MIXGAN: Learning Concepts from Different Domains for Mixture Generation

In this work, we present an interesting attempt on mixture generation: absorbing different image concepts (e.g., content and style) from different domains and thus generating a new domain with learned concepts. In particular, we propose a mixture generative adversarial network (MIXGAN). MIXGAN learns concepts of content and style from two domains respectively, and thus can join them for mixture generation in a new domain, i.e., generating images with content from one domain and style from another. MIXGAN overcomes the limitation of current GAN-based models which either generate new images in the same domain as they observed in training stage, or require off-the-shelf content templates for transferring or translation. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of MIXGAN as compared to related state-of-the-art GAN-based models.Comment: Accepted by IJCAI-ECAI 2018, the 27th International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the 23rd European Conference on Artificial Intelligenc

Adaptive Optimization Algorithm for Resetting Techniques in Obstacle-ridden Environments

Redirected Walking (RDW) algorithms aim to impose several types of gains on users immersed in Virtual Reality and distort their walking paths in the real world, thus enabling them to explore a larger space. Since collision with physical boundaries is inevitable, a reset strategy needs to be provided to allow users to reset when they hit the boundary. However, most reset strategies are based on simple heuristics by choosing a seemingly suitable solution, which may not perform well in practice. In this paper, we propose a novel optimization-based reset algorithm adaptive to different RDW algorithms. Inspired by the approach of finite element analysis, our algorithm splits the boundary of the physical world by a set of endpoints. Each endpoint is assigned a reset vector to represent the optimized reset direction when hitting the boundary. The reset vectors on the edge will be determined by the interpolation between two neighbouring endpoints. We conduct simulation-based experiments for three RDW algorithms with commonly used reset algorithms to compare with. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the number of resets.</p

Dynamical critical quantum sensing with a single parametrically-driven nonlinear resonator

Critical phenomena of quantum systems are useful for enhancement of quantum sensing. We here investigate the performance of a sensing scheme, where the signal is encoded in the dynamically-evolving state of an oscillator, featuring a competition of the Kerr nonlinearity and parametric driving. We calculate the quantum Fisher information, and perform a simulation, which confirms the criticality-enabled enhancement. We further detail the response of one of the quadratures to the variation of the control parameter. The numerical results reveal that its inverted variance exhibits a diverging behavior at the critical point.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figure

Cluster size convergence of the density matrix embedding theory and its dynamical cluster formulation: A study with an auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo solver

We investigate the cluster size convergence of the energy and observables using two forms of density matrix embedding theory (DMET): the original cluster form (CDMET) and a new formulation motivated by the dynamical cluster approximation (DCA-DMET). Both methods are applied to the half-filled one- and two-dimensional Hubbard models using a sign-problem free auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo impurity solver, which allows for the treatment of large impurity clusters of up to 100 sites. While CDMET is more accurate at smaller impurity cluster sizes, DCA-DMET exhibits faster asymptotic convergence towards the thermodynamic limit. We use our two formulations to produce new accurate estimates for the energy and local moment of the two-dimensional Hubbard model for U / t = 2,4,6. These results compare favorably with the best data available in the literature, and help resolve earlier uncertainties in the moment for U / t = 2

ScQ cloud quantum computation for generating Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states of up to 10 qubits

We introduce an online for public quantum computation platform, named as ScQ, based on a 1D array of 10-qubit superconducting processor. Single qubit rotation gates can be performed on each qubit. Controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates between nearest-neighbor sites on the 1D array of 10 qubits are available. We show online preparation and verification of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states of up to 10 qubits by this platform, for all possible blocks of qubits in the chain. Both graphic interface and the quantum assembly language methods are presented to achieve the above tasks, which rely on a parameter scanning feature implemented on ScQ. Performance of this quantum computation platform, such as fidelities of the logic gates and details of the superconducting device, are presented

Swimming exercise ameliorates hypertension-induced kidney dysfunction via alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis and apoptosis

Background: Hypertensive nephropathy is one of the major causes of ESRD. Exercise has been considered a nonpathological therapy for hypertension and its complications, yet mechanisms remain unclear. We sought to investigate whether periodic swimming could ameliorate hypertension-induced kidney dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Four-week male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were randomly divided into the hypertension group (SHR, n = 8) and exercise group (SE, n = 8, 60 min swimming/day, 6 days per week, for 8 weeks). Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY, n = 8) were served as a sedentary normotensive group. Bodyweight and blood pressure (BP) were recorded weekly. After 8-week sedentary or swimming exercise, lipids profile, BUN, and Cr were measured. The renal interstitial fibrosis was examined by the histopathological analysis using Masson\u27s trichrome staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The kidney cell apoptosis was tested by TUNEL staining. The expressions of critical proteins responsible for the TGF-β1/Smad signaling of fibrosis, that is, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, and Smad7, as well as apoptosis related proteins, Bax and Bcl-2 in kidney cortex tissues were measured. Results: The 8-week swimming exercise reduced BP and bodyweight, lowered concentrations of BUN, and serum Cr, compared with SHR. Exercise remarkably inhibited hypertension-induced tubular degeneration, cellular cluster, and tubular cell swelling as well as glomerular degeneration in the kidney cortical tissues, attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis, and renal cell apoptosis. Moreover, expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, and Bax were higher in the SHR than the WKY, which were significantly suppressed by the exercise. In contrast, hypertension-reduced expressions of Smad7 and Bcl-2 were enhanced by the swimming exercise. Strong correlations were found between kidney function indices, blood lipids, and key protein expressions. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate beneficial effects of the periodic swimming on ameliorating hypertension-induced kidney dysfunction highlighting the potential of swimming exercise as a nonpathological therapy for early prevention of hypertension-caused kidney diseases

Formamide deionized accelerates the somatic embryogenesis of Cunninghamia lanceolata

Aim of the study: To improve the efficiency of the somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Cunninghamia lanceolata. Area of the study: The study was conducted at Nanjing Forestry University (Nanjing, China). Material and methods: Immature cones of C. lanceolata, genotype 01A1 which was planted in Yangkou State-owned Forest Farm (Fujian, China), were used to induced callus. These calli were used to induce SE, concentration gradients of 0 g/L, 0.01134 g/L, 0.1134 g/L, 1.1134 g/L and 11.34 g/L of FD was added, to explore the optimal concentration for promoting SE of C. lanceolata. Main results: Low concentration of FD promoted the maturation of somatic embryos, while high concentration of FD lead to browning of embryogenic callus. The seedling rate and rooting number of seedlings induced by different concentrations of FD were significantly different. Research highlights: This study may aid in the rapid maturation of C. lanceolata somatic embryos and is useful for accelerated C. lanceolata breeding. Keywords: C. lanceolata; Formamide Deionized; Somatic embryogenesis; Seedling rate. Abbreviations used: FD (Formamide Deionized), FD0 (the concentration of 0 g/L FD), FD0.01134 (the concentration of 0.01134 g/L FD), FD0.1134 (the concentration of 0.1134 g/L FD), FD1.134 (the concentration of 1.134 g/L FD), FD11.34 (the concentration of 11.34 g/L FD)