Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physically-Based Character Skinning

In this paper we present a novel multi-layer model for physically-based character skinning. In contrast to geometric approaches which are commonly used in the field of character skinning, physically-based methods can simulate secondary motion effects. Furthermore, these methods can handle collisions and preserve the volume of the model without the need of an additional post-process. Physically-based approaches are computationally more expensive than geometric methods but they provide more realistic results. Recent works in this area use finite element simulations to model the elastic behavior of skin. These methods require the generation of a volumetric mesh for the skin shape in a pre-processing step. It is not easy for an artist to model the different elastic behaviors of muscles, fat and skin using a volumetric mesh since there is no clear assignment between volume elements and tissue types. For our novel multi-layer model the mesh generation is very simple and can be performed automatically. Furthermore, the model contains a layer for each kind of tissue. Therefore, the artist can easily control the elastic behavior by adjusting the stiffness parameters for muscles, fat and skin. We use shape matching with oriented particles and a fast summation technique to simulate the elastic behavior of our skin model and a position-based constraint enforcement to handle collisions, volume conservation and the coupling of the skeleton with the deformable model. Position-based methods have the advantage that they are fast, unconditionally stable, controllable and provide visually plausible results.
Proceedings of the Programming Model Institute Technical meeting 2008

In January 2008, the Programming model Institute of CoreGRID held a plenary meeting in Paris. The meeting was aimed at discussing progress achieved on the Programming model Institute research themes. During the meeting – most of the Institute partners were attending – different researchers presented their on-going work related to the Institute research themes. The meeting was also notable in that it was the first technical meeting where the new Associate partners of CoreGRID (those involved in the Programming model Institute activities) participated actively. This report hosts a synthetic version of the work presented in the Paris meeting. The different contributions cover the most important research themes of the Institute. In particular, four contributions are related to autonomic features in GCM (the ones presented in Sec. 4, 6, 7 and 8), and three deal with workflow/component related themes (Sec. 3, 9 and 10). Overall, all the contributions are more or less directly related to GCM and, more generally, to component programming models. This research work is carried out under the FP6 Network of Excellence CoreGRID funded by the European Commission (Contract IST-2002004265).
The Short-Term Impact of Ontario's Generic Pricing Reforms

Background Canadians pay amongst the highest generic drug prices in the world. In July 2010, the province of Ontario enacted a policy that halved reimbursement for generic drugs from the public drug plan, and substantially lowered prices for private purchases. We quantified the impact of this policy on overall generic drug expenditures in the province, and projected the impact in other provinces had they mimicked this pricing change. Methods We used quarterly prescription generic drug dispensing data from the IMS-Brogan CompuScript Audit. We used the price per unit in both the pre- and post-policy period and two economics price indexes to estimate the expenditure reduction in Ontario. Further, we used the post-policy Ontario prices to estimate the potential reduction in other provinces. Results We estimate that total expenditure on generic drugs in Ontario during the second half of 2010 was between $181 and $194 million below what would be expected if prices had remained at pre-policy level. Over half of the reduction in spending was due to savings on just 10 generic ingredients. If other provinces had matched Ontario's prices, their expenditures over during the latter half of 2010 would have been $445 million lower. Discussion We found that if Ontario's pricing scheme were adopted nationally, overall spending on generic drugs in Canada would drop at least $1.28 billion annually—a 5% decrease in total prescription drug expenditure. Other provinces should seriously consider both changes to their generic drug prices and the use of more competitive bulk purchasing policies.
Distributed Power and Channel Allocation for Cognitive Femtocell Network Using a Coalitional Game in Partition-Form Approach

The cognitive femtocell network (CFN) integrated with cognitive-radio-enabled technology has emerged as one of the promising solutions to improve wireless broadband coverage in indoor environments for next-generation mobile networks. In this paper, we study a distributed resource allocation that consists of subchannel- and power-level allocation in the uplink of the two-tier CFN comprised of a conventional macrocell and multiple femtocells using underlay spectrum access. The distributed resource allocation problem is addressed via an optimization problem, in which we maximize the uplink sum rate under constraints of intratier and intertier interference while maintaining the average delay requirement for cognitive femtocell users. Specifically, the aggregated interference from cognitive femtocell users to the macrocell base station (MBS) is also kept under an acceptable level. We show that this optimization problem is NP-hard and propose an autonomous framework, in which the cognitive femtocell users self-organize into disjoint groups (DJGs). Then, instead of maximizing the sum rate in all cognitive femtocells, we only maximize the sum rate of each DJG. After that, we formulate the optimization problem as a coalitional game in partition form, which obtains suboptimal solutions. Moreover, distributed algorithms are also proposed for allocating resources to the CFN. Finally, the proposed framework is tested based on the simulation results and shown to perform efficient resource allocation.
A web-based user interaction framework for collaboratively building and validating ontologies

Collaborative ontology building requires innovative navigational instruments that improve content exploration and the creation of shared meaning. Building upon an existing architecture for automated ontology learning from unstructured textual resources developed by the authors, this paper presents a Web-based user interaction framework encompassing three major components: (i) real-time visualizations of ontology evolution with time interval and confidence sliders, (ii) traditional ontology editing environments, and (iii) multi-player online games leveraging social networking platforms in the tradition of games with a purpose. A prototype in the environmental domain will showcase the integration of powerful search capabilities with novel graphbased interfaces for guiding novice and expert users alike.
The “Mail-Order-Bride” (MOB) Phenomenon in the Cyberworld: An Interpretive Investigation

Information technology (IT) is often an enabler in bringing people together. In the context of this study, IT helps connect matchmaking service providers with those looking for love, particularly when a male seeks to meet and possibly marry a female from another country: a process which results in over 16,500 such ‘mail-order-bride’ (MOB) marriages a year in the United States alone. Past research in business disciplines has been largely silent about the way in which this process unfolds, the perspectives of the participants at different points of time, and the role of IT underlying the MOB matchmaking service. Adopting an interpretivist stance, and utilizing some of the methodological guidelines associated with the Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM), we develop a process model which highlights: a) the key states of the process through which the relationship between the MOB seeker (the man) and the MOB (the woman) unfolds, b) the transitions between states, and c) the triggering conditions for the transitions from one state to another. This study also highlights key motivations of the individuals participating in the MOB process, the effect of power and the role it plays in the dynamics of the relationships, the status of women and how their status evolves during the MOB process, and the unique affordance provided by IT as the relationships evolve.
Divergent Roles of p75NTR and Trk Receptors in BDNF's Effects on Dendritic Spine Density and Morphology

Activation of TrkB receptors by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) followed by MAPK/ERK signaling increases dendritic spine density and the proportion of mature spines in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Considering the opposing actions of p75NTR and Trk receptors in several BDNF actions on CNS neurons, we tested whether these receptors also have divergent actions on dendritic spine density and morphology. A function-blocking anti-p75NTR antibody (REX) did not affect spine density by itself but it prevented BDNF's effect on spine density. Intriguingly, REX by itself increased the proportion of immature spines and prevented BDNF's effect on spine morphology. In contrast, the Trk receptor inhibitor k-252a increased spine density by itself, and prevented BDNF from further increasing spine density. However, most of the spines in k-252a-treated slices were of the immature type. These effects of k-252a on spine density and morphology required neuronal activity because they were prevented by TTX. These divergent BDNF actions on spine density and morphology are reminiscent of opposing functional signaling by p75NTR and Trk receptors and reveal an unexpected level of complexity in the consequences of BDNF signaling on dendritic morphology.
MORC Family ATPases Required for Heterochromatin Condensation and Gene Silencing

To Silence or Not to Silence Repressed genes commonly have methylated DNA, and/or covalent histone modifications associated with silent chromatin, and/or associated small interfering (si)RNAs. All three features are components of gene-silencing systems (see the Perspective by Jacob and Martienssen). In a screen for components of DNA methylation gene-silencing systems in the flowering plant, Moissiard et al. (p. 1448, published online 3 May) identified the genes AtMoRC1 and AtMORC6, which are homologs of the mouse Microrchidia1 gene. AtMORC1 and AtMORC6 are involved in silencing transposable elements and genes corresponding to DNA-methylated loci, and yet neither gene is required for maintenance of DNA methylation. Instead, AtMoRC1 and AtMORC6 are related to proteins that remodel chromatin superstructure, and they seem to control gene-silencing through the higher-order compaction of methylated and silent chromatin. Qian et al. (p. 1445) identified an Arabidopsis gene, IDM1 (increased DNA methylation 1), that is involved in regulating DNA methylation at loci enriched for repeats and multigene families containing highly homologous genes. IDM1 protects target genes from DNA silencing and recognizes both histone H3 and methylated DNA at target loci and is able to acetylate histone H3. A conserved family of adenosine triphosphatases predicted to catalyze alterations in chromosome superstructure is required for gene silencing. Transposable elements (TEs) and DNA repeats are commonly targeted by DNA and histone methylation to achieve epigenetic gene silencing. We isolated mutations in two Arabidopsis genes, AtMORC1 and AtMORC6, which cause derepression of DNA-methylated genes and TEs but no losses of DNA or histone methylation. AtMORC1 and AtMORC6 are members of the conserved Microrchidia (MORC) adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) family, which are predicted to catalyze alterations in chromosome superstructure. The atmorc1 and atmorc6 mutants show decondensation of pericentromeric heterochromatin, increased interaction of pericentromeric regions with the rest of the genome, and transcriptional defects that are largely restricted to loci residing in pericentromeric regions. Knockdown of the single MORC homolog in Caenorhabditis elegans also impairs transgene silencing. We propose that the MORC ATPases are conserved regulators of gene silencing in eukaryotes.
A method to design lumped-element tunable bandpass filters with constant absolute bandwidth

A simple and efficient design method for tunable filters on lumped elements is presented. The method allows designing bandpass filters with tunable central frequency and constant absolute bandwidth. The filter circuit consisting of series LC-tanks and impedance inverters is used in contrast to the conventional approach. Theoretical restrictions of the method as well as practical factors limiting its application are discussed. Feasibility of the method is demonstrated by a design example of the three-pole constant-bandwidth tunable filter using varactor diodes as controlling components. A good agreement between simulated and measured frequency responses of the tunable filter is shown.
A hierarchical graph-based markovian clustering approach for the unsupervised segmentation of textured color images

In this paper, a new unsupervised hierarchical approach to textured color images segmentation is proposed. To this end, we have designed a two-step procedure based on a grey-scale Markovian over-segmentation step, followed by a Markovian graph-based clustering algorithm, using a decreasing merging threshold schedule, which aims at progressively merging neighboring regions with similar textural features. This Hierarchical segmentation method, using two levels of representation, has been successfully applied on the Berkeley Segmentation Dataset and Benchmark (BSDB[1]). The experiments reported in this paper demonstrate that the proposed method is efficient in terms of visual evaluation and quantitative performance measures and performs well compared to the best existing state-of-the-art segmentation methods recently proposed in the literature.
Super-resolution for real-time volumetric MR-temperature monitoring

Real time magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry provides continuous temperature mapping inside the human body and allows precise monitoring and control of thermal therapies. In practice it is still difficult to acquire images with 3D isotropic resolution. A high in-plane resolution is therefore preferred at the cost of the slice thickness, which may limit the accuracy of the thermometry.
The design and verification of a high-performance low-control-overhead asynchronous differential equation solver

This paper describes the design and verification of a high-performance asynchronous differential equation solver. The design has low control overhead which allows the average-case delay to be 48% faster (tested at 22/spl deg/C and 3.3 V) than any comparable synchronous design (simulated at 100/spl deg/C and 3 V). The techniques to reduce completion sensing overhead and hide control overhead at the circuit, architectural, and protocol levels are discussed. In addition, symbolic model checking techniques are described that were used to gain higher confidence in the correctness of the timed distributed control.
Unmanned Autonomous Veriﬁcation and Validation Position

We outline a new approach to the veriﬁcation and validation (V&V) of safety-critical avionics based on the use of executable lightweight domain speciﬁc languages (LwDSLs)— domain-speciﬁc languages hosted directly in an existing high-level programming language. We provide examples of LwDSLs used in industry today, and then we describe the advantages of LwDSLs in V&V. We argue the approach promises substantial automation and cost-reduction in V&V
The Common A467T Mutation in the Human Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase (POLG) Compromises Catalytic Efficiency and Interaction with the Accessory Subunit*

Among the nearly 50 disease mutations in the gene for the catalytic subunit of human DNA polymerase γ, POLG, the A467T substitution is the most common and has been found in 0.6% of the Belgian population. The A467T mutation is associated with a wide range of mitochondrial disorders, including Alpers syndrome, juvenile spinocerebellar ataxia-epilepsy syndrome, and progressive external ophthalmoplegia, each with vastly different clinical presentations, tissue specificities, and ages of onset. The A467T mutant enzyme possesses only 4% of wild-type DNA polymerase activity, and the catalytic defect is manifest primarily through a 6-fold reduction in kcat with minimal effect on exonuclease function. Human DNA polymerase γ (pol γ) requires association of a 55-kDa accessory subunit for enhanced DNA binding and highly processive DNA synthesis. However, the A467T mutant enzyme failed to interact with and was not stimulated by the accessory subunit, as judged by processivity, heat inactivation, and N-ethylmaleimide protection assays in vitro. Thermolysin digestion and immunoprecipitation experiments further indicate weak association of the subunits for A467T pol γ. This is the first example of a mutation in POLG that disrupts physical association of the pol γ subunits. We propose that reduced polymerase activity and loss of accessory subunit interaction are responsible for the depletion and deletion of mitochondrial DNA observed in patients with this POLG mutation.
Thyroid hormone supplementation in preterm infants born before 28 weeks gestational age and neurodevelopmental outcome at age 36 months.

BACKGROUND Thyroid hormones are required for normal brain maturation, and neonatal plasma thyroid hormone concentrations are low in infants less than 28 weeks gestation. It is not known whether treatment of such infants with thyroid hormone improves neurodevelopmental outcome. METHODS At three years corrected age, mental, motor, and neurological development was assessed in infants born at less than 28 weeks gestational age who had participated in a phase 1 trial of differing doses and modes of administration of thyroid hormone. The trial's endpoints were thyroid hormone (thyroxine, T4) and thyotropin plasma concentrations in eight study arms: six treated with T4 [4, 8, and 16 μg/(kg · day)], bolus or continuous], one treated with iodine only, and one treated with placebo. Follow-up at three years was not part of the original study goals. Developmental index scores, rates of cerebral palsy (CP), and rates of adverse outcome (death or moderate to severe delay in development and/or disabling CP) were compared between the eight study groups and between groups combined by dosage level, and between infants with and without T4 supplementation. RESULTS Of 166 randomized infants, 32 (19%) died in the neonatal period. Of the 134 survivors, follow-up results were available for 89 children (66%). Mental and motor development and rates of cerebral palsy did not differ in any of the comparisons made. CONCLUSION In this study, no differences in neurodevelopment were found in relation to thyroid hormone treatment, but power was insufficient to detect any but very large differences.
The reliability of the three-dimensional FASTRAK measurement system in measuring cervical spine and shoulder range of motion in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVES To assess the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of a new three-dimensional measurement system, the FASTRAK, in measuring cervical spine flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation and shoulder flexion/extension, abduction and external rotation in healthy subjects. METHODS The study was conducted in two parts. One part assessed inter-observer reliability with two observers measuring 40 subjects. The other part assessed intra-observer reliability with one observer measuring 32 subjects on three occasions. All subjects had unrestricted, pain-free cervical spine and shoulder movement. Reliability was measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC(2,1)]. RESULTS The inter-observer ICCs for the cervical spine ranged from 0.61 to 0.89 and for the shoulder from 0.68 to 0.75. After removal of outliers, all ICCs were above 0.70. Intra-observer ICCs for the cervical spine ranged from 0.54 to 0.82 and for the shoulder from 0.62 to 0.81. After removal of outliers, all ICCs were above 0.70 except for shoulder abduction (0.62). CONCLUSIONS Whilst all movements measured by the FASTRAK showed good reliability, the reliability of the whole movement in a plane (e.g. left plus right lateral flexion) was better than for the separate movements (e.g. left and right lateral flexion taken separately). Inter-observer reliability was generally better than intra-observer reliability for most cervical spine movements, suggesting that variability of movement within subjects (e.g. over a period of days) for these movements was greater than variability between measures on the same occasion.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Background: Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, compromised quality of life continues to be a significant problem for patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). However, in spite of the high prevalence of sleep complaints and disorders in this population, the relationship between these problems and quality of life remains to be well characterized. Thus, we studied a sample of stable HD patients to explore relationships between quality of life and both subjective and objective measures of nocturnal sleep and daytime sleepiness Methods: The sample included forty-six HD patients, 24 men and 22 women, with a mean age of 51.6 (10.8) years. Subjects underwent one night of polysomnography followed the next morning by a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), an objective measure of daytime sleepiness. Subjects also completed: 1) a brief nocturnal sleep questionnaire; 2) the Epworth Sleepiness Scale; and, 3) the Quality of Life Index (QLI, Dialysis Version) which provides an overall QLI score and four subscale scores for Health & Functioning (H&F), Social & Economic (S&E), Psychological & Spiritual (P&S), and Family (F). (The range of scores is 0 to 30 with higher scores indicating better quality of life.) Results: The mean (standard deviation; SD) of the overall QLI was 22.8 (4.0). The mean (SD) of the four subscales were as follows: H&F – 21.1 (4.7); S&E – 22.0 (4.8); P&S – 24.5 (4.4); and, F – 26.8 (3.5). H&F (rs = -0.326, p = 0.013) and F (rs = -0.248, p = 0.048) subscale scores were negatively correlated with periodic limb movement index but not other polysomnographic measures. The H&F subscale score were positively correlated with nocturnal sleep latency (rs = 0.248, p = 0.048) while the H&F (rs = 0.278, p = 0.030) and total QLI (rs = 0.263, p = 0.038) scores were positively associated with MSLT scores. Both of these latter findings indicate that higher life quality is associated with lower sleepiness levels. ESS scores were unrelated to overall QLI scores or the subscale scores. Subjective reports of difficulty falling asleep and waking up too early were significantly correlated with all four subscale scores and overall QLI. Feeling rested in the morning was positively associated with S&E, P&S, and Total QLI scores. Conclusion: Selected measures of both poor nocturnal sleep and increased daytime sleepiness are associated with decreased quality of life in HD patients, underscoring the importance of recognizing and treating these patients' sleep problems. Published: 21 November 2003 Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2003, 1:68 Received: 31 July 2003 Accepted: 21 November 2003 This article is available from: http://www.hqlo. com/content/1/1/68 © 2003 Parker et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article: verbatim copying and redistribution of this article are permitted in all media for any purpose, provided this notice is preserved along with the article's original URL.