Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A System to Reuse Facial Rigs and Animations

Facial animation in films and videogames are strongly dependent on a fixed rig that is custom created for each character. The rig is defined in the early stages of the development and is conditioned by the characters morphology. We present a portable character rigging system that integrates into current animation production pipelines enabling digital artists to create more lifelike characters in less time about 90-99% faster, when compared to traditional animation techniques. It automatically transfers the rig and animations created in one character to different characters, independent of their shape and appearance. Artists are not forced to use predefined rigs and can preserve the original mesh they created. As a result, the system improves the workflow in CG productions, the modeling and animation teams can now work in parallel.
Mutations in NSCLC identified by a next-generation sequencing targeted sequencing panel

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a cost-effective approach to screening for a number of genes simultaneously in clinical use. The purpose of the present study is to screening for known mutations of cancer drug target genes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using an NGS targeted sequencing approach. Genomic DNA was extracted from sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of 58 NSCLC patients. The Ion AmpliSeq Colon and Lung Cancer Research Panel v2 was used to screen. ARMS-PCR was used to validate the NGS results. NGS targeted sequencing revealed that 44 (75.9%) of the 58 carried mutations in 7 genes. Higher mutation frequencies were found in the EGFR (43.1%), TP53 (37.9%) and KRAS (12.1%) genes, and lower frequencies in the CTNNB1 (3.4%), NRAS (3.4%), SMAD4 (3.4%) and PIK3CA (1.7%) genes. A higher mutation rate was found in adenocarcinoma (ADK) samples compared to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.34). Female patients showed a significantly higher mutation rate in the EGFR gene than male patients (P = 0.03). A significantly higher number of EGFR mutations was observed in ADK samples compared to that in SCC samples (P = 0.02). The findings of the present study indicate that NGS targeted sequencing can effectively detect mutations in clinical tumor samples, thereby highlighting that NGS is a promising tool in personalized medicine.
Invited Review: Recent developments in vibration control of building and bridge structures

This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of recent articles published on active, passive, semi-active and hybrid vibration control systems for structures under dynamic loadings primarily since 2013. Active control systems include active mass dampers, active tuned mass dampers, distributed mass dampers, and active tendon control. Passive systems include tuned mass dampers (TMD), particle TMD, tuned liquid particle damper, tuned liquid column damper (TLCD), eddy-current TMD, tuned mass generator, tuned-inerter dampers, magnetic negative stiffness device, resetting passive stiffness damper, re-entering shape memory alloy damper, viscous wall dampers, viscoelastic dampers, and friction dampers. Semi-active systems include tuned liquid damper with floating roof, resettable variable stiffness TMD, variable friction dampers, semi-active TMD, magnetorheological dampers, leverage-type stiffness controllable mass damper, semi-active friction tendon. Hybrid systems include shape memory alloys-liquid column damper, shape memory alloy-based damper, and TMD-high damping rubber.
More Oil , Less Democracy ? : Theory and Evidence from Crude Oil Discoveries

This paper exploits variation in the timing and size of oil discoveries to identify the impact of oil wealth on democracy. I use a unique dataset describing worldwide oil exploration, discoveries, and oilfield geology. Controlling for exploratory effort, I find that discovering oil significantly decreases a country’s 30-year change in democracy, as measured by the Polity Index. I estimate that, on average, discovering 100 billion barrels pushes a country’s democracy level 30 percentage points below trend. Excluding large Middle East producers from the sample does not affect this result. The estimated effect per barrel is larger for oilfields with higher quality oil and lower exploration and extraction costs. To explain these findings, I propose a theory of endogenous barriers to political entry. The deadweight cost of taxing oil is relatively low. To reap the profits from oil, incumbent dictators undertake costly expenditures to prevent entry and to monopolize the state. JEL Classifications: H11, L12, L71, P26, Q34 ∗Special thanks to Colin Campbell from the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Fredrik Robelius for providing access to some of the data and institutional details of the oil industry. I would also like to thank Gary Becker, Tom Evans, Steve Levitt, Jesse Shapiro, Lester Telser, and especially Casey Mulligan and Chris Rohlfs for helpful comments and discussions. †Department of Economics, University of Chicago. 1126 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60637. Email: ktsui@uchicago.edu
College Students' Use of Caffeine and Its Relationship to Personality

One-hundred and aixteen college ItUdenl. compleled the Caffeine ConlUmption Quelltionnaire (CCQ), a lelf-report me.ure that yield. milliJranlllweek caffeine u.ge, and ltudenla allOcompleled a number ofpenonality me8IUre. The relUlt8 from the normative data indicaled gender difference. in the mealUre. , and a lignificant poUlive correlation between caffeine Ule and extroveraion, replicating earlier finding. The CCQ allow. general ulera and relearchen a precile and conlillenl me8lUre of caffeine UIe, and can be ulled II a tool to puflUe other potential relationahip. between ltudent characteriatic. and caffeine Ule.
A Phylogenetic Supertree of the Hammerhead Sharks (Carcharhiniformes: Sphyrnidae)

A phylogenetic supertree of the hammerhead sharks (Carcharhiniformes, Sphyrnidae). Zoological Studies 46(1): 6-11. In this study, 5 hammerhead shark phylogenies (based on morphological, isozyme, and mtDNA sequence data) were combined to generate a complete, well-resolved composite phylogeny for the Sphyrnidae using matrix representation with parsimony. The resulting supertree contains all 8 known sphyrnid species and represents the best estimate of the combined relationships presented in the original 5 source trees. This supertree will provide a useful framework for further phylogenetic comparative studies of sphyrnid evolution, ecology, and biogeography.
External and internal dose assessments of Fukushima residents after the 2011 nuclear disaster

Much effort has been made by Japanese experts to assess the dose to residents of Fukushima Prefecture in the aftermath of the 2011 nuclear disaster. Residents living near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) were ordered to evacuate promptly after the accident to minimize radiation exposure. Many papers performing individual dose measurement and estimation of these residents have already been published. This paper provides a brief overview of these publications by dividing the evaluation into the early-phase (< 1 year) and the late-phase (≥ 1 year) studies, and compiling the lessons learnt from the 2011 nuclear disaster. One common view of the studies by the Japanese experts is that the levels of exposure are generally low. Aside from the internal thyroid dose from short-lived radionuclides (mainly 131 I) at the early phase, both the external and internal doses attributable to the nuclear disaster are comparable or less than those from natural radiations. A number of individual dose measurements at the late phase have provided useful information for understanding exposure situations in everyday life for people living in the affected area. One key remaining issue for the dose assessment is to evaluate the related uncertainty, in particular for the internal thyroid dose received at the early phase. Thus, there is a role for further studies to improve the certainty of dose estimations.
Picometer registration of zinc impurity states in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ for phase determination in intra-unit-cell Fourier transform STM

Direct visualization of electronic-structure symmetry within each crystalline unit cell is a new technique for complex electronic matter research (Lawler et al 2010 Nature 466 347–51, Schmidt et al 2011 New J. Phys. 13 065014, Fujita K et al 2012 J. Phys. Soc. Japan 81 011005). By studying the Bragg peaks in Fourier transforms of electronic structure images and particularly by resolving both the real and imaginary components of the Bragg amplitudes, distinct types of intra-unit-cell symmetry breaking can be studied. However, establishing the precise symmetry point of each unit cell in real space is crucial in defining the phase for such a Bragg-peak Fourier analysis. Exemplary of this challenge is the high-temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ for which the surface Bi atom locations are observable, while it is the invisible Cu atoms that define the relevant CuO2 unit-cell symmetry point. Here we demonstrate, by imaging with picometer precision the electronic impurity states at individual Zn atoms substituted at Cu sites, that the phase established using the Bi lattice produces a ∼2%(2π) error relative to the actual Cu lattice. Such a phase assignment error would not diminish reliability in the determination of intra-unit-cell rotational symmetry breaking at the CuO2 plane (Lawler et al 2010 Nature 466 347–51, Schmidt et al 2011 New J. Phys. 13 065014, Fujita K et al 2012 J. Phys. Soc. Japan 81 011005). Moreover, this type of impurity atom substitution at the relevant symmetry site can be of general utility in phase determination for the Bragg-peak Fourier analysis of intra-unit-cell symmetry.
Differential responses to feeding by the tomato/potato psyllid between two tomato cultivars and their implications in establishment of injury levels and potential of damaged plant recovery

Abstract An invasive new biotype of the tomato/potato psyllid (Bactericera [Paratrioza] cockerelli [Sulc.]) (Homoptera: Psyllidae) recently has caused losses exceeding 50% on fresh market tomatoes in western North America. Despite these extensive losses, little is known regarding the threshold levels at which populations must be suppressed in order to prevent economic losses. A series of experiments were therefore designed using combinations of two common tomato cultivars (QualiT 21 and Yellow Pear), five pest‐densities (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 nymphs/plant), and three feeding‐duration (5 days, 10 days, and lifetime) treatments to test the relative importance of pest density, feeding period, and cumulative psyllid‐days to establish economic threshold levels for psyllids. The cultivars differed considerably in their response to the toxin injected by the psyllid nymphs. ‘Yellow Pear’ plants could recover from feeding by up to 40 nymphs for as long as 10 d, whereas ‘QualiT 21’ plants were irreparably damaged by densities of 20 nymphs feeding for only 5 days. On ‘Yellow Pear’, all plant measurements such as the number of yellow leaves and plant height were significantly better correlated with cumulative psyllid‐days than with either pest density or feeding duration. On ‘QualiT 21’, all plant measurements other than the number of yellow leaflets and leaves were significantly better correlated with pest density than with feeding duration or cumulative psyllid‐days, and pest density was a better predictor of psyllid damage. Potential reasons for the variable responses between cultivars and the implications for psyllid sampling and integrated pest management are discussed.
Up-regulation of TUBA 1 B promotes astrocyte proliferation after spinal cord injury in adult rats

α-tubulin1b (TUBA1B) is one of five β Tubulin isoforms, which was high expression in proliferating HCC cells. However, the expression profiles of TUBA1B in spinal cord injury are still unclear. Hence, an acute spinal cord contusion injury (SCI) model in adult rats was established to probe the certain expression and biological function in central nervous system. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry both prompted us that TUBA1B expression was increased and got a peak at day 5 after spinal cord injury (SCI). TUBA1B immunoreactivity was found in astrocytes and neurons by double immunofluorescence. But we found the expression of TUBA1B was only increased predominantly in astrocytes. The colocalization of TUBA1B with PCNA was also detected in astrocytes. To further understand the role of TUBA1B in proliferation, the model of astrocyte proliferation induced by LPS was used in this experiment. Being similar to expression in vivo, TUBA1B expression was positively correlated with PCNA following LPS stimulation. Knocking TUBA1B down with siRNA can decrease PCNA expression in proliferation of astrocytes. These results suggest that TUBA1B can regulate proliferation of astrocytes after SCI. To summarize, we first uncover expression changes of TUBA1B in astrocyte after spinal cord injury, suggesting TUBA1B might be implicated in CNS pathophysiology after SCI.
Government Policy and Economic Security for Artists: The Case of the Droit de Suite

as an "art proceeds right," the droit de suite is a technique originally designed to furnish artists and sculptors with some portion of the increase in the value of their works when they are resold.4 Sometimes, as in France, a flat fee is payable to the artist or his heirs on the public resale of all paintings, and the fee must be paid whether the painting rises in price or not. In Italy, on the other hand, the artist is entitled to a droit de suite only on the increase in value of the work of art. The techniques used differ with respect to the resales covered (auctions, dealer, or private sales), the percentage of the resale price the artist obtains (three per cent in France, one per cent in Germany), the
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Drug Delivery Technology

One of the situations in the treatment of disease is the delivery of efficacious medication of appropriate concentration to the site of action in a controlled and continual manner. Nanoparticle represents an important particulate carrier system, developed accordingly. Nanoparticles are solid colloidal particles ranging in size from 1 to 1000 nm and composed of macromolecular material. Nanoparticles could be polymeric or lipidic (SLNs). Industry estimates suggest that approximately 40% of lipophilic drug candidates fail due to solubility and formulation stability issues, prompting significant research activity in advanced lipophile delivery technologies. Solid lipid nanoparticle technology represents a promising new approach to lipophile drug delivery. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are important advancement in this area. The bioacceptable and biodegradable nature of SLNs makes them less toxic as compared to polymeric nanoparticles. Supplemented with small size which prolongs the circulation time in blood, feasible scale up for large scale production and absence of burst effect makes them interesting candidates for study. In this present review this new approach is discussed in terms of their preparation, advantages, characterization and special features.
Nutritive evaluation of foliage from fodder trees and shrubs characteristic of Algerian arid and semi-arid areas.

The chemical composition and digestibility of foliage from nine browse plant species (Artemisia herba-alba, Atriplex halimus, Acacia nilotica, Acacia horrida, Acacia saligna, Faidherbia albida, Albizia julibrissin, Vicia faba and Punica granatum) grown in arid and semi-arid areas of Algeria were evaluated. Feed components were determined by proximate analysis, whereas phenolic and tannin compounds were analysed by colorimetric procedures and their activity tested using a biological assay. Digestibility was assessed by conventional gravimetric in vitro and in situ methods, and rumen fermentation kinetics were estimated from the in vitro gas production technique. The foliage from Acacia species was found to be a protein-rich fodder for ruminants, although the high lignin and tannin content of some species is an important constraint limiting its digestive utilization in the gastrointestinal tract. The leguminous fodder tree, A. julibrissin, has a high protein content and its foliage is highly digestible owing to its low tannin content. Foliage from P. granatum is a highly digestible browse for ruminants.
Interaction between the Autosomal Recessive bar Gene and the Y-Linked Snakeskin Body (Ssb) Pattern Gene in the Guppy, Poecilia reticulata

Abstract Many color varieties of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, are commercially cultured in Singapore for the aquarium industry. In the group of guppy varieties called Snakeskin, males characteristically have snakeskin-like reticulations on the body and caudal fin. The snakeskin pattern on the body of male Snake-skin guppies is due to a Y-linked gene (Ssb). Female guppies, being homogametic (XX), do not carry the Ssb gene. About 90% of Yellow Snakeskin males have the typical snakeskin pattern on their bodies and tails. The remaining males are different in that the snakeskin body pattern has been modified into four or five vertical bars on the caudal-peduncle region. F1 and F2 results of single-pair reciprocal matings of the Yellow Snakeskin variety show that a single gene is responsible for the vertical bar pattern. This gene, bar, is autosomal recessive. In the homozygous condition (barbar), it interacts with the Y-linked Ssb gene to give vertical barring patterns on the caudal-peduncle of Yellow Snakeskin males. This pattern is not expressed when the dominant allele, bar+, is present.
Efficiency of different Nitrogen Source, doses and Split application on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh

The present investigation entitled "Efficiency of different Nitrogen Source, doses and Split application on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh" was conducted at Research Farm, National Livelihood Resource Institute, Ratlam (M. P.) during kharif season in 2009 and 2010. The experiment was aimed to find out best source, optimum level and time of nitrogen application. On the basis of the two years experimentation, it can be concluded that for achieving the higher growth and yields with better monetary returns from maize variety JM-216 in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, nitrogen may be applied through Neem coated urea @ 100 kg/ha in 3 splits doses i.e. basal, 25 and 45 DAS. This application was found more productive and profitable.
Small sample confidence intervals for the mean of a positively skewed distribution

OF THE THESIS SMALL SAMPLE CONFIDENCE INTERVALS FOR THE MEAN OF A POSITIVELY SKEWED DISTRIBUTION by Cherylyn Almonte Florida International University, 2008 Miami, Florida Professor B. M. Golam Kibria, Major Professor This thesis proposes some confidence intervals for the mean of a positively skewed distribution. The following confidence intervals are considered: Student-t, Johnson-t, median-t, mad-t, bootstrap-t, BCA, T , T3 and six new confidence intervals, the median bootstrap-t, mad bootstrap-t, median T, mad T , median T3 and the mad T3. A simulation study has been conducted and average widths, coefficient of variation of widths, and coverage probabilities were recorded and compared across confidence intervals. To compare confidence intervals, the width and coverage probabilities were compared so that smaller widths indicated a better confidence interval when coverage probabilities were the same. Results showed that the median T, and median T3 outperformed other confidence intervals in terms of coverage probability and the mad bootstrap-t, mad-t, and mad T3 outperformed others in terms of width. Some real life data are considered to illustrate the findings of the thesis.
Optimization of Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Herbs Using Response Surface Methodology

Antioxidants are bioactive components used to relieve the detrimental effects of oxidative stress caused by the presence of free radicals. These valuable compounds are naturally available in medicinal plants. The present study aims to investigate the influence of two independent variables, namely temperature (oC) and time (hours) on the extraction yield of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity from garlic, oregano, and parsley. The optimized conditions for the extraction of bioactive components from medicinal plants were determined using two-factor central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM). The order of experiments was completely randomized using central composite design with five (5) centre points. All experimental data was analyzed using “Design Expert” software (DesignExpert 7.0.0 Trial, State-Ease Inc., Minneapolis MN, USA). A second-order polynomial model proposed for predicting the responses. Major factors affecting the yield of bioactive components from the extracts of garlic, oregano, and parsley were determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results were analyzed using a significant level of 95%. The antioxidant activity decreases from: oregano > parsley > garlic. ANOVA analysis indicated that all experimental data were in close agreement with that of the predicted data hence indicating the reliability of the experimental data and the suitability of the proposed quadratic model. The optimum conditions proposed by ANOVA were 47.1oC, 6 hours for extraction using maceration method.
Stem Wood and Bark Extracts of Delonix regia (Boj. Ex. Hook): Chemical Analysis and Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Properties

In the present study, the fatty acid components of the wood, bark, and essential oil of wood from Delonix regia as well as its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties were investigated for the potential ability to control plant and human pathogens. Myristic acid was found to be a major fatty acid in the wood and bark of Delonix regia, comprising 10.77% of wood and 9.63% of bark. According to the GC-MS results, naphthalene derivatives were detected in the essential oils from the wood samples. Heptadecane and acyclic hydrocarbons were found in a high percentage (14.05%). Methanol: chloroform (1:1 v/v) wood extract showed effective activity against Bacillus subtilis, Sarcina lutea, and Staphylococcus aureus, where the bark extract was most active against Escherichia coli. The essential oil showed good antibacterial activity against Pectobacterium carotovorum. The bark extract showed the maximum percentage inhibition of fungal mycelial growth against Penicillium selerotigenum (70.37%) and Paecilomyces variotii (77.78%), and the essential oil showed moderate inhibition against Aspergillus nigra (44.44%). The total antioxidant activity of essential oil, stem wood, and stem bark extract was 84.34%, 80.33%, and 70.21%, respectively.