Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coronary Vein Extraction in MSCT Volumes Using Minimum Cost Path and Geometrical Moments

This work deals with the extraction of patient-specific coronary venous anatomy in preoperative multislice computed tomography (MSCT) volumes. A hybrid approach has been specifically designed for low-contrast vascular structure detection. It makes use of a minimum cost path technique with a Fast-Marching front propagation to extract the vessel centerline. A second procedure was applied to refine the position of the path and estimate the local radius along the vessel. This was achieved with an iterative multiscale algorithm based on geometrical moments. Parameter tuning was performed using a dedicated numerical phantom, and then the algorithm was applied to extract the coronary venous system. Results are provided on three MSCT volume sequences acquired for patients selected for a cardiac resynchronization therapy procedure. A visibility study was carried out by a medical expert who labeled venous segments on a set of 18 volumes. A comparison with two other Fast-Marching techniques and a geometrical moment based tracking method is also reported.
Mapping statistical process variations toward circuit performance variability: an analytical modeling approach

A physical yet compact gate delay model is developed integrating short-channel effects and the Alpha-power law based timing model. This analytical approach accurately predicts both nominal delay and delay variability over a wide range of bias conditions, including sub-threshold. Excellent model scalability enables efficient mapping between process variations and delay variability at the circuit level. Based on this model, relative importance of physical effects on delay variability has been identified. While effective channel length variation is the leading source for variability at current 90nm node, performance variability is actually more sensitive to threshold variation at the sub-threshold region. Furthermore, this model is applied to investigate the limitation of low power design techniques in the presence of process variations, particularly dual V/sub th/ and L biasing. Due to excessive variability under low V/sub DD/, these techniques become ineffective.
Social and Academic Motivation in Middle School

Examined for this study were aspects of academic motivation (reading-specific intrinsic value and self-efficacy, performance and mastery goal orientations) and social motivation (pursuit of goals to behave in prosocial and responsible ways) in relation to efforts to achieve academically in English class. Based on longitudinal data from sixth graders (N = 290) followed through eighth grade (N = 216), results of multiple regression analyses indicate that pursuit of social goals was a concurrent predictor of effort in sixth and eighth-grade English classes even when academic motivation variables were taken into account. Findings for academic motivation indicate that performance goal orientations, reading self-efficacy, and intrinsic value for reading in sixth grade were not concurrent or long-term predictors of effort in English class, whereas a mastery goal orientation was a significant long-term but not concurrent predictor of engagement in English class. The implications of social motivation for understanding students' classroom efforts to achieve academically are discussed.
Evaluation of influence of surface shape of locomotion mechanism on traveling performance of planetary rovers

The surfaces of both the Moon and Mars are covered with loose soil, with numerous steep slopes along their crater rims. Therefore, one of the most important requirements imposed on planetary rovers is their ability to minimize slippage while climbing steep slopes, i.e., the ability to generate a drawbar pull with only a small amount of slippage. To this end, the wheels/tracks of planetary rovers typically have parallel fins called lugs (i.e., grousers) on their surface. Recent studies have reported that these lugs can substantially improve the traveling performances of planetary rovers. Therefore, in this study, we conducted experiments using lightweight two-wheeled and mono-tracked rovers to provide a quantitative confirmation regarding the influence of lugs on the traveling performances of planetary rovers. Based on our experimental results, we confirmed that, although an increase in the number of lugs contributes to the high traveling performance of wheeled rovers, it does not contribute much to that of tracked rovers. Furthermore, an increase in lug height improves the traveling performances of both types of rovers.
Pixel Cross-talk Compensation for CMOS Image Sensors

A new algorithm for removing pixel cross-talk effect in CMOS image sensors with Bayer color filter array is proposed. With the assumption that color differences within small neighbors of an image is constant, the algorithm uses the R or B components of raw data to compensate the adjacent G component before color interpolation in order to eliminate the effects that R component interferes with Gr and B component interferes with Gb. The algorithm has low computational complexity. By simulation experimentation on Macbeth color chart and real images, the algorithm is proved to be effective and produces better quality images with conventional color interpolation methods. Finally, the paper design its VLSI frame and validates it with FPGA. The results of test indicate that the algorithm uses fewer hardware resources and can work in real-time completely.
Individual, family and teacher level correlates of behavioral and cognitive school engagement

UNIVERSITY OF JYVASKYLA Department of Psychology NOLVI, SAARA: Individual, family and teacher level correlates of behavioral and cognitive engagement. Master’s thesis, 33 pages Supervisor: Jari-Erik Nurmi Psychology May 2012 ________________________________________________________________________________ The aim of the present study was to examine predictors of behavioral school engagement and two cognitive school engagement subdimensions, future aspirations and control and relevance of school work. Another matter of interest was to find out what kind of different school engagement profiles can be identified in terms of engagement, and what are the factors to predict these engagement profiles. The cross-sectional data of the study consisted of Finnish upper comprehensive school students (N=841, 13–16 years) from seven schools located in Middle Finland. Participants answered self-report questionnaires during winter 2010 and 2011. The data was analyzed with multiple regression analysis, multinomial regression analysis and cluster analysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis and K-mean cluster analysis were used. As hypothesized, teacher-student relationships predicted strong behavioral engagement and experience of schoolwork relevance. Family support affected strongly the adolescents’ future aspirations. Four engagement profiles were identified, and the lowest engagement profiles differed from strongly engaged group in terms of teacher-student relationship, self-esteem and special education status. Results also suggest that there are fairly disengaged students with high future aspirations and strong family support. Study results indicate that Finnish adolescents have positive attitudes to future education that vary mostly due to parent values. However, in promoting relevance of school work and behavioral engagement, warm interactions and prevention of weak teacherstudent relationships in school are important.
Elimination of B-RAF in Oncogenic C-RAF-expressing Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells Reduces MAPK Signal Intensity and Lung Tumor Growth*

Background: The regulation of RAF kinases is a highly complex process. Results: Loss of B-RAF in alveolar epithelial type II cells does not inhibit oncogenic C-RAF BxB-driven lung tumor initiation but diminishes MAPK signaling and tumor growth. Conclusion: B-RAF cooperates with oncogenic C-RAF BxB in lung tumorigenesis. Significance: Inhibition of RAFs dimerization might be a new therapeutic option for oncogenic C-RAF-driven tumors. Tumors are often greatly dependent on signaling cascades promoting cell growth or survival and may become hypersensitive to inactivation of key components within these signaling pathways. Ras and RAF mutations found in human cancer confer constitutive activity to these signaling molecules thereby converting them into an oncogenic state. RAF dimerization is required for normal Ras-dependent RAF activation and is required for the oncogenic potential of mutant RAFs. Here we describe a new mouse model for lung tumor development to investigate the role of B-RAF in oncogenic C-RAF-mediated adenoma initiation and growth. Conditional elimination of B-RAF in C-RAF BxB-expressing embryonic alveolar epithelial type II cells did not block adenoma formation. However, loss of B-RAF led to significantly reduced tumor growth. The diminished tumor growth upon B-RAF inactivation was due to reduced cell proliferation in absence of senescence and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, B-RAF elimination inhibited C-RAF BxB-mediated activation of the mitogenic cascade. In line with these data, mutation of Ser-621 in C-RAF BxB abrogated in vitro the dimerization with B-RAF and blocked the ability to activate the MAPK cascade. Taken together these data indicate that B-RAF is an important factor in oncogenic C-RAF-mediated tumorigenesis.
A Single Mechanism Can Account for Human Perception of Depth in Mixed Correlation Random Dot Stereograms

In order to extract retinal disparity from a visual scene, the brain must match corresponding points in the left and right retinae. This computationally demanding task is known as the stereo correspondence problem. The initial stage of the solution to the correspondence problem is generally thought to consist of a correlation-based computation. However, recent work by Doi et al suggests that human observers can see depth in a class of stimuli where the mean binocular correlation is 0 (half-matched random dot stereograms). Half-matched random dot stereograms are made up of an equal number of correlated and anticorrelated dots, and the binocular energy model—a well-known model of V1 binocular complex cells—fails to signal disparity here. This has led to the proposition that a second, match-based computation must be extracting disparity in these stimuli. Here we show that a straightforward modification to the binocular energy model—adding a point output nonlinearity—is by itself sufficient to produce cells that are disparity-tuned to half-matched random dot stereograms. We then show that a simple decision model using this single mechanism can reproduce psychometric functions generated by human observers, including reduced performance to large disparities and rapidly updating dot patterns. The model makes predictions about how performance should change with dot size in half-matched stereograms and temporal alternation in correlation, which we test in human observers. We conclude that a single correlation-based computation, based directly on already-known properties of V1 neurons, can account for the literature on mixed correlation random dot stereograms.
Using a Case Study Competition as an Intense Learning Experience in Sport Management

Incorporating a national competition with the traditional case teaching method offers a unique and intense learning experience beyond what can be achieved in a typical classroom format. This paper discusses a graduate Sport Administration experience from preparation to presentation for students and faculty in the case study competition annually sponsored by the College Sport Research Institute (CSRI). Included is a thorough review of the case method highlighting what to expect from adopting this alternative teaching technique. The role of the faculty advisor is explained from both a theoretical and functional perspective with particular attention given to advising in a competition format. Student learning experiences were assessed using open-ended survey questions designed to encourage student reflection. Although students reported an immense time commitment, they were overwhelmingly satisfied with their competition experience that included in-depth learning, essential skill building, and real-world appli.
How Could Rhetorical Relations Be Used in Machine Translation?

Paragraph-by-paragraph machine translation seems to be for now, an unjustifiably complicated task for practical needs. It involves the complete understanding of the paragraph, the determination of discourse topic(s), goals, intentions, so that the output can be produced in accordance with the respective discourse rules and purposes. However, recognizing topic, goal, intention by a computer program seems to be a very tough problem. Moreover, analyzing a paragraph is itself a complicated task which does not always yield satisfactory results.
Prenatal and postnatal attachment: a modest correlation.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether a correlation exists between prenatal and postnatal attachment. DESIGN Prospective, correlational study with data collected during the second half of pregnancy and again 1-2 months after delivery. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Two hundred twenty-eight women were recruited from childbirth education classes. The women were generally young, white, well educated, married, and employed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI) was used to measure attachment before birth. The Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI), the How I Feel About my Baby Now Scale, and the Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale were used to measure attachment after birth. RESULTS One hundred ninety-six women completed all the measures. A correlation was found between PAI and MAI scores (r = 0.41, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A correlation between prenatal and postnatal attachment was found. However, the modest size of the correlation indicated that other factors also influenced postnatal scores. Thus, caution should be exercised when promoting increased prenatal attachment in hopes of improving postnatal attachment.
NITOS BikesNet: Enabling Mobile Sensing Experiments through the OMF Framework in a City-Wide Environment

In this paper we present the NITOS Bikes Net platform, a city-scale mobile sensing infrastructure that relies on bicycles of volunteer users. NITOS Bikes Net employs a custom-built embedded node that can be equipped with different types of sensors, and which can be easily mounted on a bicycle in order to opportunistically collect environmental and WiFi measurements in different parts of the city. Experimenters can remotely reserve and control the sensor nodes on bicycles as well as collect/visualize their measurements via the OMF/OML framework, which was extended in order to handle the intermittent connectivity and disconnected operation of the mobile nodes. We also provide a performance analysis of our node prototype in terms of sensing latency, end-to-end data transmission capability and power consumption, and report on a first experiment that was performed using NITOS Bikes Net in the city of Volos, Greece.
A simple model predicting individual weight change in humans

Excessive weight in adults is a national concern with over 2/3 of the US population deemed overweight. Because being overweight has been correlated to numerous diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, there is a need to understand mechanisms and predict outcomes of weight change and weight maintenance. A simple mathematical model that accurately predicts individual weight change offers opportunities to understand how individuals lose and gain weight and can be used to foster patient adherence to diets in clinical settings. For this purpose, we developed a one-dimensional differential equation model of weight change based on the energy balance equation paired to an algebraic relationship between fat-free mass and fat mass derived from a large nationally representative sample of recently released data collected by the Centers for Disease Control. We validate the model's ability to predict individual participants’ weight change by comparing model estimates of final weight data from two recent underfeeding studies and one overfeeding study. Mean absolute error and standard deviation between model predictions and observed measurements of final weights are less than 1.8±1.3 kg for the underfeeding studies and 2.5±1.6 kg for the overfeeding study. Comparison of the model predictions to other one-dimensional models of weight change shows improvement in mean absolute error, standard deviation of mean absolute error, and group mean predictions. The maximum absolute individual error decreased by approximately 60% substantiating reliability in individual weight-change predictions. The model provides a viable method for estimating individual weight change as a result of changes in intake and determining individual dietary adherence during weight-change studies.
A virtual reality-based system integrated with fmri to study neural mechanisms of action observation-execution: a proof of concept study.

PURPOSE Emerging evidence shows that interactive virtual environments (VEs) may be a promising tool for studying sensorimotor processes and for rehabilitation. However, the potential of VEs to recruit action observation-execution neural networks is largely unknown. For the first time, a functional MRI-compatible virtual reality system (VR) has been developed to provide a window into studying brain-behavior interactions. This system is capable of measuring the complex span of hand-finger movements and simultaneously streaming this kinematic data to control the motion of representations of human hands in virtual reality. METHODS In a blocked fMRI design, thirteen healthy subjects observed, with the intent to imitate (OTI), finger sequences performed by the virtual hand avatar seen in 1st person perspective and animated by pre-recorded kinematic data. Following this, subjects imitated the observed sequence while viewing the virtual hand avatar animated by their own movement in real-time. These blocks were interleaved with rest periods during which subjects viewed static virtual hand avatars and control trials in which the avatars were replaced with moving non-anthropomorphic objects. RESULTS We show three main findings. First, both observation with intent to imitate and imitation with real-time virtual avatar feedback, were associated with activation in a distributed frontoparietal network typically recruited for observation and execution of real-world actions. Second, we noted a time-variant increase in activation in the left insular cortex for observation with intent to imitate actions performed by the virtual avatar. Third, imitation with virtual avatar feedback (relative to the control condition) was associated with a localized recruitment of the angular gyrus, precuneus, and extrastriate body area, regions which are (along with insular cortex) associated with the sense of agency. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the virtual hand avatars may have served as disembodied training tools in the observation condition and as embodied "extensions" of the subject's own body (pseudo-tools) in the imitation. These data advance our understanding of the brain-behavior interactions when performing actions in VE and have implications in the development of observation- and imitation-based VR rehabilitation paradigms.
SIRT 1 suppresses self-renewal of adult hippocampal neural stem cells

The balance between self-renewal and differentiation of adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) is essential for the maintenance of the aNSC reservoir and the continuous supply of new neurons, but how this balance is fine-tuned in the adult brain is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the role of SIRT1, an important metabolic sensor and epigenetic repressor, in regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mice. We found that there was an increase in SIRT1 expression during aNSCdifferentiation. InSirt1 knockout (KO)mice, aswell as in brain-specific and inducible stem cell-specific conditional KO mice, the proliferation and self-renewal rates of aNSCs in vivo were elevated. Proliferation and self-renewal rates of aNSCs and adult neural progenitor cells (aNPCs) were also elevated in neurospheres derived from Sirt1 KO mice and were suppressed by the SIRT1 agonist resveratrol in neurospheres from wild-type mice. In cultured neurospheres, 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced metabolic stress suppressed aNSC/aNPC proliferation, and this effect was mediated in part by elevating SIRT1 activity. Microarray and biochemical analysis of neurospheres suggested an inhibitory effect of SIRT1 on Notch signaling in aNSCs/aNPCs. Inhibition of Notch signaling by a γ-secretase inhibitor also largely abolished the increased aNSC/aNPC proliferation caused by Sirt1 deletion. Together, these findings indicate that SIRT1 is an important regulator of aNSC/aNPC self-renewal and a potential mediator of the effect of metabolic changes.
What is the impact of different spirometric criteria on the prevalence of spirometrically defined COPD and its comorbidities? Results from the population-based KORA study

Background There is an ongoing debate about the appropriate spirometric criterion for airway obstruction to detect COPD. Furthermore, the association of different criteria with comorbidity prevalence and inflammatory biomarkers in advanced age is unclear. Materials and methods Spirometry was performed in a population-based study (n=2,256) covering an age range of 41–90 years. COPD was spirometrically determined either by a fixed ratio (FR) of <0.7 for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) or by FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal (LLN). Comorbidity prevalences and circulating biomarker levels (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin [IL]-6) were compared between subjects with or without COPD by the two criteria using logistic and multiple regression models, adjusting for sex and age. Results The prevalence of spirometrically defined COPD by FR increased with age from 10% in subjects aged <65 years to 26% in subjects aged ≥75 years. For LLN-defined COPD, it remained below 10% for all age groups. Overall, COPD diagnosis was not associated with specific comorbidities, except for a lower prevalence of obesity in both FR- and LLN-defined cases. Both CRP and IL-6 tended to be higher in cases by both criteria. Conclusion In a population-based cohort of adults up to the age of 90 years, the prevalence of spirometrically defined COPD was higher for the FR criterion than for the LLN criterion. This difference increased with age. Neither prevalences of common comorbidities nor levels of the biomarkers, CRP or IL-6, were conclusively associated with the selection of the COPD criterion. Results have to be considered in light of the predominantly mild cases of airway obstruction in the examined study population.