Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cellular texture basis function

Solid texturing is a powerful way to add detail to the surface of rendered objects. Perlin’s “noise” is a 3D basis function used in some of the most dramatic and useful surface texture algorithms. We present a new basis function which complements Perlin noise, based on a partitioning of space into a random array of cells. We have used this new basis function to produce textured surfaces resembling flagstone-like tiled areas, organic crusty skin, crumpled paper, ice, rock, mountain ranges, and craters. The new basis function can be computed efficiently without the need for precalculation or table storage.
Differences in Urinary Stone Composition according to Body Habitus

Purpose We analyzed differences in urinary stone composition according to body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods Between January 2007 and December 2010, 505 ureteral or renal stones were collected from 505 patients who underwent surgical intervention. Data on patient age, gender, BMI, urinary pH, and stone composition were collected. Results The patients' mean age was 49.2 years (range, 20 to 83 years). Of the 505 patients, 196 (38.7%) had calcium oxalate (CO) stones, 172 (33.9%) had mixed calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate (COP) stones, 72 (14.2%) had calcium phosphate (CP) stones, 50 (9.8%) had uric acid (UA) stones, and 15 (2.9%) had struvite stones. We excluded struvite stones in the statistical analysis because of the small number of patients; a total of 490 patients were included in this study. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis, obesity was found to be associated with UA stones compared with COP stones (odds ratio [OR] 3.488; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.732-7.025; p<0.001) and CP stones (OR 2.765; 95% CI 1.222-6.259; p=0.015). Similar results were observed for CO stones compared with COP stones (OR 2.682; 95% CI 1.727-4.164; p<0.001) and CP stones (OR 2.126; 95% CI 1.176-3.843; p<0.013). Conclusions Obesity was associated with UA and CO stones compared with the occurrence of COP and CP stones.
Genital Tract Smooth Muscle Tumors Are Common in Zoo Felids but Are Not Associated with Melengestrol Acetate Contraceptive Treatment

In a survey of gynecologic lesions in female zoo felids conducted to determine if the widely used progestin contraceptive melengestrol acetate (MGA) had adverse effects, numerous leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas were detected. This current study aimed to characterize the morphologic features of these tumors, determine their prevalence, and assess if MGA was a risk factor for their genesis. Genital tracts from 219 zoo felids representing 23 species were evaluated, and leiomyomas were detected in 24% of the felids. Leiomyomas were often multiple and occurred in the myometrium, ovary, or adjacent broad ligament. The risk of developing leiomyomas increased with age, but MGA treatment or parity had no effect. Five other felids had leiomyosarcomas. Leiomyosarcomas were distinguished from poorly demarcated leiomyomas by the presence of local invasion, metastasis, and cellular atypia, but necrosis and mitotic rate were not distinguishing criteria. Four of five felids with leiomyosarcomas had been treated with MGA. These results indicate that leiomyomas are common spontaneous lesions in the genital tracts of zoo felids and their genesis is not linked to MGA exposure. Whether progression to malignancy is promoted by MGA warrants further investigation.
Exploiting Semantic and Topic Context to Improve Recognition of Proper Names in Diachronic Audio Documents. (Exploitation de Contexte Sémantique pour Améliorer la Reconnaissance des Noms Propres dans les Documents Audio Diachroniques)

The diachronic nature of broadcast news causes frequent variations in the linguistic content and vocabulary, leading to the problem of Out-Of-Vocabulary (OOV) words in automatic speech recognition. Most of the OOV words are found to be proper names whereas proper names are important for automatic indexing of audio-video content as well as for obtaining reliable automatic transcriptions. The goal of this thesis is to model the semantic and topical context of new proper names in order to retrieve those which are relevant to the spoken content in the audio document. Training context models is a challenging problem in this task because several new names come with a low amount of data and the context model should be robust to errors in the automatic transcription. Probabilistic topic models and word embeddings from neural network models are explored for the task of retrieval of relevant proper names. A thorough evaluation of these contextual representations is performed. It is argued that these representations, which are learned in an unsupervised manner, are not the best for the given retrieval task. Neural network context models trained with an objective to maximise the retrieval performance are proposed. The proposed Neural Bag-of-Weighted-Words (NBOW2) model learns to assign a degree of importance to input words and has the ability to capture task specific key-words. Experiments on automatic speech recognition on French broadcast news videos demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models. Evaluation of the NBOW2 model on standard text classification tasks shows that it learns interesting information and gives best classification accuracies among the BOW models
New Approach for Treatment of Primary Liver Tumors: The Role of Quercetin

abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor (PLT), with cholangiocarcinoma (CC) being the second most frequent. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) expression is increased in PLTs and therefore it is suggested as a therapeutic target. Flavonoids, like quercetin, are GLUT-1 competitive inhibitors and may be considered as potential therapeutic agents for PLTs. The objective of this study was evaluation of quercetin anticancer activity in three human HCC cell lines (HepG2, HuH7, and Hep3B2.1–7) and in a human CC cell line (TFK-1). The possible synergistic effect between quercetin and sorafenib, a nonspecific multikinase inhibitor used in clinical practice in patients with advanced HCC, was also evaluated. It was found that in all the cell lines, quercetin induced inhibition of the metabolic activity and cell death by apoptosis, followed by increase in BAX/BCL-2 ratio. Treatment with quercetin caused DNA damage in HepG2, Hep3B2.1–7, and TFK-1 cell lines. The effect of quercetin appears to be independent of P53. Incubation with quercetin induced an increase in GLUT-1 membrane expression and a consequent reduction in the cytoplasmic fraction, observed as a decrease in 18F-FDG uptake, indicating a GLUT-1 competitive inhibition. The occurrence of synergy when sorafenib and quercetin were added simultaneously to HCC cell lines was noticed. Thus, the use of quercetin seems to be a promising approach for PLTs through GLUT-1 competitive inhibition.
Analysis of Spots in the COBE DMR First Year Anisotropy Maps

After the detection of structure in the microwave sky, the characterization of the observed features may be a useful guide to current and future experiments. The first year COBE-DMR sky maps were analyzed in order to identify the most significant hot and cold spots. The statistical significance of potential spots of cosmic origin was evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations. The area, eccentricity, and location of the most significant spots are given.
Regulation of glutamine synthetase activity by adenylylation in the Gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces cattleya.

The enzymatic activity of glutamine synthetase [GS; L-glutamate:ammonia ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.3. 1.2] from the Gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces cattleya is regulated by covalent modification. In whole cells containing high levels of GS the addition of ammonium chloride leads to a rapid decline in GS activity. Crude extracts prepared from such ammonia-shocked cells had very low levels of GS activity as measured by biosynthetic and gamma-glutamyltransferase assays. Incubation of the crude extracts with snake venom phosphodiesterase restored GS activity. In cell extracts, GS was also inactivated by an ATP- and glutamine-dependent reaction. Radioactive labeling studies demonstrated the incorporation of an AmP moiety into GS protein upon modification. Our results suggest a covalent modification of GS in a Gram-positive bacterium. This modification appears to be adenylylation of the GS subunit similar to that found in the Gram-negative bacteria.
Different Image Fusion Techniques –A Critical Review

: Image Fusion is a process of combining the relevant information from a set of images into a single image, where the resultant fused image will be more informative and complete than any of the input images. Image fusion techniques can improve the quality and increase the application of these data. This paper presents a literature review on some of the image fusion techniques for image fusion like, primitive fusion (Averaging Method, Select Maximum, and Select Minimum), Discrete Wavelet transform based fusion
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Is Necessary but Not Sufficient for Thrombopoietin-induced Proliferation in Engineered Mpl-bearing Cell Lines as Well as in Primary Megakaryocytic Progenitors*

Thrombopoietin and its receptor (Mpl) support survival and proliferation in megakaryocyte progenitors and in BaF3 cells engineered to stably express Mpl (BaF3/Mpl). The binding of thrombopoietin to Mpl activates multiple kinase pathways, including the Jak/STAT, Ras/Raf/MAPK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways, but it is not clear how these kinases promote cell cycling. Here, we show that thrombopoietin induces phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is required for thrombopoietin-induced cell cycling in BaF3/Mpl cells and in primary megakaryocyte progenitors. Treatment of BaF3/Mpl cells and megakaryocytes with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 inhibited mitotic and endomitotic cell cycl-ing. BaF3/Mpl cells treated with thrombopoietin and LY294002 were blocked in G1, whereas megakaryocyte progenitors treated with thrombopoietin and LY294002 showed both a G1 and a G2 cell cycle block. Expression of constitutively active Akt in BaF3/Mpl cells restored the ability of thrombopoietin to promote cell cycling in the presence of LY294002. Constitutively active Akt was not sufficient to drive proliferation of BaF3/Mpl cells in the absence of thrombopoietin. We conclude that in BaF3/Mpl cells and megakaryocyte progenitors, thrombopoietin-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity is necessary but not sufficient for thrombopoietin-induced cell cycle progression. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity is likely to be involved in regulating the G1/S transition.
Cost-free scan: a low-overhead scan path design methodology

Conventional scan design imposes considerable area and delay overhead by using larger scan flip-flops and additional scan wires without utilizing the functionality of the combinational logic. We propose a novel low-overhead scan design methodology, called cost-free scan, which exploits the controllability of primary inputs to establish scan paths through the combinational logic. The methodology aims at reducing scan overhead by (1) analyzing the circuit to determine all the cost-free scan flip-flops, and (2) selecting the best primary input vector to establish the maximum number of cost-free scan flip-flops on the scan chain. Significant reduction in the scan overhead is achieved on ISCAS89 benchmarks, where in full scan environment, as many as 89% of the total flip-flops are found cost-free scannable, while in partial scan environment, reduction can be as high as 97% in scan flip-flops needed to break sequential loops.
A Method for Nondestructive Testing of Blockboard Based on Morphological Double-Gradient Algorithm

This paper proposes a scheme for nondestructive detection of blockboard. According to intensity differences of the x-ray through the blockboard, a lot of valuable target information such as bond quality, uniformity degree, and situations of filler were detected. First of all, x-ray nondestructive system was used to detect blockboard and the blockboard image was obtained. And then some image pre-processing methods just as function imadjust and value filter are employed to enhance the valuable target information in blockboard image. Then, mathematical morphology double-gradient algorithm was used in edge detection of blockboard image. Experimental results demonstrate that the method performs better in noise- suppression and edge detection than conventional edge detection operations. This study provides a new tool for nondestructive detection of blockboard.
RILP regulates vacuolar ATPase through interaction with the V1G1 subunit

Rab-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) is a downstream effector of the Rab7 GTPase. GTP-bound Rab7 recruits RILP to endosomal membranes and, together, they control late endocytic traffic, phagosome and autophagosome maturation and are responsible for signaling receptor degradation. We have identified, using different approaches, the V1G1 (officially known as ATP6V1G1) subunit of the vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) as a RILP-interacting protein. V1G1 is a component of the peripheral stalk and is fundamental for correct V-ATPase assembly. We show here that RILP regulates the recruitment of V1G1 to late endosomal and lysosomal membranes but also controls V1G1 stability. Indeed, we demonstrate that V1G1 can be ubiquitylated and that RILP is responsible for proteasomal degradation of V1G1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that alterations in V1G1 expression levels impair VATPase activity. Thus, our data demonstrate for the first time that RILP regulates the activity of the V-ATPase through its interaction with V1G1. Given the importance of V-ATPase in several cellular processes and human diseases, these data suggest that modulation of RILP activity could be used to control V-ATPase
Cyclosporine safety and bioavailability with two second-generation softgel capsules using serum concentrations/TDM and modeling in transplant patients--a retrospective, parallel, comparative evaluation study.

OBJECTIVE Deximune soft-gelatin capsules (Dexcel Ltd., Hadera, Israel), the test preparation and Sandimmun Neoral (Novartis Inc., Basel, Switzerland), the reference preparation, are two cyclosporine (CyA) formulations widely used after stem cells and solid organ transplantation. A post-marketing, retrospective, parallel, comparative, multicenter survey study in transplant patients receiving these two formulations after transplantation was carried out in order to compare the toxicity profile and bioavailability. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in the five main leading transplantation centers in Israel and included 174 patients. A total of 1-3 CyA serum levels at different periods after transplantation were measured in each subject and the bioavailability, efficacy and toxicity profile were assessed. The blood concentrations were compared using a statistical model after adjustment for type of transplantation, dose and time after transplantation as confounding factors. RESULTS No distinct differences were observed between the two CyA formulations. Using model-derived least squares means (LSM) of the CyA blood levels and adjusting for relevant confounding factors, no significant difference could be found between the blood levels of the test and reference formulations. Most of the side effects were mild and transient with both formulations, whereas 23% of the patients reported serious adverse events (mainly hypertension, 15%). 20% of the patients developed infectious complications during the therapy. CONCLUSIONS Deximune administration is safe. The toxicity profile of the product, incidence and type of side effects and bioavailability are similar to those of Sandimmun Neoral.
The Pseudomonas siderophore quinolobactin is synthesized from xanthurenic acid, an intermediate of the kynurenine pathway

To cope with iron deficiency fluorescent pseu‐domonads produce pyoverdines which are complex peptidic siderophores that very efficiently scavenge iron. In addition to pyoverdine some species also produce other siderophores. Recently, it was shown that Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 pro‐duces the siderophore quinolobactin, an 8‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy‐2‐quinoline carboxylic acid (Mossialos, D., Meyer, J.M., Budzikiewicz, H., Wolff, U., Koedam, N., Baysse, C., Anjaiah, V., and Cornelis, P. (2000) Appl Environ Microbiol 66: 487–492). The entire quinolobactin biosynthetic, transport and uptake gene cluster, consisting out of two operons comprising 12 open reading frames, was cloned and sequenced. Based on the genes present and physiological complementation assays a biosynthetic pathway for quinolobactin is proposed. Surprisingly, this pathway turned out to combine genes derived from the eukaryotic tryptophan‐xanthurenic acid branch of the kynurenine pathway and from the pathway for the biosynthesis of pyridine‐2,6‐bis(thiocarboxylic acid) from P. stutzeri, PDTC. These results clearly show the involvement of the tryptophan‐kynurenine‐xanthurenic acid pathway in the synthesis of an authentic quinoline siderophore.
Prediction for Air-Bending Springback Radius of Sheet Metal Using Back Propagation Neural Network and Micro Genetic Algorithm

Springback radius is a very important factor to influence the quality of sheet metal air-bending forming. Accurate prediction of springback radius is essential for the design of air-bending tools. In this paper, a three-layer back propagation neural network (BPNN), integrated with micro genetic algorithm (MGA), is proposed to solve the problem of springback radius. A micro genetic algorithm is used for minimizing the error between the predictive value and the experimental one. Based on air-bending experiment, the prediction model of springback radius is developed by using the integrated neural network. The results show that more accurate prediction of springback radius can be obtained with the MGA-BPNN model. It can be taken as a valuable tool for air-bending forming of sheet metal.
Journal of Graph Algorithms and Applications Finding Dominators in Practice

The computation of dominators in a flowgraph has applications in several areas, including program optimization, circuit testing, and theoretical biology. Lengauer and Tarjan [30] proposed two versions of a fast algorithm for finding dominators and compared them experimentally with an iterative bit-vector algorithm. They concluded that both versions of their algorithm were much faster even on graphs of moderate size. Recently Cooper et al. [11] have proposed a new, simple, tree-based implementation of an iterative algorithm. Their experiments suggested that it was faster than the simple version of the Lengauer-Tarjan algorithm on graphs representing computer program control flows. Motivated by the work of Cooper et al., we present an experimental study comparing their algorithm (and some variants) with careful implementations of both versions of the Lengauer-Tarjan algorithm and with a new hybrid algorithm. Our results suggest that, although the performance of all the algorithms is similar , the most consistently fast are the simple Lengauer-Tarjan algorithm and the hybrid algorithm, and their advantage increases as the graph gets bigger or more complicated.
vpwns: Virtual Pwned Networks

User-accessed Virtual Private Network systems allow authorized users remote access to protected or otherwise privileged networks while avoiding dependence on ISPs along the route for data confidentiality and integrity. This direct expression of the internet’s end-to-end principle of security is generally accepted as a highly successful design. VPN services and technology advertising censorship circumvention, resistance to data retention, and anonymity as features are proliferating rapidly. But it is unclear that these security properties were included in the original design requirements of VPN protocols and product implementations. Experience with dedicated anonymity networks (e.g., Tor) shows that strong anonymity is not achieved by accident. The ‘P’ in VPN notwithstanding, not all privacy methods are equal or strongly anonymizing, which opens opportunities for attackers when VPN-based systems are used for anonymity or even simple censorship circumvention. This paper evaluates VPN anonymity, security and privacy features including identity, geographic location, confidentiality of communications, and generalized security issues such as reachability and prevention of network tampering. We find many popular VPN products are susceptible to a variety of practical user deanonymization attacks. Weaknesses stem from lack of security analysis of the composition of VPNs, applications, and the TCP/IP stack on each respective operating system. Although we describe some potential mitigations for vendors, the primary goal of this paper is to raise awareness of the inherent risks which come from repurposing off-the-shelf VPN systems to provide strong anonymity.
Polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion and continuous hemodiafiltration in premature neonates with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

There have been no previous studies regarding whether combined use of Polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX‐DHP) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) is helpful in the treatment of preterm infants with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and hypercytokinemia.
Highly conductive paper for energy-storage devices

Paper, invented more than 2,000 years ago and widely used today in our everyday lives, is explored in this study as a platform for energy-storage devices by integration with 1D nanomaterials. Here, we show that commercially available paper can be made highly conductive with a sheet resistance as low as 1 ohm per square (Ω/sq) by using simple solution processes to achieve conformal coating of single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) and silver nanowire films. Compared with plastics, paper substrates can dramatically improve film adhesion, greatly simplify the coating process, and significantly lower the cost. Supercapacitors based on CNT-conductive paper show excellent performance. When only CNT mass is considered, a specific capacitance of 200 F/g, a specific energy of 30–47 Watt-hour/kilogram (Wh/kg), a specific power of 200,000 W/kg, and a stable cycling life over 40,000 cycles are achieved. These values are much better than those of devices on other flat substrates, such as plastics. Even in a case in which the weight of all of the dead components is considered, a specific energy of 7.5 Wh/kg is achieved. In addition, this conductive paper can be used as an excellent lightweight current collector in lithium-ion batteries to replace the existing metallic counterparts. This work suggests that our conductive paper can be a highly scalable and low-cost solution for high-performance energy storage devices.