Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluid Flow, Mass, and Heat Transport Laboratory Experiments in Artificially Fractured Rock

The knowledge of flow, mass, and heat transport phenomena in fractured rocks represents an important issue in many situations of science and engineering, such as the groundwater resource management, fractured petroleum reservoirs, nuclear waste disposal, as well as geothermal energy development. Experimental data obtained under controlled conditions such as in laboratory increase the knowledge of the fundamental physics that interest the flow and transport in fracture media and allow us to investigate the behavioral differences between fracture and porous medium. An artificially fractured rock sample of parallelepiped shape (0.60 0.80 0.08 m) has been created, and the flow, mass, and heat transport behavior have been observed. The carried out experiments show the existence of non-Darcian flow regime that cannot be neglected. The latter influences the mass transport behavior giving rise to a delay in mass migration, enhancing the nonequilibrium behavior, whereas the dispersion phenomena seem not be influenced. Heat transport shows a very different behavior compared to mass transport. Convective thermal velocity is lower than mass velocity, whereas thermal dispersion is higher than solute dispersion.
Jacques Bertin’s legacy in information visualization and the reorderable matrix

ABSTRACT Jacques Bertin’s legacy extends beyond the domain of cartography, and in particular to the field of information visualization where he continues to inspire researchers and practitioners. Although in the late twentieth century his books were out of print, their reedition around 2010 has steered a renewed interest and inspired new generations of researchers to reinterpret the principles of Semiology of Graphics and La Graphique in a time of interactive computers. In particular, the work of Jacques Bertin on the reorderable matrix has been very challenging in his time, and the quest to its automation has not been satisfactory to him. This article summarizes Bertin’s approach to the reorderable matrix, underlines the limitations of fully automated reordering methods, and introduces Bertifier, a hybrid system to reorder matrices using a combination of machine assistance and human control.
A tooth of Fukuiraptor aff. F. kitadaniensis from the Lower Cretaceous Sebayashi Formation, Sanchu Cretaceous, Japan

A theropod tooth from Early Cretaceous Sebayashi Formation of the Sanchu Cretaceous in Kanna Town, Japan exhibits low crenulations (or wrinkles) of the enamel along the mesial margin apically on one side. The tooth was found in association with brackish water bivalves. Dinosaurian remains from the Sanchu Cretaceous suggest faunal influences from East and Southeast Asia and Gondwanaland. The Kanna tooth is unique in these features but represents new material similar in form to the teeth of Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis, with minor differences, and is thus useful for correlation to the Tetori Group. The Kanna tooth is described as Fukuiraptor aff. F. kitadaniensis on this paper. From assigning Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis and its allied Fukuiraptor aff. F. kitadaniensis to the Barremian, these forms may show utility as a primary correlation tool. These forms may be derived from the common ancestor of Fukuiraptor, and distributed through the fluvio-lacustrine environments. Occurrences of F. kitadaniensis and F. aff. F. kitadaniensis suggest that the Sanchu area bordered on the Tetori area in Barremian.
Evidências de Mudanças Climáticas em Viçosa (MG)

Studies of climate changes in Brazil are scarce, mostly due to the lack of long-term, reliable weather data series. In many locations, outside the metropolitan regions, there are few meteorological stations with historical series covering over than 30 years, as in Vicosa (MG). This work aims to study the variation of maximum and minimum average temperatures, rainfall and relative humidity, in annual and monthly scales, during the period from 1968 2015, in Vicosa (MG), seeking evidences of climate change and increasing the climatology studies in a regional scale in Brazil. The trends were evaluated using the Mann-Kendall test and the causality of the inverse correlations with the Covariance Analysis (ANCOVA). Among the results, it was verified the progressive elevation of the maximum temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn, as well as the minimum temperatures in practically all the months of the year. The winter has been characterized as increasingly dry and prolonged, occurring an increase of temperatures in the transition to the hydrological summer (month of October).
A low phase and gain error passive phase shifter in 90 nm CMOS for 60 GHz phase array system application

A 60 GHz passive phase shifter with low phase and amplitude error is presented in this paper. Unlike other passive phase shifter, this phase shifter consists of 2 switch type phase shifter (STPS), vector generator and vector selector to achieve 4 bit (22.5° phase resolution) and full 360° phase synthesizing. From 57-66 GHz, the measured insertion loss is 17 dB. The RMS phase and amplitude error are <; 5° and 0.5 dB, respectively, and the gain flatness is ± 0.5 dB with no dc consumption. The total chip size is 0.168 mm2. Beside, this phase shifter can operate without extra digital to analog convertor (DAC). To the authors knowledge, this phase shifter demonstrate the lowest RMS gain error and gain flatness among 60 GHz phase shifter.
On the computational complexity of dynamic slicing problems for program schemas

Given a program, a quotient can be obtained from it by deleting zero or more statements. The field of program slicing is concerned with computing a quotient of a program that preserves part of the behaviour of the original program. All program slicing algorithms take account of the structural properties of a program, such as control dependence and data dependence, rather than the semantics of its functions and predicates, and thus work, in effect, with program schemas. The dynamic slicing criterion of Korel and Laski requires only that program behaviour is preserved in cases where the original program follows a particular path, and that the slice/quotient follows this path. In this paper we formalise Korel and Laski's definition of a dynamic slice as applied to linear schemas, and also formulate a less restrictive definition in which the path through the original program need not be preserved by the slice. The less restrictive definition has the benefit of leading to smaller slices. For both definitions, we compute complexity bounds for the problems of establishing whether a given slice of a linear schema is a dynamic slice and whether a linear schema has a non-trivial dynamic slice, and prove that the latter problem is NP-hard in both cases. We also give an example to prove that minimal dynamic slices (whether or not they preserve the original path) need not be unique.
Clustering-Based Linear Least Square Fitting Method for Generation of Parametric Images in Dynamic FDG PET Studies

Parametric images generated from dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) studies are useful for presenting functional/biological information in the 3-dimensional space, but usually suffer from their high sensitivity to image noise. To improve the quality of these images, we proposed in this study a modified linear least square (LLS) fitting method named cLLS that incorporates a clustering-based spatial constraint for generation of parametric images from dynamic PET data of high noise levels. In this method, the combination of K-means and hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify dynamic PET data. Compared with conventional LLS, cLLS can achieve high statistical reliability in the generated parametric images without incurring a high computational burden. The effectiveness of the method was demonstrated both with computer simulation and with a human brain dynamic FDG PET study. The cLLS method is expected to be useful for generation of parametric images from dynamic FDG PET study.
CudaDMA: Optimizing GPU memory bandwidth via warp specialization

As the computational power of GPUs continues to scale with Moore's Law, an increasing number of applications are becoming limited by memory bandwidth. We propose an approach for programming GPUs with tightly-coupled specialized DMA warps for performing memory transfers between on-chip and off-chip memories. Separate DMA warps improve memory bandwidth utilization by better exploiting available memory-level parallelism and by leveraging efficient inter-warp producer-consumer synchronization mechanisms. DMA warps also improve programmer productivity by decoupling the need for thread array shapes to match data layout. To illustrate the benefits of this approach, we present an extensible API, CudaDMA, that encapsulates synchronization and common sequential and strided data transfer patterns. Using CudaDMA, we demonstrate speedup of up to 1.37× on representative synthetic micro-benchmarks, and 1.15×-3.2× on several kernels from scientific applications written in CUDA running on NVIDIA Fermi GPUs.
Spring phenology of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in a submountain beech stand with different stocking in 1995–2004

Two spring phenophases (bud-burst and leaf unfolding) of a parent stand and naturally regenerated undergrowth of European beech were observed in conditions under different stand density over the last 10 years. The results proved the unequal onset of phenophases of the parent stand individuals in relation to their sociological status. In the case of codominant and dominant trees the delay of 2–5 days was observed in comparison with subdominant trees. The influence of the parent stand structure on the onset of the undergrowth phenophases was also observed. The onset of phenophases differed by 2–20 days among individuals grown under different density of the parent stand. The onset and course of phenophases also differed between the years. The trend of the average onset of leafing in the period 1995–2004 shows a shift to earlier dates by about three days. Temperature summation of average daily temperatures with the base temperature of 8°C, in the framework of the model predicted bud-burst of beech, showed the lowest variability in comparison with other temperatures.
The MedDRA Paradox

MedDRA (the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Terminology) is a controlled vocabulary widely used as a medical coding scheme. However, MedDRA's characterization of its structural hierarchy exhibits some confusing and paradoxical features. The goal of this paper is to examine these features, determine whether there is a coherent view of the MedDRA hierarchy that emerges, and explore what lessons are to be learned from this for using MedDRA and similar terminologies in a broad medical informatics context that includes relations among multiple disparate terminologies, thesauri, and ontologies.
Two isoforms of human RNA polymerase III with specific functions in cell growth and transformation

Transcription in eukaryotic nuclei is carried out by DNA-dependent RNA polymerases I, II, and III. Human RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcribes small untranslated RNAs that include tRNAs, 5S RNA, U6 RNA, and some microRNAs. Increased Pol III transcription has been reported to accompany or cause cell transformation. Here we describe a Pol III subunit (RPC32β) that led to the demonstration of two human Pol III isoforms (Pol IIIα and Pol IIIβ). RPC32β-containing Pol IIIβ is ubiquitously expressed and essential for growth of human cells. RPC32α-containing Pol IIIα is dispensable for cell survival, with expression being restricted to undifferentiated ES cells and to tumor cells. In this regard, and most importantly, suppression of RPC32α expression impedes anchorage-independent growth of HeLa cells, whereas ectopic expression of RPC32α in IMR90 fibroblasts enhances cell transformation and dramatically changes the expression of several tumor-related mRNAs and that of a subset of Pol III RNAs. These results identify a human Pol III isoform and isoform-specific functions in the regulation of cell growth and transformation.
Eurographics Symposium on Geometry Processing (2007) Voronoi-based Variational Reconstruction of Unoriented Point Sets

We introduce an algorithm for reconstructing watertight surfaces from unoriented point sets. Using the Voronoi diagram of the input point set, we deduce a tensor field whose principal axes and eccentricities locally represent respectively the most likely direction of the normal to the surface, and the confidence in this direction estimation. An implicit function is then computed by solving a generalized eigenvalue problem such that its gradient is most aligned with the principal axes of the tensor field, providing a best-fitting isosurface reconstruction. Our approach possesses a number of distinguishing features. In particular, the implicit function optimization provides resilience to noise, adjustable fitting to the data, and controllable smoothness of the reconstructed surface. Finally, the use of simplicial meshes (possibly restricted to a thin crust around the input data) and (an)isotropic Laplace operators renders the numerical treatment simple and robust.
Influence of energy balance on the antimicrobial peptides S100A8 and S100A9 in the endometrium of the post-partum dairy cow

Uterine inflammation occurs after calving in association with extensive endometrial remodelling and bacterial contamination. If the inflammation persists, it leads to reduced fertility. Chronic endometritis is highly prevalent in high-yielding cows that experience negative energy balance (NEB) in early lactation. This study investigated the effect of NEB on the antimicrobial peptides S100A8 and S100A9 in involuting uteri collected 2 weeks post partum. Holstein-Friesian cows (six per treatment) were randomly allocated to two interventions designed to produce mild or severe NEB (MNEB and SNEB) status. Endometrial samples were examined histologically, and the presence of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and natural killer cells was confirmed using haematoxylin and eosin and immunostaining. SNEB cows had greater signs of uterine inflammation. Samples of previously gravid uterine horn were used to localise S100A8 and S100A9 by immunohistochemistry. Both S100 proteins were present in bovine endometrium with strong staining in epithelial and stromal cells and in infiltrated leucocytes. Immunostaining was significantly higher in SNEB cows along with increased numbers of segmented neutrophils. These results suggest that the metabolic changes of a post-partum cow suffering from NEB delay uterine involution and promote a chronic state of inflammation. We show that upregulation of S100A8 and S100A9 is clearly a key component of the early endometrial response to uterine infection. Further studies are warranted to link the extent of this response after calving to the likelihood of cows developing endometritis and to their subsequent fertility.
Effect of aging on tear strength and cytotoxicity of soft denture lining materials; in vitro

PURPOSE The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the tear strength and cytotoxicity of four soft denture lining materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four commonly used soft denture lining materials, (Coe-Comfort™ GC America Inc., Alsip, IL, USA; Coe-Soft™ GC America Inc., Alsip, IL, USA; Visco-gel Dentsply Caulk Milford, DE, USA; and Sofreliner Tough M Tokuyama Dental Corporation Tokyo, Japan) were selected. Sixty trouser-leg designed specimens per lining material were fabricated using a stainless steel mold for tear strength testing. The specimens were divided into non-thermocycling and 1000-, and 3000- thermocycling groups. For the cytotoxicity test, twenty-four disk shaped specimens per material were fabricated using a stainless steel mold. The specimens were soaked in normal saline solution for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Cytotoxicity was measured by XTT assay in L929 mouse fibroblasts. Data were analyzed by two way analysis of variance and Dunnett's test (P<.05). RESULTS Before thermocycling, Sofreliner Tough M (10.36 ± 1.00 N) had the highest tear strength value while Coe-Comfort™ (0.46 ± 0.10 N) had the lowest. After 3000 cycles, Sofreliner Tough M (9.65 ± 1.66 N) presented the highest value and Coe-Comfort™ (0.42 ± 0.08 N) the lowest. Sofreliner Tough M, in all incubation periods was the least toxic with significant differences compared to all other materials (P<.05). Coe-Comfort™, Coe-Soft™, and Sofreliner Tough M did not show any significant differences within their material group for all incubation periods. CONCLUSION This in vitro study revealed that aging can affect both the tear strength and cytotoxicity of soft denture materials depending on the composition.
Comparative Genomics of Cell Envelope Components in Mycobacteria

Mycobacterial cell envelope components have been a major focus of research due to their unique features that confer intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and chemicals apart from serving as a low-permeability barrier. The complex lipids secreted by Mycobacteria are known to evoke/repress host-immune response and thus contribute to its pathogenicity. This study focuses on the comparative genomics of the biosynthetic machinery of cell wall components across 21-mycobacterial genomes available in GenBank release 179.0. An insight into survival in varied environments could be attributed to its variation in the biosynthetic machinery. Gene-specific motifs like ‘DLLAQPTPAW’ of ufaA1 gene, novel functional linkages such as involvement of Rv0227c in mycolate biosynthesis; Rv2613c in LAM biosynthesis and Rv1209 in arabinogalactan peptidoglycan biosynthesis were detected in this study. These predictions correlate well with the available mutant and coexpression data from TBDB. It also helped to arrive at a minimal functional gene set for these biosynthetic pathways that complements findings using TraSH.
KRAS Mutations and Primary Resistance of Lung Adenocarcinomas to Gefitinib or Erlotinib

Background Somatic mutations in the gene for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are found in adenocarcinomas of the lung and are associated with sensitivity to the kinase inhibitors gefitinib (Iressa) and erlotinib (Tarceva). Lung adenocarcinomas also harbor activating mutations in the downstream GTPase, KRAS, and mutations in EGFR and KRAS appear to be mutually exclusive. Methods and Findings We sought to determine whether mutations in KRAS could be used to further enhance prediction of response to gefitinib or erlotinib. We screened 60 lung adenocarcinomas defined as sensitive or refractory to gefitinib or erlotinib for mutations in EGFR and KRAS. We show that mutations in KRAS are associated with a lack of sensitivity to either drug. Conclusion Our results suggest that treatment decisions regarding use of these kinase inhibitors might be improved by determining the mutational status of both EGFR and KRAS.
Walking motion generation of humanoid robots: Connection of orbital energy trajectories via minimal energy control

Specifying a ZMP trajectory is not a natural characteristic in human walking. The relationship between the CoM and the ZMP is not trivial due to the inverted pendulum characteristics of biped locomotion. Because of this reason, it is difficult to design the trajectory and in most of the cases it is selected as a constant in the phase of single support. It is more important to consider the walking motion generation as a CoM state transfer. Even if in the system the ZMP can be considered as the input, it is desirable to have state feedback ensuring more robust locomotion. In this paper we propose to realize this transfer using minimal energy control. Using a linear mass concentrated model the analytic solution is obtained and used for arbitrary footstep planning.
On the Completion of Rough Sets System Determined by Arbitrary Binary Relations

In this paper, a solution is given to the problem proposed by Jarvinen in [8]. A smallest completion of the rough sets system determined by an arbitrary binary relation is given. This completion, in the case of a quasi order, coincides with the rough sets system which is a Nelson algebra. Further, the algebraic properties of this completion has been studied.
Multi-modal gesture recognition challenge 2013: dataset and results

The recognition of continuous natural gestures is a complex and challenging problem due to the multi-modal nature of involved visual cues (e.g. fingers and lips movements, subtle facial expressions, body pose, etc.), as well as technical limitations such as spatial and temporal resolution and unreliable depth cues. In order to promote the research advance on this field, we organized a challenge on multi-modal gesture recognition. We made available a large video database of 13,858 gestures from a lexicon of 20 Italian gesture categories recorded with a Kinect™ camera, providing the audio, skeletal model, user mask, RGB and depth images. The focus of the challenge was on user independent multiple gesture learning. There are no resting positions and the gestures are performed in continuous sequences lasting 1-2 minutes, containing between 8 and 20 gesture instances in each sequence. As a result, the dataset contains around 1.720. 800 frames. In addition to the 20 main gesture categories, "distracter" gestures are included, meaning that additional audio and gestures out of the vocabulary are included. The final evaluation of the challenge was defined in terms of the Levenshtein edit distance, where the goal was to indicate the real order of gestures within the sequence. 54 international teams participated in the challenge, and outstanding results were obtained by the first ranked participants.
Relative frequencies of G (VP7) and P (VP4) serotypes determined by polymerase chain reaction assays among Japanese bovine rotaviruses isolated in cell culture

The relative frequencies of both the G (VP7) and P (VP4) serotypes of 40 bovine rotaviruses isolated in cell culture from diarrheic calves in Japan between January 1983 and February 1991 were determined by recently developed polymerase chain reaction assays. Isolates with G serotype 6 and P serotype 5 (UK-like strains) were most frequently found (42.5%) followed by isolates with G6P11 (17.5%), G6P1 (10%), or G10P5 (10%). Isolates with G10P11 (B223-like strains) were least frequently found (7.5%). The presence of various combinations of G and P serotypes suggests frequent reassortment in nature among bovine rotaviruses.
IMECE 2004-60992 PERFORMANCE BENEFITS OF R 718 TURBO-COMPRESSION CYCLE USING 3-PORT CONDENSING WAVE ROTORS

A number of technical challenges have often hindered the economical application of refrigeration cycles using water (R718) as refrigerant. The novel concept of condensing wave rotor provides a solution for performance improvement of R718 refrigeration cycles. The wave rotor implementation can increase efficiency and reduce the size and cost of R718 units. The condensing wave rotor employs pressurized water to pressurize, desuperheat, and condense the refrigerant vapor all in one dynamic process. In this study, the underlying phenomena of flash evaporation, shock wave compression, desuperheating, and condensation inside the wave rotor channels are described in a wave and phase-change diagram. A computer program based on a thermodynamic model is generated to evaluate the performance of R718 baseline and wave-rotor-enhanced cycles. The detailed thermodynamic approach for the baseline and the modified cycles is described. The effect of some key parameters on the performance enhancement is demonstrated as an aid for optimization. A generated performance map summarizes the findings.