundary in Presence of Defects: An Ab Initio Study

Iron aluminide (FeAl) inter-metallic compounds are potential candidates for structural applications at high temperatures owing to their superior corrosion resistance, high temperature oxidation, low density and inexpensive material cost. However, the presence of defects can lead to reduction in the strength and ductility of FeAl-based materials. Here we present a density functional theory (DFT) study of the effect of the presence of defects including Fe and Al vacancies as well as H dopants at the substitutional and interstitial sites at a \(\sum {{{{5}\left[ {{21}0} \right]} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{5}\left[ {{21}0} \right]} {\left( {\overline{1}\overline{2}0} \right)}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\left( {\overline{1}\overline{2}0} \right)}}}\) FeAl grain boundary focusing on the energetics. The plane wave pseudopotential code Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) in the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is used to carry out the computations. The formation energy calculations showed that intrinsic defects such as Fe and Al vacancies probably form at the GB, indicated by their negative formation energies. These vacancies can further form defect complexes with H impurities, indicated by lowered formation energies, compact bonds and charge gain of H atoms. Electronic structure analysis showed stronger hybridization of 1s orbitals of H with Fe and Al atoms, which leads to the stabilization of these defects resulting in degradation of material strength.

     

Evaporated AgBr Layers: Response to Soft X-Ray Irradiation

The response of evaporated layers of pure and doped AgBr to irradiation with soft A1 Kα X-rays (λ = 8.34 Å) is studied. The gamma values and maximum density are determined at various accelerating voltages. The layers’ sensitivity is by 3 to 5 orders of magnitude higher than that of commercial resists used in X-ray lithography. The distribution of latent image centres in the bulk of AgBr microcrystals is similar to that in the case of exposure to visible light. A qualitative estimation of the possibilities for reproduction of microstructures by X-rays is given.     

Microstructuring of As40S60 wafers exposed to soft X-rays

The possibilities of ‘resistless’ microstructuring of As_36·1S_63·9 wafers by soft X-ray irradiation and wet alkaline etching have been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy is used to study the influence of the exposure and processing parameters on the depth and acuity of the patterned structures. Structures 1 μm wide are obtained by irradiation with an energy flux of 2000 mJ cm⁻², followed by etching in a solution of pH 10·8 at a temperature of 23°C for a processing time of 18 min. It is established that by X-ray irradiation and suitable processing of As_36·1S_63·9 wafers, microstructures of a depth up to 0·65 μm could be patterned. The structured wafers could be used as diffraction elements for IR optics. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Longitudinal tensile failure of unidirectional fibrous composites

This paper presents a theoretical treatment of the tensile strength of a unidirectional fibrous composite, subjected to a tensile load in the fibre direction. The fibres are treated as having a statistical strength distribution which results in fibre failure prior to composite failure. The failure geometry of the model is similar to the observed geometry of fractured glass/epoxy and glass/polyester composites. Failure criterion is established and the strength is shown to decrease as the length of the specimen is increased. This size effect is very small.