Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Task-based detectability in CT image reconstruction by filtered backprojection and penalized likelihood estimation.

PURPOSE Nonstationarity is an important aspect of imaging performance in CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT), especially for systems employing iterative reconstruction. This work presents a theoretical framework for both filtered-backprojection (FBP) and penalized-likelihood (PL) reconstruction that includes explicit descriptions of nonstationary noise, spatial resolution, and task-based detectability index. Potential utility of the model was demonstrated in the optimal selection of regularization parameters in PL reconstruction. METHODS Analytical models for local modulation transfer function (MTF) and noise-power spectrum (NPS) were investigated for both FBP and PL reconstruction, including explicit dependence on the object and spatial location. For FBP, a cascaded systems analysis framework was adapted to account for nonstationarity by separately calculating fluence and system gains for each ray passing through any given voxel. For PL, the point-spread function and covariance were derived using the implicit function theorem and first-order Taylor expansion according to Fessler ["Mean and variance of implicitly defined biased estimators (such as penalized maximum likelihood): Applications to tomography," IEEE Trans. Image Process. 5(3), 493-506 (1996)]. Detectability index was calculated for a variety of simple tasks. The model for PL was used in selecting the regularization strength parameter to optimize task-based performance, with both a constant and a spatially varying regularization map. RESULTS Theoretical models of FBP and PL were validated in 2D simulated fan-beam data and found to yield accurate predictions of local MTF and NPS as a function of the object and the spatial location. The NPS for both FBP and PL exhibit similar anisotropic nature depending on the pathlength (and therefore, the object and spatial location within the object) traversed by each ray, with the PL NPS experiencing greater smoothing along directions with higher noise. The MTF of FBP is isotropic and independent of location to a first order approximation, whereas the MTF of PL is anisotropic in a manner complementary to the NPS. Task-based detectability demonstrates dependence on the task, object, spatial location, and smoothing parameters. A spatially varying regularization "map" designed from locally optimal regularization can improve overall detectability beyond that achievable with the commonly used constant regularization parameter. CONCLUSIONS Analytical models for task-based FBP and PL reconstruction are predictive of nonstationary noise and resolution characteristics, providing a valuable framework for understanding and optimizing system performance in CT and CBCT.
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale With a Young Adolescent Population: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D) was developed to assess the population prevalence of depression. The CES–D was developed and normed on an adult population. Since the CES–D's publication, various studies have both used and psychometrically assessed the scale for older adolescent populations. However, we found no report of the CES–D's psychometric properties for young adolescent populations. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the CES–D with a large, young adolescent population that also included members of a number of different ethnic groups. We tested 12 models previously supported by factor analyses. Radloff's (1977) four-factor model (Depressed Affect, Positive Affect, Somatic Complaints, Interpersonal) was supported if the item "I felt that everything I did was an effort" is deleted, as this item has characteristics that are quite problematic in both the present data and in past data from adolescents. Second-order and hierarchical factor analyses fit the data well but suggested that Depressed Affect could not be distinguished from the General Depression factor. Given the high correlations among the four first-order factors, the standard scoring of the CES–D for one total score is justified.
Comparison between the use of surface and volume conductivity to compute potential distribution along an insulator in presence of a thin conductive layer

This paper describes a comparative study on the modeling of a thin conductive dielectric layer usually found on polluted or ice-covered insulators. Two different approaches such as those offered by most FEM commercial software were studied. The first one is a volume approach which takes into account the thickness of the thin layer. The second is the surface approach where the thin layer is treated as a specific boundary condition. Simulations were performed using the FEM commercial software Comsol Multiphysics® that allows both volume and surface approaches. Parameters such as conductivity and permittivity of the thin layer as well as the number of elements used are studied both in 2D axisymmetric and 3D modeling. The results obtained demonstrated that the surface approach is the best solution as it provides the same results as the volume approach but with 3 times less elements required for the mesh. The surface approach should then be considered for 3D complex problems where thin conductive dielectric layer is present.
Motion planning of intelligent manipulation by a parallel two-fingered gripper equipped with a simple rotating mechanism

This paper focuses on motion planning of a manipulator equipped with a parallel two-fingered gripper to execute a primitive task, i.e., moving an object to a goal pose. In a complex situation, the goal cannot be achieved in a single grasp, We propose a new, realistic approach to achieve the complex goal. In this approach, the goal can be reached by intelligent manipulations, which are planned by intelligently selecting and combining simple manipulations. This paper describes a method of motion planning of intelligent manipulations consisting of picking, placing, sliding, and rotating manipulations by a parallel two-fingered gripper. The rotating manipulation by gravity has been realized by a new small and simple mechanism we have developed and attached to a parallel two-fingered gripper. This system plans motions by adaptively selecting and combining these four simple manipulations to achieve the goal. We describe the implementation including motion planning for rotating manipulations, a searching algorithm, results of our application and the validity of this system.
The SDN controller placement problem for WAN

Large networks are always partitioned into several small networks when deploying software defined networking (SDN). The network partitioning with SDN control planes open many unanswered questions such as latency, reliability, and load balancing. This paper opens the investigation by focusing on two specific questions: given a wide-area network topology, how to partition it into several small SDN domains, and where should the controller go in each SDN domain? To answer these questions, we propose a novel approach to efficiently and accurately evaluate SDN controller placement problem for WAN. This approach uses the Spectral Clustering placement algorithm to partition a large network into several small SDN domains. After presenting our metrics of the SDN controller placement problem, we evaluate our approach using the Internet2 topology and other available WAN topologies. For testing purposes we developed a new framework to test the SDN controller in WAN. The results show its effectiveness for the SDN controller placement problem.
Isolation of a cellular factor that can reactivate latent HIV-1 without T cell activation

HIV-1 latency in resting CD4+ T cells represents a major barrier to virus eradication in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Eliminating the latent HIV-1 reservoir may require the reactivation of viral gene expression in latently infected cells. Most approaches for reactivating latent HIV-1 require nonspecific T cell activation, which has potential toxicity. To identify factors for reactivating latent HIV-1 without inducing global T cell activation, we performed a previously undescribed unbiased screen for genes that could activate transcription from the HIV-1 LTR in an NF-κB-independent manner, and isolated an alternatively spliced form of the transcription factor Ets-1, ΔVII-Ets-1. ΔVII-Ets-1 activated HIV-1 transcription through 2 conserved regions in the LTR, and reactivated latent HIV-1 in cells from patients on HAART without causing significant T cell activation. Our results highlight the therapeutic potential of cellular factors for the reactivation of latent HIV-1 and provide an efficient approach for their identification.
Pixel-Parallel 3-D Integrated CMOS Image Sensors With Pulse Frequency Modulation A/D Converters Developed by Direct Bonding of SOI Layers

We have developed for the first time a 3-D integrated CMOS image sensor with pixel-parallel analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Photodiode (PD) and inverter layers are prepared on separate silicon-on-insulator layers and directly bonded with damascened Au electrodes. The handle layer is then removed by grinding and XeF2 vapor phase etching to expose the PD surface. The developed process is suitable for pixelwise interconnection because it allows the damascened Au electrodes to be 1 μm in diameter or less. An ADC circuit is designed based on pulse frequency modulation where pulses are generated proportional to the illumination intensity, and contains a PD, inverters, a reset transistor, and counters. A prototype 3-D integrated CMOS image sensor is also developed with 64 pixels, which acquires video images without pixel defects. A wide dynamic range of >80 dB is confirmed for the incident light intensity. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of pixel-level 3-D integration for high-performance CMOS image sensors.
Corporate Reputations: Should You Compete on Yours?

While all companies would like a better corporate reputation, many are not sure what it takes to create a good reputation and others are not sure that they should use their good reputation to compete in their various markets. Mimicking the behavior of respected companies does not provide a reliable resolution to these dilemmas. This article presents a framework to help managers create a better corporate reputation for their organization and assist them in deciding whether to use this as a primary basis for competition. The article also exposes some of the main costs for an organization that decides to compete on its corporate reputation.
EXPERIMENTAL VISUALIZATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF VITREOUS CONTAMINATION FOLLOWING INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS

Purpose: To detect and quantify vitreous contamination after intravitreal injection using an experimental vitreous contamination model. Methods: Enucleated porcine eyes served as a Type 1 experimental vitreous contamination model with fluoresbrite carboxylate microspheres applied to the conjunctival surface. Saline solution (0.05 mL) was injected using a 27-, 30-, or 32-gauge (G) needle. Injection procedures were monitored using an intraocular fiber catheter. Condensed microspheres were applied to an excised sheet of porcine sclera (Type 2 experimental vitreous contamination model). Saline solution (0.05 mL) was injected from the top of an applied condensed microsphere through the sclera using a needle of one of the aforementioned gauges, and samples were then collected. The fluorescence strength of samples was measured using fluorophotometry. Results: We visually detected fluorescent microspheres in 10/10, 9/10, and 9/10 eyes injected with 27-G, 30-G, and 32-G needles, respectively. In the experimental quantification study, values at all needle gauges were significantly higher than those of controls (P < 0.01). Fluorescence strength was significantly higher in the 27-G group than in the 30- (P < 0.01) and 32-G (P < 0.01) groups. Conclusion: Intravitreal injection carries the risk of introducing contamination directly into the eyes even when a 32-G needle is used. Furthermore, the 27-G needle carries the highest contamination risk.
Isoflurane Inhalation after Induction of Endotoxemia in Rats Attenuates the Systemic Cytokine Response

Background/Aims: Volatile anesthetics are frequently utilized in clinical routine. Isoflurane has been shown to attenuate the response to inflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) when administered before induction of endotoxemia. We aimed therefore to evaluate the effect of isoflurane after administration of LPS on the cytokine release as a therapeutic option. Materials and Methods:21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: animals that received LPS (5 mg/kg, i.v.) without further intervention (LPS group), animals that received continuous inhalation of 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane 15 min after administration of LPS (Iso group) and no specific intervention (sham group). Four hours following LPS injection, plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and IL-10 were determined. Furthermore, nitrite release from cultured alveolar macrophages was analyzed. Results: Inhalation of isoflurane after induction of endotoxemia attenuated the release of TNF-α (–52%, p < 0.05) and IL-1β (–39%, p < 0.05) as compared to the LPS group, while IL-6 and IL-10 levels were not significantly altered. Nitrite release was significantly increased in the Iso group as compared to the LPS group (+115%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Inhalation of 1 MAC isoflurane after induction of endotoxemia in rats attenuates the systemic release of proinflammatory cytokines and concurrently enhances the production of nitrite in cultured alveolar macrophages.
Mutation screening of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene: positive association of a functional polymorphism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine if polymorphisms of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene are associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography was used to screen the MIF gene in 32 UK Caucasian controls and 88 UK Caucasian JIA patients. Ninety-two healthy UK Caucasian controls were then genotyped for each of the polymorphic positions identified. A panel of 526 UK Caucasian JIA patients and 259 UK Caucasian controls were subsequently genotyped for a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified in the 5'-flanking region of the gene, using SNaPshot ddNTP primer extension and capillary electrophoresis. The functional significance of this polymorphism was also studied using luciferase-based reporter gene assays in human T lymphoblast and epithelial cell lines. RESULTS A tetranucleotide repeat CATT((5-7)) beginning at nucleotide position -794 and 3 SNPs at positions -173 (G to C), +254 (T to C), and +656 (C to G) of the MIF gene were identified. No JIA-specific mutations were found. Allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between the controls and the JIA patients for the MIF-173 polymorphism. Individuals possessing a MIF-173*C allele had an increased risk of JIA (34.8% versus 21.6%) (odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.4-2.7; P = 0.0002). Furthermore, the MIF-173* G and C variants resulted in altered expression of MIF in a cell type-specific manner. Serum levels of MIF were also significantly higher in individuals who carried a MIF-173*C allele (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION The -173-MIF*C allele confers increased risk of susceptibility to JIA. Our data suggest a cell type-specific regulation of MIF, which may be central to understanding its role in inflammation.
Traditional posterior load carriage: effects of load mass and size on torso kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity and movement stability

Traditional posterior load carriage (PLC), done without the use of an assistive device (e.g. backpack), has been associated with low back pain (LBP) development. This study evaluated the effects of important task demands, related to load mass and size, on potential mechanisms linking traditional PLC with LBP. Nine healthy participants completed PLC tasks with three load masses (20%, 35% and 50% of individual body mass) and three load sizes (small, medium and large). Torso kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity and slip risk were evaluated during PLC on a walkway, and torso movement stability was quantified during PLC on a treadmill. Increasing load mass caused increased torso flexion, L5/S1 flexion moment, abdominal muscle activity and torso movement stability in the frontal plane. Increasing load size also caused higher torso flexion, peak torso angular velocity and acceleration, and abdominal muscle activity. Complex interactive effects of load mass and size were found on paraspinal muscle activity and slip risk. Specific task demands, related to load mass and size, may thus influence the risk of LBP during PLC. Practitioner Summary: This study examined the effects of load mass and size on low back pain (LBP) risk using intermediary measures derived from torso kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity. Our current findings, along with earlier work, suggest that load mass and size can influence LBP risk, and that use of smaller and light loads may be beneficial during PLC.
Identification of a signal in a murine retrovirus that is sufficient for packaging of nonretroviral RNA into virions

A region near the 5' end of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) is required for packaging of viral RNA into virions. Retroviral vectors based on MoMLV have been constructed that are also efficiently packaged into virions despite removal of most of the interior region of the parental virus. To further localize sequences which are sufficient for packaging, we inserted various fragments from an MoMLV-based retroviral vector into a nonretroviral transcription unit, transfected these constructs into retrovirus-packaging cells, and measured packaging of RNA transcribed from these constructs into virions. Transcripts from some of these constructs were packaged at least as well as those from the parental vector or MoMLV itself. Sequences extending into the gag region, but not the long terminal repeat or tRNA-binding sequences, were required for efficient RNA packaging. RNAs transcribed from constructs which did not contain an insert, or in which the orientation of the insert was reversed, were not packaged at detectable levels. These studies define sequences which are necessary and sufficient for encapsidation of murine leukemia virus RNA into virions.
Effects of an Fe-doped GaN Buffer in AlGaN/GaN Power HEMTs on Si Substrate

AlGaN/GaN power high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with a Fe-doped GaN buffer on a Si substrate were presented for high power switching applications. In order to investigate the effects of an Fe-doped GaN buffer on device characteristics, HEMT devices with an Fe-doped GaN buffer on Si were fabricated alongside with the conventional devices utilizing an unintentionally doped (UID) GaN buffer on Si, and their device characteristics were compared. It was shown that the AlGaN/GaN HEMT with a conventional structure was not suitable for realizing a high breakdown voltage (BV) due to the unstable off-state breakdown behavior. On the other hand, the AlGaN/GaN HEMT with a Fe-doped GaN buffer on Si exhibited much more stable and higher BVs by successfully suppressing the premature failure caused by Si breakdown. As a result, a BV of 295 V and the specific on-resistance (ARDS(ON) ) of 2.44 mOmegacm2 was achieved
Emotional Mimicry as Social Regulation

Emotional mimicry is the imitation of the emotional expressions of others. According to the classic view on emotional mimicry (the Matched Motor Hypothesis), people mimic the specific facial movements that comprise a discrete emotional expression. However, little evidence exists for the mimicry of discrete emotions; rather, the extant evidence supports only valence-based mimicry. We propose an alternative Emotion Mimicry in Context view according to which emotional mimicry is not based on mere perception but rather on the interpretation of signals as emotional intentions in a specific context. We present evidence for the idea that people mimic contextualized emotions rather than simply expressive muscle movements. Our model postulates that (implicit or explicit) contextual information is needed for emotional mimicry to take place. It takes into account the relationship between observer and expresser, and suggests that emotional mimicry depends on this relationship and functions as a social regulator.
A pilot survey on injury and safety concerns in international sledge hockey.

OBJECTIVE To describe sledge hockey injury patterns, safety issues and to develop potential injury prevention strategies. DESIGN Pilot survey study of international sledge hockey professionals, including trainers, physiotherapists, physicians, coaches and/or general managers. SETTING Personal encounter or online correspondence. RESPONDENTS Sledge hockey professionals; a total of 10 respondents from the 5 top-ranked international teams recruited by personal encounter or online correspondence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Descriptive Data reports on sledge athlete injury characteristics, quality of rules and enforcement, player equipment, challenges in the medical management during competition, and overall safety. RESULTS Muscle strains and concussions were identified as common, and injuries were reported to affect the upper body more frequently than the lower body. Overuse and body checking were predominant injury mechanisms. Safety concerns included excessive elbowing, inexperienced refereeing and inadequate equipment standards. CONCLUSIONS This paper is the first publication primarily focused on sledge hockey injury and safety. This information provides unique opportunity for the consideration of implementation and evaluation of safety strategies. Safety interventions could include improved hand protection, cut-resistant materials in high-risk areas, increased vigilance to reduce intentional head-contact, lowered rink boards and modified bathroom floor surfacing.
Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with impaired vascular endothelial and smooth muscle function and hypertension in young rats

Non‐Technical Summary Adverse environments during early life are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is an alarming increase in the prevalence of vitamin D (VitD) deficiency in women of reproductive age. We show that male and female rat offspring that were exposed to VitD deficiency in the womb and early life have high blood pressure. The arteries from VitD deficient offspring have an impaired ability to relax due to deficiencies in the production of two important factors, nitric oxide and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor. VitD deficient female offspring have an additional impairment in the nitric oxide signalling pathway in the arterial muscle. The findings of this study are particularly relevant for women intending to become pregnant. Ensuring VitD sufficiency before and during pregnancy in women will reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease risk in their offspring.