Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Outdoor Photometric Stereo

This paper presents a framework to perform outdoor photometric stereo by utilizing environment light. We present the main considerations in designing the framework and steps of the processing pipeline. Our framework extends existing algorithms to meet the robustness and variability necessary to operate out of a laboratory environment. We verify our environment light photometric stereo framework using both synthetic and real world examples. Our experimental results are promising even for objects captured in outdoor environments with very complicated natural lighting.
A comparison of Rosseland-mean opacities from OP and OPAL

Monochromatic opacities from the Opacity Project (OP) (Seaton et al.) have been augmented by hitherto missing inner-shell contributions (Badnell & Seaton). OP Rosseland-mean opacities, �R, are compared with results from OPAL (Iglesias & Rogers) for the elements H, He, C, O, S and Fe. The OPAL data are obtained from the website www-phys.llnl. gov/Research/OPAL/index.html. Agreement for H is close everywhere except for the region of log(T) ≃ 6 and log(R) ≃ −1 (R = �/T 3 6 whereis mass-density in g cm 3 and T6 = 10 6 ×T with T in K). In that regionR(OPAL) is larger thanR(OP) by up to 13%. The differences are due to different equations of state (EOS). In the region concerned OP has the H ground state undergoing dissolution, leading to a small H-neutral ionization fraction, while OPAL has larger values for that fraction. A similar difference occurs for He at log(R) ≃ −1 and log(T) ≃ 6.4, where OP has the He + ground-state undergoing dissolution. The OPAL website does not provide single-element Rosseland means for elements other than H and He. Comparisons between OP and OPAL are made for mixtures with X = 0.9, Z = 0.1 and Z containing pure C, O or S. There are some differences: at the lower temperatures, say log(T) 6 5.5, due to differences in atomic data, with the OP R-matrix data probably being the more accurate; and at higher temperatures mainly due to differences in level populations resulting from the use of different EOS theories. In the original OP work, R-matrix data for iron were supplemented by data ob- tained using the configuration-interaction (CI) code superstructure. The experi- ment is made of replacing much of the original iron data with new data from the CI code autostructure. Inclusion of intercombination lines gives an increase inR of up to 18%. The OPAL website does not allow for Z containing pure iron. Comparisons are made for an iron-rich mixture, X = 0.9, Z = 0.1 and Z containing C and Fe with C:Fe=2:1 by number fraction. There are some differences between OP and OPAL for that case: the OP 'Z-bump' inR is shifted to slightly higher temperatures, compared to OPAL. Overall, there is good agreement between OP and OPAL Rosseland-mean opacities for the 6-elements, but there are some differences. Recent work (Bahcall et al.) has shown that helioseismology measurements give a very accurate value for the depth of the solar convection zone, RCZ, and that solar models give agreement with that value only if opacities at RCZ are about 7% larger than OPAL values. For the 6-element mix at RCZ we obtainR(OP) to be larger thanR(OPAL) by 5%.
The Motivational Power of Internet Chat

Internet chat was investigated as a potential motivating learning tool in the language classroom. The purpose of this research was to examine the interaction of small groups involved in face-to-face discussions and to compare these texts to interaction that occurred in online groups. Observation and data revealed that students were generally motivated to communicate in English using Internet chat. When the groups were compared, it was found that student participation in online chat groups was more equitable and students showed a preference for chat over face-to-face conversation. Based upon these findings, we conclude here that Internet chat can be used to deliver meaningful and appropriate language tasks in the ESL/EFL classroom.
Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and Anxiety Reactivity in Daily Life: A Daily Process Approach to Gene-Environment Interaction

Objective: To test whether individuals with at least one copy of the short (S) or long (L)G allele of the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) exhibit greater increases in anxiety, compared with LALA individuals, under periods of high daily stress. Although this common polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene has been identified as a vulnerability factor for anxiety, findings in the literature are mixed. Discrepant findings could be explained by recent research showing that 5-HTTLPR is functionally triallelic (LA versus LG or S), rather than biallelic (L versus S). Mixed findings could also result from a lack of attention to diathesis-stress models, whereby genetic vulnerability is considered latent until activated by stress (gene-environment interplay). Based on this model, we argue that genotype differences in anxiety should be stronger in the presence of stress. Methods: A total of 350 college students recorded their daily stressors and mood for two 30-day periods, separated by 1 year. Results: Across both years, diathesis-stress patterns were observed for reports of anxious mood as a function of 5-HTTLPR. Individuals with at least one copy of the S or LG allele at 5-HTTLPR experienced elevated anxious mood on days with more intense stressors, as compared with those who were LA homozygotes. Genotype differences in anxiety were less apparent on low stress days. No consistent allelic association of 5-HTTLPR was observed with any other mood states, trait anxiety, or neuroticism. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential value of focusing on genetic vulnerability in the context of everyday environmental triggers. 5-HTTLPR = serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism; 5-HTT = serotonin transporter protein; fMRI = functional magnetic resonance imaging; STAI = State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
Parental involvement in homework: relations with parent and student achievement-related motivational beliefs and achievement.

BACKGROUND Parental involvement in homework is a home-based type of involvement in children's education. Research and theory suggest that it is beneficial for learning and achievement under certain conditions and for particular groups of individuals. AIMS The study examined whether different types of parents' involvement in homework (autonomy support, control, interference, cognitive engagement) (1) are predicted by their mastery and performance goals for their child and their beliefs of the child's academic efficacy, and (2) predict student achievement goal orientations, efficacy beliefs, and achievement. Grade-level differences were also investigated. SAMPLE The sample consisted of 282 elementary school (5th grade) and junior high school students (8th grade) and one of their parents. METHODS Surveys were used for data collection. Structural equation modelling was applied for data analysis. RESULTS (1) Autonomy support during homework was predicted by parent mastery goal, parents' control and interference by their performance goal and perceptions of child efficacy, and cognitive engagement as supplementary to homework by parent perceptions of child efficacy. (2) Parental autonomy support, control, and interference were differentially associated with student mastery and performance goal orientations, whereas parent cognitive engagement was associated with student efficacy beliefs. (3) The structural model was the same for elementary and junior high school students but the latent means for a number of variables were different. CONCLUSION Different types of parental involvement in homework were associated with different outcomes with parent autonomy support to be the most beneficial one.
Microscopy as a tool in toxicological evaluations

The microscope was created to satisfy our interest in observing objects and/or structures under higher magnification. Both the physical structure of the microscope and the techniques used for microscopic observation in the various fields of science have undergone great technological changes since the device was first invented. Microscopy has been particularly useful in toxicology, a relatively new field within the Biological sciences that studies the impacts of environmental pollution on the different levels of biological organization. In this chapter, we demonstrate the many different ways in which microscopy can be used in ecotoxicological studies to evaluate the impact of toxic substances on bioindicator organisms. In this context, light microscopy aids in the identification of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei, nuclear abnormalities and histopathological alterations caused by exposure to chemical contamination; fluorescence microscopy can help detect whether a contaminant has genotoxic and/or mutagenic effects by revealing DNA damage; electron microscopy enables the observation of alterations in the ultra-structure of the cell. Collectively, the different microscopy techniques can contribute to the evaluation of the toxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic potential of pollutants, and provide tools for a better understanding of the issue of contamination.
Configuration and dynamics of the Earth-Sun-Moon system: an investigation into conceptions of deaf and hearing pupils

The day-and-night cycle, the seasons and the phases of the moon, as seen by Norwegian deaf pupils aged about 7, 9, 11 and 17 years, and by Norwegian hearing pupils about 9 years old, are reported and analysed. The analysis centred around 'naive', 'synthetic' or 'scientific' conceptions. The majority of students of all cohorts were found to hold a 'synthetic' conception. The explanatory power and the inner coherence of the conceptions were also investigated. A high level of explanatory power and also of inner coherence in the models were found. Among the 9-year olds there was no difference in the inner coherence of the conceptions between the deaf pupils and the hearing ones, and little if any difference in explanatory power of known phenomena. The possibly positive influence of the spatial/gestural sign language on the deaf pupils' conceptions of these spatial phenomena is discussed.
Sub‐15nm Optical Fiber Nanoimprint Lithography: A Parallel, Self‐aligned and Portable Approach

We demonstrate the parallel patterning of multiple optical-fiber facets using nanoimprint lithography on a novel platform. A resolution of better than 15 nm is demonstrated and up to 40 optical-fiber facets have been imprinted in parallel. The lithography platform features a self-alignment mechanism (see figure) that greatly relaxes the mechanical requirements, allowing for the demonstration of a compact, portable imprinting-module and the accommodation of non-planar, biological molds. The imprinted fibers are metalized and employed as bi-directional probes for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
Extracting planar features from Kinect sensor

An algorithm for finding planar features from a 3D point cloud by Kinect's depth sensor is described in this paper. The algorithm uses the explicit definition of a plane which allows storing only four parameters per plane rather than storing thousands of points. Extraction of multiple planes from the same set of points is prevented using a rejection mechanism. Parallelism is used for an average speed-up of 2.3:1. Details of the algorithm and results are given along with a discussion of how the calibration of the sensor affects the projections.
Streamlining data cache access with fast address calculation

For many programs, especially integer codes, untolerated load instruction latencies account for a significant portion of total execution time. In this paper, we present the design and evaluation of a fast address generation mechanism capable of eliminating the delays caused by effective address calculation for many loads and stores. Our approach works by predicting early in the pipeline (part of) the effective address of a memory access and using this predicted address to speculatively access the data cache. If the prediction is correct, the cache access is overlapped with non-speculative effective address calculation. Otherwise, the cache is accessed again in the following cycle, this time using the correct effective address. The impact on the cache access critical path is minimal; the prediction circuitry adds only a single OR operation before cache access can commence. In addition, verification of the predicted effective address is completely decoupled from the cache access critical path. Analyses of program reference behavior and subsequent performance analysis of this approach shows that this design is a good one, servicing enough accesses early enough to result in speedups for all the programs we tested. Our approach also responds well to software support, which can significantly reduce the number of mispredicted effective addresses, in many cases providing better program speedups and reducing cache bandwidth requirements.
Modell für hochauflösende synthetische Haushaltslastprofile

Kurzfassung: Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt ein Modell vor, mit dessen Hilfe synthetische Haushaltslastprofile generiert werden konnen. Diese Lastprofile werden mit hoher zeitlicher Auflosung (Sekunden) dreiphasig jeweils mit Wirk- und Blindanteil erzeugt. Neben dem Aufbau und Leistungsumfang wird kurz auf die Parameterermittlung des Modells eingegangen. Es werden daran anschliesend Beispiele fur generierte Profile gegeben und diese mit real gemessenen Profilen verglichen. Abschliesend werden erste Anwendungen des Modells in der Untersuchung von Verteilnetzen vorgestellt.
Crystal Structure of Human Kynurenine Aminotransferase II, a Drug Target for the Treatment of Schizophrenia*

Kynurenic acid is an endogenous neuroactive compound whose unbalancing is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of several neurological diseases. Kynurenic acid synthesis in the human brain is sustained by the catalytic activity of two kynurenine aminotransferases, hKAT I and hKAT II. A wealth of pharmacological data highlight hKAT II as a sensible target for the treatment of neuropathological conditions characterized by a kynurenic acid excess, such as schizophrenia and cognitive impairment. We have solved the structure of human KAT II by means of the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion method at 2.3-Å resolution. Although closely resembling the classical aminotransferase fold, the hKAT II architecture displays unique features. Structural comparison with a prototypical aspartate aminotransferase reveals a novel antiparallel strand-loop-strand motif that forms an unprecedented intersubunit β-sheet in the functional hKAT II dimer. Moreover, the N-terminal regions of hKAT II and aspartate aminotransferase appear to have converged to highly similar although 2-fold symmetry-related conformations, which fulfill the same functional role. A detailed structural comparison of hKAT I and hKAT II reveals a larger and more aliphatic character to the active site of hKAT II due to the absence of the aromatic cage involved in ligand binding in hKAT I. The observed structural differences could be exploited for the rational design of highly selective hKAT II inhibitors.
Rehabilitation Team Process

Building on a conceptual model of rehabilitation treatment effectiveness, this article presents a typology of the team process. Process emerges from the latent structure (relations) and manifest functions (actions) of the inpatient rehabilitation team. Team relations form the backbone of process and arise from characteristics of the person and the profession. Team actions reveal the manner in which the team does its work and is examined with respect to management and leadership activities. In this complex phenomenon of team process, personal and professional orientations interact with managerial and leadership activities. The successful team finds and creates a proper mix of these influences for desirable patient outcomes.
Molecular Determinants of Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 Covalent Modification by a Photoaffinity Probe

Mass spectroscopy, microsequencing, and site-directed mutagenesis studies have been performed to identify in human matrix metalloelastase (hMMP-12) residues covalently modified by a photoaffinity probe, previously shown to be able to covalently label specifically the active site of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Results obtained led us to conclude that photoactivation of this probe in complex with hMMP-12 affects a single residue in human MMP-12, Lys241, through covalent modification of its side chain ϵ NH2 group. Because x-ray and NMR studies of hMMP-12 indicate that Lys241 side chain is highly flexible, our data reveal the existence of particular Lys241 side-chain conformation in which the ϵ NH2 group points toward the photolabile group of the probe, an event explaining the high levels of cross-linking yield between hMMP-12 and the probe. Lys241 is not conserved in MMPs, thus differences in cross-linking yields observed with this probe between MMP members may be linked to the residue variability observed at position 241 in this family.
Pleiotropy of FRIGIDA enhances the potential for multivariate adaptation

An evolutionary response to selection requires genetic variation; however, even if it exists, then the genetic details of the variation can constrain adaptation. In the simplest case, unlinked loci and uncorrelated phenotypes respond directly to multivariate selection and permit unrestricted paths to adaptive peaks. By contrast, ‘antagonistic’ pleiotropic loci may constrain adaptation by affecting variation of many traits and limiting the direction of trait correlations to vectors that are not favoured by selection. However, certain pleiotropic configurations may improve the conditions for adaptive evolution. Here, we present evidence that the Arabidopsis thaliana gene FRI (FRIGIDA) exhibits ‘adaptive’ pleiotropy, producing trait correlations along an axis that results in two adaptive strategies. Derived, low expression FRI alleles confer a ‘drought escape’ strategy owing to fast growth, low water use efficiency and early flowering. By contrast, a dehydration avoidance strategy is conferred by the ancestral phenotype of late flowering, slow growth and efficient water use during photosynthesis. The dehydration avoidant phenotype was recovered when genotypes with null FRI alleles were transformed with functional alleles. Our findings indicate that the well-documented effects of FRI on phenology result from differences in physiology, not only a simple developmental switch.
The Computer Aversion, Attitudes, and Familiarity Index (CAAFI): A Measure for the Study of Computer-Related Constructs

The purpose of this study was to systematically develop an instrument to measure computer aversion, computer attitudes, and computer familiarity. The study is an extension of previous research (Schulenberg, 2002). Development involved item generation, pilot testing, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The measure was administered to psychology students drawn from two universities (N = 854; N = 400, respectively). The three hypothesized factors emerged, as well as an additional computer aversion factor. The measure possesses good content validity and factorial validity, as well as solid internal consistency reliability. Implications of this study, considerations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Validation of the parenting stress index among Chinese mothers in Hong Kong

This paper presents the validation results of the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) as applied to a sample of Chinese mothers in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional research survey was launched employing a purposive sample of 248 Hong Kong Chinese mothers. The PSI was found to have a reliability coefficient of . 93. The concurrent validity of the instrument was established by correlations of the PSI with various measurements for stress. Moreover, results from discriminant analysis indicated that using PSI scores, “high-stress” respondents could be discriminated from “low-stress” respondents with 93% overall accuracy. Finally, results of the study replicated the major factorial structure of the original scale. The present study indicates that the PSI represents an appropriate tool for measuring parenting stress with Hong Kong Chinese mothers. Findings from the study will facilitate practitioners and administrators in early screening of parenting stress, individual diagnostic assessment, pre-post measures of intervention effectiveness, and future research in parenting stress.
“ I often use the example of a dive shop ' s portal as the ideal place for Semantic Web technology ... ”

The discussion on the importance of Semantic Web for the promotion of Information systems is extremely interesting. In this first newsletter we tried through personal invitations to outline only few aspects of the convergence of SW and IS. As we already mentioned in the editorial of NEWS, the Inaugural Issue of the International Journal on Semantic Web and Information Systems Journal (at the end of 2004) will promote further this discussion. In the next pages, 7 interesting contributions provide an excellent overview for the new era of Semantic Web enabled Information Systems Research.
SPARC-null Mice Exhibit Accelerated Cutaneous Wound Closure

Expression of SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine; osteonectin, BM-40), an extracellular matrix (ECM) associated protein, is coincident with matrix remodeling. To further identify the functions of SPARC in vivo, we have made excisional wounds on the dorsa of SPARC-null and wild-type mice and monitored closure over time. A significant decrease in the size of the SPARC-null wounds, in comparison to that of wild-type, was observed at Day 4 and was maximal at Day 7. Although substantial differences in the percentage of proliferating cells were not apparent in SPARC-null relative to wild-type wounds, primary cultures of SPARC-null dermal fibroblasts displayed accelerated migration, relative to wild-type fibroblasts, in wound assays in vitro. Although the expression of collagen I mRNA in wounds, as measured by in situ hybridization (ISH), was not significantly different in SPARC-null vs wild-type mice, the collagen content of unwounded skin appeared to be substantially lower in the SPARC-null animals. By hydroxyproline analysis, the concentration of collagen in SPARC-null skin was found to be half that of wild-type skin. Moreover, we found an inverse correlation between the efficiency of collagen gel contraction by dermal fibroblasts and the concentration of collagen within the gel itself. We propose that the accelerated wound closure seen in SPARC-null dermis results from its decreased collagen content, a condition contributing to enhanced contractibility.
Networks of affect, male homoeroticism and the Second World War: a soldier's archive

While geographies of affect are increasingly influential and geographies of sexuality well established, there is considerable potential for enhancing links between these subfields. This article explores the archive of a gay World War II veteran, revealing the intricacies of an intense same-sex wartime affair in New Caledonia and introducing the concept of ‘networks of affect’: the interconnected pathways through space and time that provide conduits for emotion and desire. This account of networks of affect, read through archival materials, provides rich insight into wartime homoeroticism and allows us to further develop embodied geographies of affect and sexuality.