Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eurographics/ Ieee-vgtc Symposium on Visualization (2006)

Isosurface extraction is a standard visualization method for scalar volume data and has been subject to research for decades. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, no isosurface extraction method exists that directly extracts surfaces from scattered volume data without 3D mesh generation or reconstruction over a structured grid. We propose a method based on spatial domain partitioning using a kd-tree and an indexing scheme for efficient neighbor search. Our approach consists of a geometry extraction and a rendering step. The geometry extraction step computes points on the isosurface by linearly interpolating between neighboring pairs of samples. The neighbor information is retrieved by partitioning the 3D domain into cells using a kd-tree. The cells are merely described by their index and bitwise index operations allow for a fast determination of potential neighbors. We use an angle criterion to select appropriate neighbors from the small set of candidates. The output of the geometry step is a point cloud representation of the isosurface. The final rendering step uses point-based rendering techniques to visualize the point cloud. Our direct isosurface extraction algorithm for scattered volume data produces results of quality close to the results from standard isosurface extraction algorithms for gridded volume data (like marching cubes). In comparison to 3D mesh generation algorithms (like Delaunay tetrahedrization), our algorithm is about one order of magnitude faster for the examples used in this paper.
A Rare Case of Pott’s Disease (Spinal Tuberculosis) Mimicking Metastatic Disease in the Southern Region of Denmark

Patient: Female, 78 Final Diagnosis: Pott’s disease Symptoms: Back pain • nausea • vomiting • weight loss Medication: — Clinical Procedure: MRI Specialty: Infectious Diseases Objective: Rare disease Background: Pott’s disease (PD) or spinal tuberculosis is a rare condition which accounts for less than 1% of total tuberculosis (TB) cases. The incidence of PD has recently increased in Europe and the United States, mainly due to immigration; however, it is still a rare diagnosis in Scandinavian countries, and if overlooked it might lead to significant neurologic complications. Case Report: A 78-year-old woman, originally from Eastern Europe, presented to the emergency department with a complaint of nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and severe back pain. On admission she was febrile and had leukocytosis and increased C-reactive protein. Initial spinal x-ray was performed and revealed osteolytic changes in the vertebral body of T11 and T12. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine illustrated spondylitis of T10, T11, and T12, with multiple paravertebral and epidural abscesses, which was suggestive of PD. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the patient’s gastric fluid was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT). Based on MRI and PCR findings, standard treatment for TB was initiated. Results of the spine biopsy and culture showed colonies of MT and confirmed the diagnosis afterwards. Due to the instability of the spine and severe and continuous pain, spine-stabilizing surgery was performed. Her TB was cured after nine months of treatment. Conclusions: PD is an important differential diagnosis of malignancy that should be diagnosed instantly. History of exposure to TB and classic radiologic finding can help make the diagnosis.
MicroRNA Drop in the Bloodstream and MicroRNA Boost in the Tumour Caused by Treatment with Ribonuclease A Leads to an Attenuation of Tumour Malignancy

Novel data showing an important role of microRNAs in mediating tumour progression opened a new field of possible molecular targets for cytotoxic ribonucleases. Recently, antitumour and antimetastatic activities of pancreatic ribonuclease A were demonstrated and here genome-wide profiles of microRNAs in the tumour and blood of mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma after treatment with RNase A were analysed by high-throughput Sequencing by Oligonucleotide Ligation and Detection (SOLiD™) sequencing technology. Sequencing data showed that RNase A therapy resulted in the boost of 116 microRNAs in tumour tissue and a significant drop of 137 microRNAs in the bloodstream that were confirmed by qPCR. The microRNA boost in the tumour was accompanied by the overexpression of microRNA processing genes: RNASEN (Drosha), xpo5, dicer1, and eif2c2 (Ago2). Ribonuclease activity of RNase A was shown to be crucial for the activation of both microRNA synthesis and expression of the microRNA processing genes. In the tumour tissue, RNase A caused the upregulation of both oncomirs and tumour-suppressor microRNAs, including microRNAs of the let-7 family, known to negatively regulate tumour progression. Our results suggest that the alteration of microRNA signature caused by RNase A treatment leads to the attenuation of tumour malignancy.
Electro-clinical characteristics and postoperative outcome of medically refractory tumoral temporal lobe epilepsy.

BACKGROUND Very few studies have specifically addressed surgical treatment and outcome of patients with tumor-related temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). AIM To define the postoperative seizure outcome and the factors that influenced the outcome of patients with tumor-related TLE. MATERIALS AND METHODS We selected patients whose surgical pathology revealed a temporal lobe neoplasm and who had completed > 1 year of postoperative follow-up. We reviewed the clinical, EEG, radiological and pathological data, and the seizure outcome of these patients and assessed the factors that influenced the outcome. RESULTS Out of the 409 patients who underwent surgery for refractory TLE during the 8-year study period, there were 34 (8.3%) patients with temporal lobe neoplasms. The median age at surgery was 20 years and the median duration of epilepsy prior to surgery was 9.0 years. MRI revealed tumor in the mesial location in 21 (61.8%) patients. Interictal and ictal epileptiform EEG abnormalities were localized to the side of th lesion in the majority. Mesial temporal lobe structures were included in the resection, if they were involved by the tumor; otherwise, lesionectomy alone was performed. During a median follow-up of 4 years, 27 (79%) patients were completely seizure-free. The only factor that predicted long-term seizure-free outcome was being seizure-free during the first two postoperative years. CONCLUSIONS Our results emphasize the fact that in patients with tumoral TLE, when the seizures are medically refractory, surgery offers potential for cure of epilepsy in the majority.
Alginate-Based Hydrogel Containing Taurine-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles in Biomedical Application

: The hydrogel efficacy of taurine-loaded chitosan nanoparticle/alginate hydrogel was investigated for controlled release of the taurine substrate, which is known as an antioxidative drug. The composition of the fabricated hydrogels was explored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The swelling ability and degradation rate of hydrogels were also analyzed in phosphate-buffered saline at the physiological condition and alginate lyase for a period of 21 days. Moreover, morphologies and structure of hydrogels and cells were determined using a scanning electron microscope. The possible cytotoxicity of the fabricated hydrogel was carried out by seeding endometrial stem cells on hydrogels. The results demonstrated that hydrogel of chitosan nanoparticle/alginate hydrogel successfully controlled the release of taurine. We observed that the chitosan nanoparticle/alginate hydrogel possessed adjust swelling ability and degradation rate as compared to neat alginate hydrogel. The results proved that the chitosan nanoparticle/alginate hydrogel is non-cytotoxic and could be utilized as a promising composition in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems.
Ambiguity function for sequential antenna selection

In problems with large number of antenna elements and small number of receive channels, sequential antenna selection allows to obtain high spatial accuracy and resolution, similar to the full array configuration. By using this configuration in passive or active array processing, the system cost can be significantly reduced. In conventional single-input multiple-output (SIMO) radar systems, direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation and Doppler estimation are decoupled. However, sequential antenna selection introduces coupling between DOA and Doppler. In this paper, the ambiguity function of switched antenna radar system is formulated and its properties are investigated. A number of switching schemes are studied and analyzed. It is shown that judicious design of the antenna switching scheme can greatly reduce the sidelobes in the DOA-Doppler ambiguity function.
Thinking About Tomorrow? Predicting Experimental Choice Behavior and Life Outcomes from a Survey Measure of Present Bias

Using a representative sample of the German adult population, this paper investigates the extent to which a survey measure of present bias predicts present-biased choice behavior in incentive-compatible experiments and real-world outcomes related to in-vestments in financial assets and human capital. The results are threefold. First, the survey and experimental measures of present bias are significantly related. Second, the survey measure predicts choices between immediate and delayed monetary payoffs inan incentive-compatible experiment, but not between payoffs at two future points in time. Third, the survey measure of present bias is a good predictor of the propensity to save money, to obtain a university degree, and to maintain a healthy life style. In most specifications, the survey measure tends to be a stronger predictor of real life outcomes than the experimentally elicited measure of present bias.
Comparison of pregnancy and neonatal outcome in spontaneous and invitro fertilization (IVF) twin pregnancies

Amac: Bu calismanin amaci invitro fertizasyon(IVF) tedavisi ile gerceklesen ikiz gebelikler ile spontan gerceklesen ikiz gebeliklerin gebelik ve perinatal donem bulgulari acisindan karsilastirilmasidir. Materyal ve Method: Bu calisma, 2015-2018 yillari arasinda, canli dogumu gerceklesen dikoryonik diamniotik ikiz gebeliklerin verileri incelenerek gerceklestirilmis bir retrospektif kohort calismasidir. Bu arastirmada gebeligi spontan olarak gerceklesmis ikiz gebelikler grubu ve yardimci ureme teknikleri kullanilarak gebe kalmis IVF ikiz grubu olmak uzere iki calisma grubu vardir Bulgular: Gebelige ve doguma ait problemler her iki grup arasinda farklilik gostermemistir. IVF ikiz gebeliklerinde prematurite, dusuk dogum agirligi ve 1. Dakika APGAR skor dusuklugu oranlarinin daha fazla oldugu gorulmustur. Perinatal mortalite oranlari her iki grupta benzer bulunmustur. Sonuc: Bu calismada gosterilmistir ki; ikiz gebeliklerde tek gebeliklere gore zaten daha yuksek riske sahip olan erken dogum ve dusuk dogum agirligi riskleri, IVF ikiz gebeliklerinde daha da fazla artmaktadir. Bu sonuclar gozonune alinarak tek embryo transferine yonelmek ve iatrojenik cogul gebeliklere destek vermemek onerilmelidir.
A STUDY ON ENERGY EFFICIENT ROUTING PROTOCOLS IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS

A wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of low cost, low power, small in size and multi functional sensor nodes. Routing protocols in WSNs emphasize on data dissemination, limited battery power and bandwidth constraints in order to facilitate efficient working of the network, thereby increasing the lifetime of the network. Routing protocols in WSNs are also application specific which has led to the development of a variety of protocols. Based on the underlying network structure, routing techniques can be classified into three categories: data-centric, hierarchical and location based routing. WSN has a design trade-off between energy and communication overhead which forms the nerve center of the routing techniques. In this paper we present a survey of state-of-the-art routing techniques in WSNs under all the three categories. We epitomize these routing techniques and bring out the advantages and disadvantages followed by their application domain. The paper concludes with issues open for research.
Workload State Classification With Automation During Simulated Air Traffic Control

Real-time operator workload assessment and state classification may be useful for decisions about when and how to dynamically apply automation to information processing functions in aviation systems. This research examined multiple cognitive workload measures, including secondary task performance and physiological (cardiac) measures, as inputs to a neural network for operator functional state classification during a simulated air traffic control (ATC) task. Twenty-five participants performed a low-fidelity simulation under manual control or 1 of 4 different forms of automation. Traffic volume was either low (3 aircraft) or high (7 aircraft). Participants also performed a secondary (gauge) monitoring task. Results demonstrated significant effects of traffic volume (workload) on aircraft clearances (p < .01) and trajectory conflicts (p < .01), secondary task performance (p < .01), and subjective ratings of task workload (p < .01). The form of ATC automation affected the number of aircraft collisions (p < .05), secondary task performance (p < .01), and heart rate (HR; p < .01). However, heart rate and heart rate variability measures were not sensitive to the traffic manipulation. Neural network models of controller workload (defined in terms of traffic volume) were developed using the secondary task performance and simple heart rate measure as inputs. The best workload classification accuracy using a genetic algorithm (across all forms of ATC automation) was 64%, comparable to prior work. Additional neural network models of workload for each mode of ATC automation revealed substantial variability in predictive accuracy, based on the characteristics of the automation. Secondary task performance was a highly sensitive indicator of ATC workload, whereas the heart rate measure appeared to operate as a more global indicator of workload. A limited range of cardiac response might be sufficient for the demands of the brain in ATC. The results have applicability to design of future adaptive systems integrating neural-network-based workload state classifiers for multiple forms of automation.
From nostalgia through social connectedness to self-continuity: replication and extension

Prior research, relying mostly on samples from the UK and the US, has indicated that nostalgia serves as a source of self-continuity (a sense that one’s past is interwoven with one’s present), and it does so by increasing social connectedness (a sense of belongingness and acceptance). The present research aimed to conceptually replicate and extend these findings in two experiments. Indeed, the study findings replicated those of previous research in another culture (Greece; Experiment 1), with a different control group (Experiment 1), and using an alternative nostalgia manipulation (a prototype-based technique; Experiment 2). The reported experiments established that nostalgia increases self-continuity by fostering social connectedness.
Assessment of Internal Consistency and Convergent Validity of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale Thai Version

Abstract Objective: To assess the internal consistency of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale Thai version and convergent validity of the scale compared with the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) Thai version and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Method: The internal consistency, convergent validity and floor/ceiling effects of the ABC scale were assessed in 40 healthy older Thai adults with the mean age of 66.5 ± 5.7 years. The internal consistency was determined using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, item total correlation and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient if items deleted. The convergent validity of the ABC scale Thai version was assessed using the FES scale Thai version and TUG. Correlations between the scales were determined by the Spearman’s rank correlation, whereas the floor/ceiling effects were confirmed by the skewness analysis. Results: The internal consistency of total ABC scores was high (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.96). There was a significant correlation between the ABC scale Thai version and the TUG, albeit low degree of correlation (Spearman’s rho = -0.34), and another significant correlation with the FES scale Thai version (Spearman’s rho = 0.66) was identified. There was no significant floor effect in the ABC scale Thai version and the FES scale Thai version, but the ceiling effect was found only in the FES scale Thai version (-1.27). The proportion of those persons with full scores of the ABC scale was significantly lower than those of FES scale (7.50% vs. 42.50%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: the ABC scale Thai version had the high level of internal consistency reliability and moderate level of convergent validity with the FES scale Thai version. As the scale had no ceiling or floor effect, it is more sensitive than the FES scale when using in the highly functional older Thai persons. Keywords : internal consistency, convergent validity, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale Thai version, older Thai adults
The Investigation of Language Teacher Candidates’ Self-efficacy and Writing Anxiety in Processual Context

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the self-efficacy perceptions and writing anxiety of the Turkish language teacher candidates that receive training for learning and teaching language in a processual context. The research has been carried out with a total of 113 teacher candidates that study at the Department of Turkish Language in the first (n=56) and third (n=57) grades. The reason is that the first graders are beginner and they receive Written Expression classes; and the third graders receive Writing Education classes. The data from both grades have been collected by using the Writing Self-efficacy Perception Scale (WSPS) and the Writing Anxiety Scale (WAS) at the beginning and at the end of the term. The collected data have been analyzed both in respective class levels and by comparing to the other class level. The result of the research shows that the writing anxiety has decreased and the writing self-efficacy perception has increased in the first grader candidates. Whereas in the third grader candidates, the writing anxiety has increased and the writing self-efficacy perception has decreased. This has been interpreted as the professional awareness of the candidates increases depending on the grade level. Another result of the research is that the revision and editing (RE) factor in the writing process is higher in the female candidates than the male candidates. The findings obtained in the research bear a resemblance to the literature in some aspects, and differ from the literature in some aspects.
Archaeology at the Heart of a Political Confrontation

Despite its recourse to scientific (laboratory) investigations, archaeology is a social science, researching the cultures of past societies through their material culture residues. No social science proceeds in an ideological vacuum, and historians or geographers who claim not to be theoretical may simply be unaware of the conceptual or ideological underpinnings of the paradigms they use. Being “apolitical,” in turn, often amounts to an acceptance of the status quo. Thus archaeological methods and paradigms are bound to be ideologically inscribed in some way. Moreover, the past is too important for societies to leave the matter to their academics. The earliest known “history,” the Sumerian King List (ca. 2000 b.c.), for instance, was in all likelihood composed at the behest of a ruling dynasty that had usurped power and lacked a Sumerian pedigree. In the postcolonial context, it is often in the process of delineating the past that societies construct their identities. Therefore it is not surprising that archaeological interpretation is prone not only to controversy but also to politicization. Archaeology has become central to the current conflict over sacred space in the North Indian town of Ayodhya, located on a northern tributary of the Ganga River. There, it has been claimed, a general of Babur (the founder of Mughal rule in India in the sixteenth century) destroyed a temple of the deity Rama in order to build
Role of Myeloperoxidase in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Patients with CKD have a number of disorders in the organism, and the presence of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in these patients is the subject of numerous studies. Chronic inflammation joined with oxidative stress contributes to the development of numerous complications: accelerated atherosclerosis process and cardiovascular disease, emergence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, development of malnutrition, anaemia, hyperparathyroidism, and so forth, affecting the prognosis and quality of life of patients with CKD. In this review we presented the potential role of the myeloperoxidase enzyme in the production of reactive/chlorinating intermediates and their role in oxidative damage to biomolecules in the body of patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. In addition, we discussed the role of modified lipoprotein particles under the influence of prooxidant MPO intermediates in the development of endothelial changes and cardiovascular complications in renal failure.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line Suppression of Phagolysosome Activation

The eye is an immune privileged tissue with multiple mechanisms of immunosuppression to protect the light gathering tissues from the damage of inflammation. One of theses mechanisms involves retinal pigment epithelial cell suppression of phagosome activation in macrophages. The objective of this work is to determine if the human RPE cell line ARPE-19 is capable of suppressing the activation of the phagolysosome in macrophages in a manner similar to primary RPE. The conditioned media of RPE eyecups, sub-confluent, just confluent cultures, or established confluent cultures of human ARPE-19 cells were generated. These condition media were used to treat macrophages phagocytizing pHrodo bioparticles. After 24 hours incubation the macrophages were imaged by fluorescent microscopy, and fluorescence was measured. The fluorescent intensity is proportional to the amount of bioparticles phagocytized and are in an activated phagolysosome. The conditioned media of in situ mouse RPE eyecups significantly suppressed the activation of phagolysosome. The conditioned media from cultures of human ARPE-19 cells, grown to sub-confluence (50%) or grown to confluence had no effect on phagolysosome activation. In contrast, the conditioned media from established confluent cultures significantly suppressed phagolysosome activation. The neuropeptides alpha-MSH and NPY were depleted from the conditioned media of established confluent ARPE-19 cell cultures. This depleted conditioned media had diminished suppression of phagolysosome activation while promoting macrophage cell death. In addition, the condition media from cultures of ARPE-19 monolayers wounded with a bisecting scrape was diminished in suppressing phagolysosome activation. This technical report suggests that like primary RPE monolayers, established confluent cultures of ARPE-19 cells produce soluble factors that suppress the activation of macrophages, and can be used to study the molecular mechanisms of retinal immunobiology. In addition, the results further demonstrate the importance of an intact monolayer of RPE cells to modulate immune cell activity within the eye.