Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Position Paper: Touch Interaction in Scientific Visualization

Direct-touch interaction is receiving an increasing amount of attention in the HCI domain and has recently been applied to some problems in information visualization. However, the field of scientific visualization has not seen much work on how direct-touch interaction could benefit the interactive visualization process. One reason may be that scientific visualization typically deals with datasets that are defined in 3D space, while touch input is two-dimensional. Therefore, to control scientific datasets in interactive visualizations one has to define intuitive mappings from 2D input to 3D manipulations for a variety of data types and exploration techniques. In this position paper we discuss some of the challenges of using direct-touch interaction in the field of scientific visualization that arise from the specific constraints of scientific visualization and argue for the development of integrated techniques to overcome these problems.
Correlation structure and variable selection in generalized estimating equations via composite likelihood information criteria

The method of generalized estimating equations (GEE) is popular in the biostatistics literature for analyzing longitudinal binary and count data. It assumes a generalized linear model for the outcome variable, and a working correlation among repeated measurements. In this paper, we introduce a viable competitor: the weighted scores method for generalized linear model margins. We weight the univariate score equations using a working discretized multivariate normal model that is a proper multivariate model. Because the weighted scores method is a parametric method based on likelihood, we propose composite likelihood information criteria as an intermediate step for model selection. The same criteria can be used for both correlation structure and variable selection. Simulations studies and the application example show that our method outperforms other existing model selection methods in GEE. From the example, it can be seen that our methods not only improve on GEE in terms of interpretability and efficiency but also can change the inferential conclusions with respect to GEE. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Permutation of refining and cellulase treatments determines the overall impact on drainability and strength properties in kraft pulp

The impact of enzymatic treatment and mechanical refining on kraft pulp fiber morphology and handsheet strength properties was investigated. In this study, cellulase, xylanase, and refining were used for fiber modification of kraft pulp in various combinations and sequences. When enzymatic treatments were applied after refining, it allowed improving drainage and led to a synergistic and positive impact on internal bond. Microscopic analyses indicated that this treatment led to shaving of surface fibrils. Fibers were not damaged and the positive impact of refining itself on burst, tensile and zero-span tensile was substantially preserved, despite cellulase action. Using refining after cellulase treatment reduced drainage, and improved internal bond in a synergistic manner (which was independent from treatment sequence). With this treatment sequence, cellulase significantly opposed the improvement of burst, tensile index and zero-span tensile expected from refining itself. The weakening of main fibers by cellulase lead to fiber cutting during refining but regenerated surface fibrils as seen by microscopy explaining the impact on internal bond and drainage. Tear index was negatively affected by all treatments used here, and its response to treatments was different from all other responses studied. Generally, xylanase had no impact alone, but amplified the impact of cellulase.
Melatonin Enhances Photo-Oxidation of 2′,7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein by an Antioxidant Reaction That Renders N1-Acetyl-N2-Formyl-5-Methoxykynuramine (AFMK)

The indolamine melatonin (MEL) is described as an antioxidant and a free radical scavenger. However occasionally, the indoleamine has been reported to increase free radicals with insufficient mechanistic explanation. In an attempt to find a reason for those controversial results, a potential mechanism that explains MEL prooxidant activity is investigated. The current controversy about redox detection methods has prompted us to search a possible interaction between MEL and dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH2), perhaps the most widely fluorescence probe employed for free radicals detection in cellular models. Here, it is demonstrated that melatonin potentiates the photooxidation of DCFH2 in a cell-free system, increasing the production of its fluorescent metabolite. Indeed, MEL works as an antioxidant scavenging hydroxyl radicals in this system. Thus, this reaction between MEL and DCFH2 produces N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK), a biogenic amine with antioxidant properties too. This reaction is O2 and light dependent and it is prevented by antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine or ascorbic acid. Furthermore, when DCFH2 has been employed to evaluate antioxidant or prooxidant activities of MEL in cellular models it is confirmed that it works as an antioxidant but these results can be modulated by light misleading to a prooxidant conclusion. In conclusion, here is demonstrated that DCFH2, light and melatonin interact and results obtained using these fluorescence probes in studies with melatonin have to be carefully interpreted.
STUDY OF ROUND CENTRAL HOLE IN BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF CROSS PLY LAMINATES

Laminated structures find many applications in various engineering fields namely aerospace, bio-medical, civil, marine and mechanical engineering due to easy handling, good mechanical properties and low fabrication cost. Laminated plates with round holes and other openings are extensively used as structural members in aircraft design. These holes are act sometimes as access holes, holes for hardware to pass through, or in the case of fuselage, windows and doors or simply used to reduce the weight of the structure. These laminated structures are often subjected to load in one or more direction in cycles or as intermittent load. Thus there is need to study the failure of these components under bi-axial loading with the view to optimize the shape and lay of the components so as they give maximum service and more life. In this paper bi-axial testing machine is developed to determine bucking load of different materials. Experiments are carried out on cross ply composite under various buckling loads on the biaxial testing machine. The theoretical results, analytical and experimental results are compared with each other. It is observed that the strength of Bakelite composite plates is higher than glass epoxy laminated composite plate. So Bakelite is more suitable than glass epoxy. KeywordsBuckling, Bakelite, Ansys, Biaxial Loads ----------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sparse Subspace Modeling for Query by Example Spoken Term Detection

This paper focuses on the problem of query by example spoken term detection (QbE-STD) in zero-resource scenario. Current state-of-the-art approaches to tackle this problem rely on dynamic programming based template matching techniques using phone posterior features extracted at the output of a deep neural network. Previously, it has been shown that the space of phone posteriors is highly structured, as a union of low-dimensional subspaces. To exploit the temporal and sparse structure of the speech data, we investigate here three different QbE-STD systems based on sparse model recovery. More specifically, we use query examples to model the query subspace using dictionary for sparse coding. Reconstruction errors calculated using sparse representation of feature vectors are then used to characterize the underlying subspaces. The first approach uses these reconstruction errors in a dynamic programming framework to detect the spoken query, resulting in a much faster search compared to standard template matching. The other two methods aim at merging template matching and sparsity-based approaches to further improve the performance. The first one proposes to regularize the template matching local distances using sparse reconstruction errors. The second approach aims at using the sparse reconstruction errors to rescore (improve) the template matching likelihood. Experiments on two different databases (AMI and MediaEval) show that the proposed hybrid systems perform better than a highly competitive QbE-STD baseline system.
Transductive Unbiased Embedding for Zero-Shot Learning

Most existing Zero-Shot Learning (ZSL) methods have the strong bias problem, in which instances of unseen (target) classes tend to be categorized as one of the seen (source) classes. So they yield poor performance after being deployed in the generalized ZSL settings. In this paper, we propose a straightforward yet effective method named Quasi-Fully Supervised Learning (QFSL) to alleviate the bias problem. Our method follows the way of transductive learning, which assumes that both the labeled source images and unlabeled target images are available for training. In the semantic embedding space, the labeled source images are mapped to several fixed points specified by the source categories, and the unlabeled target images are forced to be mapped to other points specified by the target categories. Experiments conducted on AwA2, CUB and SUN datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms existing state-of-the-art approaches by a huge margin of 9.3 ~ 24.5% following generalized ZSL settings, and by a large margin of 0.2 ~ 16.2% following conventional ZSL settings.
The mTOR Targets 4E-BP1/2 Restrain Tumor Growth and Promote Hypoxia Tolerance in PTEN-driven Prostate Cancer

The mTOR signaling pathway is a central regulator of protein synthesis and cellular metabolism in response to the availability of energy, nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors. mTOR activation leads to phosphorylation of multiple downstream targets including the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding proteins-1 and -2 (EIF4EBP1/4E-BP1 and EIF4EBP2/4E-BP2). These binding proteins inhibit protein synthesis, but are inactivated by mTOR to stimulate cell growth and metabolism. However, the role of these proteins in the context of aberrant activation of mTOR, which occurs frequently in cancers through loss of PTEN or mutational activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, is unclear. Here, even under conditions of aberrant mTOR activation, hypoxia causes dephosphorylation of 4E-BP1/4E-BP2 and increases their association with eIF4E to suppress translation. This is essential for hypoxia tolerance as knockdown of 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 decreases proliferation under hypoxia and increases hypoxia-induced cell death. In addition, genetic deletion of 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 significantly accelerates all phases of cancer development in the context of PTEN loss–driven prostate cancer in mice despite potent PI3K/AKT and mTOR activation. However, even with a more rapid onset, tumors that establish in the absence of 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 have reduced levels of tumor hypoxia and show increased cell death within hypoxic tumor regions. Together, these data demonstrate that 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 act as essential metabolic breaks even in the context of aberrant mTOR activation and that they are essential for the creation of hypoxia-tolerant cells in prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 682–95. ©2018 AACR.
Comparison of the low‐contrast detectability of two ultrasound systems using a grayscale phantom

The purpose of the present study was to use a commercially available grayscale phantom to compare two ultrasound systems regarding their ability to reproduce clinically relevant low‐contrast objects at different sizes and depths, taking into account human observer variability and other methodological issues related to observer performance studies. One high‐end and one general ultrasound scanner from the same manufacturer using the same probe were included. The study was intended to simulate the clinical situation where small low‐contrast objects are embedded in relatively homogeneous organs. Images containing 4 and 6.4 mm objects of four different contrasts were acquired from the grayscale phantom at different depths. Six observers participated in a 4‐alternative forced‐choice study based on 960 images. Case sample and human observer variabilities were taken into account using bootstrapping. At four of sixteen depth/size/contrast combinations, the visual performance of the high‐end scanner was significantly higher. Thus, it was possible to use a grayscale phantom to discriminate between the two evaluated ultrasound systems in terms of their ability to reproduce clinically relevant low‐contrast objects. However, the number of images and number of observers were larger than those usually used for constancy control. PACS number(s): 87.57. C‐, 87.63. dh
SERIOUS GAMES DESIGN: REFLECTIONS FROM AN EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION

This paper tackles the issue of Serious Games design by drawing on the experience conducted in the framework of the i-Treasures project, which deals with the preservation and transmission of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). In i-Treasures a collection of Serious Games has been developed addressing four relevant ICH areas: singing, dancing, craftsmanship and music composition. So far one game for each of the four areas has been developed; the ultimate aim of the games is making learning and transmission of specific ICH expressions (namely Tsamiko dance, human beat box, pottery, contemporary music composition) more motivating, engaging and, ultimately, effective. Starting from the concept of pedagogy-driven game design, the main pedagogical choices adopted are outlined. Further considerations on the overall design process are also proposed by focusing, in particular, on the need for engaging in a collaborative work a variety of professionals (in the case partners of the project) with different expertise, skills and background. Short intro: Games are increasingly adopted to favour learning in a variety of different educational areas. This paper deals with their adoption in the area of Cultural Heritage Education, in particular in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Actually, it focuses on the design of Serious Games (SGs) for supporting and enhancing learning and transmission of practical skills, such as those required to perform specific ICH expressions (e.g.: dances, handicraft). In this area, the potential of SGs is relevant because the learning opportunities they offer are "situated", that is the learner acts in a virtual context which closely resembles the one where the cultural expression is usually practiced. Nevertheless, the SGs' educational potential and actual effectiveness may vary appreciably as a consequence of the design choices made a priori before starting the implementation.
Estimation of physical activity intensity using triaxial

Adequate physical activity (PA) in youth is essential for shortand long-term health. However, it is difficult to perform large-scale assessments of youth PA levels and be assured of accurate results. Recent developments in accelerometer-based PA monitoring for adults (e.g. the Sojourn method) have enhanced the accuracy attainable by those devices, but the same has not been accomplished for youth. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and cross-validate versions of the established Sojourn method that can be used for research with youth. Methods: The study involved two phases. In Phase 1, existing ActiGraph monitor data from 54 youth were used to train artificial neural networks that were implanted into customized shells of the existing Sojourn method, and these were compared against indirect calorimetry for validation. In Phase 2, a separate cross validation analysis was conducted on an independent sample of 21 youth that wore ActiGraph monitors during a simulated free-living protocol. This phase utilized direct observation as the criterion measure of activity intensity and consisted of one hour of self-directed activity, with limited direction provided outside of the requirement that at least 5 activities be performed within the hour. In both phases, standard processing methods were included to compare the relative utility of the new methods to the established and currently available techniques for both hip and wrist ActiGraph data. Phase 2 additionally compared non-dominant and dominant wrist attachment. Tests of classification accuracy (confusion matrices, sensitivity and specificity, percent accuracy, and kappa statistics) were used in both phases to evaluate the methods. Results: The adapted Sojourn methods achieved accuracies ranging from
Transposon Mutagenesis of the Zika Virus Genome Highlights Regions Essential for RNA Replication and Restricted for Immune Evasion

ABSTRACT The molecular constraints affecting Zika virus (ZIKV) evolution are not well understood. To investigate ZIKV genetic flexibility, we used transposon mutagenesis to add 15-nucleotide insertions throughout the ZIKV MR766 genome and subsequently deep sequenced the viable mutants. Few ZIKV insertion mutants replicated, which likely reflects a high degree of functional constraints on the genome. The NS1 gene exhibited distinct mutational tolerances at different stages of the screen. This result may define regions of the NS1 protein that are required for the different stages of the viral life cycle. The ZIKV structural genes showed the highest degree of insertional tolerance. Although the envelope (E) protein exhibited particular flexibility, the highly conserved envelope domain II (EDII) fusion loop of the E protein was intolerant of transposon insertions. The fusion loop is also a target of pan-flavivirus antibodies that are generated against other flaviviruses and neutralize a broad range of dengue virus and ZIKV isolates. The genetic restrictions identified within the epitopes in the EDII fusion loop likely explain the sequence and antigenic conservation of these regions in ZIKV and among multiple flaviviruses. Thus, our results provide insights into the genetic restrictions on ZIKV that may affect the evolution of this virus. IMPORTANCE Zika virus recently emerged as a significant human pathogen. Determining the genetic constraints on Zika virus is important for understanding the factors affecting viral evolution. We used a genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screen to identify where mutations were tolerated in replicating viruses. We found that the genetic regions involved in RNA replication were mostly intolerant of mutations. The genes coding for structural proteins were more permissive to mutations. Despite the flexibility observed in these regions, we found that epitopes bound by broadly reactive antibodies were genetically constrained. This finding may explain the genetic conservation of these epitopes among flaviviruses.
Plasma Amylin and Cognition in Diabetes in the Absence and the Presence of Insulin Treatment

Background Plasma amylin is positively associated with cognitive function in humans. Amylin treatment improves memory in Alzheimer’s mouse models. However, the relationship between plasma amylin, diabetes and cognition is not clear. Objectives In this study we examined the concentration of plasma amylin, its relationship with diabetes and cognition. Material and Method A cross-sectional, homebound elderly population with data of plasma amylin under fasting condition and cognitive measurements was used. Results We found that subjects with a long and chronic duration of diabetes were more likely to take insulin treatment and have reduced secretion of amylin. Compared to non-diabetics, diabetic subjects without insulin treatment had a higher concentration, but those with insulin treatment had a lower concentration, of plasma amylin [median (Q1, Q3): 20 (11.0, 36.2) vs. 25.2 (13.2, 50.6) vs. 15.0 (4.9, 33.8), p<0.0001]. In the whole sample vs. in the absence of diabetes, plasma amylin was positively associated with logical memory delayed recall (β= +0.61, SE=0.25, p=0.02 vs. β=+0.80, SE=0.33, p=0.02) and block design (β=+0.62, SE=0.24, p=0.009 vs. β=+0.93, SE=0.31, p=0.003), and negatively associated with Trailmaking A scores (β= −6.21, SE=1.55, p<0.0001 vs. β=−7.51, SE=1.95, p=0.0001) and Trailmaking B (β= −4.32, SE=2.13, p=0.04 vs. β= −5.86, SE=2.73, p=0.04). All these relationships disappeared in the presence of diabetes regardless the treatment. Conclusion This study suggests that secretion of amylin by pancreas compensates and then deteriorates depending on the duration of diabetes. Amylin’s activities for cognition are impaired in the presence of diabetes.
An Improved Confo mance Testing Method

In this paper, we present a novel conformance test suite derivation method. Similar to the HIS method, our method uses harmonized state identifiers for state identification and transition checking and can be applied to any reduced possibly partial deterministic or nondeterministic specification FSM. However, in contrast with the HIS method, in the proposed method appropriate state identifiers are selected on-the-fly (for transition checking) in order to shorten the length of the obtained test suite. Application examples and experimental results are provided. These results show that the proposed method generates shorter test suites than the HIS method. Particularly, on average, the ratio of the length of the test suites derived using the proposed method over the length of corresponding suites derived using the HIS method is 0.66 (0.55) when the number of states of an implementation equals to (is greater than) the number of states of the specification. These ratios are almost independent of the size of specifications. Many FSM-based test derivation methods have been developed for conformance testing of communication protocols and other reactive systems [2,3,10,12,14,15,17]. Well-known methods are called the W [2, 14], partial W (Wp) [3], HIS [10,17], and generalized Wp (GWp) [7, 8] test derivation methods. For related surveys the reader may refer to [1,6,13,16]. In [2,3,10,14,15,17] testing methods, one usually assumes that not only the specification, but also the implementation can be modeled as a deterministic FSM, while in [7,8] the specification and the implementation are modeled as non-deterministic FSMs (NFSMs). If the behavior of a (deterministic/nondeterministic) implementation FSM is different than the specified behavior, the implementation contains a fault. The above methods, each provides the following fault coverage guarantee: If the specification can be modeled by a (reduced) FSM with n states and if a corresponding implementation can be modeled by an FSM with at most m states, where m is larger or equal to n, then a test suite can be derived by the method (for this given m) and the implementation passes this test suite if and only if it conforms (i.e. is equivalent) to the specification. A test suite is called m-complete [11] if it detects any nonconforming implementation with at most m states. Guessing the bound of m is an intuitive process based on the knowledge of a specification, the class of implementations which have to be tested for conformance and their interior structure [1]. All of the above methods assume that a reliable reset is available for each An Improved Confo mance Testing Method Rita Dorofeeva, Khaled El-Fakih, and Nina Yevtushenko 1 Tomsk State University, Russia 2 American University of Sharja, UAE drf@kitidis.tsu. ru, kelfakih@aus.ac. ae, yevtushenko@elefot.tsu. ru