Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The notion of quantitative invisibility and the machine rendering of solids

Line drawings are the most common type of rendering used to convey geometrical description. This is due to the economy of preparing such drawings and the great information density obtainable. On a pure line drawing, that is where no attempt is made to specify or suggest shadows, tone or color, the lines rendered are either the intersection curves of surfaces or the contour curves of surfaces. The nature of these curves are adequately discussed in the literature 1 and in a previous report.2 In order to convey a realistic impression of an object or an assembly of objects, the segments of lines which cannot be seen by an observer are not drawn or are drawn dashed. Without specification of visibility a drawing is ambiguous. This paper presents a recently developed scheme for the determination of visibility in a line drawing which enables comparitively high speed calculation and excellent resolution.
A monoclonal antibody (B724) to von Willebrand factor recognizing an epitope within the Al disulphide loop (Cys509‐Cys695) discriminates between type 2A and type 2B von Willebrand disease

Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) B724 to von Willebrand factor (vWF) completely inhibits its interaction with heparin, sulphatides and botrocetin and consequently botrocetin‐induced binding of vWF to platelets. MoAb B724 has no effect on the binding of vWF to collagen or to ristocetin‐treated platelets nor on vWF‐dependent platelet aggregation induced with ristocetin and asialo‐vWF‐mediated platelet aggregation. MoAb B724 preferentially recognizes a conformation of native vWF, in solution, or immobilized through a coated antibody. It exhibits a markedly lower affinity for vWF immobilized onto collagen or plastic surfaces. Using proteolytic fragments of vWF, B724 epitope was localized within the 512–673 sequence of the Al disulphide loop of vWF, MoAb B724 was used as second antibody in a two‐site ELISA to test a series of patients with type 1, 2 A, 2B and 2N vWD or haemophilia A and recombinant wild type or mutated vWFs. Results were compared with those obtained by control ELISAs performed using polyclonal antibodies. Using MoAb B724, strikingly lower levels of vWFAg were observed in plasma from most patients with type 2B vWD, and in seven out of the eight rvWF mutated close to or within the Al disulphide loop. Therefore MoAb B724, which interferes with this loop involved in the function of vWF, appears to be a useful tool for rapid screening of conformational changes in this region.
Aggregation of cartilage proteoglycans. II. Oligosaccharide competitors of the proteoglycan-hyaluronic acid interaction.

Abstract A protein-keratan sulfate core preparation isolated from a chondroitinase digest of bovine nasal proteoglycan chromatographed as a single peak (Kav = 0.65) on a Sepharose 2B column. Sepharose 2B elution patterns for mixtures of the core preparation with different proportions of hyaluronic acid indicated that slightly more than 70% of the core molecules could bind to hyaluronic acid. When the hyaluronic acid was saturated with core molecules, each core molecule occupied a minimum length of 8 to 10 hyaluronic acid disaccharides. Hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides were isolated by Sephadex G-50 chromatography of partial digests of hyaluronic acid with testicular hyaluronidase. Sepharose 2B chromatographic analyses showed that the interaction of reactive core molecules with larger hyaluronic acid molecules was strongly inhibited by HA10 (5 disaccharide repeat units) and by HA9 derived from a β-glucuronidase digest of HA10. HA8, smaller hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides and chondroitin were essentially ineffective in inhibiting the core-hyaluronic acid interaction. Low concentrations of HA10 effectively decreased the viscosity of a mixture of hyaluronic acid with intact proteoglycan, whereas higher concentrations of HA8, HA6, or HA4 caused much smaller decreases. Thus the binding site for hyaluronic acid in reactive core (or intact proteoglycan) molecules interacts strongly with HA10 or larger oligomers, while it only interacts weakly with HA4-HA8 oligomers. Chondroitin did not decrease the viscosity of such a mixture at all, showing that there is specificity for the configuration of the 4-hydroxyl in the glucosamine residues in the hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides.
The electronic health record as a healthcare management strategy and implications for obstetrics and gynecologic practice

Purpose of review To review the current trends, utilities, impacts and strategy for electronic health records (EHRs) as related to obstetrics and gynecology. Recent findings Adoption and utilization of EHRs are increasing rapidly but variably, given pressures of financial incentives, policy and technological advancement. Adoption is outpacing published evidence, but there is a growing body of descriptive literature regarding incentives, benefits, risks and costs of adoption and utilization. Further, there is a rising body of evidence that EHRs can bring benefits to processes and outcomes, and that their implementation can be considered as a healthcare management strategy. Obstetrics and gynecology practices have specific needs, which must be addressed in the adoption of such technology. Specialty specific literature is sparse but should be considered as part of any strategy aimed at achieving quality improvement and practice behavior change. Summary Obstetrics and gynecologic practice presents unique challenges to the effective adoption and use of EHR technologies, but there is promise as the technologies, integration and usability are rapidly improving. This technology will have an increasing impact on the practice of obstetrics and gynecology in the coming years.
Optogenetics in Mice Performing a Visual Discrimination Task: Measurement and Suppression of Retinal Activation and the Resulting Behavioral Artifact

Optogenetic techniques are used widely to perturb and interrogate neural circuits in behaving animals, but illumination can have additional effects, such as the activation of endogenous opsins in the retina. We found that illumination, delivered deep into the brain via an optical fiber, evoked a behavioral artifact in mice performing a visually guided discrimination task. Compared with blue (473 nm) and yellow (589 nm) illumination, red (640 nm) illumination evoked a greater behavioral artifact and more activity in the retina, the latter measured with electrical recordings. In the mouse, the sensitivity of retinal opsins declines steeply with wavelength across the visible spectrum, but propagation of light through brain tissue increases with wavelength. Our results suggest that poor retinal sensitivity to red light was overcome by relatively robust propagation of red light through brain tissue and stronger illumination of the retina by red than by blue or yellow light. Light adaptation of the retina, via an external source of illumination, suppressed retinal activation and the behavioral artifact without otherwise impacting behavioral performance. In summary, long wavelength optogenetic stimuli are particularly prone to evoke behavioral artifacts via activation of retinal opsins in the mouse, but light adaptation of the retina can provide a simple and effective mitigation of the artifact.
Isobolographic characterization of interaction of levetiracetam with clobazam in the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model

Introduction and objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the anticonvulsant effects of levetiracetam (LEV) in combination with clobazam (CLB – a second-generation antiepileptic drug), in the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model. Materials and methods: Limbic (psychomotor) seizure activity was evoked in albino Swiss mice by a current (32 mA, 6 Hz, 3 s stimulus duration) delivered via ocular electrodes. Isobolographic analysis for parallel dose-response relationship curves (DRRCs) was used to characterize the consequent anticonvulsant interactions between the drug combinations. Potential concurrent adverse-effect profiles of interactions between LEV and CLB were evaluated in the chimney (motor performance), passive-avoidance (long-term memory), and grip-strength (muscular strength) tests. Results: LEV administered singly was associated with a DRRC that was parallel to that for CLB. With isobolography for parallel DRRCs, the combination of LEV with CLB at three fixed-ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1 exerted additive interaction. None of the combinations were associated with any concurrent adverse effects with regards to motor coordination, long-term memory or muscular strength. Conclusions: LEV combined with CLB exerted additive interaction in the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model.
Feature Reconstruction Disentangling for Pose-invariant Face Recognition Supplementary Material

Pose-variant face generation We designed a network to predict 3DMM parameters from a single face image. The design is mainly based on VGG16 [4]. We use the same number of convolutional layers as VGG16 but replacing all max pooling layers with stride-2 convolutional operations. The fully connected (fc) layers are also different: we first use two fc layers, each of which has 1024 neurons, to connect with the convolutional modules; then, a fc layer of 30 neurons is used for identity parameters, a fc layer of 29 neurons is used for expression parameters, and a fc layer of 7 neurons is used for pose parameters. Different from [8] uses 199 parameters to represent the identity coefficients, we truncate the number of identity eigenvectors to 30 which preserves 90% of variations. This truncation leads to fast convergence and less overfitting. For texture, we only generate non-frontal faces from frontal ones, which significantly mitigate the hallucinating texture issue caused by self occlusion and guarantee high-fidelity reconstruction. We apply the Z-Buffer algorithm used in [8] to prevent ambiguous pixel intensities due to same image plane position but different depths. Rich feature embedding The design of the rich embedding network is mainly based on the architecture of CASIA-net [6] since it is wildly used in former approach and achieves strong performance in face recognition. During training, CASIA+MultiPIE or CASIA+300WLP are used. As shown in Figure 3 of the main submission, after the convolutional layers of CASIA-net, we use a 512-d FC for the rich feature embedding, which is further branched into a 256-d identity feature and a 128-d non-identity feature. The 128-d non-identity feature is further connected with a 136-d landmark prediction and a 7-d pose prediction. Notice that in the face generation network, the number of pose parameters is 7 instead of 3 because we need to uniquely depict the projection matrix from the 3D model and the 2D face shape in image domain, which includes scale, pitch, yaw, roll, x translation, y translation, and z translations. Disentanglement by feature reconstruction Once the rich embedding network is trained, we feed genius pair that share the same identity but different viewpoints into the network to obtain the corresponding rich embedding, identity and non-identity features. To disentangle the identity and pose factors, we concatenate the identity and non-identity features and roll though two 512-d fully connected layers to output a reconstructed rich embedding depicted by 512 neurons. Both self and cross reconstruction loss are designed to eventually push the two identity features close to each other. At the same time, a cross-entropy loss is applied on the near-frontal identity feature to maintain the discriminative power of the learned representation. The disentanglement of the identity and pose is finally achieved by the proposed feature reconstruction based metric learning.
SimDate 3 D – Level Two

In this demo, we present a working example of a simple game based on character-centric interactive storytelling. The game is situated in a small virtual town where three characters, two girls and a boy (or two boys and a girl) are involved in a dating scenario. The player may influence the boy and guide his actions, his goal is to steer the story to a desired shape with as few interventions as possible. The individual agents feature an affect-modulated BDI-based architecture and communicate with each other through simple language. The scenario culminates in a simulated confrontation of all three characters. Based on the current state of relationships between the characters, it results in one of multiple possible endings. The game is intended as both a testbed for interactive storytelling technologies as well as a source of data for evaluation of automatic analysis of generated stories.
Spinal Bupivacaine in Ambulatory Surgery: The Effect of Saline Dilution

The safety of lidocaine spinal anesthesia has recently been called into question by reports of both permanent and transient neurologic toxicity.This study explored the possibility of adapting the longer acting spinal bupivacaine to ambulatory surgery. Sixty patients presenting for ambulatory arthroscopy were randomized to four groups receiving the following spinal anesthetics: Group I (15 mg bupivacaine), 3 mL of 0.5% spinal bupivacaine in 8% dextrose; Group II (10 mg bupivacaine), 2 mL of the 0.5% spinal bupivacaine + 1 mL saline; Group III (7.5 mg bupivacaine), 1.5 mL of the 0.5% spinal bupivacaine + 1.5 mL saline; Group IV (5 mg bupivacaine), 1 mL of the 0.5% spinal bupivacaine + 2 mL saline. Maximum block height was T-5 in Group I versus T-8 in the other groups. Onset times to peak block were similar in all groups and averaged 14 min. Time to two-segment regression, complete regression, micturition, and discharge were significantly reduced from Group I to Group II and from Group II to Group III. Reductions in times between Groups III and IV did not achieve statistical significance. Times from placement of the spinal block until discharge were 471 +/- 35, 260 +/- 15, 202 +/- 14, and 181 +/- 8 min, respectively, for the four groups. The intensity of motor block decreased significantly from group to group, such that 13 of the 15 patients in Group IV failed to achieve Bromage level 2 or 3. The intensity of sensory block also decreased from group to group with four patients in Group IV having pain intraoperatively that required further treatment. Therefore, Group III provided the optimum combination of adequate depth of anesthesia and rapid recovery. The results of this study indicate that spinal anesthesia with 7.5 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine in 8% dextrose diluted with an equal volume of saline provides an acceptable spinal anesthetic for ambulatory arthroscopy with a recovery profile appropriate to the ambulatory setting. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:716-20)
Using Scrum in Master Data Management Development Projects

Master Data Management (MDM) development projects are specific both in their functionalities and organizational requirements. The existing literature about practical experience in managing MDM development projects using Scrum is limited. This paper aims to analyse problems and challenges as well as to present guidelines with defined rules when applying Scrum framework within MDM development project. In practice these projects are huge and costly since they involve a big part of enterprise resources, so implementing MDM using Scrum can speed up its realization with successful outcomes. In this paper, a literature review of Scrum framework, MDM concept and different MDM implementation techniques are carried out. The empirical guidelines with proposed rules for managing MDM projects using Scrum are represented.
Optimization of Hybrid Systems with Known Paths

In this paper we study a subset of hybrid systems and present a generalized method for their optimization. We outline Hybrid Cost Automata (HCA), an extension to Hybrid Automata, where discrete and continuous cost expressions are added. The class of hybrid systems with known spatial paths is dened in the context of HCA. This type of system is common in industry where for example AGVs transport goods from one location to another, or manipulators move between joint coordinates. The optimization is performed using Dynamic Programming as a preprocessing step, whereafter Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming is used for scheduling. A case study of a four robot cell is presented with energy consumption used as a minimization criterion.
Three-Dimensional Image Reconstruction from Compton Camera Data

In this paper, we address analytically and numerically the inversion of the integral transform (cone or Compton transform) that maps a function on $\Bbb{R}^3$ to its integrals over conical surfaces. It arises in a variety of imaging techniques, e.g., in astronomy, optical imaging, and homeland security imaging, especially when the so-called Compton cameras are involved. Several inversion formulas are developed and implemented numerically in three dimensions (the much simpler two-dimensional case was considered in a previous publication). An admissibility condition on detectors geometry is formulated, under which all these inversion techniques will work.
The impact of blood contamination on the proteome of cerebrospinal fluid

Human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is in direct contact with the brain extracellular space. Beside the secretion of CSF by the choroid plexus the fluid also derives directly from the brain by the ependymal lining of the ventricular system and the glial membrane and from blood vessels in the arachnoid. Therefore, biochemical changes in the brain may be reflected in the CSF. CSF is a potential source of protein molecular indices of central nervous system function and pathology. However, various amounts of blood contamination in CSF may arise during sample acquisition. The concentration of protein in the CSF is only 0.2 to 0.5% that of blood. Minor contamination of CSF with blood during collection of the fluid may dramatically alter the protein profile confounding the identification of potential biomarkers. We have analyzed CSF and CSF spiked with increasing amounts of whole blood using proteomic techniques. We detected at least four blood specific highly abundant proteins: hemoglobin, catalase, peroxiredoxin and carbonic anhydrase I. These proteins can be used as blood contamination markers for proteomic analysis of CSF. Proteins in blood contaminated CSF samples were less stable compared to neat CSF at 37°C suggesting that blood borne proteases may induce protein degradation in CSF during sample acquisition. This analysis was aimed at identification of proteins found primarily in CSF, those found primarily in blood and assessment of the impact of blood contamination on those proteins found in both fluids.
Reversal of mutualism in a leafflower–leafflower moth association: the possible driving role of a third-party partner

A major goal in the study of mutualism is to understand how co-operation is maintained when mutualism may potentially turn into parasitism. Although certain mechanisms facilitate the persistence of mutualism, parasitic species have repeatedly evolved from mutualistic ancestors. However, documented examples of mutualism reversals are still rare. Leafflowers (Phyllantheae; Phyllanthaceae) include approximately 500 species that engage in obligate mutualism with leafflower moths (Epicephala; Gracillariidae), which actively pollinate flowers, and whose larvae feed on the resulting seeds. We found that the Taiwanese population of the Phyllanthus reticulatus species complex was associated with six sympatric Epicephala species, of which three were derived parasites that induced gall formation on flowers/buds and produced no seeds. Notably, two parasitic species have retained mutualistic pollination behaviour, suggesting that the parasitism was likely not selected for to reduce the cost of mutualism. We propose that the galling habit evolved as an adaptation to escape parasitism by a specialized braconid wasp. The tough gall produced by one species was almost free of braconid parasitism, and the swollen gall induced by the other species probably prevents attack as a result of the larger airspace inside the gall. Our findings suggest that the presence of a third-party partner can greatly influence the evolutionary fate of mutualisms, regardless of whether the pairwise interaction continues to favour co-operation.
A complete study of flexible antennas in near field and far field

This paper presents a new method to design a multi-band antenna. The aim is to realize an antenna with dipolar radiations at several resonance frequencies. We study a monopole antenna that naturally exhibits a dipole and a quadrupole mode for the first and second resonance frequency respectively. In order to change the quadrupole mode into a dipole mode, two parasitic resonant elements are added to the antenna. This behavior is studied in near field and in far field. In this paper, a monopole on flexible substrate is studied.
Cluster Analysis Classification of SF-36 Profiles for Patients With Spinal Pain

Study Design. A k-means cluster analysis of patients with spinal and radicular pain based on the SF-36 Health Survey scales. Objective. The aim was to determine whether spine patients fall into clusters according to self-reported health status as measured by the SF-36 and to determine if clustering is similar across four common diagnostic categories: herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and chronic pain syndrome. Summary of Background Data. Cognitive-behavioral classifications of chronic pain patients have previously identified three patient groups described as Dysfunctional, Interpersonally Distressed, and Minimizers/Adaptive Copers. The purpose of these classifications is to facilitate and direct treatment based not only on biomedical diagnosis but also on emotional, social, and behavioral diagnoses. This type of analysis has not been done on the quality-of-life scores of patients with specific spinal diagnoses. Methods. Health status data were reviewed from the initial visits of 15,748 spine patients in the National Spine Network database. Based on the eight scales of the SF-36, k-means cluster analysis divided the National Spine Network population into distinct clusters of similar patients. Clustering was performed separately for each clinical diagnosis group. Results. In all four diagnostic categories, cluster analysis classified patients into three groups. Group 1 had fairly high (relative to the entire sample) scores on all scales and was labeled “Highly Functional. ” Group 2 had low measures on physical variables but comparatively high scores on the mental scales. These were labeled “Emotional Adapters. ” Group 3 had low scores on all scales. These patients were labeled “Dysfunctional. ” Although patients in each diagnostic category fell into one of the three groups, the proportion of patients within each group was quite different among chronic pain patients ascompared to the other three diagnostic groups. For example, 29% of herniated disc patients were in the Highly Functional group, whereas only 14% of patients in chronic pain were categorized as Highly Functional. Thirty-three percent of spondylosis patients were classified as Dysfunctional compared with 51% of chronic pain patients. Conclusions. Patients with spinal pain fall into three groups according to their profile of scores on the SF-36 Health Survey. It is proposed that such empirical groupings can guide decision-making in selecting the most appropriate therapies. Spine 2003;28:2276–2282