Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimum description length with local geometry

Establishing optimal correspondence across object populations is essential to statistical shape analysis. Minimizing the description length (MDL) is a popular method for finding correspondence. In this work, we extend the MDL method by incorporating various local curvature metrics. Using local curvature can improve performance by ensuring that corresponding points exhibit similar local geometric characteristics that can't always be captured by mere point locations. We illustrate results on a variety of anatomical structures. The MDL method with a combination of point locations and curvature outperforms all the other methods we analyzed, including traditional MDL and spherical harmonics (SPHARM) correspondence, when the analyzed object population exhibits complex structure. When the objects are of simple nature, however, there's no added benefit to using the local curvature. In our experiments, we did not observe a significant difference in the correspondence quality when different curvature metrics (e.g. principal curvatures, mean curvature, Gaussian curvature) were used.
Anticoagulant therapy after acute myocardial infarction. Relation of therapeutic benefit to patient's age, sex, and severity of infarction.

The value of anticoagulant therapy after acute myocardial infarction has been assessed in 1,136 patients admitted to the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center. The treatment reduced the overall mortality in women from 31% to 15%, particularly those 55 years of age or over, with moderately severe infarction. The low overall mortality in control men (16%) was not reduced with treatment, though there was significant reduction of the mortality in a subgroup of men with moderately severe infarction showing Q-wave evolution. Age and sex, as well as the severity of the episode of acute myocardial infarction, are important in determining whether anticoagulant therapy is likely to be beneficial.
A Dynamic Limit Order Market with Fast and Slow Traders

We study the role of high-frequency trading in a dynamic limit order market. Being fast is valuable because it enables traders to revise outstanding limit orders upon news arrivals when interacting with slow market participants. On the one hand, the existence of fast traders can help to reduce the inefficiency that is rooted in the risk of being "picked off" after unfavourable price movements and therefore allows more gains from trade to be realized. On the other hand, slow traders face a relative loss in bargaining power which leads them to strategically submit limit orders with a lower execution probability, thereby reducing trade. Due to this negative externality, the equilibrium level of investment is always welfare-reducing. The model generates additional testable implications regarding the effects of high-frequency trading on order flow statistics.
Voltage flicker prediction for two simultaneously operated AC arc furnaces

An EMTP-based arc furnace model was developed for evaluation of flicker concerns associated with supplying a large integrated steel mill as they go from one to two furnace operation and as system changes are implemented that will affect the short circuit capacity at the 230 kV power supply substation. The model includes a dynamic arc representation which is designed to be characteristic of the initial portions of the melt cycle when the arc characteristics are the most variable (worst flicker conditions). The flicker calculations are verified using previous measurements with one furnace operation. Flicker simulations were then performed to evaluate a variety of different possible system strengths with both one and two furnaces in operation. The primary flicker measure used for this study is the unweighted RMS value of the fluctuation envelope, expressed as a percentage of the RMS line-to-ground voltage magnitude.
Determination of eye irritation potential of low-irritant products: comparison of in vitro results with the in vivo draize rabbit test

In an attempt to build the evaluation strategies to assess the human eye irritation, a reassessment of some in vitro tests is necessary, particularly concerning the non-irritants, mild and moderate irritants. Thus, the correlations between results obtained from the Draize test with the in vitro methods HET-CAM (Hens Egg Test-Chorion Allantonic Membrane) and RBC haemolysis assay to assess the ocular irritancy potential of 20 eye drops were examined. Parameters such as accuracy (%) and specificity (%) were determined. All results were correlated with RBC correctly with the results obtained in the Draize test. The HET-CAM presented four false-positive results, showing a tendency of data overestimation. Despite the high specificity provided mainly by the RBC, it would be necessary to test a wider range of products representing all the scales of irritation to confirm its ability to be used as a first alternative to test products that could be presumptive non-irritants.
Sex-Specific Effects of Adiponectin on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Incident Cardiovascular Disease

Background Plasma adiponectin levels have previously been inversely associated with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. In this study, we used a sex-stratified Mendelian randomization approach to investigate whether adiponectin has a causal protective influence on IMT. Methods and Results Baseline plasma adiponectin concentration was tested for association with baseline IMT, IMT progression over 30 months, and occurrence of cardiovascular events within 3 years in 3430 participants (women, n =1777; men, n =1653) with high cardiovascular risk but no prevalent disease. Plasma adiponectin levels were inversely associated with baseline mean bifurcation IMT after adjustment for established risk factors (β =−0.018, P<0.001) in men but not in women (β =−0.006, P =0.185; P for interaction =0.061). Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with progression of mean common carotid IMT in men (β =−0.0022, P =0.047), whereas no association was seen in women (0.0007, P =0.475; P for interaction =0.018). Moreover, we observed that adiponectin levels were inversely associated with coronary events in women (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.87) but not in men (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.25). A gene score of adiponectin-raising alleles in 6 loci, reported recently in a large multi-ethnic meta-analysis, was inversely associated with baseline mean bifurcation IMT in men (β =−0.0008, P =0.004) but not in women (β =−0.0003, P =0.522; P for interaction =0.007). Conclusions This report provides some evidence for adiponectin protecting against atherosclerosis, with effects being confined to men; however, compared with established cardiovascular risk factors, the effect of plasma adiponectin was modest. Further investigation involving mechanistic studies is warranted.
Organochlorine insecticides DDT and chlordane in relation to survival following breast cancer

Organochlorine insecticides have been studied extensively in relation to breast cancer incidence, and results from two meta‐analyses have been null for late‐life residues, possibly due to measurement error. Whether these compounds influence survival remains to be fully explored. We examined associations between organochlorine insecticides [p,p′‐DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), its primary metabolite, p,p′‐DDE, and chlordane] assessed shortly after diagnosis and survival among women with breast cancer. A population‐based sample of women diagnosed with a first primary invasive or in situ breast cancer in 1996–1997 and with available organochlorine blood measures (n = 633) were followed for vital status through 2011. After follow‐up of 5 and 15 years, we identified 55 and 189 deaths, of which 36 and 74, respectively, were breast cancer‐related. Using Cox regression models, we estimated the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for lipid‐adjusted organochlorine concentrations with all‐cause and breast cancer‐specific mortality. At 5 years after diagnosis, the highest tertile of DDT concentration was associated with all‐cause (HR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.02, 4.67) and breast cancer‐specific (HR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.04, 7.13) mortality. At 15 years, middle tertile concentrations of DDT (HR = 1.42; 95% CI 0.99, 2.06) and chlordane (HR = 1.42; 95% CI: 0.94, 2.12) were modestly associated with all‐cause and breast cancer‐specific mortality. Third tertile DDE concentrations were inversely associated with 15‐year all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.99). This is the first population‐based study in the United States to show that DDT may adversely impact survival following breast cancer diagnosis. Further studies are warranted given the high breast cancer burden and the ubiquity of these chemicals.
The yield and post-yield behavior of high-density polyethylene

An experimental and analytical evaluation was made of the yield and post-yield behavior of high-density polyethylene, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. Polyethylene was selected for study because it is very inexpensive and readily available in the form of thin-walled tubes. Thin-walled tubular specimens were subjected to axial loads and internal pressures, such that the specimens were subjected to a known biaxial loading. A constant octahederal shear stress rate was imposed during all tests. The measured yield and post-yield behavior was compared with predictions based on both isotropic and anisotropic models. Of particular interest was whether inelastic behavior was sensitive to the hydrostatic stress level. The major achievements and conclusions reached are discussed.
Use of performance measurement methods in engineering organizations — An empirical study

Introduction: Performance measurement supports engineering organizations to effectively design, implement and control engineering improvement activities. Purpose: This contribution analyzes which performance measurement methods are used in industrial practice. The focus lies on methods used for the evaluation of investments (such as efficiency improvement programs) in engineering departments. Approach: The contribution is based on an empirical study. 56 persons working in project business were asked via a web-based questionnaire. Findings: Although the meaningfulness of holistic performance measurement is undisputed, traditional non-holistic methods prevail in industrial practice. Most engineering organizations use cost-oriented methods which do not consider the influence of engineering in the company in an adequate way. However, holistic and multi-dimensional approaches for performance measurement in engineering have gained a foothold in industrial practice. Originality: Performance measurement in engineering has been topic of very few publications yet, while studies focusing on R&D departments are numerous. Since R&D and engineering functions share some characteristics, research on R&D is also considered in this contribution.
Memristive logic: A framework for evaluation and comparison

Memristors have extended their influence beyond memory to logic and in-memory computing. Memristive logic design, the methodology of designing logic circuits using memristors, is an emerging concept whose growth is fueled by the quest for energy efficient computing systems. As a result, many memristive logic families have evolved with different attributes, and a mature comparison among them is needed to judge their merit. This paper presents a framework for comparing logic families by classifying them on the basis of fundamental properties such as statefulness, proximity (from the memory array), and flexibility of computation. We propose metrics to compare memristive logic families using analytic expressions for performance (latency), energy efficiency, and area. Then, we provide guidelines for a holistic comparison of logic families and set the stage for the evolution of new logic families.
Control strategy for planar vertical jump

In this paper we will present a new - application oriented - control method for the biped jump. We shall be restricting our study to the vertical jump with both feet together and legs placed exactly side by side, and with the robot moving in the sagittal plane. The control method is based on the sliding mode technique. We will end up with a simple control law which impose the trajectory following for the distance between the foot and the total center of mass and which maintains the CoM above the feet during the whole jump (take-off, flight, land-in). This allows to control precisely the jump and to reduce the impact at land-in
A BRDF Database Employing the Beard-Maxwell Reflection Model

The Beard-Maxwell reflection model is presented as a new local reflection model for use in realistic image synthesis. The model is important because there is a public domain database of surface reflection parameters, the Nonconventional Exploitation Factors Data System (NEFDS), that utilizes a modified form of the BeardMaxwell model. Additional surface reflection parameters for the database can be determined because a measurement protocol, using existing radiometric instruments, has been specified. The Beard-Maxwell model is also of historical significance because it predates many computer graphics reflection models and because it includes several features that are incorporated into existing local reflection models. The NEFDS is described and a special shader is developed for use with NEFDS. The shader makes use of the alias method for determining random variates from discrete probability distributions. Realistic images are synthesized from the existing database and from samples that were characterized using the measurement protocol.
Biomechanics of Running Indicates Endothermy in Bipedal Dinosaurs

Background One of the great unresolved controversies in paleobiology is whether extinct dinosaurs were endothermic, ectothermic, or some combination thereof, and when endothermy first evolved in the lineage leading to birds. Although it is well established that high, sustained growth rates and, presumably, high activity levels are ancestral for dinosaurs and pterosaurs (clade Ornithodira), other independent lines of evidence for high metabolic rates, locomotor costs, or endothermy are needed. For example, some studies have suggested that, because large dinosaurs may have been homeothermic due to their size alone and could have had heat loss problems, ectothermy would be a more plausible metabolic strategy for such animals. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we describe two new biomechanical approaches for reconstructing the metabolic rate of 14 extinct bipedal dinosauriforms during walking and running. These methods, well validated for extant animals, indicate that during walking and slow running the metabolic rate of at least the larger extinct dinosaurs exceeded the maximum aerobic capabilities of modern ectotherms, falling instead within the range of modern birds and mammals. Estimated metabolic rates for smaller dinosaurs are more ambiguous, but generally approach or exceed the ectotherm boundary. Conclusions/Significance Our results support the hypothesis that endothermy was widespread in at least larger non-avian dinosaurs. It was plausibly ancestral for all dinosauriforms (perhaps Ornithodira), but this is perhaps more strongly indicated by high growth rates than by locomotor costs. The polarity of the evolution of endothermy indicates that rapid growth, insulation, erect postures, and perhaps aerobic power predated advanced “avian” lung structure and high locomotor costs.
Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy.

A 36-year-old tertigravid woman presented with hypertension, a 25-kg weight gain and hypokalemia at 20 weeks' gestation. In 1980 she had had a therapeutic abortion at 10 weeks' gestation because of hypertension and weight gain. In 1987 a second pregnancy, characterized by severe hypertension, acne and hirsutism, had resulted in miscarriage at 10 weeks' gestation. The patient had cushingoid facies, facial hirsutism and periorbital edema. Her blood pressure was 160/90 mm Hg. Truncal obesity, a buffalo
Approximation Bounds for Inference using Cooperative Cuts

We analyze a family of probability distributions that are characterized by an embedded combinatorial structure. This family includes models having arbitrary treewidth and arbitrary sized factors. Unlike general models with such freedom, where the "most probable explanation" (MPE) problem is inapproximable, the combinatorial structure within our model, in particular the indirect use of sub-modularity, leads to several MPE algorithms that all have approximation guarantees.
Adipose Tissue Insulin Action and IL-6 Signaling after Exercise in Obese Mice.

INTRODUCTION Adipose tissue insulin action is impaired in obesity and is associated with inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and polarization toward a proinflammatory phenotype. Acute exercise can reduce markers of adipose inflammation, including interleukin (IL) 6, in parallel with improvements in insulin action; however, others have provided evidence that IL-6 has anti-inflammatory properties. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the relation between IL-6 signaling, macrophage infiltration, and polarization and insulin action in inguinal fat after acute exercise in obese, insulin-resistant mice. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a low-fat diet (10% kcal lard) or a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% kcal lard) for 7 wk and then underwent an acute bout of exercise (2-h treadmill running: 15 m·min, 5% incline). RESULTS The HFD resulted in increased body mass, glucose intolerance, and attenuated insulin-induced AKT Thr308 phosphorylation in inguinal fat. This was accompanied by increases in indices of macrophage infiltration (F4/80, CD68, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression) and polarization toward an M1 phenotype (increased expression of CD11c, CD11c/galactose-type C-type lectin 1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase). Immunofluorescence imaging demonstrated increased F4/80- and CD11c-positive cells with the HFD. Two hours after exercise, the insulin-induced activation of AKT Th308 phosphorylation was recovered in HFD mice. This was accompanied by an upregulation of IL-6 and IL-10 signaling, as demonstrated by increased expression of IL-6, IL-10, and SOCS3 as well as STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, acute exercise resulted in a shift toward reduction in M1 polarization indicated by a decrease in the ratio of CD11c to galactose-type C-type lectin 1 mRNA as well as a decline in F4/80- and CD11c-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a link between exercise-induced increases in IL-6, reductions in indices of M1 macrophages, and increased IL-10, a reputed anti-inflammatory cytokine with insulin-sensitizing properties.
A general algorithm for uplink opportunistic interference alignment in cellular network

This paper utilizes a new strategy to accomplish the general uplink opportunistic interference alignment (OIA) in cellular network. K cooperative cells are considered, each user and base station (BS) own N transmit antennas and M receive antennas respectively. The leakage interference is newly defined. Each user calculates the amount of the leakage interference and reports it to its corresponding BS which selects the optimum users for data transmission. The prior OIA approach, which totally depends on the channel randomness, requires numerous users to acquire multi-user diversity gain in each cell, but only a few users in each cell may have the opportunity for data transmission. The new method keeps the advantages of the existing OIA algorithm and derives a general OIA scheme with any transmit antennas. Simulation results indicate that the dependence on the channel randomness is dramatically weakened and better performance can be obtained, the system efficiency is improved a lot too.
Randomised double blind trial of etoricoxib and indometacin in treatment of acute gouty arthritis

Abstract Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of etoricoxib, a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor, in comparison with indometacin in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis. Design: Randomised, double blind, active comparator controlled trial. Setting: 43 outpatient study centres in 11 countries. Participants: 142 men and eight women (75 patients per treatment group) aged 18 years or over presenting with clinically diagnosed acute gout within 48 hours of onset. Interventions: Etoricoxib 120 mg administered orally once daily versus indometacin 50 mg administered orally three times daily, both for 8 days Main outcome measures: Patients' assessment of pain in the study joint over days 2 to 5 (primary end point); investigators' and patients' global assessments of response to treatment and tenderness of the study joint (key secondary end points). Results: Etoricoxib showed efficacy comparable to indometacin. Patients' assessment of pain in the study joint (0-4 point Likert scale, “no pain” to “extreme pain”) over days 2 to 5 showed a least squares mean change from baseline of −1.72 (95% confidence interval −1.90 to −1.55) for etoricoxib and −1.83 (−2.01 to −1.65) for indometacin. The difference between treatment groups met prespecified comparability criteria. All other efficacy end points, including those reflecting reduction in inflammation and analgesia, provided corroborative evidence of comparable efficacy. Significant pain relief was evident at the first measurement, 4 hours after the first dose of treatment. Prespecified safety analyses revealed that drug related adverse experiences occurred significantly less frequently with etoricoxib (22.7%) than with indometacin (46.7%) (P=0.003), although overall adverse experience rates were similar between the two treatment groups. Conclusion: Etoricoxib 120 mg once daily provides rapid and effective treatment for acute gouty arthritis comparable to indometacin 50 mg three times daily. Etoricoxib was generally safe and well tolerated in this study.
Molecular investigation of genetic elements contributing to metronidazole resistance in Bacteroides strains.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the constitution of nim gene types, their activating insertion sequence (IS) element, their localization (plasmid or chromosome) and cfiA gene status in metronidazole-resistant Bacteroides strains (n=26) in order to examine their interchangeability. METHODS Southern hybridization and conjugative plasmid transfer were used to localize the nimA-E genes and plasmid functions. PCR was used to detect the IS elements and the cfiA genes. PCR-mapping was applied to detect the nim gene-associated IS elements. PCR-mapping products and a nimE gene-containing plasmid fragment were sequenced. RESULTS Nine of the nimA genes (12) were activated by IS1168 and nine were carried on plasmids, four of which were pIP417-like. The five nimB genes were chromosomal, and two of them were associated with IS1168 and one with IS612. Of the three nimC genes, two were activated by IS1170, and one was carried on a pIP419-like plasmid. The only nimD gene was chromosomal. The five nimE strains harboured the resistance genes on plasmids: one plasmid, pBF388c, 8.3 kb, was characterized, and a novel IS-like element was demonstrated upstream of all the nimE genes. The insertion events of some of these IS elements were restricted to certain nim gene-specific positions. The 11 chromosomal nim genes displayed a positive association with the cfiA gene-specific background. CONCLUSIONS Fourteen strains harboured the well-known genetic elements: pIP417- and pIP419-like plasmids, chromosomal nimB genes and a common nimE plasmid. However, a rate of interchangeability was also demonstrated, mostly due to combinations of nim genes and their associated IS elements harboured on different replicons.