Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of a biologically adapted reaction-diffusion model to generate hair properties for synthetic creatures

One of the major challenges in computer graphics is to reproduce natural hair on virtual animals. Existing methods focus on reproducing the appearance of natural hair, however, this paper focuses on reproducing the natural development process. Previously, a reaction-diffusion model is found to mimic natural hair follicle formation. In this paper, an investigation is conducted into this reaction-diffusion model to identify the relationships between the input parameters and resulting hair follicle pattern, analyse the differences between the results from the reaction-diffusion model and previous work for generating point distributions, and demonstrate the use of the hair patterns from the reaction-diffusion model on a 3D model. Results indicate that the hair follicle patterns from this reaction-diffusion model have interesting properties that are not found in previous work in generating point distributions, especially the presence of clear stretch directions, mimicking the stretching of the skin in natural hair formation. Further analysis into these hair follicle patterns found that these properties may be the reason why these patterns appear "natural".
From Rudeness to Road Rage: the Antecedents and Consequences of Consumer Aggression

A trend toward a loss of civility in society has been highlighted recently by the popular press with the greatest notoriety accorded to the Aroad rage@ phenomenon. While road rage may represent an extreme of aggressive behavior emitted by consumers in the use of a product, many less extreme examples have been noted as well. This paper provides a theoretical framework for understanding anger, hostility, and aggression in the marketplace based on prior work in psychology and some limited work in the marketing literature. Qualitative techniques are used to develop a typology of aggressive marketplace behaviors and to suggest possible antecedents and consequences of such behaviors. Language: en
Clinico-bacteriology and risk factors for the diabetic foot infection with multidrug resistant microorganisms in north India.

This study was carried out in diabetic patients with foot ulcer, to determine the bacterial profile of infected ulcer, antibiotic resistance of the isolates and to find out the potential risk factors for infection with multidrug resistance. Gram-negative bacilli were screened for extended spectrum β lactamase (ESBL) production and Staphylococcus aureus were screened for methicillin resistance. In the 60 diabetic foot patients, 37(61.6%) were males and 23(38%) were females. 49(81.6%) had T2DM, whereas only 11(18.3%) patients had T1DM. The presence of sensory neuropathy was observed in 66.6% patients. Bacterial infection was found in 86.6% DFU cases, 40% cases had mixed bacterial infection while 48.5% cases had monomicrobial infections. 23.3% DFU patients had infection by multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms. ESBL producer was found in 45.3% gram-negative isolates. 33 % gram-negative strains were positive for blaCTX-M gene followed by blaSHV (20%) and blaTEM (6.6%) Poor glycemic control in 63.3% patients, duration of infection > 1month (43.3%) and ulcer size > 4cm2 (78.1%) was independently associated with risk of MDR organism infection
An investigation of language impairment in autism: Implications for genetic subgroups

Autism involves primary impairments in both language and communication, yet in recent years the main focus of research has been on the communicative deficits that define the population. The study reported in this paper investigated language functioning in a group of 89 children diagnosed with autism using the ADI–R, and meeting DSM–IV criteria. The children, who were between 4 and 14 years old, were administered a battery of standardised language tests tapping phonological, lexical, and higher-order language abilities. The main findings were that among the children with autism there was significant heterogeneity in their language skills, although across all the children, articulation skills were spared. Different subgroups of children with autism were identified on the basis of their performance on the language measures. Some children with autism have normal language skills; for other children, their language skills are significantly below age expectations. The profile of performance across the standardised measures for the languageimpaired children with autism was similar to the profile that defines the disorder specific language impairment (or SLI). The implications of this language impaired subgroup in autism for understanding the genetics and definition of both autism and SLI are discussed.
Data-Driven Tree Transforms and Metrics

We consider the analysis of high-dimensional data given in the form of a matrix with columns consisting of observations and rows consisting of features. Often the data is such that the observations do not reside on a regular grid, and the given order of the features is arbitrary and does not convey a notion of locality. Therefore, traditional transforms and metrics cannot be used for data organization and analysis. In this paper, our goal is to organize the data by defining an appropriate representation and metric such that they respect the smoothness and structure underlying the data. We also aim to generalize the joint clustering of observations and features in the case the data does not fall into clear disjoint groups. For this purpose, we propose multiscale data-driven transforms and metrics based on trees. Their construction is implemented in an iterative refinement procedure that exploits the co-dependencies between features and observations. Beyond the organization of a single dataset, our approach enables us to transfer the organization learned from one dataset to another and to integrate several datasets together. We present an application to breast cancer gene expression analysis: Learning metrics on the genes to cluster the tumor samples into cancer subtypes and validating the joint organization of both the genes and the samples. We demonstrate that using our approach to combine information from multiple gene expression cohorts, acquired by different profiling technologies, improves the clustering of tumor samples.
Capacity of Asynchronous Random-Access Scheduling in Wireless Networks

We study the throughput capacity of wireless networks which employ (asynchronous) random-access scheduling as opposed to deterministic scheduling. The central question we answer is: how should we set the channel-access probability for each link in the network so that the network operates close to its optimal throughput capacity? We design simple and distributed channel-access strategies for random-access networks which are provably competitive with respect to the optimal scheduling strategy, which is deterministic, centralized, and computationally infeasible. We show that the competitiveness of our strategies are nearly the best achievable via random-access scheduling, thus establishing fundamental limits on the performance of random- access. A notable outcome of our work is that random access compares well with deterministic scheduling when link transmission durations differ by small factors, and much worse otherwise. The distinguishing aspects of our work include modeling and rigorous analysis of asynchronous communication, asymmetry in link transmission durations, and hidden terminals under arbitrary link-conflict based wireless interference models.
The Aru Igbo Trust Network and Slave-dealing in Igboland and the Lower Southeast Niger Basin: Assessing the Impacts and Consequences of Initial Abolitionary Efforts by Governments in the Atlantic World in the Period, 1787–1807

Although existing research on trust networks shows that ethnic networks, for example, have sustained long-distance trade from the origins of cities and states onward, this article reveals that, even in the absence of connections to cities and states, by their nature and because of their commitment component, trust networks can also be uniquely customized and made to lend themselves to the peculiar enterprise that was slave-dealing in Igboland, even in contexts that are devoid of cities and states and their governmental trappings. This assertion about trust networks is substantiated in the article with an account of the effectiveness of the Aru Igbo trust network, which enabled the extensive participation of the Aru1 Igbo in the slave trade in the lower southeast Niger basin. Also, the article taps into Charles Tilly’s theoretical formulation on error correction to demonstrate that, in spite of the error, correction measures adopted by the abolitionist campaigners to bolster the purposive action that characterized the initial phase of their campaign, slave-dealing and trade in Igboland and in the lower southeast were sustained in spite of all that largely because of the durability and resilience of the Aru Igbo trust network.
Abundance of Bacteria, the Cytophaga- Flavobacterium cluster and Archaea in cold oligotrophic waters and nepheloid layers of the Northwest Passage, Canadian Archipelago

We used fluorescent in situ hybridization and epifluorescence microscopy to assess the distribution and diversity of pelagic microorganisms, specifically Bacteria, the Cytophaga-Flavobac- terium (CF) cluster and Archaea, in the cold (-1.5 to 3.5°C) and oligotrophic waters of the Northwest Passage, Canadian Arctic, during September 2000. Total cell abundance ranged from 1.23 to 6.56 × 10 5 cells ml -1 , approximately half of which were hybridizable; Bacteria dominated the region (67 to 99.8% of hybridizable cells). CF were well-represented in the surface-water bacterioplankton, accounting for 9 to 41% of the total cell count (21 to 76% of hybridizable cells), but not in deeper populations: in neph- eloid (particle-rich) layers, they accounted for only 1.6 to 5.4% of total cells (3.2 to 9.5% of hybridizable cells) despite the available substrata for attachment, a behavior common to this group. Over the entire data set, often highly significant (p < 0.001) correlations with environmental variables, including oxy- gen, particulate organic nitrogen (PON) and chlorophyll a (chl a) (positive) and depth, salinity and macronutrients (negative) suggested the importance of CF as aerobic heterotrophic consumers in this environment. In marked contrast, Archaea were present at very low levels (0.1 to 2.6% of total cells; 0.2 to 4.6% of hybridizable cells) in the surface waters, becoming more abundant in nepheloid layers, where they accounted for 2.3 to 13% of total cells (3.9 to 33% of hybridizable cells). Archaea correlated highly significantly (p < 0.001) with concentrations of particles and, in nepheloid layers, with PON. Over the entire data set, Archaea and Bacteria correlated significantly but oppositely to the same en- vironmental variables of depth, salinity, oxygen and macro-nutrients, suggesting separate niches in this setting. In general, our results substantiate and extend the growing evidence for the numerical importance of CF in cold marine surface waters and further document the distribution and oceano- graphic context of the planktonic Archaea to include nepheloid layers.
Psychological factors of impulsive savings traits: survey carried out in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam

This paper attempts to answer an interesting but empirically challenging question: do personality, aggressiveness, and mood lead to changes in savings behaviour? This paper has adopted psychometric tests - UPPS Personality Traits, Aggressiveness (AGGR), and Happiness (POMS) - as the instruments, which were tested in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam (ASEAN-4) by using a survey mode with 2,257 respondents. The results show that an individual with aggressive behaviour tends to have compulsive behaviour in consumption by making fewer savings. The mood of an individual also induces savings behaviour. Interestingly, aggressiveness is the mediator to explain the association between mood and savings behaviour. The personality type also affects spending behaviour. However, this moderating effect of personality was only observed in Thailand and Vietnam, not in Indonesia and Malaysia. Regulators can use the findings by controlling inflation through monetary policy following the mood cycles of individuals. The findings can also be used for policymaking.
Inotropes for the management of acute heart failure patients with renal dysfunction. Still an option?

Introduction: Renal dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). These patients are more vulnerable in worsening of kidney function and have also higher mortality rates. Areas covered: Recent developments in the understanding of bidirectional interaction between heart and kidney are reviewed in the context of the potential impact of inotropes on renal function. Key clinical trials reporting the use of inotropes in AHF patients with renal dysfunction are discussed in this review. Expert opinion: Inotropes may be indicated on a short-term basis and under close monitoring in AHF with renal dysfunction mostly in cases of low output heart failure that can provoke renal hypoperfusion. Dopamine administration with low dose of i.v. furosemide has been recently compared with high dose of i.v. furosemide alone, demonstrating lower rates of worsening renal function and electrolyte disturbances. Moreover, small clinical trials have shown that the novel inodilator levosimendan seems to be superior to dobutamine or placebo in improving renal function in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure. The impact of novel inotropes on kidney function is still unclear. Randomized clinical trials are required in order to identify the role of inotropes in the management and/or prevention of acute cardiorenal syndrome.
To Stress the Importance of Nature Nature-Based Therapy for the Rehabilitation and Prevention of Stress-Related Disorders

As a consequence of drastic labour market changes in the late 1990s, many employees experienced more stress in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to physical and mental health problems, and rehabilitation takes a long time. The lack of established rehabilitation programmes for patients with stress-related mental disorders has opened up for the use of garden/nature in a multimodal rehabilitation context (NatureBased Therapy, NBT). The aim of Study I was to explore how participants in an Nature-Based Rehabilitation (NBR) experienced their rehabilitation. Study II aimed to explore effects on burnout, work ability, stress-related health symptoms, and sick leave from participation in a nature-based stress management course (NBSC) and to investigate how the nature/garden content was experienced. Study III aimed to explore the effects of NBR in individuals with long sick leave due to stress-related mental disorders and to explore the development of sick leave and health care utilization. Study IV aimed to examine potential environmental effects on directed attention and physiological measures of relaxation in nature and indoors. Validated self-assessment instruments, data from regional and national registers and semi-structured interviews were used. Education about nature opened up for new perspectives on life; thus, nature triggered existential reflection, which enhanced the recovery process. Nature and garden were experienced as supportive environments. Results for participants in the NBSC showed decreased burnout-scores and long-term sick leaves, and increased work ability; furthermore less stress-related symptoms were reported. The same pattern was seen for the NBR participants concerning burnout and also for depression, anxiety and wellbeing, reduced health care utilization, and a movement from ordinary sickness benefit to rehabilitation benefit was seen. Improved directed attention after relaxation in nature was seen. No environmental effects were seen for blood pressure or heart rate. The results indicate that the NBT in this thesis was successful in both prevention and rehabilitation, and in restarting a stalled rehabilitation process.
Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson’s Disease: A Reappraisal

Background Excessive daytime sleepiness is a frequent complaint in Parkinson’s disease (PD); however the frequency and risk factors for objective sleepiness remain mostly unknown. We investigated both the frequency and determinants of self-reported and objective daytime sleepiness in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) using a wide range of potential predictors. Methods One hundred and thirty four consecutive patients with PD, without selection bias for sleep complaint, underwent a semi-structured clinical interview and a one night polysomnography followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). Demographic characteristics, medical history, PD course and severity, daytime sleepiness, depressive and insomnia symptoms, treatment intake, pain, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behaviour disorder, and nighttime sleep measures were collected. Self-reported daytime sleepiness was defined by an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score above 10. A mean sleep latency on MSLT below 8 minutes defined objective daytime sleepiness. Results Of 134 patients with PD, 46.3% had subjective and only 13.4% had objective sleepiness with a weak negative correlation between ESS and MSLT latency. A high body mass index (BMI) was associated with both ESS and MSLT, a pain complaint with ESS, and a higher apnea/hypopnea index with MSLT. However, no associations were found between both objective and subjective sleepiness, and measures of motor disability, disease onset, medication (type and dose), depression, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behaviour disorder and nighttime sleep evaluation. Conclusion We found a high frequency of self-reported EDS in PD, a finding which is however not confirmed by the gold standard neurophysiological evaluation. Current treatment options for EDS in PD are very limited; it thus remains to be determined whether decreasing pain and BMI in association with the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome would decrease significantly daytime sleepiness in PD.
The power of weight and the weight of power in adolescence: a comparison between young and adult women

ABSTRACT Obesity is an important emerging problem in adolescence because it causes psychological distress and social prejudice. Using Ugazio’s theory, this study aims to test if the construct ‘winner/loser’ and its associated meanings are used and considered important among obese adolescents. The personal constructs of 68 participants (young and adult; obese and normal weight) were elicited through the repertory grid test and analysed using the log-linear model. The power dimension was the most used in the obese groups (young and adult) but it was considered the most relevant among adolescents rather than women, regardless of the weight variable. The results allow us to provide several suggestions on a clinical level and on a wider social perspective.
The Organization Pattern of Root Border-Like Cells of Arabidopsis Is Dependent on Cell Wall Homogalacturonan12[C][W]

Border-like cells are released by Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root tips as organized layers of several cells that remain attached to each other rather than completely detached from each other, as is usually observed in border cells of many species. Unlike border cells, cell attachment between border-like cells is maintained after their release into the external environment. To investigate the role of cell wall polysaccharides in the attachment and organization of border-like cells, we have examined their release in several well-characterized mutants defective in the biosynthesis of xyloglucan, cellulose, or pectin. Our data show that among all mutants examined, only quasimodo mutants (qua1-1 and qua2-1), which have been characterized as producing less homogalacturonan, had an altered border-like cell phenotype as compared with the wild type. Border-like cells in both lines were released as isolated cells separated from each other, with the phenotype being much more pronounced in qua1-1 than in qua2-1. Further analysis of border-like cells in the qua1-1 mutant using immunocytochemistry and a set of anti-cell wall polysaccharide antibodies showed that the loss of the wild-type phenotype was accompanied by (1) a reduction in homogalacturonan-JIM5 epitope in the cell wall of border-like cells, confirmed by Fourier transform infrared microspectrometry, and (2) the secretion of an abundant mucilage that is enriched in xylogalacturonan and arabinogalactan-protein epitopes, in which the cells are trapped in the vicinity of the root tip.
Growth Development of French Children Born after In Vitro Maturation

Background Several lines of evidence indicate that immature oocyte retrieval and subsequent in vitro maturation (IVM) without ovarian stimulation may be a reliable option in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, few outcome data are available for children born following this technique. Objective We assessed height and weight development of French children conceived after IVM. Methods All children conceived after IVM at Antoine Beclere Hospital (Clamart, France) and born between June 2003 and October 2008 (n = 38) were included in a prospective cohort study and compared with a control group of children conceived by ICSI without IVM, matched for maternal age, gestational age and singleton/twin pregnancies. Follow-up included clinical examination at one year and a questionnaire completed by parents when the children were two years old (97% follow-up rate). Results No statistical differences between IVM and control groups were found for boys. Mean weight, height and head circumference at birth were significantly greater for IVM than for ICSI girls (3.236 kg vs 2.701 kg (p = 0.03); 49 cm vs 47 cm (p = 0.01) and 34 cm vs 33 cm (p = 0.04), respectively). At one year, IVM girls remained heavier (mean weight 10.2 kg vs 8.6 kg (p = 0.001)) and taller (76 cm vs 73 cm (p = 0.03)), and there was a two-point difference in BMI between the two groups of girls (18 vs 16 (p = 0.01)). Conclusion Our results in girls born after IVM should be interpreted with caution. It remains unclear whether the observed sexual dimorphism is due to IVM technology or to maternal characteristics such as underlying infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Further monitoring of the outcomes of these infants is required.
Stop Consonants in Mandarin in the Perspective of Perception

Using the method of perceptional experiment,this paper gives a study of the perception of stop consonants in Mandarin.The results show that the Chinese's perception of stop consonants in Mandarin is categorial,and the place of articulation and the tones in the syllables can influence the perception of stop consonants significantly.Besides,the factors which evoke the above results are explained from the aspects of physiology and acoustics.
Dependence in Lag for Markov Chains on Partially Ordered State Spaces with Applications to Degradable Networks

We study the property of dependence in lag for Markov chains on countable partially ordered state spaces and give conditions which ensure that a process is monotone in lag. In case of linearly ordered state spaces, proofs are based on the Lorentz inequality. However, we show that on partially ordered spaces Lorentz inequality is only true under additional assumptions. By using supermodular-type stochastic orders we derive comparison inequalities that compare the internal dependence structure of processes with that of their speeding-down versions. Applications of the results are presented for degradable exponential networks in which the nodes are subject to random breakdowns and repairs. We obtain comparison results for the breakdown processes as well as for the queue length processes that are not even Markovian on their own.