Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using particles for 3D texture sculpting

Particle systems have been used in computer graphics for many different purposes, including visual simulation of fur, grass, hair, and similar fuzzy textures and shapes. The underlying theories used in these algorithms are usually quite complex and are mostly based on simulation of diffuse-limited aggregation, cellular development, reaction-diffusion models, etc. This leads to high time complexity of these algorithms. The purpose of this paper is to show that collision detection and distance keeping among moving particles can generate similar realistic textures efficiently. This approach is easy to implement, sufficiently fast allowing for interactive modeling, and inherits the major features from the previously published techniques. We first construct a scene consisting of generators of particles, attractors, and cutters. The generators generate oriented particles, and the attractors attract or repulse them. When collision with the cutter is detected, the particle performs an action according to its state and position in the 3D space. Every particle has assigned a table of possible actions that is used for solving these critical states. Trajectories of the particles are then used as a resulting shape of the texture. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability analysis of the 3D electroconvective charged flow between parallel plates using the Particle-In-Cell method

The 3D Electrohydrodynamic convection between parallel plates immersed in a dielectric liquid is studied numerically in a cylindrical cell. The distribution of charge is computed with Particl-In-Cell, the electric field with finite elements and the velocity field with an imposed roll. Critical values of the stability parameter are obtained for different mobilities and are compared with the value from the linear stability analysis.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Sarcopenia in Korean Cancer Survivors: Based on Data Obtained by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2011

ABSTRACT Using a representative dataset from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2008 to 2011, we analyzed anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-determined body composition findings for 493 cancer survivors (mean age a61.1 ± 12.6 years; 35.7% male). A much higher proportion of men (30.1%) than women (0.6%) met the criteria of sarcopenia. Subjects with a history of lung cancer, genitourinary cancer, or gastric cancer were prone to develop sarcopenia (31.6%, 26.3%, and 21.4%, respectively). Furthermore, sarcopenia was more prevalent among elderly (≥65 years; P < 0.001), those with a lower BMI level (<23 kg/m2; P < 0.001), heavy drinker (P = 0.012), or smoker (P < 0.001), and those with inadequate intakes of protein (P = 0.017) and vitamin A (P = 0.024). Multivariable logistic analyses revealed sarcopenia was significantly associated with male gender (odds ratio [OR], 68.14; 95% CI, 15.52–299.13), a BMI of <23 kg/m2 (OR 35.93, 95% CI, 8.24–156.67), and inadequate protein intake (OR 3.07, 95% CI, 1.30–7.22); these factors are significant predictors of sarcopenia in Korean cancer survivors.
Partial characterization of a lysU mutant of Escherichia coli K-12

The Escherichia coli K-12 strain GNB10181 shows no inducible lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) activity. Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis of the polypeptides synthesized by this strain indicates that the normal lysU gene product, LysU, is absent. When both GNB10181 and its parent, MC4100, were grown at elevated temperatures (42 to 45 degrees C) no significant difference between their growth rates was observed. The lysU mutation was transferred to other E. coli K-12 backgrounds by using P1 transduction. The lysU transductants behaved comparably to their lysU+ parents at different growth temperatures. Therefore, the LysU proteins does not appear to be essential for growth at high temperatures, at least under the conditions examined here. In addition, lysU transductants were found to be defective for inducible lysine decarboxylase, (LDC), inducible arginine decarboxylase (ADI), and melibiose utilization (Mel), which are all missing in GNB10181. Complementation of the above missing functions was achieved by using the Clarke-Carbon plasmids pLC4-5 (LysU LDC) and pLC17-38 (LysU Mel ADI). From these experiments, it appears that GNB10181 has suffered a chromosomal deletion between 93.4 and 93.7 min, which includes the lysU gene. By using plasmid pLC17-38, the position of ADI on two-dimensional gels was identified. Finally, lysS delta lysU double mutants were constructed which can potentially be used as positive selection agents for the isolation of LysRS genes from other sources.
Isolation and Characterization of Potential Cancer Stem Cells from Solid Human Tumors—Potential Applications

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cells within a heterogeneous tumor that have enhanced biologic properties, e.g., increased capacity for self‐renewal, increased tumorigenicity, enhanced differentiation capacity, and resistance to chemo‐ and radiotherapies. This unit describes protocols to isolate and characterize potential cancer stem cells from a solid tumor. These involve creating a single‐cell suspension from tumor tissue, tagging the cell subpopulations of interest, and sorting them into different populations. The sorted subpopulations can be evaluated for their ability to meet the functional requirements of a CSC, which primarily include increased tumorigenicity in an in vivo xenograft assay. Use of the protocols described in this unit makes it possible to study populations of cells that may have properties of CSCs. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 63:14.28. 1‐14.28. 19. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Market-based task allocation by using assignment problem

In this study, a market-based task allocation method is proposed. In the trading process, the energy model of a robot platform is used to calculate the price and cost for a task. In order to determine the winner robot(s), two auction clearing algorithms, which are named as Iterative and Highest-Bid Task for Robots (HBTR), are proposed. Additionally, assignment problem is used to determine instantaneous optimal task-robot matching. The Hungarian algorithm is implemented to solve optimal assignment problem. In the implementation of the algorithms, three types of tasks are used: cleaning, carrying and monitoring. The tasks consist of three important features: delicacy, priority, and the task completion time. These tasks are assigned to the members of a heterogeneous robot team, according to the proposed task allocation method.
Effects of Velocity Loss During Resistance Training on Performance in Professional Soccer Players.

PURPOSE To analyze the effects of 2 resistance-training (RT) programs that used the same relative loading but different repetition volume, using the velocity loss during the set as the independent variable: 15% (VL15) vs 30% (VL30). METHODS Sixteen professional soccer players with RT experience (age 23.8 ± 3.5 y, body mass 75.5 ± 8.6 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 groups, VL15 (n = 8) or VL30 (n = 8), that followed a 6-wk (18-session) velocity-based squat-training program. Repetition velocity was monitored in all sessions. Assessments performed before (Pre) and after training (Post) included estimated 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and change in average mean propulsive velocity (AMPV) against absolute loads common to Pre and Post tests, countermovement jump (CMJ), 30-m sprint (T30), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YIRT). Null-hypothesis significance testing and magnitude-based-inference statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS VL15 obtained greater gains in CMJ height than VL30 (P < .05), with no significant differences between groups for the remaining variables. VL15 showed a likely/possibly positive effect on 1RM (91/9/0%), AMPV (73/25/2%), and CMJ (87/12/1%), whereas VL30 showed possibly/unclear positive effects on 1RM (65/33/2%) and AMPV (46/36/18%) and possibly negative effects on CMJ (4/38/57%). The effects on T30 performance were unclear/unlikely for both groups, whereas both groups showed most likely/likely positive effects on YIRT. CONCLUSIONS A velocity-based RT program characterized by a low degree of fatigue (15% velocity loss in each set) is effective to induce improvements in neuromuscular performance in professional soccer players with previous RT experience.
Oxygen diffusion limitation triggers ventilatory movements during spiracle closure when insects breathe discontinuously

During discontinuous gas exchange cycles in insects, spiracular opening follows a typical prolonged period of spiracle closure. Gas exchange with the environment occurs mostly during the period of full spiracular opening. In this study we tested the hypothesis that recently reported ventilatory movements during the spiracle closure period serve to mix the tracheal system gaseous contents, and support diffusive exchanges with the tissues. Using heliox (21% O2, 79% He), we found that by increasing oxygen diffusivity in the gas phase, ventilatory movements of Schistocerca gregaria were significantly delayed compared with normoxic conditions. Exposure to hyperoxic conditions (40% O2, 60% N2) resulted in a similar delay in forced ventilation. Together, these results indicate that limits to oxygen diffusion to the tissues during spiracle closure trigger ventilatory movements, which in turn support tissue demands. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanistic basis of respiratory gas exchange between insect tissues and the environment.
Robust Face Recognition using Key-point Descriptors

Key-point based techniques have demonstrated a good performance for recognition of various objects in numerous computer vision applications. This paper investigates the use of some of the most popular key-point descriptors for face recognition. The emphasis is put on the experimental performance evaluation of the key-point based face recognition methods against some of the most popular and best performing techniques, utilising both global (Eigenfaces) and local (LBP, Gabor filters) information extracted from the whole face image. Most of the results reported in literature so far, on the use of the key-points descriptors for the face recognition, concluded that the methods based on processing of the full face image have somewhat better performances than methods using exclusively key-points. The results reported in this paper suggest that the performance of the key-point based methods could be at least comparable to the leading “whole face” methods and are often better suited to handle face recognition in practical applications, as they do not require face image co-registration, and perform well even with significantly occluded faces.
An HMIC I/Q modulator/demodulator for RFID applications

HMIC is a microwave and mmW integrated circuit topology that can create three dimensional structures based upon an intimate marriage of silicon and glass at a wafer scale level which enable high performance, low loss, lower cost realizations of many of the classic hybrid MMIC's. In addition, the unique nature of the bonding together of these two dissimilar materials into common substrate allows the monolithic insertion of active elements in combination with low loss, high Q, lumped element passive components to produce microwave circuits that can be realized no other way or at as low a cost. This paper will illustrate the results of the development of an integrated I/Q modulator/demodulator MMIC for RFID reader applications using HMIC technology as an integration medium. The resultant RF performance improvements and advantages of the modulator and the overall effect on RFID wireless systems operation will be presented.
Cultural Differences in the Perception of Health and Cuteness of Fat Babies

This study investigated whether concern about infant obesity has reached parents and the public. Two messages about the health of overweight babies were tested against a no-message control with Asian (n = 195) and American (n = 233) students and adults. The first message dismissed health concern about infant obesity arguing fat babies would slim down as they started to walk. The second message articulated pediatrician concern about future health problems linked to infant obesity. Compared to Americans, Asians showed more agreement that fat babies were unhealthy. Participants with low body appreciation showed more disapproval for fat babies. Angry response and disagreement with the message caused respondents to reject health recommendations. Most participants showed awareness that bigger is not better and that obese babies are not healthy. Educated, urban Asians and Americans had awareness of the health implications of fat babies. Infant obesity should be investigated with other socioeconomic/ethnic groups.
The Impact of Free Sampling of Information Goods on the Dynamics of Online Word-of-Mouth and Retail Sales

Free sampling of information goods has become a common business practice in expectation of reducing consumers’ uncertainty of product quality and helping product diffusion, yet receiving limited investigation of how consumers process free sampling and online word-of-mouth (WOM) and its consequences on retail sales. In this research, we examine the impact of free sampling of information goods on the dynamics of online WOM and retail sales by analyzing a simultaneous equation system in a Bayesian hierarchical framework in online software market. We find that free sampling of information goods asymmetrically moderates the positive feedback mechanism between online WOM and retail sales. More adoptions of free trial not only directly lead to more retail sales but also enhance online WOM effect. Nevertheless, more adoptions of free trial generate fewer WOM and weaken the impact of past sales on WOM, which could potentially have a negative impact on future sales.
Optimal output feedback for chaos improvement in AC variable active passive reactance system

Variable active passive reactance (VAPAR) is nonlinear time varying system which can generate virtual variable inductance including negative values in power circuits. AC source of VAPAR causes sinusoidal states in the circuit then the circuit does not have one fixed point in source period. So modified poincare map have to be used for modeling of these systems. In VAPAR Analytical methods cannot find optimal controller because, resultant state matrix is very complex. Also numerical methods have to be introduced. In this paper VAPAR with AC source and capacitor mode consideration in its inverter is modeled and three optimal feedback gains are computed with Gradient Descent algorithm. Characteristic multipliers in modified poincare map are moved to optimal locations and in the physical system, chaotic behaviors of the system are minimized with Applying optimal gains. The fixed point on each period is calculated by averaging theory.
Heritability of liability and concordance in monozygous twins

Results from heritability of liability model of Falconer (1965) have been revised, eliminating two sources of bias. The results have been graphed for convenient usage, and in the absence of environmental similarities among relatives can apply to all kind of relatives. Confidence levels for the heritability (or correlation) estimates can also be read directly off the graph.
Introduction, discussion and evaluation of recursive Bayesian filters for linear and nonlinear filtering problems in indoor localization

Linear and nonlinear filtering for state estimation (e.g. position estimation or sensor fusion) for indoor positioning and navigation applications is a challenging task. Sensor fusion becomes more important with cost-effective sensors being readily available. However, state estimation with recursive Bayesian filters for sensor fusion and filtering are difficult to apply. We present an overview for the general Bayesian filter and derive the most commonly used recursive Bayesian filters, namely the Kalman, extended Kalman and the unscented Kalman filter along with the particle filter. The later Kalman filters are extension of the original Kalman filter, which are able to solve nonlinear filtering problems. The particle filter is also able to solve nonlinear filtering problems. We evaluate the recursive Bayesian filters for linear and nonlinear filtering problems for sensor fusion from relative dead reckoning positioning data and absolute positioning data from an UWB positioning system. We discuss and evaluate performance and computational complexity and provide recommendations for the use case of the recursive Bayesian filters.
Secondary association of tones in Castilian Spanish

This paper explores the role of secondary association of tones in the analysis of Castilian Spanish intonation patterns. It is argued that the secondary association of pitch accent tones can account for a three-way contrast in bitonal rising pitch accents, and that the secondary association of edge tones can account for two pitch range effects – post-focal pitch range reduction and final lowering.
Dietary intake and physical activity in women and offspring after pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or diabetes mellitus

Women with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) or preeclampsia (PE) in pregnancy run an increased risk of future cardiovascular associated diseases. Offspring of such pregnancies may possibly also have an altered risk in health status. Descriptive studies of dietary intake and physical activity in mother and children several years after pregnancies complicated by PE or DM are lacking. By the use of a simple questionnaire survey, we aimed at exploring whether there are any differences in these lifestyle factors between women and between offspring 5–8 years after PE (23 women–child pairs) or DM (23 women–child pairs) in pregnancy, compared to uncomplicated pregnancies (controls, 17 women–child pairs). Our data showed that women in the DM‐ and PE‐group were less physically active compared to controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), and more children in the control‐group followed the Norwegian fruit recommendations compared to children in the DM‐group (p < 0.01).
What determines continuing grey matter changes in first-episode schizophrenia and affective psychosis?

Background. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have shown that brain abnormalities in psychosis might be progressive during the first years of illness. We sought to determine whether first-episode psychosis (FEP) subjects show progressive regional grey matter (GM) changes compared with controls, and whether those changes are associated with diagnosis, illness course or antipsychotic (AP) use. Method. Thirty-two subjects with first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (FESZ), 24 patients with first-episode affective psychoses (FEAP) and 34 controls recruited using a population-based design underwent structural MRI scanning at baseline and at a 5-year follow-up. Regional GM volumes were assessed with voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Patients were treated at community settings, and about half of them remained mainly untreated. Results. No significant progressive changes in GM regional volumes were observed in either the FESZ or FEAP group overall. However, FESZ subjects with a non-remitting course showed GM decrements in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and insula relative to remitted FESZ subjects. Non-remitted FEAP subjects exhibited a GM decrease in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) bilaterally in comparison to remitted FEAP subjects. Among FESZ subjects, AP use was associated with regional GM decrements in the right insula and increments in the cerebellum. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the progression of brain abnormalities in FEP subjects is restricted to those with a poor outcome and differs between diagnosis subgroups. AP intake is associated with a different pattern of GM reductions over time.
Uncertainties in transfer impedance calculations

The shielding effectiveness of metal braids of cables is governed by the geometry and the materials of the braid. The shielding effectiveness can be characterised by the transfer impedance of the metal braid. Analytical models for the transfer impedance contain in general two components, one representing diffusion of electromagnetic energy through the metal braid, and a second part representing leakage of magnetic fields through the braid. Possible sources of uncertainties in the modelling are inaccurate input data (for instance, the exact size of the braid diameter or wire diameter are not known) and imperfections in the computational model. The aim of the present paper is to estimate effects of variations of input data on the calculated transfer impedance.
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: a study on the validation of the criteria and reliability on preoperative patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A few studies have shown that patients are frequently under strong distress in the preoperative period. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is an instrument used to evaluate anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the criteria and reliability of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in preoperative patients. METHODS Seventy-nine patients admitted to the Surgery Department of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo where evaluated, while the control group was composed of 56 companions. The following tools were applied: Demographics data questionnaire, Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory, and HADS. RESULTS HADS internal consistency ranged from 0.79 to 0.84. The items of HADS demonstrated a positive correlation with the total score of the relating subscales. Spearman correlation between HADS-A and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and between HADS-D and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) ranged from 0.6 to 0.7. The sensitivity and specificity ranged from 69.6% and 90.9%. CONCLUSIONS The subscales of HADS showed internal consistency indices recommended for screening tools. The items in HADS demonstrated a positive correlation with the total score of the anxiety and depression subscales. The moderate to strong correlation demonstrated for HADS-A and HADS-D may be related to the comorbidity between anxiety and depression. For the physician who uses HADS, the thought that anxiety and depression are separate concepts is still useful. The use of a simple tool, such as HADS, could reveal mood changes that can go unnoticed by the supporting team.
SPAA 2017 Review

The 29th ACM Symposium on Parallelism in Algorithms and Architectures (SPAA 2017) was held on July 24 26, 2017 in Washington D.C., USA. This year, SPAA was co-located with PODC and took place at the Marvin Center at George Washington University. It included three keynote lectures by Piotr Indyk on “Beyond P vs. NP: Quadratic-Time Hardness For Big Data Problems”, Guy Blelloch on “Some Sequential Algorithms are Almost Always Parallel”, and Maurice Herlihy on “Blockchains and the Future of Distributed Computing” (the latter two were joint with PODC). The papers “Distributed Partial Clustering” by Sudipto Guha, Yi Li, and Qin Zhang, and “Randomized Composable Coresets for Matching and Vertex Cover” by Sanjeev Khanna and myself won the best paper awards at this SPAA. Unfortunately this review does not contain all of the papers presented in the conference, but a sample of the talks clearly biased by my personal experience at the conference.