Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of ordered-subset reconstruction algorithms under conditions of extreme attenuation and truncation in myocardial SPECT.

UNLABELLED We studied the bias and variance characteristics of the ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and rescaled block-iterative EM (RBIEM) iterative reconstruction algorithms in myocardial SPECT under extreme, but realistic, conditions. METHOD We used the 2-dimensional mathematic cardiac torso phantom to simulate 2 patient anatomies: a large male with a raised diaphragm and a female with large breast size, approximating extreme cases of attenuation conditions found in the clinic. For each anatomy, realistic 201Tl projection data were simulated for a 180 degrees acquisition arc. Three cases of truncation for a 90 degrees-configured dual detector system were simulated: no truncation, moderate truncation, and extreme truncation. For each case, an ensemble of 250 noise simulations was generated, and each noisy dataset was reconstructed with the OSEM and RBIEM algorithms. The reconstructions modeled only the effects of nonuniform attenuation and used a range of subset configurations. Over the ensemble, we computed means and variances of activity in 8 regions of interest (ROIs) in the heart as a function of iteration. RESULTS Under conditions of no truncation and moderate truncation, the results from OSEM and RBIEM were very close to those from maximum-likelihood EM (MLEM); in all cases, the difference in ROI means was <2.5%. For extreme truncation, the errors increased to as much as 11% with OSEM, but these were no greater than the errors for MLEM under the same conditions. The OSEM algorithm with 2 views per subset was found to result in much higher variance of ROI estimates for the same bias as compared with RBIEM or OSEM with 4 or more views per subset. CONCLUSION The OSEM and RBIEM algorithms are at least as robust to highly attenuating patients and truncation as MLEM algorithm and can be adequate substitutes for MLEM, even in extreme cases. Clinical users should apply the smallest number of subsets that can be accommodated by allowable processing time to reduce image noise and variance in quantitative estimates.
Shadow Estimation Method for "The Episolar Constraint: Monocular Shape from Shadow Correspondence"

Recovering shadows is an important step for many vision algorithms. Current approaches that work with time-lapse sequences are limited to simple thresholding heuristics. We show these approaches only work with very careful tuning of parameters, and do not work well for long-term time-lapse sequences taken over the span of many months. We introduce a parameter-free expectation maximization approach which simultaneously estimates shadows, albedo, surface normals, and skylight. This approach is more accurate than previous methods, works over both very short and very long sequences, and is robust to the effects of nonlinear camera response. Finally, we demonstrate that the shadow masks derived through this algorithm substantially improve the performance of sun-based photometric stereo compared to earlier shadow mask estimation.
Free-hand gestures for music playback: deriving gestures with a user-centred process

Music is a fundamental part of most cultures. Controlling music playback has commonly been used to demonstrate new interaction techniques and algorithm. In particular, controlling music playback has been used to demonstrate and evaluate gesture recognition algorithms. Previous work, however, used gestures that have been defined based on intuition, the developers' preferences, and the respective algorithm's capabilities. In this paper we propose a refined process for deriving gestures from constant user feedback. Along this process a set of free-hand gestures for controlling music playback is developed. The situational context is analyzed to shape the usage scenario and derive an initial set of necessary functions. In a successive user study the set of functions is validated. Furthermore, proposals for gestures are collected from the participants for each function. Two gesture sets containing static and dynamic gestures are derived and analyzed in a comparative evaluation. The evaluation shows that we developed an appropriate set of free-hand gestures for music playback. Our results indicate that the proposed process, that includes validation of each design decision, improves the final results.
fMRI Syntactic and Lexical Repetition Effects Reveal the Initial Stages of Learning a New Language

When learning a new language, we build brain networks to process and represent the acquired words and syntax and integrate these with existing language representations. It is an open question whether the same or different neural mechanisms are involved in learning and processing a novel language compared with the native language(s). Here we investigated the neural repetition effects of repeating known and novel word orders while human subjects were in the early stages of learning a new language. Combining a miniature language with a syntactic priming paradigm, we examined the neural correlates of language learning on-line using functional magnetic resonance imaging. In left inferior frontal gyrus and posterior temporal cortex, the repetition of novel syntactic structures led to repetition enhancement, whereas repetition of known structures resulted in repetition suppression. Additional verb repetition led to an increase in the syntactic repetition enhancement effect in language-related brain regions. Similarly, the repetition of verbs led to repetition enhancement effects in areas related to lexical and semantic processing, an effect that continued to increase in a subset of these regions. Repetition enhancement might reflect a mechanism to build and strengthen a neural network to process novel syntactic structures and lexical items. By contrast, the observed repetition suppression points to overlapping neural mechanisms for native and new language constructions when these have sufficient structural similarities. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Acquiring a second language entails learning how to interpret novel words and relations between words, and to integrate them with existing language knowledge. To investigate the brain mechanisms involved in this particularly human skill, we combined an artificial language learning task with a syntactic repetition paradigm. We show that the repetition of novel syntactic structures, as well as words in contexts, leads to repetition enhancement, whereas repetition of known structures results in repetition suppression. We thus propose that repetition enhancement might reflect a brain mechanism to build and strengthen a neural network to process novel syntactic regularities and novel words. Importantly, the results also indicate an overlap in neural mechanisms for native and new language constructions with sufficient structural similarities.
A generative model for music transcription

In this paper, we present a graphical model for polyphonic music transcription. Our model, formulated as a dynamical Bayesian network, embodies a transparent and computationally tractable approach to this acoustic analysis problem. An advantage of our approach is that it places emphasis on explicitly modeling the sound generation procedure. It provides a clear framework in which both high level (cognitive) prior information on music structure can be coupled with low level (acoustic physical) information in a principled manner to perform the analysis. The model is a special case of the, generally intractable, switching Kalman filter model. Where possible, we derive, exact polynomial time inference procedures, and otherwise efficient approximations. We argue that our generative model based approach is computationally feasible for many music applications and is readily extensible to more general auditory scene analysis scenarios.
Specific mesenchymal/epithelial induction of olfactory receptor, vomeronasal, and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons

We asked whether specific mesenchymal/epithelial (M/E) induction generates olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), vomeronasal neurons (VRNs), and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, the major neuron classes associated with the olfactory epithelium (OE). To assess specificity of M/E‐mediated neurogenesis, we compared the influence of frontonasal mesenchyme on frontonasal epithelium, which becomes the OE, with that of the forelimb bud. Despite differences in position, morphogenetic and cytogenic capacity, both mesenchymal tissues support neurogenesis, expression of several signaling molecules and neurogenic transcription factors in the frontonasal epithelium. Only frontonasal mesenchyme, however, supports OE‐specific patterning and activity of a subset of signals and factors associated with OE differentiation. Moreover, only appropriate pairing of frontonasal epithelial and mesenchymal partners yields ORNs, VRNs, and GnRH neurons. Accordingly, the position and molecular identity of specialized frontonasal epithelia and mesenchyme early in gestation and subsequent inductive interactions specify the genesis and differentiation of peripheral chemosensory and neuroendocrine neurons. Developmental Dynamics 239:1723–1738, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Gene Family Derived from Transposable Elements during Early Angiosperm Evolution Has Reproductive Fitness Benefits in Arabidopsis thaliana

The benefits of ever-growing numbers of sequenced eukaryotic genomes will not be fully realized until we learn to decipher vast stretches of noncoding DNA, largely composed of transposable elements. Transposable elements persist through self-replication, but some genes once encoded by transposable elements have, through a process called molecular domestication, evolved new functions that increase fitness. Although they have conferred numerous adaptations, the number of such domesticated transposable element genes remains unknown, so their evolutionary and functional impact cannot be fully assessed. Systematic searches that exploit genomic signatures of natural selection have been employed to identify potential domesticated genes, but their predictions have yet to be experimentally verified. To this end, we investigated a family of domesticated genes called MUSTANG (MUG), identified in a previous bioinformatic search of plant genomes. We show that MUG genes are functional. Mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana MUG genes yield phenotypes with severely reduced plant fitness through decreased plant size, delayed flowering, abnormal development of floral organs, and markedly reduced fertility. MUG genes are present in all flowering plants, but not in any non-flowering plant lineages, such as gymnosperms, suggesting that the molecular domestication of MUG may have been an integral part of early angiosperm evolution. This study shows that systematic searches can be successful at identifying functional genetic elements in noncoding regions and demonstrates how to combine systematic searches with reverse genetics in a fruitful way to decipher eukaryotic genomes.
Heritability of and strong single gene (Pgi) effects on life‐history traits in the Glanville fritillary butterfly

We estimated broad‐sense heritabilities (H2) of 13 female and seven male life‐history traits of the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) under semi‐natural conditions in a large outdoor population cage. The analysis was based on full‐sib families collected as young larvae in the field and reared under common garden conditions. We found significant genetic variance in female lifespan, fecundity, number of matings and host‐plant preference as well as in male body mass and mobility. Apart from host‐plant preference, female traits that were more strongly correlated with lifetime reproductive success (LRS; measured as total number of eggs laid) had higher H2. LRS itself exhibited significant heritability. Host‐plant preference had very high H2, consistent with a previously reported genetically determined geographical cline in host‐plant preference in the study area. Lifespan and egg hatching rate were significantly associated with a SNP in the coding region of the Pgi gene, for which there is previous evidence for balancing selection. Selection on Pgi, which furthermore shows spatial and temporal variation, may maintain genetic variance in fitness‐related life‐history traits. In contrast, we found no strong evidence for life‐history trade‐offs.
Prediction Models for Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay After Cardiac Surgery: Systematic Review and Validation Study

Background— Several models have been developed to predict prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery. However, no extensive quantitative validation of these models has yet been conducted. This study sought to identify and validate existing prediction models for prolonged ICU length of stay after cardiac surgery. Methods and Results— After a systematic review of the literature, the identified models were applied on a large registry database comprising 11 395 cardiac surgical interventions. The probabilities of prolonged ICU length of stay based on the models were compared with the actual outcome to assess the discrimination and calibration performance of the models. Literature review identified 20 models, of which 14 could be included. Of the 6 models for the general cardiac surgery population, the Parsonnet model showed the best discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.75 [95% confidence interval, 0.73 to 0.76]), followed by the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) (0.71 [0.70 to 0.72]) and a model by Huijskes and colleagues (0.71 [0.70 to 0.73]). Most of the models showed good calibration. Conclusions— In this validation of prediction models for prolonged ICU length of stay, 2 widely implemented models (Parsonnet, EuroSCORE), although originally designed for prediction of mortality, were superior in identifying patients with prolonged ICU length of stay.
Incremental Social Learning Applied to a Decentralized Decision-Making Mechanism: Collective Learning Made Faster

Positive feedback and a consensus-building procedure are the key elements of a self-organized decision-making mechanism that allows a population of agents to collectively determine which of two actions is the fastest to execute. Such a mechanism can be seen as a collective learning algorithm because even though individual agents do not directly compare the available alternatives, the population is able to select the action that takes less time to perform, thus potentially improving the efficiency of the system. However, when a large population is involved, the time required to reach consensus on one of the available choices may render impractical such a decision-making mechanism. In this paper, we tackle this problem by applying the incremental social learning approach, which consists of a growing population size coupled with a social learning mechanism. The obtained experimental results show that by using the incremental social learning approach, the collective learning process can be accelerated substantially. The conditions under which this is true are described.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Anticaries Therapies Targeted according to Risk Assessment (Caries Management by Risk Assessment)

This randomized parallel group clinical trial assessed whether combined antibacterial and fluoride therapy benefits the balance between caries pathological and protective factors. Eligible, enrolled adults (n = 231), with 1–7 baseline cavitated teeth, attending a dental school clinic were randomly assigned to a control or intervention group. Salivary mutans streptococci (MS), lactobacilli (LB), fluoride (F) level, and resulting caries risk status (low or high) assays were determined at baseline and every 6 months. After baseline, all cavitated teeth were restored. An examiner masked to group conducted caries exams at baseline and 2 years after completing restorations. The intervention group used fluoride dentifrice (1,100 ppm F as NaF), 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate rinse based upon bacterial challenge (MS and LB), and 0.05% NaF rinse based upon salivary F. For the primary outcome, mean caries increment, no statistically significant difference was observed (24% difference between control and intervention groups, p = 0.101). However, the supplemental adjusted zero-inflated Poisson caries increment (change in DMFS) model showed the intervention group had a statistically significantly 24% lower mean than the control group (p = 0.020). Overall, caries risk reduced significantly in intervention versus control over 2 years (baseline adjusted generalized linear mixed models odds ratio, aOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 1.67, 7.13). Change in MS bacterial challenge differed significantly between groups (aOR = 6.70; 95% CI: 2.96, 15.13) but not for LB or F. Targeted antibacterial and fluoride therapy based on salivary microbial and fluoride levels favorably altered the balance between pathological and protective caries risk factors.
EFFECT OF INDUCED HETEROPHORIA ON DISTANCE STEREOACUITY BY USING THE HOWARD-DOLMAN TEST

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of induced esophoria and exophoria on distance stereoacuity at 6 meters Methods: Fifty subjects with distance corrected or uncorrected visual acuity of 6 /6 and orthophoria without history of amblyopia, strabismus or any ocular pathology were recruited and distance stereoacuity was measured by Howard-dolman test before and after introducing 2, 4, 6 and 8Δ base in and base out to induce esophoria and exophoria, respectively. Results: Although the decrease in stereoacuity was not significant by introducing 2Δ base in prism (P=0.062), but it was significant statistically by introducing 4 and 6Δ base in (P=0.002, P=0.026, respectively) and 2, 4, 6, 8Δ base out (P=0.042, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively) prisms compared with orthophoric position. There was no significant difference between stereoacuity in 2Δ and 4Δ induced esophoria with 2Δ and 4Δ induced exophoria (P=0.696, P=0.677, respectively), but 6Δ induced esophoria decreased stereoacuity more than induced exophoria of the same amount (P=0.007). Conclusion: Induced heterophoria at distance of 6 meters reduced stereoacuity measured by modified Howard-Dolman test. Greater than 4Δ of induced esophoria had statically and clinically adverse effect on distance stereoacuity.
Spatial and Temporal Hot Spots of Aedes albopictus Abundance inside and outside a South European Metropolitan Area

Aedes albopictus is a tropical invasive species which in the last decades spread worldwide, also colonizing temperate regions of Europe and US, where it has become a public health concern due to its ability to transmit exotic arboviruses, as well as severe nuisance problems due to its aggressive daytime outdoor biting behaviour. While several studies have been carried out in order to predict the potential limits of the species expansions based on eco-climatic parameters, few studies have so far focused on the specific effects of these variables in shaping its micro-geographic abundance and dynamics. The present study investigated eco-climatic factors affecting Ae. albopictus abundance and dynamics in metropolitan and sub-urban/rural sites in Rome (Italy), which was colonized in 1997 and is nowadays one of the most infested metropolitan areas in Southern Europe. To this aim, longitudinal adult monitoring was carried out along a 70 km-transect across and beyond the most urbanized and densely populated metropolitan area. Two fine scale spatiotemporal datasets (one with reference to a 20m circular buffer around sticky traps used to collect mosquitoes and the second to a 300m circular buffer within each sampling site) were exploited to analyze the effect of climatic and socio-environmental variables on Ae. albopictus abundance and dynamics along the transect. Results showed an association between highly anthropized habitats and high adult abundance both in metropolitan and sub-urban/rural areas, with “small green islands” corresponding to hot spots of abundance in the metropolitan areas only, and a bimodal seasonal dynamics with a second peak of abundance in autumn, due to heavy rains occurring in the preceding weeks in association with permissive temperatures. The results provide useful indications to prioritize public mosquito control measures in temperate urban areas where nuisance, human-mosquito contact and risk of local arbovirus transmission are likely higher, and highlight potential public health risks also after the summer months typically associated with high mosquito densities.
Candidate genes for nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate and maternal cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption: evaluation of genotype-environment interactions from a population-based case-control study of orofacial clefts.

Previous studies suggest that the relationship between genes and nonsyndromic cleft lip +/- cleft palate (CLP) or cleft palate only (CP) may be modified by the environment. Using data from a population-based case-control study, we examined allelic variants for three genes, i.e., transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA), transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFB3), and Msh (Drosophila) homeobox homolog 1 (MSX1), and their interactions with two exposures during pregnancy (maternal cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption) as risk factors for CLP and CP. For each cleft phenotype, risk estimates associated with most allelic variants tended to be near unity. Risk estimates for maternal smoking (> or = 10 cigarettes/day) were significantly elevated for CP and were most elevated among infants with allelic variants at the TGFB3 or MSX1 sites. By comparison, risk estimates for maternal alcohol consumption (> or = 4 drinks/month) were significantly elevated for CLP and were most elevated among infants with allelic variants at the MSX1 site. Our results suggest that development of CLP and CP may be influenced independently by maternal exposures but more significantly by interaction of such exposures and specific allelic variants.
Production Scheduling in Complex Job Shops from an Industry 4.0 Perspective: A Review and Challenges in the Semiconductor Industry

On the one hand, Industrie 4.0 has recently emerged as the keyword for increasing productivity in the 21st century. On the other hand, production scheduling in a Complex Job Shop (CJS) environment, such as wafer fabrication facilities, has drawn interest of researchers dating back to the 1950s [65, 18]. Although both research areas overlap, there seems to be very little interchange of ideas. This review presents and assesses production scheduling techniques in complex job shops from an Industrie 4.0 perspective. Based on the literature review, the authors’ experience in the semiconductor industry and feedback and discussions with industry experts, this paper identifies challenges in production control. We identify four future directions: Decentralization and autonomous decisions, flexibility and adaptability, integration and networking and human aspects in an environment with rising complexity. While this review and certain challenges are motivated by semiconductor fabrication plants, the paper serves as a general overview of the state-of-the-art in job shop scheduling. ∗corresponding author Experts from the companies Infineon Technologies AG and Elmos Semiconductor AG. CCS Concepts •Applied computing → Multi-criterion optimization and decision-making; Computer-aided manufacturing; Industry and manufacturing; •Computing methodologies → Machine learning;