Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MeshFlow: interactive visualization of mesh construction sequences

The construction of polygonal meshes remains a complex task in Computer Graphics, taking tens of thousands of individual operations over several hours of modeling time. The complexity of modeling in terms of number of operations and time makes it difficult for artists to understand all details of how meshes are constructed. We present MeshFlow, an interactive system for visualizing mesh construction sequences. MeshFlow hierarchically clusters mesh editing operations to provide viewers with an overview of the model construction while still allowing them to view more details on demand. We base our clustering on an analysis of the frequency of repeated operations and implement it using substituting regular expressions. By filtering operations based on either their type or which vertices they affect, MeshFlow also ensures that viewers can interactively focus on the relevant parts of the modeling process. Automatically generated graphical annotations visualize the clustered operations. We have tested MeshFlow by visualizing five mesh sequences each taking a few hours to model, and we found it to work well for all. We have also evaluated MeshFlow with a case study using modeling students. We conclude that our system provides useful visualizations that are found to be more helpful than video or document-form instructions in understanding mesh construction.
Decision Making: Neural Correlates of Response Time Dispatch

The study of human behavior rests on two cornerstones laid down over a century ago. First, Fechner showed how the mental could be grounded in the physical through precise measurement, and thus was born psychophysics. Second, Helmholtz’s measurement of the modest speed of conduction of nerve impulses gave birth to the analysis of response time. The importance
A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE USABILITY OF A HUMAN COMPUTER DEBATE DIALOGUE MODEL

This paper reports ongoing research concerning issues in the development of an intelligent debating system. The motivation behind such development is that it can be used to develop students’ reasoning and debating skills. We consider the assessment of the underlying dialogue model of the system, means of design and implementation of a computational prototype to facilitate human computer debate, and means of preliminary evaluation of the prototype and the dialogue model. Results from a heuristic evaluation of the prototype suggest that it is easy to use, but that its handling of commitment stores and some aspects of the underlying logic need attention.
Assessment of the Combined Effect of Epstein–Barr Virus and Plasmodium falciparum Infections on Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma Using a Multiplex Serological Approach

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a necessary cause of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL), while the role of Plasmodium falciparum in eBL remains uncertain. This study aimed to generate new hypotheses on the interplay between both infections in the development of eBL by investigating the IgG and IgM profiles against several EBV and P. falciparum antigens. Serum samples collected in a childhood study in Malawi (2005–2006) from 442 HIV-seronegative children (271 eBL cases and 171 controls) between 1.4 and 15 years old were tested by quantitative suspension array technology against a newly developed multiplex panel combining 4 EBV antigens [Z Epstein–Barr replication activator protein (ZEBRA), early antigen-diffuse component (EA-D), EBV nuclear antigen 1, and viral capsid antigen p18 subunit (VCA-p18)] and 15 P. falciparum antigens selected for their immunogenicity, role in malaria pathogenesis, and presence in different parasite stages. Principal component analyses, multivariate logistic models, and elastic-net regressions were used. As expected, elevated levels of EBV IgG (especially against the lytic antigens ZEBRA, EA-D, and VCA-p18) were strongly associated with eBL [high vs low tertile odds ratio (OR) = 8.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.81–15.64]. Higher IgG responses to the merozoite surface protein 3 were observed in children with eBL compared with controls (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02–1.64), showing an additive interaction with EBV IgGs (OR = 10.6, 95% CI = 5.1–22.2, P = 0.05). Using elastic-net regression models, eBL serological profile was further characterized by lower IgM levels against P. falciparum preerythrocytic-stage antigen CelTOS and EBV lytic antigen VCA-p18 compared with controls. In a secondary analysis, abdominal Burkitt lymphoma had lower IgM to EBV and higher IgG to EA-D levels than cases with head involvement. Overall, this exploratory study confirmed the strong role of EBV in eBL and identified differential IgG and IgM patterns to erythrocytic vs preerythrocytic P. falciparum antigens that suggest a more persistent/chronic malaria exposure and a weaker IgM immune response in children with eBL compared with controls. Future studies should continue exploring how the malaria infection status and the immune response to P. falciparum interact with EBV infection in the development of eBL.
Proteomic analysis of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in patients with asthma between typical therapy (controlled) and no typical therapy (uncontrolled) level

T-lymphocyte (T-LC)-derived cytokines have been implicated in asthmatic pathogenesis. Proteomic technology is now widely accepted as a complementary technology to genetic profiling. We investigated the changes of proteins in T-LC of asthmatic patients from the no typical therapy (uncontrolled) to typical therapy (controlled) level by using standard proteome technology. Methods: The proteins of CD4+ T-LC were isolated from the whole blood of six asthmatic patients from uncontrolled to controlled levels over 3 months. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed and coomassie blue stained protein spots were comparatively analyzed by using an image analyzer. Some differentially expressed spots were identified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and database search. Our results showed that 13 proteins showed different expression. Six protein spots in the CD4+ T-LC of the uncontrolled asthmatic patients were increased and 7 spots were decreased compared to those of the controlled subjects. In conclusion, the proteomic examination of the CD4+ T-LC revealed some differentially expressed proteins in the uncontrolled and controlled asthmatic patients. The possibility of using the differentially expressed proteins as important biomarkers and therapeutic targets warrants further study.
Measurement of the interference rejection capability of smart antennas on mobile telephones

We report investigations into the interference rejection capabilities of a dual antenna system on a mobile handset prototype for the 1800 MHz band. The performance evaluation is done by using a simulated incoming field on the handset antennas and by downlink measurements in an indoor environment. Complex signal samples are used in order to investigate the interference rejection gain with different diversity combining schemes and with one and two interferers present.
Visual word recognition in a second language: A test of the lexical entrenchment hypothesis with lexical decision times

The word frequency effect is stronger in second language (L2) processing than in first language (L1) processing. According to the lexical entrenchment hypothesis, this difference is not due to a qualitative difference in word processing between L1 and L2, but can be explained by differences in exposure to the target language: People with less exposure to a language show a steeper frequency curve for that language. Exposure differences can be measured with a vocabulary test. The present study tested whether the lexical entrenchment hypothesis provides an adequate explanation for differences in lexical decision times. To this end, we compared the performance of 56 Dutch–English bilinguals to that of 1011 English L1 speakers on 420 English six-letter words. In line with previous research, the differences in the word frequency effect between word processing in L1 and in L2 became vanishingly small once vocabulary size was entered as a predictor. Only in a diffusion model analysis did we find some evidence that the information build-up may be slower in L1 than in L2, independent of vocabulary size. We further report effects of cognates, age-of-acquisition, and neighborhood size that can also be explained in terms of differences in exposure.
Automated Design of Misaligned-Carbon-Nanotube-Immune Circuits

Carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) are promising candidates as extensions to silicon CMOS due to excellent CV/I device performance. An ideal CNFET inverter fabricated using a perfect CNFET technology can have 5.1 times faster FO4 delay and 2.6 times lower energy per cycle compared to a 32 nm silicon CMOS inverter. Two fundamental challenges prevent us from creating CNFET-based logic designs with the advantages quoted above: 1. misaligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and 2. Metallic CNTs. Misaligned CNTs can result in incorrect logic function implementations. This paper presents a technique for designing CNFET-based arbitrary logic functions that are guaranteed to be correct even in the presence of a large number of misaligned CNTs.
Early Differentiating Mouse Astroglial Progenitors Share Common Protein Signatures with GL261 Glioma Cells

Neural stem cells (NSC) biology is being applied to tumor research because these cells have been shown to share key properties with cancer cells. Gliomas represent the most common brain tumor, and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPC) or early-differentiated cell type lineages may be on its origin. Here, we identified the developmental stage of the differentiation process of NSC into astrocytes that showed the highest number of tumorigenic similarities. NSPC were grown as neurospheres and astroglial differentiation was induced during 7 days in vitro (DIV). Cellular characterization was evaluated by specific neural markers at two developmental windows, i.e. NSPC/astrocyte progenitors from neurospheres until 3 DIV, and differentiating astrocytes thereafter. Predominance of immature Sox2-positive cells was verified in the first window and a prevalence of GFAP-positive cells in the second one. We then compared some tumor-related markers in GL261 glioma cells with such differentiating periods. The early progenitor cells (until 2 DIV) were those with the closest resemblances to the glioma cell line regarding BrdU incorporation, expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 and of angiogenic factors (VEGF/VEGFR2), as well as S100B release. Our results suggest that early differentiating astroglial progenitors may be more susceptible to malignant transformation. *Corresponding author: Falcão, A.S. , and Brites, D, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal, Tel: +351217946450; E-mail: asfalcao@ff.ulisboa. pt & dbrites@ff.ulisboa. pt Received Date: May 31, 2016 Accepted Date: June 7, 2016 Published Date: June 15, 2016
The Decisions, Interventions, and Goals in ImplaNtable Cardioverter‐DefIbrillator TherapY (DIGNITY) Pilot Study

Background Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) are commonly implanted in older patients, including those with multiple comorbidities. There are few prospective studies assessing the clinical course and end‐of‐life circumstances for these patients. Methods and Results We prospectively followed 51 patients with ICDs for up to 18 months to longitudinally assess in terms of (1) advance care planning, (2) health status, (3) healthcare utilization, and (4) end‐of‐life circumstances through quarterly phone interviews and electronic medical record review. The mean age was 71.1±8.3, 74.5% were men, and 19.6% were non‐white. Congestive heart failure was predominant (82.4%), as was chronic kidney disease (92%). At baseline, a total of 12% of subjects met criteria for major depression, and 78.4% met criteria for mild cognitive impairment. From this initial study cohort, 76% survived to 18 months and completed all follow‐up interviews, 18% died, and 19% withdrew or were lost to follow‐up. Though living will completion and healthcare proxy assignment were common (cumulative outcome at 18 months 88% and 98%, respectively), discussions of prognosis were uncommon (baseline, 9.8%; by 18 months, 22.7%), as were conversations regarding ICD deactivation (baseline, 15.7%; by 18 months, 25.5%). Five decedents with available data received shocks in the days immediately prior to death, including 3 of whom ultimately had their ICDs deactivated prior to death. Conclusions We demonstrated the feasibility of prospective enrollment and follow‐up of older, vulnerable ICD patients. Early findings suggest a high burden of cognitive and psychological impairment, poor communication with providers, and frequent shocks at the end of life. These findings will inform the design of a larger cohort study designed to further explore the experiences of living and dying with an ICD in this important patient population.
Association of epitope spreading of antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies and kidney injury.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Antiglomerular basement membrane autoantibodies are pathogenic in antiglomerular basement membrane disease with two major epitopes, E(A) and E(B), on α3 chain of type IV collagen. This study investigated the epitope spectrum of antiglomerular basement membrane autoantibodies, aiming to identify the association between epitope specificity and kidney injury. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS All 108 patients with antiglomerular basement membrane disease and complete clinical data were divided into three groups according to renal dysfunction: mild group (n=20) with serum creatitine≤1.5 mg/dl; moderate group (n=22) with serum creatinine=1.5-6.8 mg/dl; severe group (n=66) with serum creatitine≥6.8 mg/dl. Epitope spectrums of antibodies were determined by ELISA, and their associations with kidney damage were analyzed. Sequential serum samples in 40 patients were examined during disease courses. RESULTS E(A) and E(B) were recognized in 79.6% and 72.2% of patients, respectively. E(A) and E(B) reactions were the lowest in the mild group and higher in the moderate group (E(A): 35.0% versus 81.8%, P=0.002; E(B): 15.0% versus 68.2%, P=0.001). They were the highest in the severe group (E(A): 92.4%, P=0.31; E(B): 90.9%, P=0.02). Close association was observed between renal injury and E(A) and E(B) reactions. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that E(B) reaction was an independent risk factor for renal failure (hazard ratio=6.91, P=0.02). The recognition for non-E(AB) remained low among groups. No augmentation of epitope spectrum was shown in serial serum samples. CONCLUSIONS Intramolecular epitope spreading might occur before the onset of human antiglomerular basement membrane disease. The autoimmunity to E(A) and E(B), especially E(B), was crucial for kidney dysfunction.
Scalable network assessment for IP telephony

Multimedia applications such as IP telephony are among the applications that demand strict quality of service (QoS) guarantees from the underlying data network. At the predeployment stage it is critical to assess whether the network can handle the QoS requirements of IP telephony and fix problems that may prevent a successful deployment. In this paper we describe a technique for efficiently assessing network readiness for IP telephony. Our technique relies on understanding link level QoS behavior in a network from an IP telephony perspective. We use network topology and end-to-end measurements collected from the network in locating the sources of performance problems that may prevent a successful IP telephony deployment. We present an empirical study conducted on a real network spanning three geographically separated sites of an enterprise network. The empirical results indicate that our approach efficiently and accurately pinpoints links in the network incurring the most significant delay.
Detection of PCR products in real time using light-up probes.

tometric procedures to within an average of 5% (CS) or 10% (CPT) and with the NADH fluorometric procedure for CS to within an average of 1% (Table 2). Precision, as indicated by the coefficient of variation (CV) for sample replicates, averaged 4.4% for the CS ABD-F assays and 1.7 and 2.3% for NADH fluorometric and spectrophotometric assays, respectively. CVs for CPT are 6% for both procedures and are similar to those reported for an alternative fluorometric assay (14). Scaling down ABD-F assay. If necessary, assay volumes may be scaled down. When assays are conducted on samples with relatively high enzymatic activities (as was the case for CS in the present work), the protein precipitation step and subsequent centrifugation may be omitted (i.e., the small contribution of protein thiols to blank fluorescence may be tolerated). In such cases, the assay may be adapted for highthroughput microwell plates with reagent volumes reduced appropriately. For example, in measuring CS activity in individual copepods (Class Crustacea) weighing approximately 100–200 mg dry weight, we have modified the protocol to conduct the assay in a 96-well microplate using 100 ml reagent medium and 10 ml homogenate (one copepod in 500 ml homogenizing medium). The reaction is stopped with the addition of 20 ml SSA (17.5%), neutralized with 50 ml of KHCO3 (1 M) before labeling with 20 ml of ABD-F (2 mg ml). KHCO3 is added slowly to avoid vigorous bubbling as CO2 is generated.
Comparison of the stability of the atlantic thermohaline circulation in two coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation models

Abstract Two coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation models developed at GFDL show differing stability properties of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation (THC) in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project/Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project (CMIP/PMIP) coordinated “water-hosing” experiment. In contrast to the R30 model in which the “off” state of the THC is stable, it is unstable in the CM2.1. This discrepancy has also been found among other climate models. Here a comprehensive analysis is performed to investigate the causes for the differing behaviors of the THC. In agreement with previous work, it is found that the different stability of the THC is closely related to the simulation of a reversed thermohaline circulation (RTHC) and the atmospheric feedback. After the shutdown of the THC, the RTHC is well developed and stable in R30. It transports freshwater into the subtropical North Atlantic, preventing the recovery of the salinity and stabilizing the off mode of the THC. The flux adjust.
Recovering writing traces in off-line handwriting recognition: using a global optimization technique

Off-line handwriting recognition is constrained by the lack of time information. This paper describes an approach to derive sequence information from a written word. The underlying representation of the word used is a graph with nodes and edges resulting from a skeletonization process. The writing path is reconstructed by assuming that the writer has used a path with least curvature, i.e. reconstruction is realized as a global optimization process, which consists of solving a travelling salesman problem.
Automatic selection of compiler options using non-parametric inferential statistics

In this paper, we propose a statistical method to determine the setting of compiler options. Conventionally, programmers use standard - Ox settings which are provided by compiler developers. However, in order to obtain maximal performance, it is necessary to tune the compiler setting for the application as well as the underlying architecture. In this paper, we propose a methodology to configure compiler options automatically using profile information. We apply non-parametric statistical analysis, in particular the Mann-Whitney test, to decide whether to turn on or to turn off compiler flags. This approach produces compiler settings of gcc 33.1 for the SPEC2000 benchmark suite that outperform the standard - Ox switches on a Pentium 4 processor.
Science of Design Team Project : “ A Meta-Design Framework for Participative Software Systems ”

Our research explores meta-design as an innovative framework in the design of an emerging type of software-intensive systems called participative software systems. The fundamental challenge facing this approach is achieving the best fit between the software system and its ever-changing context of use, problems, domains, users, and communities of users. Our objective is to define the scientific foundation for designing participative software systems: socio-technical environments that are capable of coping with emergent needs in the context of personally meaningful activities and that empower users, as owners of problems, to engage actively and collaboratively in continual development.
The limitations of three-dimensional simulations in breast augmentation.

Roostaeian and Adams1 conclude that 3-dimensional (3D) simulations are highly accurate and that this information should be communicated to patients considering breast augmentation. Their report follows an uncited previous study2 that used the same imaging system and found that patients, at least, thought the system provided accurate information. Notably, these previous investigators2 were less favorable in their own evaluations, documenting numerous shortcomings of the simulations and concluding that only 18.7% of the simulations appeared equivalent to the actual postoperative results. Roostaeian and Adams1 conclude that 3D imaging achieves an accuracy of 90.8% in predicting postoperative breast volume and 98.4% in representing surface contour. Comment is needed regarding the authors’ method. The authors superimposed the simulation on the actual postoperative image. A color-coded image depicts the differences in projection of various areas of the breast. The breast volume is never actually measured or compared. The authors1 compare a 4-mm average difference in projection with a 252-mm2 average breast surface area to arrive at an accuracy estimate of 98.4%. They compare a linear difference measured in millimeters with a 2-dimensional (2D) surface area expressed in square millimeters, not accounting for the difference in units of measurement. Moreover, a 252-mm2 surface area equates to only 2.52-cm2, about the size of a postage stamp, which obviously cannot be correct. Contour usually refers to the outlines of the breast. This system …
Do changes in climate or vegetation regulate evapotranspiration and streamflow trends in water-limited basins?

Interactions between climate change, vegetation, and soil regulate hydrological processes. In this study, it was assumed that vegetation type and extent remained fixed and unchanged throughout the study period, while the effective rooting depth ( Z e ) changed under climate change scenarios. Budyko's hydrological model was used to explore the impact of climate change and vegetation on evapotranspiration ( E ) and streamflow ( Q ) on the static vegetation rooting depth and the dynamic vegetation rooting depth. Results showed that both precipitation ( P ) and potential evapotranspiration ( E p ) exhibited negative trends, which resulted in decreasing trends for dynamic Z e scenarios. Combined with climatic change, decreasing trends in Z e altered the partitioning of P into E and Q . For dynamic scenarios, total E and Q were predicted to be −1.73 and 28.22%, respectively, greater than static scenarios. Although climate change regulated changes in E and Q , the response of Z e to climate change had a greater overall contribution to changes in hydrological processes. Results from this study suggest that with the exception of vegetation type and extent, Z e scenarios were able to alter water balances, which in itself should help to regulate climate change impacts on water resources.