Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
2-Line Exhaustive Searching for Real-Time Vanishing Point Estimation in Manhattan World

This paper presents a very simple and efficient algorithm to estimate 1, 2 or 3 orthogonal vanishing point(s) on a calibrated image in Manhattan world. Unlike the traditional methods which apply 1, 3, 4, or 6 line(s) to generate vanishing point hypotheses, we propose to use 2 lines to get the first vanishing point v1, then uniformly take sample of the second vanishing point v2 on the great circle of v1 on the equivalent sphere, and finally calculate the third vanishing point v3 by the cross-product of v1 and v2. There are three advantages of the proposed method over traditional multi-line method. First, the 2-line model is much more robust and reliable than the multi-line method, which can be applied in the scene with 1, 2 or 3 orthogonal vanishing point(s). Second, the probability of the 2-line model being formed of inner line segments can be calculated given the outlier ratio, which means that the number of iterations can be determined, and thus the estimation of vanishing points can be performed in a very simple exhaustive way instead of the traditional RANSAC method. Third, the real-time performance is achieved by building a polar grid for the line intersection points, which functions as a lookup table for the validation of vanishing point hypotheses. Our algorithm has been validated successfully in the YUD dataset and sets of challenging real images.
A public relations identity for the 2010s

New voices are being heard and new questions are being asked within the field of public relations. However, in its present multifaceted state, public relations research is still struggling with recurring questions regarding academic and practical contributions. This position article presents some common starting points for a public relations identity for the 2010s aiming to preserve both consistency and multiplicity. We argue that public relations should be studied as a social activity in its own right and that it must be understood in relation to its societal context. Furthermore, we point to some concepts (trust, legitimacy, understanding and reflection) that are crucial to understanding public relations practice. We also argue that issues of power, behavior, and language have to be dealt with if public relations is to be taken seriously as an academic field. Building on these ideas we make some suggestions for empirical research. Finally, we propose, on a philosophical level, to develop a critical realist framework in order to study public relations scientifically.
Suitability of low-molecular-weight heparin(oid)s and a pentasaccharide for an in vitro human thrombosis model.

There is much interest in in vitro thrombosis systems using exclusively human materials for evaluating new drugs. We have previously developed such a model using a perfusion chamber in which whole blood anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was circulated over the extracellular matrix of endothelial cells that had been stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate to cause tissue factor formation. Here we studied various LMWHs and a pentasaccharide to find out which was most useful in an in vitro thrombosis model. We compared unfractionated heparin, two commercial LMWHs (Fragmin and Fraxiparine), one commercial heparinoid (Orgaran), and a chemically synthesized derivative of the natural pentasaccharide (Org 31550). Blood was anticoagulated with the concentration of each glycosaminoglycan that prevented thrombin formation for at least 3 hours in the test tube (Fragmin, 20 anti-Xa U/mL; Fraxiparine, 40 anti-Xa Institute Choay U/mL; Orgaran, 15 anti-Xa U/mL; Org 31550, 200 anti-Xa U/mL; unfractionated heparin, 5 IU/mL) and recirculated over the matrix of unstimulated cells (no tissue factor in the matrix) and phorbol-stimulated endothelial cells (tissue factor in the matrix). Platelet adhesion, aggregate formation, and fibrin deposition were evaluated. In perfusions over the extracellular matrix of unstimulated cells, the highest platelet adhesion rates were observed with Orgaran. Fibrin deposition was absent with unfractionated heparin in phorbol-stimulated matrix. Increasing amounts of fibrin were observed with Orgaran, Fragmin, and Fraxiparine. Most fibrin was found with the pentasaccharide Org 31550. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Renal Concentrating and Diluting Function in Deficiency of Specific Aquaporin Genes

Aquaporins (AQP) are water-transporting proteins expressed in many fluid-transporting epithelia and endothelia. In kidney, AQP1 is expressed in plasma membranes of proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle and descending vasa recta, AQP2 in collecting duct luminal membrane, AQP3 and AQP4 in collecting duct basolateral membrane, AQP6 in intercalated cells, and AQP7 in the S3 segment of proximal tubule. Human mutations in AQP2 cause hereditary non-X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Transgenic mice lacking the renal aquaporins have been useful in defining their role. Mice deficient in AQP1 are polyuric and unable to form a concentrated urine because of defective proximal tubule fluid absorption and countercurrent multiplication. Mice lacking AQP3 are markedly polyuric due to low water permeability across the cortical and outer medullary collecting duct. However, mice lacking AQP4, which is expressed mainly in inner medullary collecting duct, manifest only a mild defect in maximum urinary concentrating ability. The aquaporin null mice have normal urinary diluting ability. From many renal and extrarenal phenotype studies of aquaporin null mice, we conclude that aquaporins are important for rapid near-isosmolar transepithelial fluid absorption/secretion and for rapid vectorial water movement driven by osmotic gradients. The renal phenotype in aquaporin null mice suggests the utility of aquaporin blockers as novel aquaretic-diuretic agents.
Cell Type-Dependent Induction of DNA Damage by 1800 MHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Does Not Result in Significant Cellular Dysfunctions

Background Although IARC clarifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) as possible human carcinogen, the debate on its health impact continues due to the inconsistent results. Genotoxic effect has been considered as a golden standard to determine if an environmental factor is a carcinogen, but the currently available data for RF-EMF remain controversial. As an environmental stimulus, the effect of RF-EMF on cellular DNA may be subtle. Therefore, more sensitive method and systematic research strategy are warranted to evaluate its genotoxicity. Objectives To determine whether RF-EMF does induce DNA damage and if the effect is cell-type dependent by adopting a more sensitive method γH2AX foci formation; and to investigate the biological consequences if RF-EMF does increase γH2AX foci formation. Methods Six different types of cells were intermittently exposed to GSM 1800 MHz RF-EMF at a specific absorption rate of 3.0 W/kg for 1 h or 24 h, then subjected to immunostaining with anti-γH2AX antibody. The biological consequences in γH2AX-elevated cell type were further explored with comet and TUNEL assays, flow cytometry, and cell growth assay. Results Exposure to RF-EMF for 24 h significantly induced γH2AX foci formation in Chinese hamster lung cells and Human skin fibroblasts (HSFs), but not the other cells. However, RF-EMF-elevated γH2AX foci formation in HSF cells did not result in detectable DNA fragmentation, sustainable cell cycle arrest, cell proliferation or viability change. RF-EMF exposure slightly but not significantly increased the cellular ROS level. Conclusions RF-EMF induces DNA damage in a cell type-dependent manner, but the elevated γH2AX foci formation in HSF cells does not result in significant cellular dysfunctions.
The effects of rubidium ions and membrane potentials on the intracellular sodium activity of sheep Purkinje fibres.

1. Intracellular Na activity, aiNa, was measured in voltage‐clamped sheep cardiac Purkinke fibres. 2. Increasing [Rb]0 from 0 to 4 mM in K‐free solutions (at a fixed membrane potential) decreased aiNa. Further increases of [Rb]0 (up to 20 mM) had little or no effect. 3. Following exposure to Rb‐free, K‐free solution, the addition of a test concentration of Rb produced an exponential decrease of aiNa. The rate constant of decay of aiNa increased with increasing [Rb]0 over the measured range (0‐20 mM). 4. The accompanying electrogenic Na pump current transient decayed with the same rate constant as aiNa over the range of [Rb]0 examined. During this decay the electrogenic Na pump current was a linear function of aiNa. Increasing [Rb]0 increased the steepness of the dependence of the electrogenic current on aiNa. 5. A constant fraction of the net Na efflux was electrogenic. This fraction was not affected by varying [Rb]0 over the range 0‐20 mM. 6. Using a simple model, it is shown that the dependence of steady‐state aiNa on [Rb]0 is half‐saturated by less than 1 mM‐[Rb]0. The rate constant of decay of aiNa and the slope of the relationship between electrogenic Na pump current and aiNa are, however, better fitted with a lower affinity for Rb (K0.5 = 4 mM‐[Rb]0). 7. Depolarizing the membrane potential with the voltage clamp decreased aiNa; hyperpolarization increased it. These effects persisted in the presence of 10(‐5) M‐strophanthidin. An effect of membrane potential on the net passive Na influx can account for the observations. 8. The effects of membrane potential on the net passive Na influx were examined by measuring the maximum rate of rise of aiNa at different holding potentials after inhibiting the Na‐K pump in a K‐free, Rb‐free solution. Depolarization decreased the Na influx. 9. Using the constant field equation, the net passive Na influx was used to estimate the apparent Na permeability coefficient, PNa. This was between 0.8 x 10(‐8) and 1.5 x 10(‐8) cm sec‐1.
Organizing Safe Transitions from Intensive Care

Background. Organizing and performing patient transfers in the continuum of care is part of the work of nurses and other staff of a multiprofessional healthcare team. An understanding of discharge practices is needed in order to ultimate patients' transfers from high technological intensive care units (ICU) to general wards. Aim. To describe, as experienced by intensive care and general ward staff, what strategies could be used when organizing patient's care before, during, and after transfer from intensive care. Method. Interviews of 15 participants were conducted, audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results. The results showed that the categories secure, encourage, and collaborate are strategies used in the three phases of the ICU transitional care process. The main category; a safe, interactive rehabilitation process, illustrated how all strategies were characterized by an intention to create and maintain safety during the process. A three-way interaction was described: between staff and patient/families, between team members and involved units, and between patient/family and environment. Discussion/Conclusions. The findings highlight that ICU transitional care implies critical care rehabilitation. Discharge procedures need to be safe and structured and involve collaboration, encouraging support, optimal timing, early mobilization, and a multidiscipline approach.
GA Optimization Design of Multi-Element Airfoil

The CFD analysis and optimization of multi-element airfoils are presented. Window-Embedment technique is used to automatically generate the grids along with the geometry evolving. The CFD code named NSAWET is employed for performance and flow field analysis. The Genetic Algorithms are used in along with gradient methods to get a good compromise of global optimization capability and efficiency. Man-in-loop idea is realized in the process to make the computer automated process practical and realizable. The results of single-point and dual-point optimization are compared.
SIMPLE: A General Framework for the Development of Multilingual Lexicons

The project LE-SIMPLE is an innovative attempt of building harmonized syntactic-semantic lexicons for twelve European languages, aimed at use in different Human Language Technology applications. SIMPLE provides a general design model for the encoding of a large amount of semantic information, spanning from ontological typing, to argument structure and terminology. SIMPLE thus provides a general framework for resource development, where state-of-the-art results in lexical semantics are coupled with the needs of Language Engineering applications accessing semantic information.
A Prototype for Educational Planning Using Course Constraints to Simulate Student Populations

Distance learning universities usually afford their students the flexibility to advance their studies at their own pace. This can lead to a considerable fluctuation of student populations within a program's courses, possibly affecting the academic viability of a program as well as the related required resources. Providing a method that estimates this population could be of substantial help to university management and academic personnel. We describe how to use course precedence constraints to calculate alternative tuition paths and then use Markov models to estimate future populations. In doing so, we identify key issues of a large scale potential deployment.
Nickel‐elicited systemic contact dermatitis from a peripheral intravenous catheter

Nickel‐elicited systemic contact dermatitis is a well‐known entity, although it is far less common than allergic contact dermatitis. In most of the cases, the main way of nickel administration is oral. Clinical manifestations are miscellaneous including pompholyx, diffuse exanthema, flexural dermatitis or baboon syndrome. Systemic nickel dermatitis induced by venous catheters is very uncommon, but it is probably underdiagnosed. We report here 2 patients with diffuse recurrent maculopapular rash corresponding to nickel‐elicited systemic contact dermatitis. They were both perfused during the last episode with the assistance of a peripheral polyurethane venous catheter during or just before the cutaneous eruption. At the base of the catheter, there was a small metallic eyelet on which dimethylglyoxime test was positive, indicating a release of nickel. Then, we measured nickel release in normal use conditions and found high nickel levels, although the manufacturer denied that nickel could be released. This diagnosis is important to know because such exanthema often occurred during postoperative or postpartum period. Its frequency is probably underestimated because it is often considered as a cutaneous drug reaction. To our knowledge, only 2 cases have been reported in the literature.
Understanding the Information Needs of Large-Scale Digital Library Users

This paper reports on the results of a comparative study of user search logs in two large-scale, domain-specific digital libraries functioning in the United States: the National Science Digital Library and Opening History. Results demonstrate varying levels of use of advanced search options and substantial differences in the search query lengths, search query frequencies, and distribution of search categories in queries. The empirical data on how the members of the target communities search can be used in deriving important information for domain-specific digital library developers’ decisions regarding both the details of information organization and support of various search features.
Deciding Properties of Lists using Containers

We exploit the ability to represent data types as container functors [2,1,3] to develop a novel approach to proving properties of lists using arithmetic decision procedures. Containers capture the idea that concrete data types can be characterised by specifying the shape values take and for every possible shape, explaining where positions within that shape are stored. More importantly, a representation theorem guarantees that polymorphic functions between container data types are given by container morphisms, which are characterised by mappings between shapes and positions. The key to our approach is to restrict the shape maps of container morphisms to functions that have decidable equality, but which allow for a large class of functions. We also capture the behaviour of position mappings of container morphisms as functions on the natural numbers. The shape maps which we consider are given by piecewise-linear functions, of type Nn → N. Such functions are decidable, and this enables us to implement decision procedures for lists.
If you like the beatles you might like...: a tutorial on music recommendation

As the world of online music grows, music recommendation systems become an increasingly important way for music listeners to discover new music. Commercial recommenders such as Last.fm and Pandora have enjoyed commercial and critical success. But how well do these systems really work? How good are the recommendations? How far into the Long Tail do these recommenders reach? In this tutorial we look at the current state-of-the-art in music recommendation. We examine current commercial and research systems, focusing on the advantages and the disadvantages of the various recommendation strategies. We look at some of the challenges in building music recommenders and we explore some of the ways that Multimedia Information Retrieval techniques can be used to improve future recommenders, including a multi-modal approach merging the different fields (audio, image, video and text).
A Coxian model for channel holding time distribution for teletraffic mobility modeling

In this letter, we derive an algebraic set of equations that examines the relationships between the cell residence times and the handoff call's channel holding time. When the cell residence times have an Erlang or Hyper-Erlang distribution, the channel holding times can be represented by a Coxian model. An algorithm is presented to compute the parameters of the equivalent Coxian model. The analytical models proposed in this letter provide a flexible framework for further studies into the optimization and performance evaluation aspects of teletraffic mobile systems.
Opening the Black Box: Using a Hydrological Model to Link Stakeholder Engagement with Groundwater Management

Stakeholder participation is a foundation of good water governance. Good groundwater governance typically involves the co-production of knowledge about the groundwater system. Models provide a vehicle for producing this knowledge, as well as a “boundary object” around which scientists and stakeholders can convene the co-production process. Through co-production, stakeholders and scientific experts can engage in exchanges that create system knowledge not otherwise achievable. The process involves one-way transfer of information, active two-way conversations, and integration of multiple kinds of knowledge into shared understanding. In the Upper Santa Cruz River basin in Arizona, USA, the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) convened a project aimed at providing scientific underpinnings for groundwater planning and management. This project, entitled Groundwater, Climate, and Stakeholder Engagement, serves as a case study employing the first two stages of knowledge co-production using a hydrological model. Through an iterative process that included two-way communication, stakeholders provided critical input to hydrologic modeling analyses. Acting as a bridging organization, the WRRC facilitated a co-production process, involving location-specific and transferability workshops, which resulted in new knowledge and capacity for applying the model to novel problems.
Investigating the Application of Virtual Reality Systems to Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research

With interest in virtual reality (VR) technologies, techniques, and devices growing at a quick pace, many researchers in areas such as psychology or cognitive neuroscience want to use VR. The software and VR systems available today do not support the skill sets or experimental requirements of this group of users. We describe a number of concerns and requirements that researchers express and focus on the extent to which today's VR systems support non-VR experts. The work then concludes with a number of suggestions and potential development avenues that should be undertaken to ensure that VR systems are usable by a large range of researchers, regardless of their programming skills or technical backgrounds.
Cochlear Implantation in a Profoundly Deaf Patient Who also Suffers from Multiple Sclerosis — A Case Study

Abstract Outcomes of cochlear implantation in individuals with known central nervous system conditions are varied. Long-standing deafness is also thought to correlate negatively with auditory performance in post-linguistically deaf adult implant users. We present a case study of cochlear implantation in a post-lingual adult having bilateral profound hearing loss for over 30 years in addition to multiple sclerosis unrelated to his deafness. Assessment of benefit in terms of speech-perception ability and quality of life reveal that long-term auditory deprivation and co-incidental multiple sclerosis are not a contraindication for cochlear implantation.
The effect of central angiotensin II receptor blockade on interleukin-1beta- and prostaglandin E-induced fevers in rats: possible involvement of brain angiotensin II receptor in fever induction.

We investigated the role of the brain angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor subtypes AT1 and AT2 in the development of fever induced in freely moving rats by administration of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of IL-1beta (2 microg/kg) induced a marked fever of rapid onset. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration, immediately before IL-1beta injection, of a selective AT2 receptor antagonist, CGP42112A (5 or 20 microg), reduced the fever in a dose-related manner. Rats given an i.c. v. injection of PGE2 (200 ng) developed a monophasic fever response that was attenuated by i.c. v. treatment with CGP42112A (10 or 20 microg) in a dose-related manner. The IL-1beta (2 microg/kg i.p.)- and PGE2 (200 ng i.c.v.)-induced fevers were unchanged by the selective AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (60 microg i.c.v.). Treatment with exogenous Ang II (100 ng i.c.v.), which itself had no effect on resting body temperature, resulted in an enhancement of the PGE2 (50 ng i.c.v.)-induced fever. The administration of CGP42112A (2 and 5 microg) into the rostral hypothalamus (preoptic/anterior hypothalamic region) reduced fevers induced by IL-1beta (2 microg/kg i.p.) or intrahypothalamic (i.h.) PGE2 (100 ng). Moreover, i.h. injection of Ang II (25 ng) augmented the PGE2 (25 ng i.h.)-induced fever. Finally, the i.h. administration, 15 min before i.h. PGE2 (100 ng), of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor lisinopril (5 and 10 microg) attenuated the PGE2-induced fever. These results suggest that brain AT2 receptors contribute to the induction of such febrile responses in rats.
Oncornavirus‐like particles in HeLa cells. II. Immunological characterization of the virus

An oncornavirus‐like agent has been described in HeLa cells of human origin (Gelderblom et al., 1974). The investigation of its protein constituents revealed a pattern similar to but different from that of known oncornaviruses. Six polypeptides with molecular weights (mw) between 12,000 d and 28,000 d, and two glycopolypeptides of about 60,000 d and 80,000 d mw were detected by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No serological cross‐reaction was found between the HeLa virus and B‐ and C‐type oncornaviruses. Essentially, none of two interspecies‐specific antigenic determinants described in mammalian C‐type viruses has been detected in the HeLa virus. However a distinct serological relationship was found between the HeLa virus and the Mason‐Pfizer monkey virus in that these viruses share at least two antigens in the mw range of 16,000 d and 28,000 d, respectively. These results confirm the electron microscopic data described before (Gelderblom et al., 1974) and extend the evidence for a new group of oncornavirus‐like particles.