Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical simulation for animation and visual effects: parallelization and characterization for chip multiprocessors

We explore the emerging application area of physics-based simulation for computer animation and visual special effects. In particular, we examine its parallelization potential and characterize its behavior on a chip multiprocessor (CMP). Applications in this domain model and simulate natural phenomena, and often direct visual components of motion pictures. We study a set of three workloads that exemplify the span and complexity of physical simulation applications used in a production environment: fluid dynamics, facial animation, and cloth simulation. They are computationally demanding, requiring from a few seconds to several minutes to simulate a single frame; therefore, they can benefit greatly from the acceleration possible with large scale CMPs. Starting with serial versions of these applications, we parallelize code accounting for at least 96% of the serial execution time, targeting a large number of threads.We then study the most expensive modules using a simulated 64-core CMP. For the code representing key modules, we achieve parallel scaling of 45x, 50x, and 30x for fluid, face, and cloth simulations, respectively. The modules have a spectrum of parallel task granularity and locking behavior, and all but one are dominated by loop-level parallelism. Many modules operate on streams of data. In some cases, modules iterate over their data, leading to significant temporal locality. This streaming behavior leads to very high on-die and main memory bandwidth requirements. Finally, most modules have little inter-thread communication since they are data-parallel, but a few require heavy communication between data-parallel operations.
Tlr2 is critical for diet‐induced metabolic syndrome in a murine model

Obesity and its associated comorbidities, termed metabolic syndrome, are increasingly prevalent, and they pose a serious threat to the health of individuals and populations. Gene‐environment interactions have been scrutinized since the kinetics of the increased prevalence of obesity would argue against a purely genetic etiology. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), widely expressed and highly conserved transmembrane receptors, are at the intersection of diet and metabolism, and may therefore be important determinants of weight gain and its sequellae. We sought specifically to determine the role of Tlr2 in the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome utilizing two dietary models that approximate contemporary diet compositions. Using C57BL/6 Hsd mice (wild type, WT) and mice with a targeted mutation in Tlr2 (Tlr2‐/‐), we showed that mice lacking TLR2 are substantially protected from diet‐induced adiposity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, and hepatic steatosis. In adipose tissue, Tlr2 deletion was associated with attenuation of adipocyte hypertrophy, as well as diminished macrophage infiltration and inflammatory cytokine expression. —Himes, R. W. , Smith, C. W. Tlr2 is critical for diet‐induced metabolic syndrome in a murine model. FASEB J. 24, 731–739 (2010). www.fasebj. org
False‐negative rate of cervical cytology: Sense and sensitivity

In medicine, there has been a gradual shift from individual to public health and from curative to preventive care, with focus on the secondary prevention of cancer by early diagnosis. Mass screening for cervical and breast cancer has been implemented in most Western countries, but not without problems. Cancer is repeatedly diagnosed after a “normal” outcome of the test (either a cervical smear or a mammography), and this delay in diagnosis caused by a false-negative test has become a frequent cause for litigation.1 False-negative outcomes unmistakably are a problem and deserve further attention and, when feasible, prevention. We will focus in this commentary on cervical cytology, but many of these problems are shared by mammographic screening.
[Incidence of senile dementia and depression in elderly population in Xicheng District, Beijing, an epidemiologic study].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence of senile dementia and depression in the elderly and the factors correlative with these disorders. METHODS All the non-case subjects investigated in a survey of prevalence of senile dementia and depression conducted among the elderly population in Xicheng District, Beijing in 1997 were followed up in 1999. The investigation procedure, instruments and diagnostic criteria were identical with those used in 1997 survey. RESULTS The annual incidence rates of senile dementia was 0.89% in those aged 60 and over. The incidence rate of old males and that of the old females were not significantly different. The annual incidence rate of senile dementia in groups aged 60 approximately 64, 64 approximately 69, 70 approximately 74 75 approximately 79 80 approximately 84 85 approximately 89, and 90 and over were 0.15% 0.68 % 0.44% 1.32% 2.41% 5.72% and 5.13% respectively. The incidence rate in the elderly over 90 was lower than that in the group aged 85 approximately 89. The minimum annual incidence rate of depression in the elderly aged 60 and over was 1.28%. The incidence rate of depression was higher in the group with poorer health than in the group with better health. The incidence rates of moderate and severe dementia were not significantly different from those in 1989. CONCLUSION The incidence rate of senile dementia in the elderly remains rather stable during this period of 10 years in Beijing city. The incidence rate of senile dementia is closely correlated with age. The incidence rate of depression in the elderly is remarkably correlated with health status. Senile dementia and depression may coexist in the same person.
The effect of coupling agent on the microwave properties of the melt-spun iron/earth nanocomposites

The effects of silane coupling agent doping on the microstructure and microwave properties of melt-spun Nd-Fe-Co alloys were investigated. All as-milled powders, with or without silane coupling agent treatment, were characterized as flake-like shape. However, it is found that with the addition of 0.25 mL coupling agent, the as-milled Nd-Fe-Co powders can deagglomerate and become more uniform dispersion with smaller thickness. In contrast, the excessive addition of coupling agent led to somewhat higher thickness of the flakes and much more amount of coupling agent on the surface of powder. The electromagnetic properties show that the Reflection loss will arrive −27.1 dB at 4.2 GHz, for the addition of 0.25 mL coupling agent powders. The probably reasons for this are discussed on the basis of the morphology of the powders, uniform dispersion and the physical coating between the polymer and coupling agent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The Influence of Annealing Temperature on ZnO Thin Films by Oxidating Zinc Films Deposited with Magnetron Sputtering

Zn films were prepared on Si (111) substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering system, which were subsequently annealed at different temperature in O2 ambient. Their microstructure, morphology, composition and optical properties, particularly as a function of annealing temperature, were studied by XRD, SEM, FTIR, XPS and PL characterizations. All the results show that the crystal quality of ZnO film can be improved by increasing annealing temperature, and the optimum annealing temperature is 800°C in our experiment. The XRD and SEM results show that the ZnO films have a hexagonal structure with cell constants of nm and nm under the optimum experimental conditions. The FTIR and XPS results further confirm hexagonal structure of ZnO. The PL result shows that best UV and green light emission are found in the samples annealed at 800°C.
Microbial inactivation by new technologies of food preservation

The increasing consumer demand for 'fresh-like' foods has led to much research effort in the last 20 years to develop new mild methods for food preservation. Nonthermal methods allow micro-organisms to be inactivated at sublethal temperatures thus better preserving the sensory, nutritional and functional properties of foods. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the microbiological aspects of the most relevant nonthermal technologies for microbial inactivation currently under study, including irradiation, high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric field and ultrasound under pressure. Topics covered are the mechanisms of inactivation, sensitivity of different microbial groups and factors affecting it and kinetics of inactivation.
Digital imaging approaches for phenotyping whole plant nitrogen and phosphorus response in Brachypodium distachyon.

This work evaluates the phenotypic response of the model grass (Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv. ) to nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition using a combination of imaging techniques and destructive harvest of shoots and roots. Reference line Bd21-3 was grown in pots using 11 phosphorus and 11 nitrogen concentrations to establish a dose-response curve. Shoot biovolume and biomass, root length and biomass, and tissue phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations increased with nutrient concentration. Shoot biovolume, estimated by imaging, was highly correlated with dry weight (R(2) > 0.92) and both biovolume and growth rate responded strongly to nutrient availability. Higher nutrient supply increased nodal root length more than other root types. Photochemical efficiency was strongly reduced by low phosphorus concentrations as early as 1 week after germination, suggesting that this measurement may be suitable for high throughput screening of phosphorus response. In contrast, nitrogen concentration had little effect on photochemical efficiency. Changes in biovolume over time were used to compare growth rates of four accessions in response to nitrogen and phosphorus supply. We demonstrate that a time series image-based approach coupled with mathematical modeling provides higher resolution of genotypic response to nutrient supply than traditional destructive techniques and shows promise for high throughput screening and determination of genomic regions associated with superior nutrient use efficiency.
Elimination of Schistosomiasis Transmission in Zanzibar: Baseline Findings before the Onset of a Randomized Intervention Trial

Background Gaining and sustaining control of schistosomiasis and, whenever feasible, achieving local elimination are the year 2020 targets set by the World Health Organization. In Zanzibar, various institutions and stakeholders have joined forces to eliminate urogenital schistosomiasis within 5 years. We report baseline findings before the onset of a randomized intervention trial designed to assess the differential impact of community-based praziquantel administration, snail control, and behavior change interventions. Methodology In early 2012, a baseline parasitological survey was conducted in ∼20,000 people from 90 communities in Unguja and Pemba. Risk factors for schistosomiasis were assessed by administering a questionnaire to adults. In selected communities, local knowledge about schistosomiasis transmission and prevention was determined in focus group discussions and in-depths interviews. Intermediate host snails were collected and examined for shedding of cercariae. Principal Findings The baseline Schistosoma haematobium prevalence in school children and adults was 4.3% (range: 0–19.7%) and 2.7% (range: 0–26.5%) in Unguja, and 8.9% (range: 0–31.8%) and 5.5% (range: 0–23.4%) in Pemba, respectively. Heavy infections were detected in 15.1% and 35.6% of the positive school children in Unguja and Pemba, respectively. Males were at higher risk than females (odds ratio (OR): 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–2.03). Decreasing adult age (OR: 1.04; CI: 1.02–1.06), being born in Pemba (OR: 1.48; CI: 1.02–2.13) or Tanzania (OR: 2.36; CI: 1.16–4.78), and use of freshwater (OR: 2.15; CI: 1.53–3.03) showed higher odds of infection. Community knowledge about schistosomiasis was low. Only few infected Bulinus snails were found. Conclusions/Significance The relatively low S. haematobium prevalence in Zanzibar is a promising starting point for elimination. However, there is a need to improve community knowledge about disease transmission and prevention. Control measures tailored to the local context, placing particular attention to hot-spot areas, high-risk groups, and individuals, will be necessary if elimination is to be achieved.
Influence of Personality on Objective and Subjective Social Support Among Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Prospective Study

Personality and social support (SS) influence risk for depression and modify its outcome through multiple pathways. The impact of personality dimensions neuroticism and extraversion on SS among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) has been little studied. In the Vantaa Depression Study, we assessed neuroticism and extraversion with the Eysenck Personality Inventory, objective SS with the Interview Measure of Social Relationships, and subjective SS with the Perceived Social Support Scale-Revised at baseline, at 6 and 18 months among 193 major depressive disorder patients diagnosed according to the fourth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS-IV). At all time-points, low neuroticism and high extraversion associated significantly with between-subject differences in levels of objective and subjective SS. Lower neuroticism (&bgr; = 0.213, p = 0.003) and higher extraversion (&bgr; = 0.159, p = 0.038) predicted greater within-subject change of subjective, but not objective SS. Thus, neuroticism and extraversion associated with the size of objective and subjective SS and predicted change of subjective SS. Modification of subjective SS, particularly, may indirectly influence future vulnerability to depression.
Effectiveness of Inactivated Influenza Vaccines in Preventing Influenza-Associated Deaths and Hospitalizations among Ontario Residents Aged ≥65 Years: Estimates with Generalized Linear Models Accounting for Healthy Vaccinee Effects

Background Estimates of the effectiveness of influenza vaccines in older adults may be biased because of difficulties identifying and adjusting for confounders of the vaccine-outcome association. We estimated vaccine effectiveness for prevention of serious influenza complications among older persons by using methods to account for underlying differences in risk for these complications. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among Ontario residents aged ≥65 years from September 1993 through September 2008. We linked weekly vaccination, hospitalization, and death records for 1.4 million community-dwelling persons aged ≥65 years. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated by comparing ratios of outcome rates during weeks of high versus low influenza activity (defined by viral surveillance data) among vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects by using log-linear regression models that accounted for temperature and time trends with natural spline functions. Effectiveness was estimated for three influenza-associated outcomes: all-cause deaths, deaths occurring within 30 days of pneumonia/influenza hospitalizations, and pneumonia/influenza hospitalizations. Results During weeks when 5% of respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza A, vaccine effectiveness among persons aged ≥65 years was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI], −6%–42%) for all influenza-associated deaths, 25% (95% CI, 13%–37%) for deaths occurring within 30 days after an influenza-associated pneumonia/influenza hospitalization, and 19% (95% CI, 4%–31%) for influenza-associated pneumonia/influenza hospitalizations. Because small proportions of deaths, deaths after pneumonia/influenza hospitalizations, and pneumonia/influenza hospitalizations were associated with influenza virus circulation, we estimated that vaccination prevented 1.6%, 4.8%, and 4.1% of these outcomes, respectively. Conclusions By using confounding-reducing techniques with 15 years of provincial-level data including vaccination and health outcomes, we estimated that influenza vaccination prevented ∼4% of influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths occurring after hospitalizations among older adults in Ontario.
Colour Spectrum&#146;s of Opinion: An Information Visualisation Interface for Representing Degrees of Emotion in Real Time

In this paper we present an information visualisation interface that enables a user to input a real-time continuous flow of their predominant emotion incorporating degrees of uncertainty relative to other choices. The novel equilateral triangle-based interface allows users to express opinions on temporal media presentations such as television advertisements, video and musical compositions. The continuous flow of information generated by the interface is mapped into a colour spectrum which reveals a user's developing opinion of the presentation. Such a colour spectrum not only provides a visual snapshot to enhance statistical interpretations of user input but also provides valuable insight into when, how and with what degree of certainty opinions were developed and changed over time. The real-time emotional spectrum tool (REST) is being developed to answer a need in the commercial research market. It is intended for use in gathering opinions from online audiences
A Longitudinal Study on the Carbon Emissions of a New Residential Development

Buildings account for nearly 50% of all greenhouse gases globally. While this has been widely recognized, the GHG mitigation strategies have traditionally concentrated on reducing the use phase emissions, as over 90% of the emissions are generated during the use phase according to several studies. However, two current developments increase the importance of the construction phase emissions and the embodied emissions of the building materials. Firstly, the improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings directly increase the relative share of the construction phase emissions. Secondly, the notification of the temporal allocation of the emissions increases the importance of the carbon spike from construction. While these perspectives have been noted, few studies exist that combine the two perspectives of the construction and the use phase. In this paper, we analyze the implications of low-carbon residential construction on the life cycle emissions of a residential area with a case study. Furthermore, we demonstrate that when the temporal allocation of the emissions is taken into account, the construction phase emissions can hinder or even reverse the carbon mitigation effect of low-carbon buildings for decades.
Ground-State Proton Transfer Kinetics in Green Fluorescent Protein

Proton transfer plays an important role in the optical properties of green fluorescent protein (GFP). While much is known about excited-state proton transfer reactions (ESPT) in GFP occurring on ultrafast time scales, comparatively little is understood about the factors governing the rates and pathways of ground-state proton transfer. We have utilized a specific isotopic labeling strategy in combination with one-dimensional 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to install and monitor a 13C directly adjacent to the GFP chromophore ionization site. The chemical shift of this probe is highly sensitive to the protonation state of the chromophore, and the resulting spectra reflect the thermodynamics and kinetics of the proton transfer in the NMR line shapes. This information is complemented by time-resolved NMR, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and steady-state absorbance and fluorescence measurements to provide a picture of chromophore ionization reactions spanning a wide time domain. Our findings indicate that proton transfer in GFP is described well by a two-site model in which the chromophore is energetically coupled to a secondary site, likely the terminal proton acceptor of ESPT, Glu222. Additionally, experiments on a selection of GFP circular permutants suggest an important role played by the structural dynamics of the seventh β-strand in gating proton transfer from bulk solution to the buried chromophore.
A Real-Time Routing Protocol along with new Reliability Approach in Wireless Sensor Network

Reliable and real-time packet transmissions along with minimum energy consumption are main challenges in designing routing protocols to realize many applications of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). With considering these challenges, we proposed a novel Geographical Reliable and Real-time routing Protocol (GRRP) which takes energy consumption into account. This protocol is based on two new approaches called geographical area divisions and efficient node selection function. GRRP makes use of these approaches to determine the best geographical angle and optimum nodes in the angle. In order to hit its goals, GRRP utilizes a novel multi-path routing algorithm. As the simulation results indicate, GRRP outperforms state-of-the-art protocols in terms of average end-to-end delay, throughput and reliability.
A Study on Underwater based Wireless Sensor Networks

A lot of researchers lately have attained the attention of Wireless Sensor Networks. On the other hand, when measures it up to the terrestrial or global WSN, Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSN) depicts an innovative networking standard. The exploitation of Underwater Sensor Networks is not simple or clear-cut, fundamental defies are therefore required to be mapped just because the sort of settings of underwater. This research article has illustrated a contrast between two sorts of sensor networks. Furthermore we also discussed the vital defies, facets of Underwater sensors comprising their protocols and architectures and future research prospects.
Sleep disturbances in a community sample from preschool to school age.

OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of various sleep problems at school age in a Finnish community sample and to evaluate the persistence of the sleep problems from the preschool age to school age in a 4-year follow-up. METHODS Parents completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children questionnaire on their child's sleep during the preschool years (3-6 years) and again during the school years (7-11 years). At follow-up the parents also completed a questionnaire on family structure and socio-economic status. RESULTS The parents of 481 children completed the questionnaires during both the first study and the follow-up (girls 49%, boys 51%; mean age 9, range 7-11). At the population level, sleep problems slightly declined from preschool to school age (P < 0.05). However, sleep problems at preschool age showed a strong persistence to school age. At the follow-up, 35% of the children who were considered to have a sleep disorder at preschool age still suffered from it at school age. At the community level, this equates to 9% of the children. The children with no sleep problems at preschool age rarely developed sleep problems at school age. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that various types of sleep problems are common at school age. Sleep problems persisted from preschool to school age at the individual level. It is important to recognize all types of sleep problems, especially persistent ones. Persistent sleep problems in children may cause and exacerbate other somatic, cognitive and psychiatric problems. Therefore, more attention should be focused on sleep problems in paediatric health care with interventions aimed particularly at children with prolonged sleep problems.