Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The multi-stroke combination in the automotive styling from 2-D to 3-D

This paper presents a novel multi-stroke combination algorithm. It tries to set up a bridge between 2-D sketching and 3-D modeling that is the most important stage in automotive styling. The algorithm gives a way to connect raster-based multi-stroke with a vector-based curve which is the optimal expression of the multi-stroke. Two parts are discussed here: the sequential section combination algorithm and the successive stroke combination algorithm. By comparing the different ways, the final algorithm gives a better result which is more suitable to the way a stylist sketches.
Underestimation of Distractors in Feature Searches

Feature search studies typically address the speed and accuracy of identifying a target item while dismissing attention focused on distractors. In the studies presented here, the level of attention focused on distractors is measured in a feature search task by occasionally asking participants how many items appeared in the search display. Results show some awareness for number of distractors; however, participants tended to underestimate the number of items. Results from two of the studies suggest that individuating distractors from one another and not viewing the entire display contribute to the underestimation effect.
Travels along the viral–immunobiology highway

Summary: Michael Oldstone began his biomedical research career over three decades ago, showing contrary to established scientific dogma, the host was not tolerant but made a specific antiviral immune response during persistent virus infections. Further, the immune response to the virus actually caused tissue damage and disease, the first observation that several manifestations ordinarily accompanying infections were due to the host's antiviral immune response. These observations made originally with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and murine retroviruses were extended to other microbial infections including those in humans. Buildings on this work, he showed that antibodies to virus could recognize similar amino acid sequences or motifs found in host/cell proteins and cause disease. This cross‐reactivity, referred to as molecular mimicry, has and is now been extensively studied by many laboratories. Another mechanism by which persistent virus infection produced disease was uncovered by cocumenting that viruses could alter the differentiation or “luxury” function of cells with causing cell destruction, thereby altering homeostasis. Finally, Oldstone was one of the first to show that viruses caused immunosuppression, abrogated immunologic surveillance resulting in viral persistence, work carried out long before HIV was discovered. He has also defined host‐cell receptors for several viruses. In recent studies, host‐cell receptor used by LCMV strains or variants that cause persistence have been identified. This led to observations that a single amino acid on the viral glycoprotein provides the infectious agent a selective ability ot displace extra‐cellular matrix molecule, bind to and infect dendritic cells leading to their inability to act as antigen presenting cells thereby aborting the host's ability to generate the antiviral immune response required to clean the infection.
Emerging human resource practices at Aditya Birla Group

This article describes in detail through a longitudinal case study the emerging nature of human resources (HR) practices at Aditya Birla Group and, more importantly, links it to the strategic redesign that the whole organization underwent from 1995 to 2006. The longitudinal case study provides a snapshot of the dynamic and turbulent nature of the new liberalized Indian economic environment and how an organization such as Aditya Birla Group needed to brace itself from competition through innovative HR practices. The article argues that in challenging liberalizing business environments like India, the nature of HR itself demands that organizations develop new capabilities and that HR's role is to reevaluate its competencies and develop new ones to help in the overall strategic redesign of organizations. The article elaborates on two critical issues: (1) the peculiarities and defining characteristics of HR models unique to India and (2) the main factors that shape people management policies and practices in the liberalized Indian environment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the impact of involuntary slum resettlement on women's access to healthcare in Mumbai, India

Resettlement poses several risks to vulnerable urban populations such as slum dwellers in cities like Mumbai in the Third World. The causes for involuntary resettlement in the urban context, such as the expansion of airports, widening roads, or building of commercial complexes, are often unconnected to the lives of those living in slums. Resettlement is associated with economic hardships, disruption of the social fabric, and a feeling of uprootment, alienation and psychological trauma. This paper is based on the findings of an action-research study conducted in a resettled slum community in Mumbai, India that aimed to understand the implications of involuntary resettlement from a human rights perspective. It focuses on the impact of involuntary resettlement on issues concerning women's health. It discusses gender differentials in morbidity patterns and the access to healthcare. It argues that there is a need for integrated planning to ensure an improvement in overall living conditions, which also include provision and access to health services apart from just the mere allocation of alternate housing.
Wage determination in general government in Portugal

The use of economic theory to study the internal work of organizations has raised increased interest among economists, as shown by the papers of Baker et al. (1994) and Lazear (1999). The main issues analysed by this literature concern the study of internal labour markets, incentives, wages, promotions, hiring procedures, workers’ evaluation and internal/external mobility. This article aims at characterizing wage determination in general government in Portugal and the main factors behind it, using data from the 2nd General Public Administration Census (2o Recenseamento Geral da Administracao Publica), which took place in December of 1999(1). It complements, to a certain extent, the study of the wage gap between private and public sectors by Portugal and Centeno (2001). Here a more comprehensive database is used and a detailed analysis of the wage formation process in general government is carried out, against the background of the abovementioned literature. The general government census includes information not only on the characteristics of workers, common to most labour force databases, but also job specific information, in particular concerning seniority in the job, occupational category, and scope of government to which the worker belongs. This information makes it possible, beyond analyzing the wage return associated with individual characteristics (age, gender and education, for example), to study the impact on wages of matchspecific variables measuring the progression of workers within general government. The article deals with two main issues. The first is the analysis of the wage returns to human capital endowment (in particular, education and seniority). A special attention is also devoted to the gender wage gap. The second aspect concerns the characterization of public administration as an “internal labour market”, featuring careers with well-defined entry points and a rigid “bottom-top” progression. The paper investigates these issues together with the wage incentives given to workers throughout their career. The empirical evidence is mainly based on an examination of the impact of the occupational category on wages, on an analysis of the progression pattern, estimated as the average return by year of seniority, and on wage dispersion over time in various occupational categories. It is worth noting that a full examination of the working and incentives in general government as an internal labour market requires a comparison with a reference group, typically given by the private sector. However, such comparison is not made in this article. The article is organized as follows. Section 2 presents a brief description of the database, focusing on the variable hourly wage. Section 3 is on the
Postreduction management of intussusception in a children's hospital emergency department.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the current management of patients with intussusception who have undergone successful reduction by contrast enema in a tertiary care children's hospital. To compare differences in the incidence of recurrence and adverse events between those patients who were hospitalized after enema reduction and those who were observed in the emergency department (ED). METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of children 0 to 18 years of age who underwent uncomplicated enema reduction for intussusception. Hospitalization versus ED observation management were compared for length of stay, incidence of recurrence, and adverse events. RESULTS One hundred twenty-three children were identified with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for intussusception. Of those, 106 patients (86%) had an enema reduction attempted. Three had a normal enema and were given the diagnosis of "resolved intussusception. " Eighty-three (80%) of the patients had a successful reduction. Seventy-eight (94%) of those patients had no preexisting condition and had complete medical records. Of those 78 patients, 27 (35%) were hospitalized and 51 (65%) were observed in the ED. The mean length of hospitalization was 22.7 hours (range: 10-50 hours), and the mean length of ED observation was 7.2 hours (range: 0-21 hours). Eleven recurrences were observed in 8 of these 78 patients (10% recurrence rate). Four patients in the hospitalized group and 4 patients in the ED observation group had recurrences (5 hours-10.9 months). Four of the 8 patients had a recurrence within the first 48 hours. All first recurrences occurred after the patient had been discharged from the hospital or ED observation unit. No adverse events occurred in any of the patients who had a successful initial reduction (95% confidence interval [0%-4.6%]). CONCLUSIONS The postreduction management of intussusception is variable at our institution. Previously healthy patients who have undergone successful enema reductions are unlikely to have adverse outcomes. Postreduction observation in the ED or the hospital does not seem to affect outcomes in this clinical setting.
Multiple Sequence Alignment Based on Genetic Algorithms with Reserve Selection

This paper presents an approach to the multiple sequence alignment (MSA) problem by applying genetic algorithms with a reserve selection mechanism. MSA is one of the most fundamental operations in bioinformatics, which plays an important part in predicting the structure, function and evolution of biological sequences. In order to solve the MSA problem efficiently, genetic algorithms (GAs) were applied. As the number and length of sequences increase, however, GAs are usually suffered from premature convergence where they are easily trapped into local optima. In this paper, we employ the reserve selection that is a new selection scheme to avoid premature convergence in GAs. Empirical studies demonstrate that genetic algorithms with reserve selection (GARS) could bring about a rise in the quality of multiple sequence alignment when compared with standard GAs.
Operation Modes Analysis and Limitation for Diode-Assisted Buck–Boost Voltage Source Inverter With Small Voltage Vector

Diode-assisted buck-boost voltage source inverter (VSI) boosts the dc source voltage by introducing diode-assisted capacitor network. With parallel capacitive charging and series capacitive discharging, the new topology extends voltage regulation range and avoids extreme duty ratio of switching devices in the front boost circuit. As for the unique structure, various novel pulse-width modulation strategies are provided to obtain the linear voltage gain with regard to the chopped intermediate dc-link voltage of the inverter bridge in one switching time period. It provides a competitive solution for high voltage gain applications. However, when the inverter supplies inductive or capacitive load with extreme low load power factor, the unidirectional current flow of the diode may limit the application of the converter utilizing small voltage vectors for ac output voltage extension. As a result, diode-assisted buck-boost VSI exhibits new operation mode that has not been discussed before. This paper makes a detailed circuit analysis of the relationship between the undesired operation condition and load power factor. Then, a simple approach to totally eliminate the undesired limitation by replacing the diodes with controlled switching devices is provided. Finally, the related simulations and experiments are implemented to verify all the theoretical findings and solutions.
Reliance on R&D Partnerships: The Influence of Short-Term R&D Bias and The Nature of Competition

Abstract Reports indicate that capital markets frequently focus on short-term corporate financial performance. Arguments suggest that the R&D projects of many firms are skewed towards short-term, low-risk projects with relatively modest expected benefits, reflecting both a response by companies to financial market pressure to maintain short-term returns and a short-term R&D bias. Anecdotal evidence suggests that one response to short-term R&D bias by firms is for them to seek R&D partnerships with customers and suppliers. A theory is developed which suggests that when firms compete on the basis of product costs, they are likely to seek partnerships with customers and suppliers in order to respond to short-term R&D pressures. In contrast, when competition is innovation-based, firms are unlikely to pursue R&D partnerships in response to short-term R&D bias. The results of an empirical study provide support for this proposition.
SHARING THE NORTHEAST ARCTIC COD: POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

ABSTRACT. The Northeast Arctic cod inhabits the exclusive economic zones of Norway and Russia and migrates extensively between these zones. The stock is shared evenly between the two countries, with a small allocation to third countries. Higher temperatures in the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea are expected to affect the stock, probably increasing its size and leading to a larger share inhabiting the Russian economic zone. It is also conceivable that some spawning will begin to take place off the coast of Russia in addition to the spawning that now occurs exclusively in Norwegian waters. This paper looks at the implication of this for the division of the stock between the two countries. It is found that a greater presence of the stock in the Russian zone would strengthen rather than weaken the Norwegian bargaining position if the unit cost of fish is not sensitive to the size of the stock. If, on the other hand, the fishing costs are proportional to fishing mortality, Norway's position would be weakened almost on par with the fall in its share of the stock.
Determinants and Consequences of a Voluntary Turn Away from IFRS to Local GAAP: Evidence from Switzerland

Abstract We examine determinants and consequences of a turn away from International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to local generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), thereby exploiting a unique feature of the Swiss setting in which listed firms are allowed to switch from IFRS to Swiss GAAP, all else being equal. We posit that net benefits of IFRS are less for small firms with higher insider ownership. In addition, we predict that the net benefits of IFRS are not constant over time because of changes in IFRS and/or changes in firm-specific circumstances. To the extent that the switching firms’ costs of IFRS reporting outweigh its benefits, we do not predict adverse capital-market effects after a switch. Consistent with predictions, we find that (a) small firms with higher insider ownership and fewer foreign investor holdings are more likely to switch, (b) increasing reporting costs as well as changes in firm-specific circumstances affect switching propensity, (c) switching firms substantially reduce their disclosures after they switch, and (d) switching firms neither experience a decrease in liquidity nor negative announcement returns. Overall, our findings are important for standard setters and securities regulators in shaping (future) reporting requirements for listed firms.
Nrf2 mediates cancer protection but not prolongevity induced by caloric restriction

Caloric restriction (CR) is the most potent intervention known to both protect against carcinogenesis and extend lifespan in laboratory animals. A variety of anticarcinogens and CR mimetics induce and activate the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Nrf2, in turn, induces a number of antioxidative and carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes. Thus, Nrf2 offers a promising target for anticarcinogenesis and antiaging interventions. We used Nrf2-disrupted (KO) mice to examine its role on the biological effects of CR. Here, we show that Nrf2 is responsible for most of the anticarcinogenic effects of CR, but is dispensable for increased insulin sensitivity and lifespan extension. Nrf2-deficient mice developed tumors more readily in response to carcinogen exposure than did WT mice, and CR was ineffective in suppressing tumors in the KO mice. However, CR extended lifespan and increased insulin sensitivity similarly in KO and WT mice. These findings identify a molecular pathway that dissociates the prolongevity and anticarcinogenic effects of CR.
Prevalence and risk indicators for attachment loss in an urban population of South India.

AIM To estimate the prevalence and severity of attachment loss in an urban population of South India and to determine related risk indicators. MATERIALS AND METHODS This population based cross sectional study used a subset of data from a large survey representative of urban population from Chennai city. The sample consisted of 900 subjects in the age range of 17 years to 87 years. Participants were interviewed using a structured proforma and subjected to a full mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth. The prevalence of clinical attachment level (CAL) and association with various risk indicators was assessed. RESULTS Out of the 900 subjects examined, 868 (96.4%) had CAL <5 mm and 32 (3.6%) had CAL ≥ 5 mm. Age, smoking, poor oral hygiene were found to be independent risk indicators for CAL (p<0.05). Smoking (pack years) was found to exhibit a dose response effect with CAL (Kendall's Tau coefficient = 0.098) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION In this urban population, a low prevalence of CAL ≥ 5 mm was observed. Amongst the risk indicators evaluated, age, smoking and poor oral hygiene contribute significantly to attachment loss.
Cloning, Subcellular Localization and Functional Expression of Human RNase HII

Recently we showed that the major mammalian RNase H, RNase HI, is evolutionarily related to prokaryotic RNase HII (Frank et al., FEBS-Lett. 421, 23-26, 1998), an enzyme described to be a minor activity in E. coli. As a consequence we addressed the question of whether a human RNase H exists, sharing homology with the main E. coli enzyme, RNase HI. Employing sequence analysis of expressed sequence tags, followed by specific PCR amplification of human cDNA, we cloned, sequenced and expressed a human open reading frame, coding for a 32 kDa protein. Purification of the recombinant His(6)-tagged protein from E. coli extracts using Ni(2+)-chelating chromatography and subsequent renaturation gel assay proved that it is an active RNase H. The properties of this enzyme suggest that it is identical with the human RNase HII, previously purified by one of us (Frank et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 22, 5247-5254, 1994). Studies using a green fluorescent protein-fusion construct reveal that this protein is located in the nucleus.
Accumulative effect on streamer propagation of lightning impulses on oil/pressboard interface

This paper reports the accumulative effect of multiple negative lightning impulse shots on streamer propagation along liquid/pressboard surface. Pressboards impregnated with the insulating liquids including a mineral oil, a natural ester and a synthetic ester were tested under a point-plane divergent field. Streamer propagation was recorded by a high speed intensified CCD camera. In addition, current and light signals were monitored by non-inductive current shunt and photo multiplier tube (PMT) respectively. It was found that with 60 s time interval between consecutive shots a streamer along mineral oil/pressboard interface advances itself following each shot and could eventually lead to flashover in a multiple-shot test, while streamers on ester/pressboard interface seem uninfluenced by the accumulative stresses.
Lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase: their relationship with HDL subspecies Lp(A-I) and Lp(A-I,A-II).

HDL subspecies Lp(A-I) and Lp(A-I,A-II) have different anti-atherogenic potentials. To determine the role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) in regulating these particles, we measured these enzyme activities in 28 healthy subjects with well-controlled Type 1 diabetes, and studied their relationship with Lp(A-I) and Lp(A-I,A-II). LPL was positively correlated with the apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), cholesterol, and phospholipid mass in total Lp(A-I), and with the apoA-I in large Lp(A-I) (r >or= 0.58, P >or= 0.001). HL was negatively correlated with all the above Lp(A-I) parameters plus Lp(A-I) triglyceride (r >or= -0.53, P <or= 0.003). No correlation was detected between LPL and Lp(A-I,A-II). However, HL was inversely correlated with total Lp(A-I,A-II) phospholipid, and with large Lp(A-I,A-II) (r >or= 0.50, P <or= 0.006). Similar studies were performed with phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). Only total Lp(A-I) triglyceride in women (not men) (r = 0.71, P = 0.009) was significantly correlated with PLTP activity. These observations indicate that LPL and HL play major roles in determining the level and composition of plasma Lp(A-I), particularly large Lp(A-I), but not with Lp(A-I,A-II) level. Furthermore, select correlations of LPL and/or HL with the apoA-I, cholesterol, and triglyceride of Lp(A-I) but not Lp(A-I,A-II) imply that the apoA-I and lipid of Lp(A-I) and Lp(A-I,A-II) are not fully equilibrated.
A clinical evaluation of extrinsic stain removal: a rotation-oscillation power toothbrush versus a dental prophylaxis.

AIM To assess extrinsic stain removal efficacy of a power toothbrush and a dental prophylaxis followed by the use of a standardized American Dental Association (ADA) reference manual toothbrush. METHODS AND MATERIALS This was a randomized, positive-controlled, examiner-blind, parallel group, two-week study. A Lobene stain examination was performed at baseline. Subjects were randomized to one of two treatment groups: Group 1: Oral-B Vitality Pro White power toothbrush or Group 2: Subjects receiving a dental prophylaxis then using a standardized ADA reference manual toothbrush. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth with the assigned toothbrush and a fluoride dentifrice in front of a mirror twice per day for 2 minutes. Stain was reassessed following 2 weeks of brushing. RESULTS A significant reduction (p <0.001) in mean Lobene composite scores after 2 weeks was found for Group 1 (90.6%) and Group 2 (94.4%). Both groups also showed a significant reduction (p <0.001) in extent and intensity scores. There was no significant group difference in reduction in mean Lobene composite scores (p>0.1). CONCLUSIONS The Oral-B Vitality Pro White power toothbrush showed effective stain removal at a level similar to receiving an oral prophylaxis followed by the use of an ADA reference manual toothbrush. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In this small study the Oral-B Vitality Pro White power toothbrush achieved statistically significant stain removal between dental visits.