bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Scattering in Inhomogeneous Participating Media Using Rao‐Blackwellization and Control Variates
Authors: Szirmay‐Kalos László , Magdics Milán , Sbert Mateu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRendering inhomogeneous participating media requires a lot of volume samples since the extinction coefficient needs to be integrated along light paths. Ray marching makes small steps, which is time consuming and leads to biased algorithms. Woodcocklike approaches use analytic sampling and a random rejection scheme guaranteeing that the expectations will be the same as in the original model. These models and the application of control variates for the extinction have been successful to compute transmittance and single scattering but were not fully exploited in multiple scattering simulation. Our paper attacks the multiple scattering problem in heterogeneous media and modifies the light–medium interaction model to allow the use of simple analytic formulae while preserving the correct expected values. The model transformation reduces the variance of the estimates with the help of Rao‐Blackwellization and control variates applied both for the extinction coefficient and the incident radiance. Based on the transformed model, efficient Monte Carlo rendering algorithms are obtained.
PCPNet Learning Local Shape Properties from Raw Point Clouds
Authors: Guerrero Paul , Kleiman Yanir , Ovsjanikov Maks , Mitra Niloy J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we propose PCPNET, a deep‐learning based approach for estimating local 3D shape properties in point clouds. In contrast to the majority of prior techniques that concentrate on global or mid‐level attributes, e.g., for shape classification or semantic labeling, we suggest a patch‐based learning method, in which a series of local patches at multiple scales around each point is encoded in a structured manner. Our approach is especially well‐adapted for estimating local shape properties such as normals (both unoriented and oriented) and curvature from raw point clouds in the presence of strong noise and multi‐scale features. Our main contributions include both a novel multi‐scale variant of the recently proposed PointNet architecture with emphasis on local shape information, and a series of novel applications in which we demonstrate how learning from training data arising from well‐structured triangle meshes, and applying the trained model to noisy point clouds can produce superior results compared to specialized state‐of‐the‐art techniques. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of our approach in the context of shape reconstruction, by showing how it can be used to extract normal orientation information from point clouds.
Motion Sickness Simulation Based on Sensorimotor Control
Authors: Hu Chen‐Hui , Lin Wen‐Chieh 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSensorimotor control is an essential mechanism for human motions, from involuntary reflex actions to intentional motor skill learning, such as walking, jumping, and swimming. Humans perform various motions according to different task goals and physiological sensory perception; however, most existing computational approaches for motion simulation and generation rarely consider the effects of human perception. The assumption of perfect perception (i.e., no sensory errors) of existing approaches restricts the generated motion types and makes dynamical reactions less realistic. We propose a general framework for sensorimotor control, integrating a balance controller and a vestibular model, to generate perception‐aware motions. By exploiting simulated perception, more natural responses that are closer to human reactions can be generated. For example, motion sickness caused by the impairments in the function of the vestibular system induces postural instability and body sway. Our approach generates physically correct motions and reasonable reactions to external stimuli since the spatial orientation estimation by the vestibular system is essential to preserve balance. We evaluate our framework by demonstrating standing balance on a rotational platform with different angular speeds and duration. The generated motions show that either faster angular speeds or longer rotational duration cause more severe motion sickness. Our results demonstrate that sensorimotor control, integrating human perception and physically‐based control, offers considerable potential for providing more human‐like behaviors, especially for perceptual illusions of human beings, including visual, proprioceptive, and tactile sensations.
A Survey on Data‐driven Dictionary‐based Methods for 3D Modeling
Authors: Lescoat Thibault , Ovsjanikov Maks , Memari Pooran , Thiery Jean‐Marc , Boubekeur Tamy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDictionaries are very useful objects for data analysis, as they enable a compact representation of large sets of objects through the combination of atoms. Dictionary‐based techniques have also particularly benefited from the recent advances in machine learning, which has allowed for data‐driven algorithms to take advantage of the redundancy in the input dataset and discover relations between objects without human supervision or hard‐coded rules. Despite the success of dictionary‐based techniques on a wide range of tasks in geometric modeling and geometry processing, the literature is missing a principled state‐of‐the‐art of the current knowledge in this field. To fill this gap, we provide in this survey an overview of data‐driven dictionary‐based methods in geometric modeling. We structure our discussion by application domain: surface reconstruction, compression, and synthesis. Contrary to previous surveys, we place special emphasis on dictionary‐based methods suitable for 3D data synthesis, with applications in geometric modeling and design. Our ultimate goal is to enlight the fact that these techniques can be used to combine the data‐driven paradigm with design intent to synthesize new plausible objects with minimal human intervention. This is the main motivation to restrict the scope of the present survey to techniques handling point clouds and meshes, making use of dictionaries whose definition depends on the input data, and enabling shape reconstruction or synthesis through the combination of atoms.
Functionality Representations and Applications for Shape Analysis
Authors: Hu R. , Savva M. , van Kaick O. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA central goal of computer graphics is to provide tools for designing and simulating real or imagined artifacts. An understanding of functionality is important in enabling such modeling tools. Given that the majority of man‐made artifacts are designed to serve a certain function, the functionality of objects is often reflected by their geometry, the way that they are organized in an environment, and their interaction with other objects or agents. Thus, in recent years, a variety of methods in shape analysis have been developed to extract functional information about objects and scenes from these different types of cues. In this report, we discuss recent developments that incorporate functionality aspects into the analysis of 3D shapes and scenes. We provide a summary of the state‐of‐the‐art in this area, including a discussion of key ideas and an organized review of the relevant literature. More specifically, the report is structured around a general definition of functionality from which we derive criteria for classifying the body of prior work. This definition also facilitates a comparative view of methods for functionality analysis. We focus on studying the inference of functionality from a geometric perspective, and pose functionality analysis as a process involving both the geometry and interactions of a functional entity. In addition, we discuss a variety of applications that benefit from an analysis of functionality, and conclude the report with a discussion of current challenges and potential future works.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in paediatric neurology: a critical review and proposed treatment algorithm
Authors: Eyre Michael , Hacohen Yael , Barton Carmen , Hemingway Cheryl , Lim Ming 
Published: June 2018

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been a key immunotherapeutic strategy in numerous neurological syndromes, predominantly during the acute phase of illness. This paper reviews the indications, strength of evidence, and safety of TPE in children with neurological conditions. The rarity of these immune conditions in children, alongside an often incomplete understanding of their pathobiology, has limited the development of a robust scientific rationale for TPE therapy and the feasibility of conducting larger controlled trials. TPE continues to be used, but is a costly therapy with common adverse effects. Uncertainty remains over how to compare the different TPE methods, the optimal dosage of therapy, and monitoring and integration of TPE with other immunotherapies. Further studies are also required to define the indications and benefits of TPE and assess evolving technologies such as immunoadsorption.What this paper adds

Studies investigating therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) are small and mainly uncontrolled.

They provide evidence for the efficacy of TPE in childhood neuro‐inflammatory conditions.

TPE is generally well tolerated provided key adverse effects are anticipated and avoided.

Systematic dosing and objective assessment of treatment effect should be priorities for future research.
Effect of the Argentine ant on the specialist myrmecophilous cricket Myrmecophilus kubotai in western Japan
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Touyama Yoshifumi , Kameyama Takeshi , Ito Fuminori 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEffects of the Argentine ant on myrmecophilous animals living inside ant nests have been rarely studied to date. We investigated whether the “specialist” myrmecophilous cricket Myrmecophilus kubotai Maruyama that lives only in colonies of a Japanese native ant, Tetramorium tsushimae Emery, could live with the Argentine ant. In the field, the cricket was never found in nests of the Argentine ant. Our experiments showed that the cricket could not survive in artifical nests of the Argentine ant under laboratory conditions.
Potent immunogenicity in BRCA1‐mutated patients with high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Dai Ying , Sun Chengdu , Feng Yi , Jia Qingzhu , Zhu Bo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHigh‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs) were among the tumours with an unsatisfactory outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). It is imperative to develop feasible biomarker for identifying responsive candidates and guiding precise immunotherapy for HGSOC patients. Here, we analysed genomic data of patients with HGSOCs to depict their immunological phenotype of tumour microenvironment (TME) and figure out the major determinants of immunogenicity. In comparison with other solid tumours, we observed the lowest levels of PD‐L1, total mutation burden (TMB) and cytolytic molecules in HGSOCs. Surprisingly, TMB is not certainly positively related to tumour immune response as it failed to predict the response to ICIs in a considerable portion of patients in previous clinical trials. By a machine learning approach in search of biomarkers for immunotherapy implications for HGSOCs, we identified the ten most dominant factors determining the immunogenicity of HGSOCs. Interestingly, we found that BRCA1 mutated tumours presented a potent immunogenic phenotype, independent of TMB, meeting the criteria of both our dominant factors and the determinants of immunogenicity established before. Our findings provide evidence that BRCA1‐mutation may be served as a predictive biomarker in guiding ICI therapies for the patients with HGSOCs.
Environmental Considerations for Trauma‐Responsive Juvenile and Family Courts: A Review of the Literature with Recommendations for Practice
Authors: DeVault Alicia , Helfrick Vanessa A. , Marsh Shawn C. , Snider Katie M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractJuvenile and family courts serve some of our most vulnerable populations, many of whom have experienced some traumatic event. People suffering with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known to be more sensitive to environmental stimuli, and many of the environmental conditions within courts can be challenging for those suffering traumatic stress. Trauma‐responsive practices help foster conditions of healing, which can benefit both the court user and those who work within the court. Research reviewed in this article demonstrates the likelihood of negative behavioral and emotional responses to specific environmental factors for people suffering PTSD and other stress reactions, and offers recommendations to minimize environmental stressors.
Parenting Styles and Juvenile Delinquency: Exploring Gendered Relationships
Authors: Tapia Mike , Alarid Leanne Fiftal , Clare Courtney 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe use the NLSY97 dataset to examine the parenting‐delinquency relationship and how it is conditioned by parents’ gender, controlling for youths’ gender. Generally, neglectful and authoritarian parenting styles were associated with the highest levels of delinquency in youths. When the sample was split by parent gender, authoritarianism held up across both groups, but permissive and neglectful parenting was only significant for fathers. Independent of parenting style, boys have higher delinquency levels than girls. The strength and magnitude of this relationship is nearly identical in separate equations for mothers and fathers. Parental attachment was not a significant protective factor against delinquency for either mothers or fathers.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW FOR GREEN PRODUCT TERM: FROM DEFINITION TO EVALUATION
Authors: Sdrolia Evangelia , Zarotiadis Grigoris 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNowadays, interest in corporate environmental strategies shifts from cleaner processes to the holistic nature of green products. The relevant literature argues that firms have the opportunity to pioneer through green product innovation, allowing them to differentiate and thus gain competitive advantage. Environmental burden of products during their entire life cycle is undeniable. Due to the weakness of the existing literature that inadequately addresses a commonly accepted green product definition, as well as the thereby caused inconclusive academic empirical results on firms' competitiveness, there are many cases of businesses greenwashing behavior. The overall contribution of this exploratory paper, on determining and evaluating the degree of greenness of a product, is twofold; first, starting with a systematic literature review, authors further contribute by proposing an integrative definition that addresses the so far existing terminological gap. Next, after reviewing the existing environmental assessment tools, authors based on the developed definition and in accordance to its dynamic dimension contribute to the existing methodology, as the paper reveals issues that need to be considered in the evaluation of green products.
Atrophied Brain Lesion Volume: A New Imaging Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dwyer Michael G. , Bergsland Niels , Ramasamy Deepa P. , Jakimovski Dejan , Weinstock‐Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSELesion accrual in multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important and clinically relevant measure, used extensively as an imaging trial endpoint. However, lesions may also shrink or disappear entirely due to atrophy. Although generally ignored or treated as a nuisance, this phenomenon may actually be an important stand‐alone imaging biomarker.Therefore, we investigated the rate of brain lesion loss due to atrophy (atrophied lesion volume) in MS subtypes compared to baseline lesion volume and to new and enlarging lesion volumes, and evaluated the independent predictive value of this phenomenon for clinical disability.METHODSA total of 192 patients (18 clinically isolated syndrome, 126 relapsing‐remitting MS, and 48 progressive) received 3T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 5 years. Lesions were quantified at baseline, and new/enlarging lesion volumes were calculated over the study interval. Atrophied lesion volume was calculated by combining baseline lesion masks with follow‐up SIENAX‐derived cerebrospinal fluid partial volume maps. Measures were compared between disease subgroups, and correlations with disability change (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) were evaluated. Hierarchical regression was employed to determine the unique additive value of atrophied lesion volume.RESULTSAtrophied lesion volume was different between MS subtypes (P = .02), and exceeded new lesion volume accumulation in progressive MS (298.1 vs. 75.5 mm3). Atrophied lesion volume was the only significant correlate of EDSS change (r = .192 relapsing, r = .317 progressive, P < .05), and explained significant additional variance when controlling for brain atrophy and new/enlarging lesion volume (R2 .092 vs. .045, P = .003).CONCLUSIONAtrophied lesion volume is a unique and clinically relevant imaging marker in MS, with particular promise in progressive MS.
Modified Equipoise Clasp: An Esthetic Option for Removable Dental Prostheses
Authors: Hajjaj Maher S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe objective of this clinical report is to describe a fabrication technique for a modified Equipoise clasp‐retained removable dental prosthesis as an alternative esthetic clasp option when abutment teeth are visible during smiling or speaking. The use of surveyed crowns on abutment teeth with mesial reciprocating grooves, milled lingual ledges, and distobuccal undercuts facilitates the use of a modified Equipoise clasp, providing a viable treatment option in esthetically demanding cases.
Utilization and Selection in an Ancillaries Health Insurance Market
Authors: Kettlewell Nathan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractI study two important aspects of the Australian private ancillaries health insurance (PAHI) market—moral hazard and self‐selection. PAHI covers out‐of‐hospital health services including dental, optometry, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. Using instrumental variables methods, I find evidence that PAHI increases utilization, particularly for dental, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and acupuncture. I also find evidence of selection effects—both adverse and favorable. Several variables jointly predict a person's propensity to insure and to utilize health services. There is little evidence of self‐selection based on the joint probability of different health services, which has important implications for understanding the commercial success of PAHI.
Comparative studies of stenogamous behaviour in the mosquito Culex pipiens complex
Authors: Kim S. , Trocke S. , Sim C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the processes of reproductive behaviour in mosquitoes is crucial for improving mating competitiveness and mating specificity for sterile insect release programmes. The Culex pipiens (Linneaus) (Diptera: Culicidae) forms pipiens and molestus (Forskål), two biotypes of the Cx. pipiens complex, are vectors for West Nile virus, St Louis encephalitis virus and lymphatic filariases. Hybridization of these biotypes is known to occur in nature, although form pipiens mates above ground in large spaces (eurygamy) and form molestus preferentially mates in small spaces (stenogamy) such as sewage tunnels. Hybridization may allow gene flow of biotype‐specific characteristics that are crucial in the disease transmission cycle. The present study examined and compared mating behaviours, insemination rates, fecundity and fertility in parental and F1 hybrids between Cx. pipiens f. pipiens and Cx. pipiens f. molestus in conditions of stenogamy. Unique mating behaviour sequences were identified in Cx. pipiens f. molestus, including tapping, mounting, co‐flying and copulation. Despite the considerably high insemination rates in hybrid crosses, fertility and fecundity rates were varied. This observation could suggest reproductive isolation in the hybrid zone. The study also documents a failure of heterospecific males to produce fertile eggs in Cx. pipiens f. pipiens females, which may be attributable to gametic incompatibilities and may represent an additional barrier to gene exchange.
Neither self‐reported atopy nor IgE‐mediated allergy are linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Nybacka S. , Öhman L. , Störsrud S. , Mybeck M. , Böhn L. , Wilpart K. , Winkvist A. , Bengtsson U. , Törnblom H. , Simrén M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundAmong patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atopic disease has been proposed as a common comorbidity increasing the IBS symptom burden. We therefore assessed the prevalence of self‐reported atopy among patients with IBS as compared to non‐IBS controls, and whether atopy and higher serum IgE levels were associated with increased IBS symptom severity.MethodsLevels of total and specific IgE in serum were measured and questionnaires assessing the presence of atopic disease (ie, eczema, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and pollen allergy), gastrointestinal symptom burden, food intolerance, somatic, and psychological symptoms were completed.Key resultsIn total, 223 patients with IBS and 47 controls participated. Presence of atopic disease was reported in 55% of patients with IBS compared to 40% of controls (P = .07). IBS patients with atopic manifestations (N = 123) had higher total serum IgE levels (median 31 vs 16 kUA/L, P < .001) and higher prevalence of self‐reported food intolerance (28% vs 9%, P = .002) than non‐atopic IBS patients (N = 100), respectively, but no major difference in gastrointestinal or psychological symptom burden was noted. However, severe somatic symptoms were more common among atopic than non‐atopic patients with IBS (38% vs 27%, P = .028). We found no associations between self‐reported atopy and IBS symptom severity using linear regression models.Conclusions & InferencesAtopic disease is common in patients with IBS, but that is also true for subjects without IBS. The presence of atopic disease in IBS is associated with self‐reported food intolerance and somatic symptom severity, but unrelated to IBS symptom severity.
A pharmacological challenge predicts reversible rectal sensorimotor dysfunctions in women with fecal incontinence
Authors: Sharma M. , Feuerhak K. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn order to understand the pathophysiology of rectal sensorimotor dysfunctions in women with fecal incontinence (FI) and rectal urgency, we evaluated the effects of a muscarinic antagonist and an adrenergic α2 agonist on these parameters.MethodsFirstly, rectal distensibility and sensation were evaluated with a barostat and sinusoidal oscillation at baseline and after randomization to intravenous saline or atropine in 16 healthy controls and 44 FI patients. Thereafter, FI patients were randomized to placebo or clonidine for 4 wk; rectal compliance and sensation were revaluated thereafter. The effect of atropine and clonidine on rectal functions and the relationship between them were evaluated.ResultsAt baseline, compared to controls, rectal capacity was lower (P = .03) while the mean pressure (P = .02) and elastance (P = .01) during sinusoidal oscillation were greater, signifying reduced distensibility, in FI. Compared to placebo, atropine increased (P ≤ .02) the heart rate in controls and FI and reduced (P = .03) the variability in rectal pressures during sinusoidal oscillation in controls. Clonidine increased rectal compliance (P = .04) and reduced rectal capacity (P = .03) in FI. The effects of atropine and clonidine on compliance (r = .44, P = .003), capacity (r = .34, P = .02), pressures during sinusoidal oscillation (r = .3, P = .057), pressure (r = .6, P < .0001), and volume sensory thresholds (r = .48, P = .003) were correlated.ConclusionsThe effects of atropine and clonidine on rectal distensibility and sensation were significantly correlated. A preserved response to atropine suggests that reduced rectal distensibility is partly reversible, mediated by cholinergic mechanisms, and may predict the response to clonidine, providing a pharmacological challenge.