Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Uniform Sky Illumination Model to Enhance Shading of Terrain and Urban Areas

Users of geographic information systems (GIS) usually render terrain using a point light source defined by an illumination vector. A terrain shaded from a single point provides good perceptual cues to surface orientation. This type of hill shading, however, does not include any visual cues to the relative height of surface elements. We propose shading the terrain under uniform diffuse illumination, where light arrives equally from all directions of a theoretical sky surrounding the terrain. Surface elements at lower elevations tend to have more of the sky obscured from view and are thus shaded darker. This tinting approach has the advantage that it provides more detailed renderings than point source illumination. We describe two techniques of computing terrain shading under uniform diffuse illumination. One technique uses a GIS–based hill-shading and shadowing tool to combine many point source renderings into one approximating the terrain under uniform diffuse illumination. The second technique uses a C++ computer algorithm for computing the inclination to the horizon in all azimuth directions at all points of the terrain. These virtual horizons are used to map sky brightness to the rendering of the terrain. To evaluate our techniques, we use two Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)—of the Schell Creek Range of eastern Nevada and a portion of downtown Houston, Texas, developed from Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) data. Renderings based on the uniform diffuse illumination model show more detailed changes in shading than renderings based on a point source illumination model.
Strategies to Address Low Drug Solubility in Discovery and Development

Drugs with low water solubility are predisposed to low and variable oral bioavailability and, therefore, to variability in clinical response. Despite significant efforts to “design in” acceptable developability properties (including aqueous solubility) during lead optimization, approximately 40% of currently marketed compounds and most current drug development candidates remain poorly water-soluble. The fact that so many drug candidates of this type are advanced into development and clinical assessment is testament to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the approaches that can be taken to promote apparent solubility in the gastrointestinal tract and to support drug exposure after oral administration. Here we provide a detailed commentary on the major challenges to the progression of a poorly water-soluble lead or development candidate and review the approaches and strategies that can be taken to facilitate compound progression. In particular, we address the fundamental principles that underpin the use of strategies, including pH adjustment and salt-form selection, polymorphs, cocrystals, cosolvents, surfactants, cyclodextrins, particle size reduction, amorphous solid dispersions, and lipid-based formulations. In each case, the theoretical basis for utility is described along with a detailed review of recent advances in the field. The article provides an integrated and contemporary discussion of current approaches to solubility and dissolution enhancement but has been deliberately structured as a series of stand-alone sections to allow also directed access to a specific technology (e.g., solid dispersions, lipid-based formulations, or salt forms) where required.
Comparison of the prognostic values of selected inflammation based scores in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma: A pilot study

The significance of inflammation based scores including the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and plasma fibrinogen remains unclear in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We aimed to compare the prognostic value of these scores.
Gender, Culture and Power: Investigating Spousal Transgressions in India and the United States

Research suggests an imbalance of duties exists between spouses in cultures in which hierarchical family relationships prevail (Neff, 2001; Turiel, 1998). Within these relationships, the male superiors are often seen to have more rights and the female subordinates more duties. We conducted a cross-cultural investigation within India and the United States (N=80) examining perceived transgressions between husbands and wives. We coded responses to interview questions tapping both the type of transgression mentioned and the reasons provided. More Americans than Indians reported inequality in the relationship as the basis of the transgressions, whereas more Indians than Americans reported failure to fulfill role obligations as the basis of the transgressions. Our results suggested that in India expectations and duties were not imbalanced as both husbands and wives had reciprocal role obligations.
Improving Student Performance Through Computer-based Assessment: Insights from recent research

One of the benefits claimed for computer-based assessment is that it can improve student performance in summative assessments. During the introduction of computer-based assessment in a first-year module on numeracy and statistics in Biology, online assessment was used to replace OMR-marked multiple-choice tests. Analysis of student results after the first year (Ricketts & Wilks, 2001) showed that students using online assessment did not perform as well as those using OMR-marked multiple-choice questions. The difference in performance could not be attributed to a weaker student cohort. In the second year student performance improved dramatically when they were not required to scroll through the question paper. Our results suggest that students may be disadvantaged by the introduction of online assessment, unless care is taken with the student-assessment interface.
Training Compliance Control Yields Improvements in Drawing as a Function of Beery Scores

Many children have difficulty producing movements well enough to improve in sensori-motor learning. Previously, we developed a training method that supports active movement generation to allow improvement at a 3D tracing task requiring good compliance control. Here, we tested 7–8 year old children from several 2nd grade classrooms to determine whether 3D tracing performance could be predicted using the Beery VMI. We also examined whether 3D tracing training lead to improvements in drawing. Baseline testing included Beery, a drawing task on a tablet computer, and 3D tracing. We found that baseline performance in 3D tracing and drawing co-varied with the visual perception (VP) component of the Beery. Differences in 3D tracing between children scoring low versus high on the Beery VP replicated differences previously found between children with and without motor impairments, as did post-training performance that eliminated these differences. Drawing improved as a result of training in the 3D tracing task. The training method improved drawing and reduced differences predicted by Beery scores.
Essential control of an endothelial cell I SOC by the spectrin membrane skeleton

Mechanism(s) underlying activation of store-operated Ca2+ entry currents, I SOC, remain incompletely understood. F-actin configuration is an important determinant of channel function, although the nature of interaction between the cytoskeleton and I SOC channels is unknown. We examined whether the spectrin membrane skeleton couples Ca2+ store depletion to Ca2+ entry. Thapsigargin activated an endothelial cell I SOC (−45 pA at −80 mV) that reversed at +40 mV, was inwardly rectifying when Ca2+ was the charge carrier, and was inhibited by La3+ (50 μM). Disruption of the spectrin–protein 4.1 interaction at residues A207-V445 of βSpIIΣ1 decreased the thapsigargin-induced global cytosolic Ca2+ response by 50% and selectively abolished the endothelial cell I SOC, without altering activation of a nonselective current through cyclic nucleotide–gated channels. In contrast, disruption of the spectrin–actin interaction at residues A47-K186 of βSpIIΣ1 did not decrease the thapsigargin-induced global cytosolic Ca2+ response or inhibit I SOC. Results indicate that the spectrin–protein 4.1 interaction selectively controls I SOC, indicating that physical coupling between calcium release and calcium entry is reliant upon the spectrin membrane skeleton.
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Excites Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons by Direct and Indirect Mechanisms: Implications for Viscera-Mediated Arousal

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is produced by neurons in the caudal brainstem that receive sensory information from the gut and project to several hypothalamic regions involved in arousal, interoceptive stress, and energy homeostasis. GLP-1 axons and receptors have been detected in the lateral hypothalamus, where hypocretin neurons are found. The electrophysiological actions of GLP-1 in the CNS have not been studied. Here, we explored the GLP-1 effects on GFP (green fluorescent protein)-expressing hypocretin neurons in mouse hypothalamic slices. GLP-1 receptor agonists depolarized hypocretin neurons and increased their spike frequency; the antagonist exendin (9-39) blocked this depolarization. Direct GLP-1 agonist actions on membrane potential were abolished by choline substitution for extracellular Na+, and dependent on intracellular GDP, suggesting that they were mediated by sodium-dependent conductances in a G-protein-dependent manner. In voltage clamp, the GLP-1 agonist Exn4 (exendin-4) induced an inward current that reversed near -28 mV and persisted in nominally Ca2+-free extracellular solution, consistent with a nonselective cationic conductance. GLP-1 decreased afterhyperpolarization currents. GLP-1 agonists enhanced the frequency of miniature and spontaneous EPSCs with no effect on their amplitude, suggesting presynaptic modulation of glutamate axons innervating hypocretin neurons. Paraventricular hypothalamic neurons were also directly excited by GLP-1 agonists. In contrast, GLP-1 agonists had no detectable effect on neurons that synthesize melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). Together, our results show that GLP-1 agonists modulate the activity of hypocretin, but not MCH, neurons in the lateral hypothalamus, suggesting a role for GLP-1 in the excitation of the hypothalamic arousal system possibly initiated by activation by viscera sensory input.
Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections in a 14‐year‐old boy with tracheobronchomegaly (Mounier‐Kuhn syndrome)

Tracheobronchomegaly (Mounier‐Kuhn syndrome) is characterized by dilatation of the central airways, tracheobronchial outpouchings, and chronic tracheobronchitis. Most cases are diagnosed in adulthood. We report the clinical, radiographic, and bronchoscopic findings in a 14‐year‐old boy with tracheobronchomegaly, ptosis of the right eyelid, and redundant skin and mucosa of the upper lip, who presented with a 2‐year history of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Pediatricians should be aware of the possibility that tracheobronchomegaly may cause clinical symptoms in childhood and adolescence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2000; 29: 476–479. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Approach to Engaging Students in a Large-Enrollment, Introductory STEM College Course.

While it clear that engagement between students and instructors positively affects learning outcomes, a number of factors make such engagement difficult to achieve in large-enrollment introductory courses. This has led to pessimism among some education professionals regarding the degree of engagement possible in these courses. In this paper we challenge this pessimistic outlook through a case study involving a large-enrollment introductory, general education, STEM college course. Several pedagogical approaches related to social constructivist theory offer possibilities for increasing student engagement in the learning process, but they may be difficult to implement, particularly in environments yielding little or no reward for classroom innovation. Here, we present an approach to developing an engaging learning environment by hybridizing aspects from a range of pedagogical approaches varying from the didactic (e.g. traditional lecture) to the more constructivist (e.g. peer instruction, project-based learning). We describe the course in question and our pedagogical approach, provide evidence for its effectiveness, and discuss contextual factors affecting the development of our approach and its adoption to other subjects and institutions. We also discuss important remaining challenges regarding the adoption of our approach and similar practices.
Accretion discs, low-mass protostars and planets: probing the impact of magnetic fields on stellar formation

Whereas the understanding of most phases of stellar evolu- tion made considerable progress throughout the whole of the twentieth century, stellar formation remained rather enigmatic and poorly con- strained by observations until about three decades ago, when major discoveries (e.g., that protostars are often associated with highly col- limated jets) revolutionized the field. At this time, it became increas- ingly clearer that magnetic fields were playing a major role at all stages of stellar formation. We describe herein a quick overview of the main breakthroughs that observations and theoretical modelling yielded for our understanding of how stars (and their planetary systems) are formed and on how much these new worlds are shaped by the presence of magnetic fields, either those pervading the interstellar medium and threading molecular clouds or those produced through dynamo processes in the convective envelopes of protostars or in the accretion discs from which they feed.
The prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and comorbid psychiatric disorders in adolescents: a two-stage community-based study.

OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) in adolescents and the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in adolescents with EDs. METHOD During stage 1 of the study the Eating Attitude Test (EAT) was administered to 2907 randomly selected adolescent students. During stage 2 of the study students with an EAT score >30 underwent a clinical interview and those diagnosed with an ED (based on DSM-IV criteria) were included in the ED group. The control group included students that were age- and sex-matched with the ED group, were not diagnosed with an ED, and had an EAT score <30. Psychiatric comorbidity in the ED and control groups was evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (outpatient and non-patient forms). Additionally, a demographic data form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered to all the participants. RESULTS In total, 68 (9 male and 59 female) of the 2907 students met the diagnostic criteria for an ED. Point prevalence rates were as follows: anorexia nervosa: 0.034%; bulimia nervosa: 0.79%: eating disorder not otherwise specified: 1.51%; binge eating disorder: 0.99%; any ED: 2.33%. None of the male participants were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. In all, 8 male students were diagnosed with binge eating disorder. The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders was higher in the ED group. Major depression was the most prevalent comorbid disorder in the ED group, followed by generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. The body mass index, and BDI, BAI, and EAT scores were higher in the ED group than in the control group. CONCLUSION The results of this study show that whereas the point prevalence rate for EDs among all the participants was 2.3%, it was 4.03% among the female participants. Moreover, ED not otherwise specified was the most prevalent ED, and binge eating disorder was the most common ED among the males. The prevalence rates in the present study are similar to those observed in Western countries, except for the prevalence rate for anorexia nervosa, which in the present study was lower. Major depression and generalized anxiety disorder were the most prevalent comorbid disorders in the ED group.
[Randomized controlled trial on comorbid anxiety and depression treated with electroacupuncture combined with rTMS].

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy differences between integrative therapy of electroacupuncture and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and simple rTMS only in the treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD). METHODS Eighty-five cases of CAD were randomized into two groups. The observation group (40 cases) was treated with electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Shenting (GV 24), Shenmen (HT 7) and Neiguan (PC 6) mainly, combined with rTMS. The control group (45 cases) was treated with simple rTMS. Separately, before treatment, after 5 days and 10 days treatment, Hemilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hemilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used for the scoring of depression and anxiety. Additionally, the efficacies were compared between two groups. RESULTS After 5 days, 10 days treatment, the scores of HAMA, HAMD were reduced remarkably as compared with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.001), HAMA score in observation group was lower than that in control group after 10 days treatment (P < 0.05). The remarkable effective rates of depression and anxiety in observation group those 10 days that treatment were 87. 1% (27/31) and 90.3% (28/31) respectively, which were higher apparently than 61.8% (21/34) and 61.8% (21/34) in control group separately (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The integrative therapy of electroacupuncture and rTMS is definitely effective on CAD. This method is better than simple rTMS.
Loyalty and Neglect as Responses To Dissatisfying Job Conditions (The Role of Personality)

This study clarifies the role of personality trait when reacting to dissatisfying job conditions by applying Hirschman’s exit, voice, loyalty, and Rosbult’s neglect as employees’ response within Malaysian public sector employees. Structural equation modeling is used to fit the data provided by 150 public sector employees working in various government agencies. Due to the specific organizational culture, this study argues that employees in public sector will choose response either loyalty or neglect depending on which personality traits they belong to. Drawing on the Five Factor Model (FFM), the study finds out that Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness and Extraversion when something unfavorable happens in an organization, they will remain in organization but exhibit passive withdrawal behaviors such as reporting sick, coming in late, putting less effort, putting not enough effort into their work, and missing out on meetings (neglect) while Agreeableness and Emotional Stability will remain confident, assume that in the end everything will work out fine and finally wait and hope for improvement (loyalty). Keywords : Five Factor Model (FFM), Loyalty, Neglect, Personality Trait, Public Sector.
Identification of Plakortide E from the Caribbean Sponge Plakortis halichondroides as a Trypanocidal Protease Inhibitor using Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation

In this paper, we report new protease inhibitory activity of plakortide E towards cathepsins and cathepsin-like parasitic proteases. We further report on its anti-parasitic activity against Trypanosoma brucei with an IC50 value of 5 μM and without cytotoxic effects against J774.1 macrophages at 100 μM concentration. Plakortide E was isolated from the sponge Plakortis halichondroides using enzyme assay-guided fractionation and identified by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, enzyme kinetic studies confirmed plakortide E as a non-competitive, slowly-binding, reversible inhibitor of rhodesain.
Reactive stream processing for data-centric publish/subscribe

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm has given rise to a new class of applications wherein complex data analytics must be performed in real-time on large volumes of fast-moving and heterogeneous sensor-generated data. Such data streams are often unbounded and must be processed in a distributed and parallel manner to ensure timely processing and delivery to interested subscribers. Dataflow architectures based on event-based design have served well in such applications because events support asynchrony, loose coupling, and helps build resilient, responsive and scalable applications. However, a unified programming model for event processing and distribution that can naturally compose the processing stages in a dataflow while exploiting the inherent parallelism available in the environment and computation is still lacking. To that end, we investigate the benefits of blending Reactive Programming with data distribution frameworks for building distributed, reactive, and high-performance stream-processing applications. Specifically, we present insights from our study integrating and evaluating Microsoft . NET Reactive Extensions (Rx) with OMG Data Distribution Service (DDS), which is a standards-based publish/subscribe middleware suitable for demanding industrial IoT applications. Several key insights from both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of our approach are presented.
Organizational Citizenship Behaviour, Job Performance and HR Practices: A Relational Perspective

Organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) is defined as actions or behaviours that employees are willing to engage beyond their recommended role requirements. Several empirical studies have shown that OCB is positively related to indicators of individual, unit and organizational performance. In view of OCB’s positive relation with individual and organizational performance, there is an increasing concern among organizations for enhancing these contextual behaviours. The present study aims to explore the relationship between OCB and job performance. It has also tried to examine the interactive relationship between OCB and human resources (HR) practices with its corresponding impact on job performance. The findings revealed that OCB is having a significant relationship with job performance. Among the different dimensions of OCB, we have found that altruistic dimension has the strongest relationship with job performance, whereas the civic virtue dimension has an insignificant one. Further, HR practices have significantly moderated the relationship between OCB and job performance. However, the interaction between both the constructs was found to have an inverse effect on the relationship between OCB and job performance. The findings have advocated that the involvement of employees in altruistic behaviour enhances productivity and performance at workplace.
Quality of service in middleware and applications: a model-driven approach

Quality of service (QoS) management has become an important requirement for middleware platforms and distributed applications. Early QoS engineering attempts focused on single-category extensions to standard middleware. In recent years generic middleware frameworks have been proposed in order to facilitate multicategory QoS management. Our experience with such a framework has revealed that QoS management cannot be shielded from the applications. Applications need to be designed in a QoS-aware manner and application QoS requirements need to be translated into appropriate middleware extensions. Therefore we propose a comprehensive, model-driven development process for QoS-enabled distributed applications on top of QoS-enhanced middleware platforms. Our approach builds on OMG's Model-Driven Architecture (MDA). We demonstrate the mapping from the platform-independent to the platform-specific model, and we show how the design approach is applied targeting a . NET-based QoS-enabled middleware.