Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-resolution optical coherence tomography imaging in KCNV2 retinopathy

Aim To report novel spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings and new mutational data in patients with ‘cone dystrophy with supernormal rod electroretinogram’, a recessive childhood onset retinal dystrophy consequent upon mutation in the KCNV2 gene. Design/methods This was a comparative case series study of 12 patients with clinical and/or electrophysiological findings in keeping with KCNV2 mutation. Clinical examination and electrophysiological testing results were reviewed. Fundus photography and autofluorescence imaging were performed. Retinal layer appearance and thickness were evaluated using SD-OCT. The coding region and intron–exon boundaries of KCNV2 were screened by direct sequencing. Results Mutations in KCNV2 were detected in all families; five of these changes were novel. Pattern electroretinograms were undetectable and full-field electroretinograms showed findings specific for the disorder. SD-OCT demonstrated bilateral morphological changes, usually confined to the fovea. Four foveal SD-OCT phenotypes were observed: (i) discontinuous inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction reflectivity (6 patients), (ii) loss of IS/OS line and an optical gap in the foveola (2 patients); (iii) IS/OS junction disruption and profound foveal depth reduction, without optical gap and with preserved retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) complex (2 patients); and (iv) outer retina and RPE complex abnormalities (2 patients). Thinning of the neurosensory retina was observed in all eyes. Conclusion In KCNV2 retinopathy foveal morphological changes are evident on SD-OCT even in the early stages of disease. However, there appears to be a window of opportunity, before marked structural damage has occurred, during which novel therapeutic intervention, such as gene replacement therapy, may rescue retinal function.
Facial fluid synthesis for assessment of acne vulgaris using luminescent visualization system through optical imaging and integration of fluorescent imaging system

Acne vulgaris, commonly called as acne, is a skin problem that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog up in a person’s pores. This is because hormones change which makes the skin oilier. The problem is people really do not know the real assessment of sensitivity of their skin in terms of fluid development on their faces that tends to develop acne vulgaris, thus having more complications. This research aims to assess Acne Vulgaris using luminescent visualization system through optical imaging and integration of image processing algorithms. Specifically, this research aims to design a prototype for facial fluid analysis using luminescent visualization system through optical imaging and integration of fluorescent imaging system, and to classify different facial fluids present in each person. Throughout the process, some structures and layers of the face will be excluded, leaving only a mapped facial structure with acne regions. Facial fluid regions are distinguished from the acne region as they are characterized differently.
Linear Regression Protocol for Privacy Protect

With cloud computing, the arrival of the era of big data, privacy of data mining has become a hot topic. Data fitting as a basic tool for data mining research data fitting privacy issue is very meaningful. This paper studies the vertical distribution of data, while protecting privacy horizontal distribution of the linear regression problem, a linear regression of the privacy protocol, and protocol correctness, safety analyzes. The protocol uses MIARCL library verified by experiments, experimental results show that the scheme can solve the problem of the two parties involved in the linear regression, and the computational efficiency is acceptable.
A Note on a Characterization of Rényi Measures and its Relation to Composite Hypothesis Testing

The R\'enyi information measures are characterized in terms of their Shannon counterparts, and properties of the former are recovered from first principle via the associated properties of the latter. Motivated by this characterization, a two-sensor composite hypothesis testing problem is presented, and the optimal worst case miss-detection exponent is obtained in terms of a R\'enyi divergence.
Real-time 127-Gb/s coherent PM-QPSK transmission over 1000km NDSF with >10 cascaded 50GHz ROADMs

This paper describes experimental demonstration of 50GHz ROADM tolerance for a realtime, single-carrier, 127-Gb/s coherent PM-QPSK system. 10 WSSs are cascaded over 1000km NDSF and <0.5dB OSNR penalty is measured for the worst case. Cascading limit is also predicted.
Data-driven room classification for office buildings based on echo state network

In this paper, based on echo state network (ESN), a data-driven method is developed to solve the room classification problem of office buildings. The developed method is divided into two steps. Given the data of electricity consumption, which are classified into electricity consumption from sockets, lights and air-conditioners for a typical room in an office building, the first step is to reconstruct the behavior of electricity consumption in three types by using three ESNs. The second step is to classify the room into a certain category of office room, computer room, storage room and meeting room by establishing another ESN. The developed method fully utilizes the outstanding performance of ESN in chaotic time-series prediction and classification. Practical study on an office building illustrates the accuracy and effectiveness of the developed method.
Severity of cerebral white matter lesions and infarcts in patients with transient or moderately disabling cerebral ischaemia: reproducibility of grading by neurologists

Diffuse or multifocal ischaemic white matter lesions increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage in patients using oral anticoagulants for secondary prevention after cerebral ischaemia of arterial origin. We studied whether neurologists could reliably assess the presence of these white matter abnormalities. As part of the European/Australian Stroke Prevention in Reversible Ischaemia Trial (ESPRIT), the severity of white matter lesions and presence of ischaemic lesions were twice assessed in a consensus meeting of three neurologists (from a pool of nine) as absent, moderate or severe, in a sample of 126 randomly selected CT or MRI scans. The neurologists were not aware of the duplicate grading. The degree of agreement between the first and second observation was calculated with kappa statistics. The kappa value for agreement between the first and second assessment of white matter lesions was 0.58 (95% CI 0.40–0.76). The kappa value for the presence of clinically relevant and/or irrelevant ischaemic lesions was 0.68 (95% CI 0.58–0.78). Clinicians can assess the presence of white matter lesions with sufficient reliability. Such assessment may prevent unnecessary risk with oral anticoagulation in secondary prevention after cerebral ischaemia of arterial origin, of which the efficacy is currently being assessed in ESPRIT.
pErSpECTiVE TakiNg uNDErmiNES STErEOTypE maiNTENaNCE prOCESSES: EViDENCE frOm SOCial mEmOry, BEhaViOr ExplaNaTiON, aND iNfOrmaTiON SOliCiTaTiON

Four experiments examined the effects of perspective taking on processes contributing to stereotype maintenance: biases in social memory, behavior explanations, and information seeking. The first two experiments explored whether perspective taking influences memory and spontaneous explanations for stereotype-relevant behaviors. Relative to participants in an objective-focus condition, perspective takers exhibited better recall of stereotype-inconsistent behaviors (Experiment 1) and spontaneously generated more dispositional explanations for them (Experiment 2). Perspective taking had little effect, however, on memory and explanations for stereotype-consistent behaviors. The final two experiments examined the effects of perspective taking on information seeking. Employing a trait hypothesis-testing paradigm in which interviewers tested whether an interviewee was an extravert (Experiment 3a) or an introvert (Experiment 3b), we found that perspective-taking interviewers solicited more hypothesis-inconsistent.
Statistical priority-based uplink scheduling for M2M communications

1 Chapter 1: Introduction . 2 1.1 M2M Communications . 2 1.2 Problem Statement and Research Objectives . 2 1.3 Thesis Contributions and Structure . 3 Chapter 2: Background . 5 2.
Eye movements and the maturation of cortical orientation selectivity

Neural activity appears to be a crucial component for shaping the receptive fields of cortical simple cells into adjacent, oriented subregions alternately receiving ON- and OFF-center excitatory geniculate inputs. It is known that the orientation selective responses of V1 neurons are refined by visual experience. After eye opening, the spatiotemporal structure of neural activity in the early stages of the visual pathway depends both on the visual environment and on how the environment is scanned. We have used computational modeling to investigate how eye movements might affect the refinement of the orientation tuning of simple cells in the presence of a Hebbian scheme of synaptic plasticity. Levels of correlation between the activity of simulated cells were examined while natural scenes were scanned so as to model sequences of saccades and fixational eye movements, such as microsaccades, tremor and ocular drift. The specific patterns of activity required for a quantitatively accurate development of simple cell receptive fields with segregated ON and OFF subregions were observed during fixational eye movements, but not in the presence of saccades or with static presentation of natural visual input. These results suggest an important role for the eye movements occurring during visual fixation in the refinement of orientation selectivity.
The effects of floral mimics and models on each others' fitness

Plants that lack floral rewards may nevertheless attract pollinators by mimicking the flowers of rewarding plants. It has been suggested that both mimics and models should suffer reduced fitness when mimics are abundant relative to their models. By manipulating the relative densities of an orchid mimic Disa nivea and its rewarding model Zaluzianskya microsiphon in small experimental patches within a larger population we demonstrated that the mimic does indeed suffer reduced pollination success when locally common relative to its model. Behavioural experiments suggest that this phenomenon results from the tendency of the long-proboscid fly pollinator to avoid visits to neighbouring plants when encountering the mimic. No negative effect of the mimic on the pollination success of the model was detected. We propose that changes in pollinator flight behaviour, rather than pollinator conditioning, are likely to account for negative frequency-dependent reproductive success in deceptive orchids.
Analysis of Transverse Flux Machines Using a Virtual Mutual Inductance Approach

In this paper, a virtual mutual inductance approach is used to analyze the performance of transverse flux machines (TFMs). The virtual mutual inductance between the stator windings and the magnets’ equivalent currents is obtained by integrating the flux produced by the stator windings over the surface of the magnets. Key design parameters such as back electromotive force, torque, phase inductance, and power factor are readily calculated using the proposed methodology. This method is also used to optimize the geometry of a particular machine that provides an insight into the relationship between power factor and torque. Furthermore, the insights gained suggest a design approach that takes into account the power factor of TFMs, which may help unlock their potential through a tradeoff between torque density and power factor. The results obtained using the analytical model are verified using three-dimensional finite element analysis and experimental data.
Sensitivity of a thermal model of the PMSM to uncertainty in estimation of a heat transfer coefficient

This paper presents a new method for estimation of the heat transfer coefficient from the motor housing, with application to a synchronous machine with permanent magnets (PMSM). Sensitivity of a thermal model of the motor to the measurement uncertainties in the estimated coefficient is effectively analysed. In order to validate correctness of the calculation results, measurements on the physical model of the machine are carried out.
Optimized multi-layered unequal error protection of SPIHT coded images using 64-HQAM

In view of increasing use of video transmission over wireless channels, a lot of research efforts have been made to trade-off the error resiliency and transmission bandwidth requirements. This in turn has led to development of various unequal error protection (UEP) schemes. In this paper, the performance of optimized 2-layered and 3-layered UEP schemes using hierarchical 64 QAM (64-HQAM) for wavelet-transformed images coded with set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm and transmitted over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel is investigated. A look-up table (LUT) based approach to select the optimal values of modulation parameters of 64-HQAM for different channel conditions is suggested so as to reduce the computational complexity. Simulation results show that 3-layered optimized 64-HQAM-based UEP outperforms corresponding non-optimized UEP. Also, 3-layered optimized UEP scheme using 64-HQAM performs slightly better as compared to optimized 2-layered UEP scheme using 64-HQAM.
A Real-Time Data Set for Macroeconomists: Does the Data Vintage Matter?

This paper uses a real-time data set to analyze data revisions and to test the robustness of published econometric results. The data set consists of vintages, or snapshots, of the major macroeconomic data available at quarterly intervals in real time. The paper illustrates why such data may matter, examines the properties of several of the variables in the data set across vintages, and examines key empirical papers in macroeconomics, investigating their robustness to different vintages.
Fast metadata-driven multiresolution tensor decomposition

Tensors (multi-dimensional arrays) are widely used for representing high-order dimensional data, in applications ranging from social networks, sensor data, and Internet traffic. Multi-way data analysis techniques, in particular tensor decompositions, allow extraction of hidden correlations among multi-way data and thus are key components of many data analysis frameworks. Intuitively, these algorithms can be thought of as multi-way clustering schemes, which consider multiple facets of the data in identifying clusters, their weights, and contributions of each data element. Unfortunately, algorithms for fitting multi-way models are, in general, iterative and very time consuming. In this paper, we observe that, in many applications, there is a priori background knowledge (or metadata) about one or more domain dimensions. This metadata is often in the form of a hierarchy that clusters the elements of a given data facet (or mode). In this paper, we investigate whether such single-mode data hierarchies can be used to boost the efficiency of tensor decomposition process, without significant impact on the final decomposition quality. We consider each domain hierarchy as a guide to help provide higher- or lower-resolution views of the data in the tensor on demand and we rely on these metadata-induced multi-resolution tensor representations to develop a multiresolution approach to tensor decomposition. In this paper, we focus on an alternating least squares (ALS) based implementation of the PARAllel FACtors (PARAFAC) decomposition (which decomposes a tensor into a diagonal tensor and a set of factor matrices). Experiment results show that, when the available metadata is used as a rough guide, the proposed multiresolution method helps fit PARAFAC models with consistent (for both dense and sparse tensor representations, under different parameters settings) savings in execution time and memory consumption, while preserving the quality of the decomposition.
Computed tomographic virtual colonoscopy to screen for colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic adults.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the performance characteristics of computed tomographic (CT) virtual colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal neoplasia in an average-risk screening population. METHODS A total of 1233 asymptomatic adults (mean age, 57.8 years) underwent same-day virtual and optical colonoscopy. Radiologists used the three-dimensional endoluminal display for the initial detection of polyps on CT virtual colonoscopy. For the initial examination of each colonic segment, the colonoscopists were unaware of the findings on virtual colonoscopy, which were revealed to them before any subsequent reexamination. The sensitivity and specificity of virtual colonoscopy and the sensitivity of optical colonoscopy were calculated with the use of the findings of the final, unblinded optical colonoscopy as the reference standard. RESULTS The sensitivity of virtual colonoscopy for adenomatous polyps was 93.8 percent for polyps at least 10 mm in diameter, 93.9 percent for polyps at least 8 mm in diameter, and 88.7 percent for polyps at least 6 mm in diameter. The sensitivity of optical colonoscopy for adenomatous polyps was 87.5 percent, 91.5 percent, and 92.3 percent for the three sizes of polyps, respectively. The specificity of virtual colonoscopy for adenomatous polyps was 96.0 percent for polyps at least 10 mm in diameter, 92.2 percent for polyps at least 8 mm in diameter, and 79.6 percent for polyps at least 6 mm in diameter. Two polyps were malignant; both were detected on virtual colonoscopy, and one of them was missed on optical colonoscopy before the results on virtual colonoscopy were revealed. CONCLUSIONS CT virtual colonoscopy with the use of a three-dimensional approach is an accurate screening method for the detection of colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic average-risk adults and compares favorably with optical colonoscopy in terms of the detection of clinically relevant lesions.
Trehalose Is a Key Determinant of the Quiescent Metabolic State That Fuels Cell Cycle Progression upon Return to Growth

The disaccharide trehalose accumulates as yeast cells enter quiescence. Glucose equivalents in the form of trehalose and glycogen lead to an increase in the apparent density of the cell. Upon exit from quiescence, trehalose stores are initially metabolized in preference over other energy sources to help drive cell cycle progression.
Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms with Flow-Diverter Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of flow-diversion treatment of MCA aneurysms have not been well-established. PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate angiographic and clinical outcomes after flow diversions for MCA aneurysms. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase was performed for studies published from 2008 to May 2017. STUDY SELECTION: According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we selected studies with >5 patients describing angiographic and clinical outcomes after flow-diversion treatment of MCA aneurysms. DATA ANALYSIS: Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the following outcomes: aneurysm occlusion rate, procedure-related complications, rupture rate of treated aneurysms, and occlusion of the jailed branches. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies evaluating 244 MCA aneurysms were included in this meta-analysis. Complete/near-complete occlusion was obtained in 78.7% (95% CI, 67.8%–89.7%) of aneurysms. The rupture rate of treated aneurysms during follow-up was 0.4% per aneurysm-year. The rate of treatment-related complications was 20.7% (95% CI, 14%–27.5%), and approximately 10% of complications were permanent. The mortality rate was close to 2%. Nearly 10% (95% CI, 4.7%–15.5%) of jailed arteries were occluded during follow-up, whereas 26% (95% CI, 14.4%–37.6%) had slow flow. Rates of symptoms related to occlusion and slow flow were close to 5%. LIMITATIONS: Small and retrospective series could affect the strength of the reported results. CONCLUSIONS: Given the not negligible rate of treatment-related complications, flow diversion for MCA aneurysms should be considered an alternative treatment when traditional treatment methods are not feasible. However, when performed in this select treatment group, high rates of aneurysm occlusion and protection against re-rupture can be achieved.
Arbitrary Threshold Widths for Monotone, Symmetric Properties

We show that there exist symmetric properties in the discrete n-cube whose threshold widths range asymptotically between 1/√n and 1/logn. These properties are built using a combination of failure sets arising in reliability theory. This combination of sets is simply called a product. Some general results on the threshold width of the product of two sets A and B in terms of the threshold locations and widths of A and B are provided.
Computer Graphics and Archaeology: Realism and Symbiosis

Computer graphics and related disciplines – notably computational geometry and modelling – seem to have clear potential to assist archaeologists in their professional work. Perhaps less obviously the application area provides an excellent practical focus for fundamental computing science research in many areas – for example data acquisition, modelling and computational geometry, data representation, advanced heuristics and analysis, interfaces, human factors and the interaction between graphics and communications. These potential overlaps between the disciplines share the characteristic of seeking fundamental advances in one component discipline while not necessarily advancing the other. " Virtual Heritage " is a different type of overlap, which has been repeatedly envisaged as a new synthesis – a genuine symbiosis. The paper argues that technologists are in danger of too much hype in this area and risk disaffecting those responsible for heritage projects, as current technologies fall short of their mo re visionary possibilities. The paper concludes that while Virtual Heritage is an area of great potential benefits to various interested parties these benefits can only be realised by giving full support to very different objectives and constraints, particularly practical and economic constraints, for the parties involved.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Synoviocyte Function Metalloproteinase-Dependent Regulation of Membrane-Type I Matrix

In rheumatoid arthritis, the coordinated expansion of the synoviocyte mass is coupled with a pathologic angiogenic response that leads to the destructive remodeling of articular as well as surrounding connective tissues. Although rheumatoid synoviocytes express a multiplicity of proteolytic enzymes, the primary effectors of cartilage, ligament, and tendon damage remain undeﬁned. Herein, we demonstrate that human rheumatoid synoviocytes mobilize the membrane-anchored matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), membrane-type I MMP (MT1-MMP), to dissolve and invade type I and type II collagen-rich tissues. Though rheumatoid synoviocytes also express a series of secreted collagenases, these proteinases are ineffective in mediating collagenolytic activity in the presence of physiologic concentrations of plasma- or synovial ﬂuid-derived antiproteinases. Furthermore, MT1-MMP not only directs the tissue-destructive properties of rheumatoid synoviocytes but also controls synoviocyte-initiated angiogenic responses in vivo. Together, these ﬁndings indentify MT1-MMP as a master regulator of the pathologic extracellular matrix remodeling that characterizes rheumatoid arthritis as well as the coupled angiogenic response that maintains the aggressive phenotype of the advancing pannus. The Journal of Immunology , 2010, 184: 6396–6406. atop collagen ﬁlms in the zones beneath the were visualized by confocal laser microscopy of the rhodamine-labeled type I collagen ﬁlms