Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indoor objects 3D modeling based on RGB-D camera for robot vision

The 3D-object modeling has become one hottopic in robot vision field for robots locating, grabbing and dropping operation. In this paper, we propose an efficient method of object modeling based RGB-D camera (Kinect) that can help the robot to carry out operation task. Our method is divided into three stage: firstly, point clouds of scene containing object are captured from the camera and plane-segmentation to extract clusters of object; secondly, the preprocessed method is used to filter noise and outlier points; Points pair-wise alignment by way of our proposed pairs rejection strategy, global consistent alignment of the complete object and object-centered representation easy to manipulate. Besides, for the well-known loop closure problem, we optimize the pose and eliminate the accumulations base on the ICP improved algorithm. Finally, the proposed method is validated by the modeling of several household objects.
Using Learning Analytics to Identify Medical Student Misconceptions in an Online Virtual Patient Environment.

This study aimed to identify misconceptions in medical student knowledge by mining user interactions in the MedU online learning environment. Data from 13000 attempts at a single virtual patient case were extracted from the MedU MySQL database. A subgroup discovery method was applied to identify patterns in learner-generated annotations and responses to multiple-choice items on the diagnosis and management of acute myocardial infarction (i.e., heart attack). First, the algorithm generated rules where single terms from the learner annotations were used to predict incorrect answers to the multiple-choice items. Second, the possible combinations of terms and their relevant synonyms were used to determine whether their inclusion led to better rates of prediction. The second step was found to significantly increase prediction precision and weighted relative accuracy, uncovering four misconceptions at a rate greater than 70%. These findings serve to inform the design of an adaptive system that tailors the delivery of formative feedback to promote better learning outcomes in the domain of clinical reasoning.
Do Stock Options Encourage Managers to Take Risk?

The empirical results derived from our fixed effects model provide no support for a linkage between a CEO's stock option grant and future firm risk. We find, using the panel corrected error term methods (PCSE) that control for the heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation, that current period stock option awards do have a positive effect on future firm risk. From the PCSE model we also find that the current year's market risk premium has a statistically significant negative effect on firm risk. The paper shows that changes in an executive's base salary can be used to mitigate the influence that stock option grants have on future firm risk. Of particular importance to shareholders is our finding that the firm's future risk profile increases with CEO tenure, suggesting that CEOs adopt more aggressive strategies over time.
Supporting Resilience Management of Water Distribution Networks through Network Analysis and Hydraulic Simulation

Resilience is usually associated to the capability of a networked infrastructure to guarantee an acceptable service even if some failure occurs. The paper presents a framework based on network analysis and software hydraulic simulation to supporting the resilience management in Water Distribution Networks increasing the sustainability of these Cyber Physical Systems while saving water and energy. The benefits of the proposed framework are evaluated on three real-world Water Distribution Networks. While graph-based measures computed on the graph associated to the physical network allows for computing network-wide measures and identifying components which are critical for the connectivity of the physical infrastructure (vulnerabilities) software hydraulic simulation is used to evaluate the impact of a failure on the supply service.
A New Compact Filter-Antenna for Modern Wireless Communication Systems

Design, fabrication, and measurement of a new compact filter-antenna for modern wireless communication systems are presented in this letter. Two microstrip square open-loop resonators, a coupled line, and a Γ-shaped antenna are used and integrated to be a filter-antenna. The Γ-shaped antenna is excited by a coupled line that is treated as the admittance inverter in filter design. The Γ-shaped antenna performs not only a radiator, but also the last resonator of the bandpass filter. Therefore, near-zero transition loss is achieved between the filter and the antenna. The design procedure follows the circuit approach-synthesis of bandpass filters. Measured results show that the filter-antenna achieves an impedance bandwidth of 16.3% (over 2.26-2.66 GHz) at a reflection coefficient |S11 | <; - 10 dB and has a gain of 2.41 dBi.
National and state patterns of teen births in the United States, 1940-2013.

OBJECTIVES This report presents trends from 1940 through 2013 in national birth rates for teenagers, with particular focus on the period since 1991. The percent changes in rates for 1991-2012 and for 2007-2012 are presented for the United States and for states. Preliminary data for 2013 are shown where available. METHODS Tabular and graphical descriptions of the trends in teen birth rates for the United States and each state, by age group, race, and Hispanic origin, are presented and discussed. Data are shown for the U.S. territories. RESULTS Birth rates for U.S. teenagers have generally fallen in the United States since peaking in 1957. The rate fell 57% between 1991 and 2013. The 2013 preliminary rate (26.6 per 1,000 aged 15-19) is less than one-third of the historically highest rate (96.3 in 1957). During 1991-2012, rates fell for all race and Hispanic ethnicity groups, with the largest declines measured for non-Hispanic black teenagers. In the more recent period, 2007-2012, the declines have been steepest for Hispanic teenagers. Birth rates declined significantly for teenagers in all states during 1991-2012; during 2007-2012, rates fell for all but two states. The drop in teen birth rates translates into an estimated 4 million fewer births to teenagers from 1992 through 2012. The declines in teen birth rates reflect a number of behavioral changes, including decreased sexual activity, increases in the use of contraception at first sex and at most recent sex, and the adoption and increased use of hormonal contraception, injectables, and intrauterine devices.
Potential Feedback Control for the Power Control in LTE

This technical note deals with the study of uplink (from the mobile phone to the base station) transmitted power control in Long Term Evolution (LTE). It provides a nonlinear Potential Feedback Control (PFC) for scalar discrete-time systems with input delays and disturbances by using the Lyapunov theory and the Artstein transform. It is an original approach in which a stabilization problem of a linear scalar system with a constraint on the state space is transformed into a problem of nonlinear stabilization. We use this strategy of stabilization for the uplink transmission power control in LTE.
Recovering structures and motions from mutual projection of cameras

In this paper, we propose a new method for recovering camera motions and structures of the scene accurately and reliably. For recovering motions and structures, it is very important to compute the epipolar geometry accurately. Although some linear methods have been proposed for computing the epipolar geometry, they are still less accurate than nonlinear methods. The non-linear methods, on the other hand, require a lot of computational power, and sometimes fall into local minima. In this paper we show that by rising the actual projection of cameras, the epipolar geometry can be computed much more reliably from less image correspondences by a linear method. We also show that by using the epipolar geometry derived from the mutual projection of cameras, the structures of the scene can be recovered Much more accurately and reliably than the existing methods.
Sequential Regulation of the Small GTPase Rap1 in Human Platelets

ABSTRACT Rap1, a small GTPase of the Ras family, is ubiquitously expressed and particularly abundant in platelets. Previously we have shown that Rap1 is rapidly activated after stimulation of human platelets with α-thrombin. For this activation, a phospholipase C-mediated increase in intracellular calcium is necessary and sufficient. Here we show that thrombin induces a second phase of Rap1 activation, which is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC). Indeed, the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced Rap1 activation, whereas the PKC-inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide inhibited the second, but not the first, phase of Rap1 activation. Activation of the integrin αIIbβ3, a downstream target of PKC, with monoclonal antibody LIBS-6 also induced Rap1 activation. However, studies with αIIbβ3-deficient platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia type 1 show that αIIbβ3 is not essential for Rap1 activation. Interestingly, induction of platelet aggregation by thrombin resulted in the inhibition of Rap1 activation. This downregulation correlated with the translocation of Rap1 to the Triton X-100-insoluble, cytoskeletal fraction. We conclude that in platelets, α-thrombin induces Rap1 activation first by a calcium-mediated pathway independently of PKC and then by a second activation phase mediated by PKC and, in part, integrin αIIbβ3. Inactivation of Rap1 is mediated by an aggregation-dependent process that correlates with the translocation of Rap1 to the cytoskeletal fraction.
New 3-D Design of Filtering Components Using Multilayer Board Technologies

In this paper, a contribution to development of three-dimensional (3-D) techniques using multilayer boards for design of passive circuit components is presented. Shown approach gives a possibility to obtain compact devices with an improved EMI performance. A distinguishing point of this approach is a shield via structure which serves as both a vertical transmission line and an appropriate element of a passive such as short- or open-circuited stub, as for an example. Here bandpass and bandstop filters designed by the use of stub elements obtained as a part of the shield via structure are demonstrated. Simulation and measurement data obtained for the filters demonstrate a high performance of such components and a perspective direction in development of compact and cost-effective devices.
Role of GABA in cerebral cortex.

Dans cet article, il y a un bref appercu de l'historique de l'inhibition synaptique et du role du GABA comme agent principal de l'inhibition dans le cortex cerebral; ainsi que de certains developpements plus recents dans ce domaine de recherche: tels que les multiples sous-types de recepteurs GABA, les proprietes des interneurones inhibiteurs, la resistance des synapses inhibitrices a l'hypoxie, et les recepteurs GABA situes sur les cellules gliales.
Sea ice and climate in 20th- and 21st-century simulations with a global atmosphere-ocean-ice model

Abstract A global atmosphere-ocean-sea-ice general circulation model (GCM) is used in simulations of climate with greenhouse gas concentrations and sulfate aerosols prescribed from observational data (1870−1995) and future projections (1995−2100). Simulations that include the variability in solar flux from 1870 through 1995 are also performed. The variation in solar flux of ± 2 W m−2 produces a global temperature change of ± 0.2°C in the model. The more recent simulated warming trend produced by increasing greenhouse gases exceeds this solar-flux warming, although the solar flux contributes to some of the simulated present-day warm temperatures. The future increases in greenhouse gases produce an increase in global temperature of 1.2°C over 70 years, with significant decreases in Arctic ice thickness and area. The model exhibits an atmospheric pressure mode similar to the Arctic Oscillation, with different correlation indices between the North Atlantic and North Pacific pressure anomalies.
Project-service Solutions in the Yacht Industry: A Value-Chain Analysis

In recent years, the increased provision of bundled products and services has become an increasingly relevant economic trend for manufacturers in achieving competitive advantage. The project environment has not been left untouched by this economic trend, in particular throughout the delivery of integrated project-service solutions in all project life cycle stages. Innovative value offerings encompass a complex network of suppliers and subcontractors that is not stable and is arranged in a sporadic and unpredictable manner. Multiple case studies in the yacht industry were conducted to explore the configuration of project-service solutions. The research constitutes an original contribution to studies on servitization adoption in an industrial project context from an inter-organizational perspective. It emerged that SMEs reorganize themselves, in order to provide flexible on-demand solutions to customers, by including all the capabilities within their network. Newly arising professional roles are oriented to the implementation of smart networks and are focused on service infusion in order to provide increased customer value.
Locating PS-InSAR derived deformation using LiDAR point clouds

Built mainly on soft soil, the Netherlands is at high risk for the effects of deformation. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is successfully used to monitor the deformation trends at millimetre level. Unfortunately the InSAR deformation trends suffer from poor geolocation estimates, limiting the ability to link deformation behaviour to objects, such as buildings, streets or bridges. A nationwide, high resolution, airborne LiDAR point cloud is available in the Netherlands. Although the LiDAR point cloud itself is unsuitable for deformation estimates, linking the InSAR location to the geometries outlined by the LiDAR point cloud can improve the geolocation estimates of the InSAR trends. In this thesis three methods are shown to link deformation estimates to the LiDAR point cloud or reconstructed features thereof. As a test, 3.1 million TerraSAR-X InSAR Persistent Scatterers are linked to 3 billion LiDAR points, covering the city of Delft and surroundings. 85% of the scatterers could be linked to the point cloud. Furthermore an outlook at the possibilities of an implementation on a national scale using Sentinel 1 data is given.
Hybrid Multi-Sensor Data for Traffic Condition Forecasting

Existing time-series models that are used for short-term traffic condition forecasting are mostly monophyletic detector in nature. Generally, information-fusion online from multi-source sensors to more accurately and completely obtains traffic condition than using either of them alone. In this paper, a prediction method for real-time traffic condition prediction is presented, in which the multi-source detection data are collected by different components of a time-series data sets, such as Global Position System (GPS), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), video camera. Finally, a case study at the Chongqing, China, city center with serious traffic congestion is performed to illustrate the forecasting strategy. The results indicate that the presented forecasting strategy is one of the effective approaches to predict the real-time traffic condition in a road network, especially at the locations where no continuous data collection takes place.
Statistical methods in public health and epidemiology: a look at the recent past and projections for the next decade

This article attempts to prognosticate from past patterns, the type of statistical methods that will be used in published public health and epidemiological studies in the decade that follows the millennium. With this in mind, we conducted a study that would characterize trends in use of statistical methods in two major public health journals: the American Journal of Public Health, and the American Journal of Epidemiology. We took a probability sample of 348 articles published in these journals between 1970 and 1998. For each article sampled, we abstracted information on the design of the study and the types of statistical methods used in the article. Our major findings are that the proportion of articles using statistical methods as well as the mean number of statistical methods used per article has increased dramatically over the three decades surveyed. Also, the proportion of published articles using study designs that we classified as analytic has increased over the years. We also examined patterns of use in these journals of three statistical methodologies: logistic regression, proportional hazards regression, and methods for analysis of data from complex sample surveys. These methods were selected because they had been introduced initially in the late 1960s or early 1970s and had made considerable impact on data analysis in the biomedical sciences in the 1970s-90s. Estimated usage of each of these techniques remained relatively low until user-friendly software became available. Our overall conclusions are that new statistical methods are developed on the basis of need, disseminated to potential users over a course of many years, and often do not reach maximum use until tools for their comfortable use are made readily available to potential users. Based on these conclusions, we identify certain needs that are not now being met and which are likely to generate new statistical methodologies that we will see in the next decade.
S1P1 receptor subtype inhibits demyelination and regulates chemokine release in cerebellar slice cultures

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptors (S1PRs) are drug targets for the compound FTY720, which is the first oral therapy developed for treatment of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis. S1PRs play a variety of functional roles in the differentiation, proliferation, survival and/or migration of neurons and glia. In this study, rat organotypic cerebellar slice cultures were used to assess whether S1PRs play a role in demyelination induced by lysolecithin (LPC). The data demonstrated that FTY720 and SEW2871 (a S1P1R‐specific agonist) inhibited LPC‐induced demyelination as assessed by myelin basic protein (MBP) immunofluorescence. Treatment with both drugs for 48 h also induced an increase in S1P1R expression in astrocytes. Moreover, FTY720 and SEW2871 inhibited the release of several chemokines in conditions of LPC‐induced demyelination, including LIX (CXCL5), MIP‐1alpha, and MIP‐3alpha. Taken together, the data suggest that activation of S1P1Rs prevents LPC‐induced demyelination via a mechanism involving a reduction of chemotactic chemokine release. The study supports the concept that FTY720 attenuates demyelination by not only preventing S1PR‐mediated T cell migration into the CNS but also by limiting cytokine communication between cells of the immune system and the CNS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LMOD3‐Associated Nemaline Myopathy: Prenatal Ultrasonographic, Pathologic, and Molecular Findings

To describe the prenatal presentation, including ultrasonographic, histologic, and molecular findings, in 2 fetuses affected with LMOD3‐related nemaline myopathy. Prenatal ultrasonographic examinations and histopathologic studies were performed on 2 fetuses with evidence of nemaline myopathy. To establish a molecular diagnosis, whole‐exome sequencing was pursued for the affected fetuses. Nemaline myopathy is a common form of congenital myopathy manifesting with nonprogressive generalized muscle weakness, hypotonia, and electron‐dense protein inclusions in skeletal myofibers. Although clinically, nemaline myopathy can be viewed as a common pathway phenotype, its molecular basis is heterogeneous, with mutations in 11 identified genes implicated in its pathogenesis so far. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed that the affected fetuses were compound heterozygous for 2 newly reported pathogenic variants in the LMOD3 gene, which encodes leiomodin 3. To our knowledge, this article is the first report of LMOD3‐related nemaline myopathy since the original reported cohort. We provide a detailed description of the prenatal imaging of these affected fetuses, which we hope, in combination with next‐generation sequencing, may contribute to further diagnosis in additional families.
Using CUDA enabled FDTD simulations to solve multi-gigahertz EMI challenges

Thanks to the application of GPU-CUDA acceleration technology to EM simulation tools, more and more complicated EMI challenges can be efficiently investigated and solved very early in the design process. This paper presents a novel methodology to predict EMI emission due to memory SSO noise from a real, commercial graphics card by means of a commercially available CUDA accelerated full-wave FDTD simulator. It is shown that thanks to the CUDA acceleration one can estimate the influence of on-board decoupling capacitors on the EMI emission within hours.
Effects of Depth Map Quantization for Computer-Generated Multiview Images using Depth Image-Based Rendering

This paper presents the effects of depth map quantization for multiview intermediate image generation using depth image-based rendering (DIBR). DIBR synthesizes multiple virtual views of a 3D scene from a 2D image and its associated depth map. However, it needs precise depth information in order to generate reliable and accurate intermediate view images for use in multiview 3D display systems. Previous work has extensively studied the pre-processing of the depth map, but little is known about depth map quantization. In this paper, we conduct an experiment to estimate the depth map quantization that affords acceptable image quality to generate DIBR-based multiview intermediate images. The experiment uses computer-generated 3D scenes, in which the multiview images captured directly from the scene are compared to the multiview intermediate images constructed by DIBR with a number of quantized depth maps. The results showed that there was no significant effect on depth map quantization from 16-bit to 7-bit (and more specifically 96-scale) on DIBR. Hence, a depth map above 7-bit is needed to maintain sufficient image quality for a DIBR-based multiview 3D system.
Role of Endogenous Abscisic Acid in Potato Microtuber Dormancy

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv Russet Burbank) microtubers generated in vitro from single-node explants contained substantial amounts (approximately 250 pmol/g fresh weight) of free abscisic acid (ABA) and were completely dormant for a minimum of 12 weeks. Microtubers that developed in the presence of 10 [mu]M fluridone (FLD) contained considerably reduced amounts (approximately 5–25 pmol/g fresh weight) of free ABA and exhibited a precocious loss of dormancy. Inclusion of exogenous racemic ABA in the FLD-containing medium suppressed the premature sprouting of these microtubers in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 50 [mu]M, exogenous ABA restored internal ABA levels to control values and completely inhibited FLD-induced precocious sprouting. Exogenous jasmonic acid was ineffective in suppressing FLD-induced sprouting. Application of FLD to preformed, fully dormant microtubers also resulted in a reduction in internal ABA content and precocious sprouting. These results indicate that endogenous ABA is essential for the induction and maintenance of potato microtuber dormancy.