Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contextual picking of volumetric structures

This paper presents a novel method for the interactive identification of contextual interest points within volumetric data by picking on a direct volume rendered image. In clinical diagnostics the points of interest are often located in the center of anatomical structures. In order to derive the volumetric position which allows a convenient examination of the intended structure, the system automatically extracts contextual meta information from the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) images and the setup of the medical workstation. Along a viewing ray for a volumetric picking, the ray profile is analyzed for structures which are similar to predefined templates from a knowledge base. We demonstrate with our results that the obtained position in 3D can be utilized to highlight a structure in 2D slice views, to interactively calculate centerlines of tubular objects, or to place labels at contextually-defined volumetric positions.
Triplet Similarity Embedding for Face Verification

In this work, we present an unconstrained face verification algorithm and evaluate it on the recently released IJB-A dataset that aims to push the boundaries of face verification methods. The proposed algorithm couples a deep CNN-based approach with a low-dimensional discriminative embedding learnt using triplet similarity constraints in a large margin fashion. Aside from yielding performance improvement, this embedding provides significant advantages in terms of memory and post-processing operations like hashing and visualization. Experiments on the IJB-A dataset show that the proposed algorithm outperforms state of the art methods in verification and identification metrics, while requiring less training time.
Influence of temperature variability on physiological, hematological and biochemical profiles of growing and adult Karan Fries cattle

In order to observe, the effect of temperature variability on physiological, hematological and biochemical profile, six each of growing and adult Sahiwal cattle were selected from cattle yard of NDRI, Karnal, India. Experiments were conducted during hot humid (32.00±0.30 0 C and RH 86.30 %), winter (11.0±0.30 0 C and RH 85.00%), spring (23.00±0.50 0 C and RH 45.00%) and summer (39.00±0.60 0 C and RH37.70 %) seasons. The fluctuations were observed in RR and RT of growing and adult Sahiwal cattle during different seasons in morning. The magnitude of increase in RR and ST was found to be higher during hot humid season compared to summer over the spring season. All the physiological parameters showed significantly higher values during afternoon compared to forenoon values in growing and adult Sahiwal cattle. Hematological parameters viz. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were higher during winter season than other seasons, whereas WBC levels were lower during summer as compared to spring season in both groups of animals. Higher (P<0.05) levels of cortisol was found during summer (8.91ng/ml) over spring (1.92ng/ml). The plasma enzymes viz ALT, AST, ALP and LDH increased (P<0.05) during summer over spring season. Different physiological and biochemical parameters showed positive correlation (P<0.05), whereas hematological parameters showed negative correlation (P<0.05) with Tmax and Temperature Humidity Index (THI). Results of the present study indicated significant deviations in different physiological, hematological and biochemical profile different seasons in both growing and adults Sahiwal cattle. But the deviations in these parameters were more pronounced in growing animals than adult cattle during afternoon than morning. Therefore, the growing animals need extra protection from extreme heat.
X-Ray Spectroscopy of II Pegasi: Coronal Temperature Structure, Abundances, and Variability

We have obtained high-resolution X-ray spectra of the coronally active binary II Pegasi (HD 224085), covering the wavelength range of 1.5-25 Å. For the first half of our 44 ks observation, the source was in a quiescent state with constant X-ray flux, after which it flared, reaching twice the quiescent flux in 12 ks, then decreased. We analyze the emission-line spectrum and continuum during quiescent and flaring states. The differential emission measure derived from lines fluxes shows a hot corona with a continuous distribution in temperature. During the nonflare state, the distribution peaks near log T = 7.2, and when flaring, it peaks near 7.6. High-temperature lines are enhanced slightly during the flare, but most of the change occurs in the continuum. Coronal abundance anomalies are apparent, with iron very deficient relative to oxygen and significantly weaker than expected from photospheric measurements, while neon is enhanced relative to oxygen. We find no evidence of appreciable resonant scattering optical depth in line ratios of iron and oxygen. The flare light curve is consistent with solar two-ribbon flare models but with a very long reconnection time constant of about 65 ks. We infer loop lengths of about 0.05 to about 0.25 stellar radii in the flare, if the flare emission originated from a single, low-density loop.
Planning to Teach with Digital Tools: Introducing the Interactive Whiteboard to Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers.

Teaching is a complex endeavour that requires teachers to meld knowledge about the nature of learners, pedagogical strategies and discipline content. In recent years an increasing variety of educational technologies are finding their way into the school classroom, including the widespread acceptance of interactive whiteboards (IWBs). The emerging literature on IWB use is mixed, with no clear verdict on the merits of this technology in relation to teaching or student learning outcomes. However, as this equipment is fast becoming standard in a growing number of classrooms, it is important for pre-service teachers to be familiar with its features, potential difficulties and to have had experience in developing lesson activities that utilise the technology. This study examines the lesson activities developed by a group (n=13) of final year undergraduate secondary mathematics pre-service teachers. The analysis is guided by the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) framework of Mishra and Koehler (2006). The study reveals that the pre-service teachers were able to plan effectively to integrate IWB features within their mathematical lessons and demonstrated developing TPCK as a result. They found that the primary benefits of the technology related to its potential to engage students with varied visual representations and virtual manipulatives which can aid conceptual understanding.
Influence of genetic architecture on contemporary local evolution in the soapberry bug, Jadera haematoloma: artificial selection on beak length

Little is known about the influence of genetic architecture on local adaptation. We investigated the genetic architecture of the rapid contemporary evolution of mouthparts, the flight polymorphism and life history traits in the soapberry bug Jadera haematoloma (Hemiptera) using laboratory selection. The mouthparts of these seed‐feeding bugs have adapted in 40–50 years by decreasing in length following novel natural selection induced by a host switch to the seeds of an introduced tree with smaller fruits than those of the native host vine. Laboratory selection on beak length in both an ancestral population feeding on the native host and a derived population feeding on the introduced host reveals genetic variance allowing a rapid response (heritabilities of 0.51–0.87) to selection for either longer or shorter beaks. This selection resulted in reverse evolution by restoring long beaks in the derived population and forward evolution by re‐creating short beaks in the ancestral bugs. There were strong genetic correlations (0.68–0.84) in both populations between beak lengths and the frequency of flight morphs, with short beaks associated with short wings. The results reveal a genetically interrelated set of adaptive multivariate traits including both beak length and flight morph. This suite of traits reflects host plant patchiness and seeding phenology. Weaker evidence suggests that egg mass and early egg production may be elements of the same suite. Reversible or forward evolution thus may occur in a broad set of genetically correlated multivariate traits undergoing rapid contemporary adaptation to altered local environments.
The histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid induces apoptosis, down-regulates the CXCR4 chemokine receptor and impairs migration of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a neoplastic disorder that arises largely as a result of defective apoptosis leading to chemoresistance. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 and its receptor, CXCR4, have been shown to play an important role in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell trafficking and survival. Design and Methods Since histone acetylation is involved in the modulation of gene expression, we evaluated the effects of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, on chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and in particular on cell survival, CXCR4 expression, migration, and drug sensitization. Results Here, we showed that treatment with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (20 μM) for 48 hours induced a decrease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell viability via apoptosis (n=20, P=0.0032). Using specific caspase inhibitors, we demonstrated the participation of caspases-3, -6 and -8, suggesting an activation of the extrinsic pathway. Additionally, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid significantly decreased CXCR4 mRNA (n=10, P=0.0010) and protein expression (n=40, P<0.0001). As a result, chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell migration in response to stromal cell-derived factor-1 (n=23, P<0.0001) or through bone marrow stromal cells was dramatically impaired. Consequently, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid reduced the protective effect of the microenvironment and thus sensitized chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells to chemotherapy such as fludarabine. Conclusions In conclusion, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid induces apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells via the extrinsic pathway and down-regulates CXCR4 expression leading to decreased cell migration. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid in combination with other drugs represents a promising therapeutic approach to inhibiting migration, chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell survival and potentially overcoming drug resistance.
Overview of trends in advanced composite research and applications in Japan

Recent research activities in advanced composites technologies conducted in Japan are reviewed and introduced. New research topics in reinforcing fibers described are low modulus pitch-based carbon fiber and PBO fiber. The second of these is very topical at the present time: nano-technology based composites use materials such as carbon nanotube, or carbon nano-fiber, or nanoclay. Because the Composites Technology Center in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) leads many new research fields in composites, the present review paper shows a slight bias towards the outputs of JAXA. The most remarkable outcome in this field at present is a compression strength improvement by loading cup-stack type carbon nano-fiber (CSCNF). Prepreg containing this CSCNF has been developed and has already been rerleased into the market. The third topic is related to newly developed high performance polymers including heat resistant polyimide, Tri A-PI and its family. The most recent product is a heat resistant polyimide that is highly soluble in some organic solvents; this material is suitable for preparation of imide wet prepreg. Composites fabricated through this prepreg route exhibit no voids and defects compared to the traditional amid-acid polyimide prepreg route. Another new topic in polymers is related to Japan's national project, radiation cure polymers and their processing. Electron beam cure, ultra-violet cure and visual light cure resins and their processing technologies have been developed in this national project. The next topic is a development of the low cost composites technology mainly for aircraft components. JAXA's activities related to this field are introduced first based on two new key technologies — Z-anchor® and stitching. New findings about the mechanism of interlaminar reinforcement by stitching are slightly focused. Finally, remarkable theoretical findings about composite mechanics in recent years are described. A clarification of mechanics of compression after impact behavior by using a newly developed cohesive zone element is reviewed first in this category. Matrix crack growth theories in the laminae adjacent to the initially cracked layer are introduced next where a motivation of this research is a cryogenic composite tank for future space transportation systems. The final topic is a development of the theory of structural health monitoring by using small diameter FBG sensor. By an evolution of these theories structural health monitoring has almost reached the level of practical applications.
The Carpentier-Edwards Classic and Physio mitral annuloplasty rings: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical and echocardiographic outcomes for the semi-flexible Carpentier-Edwards Physio and the rigid Classic mitral annuloplasty ring. METHODS Ninety-six patients were randomized for either a Classic (n = 53) or a Physio (n = 43) ring from October 1995 through July 1997. Mean follow-up was 5.1 years (range .1-6.6). We included standard patient characteristics at baseline and during follow-up. Analyses were adjusted for age and gender, and for factors that differed across groups at baseline. In 2002, echocardiography was performed in 74% of the survivors. RESULTS We found a 16% difference in mortality: 14% in the Physio group (n = 6) and 30% in the Classic group (n = 16) (adjusted P = .41). Life table analysis shows that the absolute risk of death after 30 months is lower in the Physio group. Intra-operative repair failure occurred in 3 patients (6%) of the Classic group, and in 4 (9%) of the Physio group, resulting in mitral valve replacement. Late failure occurred in 1 patient (2%) in the Classic group, and in 4 (9%) in the Physio group. At follow-up, left ventricular function did not differ across groups (ejection fraction 45% and 48% (adjusted P = .65)). The combined NYHA class III-IV had improved for the Classic group in 42% and for the Physio group in 34%. CONCLUSION Although the 16% difference in mortality did not reach statistical significance, it is considered clinically important. No differences in morbidity, valve function, and left ventricular function were found. Further research to explain the difference in mortality is required.
Coxsackie B4 virus infection of β cells and natural killer cell insulitis in recent-onset type 1 diabetic patients

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by T cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells. Several studies have suggested an association between Coxsackie enterovirus seroconversion and onset of disease. However, a direct link between β cell viral infection and islet inflammation has not been established. We analyzed pancreatic tissue from six type 1 diabetic and 26 control organ donors. Immunohistochemical, electron microscopy, whole-genome ex vivo nucleotide sequencing, cell culture, and immunological studies demonstrated Coxsackie B4 enterovirus in specimens from three of the six diabetic patients. Infection was specific of β cells, which showed nondestructive islet inflammation mediated mainly by natural killer cells. Islets from enterovirus-positive samples displayed reduced insulin secretion in response to glucose and other secretagogues. In addition, virus extracted from positive islets was able to infect β cells from human islets of nondiabetic donors, causing viral inclusions and signs of pyknosis. None of the control organ donors showed signs of viral infection. These studies provide direct evidence that enterovirus can infect β cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and that infection is associated with inflammation and functional impairment.
Locality Aware Skip Graph

Skip Graph, as a distributed hash table (DHT) based data structure, plays a key role in peer-to-peer (P2P) storage systems, distributed online social networks, search engines, and several DHT-based applications. In the Skip Graph structure, node identifiers define the connectivity. However, traditional identifier assignment algorithms do not consider the Skip Graph nodes' locations. Neglecting the nodes' localities in the identifier assignments results in high end-to-end latency in the overlay network which negatively affects the overall system performance. In this paper, we propose a method to assign the Skip Graph node identifiers considering their location information and make the nodes locality aware. In the proposed dynamic and fully decentralized algorithm, named DPAD, instead of assigning node identifiers uniformly at random, locality aware identifiers will be assigned to the nodes at their arrival to the system based on their distances to some super-nodes named landmarks. We define locality awareness as the similarity of the distances between the nodes in the overlay and underlay networks. Performance analysis results show that DPAD algorithm provides about 82% improvement in the locality awareness of node identifiers and about 40% improvement in the search query end-to-end latency, compared to the best known static and dynamic algorithms.
An econometric model for resource management in competitive wireless data networks

This article investigates the role and importance of the economic aspects that are vital to the success of wireless services deployment and provider selection by users in a competitive environment. We show how some of the econometric measures can meaningfully capture the user decisions/actions (e.g., churning) that can potentially be utilized by the providers in managing radio resources (e.g., bandwidth) in wireless data networks. In particular, by modeling the interaction between a service provider and its customers (or users) as a non-cooperative game, we propose a novel cross-layer resource management framework for integrated admission and rate control in CDMA networks. Analytical and simulation results demonstrate how the proposed framework can help minimize customer churning and maximize revenue for the wireless operators, yet optimizing customer satisfaction by providing differentiated quality of service to different classes of users.
Trust and the Reference Point for Trustworthiness in Gulf and Western Countries

Why is private investment so low in Gulf compared to Western countries? We investigate cross-regional differences in trust and reference points for trustworthiness as possible factors. Experiments controlling for cross-regional differences in institutions and beliefs about trustworthiness reveal that Gulf citizens pay much more than Westerners to avoid trusting, and hardly respond when returns to trusting change. These differences can be explained by subjects’ gain/loss utility relative to their region’s reference point for trustworthiness. The relation-based production of trust in the Gulf induces higher levels of trustworthiness, albeit within groups, than the rule-based interactions prevalent in the West.
Automated analysis of P3P-enabled Web sites

The Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P) provides a standard computer-readable format for privacy policies and a protocol that enables web browsers to read and process these policies automatically. We developed software to query a set of web sites for P3P policies, check the validity of each policy, and analyze the information practices it describes. We used this software to analyze 588 P3P-enabled web sites found by checking for P3P policies on 5,856 web sites on 17 July 2003. The sites we checked for P3P policies were taken from several lists of popular web sites, as well as from "crawling" indexes of shopping, news, children's and government web sites. We present the first major analysis of the data practices of P3P-enabled web sites.
Streaming and congestion control using scalable video coding based on H.264/AVC

This paper presents a streaming system using scalable video coding based on H.264/AVC. The system provides a congestion control algorithm supported by channel bandwidth estimation of the client. It uses retransmission only for packets of the base layer to disburden the congested network. The bandwidth estimation allows for adjusting the transmission rate quickly to the current available bandwidth of the network. Compared to binomial congestion control, the proposed system allows for shorter start-up times and data rate adaptation. The paper describes the components of this streaming system and the results of experiments showing that the proposed approach works effectively for streaming video.
Mutation analysis of 18 nephronophthisis associated ciliopathy disease genes using a DNA pooling and next generation sequencing strategy

Background Nephronophthisis associated ciliopathies (NPHP-AC) comprise a group of autosomal recessive cystic kidney diseases that includes nephronophthisis (NPHP), Senior-Loken syndrome (SLS), Joubert syndrome (JBTS), and Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MKS). To date, causative mutations in NPHP-AC have been described for 18 different genes, rendering mutation analysis tedious and expensive. To overcome the broad genetic locus heterogeneity, a strategy of DNA pooling with consecutive massively parallel resequencing (MPR) was devised. Methods In 120 patients with severe NPHP-AC phenotypes, five pools of genomic DNA with 24 patients each were prepared which were used as templates in order to PCR amplify all 376 exons of 18 NPHP-AC genes (NPHP1, INVS, NPHP3, NPHP4, IQCB1, CEP290, GLIS2, RPGRIP1L, NEK8, TMEM67, INPP5E, TMEM216, AHI1, ARL13B, CC2D2A, TTC21B, MKS1, and XPNPEP3). PCR products were then subjected to MPR on an Illumina Genome-Analyser and mutations were subsequently assigned to their respective mutation carrier via CEL I endonuclease based heteroduplex screening and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results For proof of principle, DNA from patients with known mutations was used and detection of 22 out of 24 different alleles (92% sensitivity) was demonstrated. MPR led to the molecular diagnosis in 30/120 patients (25%) and 54 pathogenic mutations (27 novel) were identified in seven different NPHP-AC genes. Additionally, in 24 patients only single heterozygous variants of unknown significance were found. Conclusions The combined approach of DNA pooling followed by MPR strongly facilitates mutation analysis in broadly heterogeneous single gene disorders. The lack of mutations in 75% of patients in this cohort indicates further extensive heterogeneity in NPHP-AC.