Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Features Characterization from 3D Facial Images

This paper presents a novel and computationally fast method for automatic identification of symmetry profile from 3D facial images. The algorithm is based on the concepts of computational geometry which yield fast and accurate results. In order to detect the symmetry profile of a human face, the tip of the nose is identified first. Assuming that the symmetry plane passes through the tip of the nose, the symmetry profile is then extracted. This is undertaken by means of computing the intersection between the symmetry plane and the facial mesh, resulting in a planner curve that accurately represents the symmetry profile. Experimentation using two different 3D face databases was carried out, resulting in fast and accurate results.
Morphing and Posing of Computational Anatomical Models : Enhanced Patient-Speci�c MRI RF Exposure Prediction

Synopsis The current MRI safety standards for exposure to radiofrequency �elds are conservative and intended to protect the entire patient population. Limits set on whole-body average speci�c absorption rate take the patient’s weight into consideration, which allows robust, but only very rudimentary patientspeci�c exposure estimation. The introduction of combined morphing and posing in computational anatomical human models will enable further improvements in the accuracy of in silico local exposure estimation. In this study, we developed re�ned morphing techniques and explored the bene�ts for estimating personalized radiofrequency absorption, which could substantially reduce the safety margins necessary for conservative assessment of radiofrequency exposure.
Shade Avoidance Components and Pathways in Adult Plants Revealed by Phenotypic Profiling

Shade from neighboring plants limits light for photosynthesis; as a consequence, plants have a variety of strategies to avoid canopy shade and compete with their neighbors for light. Collectively the response to foliar shade is called the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS). The SAS includes elongation of a variety of organs, acceleration of flowering time, and additional physiological responses, which are seen throughout the plant life cycle. However, current mechanistic knowledge is mainly limited to shade-induced elongation of seedlings. Here we use phenotypic profiling of seedling, leaf, and flowering time traits to untangle complex SAS networks. We used over-representation analysis (ORA) of shade-responsive genes, combined with previous annotation, to logically select 59 known and candidate novel mutants for phenotyping. Our analysis reveals shared and separate pathways for each shade avoidance response. In particular, auxin pathway components were required for shade avoidance responses in hypocotyl, petiole, and flowering time, whereas jasmonic acid pathway components were only required for petiole and flowering time responses. Our phenotypic profiling allowed discovery of seventeen novel shade avoidance mutants. Our results demonstrate that logical selection of mutants increased success of phenotypic profiling to dissect complex traits and discover novel components.
FHL family members suppress vascular endothelial growth factor expression through blockade of dimerization of HIF1α and HIF1β

Four and a half LIM domain (FHL) proteins belong to a family of LIM‐only proteins that have been implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancers. However, the role of FHL proteins in tumor angiogenesis remains to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate that FHL1‐3 decrease the promoter activity and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the key regulator of angiogenesis in cancer growth and progression as well as an important target gene of the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1α/HIF1β). FHL1‐3 interacted with HIF1α both in vitro and in vivo. A single LIM domain of FHL1 was sufficient for its interaction with HIF1α. FHL1 interacted with the HIF1α region containing basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) motif and PER‐ARNT‐SIM domain, both of which aid in dimerization with HIF1β and DNA binding. FHL1‐3 inhibited HIF1 transcriptional activity and HIF1‐mediated VEGF expression in a hypoxia‐independent manner. Moreover, FHL1 blocked HIF1α‐HIF1β heterodimerization and HIF1α recruitment to the VEGF promoter. These data suggest that FHL proteins are involved in negative regulation of VEGF possibly by interfering with the dimerization and DNA binding of HIF1 subunits and may play an important role in tumor angiogenesis. © 2012 IUBMB. IUBMB Life, 64(11): 921–930, 2012
Kernel-Based Methods for Vector-Valued Data with Correlated Components

This paper concerns kernel-based interpolation methods for vector data with correlated components. It gives conditions for a matrix kernel to be conditionally positive definite in an appropriate sense. The conditions allow construction of matrix kernels from nonsymmetric mixtures and scalings of scalar kernels. In particular the kernel used to model the influence of component $i$ on component $j$ can be different from that used to model the influence of component $j$ on component $i$. The vector modeling techniques considered are particularly appropriate when there are relatively few measurements of one quantity and relatively many of another “correlated” quantity. The paper concludes with some numerical tests on model problems.
Alternative lead free die attach for power module packaging

The next review of exemption 8(e) about lead in high melting temperature type solders (i.e. lead based alloys containing 85% by weight or more lead) will be take place in 2014. An alternative to lead base alloy has to be defined before this dead line in order to comply with lead free regulation for automotive high power electronics. Lead free soldering is known to generate more voids than the current high lead content solder. Therefore, new processes, such as vacuum or forming gas reflow soldering, have been investigated in order to reduce the void within the solder joint and to improve the packaging reliability. First, this paper focuses on the lead free die attachment process optimization by using a die laser soldering technology, second on the reliability evaluation of the different test samples, and third onto a reliability simulation procedure for characterizing future assemblies. Several commercial lead free alloys have been evaluated throughout Design of Experiments considering the following quality criteria: porosity rating of the solder joints, thermal shock and power cycling tests withstanding. An acceptable lead-free solder solution is proposed for highly constrained power application. It satisfies both process requirements and reliability objectives compared to standard high lead solders.
Microfluidic Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Photothermal Biodegradable Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles

The continuous synthesis of biodegradable photothermal copper sulfide nanoparticles has been carried out with the aid of a microfluidic platform. A comparative physicochemical characterization of the resulting products from the microreactor and from a conventional batch reactor has been performed. The microreactor is able to operate in a continuous manner and with a 4-fold reduction in the synthesis times compared to that of the conventional batch reactor producing nanoparticles with the same physicochemical requirements. Biodegradation subproducts obtained under simulated physiological conditions have been identified, and a complete cytotoxicological analysis on different cell lines was performed. The photothermal effect of those nanomaterials has been demonstrated in vitro as well as their ability to generate reactive oxygen species.
Mesothelioma and its association with asbestosis.

Within a three-year period in a community hospital, 17 cases of mesothelioma, nine of the pleura and eight of the peritoneum, were found at surgery. Two of our patients contracted this malignancy with only environmental exposure consisting of living in a community adjacent to the asbestos mill. In the same hospital, there has been a high incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma with asbestosis. A review of the autopsy material of the past decade brought to light only one additional case. It is our belief that the incidence of mesothelioma is increasing as is the incidence of asbestosis, with the increasing application of this product in many different industries.
Asymptotic analysis of small defects near a singular point in anti-plane elasticity. Application to the nucleation of a crack at a notch

We use matching asymptotic expansions to treat the anti-plane elastic problem associated with a small defect located at the tip of a notch. In a first part, we develop the asymptotic method for any type of defect and present the sequential procedure which allows us to calculate the different terms of the inner and outer expansions at any order. That requires in particular to separate in each term its singular part from its regular part. In a second part, the asymptotic method is applied to the case of a crack of variable length located at the tip of a given notch. We show that the first two non trivial terms of the expansion of the energy release rate are sufficient to well approximate the dependence of the energy release rate on the crack length in the range of values of the length which are sufficient to treat the problem of nucleation. This problem is considered in the last part where we compare the nucleation and the propagation of a crack predicted by two different models: the classical Griffith law and the Francfort-Marigo law based on an energy minimization principle. Several numerical results illustrate the interest of the method.
Watershed System Model: The Essentials to Model Complex Human‐Nature System at the River Basin Scale

Watershed system models are urgently needed to understand complex watershed systems and to support integrated river basin management. Early watershed modeling efforts focused on the representation of hydrologic processes, while the next‐generation watershed models should represent the coevolution of the water‐land‐air‐plant‐human nexus in a watershed and provide capability of decision‐making support. We propose a new modeling framework and discuss the know‐how approach to incorporate emerging knowledge into integrated models through data exchange interfaces. We argue that the modeling environment is a useful tool to enable effective model integration, as well as create domain‐specific models of river basin systems. The grand challenges in developing next‐generation watershed system models include but are not limited to providing an overarching framework for linking natural and social sciences, building a scientifically based decision support system, quantifying and controlling uncertainties, and taking advantage of new technologies and new findings in the various disciplines of watershed science. The eventual goal is to build transdisciplinary, scientifically sound, and scale‐explicit watershed system models that are to be codesigned by multidisciplinary communities.
On the associative property of fuzzy Xor connectives

The connective fuzzy Xor has been studied by Bedregal et al. [B.C. Bedregal, R.H. S. Reiser and G.P. Dimuro, Xor-Implications and E-Implications: Classes of fuzzy implications based on fuzzy Xor, Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science 247 2009 5--18] and two methods for constructing fuzzy Xor are given. As an important property of classical Xor connective, associativity is also defined in the definition of fuzzy Xor. However, we find that some of the fuzzy Xor connectives constructed with the given methods do not satisfy associative property. This paper studies the conditions under which the fuzzy Xor constructed with the methods given in [1] satisfy associative property.
On the use of linear programming for dynamic subchannel and bit allocation in multiuser OFDM

Adaptive subcarrier allocation and adaptive modulation for multiuser orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is considered. The optimal subcarrier and bit allocation problems, that have been formulated in Wong et al., (1999), and Rhee et al., (2000), as nonlinear optimizations, are converted into linear ones and solved by integer programming (IP). A suboptimal approach that separately performs subcarrier allocation and bit loading is proposed. It is shown that subcarrier allocation in this approach can be optimized by the linear programming (LP) relaxation of the IP. Comparison through computer simulation indicates that performance of the suboptimal approach can be close to that of the optimal.
One century of Swiss wheat selection and its effect on drought adaptation and carbon input into soil

Breeding for enhanced rooting depth and root biomass in deeper soil layers is a promising strategy to adapt wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants to drought periods. We evaluated i) the extent of indirect selection of root traits during the last century of wheat breeding and ii) how it affected the variety performance under well-watered conditions compared to gradually developing drought stress. Fourteen bread wheat genotypes covering 100 years of Swiss wheat breeding were grown in 1.6 m tall columns in the greenhouse under well-watered and drought conditions. Root parameters, such as rooting depth and root biomass and above ground parameters were determined at flowering and maturity. Rooting depth showed a negative trend in response to year of release under well-watered conditions but not under early water stress. Modern varieties responded with enhanced root allocation to deeper soil layers. Consequently, rooting depth was positively correlated with plant height at well-watered conditions but not under early water stress. Considerable genetic variation for rooting depth among modern varieties indicates that the trait is selectable without strong alteration of plant height. Modern varieties adjusted rooting depth to water demand. This strategy may improve carbon economy but can be problematic in case of rapidly emerging drought. Modern wheat varieties root deep on demand 21
A Simplified Nitrogen Assessment in Tagus River Basin: A Management Focused Review

Interactions among nitrogen (N) management and water resources quality are complex and enhanced in transboundary river basins. This is the case of Tagus River, which is an important river flowing from Spain to Portugal in the Iberian Peninsula. The aim was to provide a N assessment review along the Tagus River Basin regarding mostly agriculture, livestock, and urban activities. To estimate reactive nitrogen (Nr) load into surface waters, emission factor approaches were applied. Nr pressures are much higher in Spain than in Portugal (~13 times), which is mostly because of livestock intensification. Some policy and technical measures have been defined aiming at solving this problem. Main policy responses were the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable and Sensitive Zones, according to European Union (EU) directives. Nitrate Vulnerable Zone comprise approximately one third of both territories. On the contrary, Sensitive Zones are more extended in Spain, attaining 60% of the watershed, against only 30% in Portugal. Technical measures comprised advanced urban and industrial wastewater treatment that was designed to remove N compounds before discharge in the water bodies. Given this assessment, Tagus River Basin sustainability can only be guaranteed through load inputs reductions and effective transnational management processes of water flows.
A model of individualized canonical microcircuits supporting cognitive operations

Major cognitive functions such as language, memory, and decision-making are thought to rely on distributed networks of a large number of basic elements, called canonical microcircuits. In this theoretical study we propose a novel canonical microcircuit model and find that it supports two basic computational operations: a gating mechanism and working memory. By means of bifurcation analysis we systematically investigate the dynamical behavior of the canonical microcircuit with respect to parameters that govern the local network balance, that is, the relationship between excitation and inhibition, and key intrinsic feedback architectures of canonical microcircuits. We relate the local behavior of the canonical microcircuit to cognitive processing and demonstrate how a network of interacting canonical microcircuits enables the establishment of spatiotemporal sequences in the context of syntax parsing during sentence comprehension. This study provides a framework for using individualized canonical microcircuits for the construction of biologically realistic networks supporting cognitive operations.
Shock metamorphism of clay minerals on Mars by meteor impact

A large fraction of clay minerals detected on Mars by infrared remote sensing represent materials exhumed from the subsurface by meteor impact, begging the question of whether the infrared features used to detect the clays are affected by shock associated with the impacts. We used X‐ray diffraction and infrared and Mössbauer spectroscopy to evaluate the mineralogy of five clay minerals after experimentally shocking them to six shock pressures from ~10 to 40 GPa. The shocked clays exhibit three main relevant shock effects: (1) an overall decrease in infrared spectral contrast in the impact‐fragmented materials, (2) oxidation of Fe in ferrous clays, and (3) loss of some spectral structure in relatively well‐ordered clays such as kaolinite. Other than the widespread oxidation of ferrous clays, shock metamorphism likely has little effect on the accurate interpretation of clay mineralogy on Mars from remote sensing data. However, we are able to identify rare cases of extreme shock in some Martian clay deposits.
Towards a real-time system for teaching novices correct violin bowing technique

We describe the ongoing development of a system to support the teaching of good posture and bowing technique to novice violin players. Using an inertial motion capture system we can track in real-time: i) a player's bowing action (and measure how it deviates from a target trajectory); ii) whether the player is holding their violin correctly. We detail some initial experiments that show that vibrotactile feedback can guide arm movements in one and two dimensions. We then present some preliminary findings from integrating the motion capture and feedback components into a prototype real-time training system. The advantages of vibrotactile feedback are that: i) it does not use the students' visual and auditory systems which are already involved in the activity of music making; ii) it is an intuitive way to guide body movements.
Sleep Architecture and Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis in Obese Adolescents

OBJECTIVE Sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk of adult type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is uncertain whether sleep deprivation and/or altered sleep architecture affects glycemic regulation or insulin sensitivity or secretion. We hypothesized that in obese adolescents, sleep disturbances would associate with altered glucose and insulin homeostasis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional observational study of 62 obese adolescents took place at the Clinical and Translational Research Center and Sleep Laboratory in a tertiary care children’s hospital. Subjects underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), anthropometric measurements, overnight polysomnography, and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and serial insulin and glucose levels were obtained, indices of insulin sensitivity and secretion were calculated, and sleep architecture was assessed. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to assess the association of total sleep and sleep stages with measures of insulin and glucose homeostasis, adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS We found significant U-shaped (quadratic) associations between sleep duration and both HbA1c and serial glucose levels on OGTT and positive associations between slow-wave sleep (N3) duration and insulin secretory measures, independent of degree of obesity, pubertal stage, sex, and obstructive sleep apnea measures. CONCLUSIONS Insufficient and excessive sleep was associated with short-term and long-term hyperglycemia in our obese adolescents. Decreased N3 was associated with decreased insulin secretion. These effects may be related, with reduced insulin secretory capacity leading to hyperglycemia. We speculate that optimizing sleep may stave off the development of T2DM in obese adolescents.
Joint action understanding improves robot-to-human object handover

The development of trustworthy human-assistive robots is a challenge that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of engineering. Essential components of trustworthiness are safety, predictability and usefulness. In this paper we demonstrate that the integration of joint action understanding from human-human interaction into the human-robot context can significantly improve the success rate of robot-to-human object handover tasks. We take a two layer approach. The first layer handles the physical aspects of the handover. The robot's decision to release the object is informed by a Hidden Markov Model that estimates the state of the handover. Inspired by human-human handover observations, we then introduce a higher-level cognitive layer that models behaviour characteristic for a human user in a handover situation. In particular, we focus on the inclusion of eye gaze / head orientation into the robot's decision making. Our results demonstrate that by integrating these non-verbal cues the success rate of robot-to-human handovers can be significantly improved, resulting in a more robust and therefore safer system.
Robust and adaptive actuator failure compensation designs for a rocket fairing structural-acoustic model

The actuator failure compensation problem is formulated for active vibration control of a rocket fairing structural-acoustic model with unknown actuator failures. Performance of a nominal optimal control scheme in the presence of actuator failures is studied to show the need of effective failure compensation. A robust control scheme and two adaptive control schemes are developed, which are able to ensure the closed-loop system signal boundedness in the presence of actuator failures whose failure pattern and values are unknown. The adaptive scheme for parameterizable failures ensures asymptotic stability despite failure uncertainties. Simulation results verified their failure compensation effectiveness.