Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Analysis of 2D Echo Views for Left Atrial Segmentation and Disease Detection

We propose a joint information approach for automatic analysis of 2D echocardiography (echo) data. The approach combines a priori images, their segmentations and patient diagnostic information within a unified framework to determine various clinical parameters, such as cardiac chamber volumes, and cardiac disease labels. The main idea behind the approach is to employ joint Independent Component Analysis of both echo image intensity information and corresponding segmentation labels to generate models that jointly describe the image and label space of echo patients on multiple apical views, instead of independently. These models are then both used for segmentation and volume estimation of cardiac chambers such as the left atrium and for detecting pathological abnormalities such as mitral regurgitation. We validate the approach on a large cohort of echoes obtained from 6,993 studies. We report performance of the proposed approach in estimation of the left-atrium volume and detection of mitral-regurgitation severity. A correlation coefficient of 0.87 was achieved for volume estimation of the left atrium when compared to the clinical report. Moreover, we classified patients that suffer from moderate or severe mitral regurgitation with an average accuracy of 82%.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – A Review of its Uses in Orthopaedic Trauma

The use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) for complex and large wounds has increased in popularity over the past decade. Modern NPWT systems consisting of an open pore foam sponge, adhesive dressing and a vacuum pump producing negative pressure have been used as an adjunct to surgical debridement to treat tissue defects around open fractures and chronic, contaminated wounds. Other uses include supporting skin grafts and protecting wounds at risk of breaking down. This review outlines the current and emerging indications for negative pressure wound therapy in Orthopaedic trauma and the existing preclinical and clinical evidence base for its use.
Unsupervised Gabor Filter-Bank Method for Characterization of the Self-Assembled Hexagonal Lattice

In this paper a new robust and precise ordering criterion for the characterization of self-assembled hexagonal lattice like Anodic aluminum Oxide (AAO) has been proposed. In order to unveil the mechanism for the self-organization process and deposition techniques in AAO, it is necessary to be able to have a quantitative objective criterion to evaluate the amount of order through every SEM sample of a material. Most of methods in the literature are only able to characterize the extreme case of highly ordered or lowly ordered texture well. But the real challenge is in characterizing the order of medium-ordered texture which is the dual concept of near-regular texture analysis in image processing. Our method based on more advanced image processing techniques, Gabor filter-bank, are able to characterize medium-ordered AAO textures more precisely. Our idea is also able to define the domain's place of the AAO image.
Outage Probability of Decode-and-Forward Opportunistic Relaying in a Multicell Environment

In this paper, a decode-and-forward (DF) opportunistic relaying is investigated in a multicell environment with intercell interference. The outage-optimal relay selection is investigated, and the closed-form expressions of the exact and the approximate outage probabilities are derived for the DF opportunistic relaying in a multicell environment over Rayleigh fading channels. Numerical results verify the validity of the theoretical analysis by comparison with Monte Carlo simulation.
Adaptive optics for microscopy and photonic fabrication

The image resolution and contrast of microscopes are often detrimentally affected by aberrations that are introduced when focusing deep into specimens. These aberrations arise from spatial differences in optical properties of the specimen or refractive index mismatches. This is particularly problematic in multiphoton microscopy, where short pulsed lasers are used to generate contrast through non-linear optical effects, such as two-photon fluorescence or third harmonic generation. The non-linear nature of the signal generation process means that the signal level is strongly affected by changes in the focal spot intensity. We have applied the techniques of adaptive optics to measure and correct the aberrations, restoring image quality. In particular, this has been demonstrated in harmonic generation microscopy of developing mouse embryos. Similar aberration problems affect the resolution and efficiency of three-dimensional optical fabrication systems, such those used for the manufacture of photonic crystals or optical waveguides. These systems are based around microscope optics and use short pulsed laser illumination to induce localized multiphoton effects in a fabrication substrate. In this case, significant aberrations are introduced when focusing deep into the substrate. We report on the development of adaptive optics systems for these applications and discuss the specific challenges for wave front sensing and correction that are presented by these systems.
Development of injectable pH-degradable polymeric particles containing thrombin for minimally invasive delivery of fibrin glue to the heart post-myocardial infraction

The first part of this thesis presents a thorough review of the recent advances that have been made in the area of drug delivery, specifically in regards to the encapsulation of biomolecules and drugs in polymeric vehicles has been addressed in the this work. The purpose of this work is to provide scientists with a general understanding of the common encapsulation techniques that are currently being used and the applications towards which they are being applied. Building upon the work demonstrated by others in the field of drug delivery, the second part of this thesis presents a research project designed to explore the potential for the development of pH-degradable particles containing thrombin as a possible avenue for the delivery of a scaffold to coronary artery walls to promote cardiac function after a myocardial infarction. The results gathered for the particles developed herein suggest that this the injection of thrombin-loaded polymeric particles is a viable option for the creation of a natural scaffold at the site of a myocardial infarct to promote cell survival and decrease the risk for heart failure in the future
MUC1-specific targeting immunotherapy with bispecific antibodies: inhibition of xenografted human bile duct carcinoma growth.

For the purpose of establishing a new adoptive immunotherapy for bile duct carcinoma (BDC), we synthesized two bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), MUC1 x CD3 BsAb constructed with MUSE11 (anti-MUC1 tumor antigen) and OKT-3 (anti-CD3), and MUC1 x CD28 BsAb constructed with MUSE11 and 15E8 (anti-CD28) antibodies. These two BsAbs reacted well with both MUC1-positive target tumor cells and effector lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Investigation of in vitro cytotoxicity [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazo-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay] revealed that the MUC1 x CD3 BsAb could antigen-specifically enhance the cytotoxicity of LAK cells. Addition of the two BsAbs (MUC1 x CD3 BsAb plus MUC1 x CD28 BsAb) in vitro resulted in a 60% cytotoxicity, similar to that obtained with BsAb (MUC1 x CD3) alone. Interleukin 12-induced LAK cells demonstrated far greater cytotoxicity (50%) than their interleukin 2-induced counterparts (LAK cells), and this was also enhanced by the BsAbs. When 2 x 10(7) LAK cells sensitized with both kinds of BsAbs were administered four times i.v. to BDC-grafted severe combined immunodeficient mice (tumor size 5 mm in diameter), inhibition of tumor growth was observed. Thus, BsAb-LAK therapy for control of BDC warrants clinical trials.
A high resolution method of source localization in near-field by using focusing technique

In this paper, we present a new high resolution algorithm to localize multiple sources in near-field. After focusing on a pre-estimated location, the covariance matrix of the received signal is found to have the same structure as in the far-field situation, which allows the estimation of bearing with far-field subspace methods. With the estimated bearing, the range estimation of each source is consequently obtained by using 1-D MUSIC method without parameter pairing. This algorithm does not require a high cost 2-D search or high-order statistics, and has high-resolution performance in contrast with other fast near-field approaches. Monte Carlo simulations are used to test the performances of this approach.
Development of characterisation models for incremental permanent deformation model for asphalt concrete in confined compression

Permanent deformation modelling research at North Carolina State University has produced the so-called incremental model that fits the primary and secondary regions in permanent strain growth. Triaxial repeated load permanent deformation tests are conducted on Federal Highway Administration-Accelerated Loading Facility and NY9.5B mixtures to evaluate the effects of temperature, stress, and load time on permanent deformation and, therefore, to determine the form of the incremental model to account for these effects. The test results suggest that the slope in the log(ϵvp)−log(N) plot is constant regardless of these three major factors. This observation provides the basis for two modelling approaches: the functionalised model and the shift model. The functionalised model is formulated by expressing the coefficients of the incremental model in terms of the reduced load time and deviatoric stress. The shift model, based on the time-temperature–stress superposition principle, utilises the strain mastercurve and reduced load time and deviatoric stress shift functions. A composite loading test that is composed of varying load times and deviatoric stresses is proposed as the model calibration test. It is found that the permanent strain growth under the complex loading histories predicted by the calibrated models is in good agreement with the measured permanent strain growth.
Dosing of femto liter volumes using hollow cantilever AFM

The subject discussed in this thesis is the dosing of droplets in the femto (10-15) liter range. In this study, droplets were dispensed using a hollow cantilever atomic force microscope (AFM). Dispensing small volumes finds its applications in for example in single cell manipulation, where a drug is delivered inside a single cell to study the reaction of the cell to the drug. The working principle of an AFM can be compared with a vinyl player: a small needle is scanning a surface, which can be used for imaging with atomic resolution. For controlled dispensing of small droplets the needle and the cantilever were made hollow and a commercially available AFM system was adapted for fluidic applications. The hollow cantilever AFM chip is connected by tubing to a syringe which acts as fluidic reservoir. Small droplets of water will evaporate almost immediately; to increase the “lifetime” of the droplet a climate controller was added to increase the humidity. Therefore the influence of the climate controller on the AFM system was studied. With the described system droplets in the femto liter range were dispensed on a surface, however controlled dispensing remained a challenge. Therefore this research investigates the parameters influencing the droplet size and how these parameters can be controlled to dispense a desired volume. Two different ways of dispensing are experimentally investigated: just by touching the substrate and using the surface forces to pull liquid from the cantilever onto the substrate and by applying pressure to the liquid reservoir. For dispensing by surface forces, parameters such as surface energy and contact time are investigated to deliver a desired volume. A trend was observed that with increasing contact time an increase in volume is dispensed. For dispensing with additional pressure, a correlation was found between the time of applied pressure and dispensed volume. Dispensing of droplets of around 0.4 ? with a variation of 0.05 ? has been shown.
Elastic behaviour of rubber cylinders under combined torsion and tension loading

Rivlin derived an elastic solution for the problem of a rubber cylinder subjected to combinations of tension and torsion. The theory correctly predicts the experimentally observed behaviour where the length of the cylinder increases as a twist is applied and conversely there is a reduction in the moment resulting from the application of an additional tensile loading. This problem is of interest for two reasons. First, the reduction in axial force with twist is second order by virtue of the change in the axial force being a symmetric function of the square of the twist angle. Therefore, the problem makes a demanding test of the applicability of the finite element method at solving this large strain elasticity problem. Second, the Rivlin elasticity solution could in principle be applied to any form of stored energy function. As a result, it is a useful test of the validity of different stored energy functions. Also, this test geometry has been examined previously by the authors to investigate any anisotropic changes in the viscoelastic behaviour in rubber with prestrain and it is important to validate the elastic solutions for this work.
Implementing a Web Services Architecture Framework in a Grid Infrastructure

A major paradigm shift in distributed computing technologies has led during recent years towards two most notably solutions that are represented by grid computing principles and web services technologies and are converging versus a common framework. The grid model focus on large-scale heterogene- ous resource sharing in distributed system in a flexible, secure and coordination fashion, while interoperability, integration and ubiquity are essential character- istics of web services architectures. By combining elements from the two para- digms, the paper shows the implementation of a web service framework hosted in a grid infrastructure covering the mapping of web services process actors and grid components. The resulting architectural framework has been tested with a grid application composed by a set of java web services able to access astro- nomical databases. The document also focuses on the service discovery issue that being a key component of the two underlying architectures requires a suit- able solution for both grid and web services environments.
Chemicals, industrial processes and industries associated with cancer in humans.

The programme on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans has existed since 1971 and involves the preparation and publication of monographs that evaluate individual chemicals and, more recently, carcinogenic risks resulting from exposures to complex mixtures, since it is in this way that human populations are often exposed. Exposures occurring in the wood and leather industries and in the rubber manufacturing industry were thus the subject of recent IARC monographs. (A full Iist of IARC Monographs, both published and in press, is given in Appendix 1.) The evaluations contained in each volume of monographs are made by ¡ndependent international Working Groups and provide governments and their advisers with authoritative scientific opinions on which to base preventive measures.
SLTAB2 is the paramutated SULFUREA locus in tomato

The sulfurea (sulf) allele is a silent epigenetic variant of a tomato gene (Solanum lycopersicum) affecting pigment production. It is homozygous lethal but, in a heterozygote sulf/+, the wild type allele undergoes silencing so that the plants exhibit chlorotic sectors. This transfer of the silenced state between alleles resembles the process of paramutation that is best characterised in maize. To understand the mechanism of paramutation we mapped SULF to the ortholog SLTAB2 of an Arabidopsis gene that, consistent with the pigment deficiency, is involved in the translation of photosystem I. Paramutation of SLTAB2 is linked to an increase in DNA methylation and production of small interfering RNAs at its promoter. Virus-induced gene silencing of SLTAB2 phenocopies sulf consistent with the possibility that siRNAs mediate the paramutation of SULFUREA. Unlike the maize systems the paramutagenicity of sulf is not, however, associated with repeated sequences at the region of siRNA production or DNA methylation.
Microfabrication of Ceramics based on Colloidal Suspensions and Photoresist Masks.

Thick film ceramic microstructures with cross sectional areas of 5 by 10μm2 were fabricated by casting aqueous colloidal suspensions of fine ceramic powders into photoresist structures. In order to anneal the ceramic microstructures without damaging, the dissolving behaviour of novolak resist was empirically assessed for different solvents. As a result, the resist was dissolved in tetrahydrofurane before pyrolysis. The processing of ceramic powders in the form of suspensions as used for bulk ceramic parts is new to the field of microfabrication.
A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF BURR FORMATION IN FACE MILLING OF A CAST ALUMINUM ALLOY

The research discussed in this article focuses on the effects of tool geometry (i.e., rake angle and cutting edge radius) and flank wear upon burr formation in face milling of a cast aluminum alloy. As to tool edge preparation, the use of a tool with variable cutting edge radius was investigated using FEM, and compared for its cutting performance (i.e., burr reduction and tool life) with a conventional tool with uniform cutting edge radius. In order to evaluate 3D face milling through 2D orthogonal cutting simulations, the cross-sections that consist in the cutting speed direction and chip flow direction were selected at different locations along the tool rounded corner. At these cross-sections, the local value of cutting edge radius and their associated tool rake angles as well as the effective uncut chip thickness were determined for 2D cutting simulations. In addition, 3D face milling simulations were conducted to investigate more realistic chip flow and burr generation. Comparisons were made for burrs produced from 3D simulations with a sharp tool, 3D simulations with a worn tool and face milling experiments. Finally, recommendations for cutting tool design are made to reduce burr formation in face milling.
Early History Of Lithium Niobate: Personal Reminiscences

Early studies of LiNb03 indicated a great potential for a variety of uses based on the ferroelectric, piezo electric, electrooptic, and related properties, all dependent on the availability of single domain material. The actual steps which led to the first preparation of such crystals and the subsequent understanding of poling in this unique material are described.
Mono- and Biarticular Muscle Activity during Jumping in Different Directions

This study examined the role of mono- and biarticular muscles in control of countermovement jumps (CMJ) in different directions. It was hypothesized that monoarticular muscles would demonstrate the same activity regardless of jump direction, based on previous studies which suggest their role is to generate energy to maximize center-of-mass (CM) velocity. In contrast, biarticular activity patterns were expected to change to control the direction of the ground reaction force (GRF) and CM velocity vectors. Twelve participants performed maximal CMJs in four directions: vertical, forward, intermediate forward, and backward. Electromyographical data from 4 monoarticular and 3 biarticular lower extremity muscles were analyzed with respect to segmental kinematics and kinetics during the jumps. The biarticular rectus femoris (RF), hamstrings (HA), and gastrocnemius all exhibited changes in activity magnitude and pattern as a function of jump angle. In particular, HA and RF demonstrated reciprocal trends, with HA a.
Hysteretic Behavior of Magnetorheological Fluid and Identification Using Preisach Model

This study examines the field-dependent hysteretic behavior of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid and its identification using a Preisach model. The field-dependent shear stress of a commercially available MR fluid is measured using a parallel disk rheometer, and its shear stress versus shear rate hysteretic behavior is measured. To demonstrate the applicability of the Preisach model to MR fluid hysteresis modeling, two significant properties are empirically studied; the minor loop property and the wiping-out property. Using these data, the Preisach model for the MR fluid is identified using experimental first order descending curves. The effectiveness of the identified hysteresis model is verified in the time domain by comparing the reconstructed to the measured field-dependent shear stress. In addition, the identified hysteresis is compared to the conventional Bingham model.
Characterizing Modular Ontologies

Since large monolithic ontologies are di cult to handle and reuse ontology modularization has attracted increasing attention. Several approaches and tools have been developed to support ontology modularization. Despite these e orts, a lack of knowledge about characteristics of modularly organized ontologies prevents further development. This work aims at characterizing modular ontologies. Therefore, we analyze existing modular ontologies by applying selected metrics from software engineering in order to identify recurring structures, i.e. patterns in modularly organized ontologies. The contribution is a set of four patterns which characterize modularly organized ontologies.
Improving accuracy of facial recognition systems for distant targets

This work is aimed at improving the accuracy of the PCA-based facial recognition system for distant targets. Since the faces captured from distant targets are inevitably with lower resolution in contrast to the enrolled faces in the database, enhancing the effective resolution will be accordingly adopted to improve the accuracy. This work will category the approaches and experimentally compare the performance of them, which provides a valuable recommendation for the design of a practical facial recognition system.
An Integrated Approach to Quality Modelling

Software quality is described by various views using different attributes and models. All these types of software quality have their own benefits and applications. However, the isolated solutions do not allow an integrated view on software quality. This renders a comprehensive analysis of software difficult and causes overlaps and inconsistencies in the models. Therefore, this paper proposes an integrated approach to quality modelling. The approach is based on the idea to use an explicit meta-model that provides the means to develop a base quality model. This base model contains the relevant relationships w.r. t. quality. Furthermore, so-called purpose models are derived by quantifying from this basis in order to aid specific tasks in quality management. The approach is illustrated with a proven example of a meta-model and derived quality model for maintainability.