Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Despeckling SAR images in the lapped transform domain

In this paper, a novel lapped transform (LT) based approach to SAR image despeckling is introduced. It is shown that LT coefficients of the log transformed, noise free SAR images, obey Generalized Gaussian distribution. The proposed method uses a Bayesian minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator which is based on modeling the global distribution of the rearranged LT coefficients in a subband using Generalized Gaussian distribution. Finally the proposed algorithm is implemented in cycle spinning mode to compensate for the lack of translation invariance property of LT. Experiments are carried out using synthetically speckled natural and SAR images. The proposed Bayesian based technique in LT based framework, when compared with several existing despeckling techniques, yields very good despeckling results while preserving the important details and textural information of the scene.
Image Processing Architecture for Semiconductor Nanowire Based Fabrics

A new processing architecture for semiconductor nanowire grid fabrics is presented. The system consists of a large number of functionally identical units called cells. Cells are locally interconnected with nearest neighbors, with a limited number of global signals routed from supporting CMOS circuitry. One possible implementation of a digital cellular neural network (CNN) using this architecture is shown. The digital cellular design may be up to 27times denser than an equivalent 18 nm CMOS implementation. The system, based on a collective computation model, may also significantly alleviate manufacturing, since 100% fault-free components may not be necessary.
Controlling bicycle using deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm

Controlling a bicycle without human interaction is still a challenge for researchers. Most of the studies on this topic focus on the physical area of bicycle or designing controllers based on automatic control knowledge such as feedback controller, LQR controller. This study focuses on applying a state-of-the-art deep reinforcement learning algorithm called Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient to control the bicycle. The bicycle can use the learned controller (agent) to keep balancing or reach a specified goal.
Simplifying minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy with the inversion approach: Lessons learned from the first 20 cases.

HYPOTHESIS The laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy can be simplified and performed safely and effectively by using a novel esophageal inversion technique. DESIGN Case series describing technique, initial experience, and learning curve with laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy. SETTING Tertiary care university hospital and veteran's hospital. PATIENTS Twenty consecutive patients with high-grade dysplasia (n = 16) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 4). INTERVENTION Laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy, a totally laparoscopic approach to transhiatal esophagectomy that incorporates distal to proximal inversion to improve mediastinal exposure and ease of dissection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Perioperative end points and complications, compared between the first and second groups of 10 patients. RESULTS There were 19 men and 1 woman. Median operative time was 448 minutes. Median blood loss was 175 cm3. Median intensive care unit stay was 4 days, and median total hospital stay was 9 days. Overall anastomotic leak rate was 20%. Five patients developed an anastomotic stricture, all successfully managed with endoscopic dilation. There were 2 recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, which resolved. There was no intraoperative or 30-day mortality. Between the first 10 consecutive cases and last 10 procedures, the incidence of anastomotic leak and stricture formation decreased from 30% to 10% and 40% to 10%, respectively. During this period, the number of lymph nodes harvested increased 9-fold, and duration of intensive care unit stay decreased from 8.00 to 2.50 days. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy is a safe procedure. The learning curve for the inversion approach is approximately 10 operations in the hands of esophageal surgeons with advanced laparoscopic expertise.
Role of dopamine D1 receptors and extracellular signal regulated kinase in the motivational properties of acetaldehyde as assessed by place preference conditioning.

BACKGROUND The role of dopamine D1 receptors and Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) in the motivational properties of drugs can be studied by place-conditioning. Recent advances have shown that the motivational properties of ethanol, determined by place-conditioning, are mediated by its metabolic conversion into acetaldehyde. To date, the role of D1 receptors and ERK activation in acetaldehyde-elicited place preference has not been determined. The aim of this study was to assess the role of D1 receptors blockade and MEK inhibition in the acquisition of acetaldehyde-elicited conditioned place preference. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to repeated pairings with 1 compartment of the conditioning apparatus immediately following acetaldehyde (20 mg/kg i.g.) or ethanol (1 g/kg i.g.) administration. The D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 39166 (50 microg/kg s.c.), was administered 10 minutes before acetaldehyde or ethanol administration. In order to study the role of activated ERK in the acetaldehyde-elicited place preference, rats were administered the MEK inhibitor, PD98059 (1, 30, and 90 microg i.c.v.), 10 or 30 minutes before acetaldehyde. To verify the specificity of these effects, we also studied whether PD98059 pretreatment could affect morphine (1 mg/kg s.c.)-elicited place preference. RESULTS Both acetaldehyde and ethanol elicited significant place preferences and these were prevented by pretreatment with SCH 39166. In addition, pretreatment with PD98059, dose (30 and 90 but not 1 microg i.c.v.) and time (10 but not 30 minutes before) dependently, prevented the acquisition of acetaldehyde- and significantly reduced the acquisition of morphine-elicited conditioned place preference. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm that acetaldehyde and ethanol elicit conditioned place preference and demonstrate that D1 receptors are critically involved in these effects. Furthermore, the finding that PD98059 prevents the acquisition of acetaldehyde-elicited conditioned place preference highlights the importance of the D1 receptor-ERK pathway in its motivational effects.
Pose, illumination and expression invariant face recognition using laplacian of Gaussian and Local Binary Pattern

This paper presents an effective approach for the application of Face Recognition using Local Binary Pattern operator. The face image is firstly divided in to the sub regions to generate the locally enhanced Local Binary Histogram, which provide the features information on pixel level by creating LBP labels for histogram. Global Local Binary Histogram for the entire face image is obtained by concatenating all the individual local histograms. As a pre-processing technique the differential excitation of pixel is used to make the algorithm invariant to the illumination changes. The performance of the algorithm is verified under constrains like pose, illumination and expression variation.
Efficacy of low‐level laser therapy compared to steroid therapy in the treatment of oral lichen planus: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proposed as a potential treatment strategy for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of LLLT, in comparison with corticosteroid therapy, in the treatment of OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review aimed to address the following focused question: "Does LLLT yield better clinical outcomes than corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of OLP? " Indexed databases were searched up to and including April 2017. Clinical trials in humans diagnosed clinically and/or histologically with OLP allocated to test (LLLT) versus control (steroid therapy) groups were included. RESULTS Five clinical studies were included. The risk of bias was considered high in four studies and moderate in one study. Laser wavelengths, power, spot size, and duration of laser exposure ranged between 630 and 970 nm, 10-3000 mW, 0.2-1.0 cm2 , and 6-480 seconds, respectively. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 48 weeks. All included studies reporting clinical scores showed that LLLT was effective in the treatment of OLP in adult patients at follow-up. Three studies showed significantly higher improvements with topical use of corticosteroids compared to LLLT, while one study showed significant improvement with LLLT. One study showed comparable outcomes between LLLT and corticosteroid application. CONCLUSION It remains debatable whether LLLT is more effective as compared to corticosteroids in the treatment of OLP, given that the scientific evidence is weak. These findings are preliminary and further randomized clinical trials are recommended.
Prediction of Motor Recovery Using Diffusion Tensor Tractography in Supratentorial Stroke Patients With Severe Motor Involvement

Objective To investigate whether early stage diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) values predict motor function at 3 months after onset in supratentorial stroke patients with severe motor involvement. Methods A retrospective study design was used to analyze medical records and neuroimaging data of 49 supratentorial stroke patients with severe motor involvement. Diffusion tensor imaging was assessed within 3 weeks after stroke in all patients. Three-dimensional tractography of the ipsilateral corticospinal tract (CST) was performed using the fiber assignment of the continuous tracking algorithm. The two-step DTT analysis was used. The first step was classification according to ipsilateral CST visualization. The second step was a quantitative analysis of the visible-CST group parameters. Motor function was assessed at 2 weeks and at 3 months after stroke. Comparative and correlation analyses were performed between DTT-derived measures and motor assessment scores. Results Motor function of the upper extremity at 3 months after stroke was significantly higher in the visible-CST group than that in the nonvisible-CST group (p<0.05). Early stage fractional anisotropy was of DTT correlated significantly with upper extremity motor function at 3 months after stroke in the visible-CST group (p<0.05). Conclusion These results demonstrate that early DTT-derived measures predict motor recovery in the upper extremity at 3 months after onset in supratentorial stroke patients with severe motor involvement.
BRAF mutation associated with dysregulation of apoptosis in human colorectal neoplasms

To understand the role of BRAF dysfunction in the carcinogenesis and progression/development of colorectal tumors, the authors investigated genetic alterations in the BRAF gene in human colorectal neoplasms as well as the effects of an RAS inhibitor in BRAF‐mutant cells. Seven colon cancer cell lines and 116 colorectal tumors (34 adenomas and 82 adenocarcinomas) were analyzed. Genetic alterations in the BRAF and K‐ras genes were examined using polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing analyses. The growth‐inhibitory and apoptosis‐inducing effects of the FTI‐277 RAS inhibitor in colon cancer cell lines were analyzed as well. An immunohistochemical study was also performed to investigate the correlations between the clinicopathologic parameters involved in the Ki‐67 labeling index and the number of apoptotic bodies in tumor cells. FTI‐277 did not suppress the proliferation of BRAF‐mutant cells (WiDr and TCO), but remarkably inhibited the growth of K‐ras mutant cells (LoVo). Interestingly, LoVo cells underwent apoptosis by FTI‐277 in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas WiDr cells were resistant to this agent. In tumor samples, BRAF mutations were found in 1 (3.0%) of 33 adenomas and 6 (7.2%) of 83 adenocarcinomas. No tumor exhibited mutations in both the BRAF and K‐ras genes. Neither BRAF nor K‐ras mutations correlated with the Ki‐67 labeling index immunohistochemically. However, the number of apoptotic bodies was significantly decreased in the BRAF‐mutant tumors. Mutation in the BRAF gene may contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis by upregulating the antiapoptotic role of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust H∞ filter design for singular systems with networked missing measurements

This paper concerns the robust H∞ filtering problem for uncertain discrete-time singular systems with lossy data due to unreliable networked transmission. The stochastic variable satisfying Bernoulli random binary distribution is introduced to model the missing measured outputs. A set of sufficient conditions for the existence of the desired filter is established, and a robust filter design method under the linear matrix inequality framework is proposed. One numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Building inclusive nations in the age of migration

ABSTRACT Nation and diversity are often cast in oppositional terms. The present joint intervention explores the limits and possibilities of what we call ‘inclusive nation’, i.e. a nation which embraces rather than expunging diversity. To reflect on this idea, the Loughborough University Nationalism Network (LUNN) organized a symposium, bringing together both academics and relevant stakeholders, to explore both theoretically and practically the feasibility of the inclusive nation. For reason of space, here we present only the theoretical views of academics. While Billig and Yuval-Davis highlight the inherent exclusive thrust of nationalism, Kaufmann and Hearn suggest two distinct ways to move away the traditional understanding of nationalism as a site of singularity, oppression and exclusion. A final rejoinder by Nyhagen pushes the debate further interrogating the boundaries of national belonging. Video abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo
Implementation Experience of a Prototype for Video Streaming over Wireless Mesh Networks

Streaming video over wireless mesh networks is an attractive and challenging technology. It is important to select an appropriate metric in the routing algorithm to improve the video delivery quality. In this paper, we report the design, implementation, and evaluation of a prototype for video streaming over a wireless mesh network. In order to select the best path dynamically to improve the multimedia performance, Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol is enhanced with a new radio and bandwidth aware routing metric, better route request/reply message process rules and periodic route refreshment and maintenance. A metric quantization method is also proposed to maintain the route stability while achieving quick response to the network dynamics. In addition, we implemented a proxy function in the mesh access point so that the stations can access the mesh through the access point without any modification to themselves. Using the prototype, we prove the concept that our approach can significantly improve the video quality over the traditional AODV routing protocol in a real system implementation.
GEM-AQ, an on-line global multiscale chemical weather modelling system: model description and evaluation of gas phase chemistry processes

Tropospheric chemistry and air quality processes were implemented on-line in the Global Environmental Multiscale weather prediction model. The integrated model, GEM-AQ, was developed as a platform to investigate chemical weather at scales from global to urban. The current chemical mechanism is comprised of 50 gas-phase species, 116 chemical and 19 photolysis reactions, and is complemented by a sectional aerosol module with 5 aerosols types. All tracers are advected using the semi-Lagrangian scheme native to GEM. The vertical transport includes parameterized subgrid-scale turbulence and large scale deep convection. Dry deposition is included as a flux boundary condition in the vertical diffusion equation. Wet deposition of gas-phase species is treated in a simplified way, and only below-cloud scavenging is considered. The emissions used include yearly-averaged anthropogenic, and monthly-averaged biogenic, ocean, soil, and biomass burning emission fluxes, as well as NO x from lightning. In order to evaluate the ability to simulate seasonal variations and regional distributions of trace gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, the model was run for a period of five years (2001–2005) on a global uniform 1.5°×1.5° horizontal resolution domain and 28 hybrid levels extending up to 10 hPa. Model results were compared with observations from satellites, aircraft measurement campaigns and balloon sondes. We find that GEM-AQ is able to capture the spatial details of the chemical fields in the middle and lower troposphere. The modelled ozone consistently shows good agreement with observations, except over tropical oceans. The comparison of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide with satellite measurements emphasizes the need for more accurate, year-specific emissions fluxes for biomass burning and anthropogenic sources. Other species also compare well with available observations.
Business Analytics Function Discovery in Queuing Models with Genetic Programming

Many queueing models exist in practice that are not solvable analytically. While some research has been carried out to approximate functions in queuing theory, only a few studies have investigated a machine learning approach. The objective of this paper was to explore the possibility of discovering performance functions for queueing models with genetic programming, which is a machine learning technique from the field of evolutionary computing. This was done by sampling training and test data for models for which the functions are known, namely the Erlang C and Engset delay model. The discovered functions were compared to the analytical functions and their performance was tested in an optimization context. The main finding was that GP was able find useful functions for the considered models. Because the functions are simple approximations of the underlying function, it is important to expose their flaws before applying them in practice. Another important finding was that GP was able to discover these functions with relatively little training data. Research Paper BA iii
Regulation of RANTES Chemokine Gene Expression Requires Cooperativity Between NF-κB and IFN-Regulatory Factor Transcription Factors1

Virus infection of host cells activates a set of cellular genes, including cytokines, IFNs, and chemokines, involved in antiviral defense and immune activation. Previous studies demonstrated that virus-induced transcriptional activation of a member of the human CC-chemokine RANTES required activation of the latent transcription factors IFN-regulatory factor (IRF)-3 and NF-κB via posttranslational phosphorylation. In the present study, we further characterized the regulatory control of RANTES transcription during virus infection using in vivo genomic footprinting analyses. IRF-3, the related IRF-7, and NF-κB are identified as important in vivo binding factors required for the cooperative induction of RANTES transcription after virus infection. Using fibroblastic or myeloid cells, we demonstrate that the kinetics and strength of RANTES virus-induced transcription are highly dependent on the preexistence of IRFs and NF-κB. Use of dominant negative mutants of either IκB-α or IRF-3 demonstrate that disruption of either pathway dramatically abolishes the ability of the other to bind and activate RANTES expression. Furthermore, coexpression of IRF-3, IRF-7, and p65/p50 leads to synergistic activation of RANTES promoter transcription. These studies reveal a model of virus-mediated RANTES promoter activation that involves cooperative synergism between IRF-3/IRF-7 and NF-κB factors.
A model of hospitality students’ attitude toward and willingness to work with older adults

Purpose The purpose of this study is to incorporate aspects of existing research to develop a model of hospitality students’ willingness to work with older adults. It evaluates whether the addition of multi-age perspective (MAP), a concept adapted from multi-cultural literature which addresses perceptions of different age groups, and separating attitudes into favorable and unfavorable constructs provide better predictive power than previous models. Design/methodology/approach A survey combining various measures suggested from the literature was conducted electronically with hospitality students from five US universities. Findings Factor analysis and structural equation modeling resulted in a model of the relationships between six latent constructs: contact quality, aging anxiety, MAP, unfavorable attitude, favorable attitude and willingness to work with older adults. While MAP and contact quality significantly influenced the respondents’ unfavorable and favorable attitudes, aging anxiety only affected their unfavorable attitude. Respondents’ MAP was the strongest antecedent for willingness to work with older adults, followed by favorable attitude and unfavorable attitude. Research limitations/implications The research investigated the beliefs of hospitality students studying in the USA and may not be representative of all younger hospitality workers and those in other countries. Practical implications Incorporating MAP into both educational and business contexts through methods such as intergenerational service learning, leadership commitment to age-diversity and reverse mentoring will facilitate cooperation and improved relations among younger and older hospitality workers. Originality/value This study is the first to apply the construct of MAP to hospitality and to separate the constructs of the influence of unfavorable attitudes from that of favorable attitudes.
A Phenomenological Study: The Lived Experience of Teen Mothers Who Graduated from High School and Attended or Completed College.

CHRISTINE MARIA STROBLE. A phenomenological study: The lived experience of teen mothers who graduated from high school and attended or completed college. (Under the direction of DR. GREG A. WIGGAN) The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to (1) explore the lived experience of teen mothers who graduated from high school and attended or completed college and (2) discover the school factors that contributed to their academic success. The goal was that in discovering the “essence” of participants’ experience, findings might provide insight into how to increase the graduation rate for teen mothers. The research question that guided this study was the following: What is the lived experience of teen mothers who graduated from high school and attended or completed college, and what are the school factors that contributed to their academic success? The findings revealed that the participants experienced (1) a feeling of accomplishment, (2) a struggle balancing school and work with being the best mother, (3) difficulty paying for daycare in college, (4) a dilemma deciding whether to go to a local college or to go away, (5) feeling judged for being a teen mother, (6) a lot of support, and (7) some non-support. The findings regarding the structure of the participants’ experience or how they graduated from high school and attended or completed college was (1) a supportive female family role model, (2) faith in God, (3) supportive school personnel (teachers, principal, school nurse), (4) teen parenting programs/classes that provided daycare assistance in high school and that extended through college, (5) their children (who motivated them), and (6) self-determination and/or wanting to redeem themselves. Based on these findings, there are implications for practice, research and public policy. One recommendation is