Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mesh editing with poisson-based gradient field manipulation

In this paper, we introduce a novel approach to mesh editing with the Poisson equation as the theoretical foundation. The most distinctive feature of this approach is that it modifies the original mesh geometry implicitly through gradient field manipulation. Our approach can produce desirable and pleasing results for both global and local editing operations, such as deformation, object merging, and smoothing. With the help from a few novel interactive tools, these operations can be performed conveniently with a small amount of user interaction. Our technique has three key components, a basic mesh solver based on the Poisson equation, a gradient field manipulation scheme using local transforms, and a generalized boundary condition representation based on local frames. Experimental results indicate that our framework can outperform previous related mesh editing techniques.
F0 range and peak alignment across speakers and emotions

We present an analysis of F0 range and peak alignment in emotional speech from a heterogeneous group of speakers varying in age and gender. Both speaker and emotion had a strong effect on F0 range. Despite these large changes in the F0 trajectory, peak alignment was remarkably stable. Using the Linear Alignment Model (LAM) [1], we show that the effects on alignment of emotion and speaker differences, although statistically significant, are small. This stability results in a conclusion that peak alignment, unlike F0 range, does not appear to carry much information about speaker identity or emotional state. The LAM is effective in that it explains 42% of the variance in peak location on average, and furthermore it predicts the time of F0 peaks with an average RMS error of 12ms.
Multidimensional Measurement of Household Water Poverty in a Mumbai Slum: Looking Beyond Water Quality

Objective A focus on bacterial contamination has limited many studies of water service delivery in slums, with diarrheal illness being the presumed outcome of interest. We conducted a mixed methods study in a slum of 12,000 people in Mumbai, India to measure deficiencies in a broader array of water service delivery indicators and their adverse life impacts on the slum’s residents. Methods Six focus group discussions and 40 individual qualitative interviews were conducted using purposeful sampling. Quantitative data on water indicators—quantity, access, price, reliability, and equity—were collected via a structured survey of 521 households selected using population-based random sampling. Results In addition to negatively affecting health, the qualitative findings reveal that water service delivery failures have a constellation of other adverse life impacts—on household economy, employment, education, quality of life, social cohesion, and people’s sense of political inclusion. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, price of water is the factor most strongly associated with use of inadequate water quantity (≤20 liters per capita per day). Water service delivery failures and their adverse impacts vary based on whether households fetch water or have informal water vendors deliver it to their homes. Conclusions Deficiencies in water service delivery are associated with many non-health-related adverse impacts on slum households. Failure to evaluate non-health outcomes may underestimate the deprivation resulting from inadequate water service delivery. Based on these findings, we outline a multidimensional definition of household “water poverty” that encourages policymakers and researchers to look beyond evaluation of water quality and health. Use of multidimensional water metrics by governments, slum communities, and researchers may help to ensure that water supplies are designed to advance a broad array of health, economic, and social outcomes for the urban poor.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

BACKGROUND This review aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence for barriers and facilitators to effective implementation of screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse in adults and children over 10 years. METHODS A search of medical and social science databases was carried out and augmented by hand-searching of reference lists and contents of key journals. Qualitative evidence was synthesized thematically. RESULTS A total of 47 papers varying in design and quality were included in the review. Most evaluated implementation in primary care settings. Implementation was reported to be limited by lack of resources, training and support from management, as well as workload. The appropriateness of context in which discussions take place was reported as an acceptability factor for patients and practitioners. Health professionals require sufficient knowledge about alcohol guidelines and risk in order to implement screening and intervention to those most in need. CONCLUSIONS Whilst brief screening and brief intervention have been shown to be effective in some settings, this review has identified a number of barriers and facilitators to implementation. Adequate resources, training and the identification of those at risk without stereotyping are the main facilitators in primary care. More research is needed to assess implementation in other settings.
Storage hexamer utilization in Manduca sexta

Abstract In preparing for metamorphosis insects store in their hemolymph and fat bodies a major nutrient reserve of 500-kDa hexamerins. At least three hexamerins serve this function in Lepidoptera, including arylphorin (ArH) and two high methionine proteins (M-MtH and V-MtH). Six day-old adults of Manduca sexta are shown here to have consumed over 99% of their pupal reserves of ArH and in the case of males, 99.8% of M- and V-MtH. In support of egg formation, however, females at this stage retain over 25% of their pupal reserves of the high methionine proteins. Demonstrated here are three factors contributing to the methionine protein reserves in day-6 adult females. (1) Pupal stores of the methionine proteins average 1.67 times larger in females than in males. (2) A fraction of this pupal store remains undiminished during pharate adult development: centrifugation of homogenates partitions the hexamerins into a fraction that is soluble in PBS and a smaller, particle-associated fraction that is not. Pharate adults consume most of the soluble fraction and relatively little of the particulate fraction, which then constitutes over half of the methionine protein reserves of post-eclosion females. (3) Both soluble and particle-associated reserves double in the week following eclosion and this suggests that adult females may resume the synthesis of V- and M-MtH. Though differing in amino acid sequence and antigenic properties, V-MtH and M-MtH showed no significant differences in their storage and utilization profiles. ArH arylphorin M-MtH moderately high methionine hexamerin PBS phosphate buffered saline V-MtH very high methionine hexamerin Vg vitellogenin
Ground plane estimation from sparse LIDAR data for loader crane sensor fusion system

Research on the development of control systems for loader cranes, despite their importance in the industry, is conducted by only a few scientific centers. West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin in collaboration with loader cranes manufacturer — Cargotec company, started research on the multisensory monitoring system for cranes. proposed system also allows you to track the position of the operator. This paper presents the subsystem for ground plane estimation and ground points filtration. The developed algorithm uses data from the Velo dyne LIDAR VLP-16 scanner. The subsystem is designed for real time operation. It is based on the RANSAC algorithm and vector dot product. The effectiveness of the algorithm was compared with other algorithms described in this publication. Tests were carried out on a loader crane test bench at various positions of the LIDAR sensor. Experiments confirms that ground plane estimation results of the proposed algorithm are better than other presented methods.
Temperature‐dependence of shortening velocity and rate of isometric tension development in rat skeletal muscle

1. The temperature‐dependence of the maximum velocity of shortening and of the maximum rate of isometric tension development were examined in a rat fast twitch muscle, extensor digitorum longus (e.d.l.), and a slow twitch muscle, soleus, in vitro and with direct stimulation. The temperature range was 35‐20 °C.
Apolipoprotein E: Isoform Specific Differences in Tertiary Structure and Interaction with Amyloid-β in Human Alzheimer Brain

We applied a novel application of FLIM-FRET to in situ measurement and quantification of protein interactions to explore isoform specific differences in Aβ-ApoE interaction and ApoE tertiary conformation in senile plaques in human Alzheimer brain. ApoE3 interacts more closely with Aβ than ApoE4, but a greater proportion of Aβ molecules within plaques are decorated with ApoE4 than ApoE3, lending strong support to the hypothesis that isoform specific differences in ApoE are linked with Aβ deposition. We found an increased number of ApoE N-terminal fragments in ApoE4 plaques, consistent with the observation that ApoE4 is more easily cleaved than ApoE3. In addition, we measured a small but significant isoform specific difference in ApoE domain interaction. Based on our in situ data, supported by traditional biochemical data, we propose a pathway by which isoform specific conformational differences increase the level of cleavage at the hinge region of ApoE4, leading to a loss of ApoE function to mediate clearance of Aβ and thereby increase the risk of AD for carriers of the APOEε4 allele.
Reconstruction of Cluster Masses Using Particle Based Lensing. I. Application to Weak Lensing

We present Particle Based Lensing (PBL), a new technique for gravitational lensing mass reconstructions of galaxy clusters. Traditionally, most methods have employed either a finite inversion or gridding to turn observational lensed galaxy ellipticities into an estimate of the surface mass density of a galaxy cluster. We approach the problem from a different perspective, motivated by the success of multiscale analysis in smoothed particle hydrodynamics. In PBL we treat each of the lensed galaxies as a particle and then reconstruct the potential by smoothing over a local kernel with variable smoothing scale. In this way, we can tune a reconstruction to produce a constant signal-to-noise ratio throughout and maximally exploit regions of high information density. PBL is designed to include all lensing observables, including multiple image positions and fluxes from strong lensing, as well as weak-lensing signals including shear and flexion. In this paper, however, we describe a shear-only reconstruction and apply the method to several test cases, including simulated lensing clusters, as well as the well-studied “Bullet Cluster” (1E 0657–56). In the former cases, we show that PBL is better able to identify cusps and substructures than are grid-based reconstructions, and in the latter case, we show that PBL is able to identify substructure in the Bullet Cluster without even exploiting strong-lensing measurements. We also make our codes publicly available.
Vaginal Microbiota of Women with Frequent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

ABSTRACT Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an insidious infection that afflicts a large proportion of women of all ages, and 5 to 8% of affected women experience recurrent VVC (RVVC). The aim of this study was to explore the possible importance of vaginal bacterial communities in reducing the risk of RVVC. The species composition and diversity of microbial communities were evaluated for 42 women with and without frequent VVC based on profiles of terminal restriction fragment polymorphisms of 16S rRNA genes and phylogenetic analysis of cloned 16S rRNA gene sequences from the numerically dominant microbial populations. The data showed that there were no significant differences between the vaginal microbial communities of women in the two groups (likelihood score, 5.948; bootstrap P value, 0.26). Moreover, no novel bacteria were found in the communities of women with frequent VVC. The vaginal communities of most women in both groups (38/42; 90%) were dominated by species of Lactobacillus. The results of this study failed to provide evidence for the existence of altered or unusual vaginal bacterial communities in women who have frequent VVC compared to women who do not have frequent VVC. The findings suggest that commensal vaginal bacterial species may not be able to prevent VVC.
Host Differences in Influenza-Specific CD4 T Cell and B Cell Responses Are Modulated by Viral Strain and Route of Immunization

The antibody response to influenza infection is largely dependent on CD4 T cell help for B cells. Cognate signals and secreted factors provided by CD4 T cells drive B cell activation and regulate antibody isotype switching for optimal antiviral activity. Recently, we analyzed HLA-DR1 transgenic (DR1) mice and C57BL/10 (B10) mice after infection with influenza virus A/New Caledonia/20/99 (NC) and defined epitopes recognized by virus-specific CD4 T cells. Using this information in the current study, we demonstrate that the pattern of secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 by CD4 T cells activated by NC infection is largely independent of epitope specificity and the magnitude of the epitope-specific response. Interestingly, however, the characteristics of the virus-specific CD4 T cell and the B cell response to NC infection differed in DR1 and B10 mice. The response in B10 mice featured predominantly IFN-γ-secreting CD4 T cells and strong IgG2b/IgG2c production. In contrast, in DR1 mice most CD4 T cells secreted IL-2 and IgG production was IgG1-biased. Infection of DR1 mice with influenza PR8 generated a response that was comparable to that in B10 mice, with predominantly IFN-γ-secreting CD4 T cells and greater numbers of IgG2c than IgG1 antibody-secreting cells. The response to intramuscular vaccination with inactivated NC was similar in DR1 and B10 mice; the majority of CD4 T cells secreted IL-2 and most IgG antibody-secreting cells produced IgG2b or IgG2c. Our findings identify inherent host influences on characteristics of the virus-specific CD4 T cell and B cell responses that are restricted to the lung environment. Furthermore, we show that these host influences are substantially modulated by the type of infecting virus via the early induction of innate factors. Our findings emphasize the importance of immunization strategy for demonstrating inherent host differences in CD4 T cell and B cell responses.
Psychosocial effect of common skin diseases.

OBJECTIVE To increase awareness of the psychosocial effect of acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE A literature review was based on a MEDLINE search (1966 to 2000). Selected articles from the dermatologic and psychiatric literature, as well as other relevant medical journals, were reviewed and used as the basis for discussion of how skin disease affects patients' lives and of appropriate management. Studies in the medical literature provide mainly level III evidence predominantly based on descriptive studies and expert opinion. MAIN MESSAGE Dermatologic problems can result in psychosocial effects that seriously affect patients' lives. More than a cosmetic nuisance, skin disease can produce anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems that affect patients' lives in ways comparable to arthritis or other disabling illnesses. An appreciation for the effects of sex, age, and location of lesions is important, as well as the bidirectional relationship between skin disease and psychological distress. This review focuses on the effects of three common skin diseases seen by family physicians: acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. CONCLUSION How skin disease affects psychosocial well-being is underappreciated. Increased understanding of the psychiatric comorbidity associated with skin disease and a biopsychosocial approach to management will ultimately improve patients' lives.
Comparison of Efficacies of RWJ-270201, Zanamivir, and Oseltamivir against H5N1, H9N2, and Other Avian Influenza Viruses

ABSTRACT The orally administered neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor RWJ-270201 was tested in parallel with zanamivir and oseltamivir against a panel of avian influenza viruses for inhibition of NA activity and replication in tissue culture. The agents were then tested for protection of mice against lethal H5N1 and H9N2 virus infection. In vitro, RWJ-270201 was highly effective against all nine NA subtypes. NA inhibition by RWJ-270201 (50% inhibitory concentration, 0.9 to 4.3 nM) was superior to that by zanamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate. RWJ-270201 inhibited the replication of avian influenza viruses of both Eurasian and American lineages in MDCK cells (50% effective concentration, 0.5 to 11.8 μM). Mice given 10 mg of RWJ-270201 per kg of body weight per day were completely protected against lethal challenge with influenza A/Hong Kong/156/97 (H5N1) and A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97 (H9N2) viruses. Both RWJ-270201 and oseltamivir significantly reduced virus titers in mouse lungs at daily dosages of 1.0 and 10 mg/kg and prevented the spread of virus to the brain. When treatment began 48 h after exposure to H5N1 virus, 10 mg of RWJ-270201/kg/day protected 50% of mice from death. These results suggest that RWJ-270201 is at least as effective as either zanamivir or oseltamivir against avian influenza viruses and may be of potential clinical use for treatment of emerging influenza viruses that may be transmitted from birds to humans.
Prognostic factors associated with antenatal subchorionic echolucencies.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to determine prognostic factors in pregnancies with a subchorionic echolucency. STUDY DESIGN One hundred twenty-nine pregnancies with a subchorionic echolucency detected by ultrasound in our unit were identified. Ultrasound reports were reviewed for subchorionic echolucency location, size, gestational age, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal abnormalities. Adverse outcomes evaluated were pregnancy loss before 24 or 37 weeks (PTD) and intrauterine growth restriction. Medical records were reviewed for antenatal complications and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS There were 7 (5.4%) pregnancy losses before 24 weeks and 24 (18.6%) pregnancies complicated by PTD. Of the 122 pregnancies reaching viability, those complicated by antepartum bleeding were more likely to deliver prematurely than those without bleeding, (26.6% vs 7.0%, P=.009). Maximum area of subchorionic echolucency, gestational age at subchorionic echolucency detection, amniocentesis, maternal age, and parity were not associated with PTD. CONCLUSION Patients with subchorionic echolucency appear to have a high incidence of PTD. Bleeding appears to be a reliable prognostic indicator.
An Empirical Investigation into Grammatically Constrained Contexts in Predicting Distributional Similarity

The utility of syntactic dependencies in computing distributional similarity has not yet been fully investigated. Most research based on syntactically conditioned co-occurrences simply ignores the salience of grammatical relations and effectively merges syntactic dependencies into one ‘context’. Through calculating distributional similarity, we design two experiments to explore and evaluate the four major types of contexts that are conditioned on grammatical relations. The consistent results show that the headmodifier dependency plays an important role in predicting the semantic features of nouns and verbs, in contrast to other dependencies.
Natriuretic efficiency of frusemide as a consequence of drug input rate.

AIMS The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the rate of delivery of frusemide to its site of action on the effect and efficiency of the drug. METHODS Frusemide 30 mg was administered as a bolus dose, a slow-rate infusion and a bolus dose in combination with 2 g of probenecid in a three way cross-over design to seven healthy volunteers. Urinary volume and contents of frusemide and sodium were measured in samples collected over 10 h. RESULTS Total natriuretic response was 40% higher (P < 0.001) after the infusion and 20% higher (P < 0.05) after the combined treatment with probenecid, as compared with the bolus dose. Total natriuretic efficiency did not differ between the infusion (0.013 mmol microg(-1)) and the combined treatment with probenecid (0.015 mmol microg(-1)), but was significantly higher as compared with the bolus dose (0.009 mmol microg(-1)). Natriuretic effect data were modeled according to the sigmoid Emax model and the frusemide excretion rate with maximum efficiency (ER(effmax)) was calculated from the estimated parameters. For both the frusemide infusion and the combined treatment with probenecid, the time course of delivery of frusemide into the urine consistently approached ER(effmax) more closely than was the case for the bolus dose. The natriuretic effect vs frusemide excretion rate curves were shifted to the right, and the estimated values of the sigmoid Emax model were higher for EC50 and lower for the slope factor after the bolus dose, which may indicate tolerance development for this treatment. CONCLUSIONS Slowing the delivery of frusemide to the site of action increased the efficiency of the drug, leading to an increased natriuretic response.
The Set of Divergent Descent Methods in a Banach Space is \boldmathSigma\unboldmath-Porous

Given a Lipschitzian convex function f on a Banach space X, we consider a complete metric space ${\cal A}$ of vector fields V on X with the topology of uniform convergence on bounded subsets. With each such vector field we associate two iterative processes. We introduce the class of regular vector fields $V \in {\cal A}$ and prove (under two mild assumptions on f) that the complement of the set of regular vector fields is not only of the first category, but also $\sigma$-porous. We then show that for a locally uniformly continuous regular vector field V and a coercive function f, the values of f tend to its infimum for both processes.
Learning conditionally lexicographic preference relations

We consider the problem of learning a user's ordinal preferences on a multiattribute domain, assuming that her preferences are lexicographic. We introduce a general graphical representation called LP-trees which captures various natural classes of such preference relations, depending on whether the importance order between attributes and/or the local preferences on the domain of each attribute is conditional on the values of other attributes. For each class we determine the Vapnik-Chernovenkis dimension, the communication complexity of preference elicitation, and the complexity of identifying a model in the class consistent with a set of user-provided examples.
Boundary Controllability and Observability of a Viscoelastic String

In this paper we consider an integrodifferential system, which governs the vibration of a viscoelastic one-dimensional object. We assume that we can act on the system at the boundary and we prove that it is possible to control both the position and the velocity at every point of the body and at a certain time $T$, large enough. We shall prove this result using moment theory and we shall prove that the solution of this problem leads to identification of a Riesz sequence which solves controllability and observability. The results presented here are constructive and can lead to simple numerical algorithms.