Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer-generated pen-and-ink illustration

This paper describes the principles of traditional pen-and-ink illustration, and shows how a great number of them can be implemented as part of an automated rendering system. It introduces “stroke textures,” which can be used for achieving both texture and tone with line drawing. Stroke textures also allow resolution-dependent rendering, in which the choice of strokes used in an illustration is appropriately tied to the resolution of the target medium. We demonstrate these techniques using complex architectural models, including Frank Lloyd Wright's “Robie House. ”
Genomic DNA Hypomethylation and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case–Control Study

Purpose: Genomic DNA hypomethylation is a hallmark of most cancer genomes, promoting genomic instability and cell transformation. In the present study, we sought to determine whether global DNA methylation in peripheral blood is associated with risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Experimental Design: A retrospective case–control study consisting of 889 RCC cases and an equal number of age, gender, and ethnicity-matched controls was applied. Global DNA methylation was measured as 5-mC% content. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between DNA methylation level and the risk of RCC. Results: The median 5-mC% was significantly lower in cases than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, individuals in the lowest tertile (T1) of 5-mC% had higher risk of RCC with OR of 1.40 (95% CI, 1.06–1.84), compared with individuals in the highest tertile (T3; Pfor trend = 0.02). When stratified by RCC risk factors, associations between hypomethylation and increased RCC risk appeared to be stronger among males (OR, 1.61; Pfor trend = 0.01), younger age (OR, 1.47; Pfor trend = 0.03), never smokers (OR, 1.55; Pfor trend = 0.02), family history of other cancer (OR, 1.64; Pfor trend = 1.22E−03), and late stage (OR, 2.06, Pfor trend = 4.98E−04). Additionally, we observed significant interaction between gender and 5-mC% in elevating RCC risk (Pfor interaction = 0.03). Conclusions: Our findings suggest an association between global DNA hypomethylation and RCC risk. To establish global DNA hypomethylation as a risk factor for RCC, future prospective studies are warranted. This study may provide further understanding of the etiology of RCC tumorigenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 22(8); 2074–82. ©2015 AACR.
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS INVOLVED IN HEART AND LIVER INJURY IN IRON‐LOADED RATS

1 Iron overload contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases and directly induces tissue injury. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between heart and liver injury induced by iron overload and cellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to explore the molecular mechanism of iron overload‐induced cellular injury. 2 Iron overload in rats was generated by intraperitoneal injection of iron–dextran chronically (30 mg/kg per day for 9 weeks) or acutely (300 mg/kg once). Tissue injury was assessed by determining serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the heart and liver. The ER stress response was analysed by expression of glucose‐response protein 78 (GRP78) and activation of caspase 12. 3 In chronic iron‐loaded rats, iron levels in the heart and liver were higher, by approximately 2‐and 7.8‐fold, respectively (P < 0.01), compared with control. Serum LDH, ALT and AST activity, as well as MDA content, GRP78 expression and caspase 12 activity in the heart and liver, were upregulated in chronically iron‐loaded rats. In acute iron‐loaded rats, iron content in the heart and liver was 51% and 63% higher than in controls (both P < 0.01). Serum LDH, ALT and AST activity, MDA content in the heart and liver and levels of ER stress markers were all increased in acute iron‐loaded rats. N‐Acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg, s.c.) lowered the levels of these parameters in acute iron‐loaded rats. 4 The results of the present study indicate that ER stress may play an important role in iron‐induced tissue injury and that reactive oxygen species may mediate the ER stress response in the pathogenesis of iron‐overload cellular injury.
Swelling of Fibers as a Method for Morphological Research

The application of cinemicrography to the dark-field ultramicroscopy of tex tile fibers permits repeated and close observation of the rapidly changing movements of colloidal inclusions energized by suitable swelling agents. Through this tech nique the permeable membranes of starch particles and natural fibers are made visible. The effects of osmotic pressure, such as the instantaneous eruption of col loidal masses from the ruptured envelope of starch grains and cotton fibers, have been recorded by the motion picture camera and thus made available for careful study. The inhomogeneity of wool scales and their capsule-like structure are recorded. The movement of colloidal particles within and through the outer walls of the swol len cotton fiber has been photographed and it can be analyzed at leisure by project ing the film. The fact that some of the material in this article has previously appeared in Kolloid Zeitschrift 64, 257 (1933), and Der Papier-Fabrikant 32, 61 (1934), empha sizes its value, and for this reason it is now being presented in its present form in this journal. -Editor.
Matrix metalloproteinases, their production by monocytes and macrophages and their potential role in HIV‐related diseases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc‐dependent endopeptidases that are a subfamily of metzincins. Matrix metalloproteinases are responsible for much of the turnover of extra‐cellular matrix components and are key to a wide range of processes including tissue remodeling and release of biological factors. Imbalance between the MMPs and endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) can result in dysregulation of many biologic processes and lead to the development of malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. MMP production by monocyte/macrophages is dependent on the cell type, state of differentiation, and/or level of activation and whether they are infected, e.g., by HIV‐1. MMP expression by HIV‐1 infected monocytes and macrophages may alter cellular trafficking and contribute to HIV‐associated pathology such as HIV‐associated dementia (HAD). This review will provide a classification of the MMP super‐family with particular reference to those produced by monocyte/macrophages, describe their regulation and function within the immune system, and indicate their possible roles in the pathogenesis of disease, including HIV‐associated dementia.
Effects of lairage time after road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lairage time after 8 h road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep. A total of 84 Ujimqin male sheep (average body weight 27.5 kg, 6 months old) were randomly allotted to one of seven groups: one control group (untransported) and six lairage groups (8 h road transport with 0, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h lairage times respectively). No significant lairage time effects were observed on weight loss. Sheep in 48 h group showed lower hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and higher pH(24 h) than that in other groups. The total haem pigment contents in sheep meat rose and were higher in 24 and 48 h groups than that in the control group. After transport, sheep in 0, 2, 24 and 48 h groups showed higher serum creatine kinase activities, cortisol and glucose concentrations than that in control group. Sheep in lairage groups had higher serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels compared with the control sheep. Sheep in 48 h group showed significant higher packed cell volume, total protein and blood urea nitrogen than that in other groups. Compared with the control group, the white blood cell counts were higher in 0 and 48 h groups. The neutrophil counts in 24 or 48 h groups were higher than that in the control group. The opposite was true for lymphocyte counts. A 6-12 h lairage is recommended in terms of the present transported pattern.
Examining the Impacts of Website Complexities on User Satisfaction Based on the Task-Technology Fit Model: an Experimental Research using an Eyetracking Device

To get insights into how Internet users perceive the quality and user-friendliness of website design, this study intend to conduct a controlled experiment using an eye-tracking device to examine the effects of different levels of the three primary features of website complexity, namely the component, coordinative, and dynamic complexities on the satisfaction and intentions to reuse of website users. Additionally, in conjunction with the concept of website complexities, the task-technology fit theory (TTF) is adopted to develop a research framework to understand the behaviors of the website users. It is expected that the lower the users’ perceptions of website complexities will result in higher perception of the fit between a website and the tasks that the users intend to accomplish via the use of the website, which, in turn, may lead to higher user satisfaction and intend to reuse the website. Additionally, Internet users’ levels of technology readiness, familiarity, and online task characteristics are expected to have a significant moderating effect on the relationships between website complexities and the perceived level of task-technology fit. The research results are expected to provide insights into the relationships among website complexities, user satisfaction, and intention to reuse the websites.
Single Muscle Fiber Gene Expression with Run Taper

This study evaluated gene expression changes in gastrocnemius slow-twitch myosin heavy chain I (MHC I) and fast-twitch (MHC IIa) muscle fibers of collegiate cross-country runners (n = 6, 20±1 y, VO2max = 70±1 ml•kg−1•min−1) during two distinct training phases. In a controlled environment, runners performed identical 8 kilometer runs (30∶18±0∶30 min:s, 89±1% HRmax) while in heavy training (∼72 km/wk) and following a 3 wk taper. Training volume during the taper leading into peak competition was reduced ∼50% which resulted in improved race times and greater cross-section and improved function of MHC IIa fibers. Single muscle fibers were isolated from pre and 4 hour post run biopsies in heavily trained and tapered states to examine the dynamic acute exercise response of the growth-related genes Fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (FN14), Myostatin (MSTN), Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), Muscle ring-finger protein-1 (MURF1), Myogenic factor 6 (MRF4), and Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) via qPCR. FN14 increased 4.3-fold in MHC IIa fibers with exercise in the tapered state (P<0.05). MSTN was suppressed with exercise in both fiber types and training states (P<0.05) while MURF1 and HSP72 responded to running in MHC IIa and I fibers, respectively, regardless of training state (P<0.05). Robust induction of FN14 (previously shown to strongly correlate with hypertrophy) and greater overall transcriptional flexibility with exercise in the tapered state provides an initial molecular basis for fast-twitch muscle fiber performance gains previously observed after taper in competitive endurance athletes.
Traffic Jam: Psychological Assessment of a Gaming Simulation

This article describes intermediate stages in the development of TRAFFIC JAM, a computerized gaming simulation for children and adolescents. TRAFFIC JAMfocuses on the environmental and health impact of various means of transport, such as walking, biking, and going by bus or private car. It is being developed within the field of environmental psychology as a tool for promoting attitudes related to proenvironmental choice of transportation. So far, the program has been assessed in three empirical studies. In the first study, the background pictures were validated by means of semantic environmental description. Study 2 aimed to evaluate the hero figures in terms of Küller’s basic emotional process, and in Study 3, players’ emotional reactions to the first version of TRAFFIC JAMwere studied with both quantitative and qualitative methods. The important question of attitudinal change is not discussed in the article.
Hydrophosphonylation of Nanoparticle Schiff Bases as a Mean for Preparation of Aminophosphonate-Functionalized Nanoparticles

The development of nanotechnology is responsible for an increase in the achievements in medical diagnostics and in the preparation of new therapeutic vehicles. In particular, magnetic nanoparticles with a modified surface are a very attractive alternative to deliver therapeutic agents. We describe the modification of the surface of the iron oxide nanoparticles with aminophosphonic acids by applying the classic hydrophosphonylation approach.
Templated dewetting of thin solid films

The dewetting of solid metal polycrystalline films to form metal nanoparticles occurs by the nucleation and growth of holes in the film. For typical films on flat substrates, this process is not well-controlled and results in nanoparticles with nonuniform spatial and size distributions. Topographic substrates consisting of di-periodic inverted pyramid arrays and mono-periodic v-groove gratings of oxidized silicon were used to modulate the surface curvature of as-deposited polycrystalline gold films and control the dewetting process. The morphology of films dewetted on topographic substrates was found to depend on the both the relative geometry of the substrate and film thickness. Relatively thick films dewetted out of the pits and grooves prior to breaking up into particles while thinner films pinched off to form particles in the pits and grooves. If the pits or grooves were far apart, the pinch off also resulted in particles forming on the mesas between the pits. If the pits or grooves are close together, all the material pinches off into the topography. In the case of the inverted pyramids, this resulted in spatially ordered arrays of nanoparticles with narrow size distributions. A model that explains and predicts the effect of the relative geometry was developed based on competition between curvaturedriven evolution of the film-atmosphere interface and the dewetting of the film-substrate interface. It was also found that particles in both types of topographic substrates are strongly crystallographically oriented both out of the plane of the substrate and in the plane of the substrate despite the lack of an epitaxial relationship with the amorphous template. During the solid-state dewetting process, the growth of holes in the film is accompanied by material accumulation along the edge of the hole. Investigation of the dewetting edge at early stages revealed that the accumulation occurs unevenly in individual grains. Electron backscatter diffraction revealed that the unevenness is not due to grain orientation. Thesis Supervisor: Carl V. Thompson Title: Stavros Salapatas Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Distribution of catheter-injected local anesthetic in a model of the subarachnoid space.

Maldistribution of local anesthetic administered through a subarachnoid catheter recently has been implicated as a possible cause of sacral root injury. To examine subarachnoid distribution of catheter-injected local anesthetic, we constructed a model of the subarachnoid space and administered solutions containing lidocaine and methylene blue through sacrally directed catheters. We studied three catheters: a 28-G endport, a 20-G endport, and a 20-G multiple sideport. To determine the injection rates to be used, ten clinicians were observed while they performed mock subarachnoid injections: the mean (+/- standard deviation) "normal" injection times for the 28-G and 20-G catheters were 52.6 +/- 17.2 and 11.9 +/- 7.2 s, respectively. The correlation coefficient for lidocaine concentration estimated by methylene blue spectrophotometric absorbance and measured by immunoassay was 0.977. Administration of hyperbaric local anesthetic through a sacrally directed catheter resulted in restricted distribution of anesthetic with a relatively high peak concentration. Rate of injection was a critical factor affecting distribution; faster injections tended to distribute solution more uniformly and to a higher segmental level, resulting in substantially lower peak concentrations. When catheters were injected at clinically relevant rates, the 28-G catheter produced the greatest degree of maldistribution; this difference appeared to be primarily a function of flow rate. Differences in peak lidocaine concentration between the two 20-G catheters were neither large nor consistent. However, despite sacral placement, the multiple-sideport catheter distributed anesthetic toward "higher" spinal segments more consistently. Distribution was more favorable when the injected solution was less dense (closer to isobaric). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Optimal exercise boundary for an American put option

The optimal exercise boundary near the expiration time is determined for an American put option. It is obtained by using Green's theorem to convert the boundary value problem for the price of the option into an integral equation for the optimal exercise boundary. This integral equation is solved asymptotically for small values of the time to expiration. The leading term in the asymptotic solution is the result of Barles et al. An asymptotic solution for the option price is obtained also.
Effect of Moisture content and Soluble levels on the Physical and Chemical Properties of DDGS

Over the past few decades, researches concerning handling and storage characteristics of bulk solids have been conducted to a large extent. Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) are a bulk material that has been widely used as a protein source for ruminants and non-ruminants for more than two decades. Distillers’ grains are energy dense as they contain high fat levels. With the exponential growth of the fuel ethanol industry in the past several years, significant quantities of distiller’s grains are now being produced. To effectively utilize these feeds in the domestic market, however, these coproduct streams are increasingly being transported greater distances, and must be stored until final use. DDGS flow is often problematic as it can become restricted by caking and bridging which occurs during transportation and storage. This issue probably results from storage moisture, temperature, relative humidity, particle size, time, or temperature variations. The objective of this phase of the study is to examine the effect of various moisture content levels (10, 15, 20, 25, 30% db) on the resulting physical and chemical properties of DDGS with varying soluble percentages (10, 15, 20, 25% db).
Application of predictive control strategies to the management of complex networks in the urban water cycle [Applications of Control]

The management of the urban water cycle (UWC) is a subject of increasing interest because of its social, economic, and environmental impact. The most important issues include the sustainable use of limited resources and the reliability of service to consumers with adequate quality and pressure levels, as well as the urban drainage management to prevent flooding and polluting discharges to the environment.
Generation and Characterization of T‐helper Cells by Primary in vitro Sensitization using Langerhans Cells

We have utilized cultured Langerhans cells to activate and expand hapten- and protein-specific T-helper cells from nonsensitized mice. The generation of these lines was strongly dependent on eliminating all autologously reacting cells from the responder T-cell population. Primary in vitro sensitization was not uniquely induced with cultured Langerhans cells as splenic dendritic cells could subserve the same function. Despite its ability to induce strong allogeneic T-cell responses as well as hapten-specific secondary responses, M12c cells, a class II-bearing B-cell lymphoma line, could not activate hapten-specific T-helper cells in vitro. After primary or secondary in vitro stimulation, the T-helper cells which are generated secrete IL-2 and are able to adoptively transfer hapten-specific contact sensitivity, thus stimulating Type-1 T-helper cells. The T-helper cell lines which were generated after repeated cycles of stimulation stimulated type-2 T-helper cells in that they produced IL-4 and depended on this cytokine for autocrine growth. As well, when cultured with syngeneic, hapten-modified, small resting B cells, these T-helper cells caused specific IgE production. Thus, the studies reported herein demonstrate that it is possible to activate and expand T-helper cells with desired specificity from nonsensitized animals in vitro. Previous studies have demonstrated that expansion and adoptive transfer of effector T cells with specificity for tumor-associated antigens may be useful in the control of certain tumors; T-helper cells generated by in vitro sensitization should also be useful in adoptive immunotherapy.
HIGH-RESOLUTION SPECTROSCOPY OF EXTREMELY METAL-POOR STARS IN THE LEAST EVOLVED GALAXIES: URSA MAJOR II and COMA BERENICES

We present spectra of six metal-poor stars in two of the ultra-faint dwarf galaxies orbiting the Milky Way (MW), Ursa Major II, and Coma Berenices obtained with the Keck/High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES). These observations include the first high-resolution spectroscopic observations of extremely metal-poor ([Fe/H] < −3.0) stars not belonging to the MW halo field star population. We obtain abundance measurements and upper limits for 26 elements between carbon and europium. The entire sample of stars spans a range of −3.2 < [Fe/H] < −2.3, and we confirm that each galaxy contains a large intrinsic spread of Fe abundances. A comparison with MW halo stars of similar metallicities reveals substantial agreement between the abundance patterns of the ultra-faint dwarf galaxies and the MW halo for the light, α, and iron-peak elements (C to Zn). This agreement contrasts with the results of earlier studies of more metal-rich stars (−2.5 ≲ [Fe/H] ≲ −1.0) in more luminous dwarf spheroidal galaxies, which found significant abundance discrepancies with respect to the MW halo data. The abundances of neutron-capture elements (Sr to Eu) in the ultra-faint dwarf galaxies are extremely low, consistent with the most metal-poor halo stars, but not with the typical halo abundance pattern at [Fe/H] ≳ −3.0. Not only are our results broadly consistent with a galaxy formation model that predicts that massive dwarf galaxies are the source of the metal-rich component ([Fe/H]> − 2.5) of the MW halo, but they also suggest that the faintest known dwarfs may be the primary contributors to the metal-poor end of the MW halo metallicity distribution.