Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degraded Image Analysis: An Invariant Approach

Analysis and interpretation of an image which was acquired by a nonideal imaging system is the key problem in many application areas. The observed image is usually corrupted by blurring, spatial degradations, and random noise. Classical methods like blind deconvolution try to estimate the blur parameters and to restore the image. We propose an alternative approach. We derive the features for image representation which are invariant with respect to blur regardless of the degradation PSF provided that it is centrally symmetric. As we prove in the paper, there exist two classes of such features: the first one in the spatial domain and the second one in the frequency domain. We also derive so-called combined invariants, which are invariant to composite geometric and blur degradations. Knowing these features, we can recognize objects in the degraded scene without any restoration.
Anything goes: a case study of extra-curricular musical participation in an English secondary school

This paper reports on an empirical investigation into secondary school students’ experiences of participating in a school production of the Cole Porter musical, Anything Goes. The study was prompted by the absence in the research literature of any qualitative investigation of the extra-curricular activities that form a vital part of many young people's musical development. The project therefore focused on individual motivation and experience, exploring the effects of the school show not just on its participants, but also on the broader school community. Questionnaires and audio diaries were used to capture the views of a representative sample of the school population, before focusing in more detail on the experiences of a smaller number of participants. Results showed a widespread awareness of the show amongst non-participants, and a general belief that it made a valuable contribution to school life. Amongst participants, the costs and benefits of participation were evident in descriptions of the intensity and commitment involved in rehearsals, the effects on friendship groups of spending time with like-minded people, and the challenges to participants’ own musical, personal and social development.
Pharmacokinetics of cefmetazole in normal subjects and in patients with impaired renal function

The pharmacokinetics of cefmetazole, a new cephamycin antibiotic, were examined after a 1-h intravenous drip infusion of 1 g to 5 healthy volunteers with normal renal function and 16 patients with impaired renal function. Peak serum concentrations were obtained at the end of the infusion in all subjects, regardless of their renal function. Approximately 70% of the infused dose was excreted in the urine within 6 h in healthy volunteers. The pharmacokinetic parameters of cefmetazole were derived by analyzing elimination data, with a one-compartment open model. The mean serum half-life of cefmetazole in healthy volunteers was 0.81 h. A significant correlation between the elimination rate constant and the creatinine clearance was demonstrated.
PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE Original Studies Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale with a Bioabsorbable Occluder Device: Single-Centre Experience

Background: Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is routinely performed with nonbiological devices, characterized by a persistent low-grade inflammatory response. We report our experience about PFO closure with a bioabsorbable device, BioSTAR R (NMT Inc, USA). Methods: From September 2007 to September 2008, 14 patients with migraine (eight with aura) and cerebral magnetic resonance positive for silent ischemia and nine patients with prior cardiovascular accident (CVA) underwent closure of PFO using BioSTAR R . One patient had heterozygosis for sickle-cell-anaemia. Nickel allergy was present in eight patients. Echocardiogram was performed at 24 hr, one and 6 months. At 6 and 12 months a contrast-transcranial-doppler (c-TCD) and a trans-oesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) were scheduled, respectively. Results: BioSTAR R was successfully implanted in 22 patients (96%). The mean procedural time and the mean fluoroscopy time were 22 6 6 and 4 6 2 minutes, respectively. The mean inhospital stay was 3 6 0.5 days. After a mean follow-up of 7.8 6 3.5 months there was an hemorrhagic stroke related to double antiaggregation. No other CVA or allergic reactions were registered. There were two cases of atrial arrhythmia. Fifteen patients had not residual shunts at c-TCD, while in four patients we observed a trivial microbubbles passage. The TOE, achieved in nine patients without contrast, showed the device well positioned, with a low profile and without thrombus. Conclusions: In our experience PFO closure with BioSTAR R is safe and efficacious in preventing recurrent CVA. Its use could be advantageous in patients with nickel allergy and haematological disorders. The potential benefits of this device need to be certified in a larger cohort of patients with a longer follow-up. VC 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EcoMark: evaluating models of vehicular environmental impact

The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation is essential for achieving politically agreed upon emissions reduction targets that aim to combat global climate change. So-called eco-routing and eco-driving are able to substantially reduce GHG emissions caused by vehicular transportation. To enable these, it is necessary to be able to reliably quantify the emissions of vehicles as they travel in a spatial network. Thus, a number of models have been proposed that aim to quantify the emissions of a vehicle based on GPS data from the vehicle and a 3D model of the spatial network the vehicle travels in. We develop an evaluation framework, called EcoMark, for such environmental impact models. In addition, we survey all eleven state-of-the-art impact models known to us. To gain insight into the capabilities of the models and to understand the effectiveness of the EcoMark, we apply the framework to all models.
Adaptive Binarization of Unconstrained Hand-Held Camera-Captured Document Images

This paper presents a new adaptive binarization technique for degraded hand-held camera-captured document images. The state-of-the-art locally adaptive bi- narization methods are sensitive to the values of free parameter. This problem is more critical when binarizing degraded camera-captured document images because of distor- tions like non-uniform illumination, bad shading, blurring, smearing and low resolution. We demonstrate in this paper that local binarization methods are not only sensitive to the selection of free parameters values (either found manually or automatically), but also sensitive to the constant free parameters values for all pixels of a document image. Some range of values of free parameters are better for foreground regions and some other range of values are better for background regions. For overcoming this prob- lem, we present an adaptation of a state-of-the-art local binarization method such that two different set of free parameters values are used for foreground and background regions respectively. We present the use of ridges detection for rough estimation of foreground regions in a document image. This information is then used to calculate ap- propriate threshold using different set of free parameters values for the foreground and background regions respectively. The evaluation of the method using an OCR-based measure and a pixel-based measure show that our method achieves better performance as compared to state-of-the-art global and local binarization methods.
Self-efficacy, planning, and preparatory behaviours as joint predictors of physical activity: A conditional process analysis

Objective: Planning can bridge the gap between intentions and action, but what bridges the gap between planning and action? This study helps to answer the question by disentangling the interrelationships between self-efficacy, planning and preparatory behaviours in predicting physical activity. Preparatory behaviours are tested as a working mechanism of planning. Moreover, it is tested whether the utility of preparatory behaviours depends on an individual’s level of self-efficacy. Methods: A survey assessed planning, self-efficacy and preparatory behaviours for physical activity. Adults (N = 166) provided data at two measurement points. In a longitudinal model, preparatory behaviours were specified as a mediator between planning and physical activity. Self-efficacy was specified as a possible moderator at two points in the model. Results: Preparatory behaviours mediated the relationship between planning and physical activity. An interaction between self-efficacy and preparatory behaviours on physical activity was found, indicating that individuals with low self-efficacy beliefs were more active if they engaged more frequently in preparatory behaviours. Conclusion: Planning seems to stimulate preparatory behaviours, which in turn make future physical activity more likely. Furthermore, as performing preparatory behaviours represent a step forward towards the enactment of behavioural goals, preparatory behaviours may be particular beneficial for individuals afflicted by self-doubts regarding physical activity.
Cooperative Overlay Spectrum Access in Cognitive Radio Networks

In order to mitigate the shortage of wireless spectrum, the appealing concepts of cooperative communication techniques and cognitive radio (CR) networks have been combined for the sake of improving the spectral efficiency and hence the overall system throughput. We mainly survey the overlay spectrum access scheme in this novel cooperative CR (CCR) network context. Therefore, the interference between the licensed users/primary users (PUs) and the unlicensed users/cognitive users (CUs) can be offset by relying on some of the CUs to act as relay nodes. More specifically, we have investigated the cooperative relaying technique in the context of the overlay spectrum access scheme aiming for allowing the PUs to transmit at a lower power and/or at a higher throughput, while at the same time enabling the CUs to communicate using the bandwidth released. Additionally, gaming techniques can be employed for negotiating between the PUs and the CUs for determining the specific fraction of relaying and active transmission time. Therefore, we will consider two main schemes in the overlay spectrum access scheme based on the CCR network, which are the frequency division-based channel as well as the time-division based channel. Moreover, we have surveyed the relevant advances concerning the game-based model of the overlay-based CR network. Specifically, both the family of non-cooperative and cooperative games as well as matching games have been reviewed. Furthermore, we will review the joint design of coding, modulation, user-cooperation, and CCR techniques, which leads to significant mutual benefits for both the PUs and CUs.
C1q Deficiency Promotes Pulmonary Vascular Inflammation and Enhances the Susceptibility of the Lung Endothelium to Injury*

The collectin proteins are innate immune molecules found in high concentrations on the epithelial and endothelial surfaces of the lung. While these proteins are known to have important anti-inflammatory actions in the airways of the lung little is known of their functional importance in the pulmonary circulation. We recently demonstrated that the circulating collectin protein adiponectin has potent anti-inflammatory effects on the lung endothelium, leading us to reason that other structurally related proteins might have similar effects. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the anti-inflammatory actions of C1q in lung endothelial homeostasis and the pulmonary vascular response to LPS or HCl injury. We show that lung endothelium from C1q-deficient (C1q−/−) mice expresses higher baseline levels of the vascular adhesion markers ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin when compared with wild-type mice. Further, we demonstrate that these changes are associated with enhanced susceptibility of the lung to injury as evident by increased expression of adhesion markers, enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and augmented neutrophil recruitment. Additionally, we found that C1q−/− mice also exhibited enhanced endothelial barrier dysfunction after injury as manifested by decreased expression of junctional adherens proteins and enhanced vascular leakage. Mechanistically, C1q appears to mediate its effects by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and blocking nuclear translocation of the P65 subunit of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In summary, our findings indicate a previously unrecognized role for C1q in pulmonary vascular homeostasis and provide added support for the hypothesis that circulating collectin proteins have protective effects on the lung endothelium.
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Is Local Anesthetic Dose the Only Factor, or Do Concentration and Volume Influence Infusion Effects as Well?

Background:The main determinant of continuous peripheral nerve block effects—local anesthetic concentration and volume or simply total drug dose—remains unknown. Methods:We compared two different concentrations and basal rates of ropivacaine—but at equivalent total doses—for continuous posterior lumbar plexus blocks after hip arthroplasty. Preoperatively, a psoas compartment perineural catheter was inserted. Postoperatively, patients were randomly assigned to receive perineural ropivacaine of either 0.1% (basal 12 ml/h, bolus 4 ml) or 0.4% (basal 3 ml/h, bolus 1 ml) for at least 48 h. Therefore, both groups received 12 mg of ropivacaine each hour with a possible addition of 4 mg every 30 min via a patient-controlled bolus dose. The primary endpoint was the difference in maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the ipsilateral quadriceps the morning after surgery, compared with the preoperative MVIC, expressed as a percentage of the preoperative MVIC. Secondary endpoints included hip adductor and hip flexor MVIC, sensory levels in the femoral nerve distribution, hip range-of-motion, ambulatory ability, pain scores, and ropivacaine consumption. Results:Quadriceps MVIC for patients receiving 0.1% ropivacaine (n = 26) declined by a mean (SE) of 64.1% (6.4) versus 68.0% (5.4) for patients receiving 0.4% ropivacaine (n = 24) between the preoperative period and the day after surgery (95% CI for group difference: −8.0–14.4%; P = 0.70). Similarly, the groups were found to be equivalent with respect to secondary endpoints. Conclusions:For continuous posterior lumbar plexus blocks, local anesthetic concentration and volume do not influence nerve block characteristics, suggesting that local anesthetic dose (mass) is the primary determinant of perineural infusion effects.
Twitter in the engineering classroom

The micro-blogging platform, Twitter, has been employed by some in higher education as a tool for enhanced student engagement. This platform has shown promise as an educational tool for the promotion of critical reading and writing and concise expression of ideas. However, it is unclear in what settings and under what circumstances Twitter can be effectively employed in the engineering classroom. These questions were explored over a multi-semester study of student participation in directed social media discussions within the engineering classroom. The various cohorts of students included in this study were drawn from engineering courses. Comparisons were made between these multiple cohorts on the basis of active engagement in the assigned tasks, performance on homework and examinations, and overall course performance. Through the process of using this practice in the classroom, it was found that there was difficulty encouraging engineering students to participate in Twitter discussions regardless of the incentive provided. Limited evidence was found of greater course achievement correlating with greater participation in Twitter based tasks. It is expected that greater effort is required in familiarizing students with the Twitter platform and increasing their comfort level with asking questions and carrying out discussions in a public forum.
Performance evaluation of the ECAT HRRT: an LSO-LYSO double layer high resolution, high sensitivity scanner

The ECAT high resolution research tomograph (HRRT) is a dedicated brain and small animal PET scanner, with design features that enable high image spatial resolution combined with high sensitivity. The HRRT is the first commercially available scanner that utilizes a double layer of LSO/LYSO crystals to achieve photon detection with depth-of-interaction information. In this study, the performance of the commercial LSO/LYSO HRRT was characterized, using the NEMA protocol as a guideline. Besides measurement of spatial resolution, energy resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, count rate performance, correction for attenuation and scatter, hot spot recovery and image quality, a clinical evaluation was performed by means of a HR+/HRRT human brain comparison study. Point source resolution varied across the field of view from approximately 2.3 to 3.2 mm (FWHM) in the transaxial direction and from 2.5 to 3.4 mm in the axial direction. Absolute line-source sensitivity ranged from 2.5 to 3.3% and the NEMA-2001 scatter fraction equalled 45%. Maximum NECR was 45 kcps and 148 kcps according to the NEMA-2001 and 1994 protocols, respectively. Attenuation and scatter correction led to a volume uniformity of 6.3% and a system uniformity of 3.1%. Reconstructed values deviated up to 15 and 8% in regions with high and low densities, respectively, which can possibly be assigned to inaccuracies in scatter estimation. Hot spot recovery ranged from 60 to 94% for spheres with diameters of 1 to 2.2 cm. A high quantitative agreement was met between HR+ and HRRT clinical data. In conclusion, the ECAT HRRT has excellent resolution and sensitivity properties, which is a crucial advantage in many research studies.
India.com: the construction of a space between

The study of information and communication technologies (ICT) by geographers has evolved over the past third of a century from a concentration on friction of distance and spatial organization toward a set of four interrelated social approaches: ICT as a set of contested terrains, ICT as a means of perception, ICT as a form of embodiment, and ICT as virtual places or spaces (distanciated social contexts). These approaches are complementary rather than contradictory. What is absent thus far from the ICT debate is attention to ethnicity, except as a surrogate of economic class or in vague allusions to a digital divide. Since people use ICT to build a sense of community and personal identity, both of which relate strongly to ethnicity, the topic deserves attention. The four approaches are integrated here to understand the appropriation of the internet by temporary and permanent immigrants to the USA from India (typically called Non-Resident Indians or NRIs). The concept of virtual space can be used to organize discussion of the use of the internet by NRIs. To better encapsulate the virtual space we employ a map of what we call ‘bridgespace’, a virtual space that supports flows of people, goods, capital and ideas between South Asia and North America. We consider the full range of sites involved in the bridgespace, then direct our attention in particular to ‘matrimonial’ sites, those sites designed to support the identification of marriage partners.
Brain infarction and the clinical expression of Alzheimer disease. The Nun Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship of brain infarction to the clinical expression of Alzheimer disease (AD). DESIGN Cognitive function and the prevalence of dementia were determined for participants in the Nun Study who later died. At autopsy, lacunar and larger brain infarcts were identified, and senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the neocortex were quantitated. Participants with abundant senile plaques and some neurofibrillary tangles in the neocortex were classified as having met the neuropathologic criteria for AD. SETTING Convents in the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southern United States. PARTICIPANTS A total of 102 college-educated women aged 76 to 100 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cognitive function assessed by standard tests and dementia and AD assessed by clinical and neuropathologic criteria. RESULTS Among 61 participants who met the neuropathologic criteria for AD, those with brain infarcts had poorer cognitive function and a higher prevalence of dementia than those without infarcts. Participants with lacunar infarcts in the basal ganglia, thalamus, or deep white matter had an especially high prevalence of dementia, compared with those without infarcts (the odds ratio [OR] for dementia was 20.7, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.5-288.0). Fewer neuropathologic lesions of AD appeared to result in dementia in those with lacunar infarcts in the basal ganglia, thalamus, or deep white matter than in those without infarcts. In contrast, among 41 participants who did not meet the neuropathologic criteria for AD, brain infarcts were only weakly associated with poor cognitive function and dementia. Among all 102 participants, atherosclerosis of the circle of Willis was strongly associated with lacunar and large brain infarcts. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that cerebrovascular disease may play an important role in determining the presence and severity of the clinical symptoms of AD.
Middle leadership in primary school communities of practice: distribution or deception

English primary schools tend to operate on a rather different basis from secondary schools in terms of middle leadership. Dependent on the size of the school, the majority of primary teachers will have some form of middle leadership responsibility particularly as each of them is likely to hold a responsibility for at least one area of the curriculum. Thus, in a primary school, it would not be unusual to categorise all the teachers as ‘middle leaders’. In this article the authors examine some of what is known about middle leadership in primary schools: first, through an exploration of the development of middle leadership roles; second, by consideration of the context of the primary school and the implications this has for operating as a leader; third, the ways in which teachers work together as a community of practice is discussed; finally, some key findings from recent research are reported. These elements are then drawn together to form a picture of the complex and evolving elements of acting as a middle leader. The article concludes by highlighting some specific and fertile areas for future research.
What Factors Determine the Uptake of A-level Physics?

There has been much concern recently in the UK about the decline in the number of students studying physics beyond age 16. To investigate why this might be we used data from a national database of student qualifications and a multilevel modelling technique to investigate which factors had the greatest impact on the uptake of physics at Advanced Level (A-level) in a particular year. Each factor of interest was entered into a separate model, while accounting for prior attainment and gender (both well-known predictors of A-level uptake). We found that factors associated with greater probability of uptake included better attainment in physics (or combined science) and maths qualifications at age 16 in comparison to other subjects, and (for girls only) attending an independent or grammar school. While it is difficult to address these factors directly, the results imply that more needs to be done to improve relative performance at General Certificate of Secondary Education, perhaps by increasing the supply of specialist physics teachers at this level and to overcome the perception (especially among girls) that physics is a particularly difficult subject.