Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Sharpness Dependent Approach to 3D Polygon Mesh Hole Filling

A sharpness dependent hole ﬁlling approach is proposed in this paper. The proposed method can ﬁll the hole of a mesh-based model and recover its sharp feature located at the hole area. Interpolation based on radial basis function is applied to create a smooth implicit surface and this surface can approximate the shape of the missed data. Then, a regularized marching tetrahedral algorithm is adopted to triangulate the above implicit surface and to produce a polygonal hole patch. A repaired mesh model is obtained by stitching the hole patch and the hole boundary of the original model. Finally, a feature enhancement process is applied if there exists a sharp feature on the hole boundary of the original model. The introduction of a sharpness dependent ﬁlter enhances the sharp feature of a hole-ﬁlled model. Experiment results show that our approach can produce excellent reparation results especially for recovering sharp feature.
Nonlinear observer for GNSS-aided inertial navigation with quaternion-based attitude estimation

For applications with limited computational capacity, observers designed based on nonlinear stability theory offer an alternative to computationally demanding extended Kalman filters. In this paper, we present a semiglobally stable nonlinear observer for estimating position, velocity, attitude, and gyro bias by combining a GNSS receiver with an inertial measurement unit including a magnetometer. Previous work by the authors on this topic was based on local navigation equations that ignored the Earth's rotation and curvature. Moreover, the attitude was represented by an over-parameterized 9-degrees-of-freedom matrix. The current paper improves on these aspects by using navigation equations that take the Earth's rotation and curvature into account, and by representing the attitude estimate as a unit quaternion. Furthermore, the observer is tested experimentally on data from a light fixed-wing aircraft.
Reinforcement Learning based Embodied Agents Modelling Human Users Through Interaction and Multi-Sensory Perception

This paper extends recent work in interactive machine learning (IML) focused on effectively incorporating human feedback. We show how control and feedback signals complement each other in systems which model human reward. We demonstrate that simultaneously incorporating human control and feedback signals can improve interactive robotic systems' performance on a self-mirrored movement control task where an RL-agent controlled right arm attempts to match the preprogrammed movement pattern of the left arm. We illustrate the impact of varying human feedback parameters on task performance by investigating the probability of giving feedback on each time step and the likelihood of given feedback being correct. We further illustrate that varying the temporal decay with which the agent incorporates human feedback has a significant impact on task performance. We found that smearing human feedback over time steps improves performance and we show varying the probability of feedback at each time step, and an increased likelihood of those feedbacks being 'correct' can impact agent performance. We conclude that understanding latent variables in human feedback is crucial for learning algorithms acting in human-machine interaction domains.
Founding FireWire bridges through Promela prototyping

The standardisation procedure of the IEEE P1394.1 Draft Standard for High Performance Serial Bus Bridges is supported through the use of the state-of-the-art model checker Spin, which has been used to simulate the complex net update procedure of the standard, and the use of which will eventually be refined to obtain a solid model checking analysis of the standard. A concise description of net updates is formalised in terms of spanning trees, and it is shown how Spin was used to track down errors in the standard and to gather support for the solutions proposed.
Population Analysis of Weight-, Age-, and Sex-Related Differences in the Pharmacokinetics of Lopinavir in Children from Birth to 18 Years

ABSTRACT The pharmacokinetics of lopinavir were investigated by the use of a population approach performed with the nonlinear mixed effect modeling program NONMEM and 157 children ranging in age from 3 days to 18 years. The pharmacokinetics of lopinavir were well described by a one-compartment model in which the absorption and the elimination rate constants were equal. Typical population estimates of the apparent volume of distribution (V/F) and plasma clearance (CL/F) were 24.6 liters and 2.58 liters/h, respectively. The lopinavir V/F and CL/F were both related to body weight (BW), with an important increase in weight-normalized CL/F for the lowest BW. Combined treatment with lopinavir and nevirapine was found to increase the CL/F. The lopinavir CL/F was also age and sex related, as a 39% increase was observed after the age of 12 years for boys compared to the CL/F for girls. The consequences of these pharmacokinetic discrepancies and the necessity to modify the currently recommended dosage regimen should be further investigated.
High fat diet induces dysregulation of hepatic oxygen gradients and mitochondrial function in vivo

NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), associated with obesity and the cardiometabolic syndrome, is an important medical problem affecting up to 20% of western populations. Evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in NAFLD initiation and progression to the more serious condition of NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Herein we hypothesize that mitochondrial defects induced by exposure to a HFD (high fat diet) contribute to a hypoxic state in liver and this is associated with increased protein modification by RNS (reactive nitrogen species). To test this concept, C57BL/6 mice were pair-fed a control diet and HFD containing 35% and 71% total calories (1 cal≈4.184 J) from fat respectively, for 8 or 16 weeks and liver hypoxia, mitochondrial bioenergetics, NO (nitric oxide)-dependent control of respiration, and 3-NT (3-nitrotyrosine), a marker of protein modification by RNS, were examined. Feeding a HFD for 16 weeks induced NASH-like pathology accompanied by elevated triacylglycerols, increased CYP2E1 (cytochrome P450 2E1) and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) protein, and significantly enhanced hypoxia in the pericentral region of the liver. Mitochondria from the HFD group showed increased sensitivity to NO-dependent inhibition of respiration compared with controls. In addition, accumulation of 3-NT paralleled the hypoxia gradient in vivo and 3-NT levels were increased in mitochondrial proteins. Liver mitochondria from mice fed the HFD for 16 weeks exhibited depressed state 3 respiration, uncoupled respiration, cytochrome c oxidase activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings indicate that chronic exposure to a HFD negatively affects the bioenergetics of liver mitochondria and this probably contributes to hypoxic stress and deleterious NO-dependent modification of mitochondrial proteins.
On the origin of the ultramassive white dwarf GD50

We argue on the basis of astrometric and spectroscopic data that the ultramassive white dwarf GD50 is associated with the star formation event that created the Pleiades and is possibly a former member of this cluster. Its cooling age (�60Myrs) is consistent with it having evolved essentially as a single star from a progenitor with a mass M>6M⊙ so we find no need to invoke a white dwarf-white dwarf binary merger scenario to account for its existence. This result may represent the first direct observational evi dence that single star evolution can produce white dwarfs with M>1.1M⊙, as predicted by some stellar evolutionary theories. On the basis of its tangential velocity we also provisionally i dentify the ultramassive (M�1.2M⊙) white dwarf PG0136+251 as being related to the Pleiades. These findings may help to alleviate the difficulties in reconciling the observed number of ho t nearby ultramassive white dwarfs with the smaller number predicted by binary evolution models under the assumption that they are the products of white dwarf mergers.
Female social relationships in a captive group of Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli campbelli)

A study group of Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus c. campbelli) provided data on affiliative and agonistic relationships between females. Over a period of two years (involving 111 hr), we conducted observations of a captive group which had a composition similar to wild groups. We were able to identify a monitor‐adjust social system with frequent affiliative interactions, directed gazing and avoidances rather than aggressive acts. We described long‐term differentiated affiliative bonds: adult females interacting more often with some group mates than others, especially if they were relatives. Interactions between matrilines concerned essentially play and young adult females. We found a significant linear hierarchy of dominance with rare reversals and a stable intermatriline dominance. In contrast to other single‐male groups, our adult male was socially integrated into the group although this may have been because of the housing conditions. Comparisons with the social organization of other captive and wild guenon groups are discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1161–1170, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships Between Macroinvertebrate Communities and Environmental Characteristics of Headwater Streams in Central Louisiana

ix INTRODUCTION . 1 LITERATURE REVIEW . 5 Biological Indicators of Stream Health . 5 Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Water Quality . 7 Importance of Headwater Streams for Macroinvertebrates . 9 Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Macroinvertebrates . 11 Association between Macroinvertebrates and DO . 13 METHODS . 18 Study Area . 18 Study Design and Monitoring Locations . 21 Macroinvertebrate Sampling . 27 Taxonomic Identification . 29 Water Quality and Habitat Measurements . 29 Biological Metrics . 32 Statistical Analyses . 34 Exploratory Analysis . 34 Overall Spatial and Seasonal Patterns . 34 Perennial versus Intermittent Streams . 35 DO and Benthic Community . 35 RESULTS . 37 Benthic Community Description . 37 Abundance and Richness . 37 Biological Indices . 38 Functional Feeding Groups . 40 Environmental Variables and the Macroinvertebrate Community . 42 Seasonal Variation. 42 Spatial Variation . 46 Intermittent and Perennial Differences . 46 DO Levels and Metrics . 48 DISCUSSION . 51 Watershed-Wide Characteristics of Macroinvertebrates . 51
Qualitative Evaluation of Project P.A.T.H.S.: An Integration of Findings Based on Program Participants

An integration of the qualitative evaluation findings collected in different cohorts of students who participated in Project P.A. T.H. S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) (n = 252 students in 29 focus groups) was carried out. With specific focus on how the informants described the program, results showed that the descriptions were mainly positive in nature, suggesting that the program was well received by the program participants. When the informants were invited to name three metaphors that could stand for the program, positive metaphors were commonly used. Beneficial effects of the program in different psychosocial domains were also voiced by the program participants. The qualitative findings integrated in this paper provide further support for the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A. T.H. S. in promoting holistic development in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.
Hazardous Effects of Petrochemical Industries: A Review

The petrochemicals sector is a major segment of manufacturing industry as it has several connections with other sectors of an economy. Petroleum distillates (petrochemicals) are any of a large group of chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas either by direct manufacture or indirect manufacture as by-products which are used commercially. Oil and natural gas are supposed to be the main sources for most petrochemicals because they are economical and readily accessible [1]. Manufacturing of petrochemical products requires about 5% of the oil and gas each year. Petrochemicals share nearly 40 per cent of world chemicals market [2]. Petrochemicals play a major role in today’s society as they are essential for food, clothing, shelter and leisure. The petrochemicals are used in many industries like polymers, synthetic fibers, synthetic rubber, plastics, soaps and detergents, solvents, drugs, fertilizers, pesticides, explosives, paints, and flooring and insulating materials. Petrochemicals are found in distinct products as aspirin, polyester clothes, luggage, boats, automobiles, air craft and recording discs and tapes. Lubricating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, LPG and jet fuel are not included in petrochemicals as these are not chemical compounds but are mixtures of hydrocarbons [3,4]. Applications of Petrochemicals
The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells for macular degeneration as a drug screening platform: identification of curcumin as a protective agent for retinal pigment epithelial cells against oxidative stress

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one retinal aging process that may lead to irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but oxidative stress inducing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells damage is perhaps responsible for the aging sequence of retina and may play an important role in macular degeneration. In this study, we have reprogrammed T cells from patients with dry type AMD into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via integration-free episomal vectors and differentiated them into RPE cells that were used as an expandable platform for investigating pathogenesis of the AMD and in-vitro drug screening. These patient-derived RPEs with the AMD-associated background (AMD-RPEs) exhibited reduced antioxidant ability, compared with normal RPE cells. Among several screened candidate drugs, curcumin caused most significant reduction of ROS in AMD-RPEs. Pre-treatment of curcumin protected these AMD-RPEs from H2O2-induced cell death and also increased the cytoprotective effect against the oxidative stress of H2O2 through the reduction of ROS levels. In addition, curcumin with its versatile activities modulated the expression of many oxidative stress-regulating genes such as PDGF, VEGF, IGFBP-2, HO1, SOD2, and GPX1. Our findings indicated that the RPE cells derived from AMD patients have decreased antioxidative defense, making RPE cells more susceptible to oxidative damage and thereby leading to AMD formation. Curcumin represented an ideal drug that can effectively restore the neuronal functions in AMD patient-derived RPE cells, rendering this drug an effective option for macular degeneration therapy and an agent against aging-associated oxidative stress.
Bilateral ankle oedema in a patient taking escitalopram

Escitalopram (ESC) is the S-isomer of the racemic compound citalopram, and has been shown to be an efficacious treatment for major depressive disorder. Several studies or case reports are available describing its side effects, none of which however refer to its potential to induce ankle oedema. We report the case of a 69-year-old female depressed patient who, after approximately 1 month of therapy with ESC, progressively titrated up to 30 mg/day, developed a bilateral ankle oedema, which resolved completely within the first week following its discontinuation.
Anti-message Logging based Check pointing Algorithm for Mobile Distributed Systems

Checkpointing is one of the commonly used techniques to provide fault tolerance in distributed systems so that the system can operate even if one or more components have failed. However, mobile computing systems are constrained by low bandwidth, mobility, lack of stable storage, frequent disconnections and limited battery life. Hence checkpointing protocols which have fewer checkpoints are preferred in mobile environment. In this paper, we propose a minimum-process coordinated Checkpointing algorithm for checkpointing deterministic distributed applications on mobile systems. We eliminate useless checkpoints as well as blocking of processes during checkpoints at the cost of logging anti-messages of very few messages during Checkpointing. We also try to minimize the loss of checkpointing effort.
Resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidative stress and activates the Akt pathway in type 2 diabetic patients.

Although resveratrol has widely been studied for its potential health benefits, little is known about its metabolic effects in humans. Our aims were to determine whether the polyphenol resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients and to gain some insight into the mechanism of its action. After an initial general examination (including blood chemistry), nineteen patients enrolled in the 4-week-long double-blind study were randomly assigned into two groups: a resveratrol group receiving oral 2 × 5 mg resveratrol and a control group receiving placebo. Before and after the second and fourth weeks of the trial, insulin resistance/sensitivity, creatinine-normalised ortho-tyrosine level in urine samples (as a measure of oxidative stress), incretin levels and phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt):protein kinase B (Akt) ratio in platelets were assessed and statistically analysed. After the fourth week, resveratrol significantly decreased insulin resistance (homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance) and urinary ortho-tyrosine excretion, while it increased the pAkt:Akt ratio in platelets. On the other hand, it had no effect on parameters that relate to β-cell function (i.e. homeostasis model of assessment of β-cell function). The present study shows for the first time that resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity in humans, which might be due to a resveratrol-induced decrease in oxidative stress that leads to a more efficient insulin signalling via the Akt pathway.
Does Co-Morbid Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Modify the Abnormal Language Processing in Schizophrenia Patients? An fMRI Study

Background: Impaired language processing is one of the most replicated findings in functional brain studies of schizophrenia (SCH). This is demonstrated by reduced activations in left prefrontal language areas (i.e., BA44/45, the inferior frontal gyrus, IFG) presented as decreased language lateralization. This finding was documented both in chronic as well as in first-episode SCH patients, arguing for a neurobiological marker for SCH. In a previous study, we demonstrated the specificity of this finding to SCH patients when compared to obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients in whom language processing was similar to healthy controls. Since a sizable proportion of SCH patients also meet DSM-IV criteria for OCD, we further sought to elucidate whether OCD attenuates abnormal prefrontal language lateralization in this unique group of schizo-obsessive patients compared to their non-OCD-SCH counterparts. Methods: We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate regional activation and language lateralization in the left and right IFG and inter-hemispheric functional connectivity (FC) during a language task of auditory verb generation in 14 SCH patients with OCD, compared to 17 SCH patients without OCD, 13 OCD patients and 14 healthy controls. Results: No between-group differences were found in the behavioral measurements of word generation. However, while OCD patients were indistinguishable from healthy volunteers, a similarly reduced lateralization in the IFG and diminished inter-hemispheric FC was noted in the two SCH groups with and without OCD. Conclusion: The co-occurrence of OCD in SCH does not attenuate abnormal processing of language as reflected by regional IFG activity and FC. These results further support the notion that these language processing abnormalities are characteristic of SCH and that SCH–OCD combined psychopathology is more akin to SCH than to OCD.
Object-Oriented Drawing

We present Object-Oriented Drawing, which replaces most WIMP UI with Attribute Objects. Attribute Objects embody the attributes of digital content as UI objects that can be manipulated through direct touch gestures. In the paper, the fundamental UI concepts are presented, including Attribute Objects, which may be moved, cloned, linked, and freely associated with drawing objects. Other functionalities, such as attribute-level blending and undo, are also demonstrated. We developed a drawing application based on the presented concepts with simultaneous touch and pen input. An expert assessment of our application shows that direct physical manipulation of Attribute Objects enables a user to quickly perform interactions which were previously tedious, or even impossible, with a coherent and consistent interaction experience throughout the entire interface.
Adaptive control of virtualized resources in utility computing environments

Data centers are often under-utilized due to over-provisioning as well as time-varying resource demands of typical enterprise applications. One approach to increase resource utilization is to consolidate applications in a shared infrastructure using virtualization. Meeting application-level quality of service (QoS) goals becomes a challenge in a consolidated environment as application resource needs differ. Furthermore, for multi-tier applications, the amount of resources needed to achieve their QoS goals might be different at each tier and may also depend on availability of resources in other tiers. In this paper, we develop an adaptive resource control system that dynamically adjusts the resource shares to individual tiers in order to meet application-level QoS goals while achieving high resource utilization in the data center. Our control system is developed using classical control theory, and we used a black-box system modeling approach to overcome the absence of first principle models for complex enterprise applications and systems. To evaluate our controllers, we built a testbed simulating a virtual data center using Xen virtual machines. We experimented with two multi-tier applications in this virtual data center: a two-tier implementation of RUBiS, an online auction site, and a two-tier Java implementation of TPC-W. Our results indicate that the proposed control system is able to maintain high resource utilization and meets QoS goals in spite of varying resource demands from the applications.
Estimating effective impervious area in urban watersheds using land cover, soil character and asymptotic curve number

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the effective impervious area (EIA) or the degree to which impervious surfaces are hydraulically connected to the drainage system is useful for improving hydrological and environmental models and assessing the effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure in urban watersheds. The goal of this research is to develop a method to estimate EIA fraction in urban watersheds using readily available data. Since EIA is dependent on rainfall–runoff response and cannot be solely determined based on the physical characteristics of a watershed, the EIA is linked with the asymptotic curve number (CN), a watershed index that represents runoff characteristics. In order for the method to be applicable to ungauged watersheds, the asymptotic CN is predicted using land cover and soil data from 35 urban catchments in Minnesota and Texas, USA. Similar data from 11 other urban catchments in Wisconsin and Texas, USA, are used to validate the results. A set of runoff depth versus EIA fraction curves is also developed to assess the impact of EIA reduction on discharge from an urban watershed in land-use planning studies.