Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatic Cancer: The New Perspective

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer worldwide, with median survival of less than 6 months and a 5-year survival rate of 35%. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was first introduced for assessment of pancreatic pathology more than 30 years ago, as transabdominal imaging yields limited information. EUS has a role in the detection, staging and sampling of pancreatic tumor. Curative-intent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy of pancreatic cancer are all performed more frequently in patients with EUS evaluation [1]. Palliative EUSguided treatments are also possible. However, a recent large observational study reported no influence on survival [2].
A review of the distributed generation landscape, key limitations of traditional microgrid concept & possible solution using an enhanced microgrid architecture

This paper briefly discusses the adverse effects of wide-spread distributed generation (DG), the inability of the conventional network structure to incorporate large penetration levels of distributed generation and the need for distributed generation sources to be incorporated into the electricity market. The microgrid concept is evaluated as a potential solution, alleviating the stochastic fluctuations in demand and generation seen by the network. An enhanced microgrid design, one which replaces the conventional static transfer switch with a bidirectional power controller is discussed and the potential gains from such a system are examined and a new network architecture is considered through the hierarchical scaling of the enhanced microgrid design. It is shown that this advanced architecture possesses the advantages of the traditional microgrid, provides additional functionality (dynamic decoupling, controlled energy exchange, hierarchical scaling, etc), facilitates the connection of large penetration levels of DG and enables the incorporation of end-users into the electricity market; two of the largest impediments to the wide-spread uptake of renewable energy.
Digital Signal Modulation Classification With Data Augmentation Using Generative Adversarial Nets in Cognitive Radio Networks

Automated modulation classification plays a very important part in cognitive radio networks. Deep learning is also a powerful tool that we could not overlook its potential in addressing signal modulation recognition problem. In our last work, we propose a new data conversion algorithm in order to gain a better classification accuracy of communication signal modulation, but we still believe that the convolution neural network (CNN) can work better. However, its application to signal modulation recognition is often hampered by insufficient data and overfitting. Here, we propose a smart approach to programmatic data augmentation method by using the auxiliary classifier generative adversarial networks (ACGANs). The famous CNN model, AlexNet, has been utilized to be the classifier and ACGAN to be the generator, which will enlarge our data set. In order to alleviate the common issues in the traditional generative adversarial nets training, such as discriminator overfitting, generator disconverge, and mode collapse, we apply several training tricks in our training. With the result on original data set as our baseline, we will evaluate our result on enlarged data set to validate the ACGAN’s performance. The result shows that we can gain 0.1~6% increase in the classification accuracy in the ACGAN-based data set.
CONVECTION AND DIFFERENTIAL ROTATION IN F-TYPE STARS

Differential rotation is a common feature of main-sequence spectral F-type stars. In seeking to make contact with observations and to provide a self-consistent picture of how differential rotation is achieved in the interiors of these stars, we use the three-dimensional anelastic spherical harmonic (ASH) code to simulate global-scale turbulent flows in 1.2 and 1.3 M☉ F-type stars at varying rotation rates. The simulations are carried out in spherical shells that encompass most of the convection zone and a portion of the stably stratified radiative zone below it, allowing us to explore the effects of overshooting convection. We examine the scaling of the mean flows and thermal state with rotation rate and mass and link these scalings to fundamental parameters of the simulations. Indeed, we find that the differential rotation becomes much stronger with more rapid rotation and larger mass, scaling as ΔΩ∝M3. 9Ω0. 60. Accompanying the growing differential rotation is a significant latitudinal temperature contrast, with amplitudes of 1000 K or higher in the most rapidly rotating cases. This contrast in turn scales with mass and rotation rate as ΔT∝M6. 4Ω1. 60. On the other hand, the meridional circulations become much weaker with more rapid rotation and with higher mass, with their kinetic energy decreasing as KEMC∝M−1.2Ω−0.80. Additionally, three of our simulations exhibit a global-scale shear instability within their stable regions that persists for the duration of the simulations. The flow structures associated with the instabilities have a direct coupling to and impact on the flows within the convection zone.
Influence of mantle flow on the drainage of eastern Australia since the Jurassic Period

Recent studies of the past eastern Australian landscape from present‐day longitudinal river profiles and from mantle flow models suggest that the interaction of plate motion with mantle convection accounts for the two phases of large‐scale uplift of the region since 120 Ma. We coupled the dynamic topography predicted from one of these mantle flow models to a surface process model to study the evolution of the eastern Australian landscape since the Jurassic Period. We varied the rainfall regime, erodibility, sea level variations, dynamic topography magnitude, and elastic thickness across a series of experiments. The approach accounts for erosion and sedimentation and simulates catchment dynamics. Despite the relative simplicity of our model, the results provide insights on the fundamental links between dynamic topography and continental‐scale drainage evolution. Based on temporal and spatial changes in longitudinal river profiles as well as erosion and deposition maps, we show that the motion of the Australian plate over the convecting mantle has resulted in significant reorganization of the eastern Australian drainage. The model predicts that the Murray river drained eastward between 150 and ∼120 Ma, and switched to westward draining due to the tilting of the Australian plate from ∼120 Ma. First order comparisons of eight modeled river profiles and of the catchment shape of modeled Murray‐Darling Basin are in agreement with present‐day observations. The predicted denudation of the eastern highlands is compatible with thermochronology data and sedimentation rates along the southern Australian margin are consistent with cumulative sediment thickness.
Mechanisms of Optical Regression Following Corneal Laser Refractive Surgery: Epithelial and Stromal Responses

Laser vision correction is a safe and effective method of reducing spectacle dependence. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), and Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) can accurately correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Although these procedures are nearing optimization in terms of their ability to produce a desired refractive target, the long term cellular responses of the cornea to these procedures can cause patients to regress from the their ideal postoperative refraction. In many cases, refractive regression requires follow up enhancement surgeries, presenting additional risks to patients. Although some risk factors underlying refractive regression have been identified, the exact mechanisms have not been elucidated. It is clear that cellular proliferation events are important mediators of optical regression. This review focused specifically on cellular changes to the corneal epithelium and stroma, which may influence postoperative visual regression following LASIK, PRK, and SMILE procedures.
Amateur or Professional: Assessing the Expertise of Major Contributors in OpenStreetMap Based on Contributing Behaviors

Volunteered geographic information (VGI) projects, such as OpenStreetMap (OSM), provide an alternative way to produce geographic data. Research has proven that the resulting data in some areas are of decent quality, which guarantees their usability in various applications. Though these achievements are normally attributed to the huge heterogeneous community mainly consisting of amateurs, it is in fact a small percentage of major contributors who make nearly all contributions. In this paper, we investigate the contributing behaviors of these contributors to deduce whether they are actually professionals. Various indicators are used to depict the behaviors on three themes: practice, skill and motivation, aiming to identify solid evidence for expertise. Our case studies show that most major contributors in Germany, France and the United Kingdom are hardly amateurs, but are professionals instead. These contributors have rich experiences on geographical data editing, have a decent grasp of professional software and work on the project with enthusiasm and concentration. It is less unexpected that they can create geographic data of high quality.
Partition Detection and Location of a Kelvin Wake on a 2-D Rough Sea Surface by Feature Selective Validation

The method for detecting and locating a Kelvin wake in the background of a two-dimensional (2-D), large-scale, random rough sea surface is studied. In this method, the large-scale, 2-D dynamic sea surface is partitioned, the correlation function between each partitioned sea surface is analyzed and extracted by the feature selective validation method, and the energy characteristic difference measures between each partitioned sea surfaces are obtained. By averaging the difference measures between the target partitioned sea surface and the adjacent sea surface, we can obtain the average value of the characteristic difference measure of each partitioned sea surface. Through the simulation and calculation, it was determined that, after the Kelvin wakes are superimposed on the partitioned sea surface, the characteristic difference measures are clearly larger than that of the partitioned sea surface without superimposed wakes. This finding shows that the method can effectively detect the changes in the sea surface wave energy caused by the wakes. The result shows that the method can accurately and efficiently identify the location of the partitioned sea surface where the Kelvin wakes are superimposed, after selecting a reasonable threshold, to realize the accurate location of the Kelvin wakes.
The Architectonic Experience of Body and Space in Augmented Interiors

The environment shapes our experience of space in constant interaction with the body. Architectonic interiors amplify the perception of space through the bodily senses; an effect also known as embodiment. The interaction of the bodily senses with the space surrounding the body can be tested experimentally through the manipulation of multisensory stimulation and measured via a range of behaviors related to bodily self-consciousness. Many studies have used Virtual Reality to show that visuotactile conflicts mediated via a virtual body or avatar can disrupt the unified subjective experience of the body and self. In the full-body illusion paradigm, participants feel as if the avatar was their body (ownership, self-identification) and they shift their center of awareness toward the position of the avatar (self-location). However, the influence of non-bodily spatial cues around the body on embodiment remains unclear, and data about the impact of architectonic space on human perception and self-conscious states are sparse. We placed participants into a Virtual Reality arena, where large and narrow virtual interiors were displayed with and without an avatar. We then applied synchronous or asynchronous visuotactile strokes to the back of the participants and avatar, or, to the front wall of the void interiors. During conditions of illusory self-identification with the avatar, participants reported sensations of containment, drift, and touch with the architectonic environment. The absence of the avatar suppressed such feelings, yet, in the large space, we found an effect of continuity between the physical and the virtual interior depending on the full-body illusion. We discuss subjective feelings evoked by architecture and compare the full-body illusion in augmented interiors to architectonic embodiment. A relevant outcome of this study is the potential to dissociate the egocentric, first-person view from the physical point of view through augmented architectonic space.
Some soil parameters of shrimp culture ponds of Karapa, Kogodu and Atchutapuratrayam villages of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh

The soil composition and other sediment characteristics like pH, organic carbon, phosphates and nitrogen were estimated in the shrimp culture ponds of Karapa, Kogodu and Atchutapuratrayam villages of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh were studied. The soil pH ranged from 6 to 7 at Atchutapuratrayam ponds and 6.5 to 7.5 at those of Karapa and Kogodu villages. The percentage of sand, silt and clay varied from 24 to 31%; 28 to 40% and clay 30 to 50% respectively. The percentage of organic carbon was low (0.5-1.0%) at Kogodu and Atchutapuratrayam ponds and high (1.5-2.0%) in ponds of Karapa. Phosphates ranged from 1 mg/l (Atchutapuratrayam village) to 4 mg/l (Karapa village and Kogodu village). Nitrogen levels varied from 37.0 mg/l (Atchutapuratrayam village) to 113.8mg/l (Karapa village).
New fundamental multilevel inverter with reduced number of switching elements

This research presents an optimum asymmetric fundamental inverter for cascaded multilevel inverters. This circuit can produce total voltage levels without any extra circuit. Then, cascaded structures were used in order to determine the magnitudes of DC links which have been suggested. The advantage of the suggested cascaded connection is the increasing of the output voltage levels in the same number of switching elements, in comparison with other cascaded structures. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation outcome are demonstrated to confirm the suggested structure has an excellent operation.
The impact of diet, habitat use, and behaviour on head shape evolution in homalopsid snakes

An organism's morphology is driven by selection on function while being constrained by phylogenetic and developmental factors as well as functional trade-offs. If selection on function is strong and solutions limited, then convergence is expected. In this paper we quantify head shape in a group of ecologically diverse snakes (homalopsid snakes) differing in habitat use and diet using three-dimensional geometric morphometric approaches. Using data on head shape we explore whether snakes eating different prey show different morphologies. Moreover, we test whether head shape is constrained by other factors such as habitat use, burrow use, or activity pattern. Our results demonstrate similar head shapes in species consuming similar prey. Snakes that capture elusive prey under water differ from those that capture and swallow prey like frogs or crustaceans. Moreover, habitat use, the use of burrows, and activity pattern also significantly impact head shape in this group of snakes. However, this signal appears to be partly confounded by the diet signal. For axes discriminating specifically between habitat use groups or animals that use burrows vs. those that do not shapes were in accordance with our predictions. Our results suggests an adaptive signal in the evolution of head shape in homalopsid snakes with diet, habitat use and the use of burrows all influencing the evolution of head shape in the group.
Recovering Realistic Texture in Image Super-Resolution by Deep Spatial Feature Transform

Despite that convolutional neural networks (CNN) have recently demonstrated high-quality reconstruction for single-image super-resolution (SR), recovering natural and realistic texture remains a challenging problem. In this paper, we show that it is possible to recover textures faithful to semantic classes. In particular, we only need to modulate features of a few intermediate layers in a single network conditioned on semantic segmentation probability maps. This is made possible through a novel Spatial Feature Transform (SFT) layer that generates affine transformation parameters for spatial-wise feature modulation. SFT layers can be trained end-to-end together with the SR network using the same loss function. During testing, it accepts an input image of arbitrary size and generates a high-resolution image with just a single forward pass conditioned on the categorical priors. Our final results show that an SR network equipped with SFT can generate more realistic and visually pleasing textures in comparison to state-of-the-art SRGAN [27] and EnhanceNet [38].
Scaling Egocentric Vision: The EPIC-KITCHENS Dataset

First-person vision is gaining interest as it offers a unique viewpoint on people's interaction with objects, their attention, and even intention. However, progress in this challenging domain has been relatively slow due to the lack of sufficiently large datasets. In this paper, we introduce EPIC-KITCHENS, a large-scale egocentric video benchmark recorded by 32 participants in their native kitchen environments. Our videos depict nonscripted daily activities: we simply asked each participant to start recording every time they entered their kitchen. Recording took place in 4 cities (in North America and Europe) by participants belonging to 10 different nationalities, resulting in highly diverse cooking styles. Our dataset features 55 hours of video consisting of 11.5M frames, which we densely labeled for a total of 39.6K action segments and 454.3K object bounding boxes. Our annotation is unique in that we had the participants narrate their own videos (after recording), thus reflecting true intention, and we crowd-sourced ground-truths based on these. We describe our object, action and anticipation challenges, and evaluate several baselines over two test splits, seen and unseen kitchens. Dataset and Project page: this http URL
Diastolic blood pressure variability in 24 hour-ABPM and outcomes of chronic kidney disease .

BACKGROUND Blood pressure variability (BPV) has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There are a few studies that reported worse outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with greater visit-to-visit BPV (VVV), but data with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ambulatory hypertensive CKD (stage 2 - 4) patients (> 18 years old) with complete 24 hours of ABPM study (SpaceLabs), who were followed up between January 2012 and December 2016, were retrospectively analyzed for the baseline characteristics and outcomes of CKD. Coefficient of variation (CV) in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was used as an index of BPV. RESULTS Data of 191 patients (mean age 59.7 ± 12.4 years, 54.9% males, 42.1% diabetic, mean eGFR-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) 51.7 ± 22.0 mL/min/1.73m2, mean follow-up 26.2 ± 10.4 months) were available for the analysis. On multivariate linear regression analysis, greater DBP-CV was associated with slower decline in eGFR-EPI per year (B -0.648, p = 0.000). Likewise, the hazard ratio (HR) for dialysis inception (occurred in 9.4%) was found significantly lower with increasing DBP-CV in unadjusted and fully adjusted Cox models (HR 0.730, 95% CI 0.618 - 0.861, p = 0.000, and HR 0.678, 95% CI 0.526 - 0.874, p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that DBP variability in 24-hour ABPM may be a good prognostic factor for the outcomes of CKD. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of 24-hour ABPM BPV on CKD progression and its differences from VVV.
Low-Loss Directional Filters Based on Differential Band-Reject Filters With Improved Isolation Using Phase Inverter

In this letter, a novel approach to the design of directional filters (DFs) based on the differential bandstop filter and delay lines is proposed. It is shown that utilization of a phase inverter (PI) and reference line as a mode-converting phase shifter allows for obtaining theoretically ideal bandpass-to-bandstop channels isolation over an infinite bandwidth. The presented theoretical analysis is confirmed by realization of an exemplary low-loss DF with defected ground type PI covering industrial, scientific, and medical, 2.4-GHz band. The obtained measurement results show insertion loss as low as 1.1 dB and almost flat isolation response, better than 27 dB up to 6 GHz proving the validity of the presented approach.
A Cloud Benchmark Suite Combining Micro and Applications Benchmarks

Micro and application performance benchmarks are commonly used to guide cloud service selection. However, they are often considered in isolation in a hardly reproducible setup with a flawed execution strategy. This paper presents a new execution methodology that combines micro and application benchmarks into a benchmark suite called RMIT Combined, integrates this suite into an automated cloud benchmarking environment, and implements a repeatable execution strategy. Additionally, a newly crafted Web serving benchmark called WPBench with three different load scenarios is contributed. A case study in the Amazon EC2 cloud demonstrates that choosing a cost-efficient instance type can deliver up to 40% better performance with 40% lower costs at the same time for the Web serving benchmark WPBench. Contrary to prior research, our findings reveal that network performance does not vary relevantly anymore. Our results also show that choosing a modern type of virtualization can improve disk utilization up to 10% for I/O-heavy workloads.
The housing challenges of low-income older adults and the role of federal policy

ABSTRACT Adequate housing is critical for low-income older adults, who face affordability and accessibility challenges that affect their quality of life, health, and ability to live independently in their communities. This article examines the federal policy role in meeting the housing and housing-related needs of the low-income elderly population, which is expected to grow as a proportion of all older adults over the next two decades. The availability of publicly subsidized units and vouchers is woefully inadequate to assist the current low-income elderly population in need of rental assistance. While access to affordable and accessible housing options has been a growing challenge for several decades, the Trump administration and Republican-majority Congress has an agenda and specific budgetary, administrative, and legislative proposals that would worsen the housing situation today and into the future. Population aging combined with a lack of investment in affordable senior housing and related programs over the last two decades requires a call to action for stakeholders in the public and private sectors to jointly develop a comprehensive national senior housing policy agenda and implementation strategy.