Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure and appearance optimization for controllable shape design

The field of topology optimization seeks to optimize shapes under structural objectives, such as achieving the most rigid shape using a given quantity of material. Besides optimal shape design, these methods are increasingly popular as design tools, since they automatically produce structures having desirable physical properties, a task hard to perform by hand even for skilled designers. However, there is no simple way to control the appearance of the generated objects. In this paper, we propose to optimize shapes for both their structural properties and their appearance, the latter being controlled by a user-provided pattern example. These two objectives are challenging to combine, as optimal structural properties fully define the shape, leaving no degrees of freedom for appearance. We propose a new formulation where appearance is optimized as an objective while structural properties serve as constraints. This produces shapes with sufficient rigidity while allowing enough freedom for the appearance of the final structure to resemble the input exemplar. Our approach generates rigid shapes using a specified quantity of material while observing optional constraints such as voids, fills, attachment points, and external forces. The appearance is defined by examples, making our technique accessible to casual users. We demonstrate its use in the context of fabrication using a laser cutter to manufacture real objects from optimized shapes.
Plio‐Quaternary sediment budget between thrust belt erosion and foreland deposition in the central Andes, southern Bolivia

Estimates of the physical boundary conditions on sediment source and sink regions and the flux between them provide insights into the evolution of topography and associated sedimentary basins. We present a regional‐scale, Plio‐Quaternary to recent sediment budget analysis of the Grande, Parapeti and Pilcomayo drainages of the central Andean fold‐thrust belt and related deposits in the Chaco foreland of southern Bolivia (18–23°S). We constrain source‐sink dimensions, fluxes and their errors with topographic maps, satellite imagery, a hydrologically conditioned digital elevation model, reconstructions of the San Juan del Oro (SJDO) erosion surface, foreland sediment isopachs and estimated denudation rates. Modern drainages range from 7453 to 86 798 km2 for a total source area of 153 632 km2. Palaeo‐drainage areas range from 9336 to 52 620 km2 and total 100 706 km2, suggesting basin source area growth of ∼50% since ∼10 Ma. About 2.4–3.1 × 104 km3 were excavated from below the SJDO surface since ∼3 Ma. The modern foredeep is 132 080 km2 with fluvial megafan areas and volumes ranging from 6142 to 22 511 km2 and from 1511 to 3332 km3, respectively. Since Emborozú Formation deposition beginning 2.1 ± 0.2 Ma, the foreland has a fill of ∼6.4 × 104 km3. The volume and rate of deposition require that at least ∼40–60% of additional sediment be supplied beyond that incised from below the SJDO. The data also place a lower limit of ≥0.2 mm year−1 (perhaps ≥0.4 mm year−1) on the time‐ and space‐averaged source area denudation rate since ∼2–3 Ma. These rates are within the median range measured for the Neogene, but are up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than some observations, as well as analytic solutions for basin topography and stratigraphy using a two‐dimensional mathematical model of foreland basin evolution. Source‐to‐sink sediment budget analyses and associated interpretations must explicitly and quantitatively reconcile all available area, volume and rate observations because of their inherent imprecision and the potential for magnification when they are convolved.
Expression of c-MET in Invasive Meningioma

Background: Meningiomas show high recurrence rates even after curative tumor removal. The invasiveness of meningiomas may contribute to their high recurrence rates. Recently, c-MET and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) have been reported to be involved in cancer invasion. Methods: We examined the immunohistochemical expression of c-MET and HGF in 100 cases of patients with meningiomas who have undergone complete tumor removal. Results: c-MET-High and HGFHigh were found in 17% and 13% of meningiomas, respectively. Brain invasion was observed in 17.6% of c-MET-High meningiomas, but in only 2.4% of c-MET-Low meningiomas (p=.033). Bone/soft tissue invasion was observed in 23.5% of c-MET-High meningiomas and in 9.6% of c-MET-Low meningiomas (p=.119). HGF-High did not show statistical association with brain invasion or bone/soft tissue invasion. c-MET-High demonstrated shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS, 93.5±8.2 months vs 96.1±1.9 months); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=.139). There was no association of HGF-High with RFS. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that c- MET-High is associated with brain invasion of meningiomas, and that c-MET expression may be a useful predictive marker for meningioma recurrence. Patients with invasive meningiomas with high expressions of c-MET may be good candidates for targeted therapy using c-MET inhibitors.
Driver’s cognitive distraction detection using AdaBoost on pattern recognition basis

Detecting the mental and physical states which occur in a driver immediately before a traffic accident and then providing information to or warning the driver is an effective means of reducing traffic accidents. This study is focused on driver distraction, a state which can easily lead to traffic accidents, and reproduced this distraction in a driving simulator by providing conversation or arithmetic tasks to the subjects. Stereo cameras were used as the means to track subjectspsila eye and head movements. These movements were tracked and their standard deviations were set as classification features of pattern recognition, and the AdaBoost method was used to detect subject distraction. The interval between heart R-waves was also added as a classifier feature, in order to improve cognitive distraction detection performance. The results were then compared with the SVM method from the AIDE Project, which was carried out as part of the EU 6th Framework Programme.
Discovery of Very High Energy gamma-rays from 1ES 1011+496 at z=0.212

We report on the discovery of Very High Energy (VHE) gamma-ray emission from the BL Lacertae object 1ES1011+496. The observation was triggered by an optical outburst in March 2007 and the source was observed with the MAGIC telescope from March to May 2007. Observing for 18.7 hr we find an excess of 6.2 sigma with an integrated flux above 200 GeV of (1.58$\pm0.32) 10^{-11}$ photons cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. The VHE gamma-ray flux is >40% higher than in March-April 2006 (reported elsewhere), indicating that the VHE emission state may be related to the optical emission state. We have also determined the redshift of 1ES1011+496 based on an optical spectrum that reveals the absorption lines of the host galaxy. The redshift of z=0.212 makes 1ES1011+496 the most distant source observed to emit VHE gamma-rays up to date.
A comparative study of the failure mechanisms encountered in drop and large amplitude vibration tests

Drop tests are commonly used to study the reliability of components under shock loading conditions. However, to overcome some of the drawbacks inherent to drop testing systems, the applicability of large amplitude vibration test to reliability assessment has been investigated by comparing the vibration behaviors and failure modes of component boards in the two tests. The component boards and the drop test parameters are in accordance with the JESD22-B111 standard and the parameters of the vibration test are adjusted to produce equivalent loading. The drop and vibration tests were compared by evaluating first the loading conditions with the finite-element method as well as experimentally. The results show that by applying the harmonic vibration loadings to component boards at their natural resonance frequencies very similar loading to drop testing can be achieved even though there are some differences in the bending behavior of the boards during testing. The vibration amplitude was found to be the key parameter determining the type of failure mode in the vibration test. The failure modes in the vibration test were found to be the same as those in the drop test: failure of the reaction layers on the component and board side of the solder interconnections and failure of the resin coated copper layers of the printed wiring boards. In addition, failures of copper traces were observed in vibration tested assemblies. The cracking of the bulk solder was observed with small vibration amplitudes (2.3 mm), but the failure mode changed to intermetallic cracking -as in drop testing - once the vibration amplitude was increased to 4.7 mm. According to the results of this study the vibration test can be employed in studying failure modes and mechanisms under shock loading conditions
Wind retrievals under rain for passive satellite microwave radiometers and its application to hurricane tracking

We have developed an algorithm that retrieves wind speed under rain using C-band and X-band channels of passive microwave satellite radiometers. The spectral difference of the brightness temperature signals due to wind or rain allows to find channel combinations that are sufficiently sensitive to wind speed but little or not sensitive to rain. We have trained a statistical algorithm that applies under hurricane conditions and is able to measure wind speeds in hurricanes to an estimated accuracy of about 2 m/s. We have also developed a global algorithm, that is less accurate but can be applied under all conditions. Its estimated accuracy is between 2 and 5 m/s, depending on wind speed and rain rate. We also extend the wind speed region in our model for the wind induced sea surface emissivity from currently 20 m/s to 40 m/s. The data indicate that the signal starts to saturate above 30 m/s. Finally, we make an assessment of the performance of wind direction retrievals from polarimetric radiometers as function of wind speed and rain rate.
Local Policy Networks and Agricultural Watershed Management

This article emphasizes the critical role of local policy networks for the implementation of agricultural watershed management and the adoption of environmental best management practices. Local networks facilitate diffusion of innovations, the development of social capital, and cultural change. All of these elements are essential for the ability of watershed management programs to successfully solve the water quality collective action problems caused by agricultural nonpoint source pollution. Analyses of survey data from 408 orchard growers in California's Sacramento River watershed demonstrate that exposure to policy networks substantially increases the probability of adopting environmental practices. These findings have important implications for public administration and policies where implementation depends on widespread cooperation and the development of networks with public agencies.
The pan‐caspase inhibitor Emricasan (IDN‐6556) decreases liver injury and fibrosis in a murine model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis

Hepatocyte apoptosis, the hallmark of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) contributes to liver injury and fibrosis. Although, both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of NASH, the final common step of apoptosis is executed by a family of cysteine‐proteases termed caspases. Thus, our aim was to ascertain if administration of Emricasan, a pan‐caspase inhibitor, ameliorates liver injury and fibrosis in a murine model of NASH.
miR‐302b regulates cell cycles by targeting CDK2 via ERK signaling pathway in gastric cancer

To investigate the molecular mechanism of miR‐302b in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation in gastric cancer. Samples of tumor and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 30 gastric cancer patients. Bioinformatics and the dual luciferase report were used for verification of the relationship between miR‐302b expression and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). RT‐PCR and western blot were used to examine CDK2 mRNA and protein levels. The impacts of miR‐302b on CDK2 expression and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway were assessed in cells transfected with miR‐302b analogs and CDK2 overexpression carrier, respectively. We used 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) to assay gastric cancer cell growth after transfection, flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle. Compared with normal tissues, miR‐302b expression was significantly lower in gastric cancer tissues, which was significantly related to lymph node metastasis, metastasis distance, and TNM staging. miR‐302b expression was increased in miR‐302b mimics transfected cells and was significantly decreased in miR‐302b inhibitors transfected cells. CDK2 is a target gene of miR‐302b. Decreased miR‐302b and increased CDK2 expressions can significantly promote proliferation and G1/S phase transformation in gastric cancer. miR‐302b promoted the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through upregulation of CDK2, thereby inhibiting ERK pathway, which can in turn inhibit the promoting ability of miR‐302b on proliferation. The upregulation of miR‐302b reduced the expression of CDK2, and inhibited ERK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and G1/S phase conversion rate. Therefore, miR‐302b provides new perspectives for research of cell regulation and proliferation in gastric cancer, and new targets for gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Establishment and transformation diminish the ability of fibroblasts to contract a native collagen gel

Cultures of established and transformed fibroblasts were less able to contract a hydrated collagen gel than normal precrisis cells. Postcrisis fibroblasts from different rodent strains and species underwent a further reduction in contraction ability and either spontaneous or simian virus 40 (SV40) transformation. Human precrisis fibroblasts contracted much more efficiently than two SV40-transformed human lines. Fibroblasts from a patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia were intermediate between all other human fibroblasts assayed and the SV40-transformed human lines. The absolute efficiency of contraction was dependent on temperature and serum concentration, but no conditions were found that resulted in equal efficiencies for the three types of cells. Precrisis cells were extremely sensitive to the passage procedures when assayed for collagen contraction.
An Exploratory Analysis of Browsing Behavior of Web News on Twitter

Twitter, a most popular micro-blog, serves more as a news medium than a social networking service. It attracts more and more Web users to access/share news and stimulates news recommendation on social Web. However, the difference between news access and sharing on Twitter is almost not considered seriously. In this paper, we exploratively study the news browsing behavior on Twitter comparing to usual Web based on the analysis of some data sets, which contains the net view data, twitter data, and Web news. We explain the different trends of users' information acquisition between these two news media, and present possible influences brought to current news recommendation mechanism on Twitter.
Genetic Interactions in Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts in Europe—EUROCRAN Study

Background Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (nsCL±P) and nonsyndromic cleft palate (nsCP) are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. We investigated gene-environment and gene-gene joint effects in a large multicenter study of case-parent triads. Methods The nsCL±P or nsCP triads were recruited in 11 European countries between 2001 and 2005. We collected DNA samples from infants and from their mothers and fathers, and mothers completed a questionnaire on exposures, including smoking and folic acid supplement use during pregnancy. We used log-linear regression to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between nsCL±P or nsCP and variants in MTHFR, MTHFD1, TGFA, SATB2, and MSX1, stratifying by environmental or genetic factors. Results We obtained genotype and exposure data for 728 nsCL±P triads and 292 nsCP triads. In male infants, there was no association between the mother's homozygous MSX1 p(CA) ∗4/∗4 genotype and nsCL±P (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.63–1.54), but this maternal genotype resulted in a doubling of risk for female infants (RR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.13–4.34). There was evidence suggestive of gene-gene joint-effects between MTHFR-TGFA for nsCP but not for nsCL±P. Conclusion Although we chose the genes and their variants and putative joint effects based on associations previously reported in the literature, we replicated few associations. These results do not provide evidence supporting associations between these genes and oral clefts in European populations, although gene-environment and gene-gene interactions could play a role in oral cleft etiology.
Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease

Department of Renal Medicine, Auckland City Hospital and Department of Medicine, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Renal Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, The George Institute for Global Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; and Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Strokology, Kyushu University Hospital, Kyushu, Japan
Hardware-Accelerated Cross-Architecture Full-System Virtualization

Hardware virtualization solutions provide users with benefits ranging from application isolation through server consolidation to improved disaster recovery and faster server provisioning. While hardware assistance for virtualization is supported by all major processor architectures, including Intel, ARM, PowerPC, and MIPS, these extensions are targeted at virtualization of the same architecture, for example, an x86 guest on an x86 host system. Existing techniques for cross-architecture virtualization, for example, an ARM guest on an x86 host, still incur a substantial overhead for CPU, memory, and I/O virtualization due to the necessity for software emulation of these mismatched system components. In this article, we present a new hardware-accelerated hypervisor called Captive, employing a range of novel techniques that exploit existing hardware virtualization extensions for improving the performance of full-system cross-platform virtualization. We illustrate how (1) guest memory management unit (MMU) events and operations can be mapped onto host memory virtualization extensions, eliminating the need for costly software MMU emulation, (2) a block-based dynamic binary translation engine inside the virtual machine can improve CPU virtualization performance, (3) memory-mapped guest I/O can be efficiently translated to fast I/O specific calls to emulated devices, and (4) the cost for asynchronous guest interrupts can be reduced. For an ARM-based Linux guest system running on an x86 host with Intel VT support, we demonstrate application performance levels, based on SPEC CPU2006 benchmarks, of up to 5.88× over state-of-the-art Qemu and 2.5× on average, achieving a guest dynamic instruction throughput of up to 1280 MIPS (million instructions per second) and 915.52 MIPS, on average.
An Empirical Comparison of Parsing Methods for Stanford Dependencies

Stanford typed dependencies are a widely desired representation of natural language sentences, but parsing is one of the major computational bottlenecks in text analysis systems. In light of the evolving definition of the Stanford dependencies and developments in statistical dependency parsing algorithms, this paper revisits the question of Cer et al. (2010): what is the tradeoff between accuracy and speed in obtaining Stanford dependencies in particular? We also explore the effects of input representations on this tradeoff: part-of-speech tags, the novel use of an alternative dependency representation as input, and distributional representaions of words. We find that direct dependency parsing is a more viable solution than it was found to be in the past. An accompanying software release can be found at: this http URL
Distributed greedy scheduling for multihop wireless networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of scheduling in multihop wireless networks subject to interference constraints. We consider a graph based representation of wireless networks, where scheduled links adhere to the K-hop link interference model. We develop a distributed greedy heuristic for this scheduling problem. Further, we show that this distributed greedy heuristic computes the exact same schedule as the centralized greedy heuristic.
Euthanasia endorsed in Dutch patient with dementia

A doctor in the Netherlands has not been prosecuted for helping an elderly patient with vascular dementia to die. The psychiatric patient was considered to have been competent to request assisted suicide and the procedure was judged to be medically and legally sound. The facts were reported in a rare case history in a Dutch medical journal (Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 1999;143:17). Dutch law states that doctors can avoid prosecution for assisted suicide only if their patient has persistently made …
Aflatoxin B1 invokes apoptosis via death receptor pathway in hepatocytes

The fungal metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus cause detrimental health effects on humans and animals. Particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most studied and a well-known global carcinogen, producing hepatotoxic, genotoxic and immunotoxic effects in multiple species. AFB1 is shown to provoke liver dysfunctioning by causing hepatocytes apoptosis and disturbing cellular enzymatic activities. In liver, AFB1 causes apoptosis via extrinsic mechanism because of high expression of death receptor pathway. The detailed mechanism of AFB1 induced hepatocytes apoptosis, via death receptor pathway still remains elusive. So the present study was conducted to explore apoptotic mechanism initiated by death receptors and associated genes in aflatoxin B1 induced liver apoptosis in chickens fed with AFB1 for 3 weeks. Results from the present study displayed histopathological and ultrastructural changes in liver such as hydropic degeneration, fatty vacuolar degeneration and proliferation of bile duct in hepatocytes in AFB1 group, along with imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense system upon AFB1 ingestion. Moreover, AFB1 intoxicated chickens showed upregulation of death receptors FAS, TNFR1 and associated genes and downregulation of inhibitory apoptotic proteins XIAP and BCL-2. The results obtained from this novel and comprehensive study including histopathological, ultrastructural, flow cytometrical and death receptor pathway gene expression profiles, will facilitate better understanding of mechanisms and involvement of death receptor pathway in hepatocytes apoptosis induced by AFB1 and ultimately may be helpful in bringing down the toxigenic potential of AFB1.