Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Faster Photon Map Global Illumination

The photon map method is an extension of ray tracing that makes it able to efciently compute caustics and soft indirect illumination on surfaces and in participating media. This paper describes a method to further speed up the computation of soft indirect illumination (diffuse-diffuse light transport such as color bleeding) on surfaces. The speed- up is based on the observation that the many look-ups in the global photon map during nal gathering can be simplied by precomputing local irradiance values at the photon positions. Our tests indicate that the calculation of soft indirect illumination during rendering, which is the most time-consuming part, can be sped up by a factor of 5n7 in typical scenes at the expense of 1) a precomputation that takes about 2%n5% of the time saved during rendering and 2) a 28% increase of memory use.
West Nile Virus 5′-Cap Structure Is Formed by Sequential Guanine N-7 and Ribose 2′-O Methylations by Nonstructural Protein 5

ABSTRACT Many flaviviruses are globally important human pathogens. Their plus-strand RNA genome contains a 5′-cap structure that is methylated at the guanine N-7 and the ribose 2′-OH positions of the first transcribed nucleotide, adenine (m7GpppAm). Using West Nile virus (WNV), we demonstrate, for the first time, that the nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) mediates both guanine N-7 and ribose 2′-O methylations and therefore is essential for flavivirus 5′-cap formation. We show that a recombinant full-length and a truncated NS5 protein containing the methyltransferase (MTase) domain methylates GpppA-capped and m7GpppA-capped RNAs to m7GpppAm-RNA, using S-adenosylmethionine as a methyl donor. Furthermore, methylation of GpppA-capped RNA sequentially yielded m7GpppA- and m7GpppAm-RNA products, indicating that guanine N-7 precedes ribose 2′-O methylation. Mutagenesis of a K61-D146-K182-E218 tetrad conserved in other cellular and viral MTases suggests that NS5 requires distinct amino acids for its N-7 and 2′-O MTase activities. The entire K61-D146-K182-E218 motif is essential for 2′-O MTase activity, whereas N-7 MTase activity requires only D146. The other three amino acids facilitate, but are not essential for, guanine N-7 methylation. Amino acid substitutions within the K61-D146-K182-E218 motif in a WNV luciferase-reporting replicon significantly reduced or abolished viral replication in cells. Additionally, the mutant MTase-mediated replication defect could not be trans complemented by a wild-type replicase complex. These findings demonstrate a critical role for the flavivirus MTase in viral reproduction and underscore this domain as a potential target for antiviral therapy.
Adapting Pharmacoeconomics to Shape Efficient Health Systems en Route to UHC – Lessons from Two Continents

Background: Pharmacoeconomics is receiving increasing attention globally as a set of tools ensuring efficient use of resources in health systems, albeit with different applications depending on the contextual, cultural and development stages of each country. The factors guiding design, implementation and optimisation of pharmacoeconomics as a steering tool under the universal health coverage paradigm are explored using case studies of Germany and South Africa. Findings: German social health insurance is subject to the efficiency precept. Pharmaco-regulatory tools reflect the respective framework conditions under which they developed at particular points in time. The institutionalization and integration of pharmacoeconomics into the remit of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care occurred only rather recently. The road has not been smooth, requiring political discourse and complex processes of negotiation. Although enshrined in the National Drug Policy, South Africa has had a more fragmented approach to medicine selection and pricing with different policies in private and public sectors. The regulatory reform for use of pharmacoeconomic tools is ongoing and will be further shaped by the introduction of National Health Insurance. Conclusion: A clear vision or framework is essential as the regulatory introduction of pharmacoeconomics is not a single event but rather a growing momentum. The path will always be subject to influences of politics, economics and market forces beyond the healthcare system so delays and modifications to pharmacoeconomic tools are to be expected. Health systems are dynamic and pharmacoeconomic reforms need to be sufficiently flexible to evolve alongside.
Architectural Support for Efficient Multicasting in Irregular Networks

Parallel computing on networks of workstations is fast becoming a cost-effective high-performance computing alternative to MPPs. Such a computing environment typically consists of processing nodes interconnected through a switch-based irregular network. Many of the problems that were solved for regular networks have to be solved anew for these systems. One such problem is that of efficient multicast communication. In this paper, we propose two broad categories of schemes for efficient multicasting in such irregular networks: network interface-based (NI-based) and switch-based. The NI-based multicasting schemes use the network interface of intermediate destinations for absorbing and retransmitting messages to other destinations in the multicast tree. In contrast, the switch-based multicasting schemes use hardware support for packet replication at the switches of the network and a concept known as multidestination routing to convey a multicast message from one source to multiple destinations. We first present alternative schemes for efficient multipacket forwarding at the NI and derive an optimal k-binomial multicast tree for multipacket NI-based multicast. We then propose two switch-based multicasting schemes that differ in the power of the encoding scheme and the complexity of the decoding logic at the switches. These multicasting schemes use path-based multidestination worms that can cover all nodes connected to switches along a valid unicast path and tree-based multidestination worms that can cover entire destination sets in a single phase using one worm, respectively. For each scheme, we describe the associated header encoding and decoding operation, the method for deriving multidestination worms that cover arbitrary multicast destination sets, and the multicasting scheme using the derived multidestination worms.
Regional lymph node involvement and outcomes in appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors: a SEER database analysis

Background Appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms are most often diagnosed incidentally during appendectomy. The need for subsequent right hemicolectomy (RHC) is determined based on the risk of regional lymph node (LN) involvement. Tumor size has historically been used as an indicator of this risk, but controversy remains regarding its cut off. Furthermore, the impact of RHC on survival is unclear. Methods We used the SEER database to identify patients diagnosed with appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors. Results Of 1731 patients, 38.0% had well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (WDNETs), 60.8% had mixed histology tumors (MHTs), and 1.2% had poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (PDNECs). In patients with WDNETs and MHTs who had adequate lymphadenectomy, higher rates of LN involvement were noted for tumors size 11–20 mm than ≤10 mm (56.8% vs. 11.6%, p <0.001; 32.9% vs. 10.4%, p=0.004, respectively). The type of surgery did not affect OS in cases with MHTs with LN involvement (HR 1.00; 95% CI, 0.53–1.89; p =0.99). Patients with regionally advanced WDNET showed excellent survival and only 3 patients (out of 118) died from cancer within 10 years. Conclusions 10 mm appears to be a more appropriate cutoff than 20 mm for predicting LN metastasis in appendiceal NETs. Cases with WDNETs and nodal involvement demonstrate overall excellent prognosis irrespective of type of surgery (i.e. RHC may not improve outcome). In MHTs with LN metastases, survival is markedly worse in spite of RHC. The role of adjuvant therapy should be evaluated in this subset.
Necrotizing Lymphadenitis Associated with the Phenytoin-induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome

A 32-year-old black female was started on phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis following the clipping of an aneurysm. This was stopped after 3 weeks when she developed a generalized skin rash. Over the next week she developed fever, sore throat, dysphagia, and headache. She had an erythematous throat with white exudates on the right tonsil and 1 to 3 cm firm, tender lymphadenopathy in multiple regions. Blood, throat swab and cerebrospinal fluid studies were negative for bacterial or viral infections, except for elevated liver enzymes. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed no lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsy suggested necrosis but no evidence of infection, granuloma, or lymphoma. Her lymphadenopathy resolved spontaneously and liver enzymes normalized in 3 weeks. Hypersensitivity syndrome due to antiepileptics manifests as fever, rash, generalized lymphadenopathy, and probably represents a T-cell mediated drug reaction. This reaction may persist despite cessation of the drug, and it may engender expensive evaluation. Careful observation up to 3 weeks after drug cessation may be the best management.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF VISCOUS FLOW AROUND A TANKER MODEL

In this paper, numerical simulation of viscous flow around a tanker model was carried out utilizing software package STAR-CCM+. A mathematical model based on Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations, a k-e turbulence model and Volume of Fluid method for describing the motion of two-phase media are given. Necessary boundary conditions for the mathematical model and the method of discretization are also described. The effect of grid density on the numerical results for the total resistance of the tanker model was investigated using three different grid densities. Two different types of the k-e turbulence model were implemented and deviations in the numerical results are highlighted. The results for the total resistance of the tanker model, obtained by numerical simulations, were validated against the experimental results. The experiments were performed in the towing tank of the Brodarski Institute for a wide range of Froude numbers. It was shown that for all three grid densities and for both types of the k-e turbulence model satisfactory agreement with the experimental results can be achieved for the whole range of Froude numbers. The scale effects were investigated by a Computational Fluid Dynamics study for the same tanker model in three different scales. Numerically calculated scale effects on wave resistance are reviewed.
Dynamics of Ninhydrin‐Reactive Nitrogen and pH in Gravesoil During the Extended Postmortem Interval

Estimating the postmortem interval of skeletal remains is difficult, as few tools exist to do so. To address this problem, we conducted a field experiment to measure the chemistry of swine (Sus scrofa domesticus Linnaeus) gravesoil after 1 year and 3 years postmortem. Carcasses were placed on the soil surface of a pasture during June in a cold (Dfa) climate. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in ninhydrin‐reactive nitrogen, pH, total nitrogen, and nitrate in gravesoil were detected 1 year postmortem. Significant differences in gravesoil chemistry were not detected 3 years postmortem. These observations coincided with gaps in plant growth 1 year postmortem and the development of lush vegetation 3 years postmortem. We conclude that these phenomena can be used to assist the decision‐making process regarding the allocation of resources during the early stages of a death investigation.
Hepatic growth effects of methylprednisolone, azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, and mizoribine.

Cyclosporine (CSA) and FK506 augment liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats (1, 2), an effect that is not the consequence of immune modulation (3). In addition, both drugs increase the hepatocyte proliferative response in dogs that is characteristic after Eck fistula, and they also prevent the hepatocyte atrophy and organelle disruption that is caused by this operation (4). Substances causing these changes have been termed hepatotrophic. Rapamycin (RPM),* a third potent immunosuppressant, has opposite (antihepatotrophic) actions without evidence of inherent hepatocyte toxicity (5).
A survey of physiotherapy students’ experiences and attitudes towards treating individuals with mental illness

Introduction: Very few research articles have considered the views and attitudes of student physiotherapists towards treating individuals with a mental illness (MI). Therefore, this study's objective was to consider the experiences and attitudes of student physiotherapists towards treating individuals with MI. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort design was used. One hundred and eighty one physiotherapy undergraduate degree students at UK institutions participated in the survey. The survey had been specifically designed for this study, and contained a mixture of open and closed questions. Results: Seventy one per cent (123/173) of the students were exposed to less than 4 hours teaching time about MI, and 76% (131/173) wanted further education on MI. Students were concerned about limited knowledge of MI conditions and how to approach patients who have a MI. A summary of the specific concerns of students is identified within the text. Conclusions: Further education about MI is required to give students greater.
Dynamic Pricing as a Service for E-Commerce Applications

is one of the few sectors in the current Dutch economy that is still experiencing substantial growth. This growing industry faces two key challenges: international expansion and the phasing out of warehouses. Dynamic pricing can aid in meeting those challenges. However, this is currently only available as tailor made solutions for companies with big IT development budgets. In this paper we research the possibility of offering dynamic pricing functionalities to web shops as a service, in line with the service oriented architecture (SOA) paradigm. We focus on e-commerce retailers that sell non-perishable goods in plenty supply. We introduce a categorization of dynamic pricing strategies with a three- dimensional model. On this we base a design of a SOA which we analyse using theoretical grounds and a practical case study. Two major problems have arisen from this analysis. First, a potentially negative impact on customer loyalty. Second, a potential problem with the data model for storing prices used by the underlying ERP system of the case study web shop. Based on these problems we had to conclude that we cannot confidently say that such a service is feasible.
EXPERIENCE OF SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY ALONE IN EARLY BREAST CANCER WITHOUT FURTHER AXILLARY DISSECTION IN PATIENTS WITH NEGATIVE SENTINEL NODE

Aims: The aims of surgical therapy of breast cancer are loco‐regional tumour control and staging. Axillary staging is still considered the single most important prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Surgical removal of axillary nodes remains the standard way to assess their involvement in most centres. The morbidity associated with axillary dissection (AD) is well recognized. In recent years sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has evolved. Multiple studies suggest it has the same accuracy as AD in axillary staging and less morbidity in early breast cancer (EBC). SNB has become the standard of practice in EBC in many parts of the world. In Australia, the preference has been to wait for the results of the Sentinel Node versus Axillary Clearance (SNAC) trial as well as other international trials before accepting SNB as a standard of care. The experience of a single surgeon with SNB alone in EBC without further completion axillary dissection (CAD) in negative sentinel node (SLN) is described in the present paper.
Optimal Control for Hybrid Systems With Partitioned State Space

For hybrid systems where the continuous state space is partitioned by switching manifolds, the discrete state changes autonomously if the continuous state hits a manifold. Recently, we introduced a version of the minimum principle for the optimal control of such systems, where necessary optimality conditions were provided for the case that a trajectory passes through the intersection of switching manifolds . Further, we introduced an algorithm based on these conditions for computing optimal controls by varying not only the continuous state on switching manifolds based on gradient information, but also the sequence of discrete states . It was shown that, the combinatorial complexity of former computational schemes based on the minimum principle can be avoided, since not all possible discrete state sequences need to be analyzed separately. In this note, theoretical aspects of the algorithm and practical considerations for a successful implementation are discussed in detail. Further, a comparison to existing algorithms for the solution of hybrid optimal control problems with autonomous switching is presented. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by a novel numerical example.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Speed Estimation via Nonlinear Adaptive Observers

In this paper the problem of the speed estimation of an unmanned aerial vehicle is addressed, when acceleration, the angles and the angular speeds are available for measurement. We focus our analysis on a prototype drone - a 4 rotors helicopter robot- which is not equipped with GPS related devices and relies on the inertial measurement unit (IMU) only. A global exponential solution to this open problem is provided in the framework of adaptive observation theory when exact measurements are available. A modified estimator is presented to enhance robustness in velocity estimation in the realistic case of noisy acceleration measurements.
trans-Activation of PPARα and Induction of PPARα Target Genes by Perfluorooctane-Based Chemicals

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are liganddependent transcription factors that activate target genes involved in lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and cell differentiation in responsetodiversecompounds,includingenvironmentalchemicals. The liver-expressed receptor PPARa mediates peroxisome proliferative responses associated with rodent hepatocarcinogenesis.Previous studies haveestablished that certain perfluorooctanesulfonamide-based chemicals (PFOSAs) alter lipid metabolism, are hepatic peroxisome proliferators, and induce hepatocellular adenoma formation in rodents, suggesting that they activate PPARa. The present study investigates this question and characterizes the activation of mouse and human PPARa by PFOSAs. Perfluorooctanesulfonate(PFOS),anend-stagemetabolitecommontoseveral PFOSAs,wasfoundtoactivatebothmouseandhumanPPARaina COS-1 cell-based luciferase reporter trans-activation assay. Halfmaximal activation (EC50) occurred at 13‐15 mM PFOS, with no significant difference in the responsiveness of mouse and human PPARa. Mouse and human PPARa were activated by perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA) over a similar concentration range; however, cellular toxicity precluded an accurate determination of EC50 values. Studies of 2-N-ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamido ethanol were less informative due to its insolubility. These findings were verified in an FAO rat hepatoma cell line that stably expresses PPARa, where the endogenous PPARa target genes peroxisomal bifunctionalenzymeandperoxisomal3-ketoacyl-CoAthiolasewere activatedupto � 10‐20-foldbyPFOSandFOSA.Theinteractionsof PPARawith PFOS and FOSA, and the potential of these chemicals for activation of unique sets of downstream target genes, may help explain the diverse biological effects exhibited by PFOSAs and may aid in the evaluation of human and environmental risks associated
36 1 step size of proton-driven c-ring rotation in FoF 1-ATP synthase

Synthesis of adenosine triphosphate ATP, the ‘biological energy currency’, is accomplished by FoF1-ATP synthase. In the plasma membrane of Escherichia coli, proton-driven rotation of a ring of 10 c subunits in the Fo motor powers catalysis in the F1 motor. Although F1 uses 1201 stepping during ATP synthesis, models of Fo predict either an incremental rotation of c subunits in 361 steps or larger step sizes comprising several fast substeps. Using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer, we provide the first experimental determination of a 361 sequential stepping mode of the c-ring during ATP synthesis. The EMBO Journal (2009) 28, 2689–2696. doi:10.1038/ emboj.2009. 213; Published online 30 July 2009 Subject Categories: membranes & transport; proteins
Evaluation of enhanced particle swarm optimization techniques for design of RC structural elements

In this paper, the use of extended versions of basic Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to Reinforced Concrete (RC) structural elements has been presented. The aim of extended versions of basic particle swarm optimization techniques to seek the global optima by maximizing the explorations area and minimizing the exploration time. Optimal sizing and reinforcement of RC structural members have been found by employing these techniques. The algorithms are coded in C++ and their effectiveness was tested in some benchmark mathematical functions. The different variables of each structural element have been considered as continuous functions and rounded off appropriately to imbibe the practical relevance of the present study.
Effectiveness of Product Placement: An Experimental Study in Turkey

This experimental research conducted in Turkey aims to investigate the effects of product placement on consumer choice and memory by combining explicit and implicit measures. Results of the present study support the overall impact of placements on memory and choice. According to the results prominent product placements were recalled and recognized more than subtle product placements, whereas centrality had no reliable effect on brand choice. Effect of modality also differed for memory and choice results where audiovisual placements were the most recalled and recognized.
Modelling Retweet Dynamics using Hawkes Process-a temporal approach

This paper presents a novel Retweet Model for online social networks.The objective is to model retweeting patterns based on historical data of user interactions, inherent topical similarity between tweets reaching current user and tweets of his top K friends, and the nature of interactions of a user with his neighbours in the social network. Point Processes have recently received significant attention from researchers in social media analytics. We have modelled Hawkes Process for online social networks to investigate retweeting patterns.