Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feature-based surface parameterization and texture mapping

Surface parameterization is necessary for many graphics tasks: texture-preserving simplification, remeshing, surface painting, and precomputation of solid textures. The stretch caused by a given parameterization determines the sampling rate on the surface. In this article, we present an automatic parameterization method for segmenting a surface into patches that are then flattened with little stretch. Many objects consist of regions of relatively simple shapes, each of which has a natural parameterization. Based on this observation, we describe a three-stage feature-based patch creation method for manifold surfaces. The first two stages, genus reduction and feature identification, are performed with the help of distance-based surface functions. In the last stage, we create one or two patches for each feature region based on a covariance matrix of the feature's surface points. To reduce stretch during patch unfolding, we notice that stretch is a 2 × 2 tensor, which in ideal situations is the identity. Therefore, we use the <i>Green-Lagrange tensor</i> to measure and to guide the optimization process. Furthermore, we allow the boundary vertices of a patch to be optimized by adding <i>scaffold triangles</i>. We demonstrate our feature-based patch creation and patch unfolding methods for several textured models. Finally, to evaluate the quality of a given parameterization, we describe an image-based error measure that takes into account stretch, seams, smoothness, packing efficiency, and surface visibility.
Assessment of Choroidal Microstructure and Subfoveal Thickness Change in Eyes With Different Stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AbstractAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible blindness. Choroidal structural changes seem to be inevitable in AMD pathogenesis. Our study revealed associated choroidal microstructural changes in AMD eyes.The aim of the study was to compare choroidal microstructural changes in eyes with AMD of different stages.The study was a retrospective, cross-sectional case series.The participants comprised of 32 age-matched normal eyes as controls, and 26 fellow uninvolved eyes of intermediate/late AMD, 29 of early AMD, 28 of intermediate AMD, and 39 of late AMD.All subjects underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. The choroid images, including subfoveal choroidal thickness, percentage of Sattler layer area, and en face images of the choroid, were obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.The main outcome measures were subfoveal choroidal thickness changes, percentage of Sattler layer area changes, and en face images of the choroid in AMD eyes.One hundred fifty-four eyes of 96 individuals with mean age of 67.1±9.2 years were included. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 295.4 ± 56.8 &mgr;m in age-matched normal eyes, 306.7 ± 68.4 &mgr;m in fellow uninvolved eyes with AMD, 293.8 ± 80.4 &mgr;m in early AMD, 215.6 ± 80.4 &mgr;m in intermediate AMD, and 200.4 ± 66.6 &mgr;m in late AMD (F = 14.2, all P < 0.001). Choroidal thickness was greater in early AMD eyes than in intermediate/late AMD eyes (P < 0.001). Mean percentage of Sattler layer area in each group showed a similar tendency. Microstructure of the choroid showed reduced vascular density of Sattler layer areas in late AMD eyes compared with normal eyes.Decreasing subfoveal choroidal thickness and percentage of Sattler layer area were demonstrated in the progression of AMD. The choroidal change was related to atrophy of the microstructural changes of underlying capillaries and medium-sized vessels.
Loss of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α function in human hepatocellular adenomas leads to aberrant activation of signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are benign liver tumors that usually develop in women who are taking oral contraceptives. Among these tumors, biallelic inactivating mutations of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1A) transcription factor have been frequently identified and in rare cases of hepatocellular carcinomas developed in noncirrhotic liver. Because HNF1A meets the genetic criteria of a tumor suppressor gene, we aimed to elucidate the tumorigenic mechanisms related to HNF1α inactivation in hepatocytes. We searched for signaling pathways aberrantly activated in human HNF1A‐mutated HCA (H‐HCA) using a genome‐wide transcriptome analysis comparing five H‐HCA with four normal livers. We validated the main pathways by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blotting in a large series of samples. Then, we assessed the role of HNF1α in the observed deregulations in hepatocellular cell models (HepG2 and Hep3B) by silencing its endogenous expression using small interfering RNA. Along with the previously described induction of glycolysis and lipogenesis, H‐HCA also displayed overexpression of several genes encoding growth factor receptors, components of the translation machinery, cell cycle, and angiogenesis regulators, with, in particular, activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Moreover, estradiol detoxification activities were shut down, suggesting a hypersensitivity of H‐HCA to estrogenic stimulation. In the cell model, inhibition of HNF1α recapitulated most of these identified transcriptional deregulations, demonstrating that they were related to HNF1α inhibition. Conclusion: H‐HCA showed a combination of alterations related to HNF1α inactivation that may cooperate to promote tumor development. Interestingly, mTOR appears as a potential new attractive therapeutic target for treatment of this group of HCAs. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Retrieval of Terrestrial Plant Fluorescence Based on the In-Filling of Far-Red Fraunhofer Lines Using SCIAMACHY Observations

Chlorophyll fluorescence is directly linked to the photosynthetic efficiency of plants. As satellite-based remote sensing has been shown to have the potential to derive global information about fluorescence it has become subject of various recently published studies stimulating an upsurge in this research field. This manuscript presents a simple and fast retrieval method for solar induced terrestrial plant fluorescence (SIF) which relies on only a few prerequisites. The spaced based remote sensing spectrometers used in this work typically exhibit an additive spectral feature, which is not fluorescence. This is often accompanying the actual SIF retrieval and can significantly deteriorate the results. To account for this effect a correction method has been developed and is combined with the retrieval. The method has been applied to ten years of SCIAMACHY data with promising results. The retrieved SIF values are lying between 0 and 4 mW [m-²,sr-¹,nm-¹]. However, most of the retrieved values are not exceeding 1.5 [m-²,sr-¹,nm-¹], agreeing with previous studies on the subject. Results have been retrieved for SCIAMACHY spatial resolution of 240 x 30 km² and gridded to 80 arc minutes. A clear seasonal variation could be shown utilizing 10 years of SCIAMACHY data (2002-2012). In absence of large area ground based validation data a final judgment of the results presented is not feasible. However, a direct comparison to data of others was showing similar results for most areas.
Mutation qualitative dans la viticulture argentine : une analyse néo-institutionnelle des contrats d'approvisionnement

L'objet de la these est d'analyser les problemes de la gestion de la qualite des raisins de cuve en relation avec le choix du mode de gouvernance de la transaction. Dans le cadre de la Nouvelle Economie Institutionnelle et:en partant de l'hypothese qu'il existe une etroite interaction entre la construction de la qualite et les structures de gouvernance, nous montrons que, dans le contexte argentin, le mode de coordination le plus efficace pour inciter les producteurs a elaborer un raisin de cuve de qualite est le contrat. Les resultats du modele econometrique mettent en evidence un fort effet incitatif du niveau de prix. Contractuel et des modalites de paiement fractionne. Le mode de conduite, les investissements au vignoble et le pouvoir de negociation de l'acheteur incitent egalement a l'adoption d'une qualite plus elevee. Dans la partie theorique, nous analysons les problemes de definition et de mesure des attributs de la qualite des, raisins de cuve pris en compte dans les transactions. Puis, nous mobilisons les contributions respectives de la theorie des couts de transaction (branches de Williamson et. De Barzel) et de la theorie de l'agence (normative et elargie) pour l'analyse de ces problemes de qualite. Enfin, nous prenons en compte le role de l'incertitude sur les theories contractuelles de la firme, dans un souci de confrontation avec la diversite de la realite sectorielle. La prise en compte de l'incertitude nous conduit « in fine» a mobiliser de facon complementaire l'ensemble des ces theories. Ce travail permet: i) d'expliquer le choix du mode de gouvernance dans la relation d'approvisionnement afin de gerer l'incertitude sur la transaction des raisins de cuve, ii) de decomposer le probleme de la coordination en deux problemes emboites, un probleme de selection adverse et d'incitation a l'investissement specifique ainsi qu'un probleme de gestion des variables d'ajustement de la qualite pour un ensemble de variables de base donne et un ensemble de fournisseurs deja sous contrat, iii) de considerer pour l'analyse theorique, le processus de choix de la gouvernance comme un probleme dynamique en deux etapes avec une relation de feed-back, iv) de resoudre ce probleme dynamique en mobilisant conjointement et de facon complementaire, les deux courants de la TCT, enrichis par les apports de la theorie de l'agence elargie.
Modeling And Simulation Of Fixed Bed Adsorption Column: Effect Of Velocity Variation

The kinetic behavior of a fixed-bed adsorber can be explained and the characteristic breakthrough curve of the adsorption phenomena can be obtained through mathematical models. In the earlier models, the kinetics is explained using a mathematical model that takes into account of external and internal masstransfer resistances with a nonideal plug flow behavior. The variation of fluid velocity along the column is an important aspect, which has not been accounted so far. In the present study, a mathematical model is proposed for explaining the kinetic behavior of adsorption phenomena incorporating the fluid velocity variation along the column length also. Internal mass-transfer resistances due to pore diffusion mechanism are considered in the model. The proposed mathematical model for fixed-bed adsorption is solved numerically and compared with earlier model reported in literature. The results show that the breakpoint is obtained earlier which represents the realistic behavior in adsorption phenomena. Initially the sharp front of the breakthrough curve is seen followed by broadening of tail of the breakthrough curve. Simulations are carried out using the present model for a systematic parametric study. The effects of various important and influencing parameters such as flow rate, bed height, inlet adsorbate concentration and particle diameter on breakthrough curve are studied in detail.
Large Shareholder Diversification and Corporate Risk-Taking

Using new data for the universe of firms covered in Amadeus, we reconstruct the portfolios of shareholders who hold equity stakes in private and publicly-traded European firms. We find great heterogeneity in the degree of portfolio diversification across large shareholders. Exploiting this heterogeneity, we document that firms controlled by diversified large shareholders undertake riskier investments than firms controlled by non-diversified large shareholders. The impact of large shareholder diversification on corporate risk-taking is both economically and statistically significant. Our results have important implications at the policy level because they identify one channel through which policy changes aimed at improving capital market development can improve economic welfare.
Party politics, elections and (mis-)trust in Japan

Abstract Trust matters profoundly for many dimensions of political life. In this article we focus on political trust: how the trust or mistrust citizens have toward the political process, politicians and government affects politics. Prior research has shown that political trust influences such crucial dimensions of politics as the basic legitimacy of government, political participation, voting behavior, compliance with government, and reform orientation. In this article, we seek to answer three major questions. First, is political trust declining in Japan? Second, we are interested in exploring the determinants of trust and distrust in politics: why do people lose trust in politics? What kinds of voters lose political trust? Third, we explore the consequences: what happens when people lose trust in government and politics.
Improving Identification of Hispanic Males in Medicare: Use of Surname Matching

Objectives:Medicare administrative and claims files maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are frequently used to examine racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare use. However, identification of Hispanic ethnicity for beneficiaries in the Medicare claims files is problematic, greatly limiting the use of these administrative data for examining race/ethnicity differences. This article reports on 2 studies assessing the effectiveness of a Hispanic surname match for improving the accuracy of race/ethnicity codes for elderly males in the Medicare data sets. Methods:Study 1 used survey data to compare a Medicare race code + Spanish surname composite indicator to self-identification as Hispanic. Study 2 used Medicare administrative files and U.S. Census 2000 data to identify how well the Medicare race code alone and the Medicare race code + Spanish surname composite indicator compared with estimates obtained from census data for 16 U.S. counties dispersed across 5 states. Results:Using self-identification as the gold standard, including the Spanish surname match increased accuracy for Hispanics and whites compared with the Medicare race code alone. The Spanish surname match also dramatically improved the Medicare code's estimation of elderly Hispanic and white males compared with county-level census data. Conclusions:Augmenting the Medicare race code with a match to Spanish surnames yields substantial improvement in the identification of elderly Hispanic and white non-Hispanic male Medicare beneficiaries. Using surname information to supplement the Medicare race code could greatly enhance researchers’ ability to examine healthcare equity.
Comparison of the Effects of Ozone on the Modification of Amino Acid Residues in Glutamine Synthetase and Bovine Serum Albumin (*)

During exposure to ozone, the methionine and aromatic amino acid residues of Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase (GS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) are oxidized rapidly in the order Met > Trp > Tyr ≈ His > Phe. The loss of His is matched by a nearly equivalent formation of aspartate or of a derivative that is converted to aspartic acid upon acid hydrolysis. Conversion of His to aspartate was confirmed by showing that the oxidation of E. coli protein in which all His residues were uniformly labeled with 14C gave rise to 14C-labeled aspartic acid in 80% yield and also by the demonstration that His residues in the tripeptides Ala-His-Ala or Ala-Ala-His gave rise to nearly stoichiometric amounts of aspartic acid whereas oxidation of His-Ala-Ala yielded only 36% aspartate. The oxidation of BSA and GS led to formation, respectively, of 11 and 3.3 eq of carbonyl groups and 0.5 and 0.3 eq of quinoprotein per subunit. Although BSA and GS contain nearly identical amounts of each kind of aromatic amino acid residues, oxidation of these residues in BSA was about 1.5-2.0 times faster than in GS indicating that the susceptibility to oxidation is dependent on the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure of the protein.
T cells support osteoclastogenesis in an in vitro model derived from human periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND Periodontitis is characterized by alveolar bone destruction; however, the mechanisms responsible for bone damage are poorly understood. It has been reported that T cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. It has been also demonstrated that activated T lymphocytes secrete receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and can support the differentiation of monocytes into resorbing osteoclasts (OCs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the OC formation in periodontitis patients (PP) and the role of T cells in osteoclastogenesis. METHODS To study OC formation, we used an in vitro model consisting of unstimulated and unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from PP and controls. In parallel, T-cell-depleted PBMCs from the same patients were also established. The expression of RANKL and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot in fresh T cells isolated from PP and controls. Functional antibodies, anti-RANKL and anti-TNF-alpha, were utilized to study osteoclastogenesis in PBMC cultures from PP. RESULTS We showed that, in unfractionated PBMCs from PP, the OCs spontaneously developed in a T-cell-dependent way. The addition of macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) and RANKL was necessary to promote the osteoclastogenesis in T-cell-depleted PBMC cultures from PP and in unfractionated PBMCs from periodontally healthy controls. Moreover, freshly isolated T cells from PBMCs of PP overexpressed RANKL and TNF-alpha. Finally, functional anti-RANKL and anti-TNF-alpha antibodies significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that T cells support spontaneous osteoclastogenesis in PP via RANKL and TNF-alpha overexpression.
Optimal design for plates and relaxation

The optimal design problem for a plate of variable thickness assuming the Kirchhoff model for pure bending of symmetric plates is studied. It is well known that this problem has no solution. The relaxation procedure is thus necessary, introducing composite materials. This naturally leads to homogenisation. Following the ideas of Tartar, a new procedure is proposed, giving the known result of Munoz and Pedregal. Some applications of the proposed method for more general materials are presented.
Algorithms for spatial outlier detection

A spatial outlier is a spatially referenced object whose non-spatial attribute values are significantly different from the values of its neighborhood. Identification of spatial outliers can lead to the discovery of unexpected, interesting, and useful spatial patterns for further analysis. One drawback of existing methods is that normal objects tend to be falsely detected as spatial outliers when their neighborhood contains true spatial outliers. We propose a suite of spatial outlier detection algorithms to overcome this disadvantage. We formulate the spatial outlier detection problem in a general way and design algorithms which can accurately detect spatial outliers. In addition, using a real-world census data set, we demonstrate that our approaches can not only avoid detecting false spatial outliers but also find true spatial outliers ignored by existing methods.
The Key to Intelligent Transportation: Identity and Credential Management in Vehicular Communication Systems

Vehicular communication (VC) systems will greatly enhance intelligent transportation systems. But their security and the protection of their users' privacy are a prerequisite for deployment. Efforts in industry and academia brought forth a multitude of diverse proposals. These have now converged to a common view, notably on the design of a security infrastructure, a vehicular public-key infrastructure (VPKI) that shall enable secure conditionally anonymous VC. Standardization efforts and industry readiness to adopt this approach hint at its maturity. However, there are several open questions remaining, and it is paramount to have conclusive answers before deployment. In this article, we distill and critically survey the state of the art for identity and credential management in VC systems, and we sketch a road map for addressing a set of critical remaining security and privacy challenges.
A Cheap MT-Evaluation Method Based on Internet Searches

In this paper, we first argue that human translation references used to calculate MT evaluation scores such as BLEU need to be revised. This revision is time and resource-consuming, so we propose, instead, using an inexpensive MT evaluation method which detects and counts examples of characteristic MT output, referred to herein as instances of machine-translationness , by performing Internet searches. The goal is to obtain a sketch of the quality of the output, which, on occasions, is sufficient for the purpose of the evaluation. Moreover, this evaluation method can be adapted to detect drawbacks of the system, in order to develop a new version, and can also be helpful for post-editing machine-translated documents.
Genetic Variability Studies for Morphological and Yield Traits in Dolichos Bean ( Lablab purpureus L . )

Thirty genotypes of Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus) were evaluated to study the genetic variability on yield, yield contributing and related characters viz. days to 50% flowering, days to first pod set, days to maturity, number of pods per cluster, pod length, width of pod, weight of 10 green pods, number of single podded clusters per plant, number of pods per plant and protein content. The range, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance and correlation were calculated. The genotypes showed considerable amount of variability for all the traits. The highest and lowest coefficient of variation was observed for single podded clusters per plant and protein content respectively. Little or no difference between the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability in the expression of various horticultural traits studied for viz. protein content, days to 50% flowering, days to first pod set, pod length, pod weight, weight of 10 green pods and days to maturity, indicated that these were less influenced by environment. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was high for the single podded clusters per plant and the lowest phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed in protein content. Days to 50% flowering, pod length, width of pod, weight of 10 green pods accounted for higher heritability and higher genetic advance which suggests the role of additive gene action in the expression of these characters and could be improved through selection. Significant positive phenotypic correlations were observed between yield other yield components viz. days to first pod set, days to 50 per cent flowering, number of pods per plant, weight of 10 green pods and length of pod. In contrast, the correlation between yield and protein content of pods was significantly negative. The genotypes used in the study are of diverse nature and can be used in the breeding programme for development of superior genotypes in Dolichos bean.