Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing SPECT SISCOM analysis to localize seizure‐onset zone by using varying z scores

Subtraction ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) co‐registered to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (SISCOM) is a useful modality to identify epileptogenic focus. Using this technique, several studies have generally considered the area of highest ictal hyperperfusion, as outlined by thresholding the difference images with a standard z score of 2, to be highly concordant to the epileptogenic focus. In clinical practice, several factors influence ictal hyperperfusion and using different SISCOM thresholds can be helpful. We aimed to systematically evaluate the localizing value of various z scores (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5) in a seizure‐free cohort following resective epilepsy surgery, and to examine the localizing information of perfusion patterns observed at each z score.
Practical Development of a 5 kW ICPT System SS Compensated with a Large Air gap

A 5 kW ICPT system with a large air gap of 20 cm has been developed and built for a battery charger of electric vehicles. The practical sizing, the best compensation topology and the operational frequency have been studied in order to get the maximum efficiency of the system. The study has been focused in showing the process of the prototype's implementation, validating the theoretical results and analyzing the influence of the frequency deviation with respect to the resonant frequency and the variation of the distance between the two coils in the behaviour of the system.
Workload-aware Business Process Simulation with Statistical Service Analysis and Timed Petri Net

To adapt systems in response to new business requirements with SLA, business process performance simulation will play a key role. This paper proposes a performance model for business process that comprises control flow structure (such as loop) and parallel message execution under shared resources. A network queuing model is inappropriate to model dynamic workload in the business process execution since messages are processed in parallel consuming shared resources. In our previous work, we have proposed a statistical service model to estimate execution time based on workload overlap analysis. In this paper, we extend this approach to model a business process with control flow. We integrate a Timed Petri Net model and our statistical models for services and process engines. We have implemented a prototype system for supply chain scenario. Experiments with this prototype show high accuracy of performance simulation.
The Functional Organization of Auditory Working Memory as Revealed by fMRI

Spatial and nonspatial auditory tasks preferentially recruit dorsal and ventral brain areas, respectively. However, the extent to which these auditory differences reflect specific aspects of mental processing has not been directly studied. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment, participants encoded and maintained either the location or the identity of a sound for a delay period of several seconds and then subsequently compared that information with a second sound. Relative to sound localization, sound identification was associated with greater hemodynamic activity in the left rostral superior temporal gyrus. In contrast, localizing sounds recruited greater activity in the parietal cortex, posterior temporal lobe, and superior frontal sulcus. The identification differences were most prominent during the early stage of the trial, whereas the location differences were most evident during the late (i.e., comparison) stage. Accordingly, our results suggest that auditory spatial and identity dissociations as revealed by functional imaging may be dependent to some degree on the type of processing being carried out. In addition, dorsolateral prefrontal and lateral superior parietal areas showed greater activity during the comparison as opposed to the earlier stage of the trial, regardless of the type of auditory task, consistent with results from visual working memory studies.
High-Fidelity Image -Based Modeling

Image-based modeling is the process of automatically acquiring geometric object and scene models from photographs or video clips. This dissertation addresses three core problems in image-based modeling: static scene reconstruction, high-fidelity camera calibration, and dynamic scene reconstruction. For static scene reconstruction, we propose two novel multi-view stereo algorithms. In the first algorithm, after building a visual hull model purely from geometric constraints associated with image silhouettes, we identify rims where the surface grazes the visual hull model, which is then carved by maximizing a photometric consistency score defined over the surface while fixing the identified rims. A local iterative deformation step is finally used to recover fine surface details. In the second algorithm, we propose a simple method that outputs a set of planar oriented rectangular patches, which are then converted into a polygonal surface. The method does not require any initialization and is capable of detecting and discarding outliers and obstacles visible in the images. It does not perform any smoothing across nearby features, yet is one of the best algorithm available today according to the recent quantitative evaluations of multi-view stereo algorithms. For high-fidelity camera calibration, given a set of camera parameters possibly containing errors, we use multi-view stereo to construct a rough geometric model of a scene, which is then used to establish feature correspondences, Standard bundle adjustment software is used with the established feature correspondences to tighten up camera parameters. The proposed method has been tested on various real data sets including objects without salient textures, where feature correspondences cannot be established without our method. Lastly, for dynamic scene reconstruction, we propose a dense 3D tracking algorithm that uses multi-view stereo in the first frame to reconstruct an initial surface mesh, then tracks its vertices over time by using a local rigid and a global non-rigid motion models. An expansion strategy, which has proven extremely effective for multi-view stereo, is employed for fast and complex motions that existing approaches cannot handle. Qualitative and quantitative experiments are performed for seven real data sets, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach.
HITS and IRISA at MediaEval 2013: Search and Hyperlinking Task

This paper describes our approach and results in the hyperlinking sub-task at MediaEval 2013. A two step method is implemented where the fi rst step consists in establishing a shortlist of relevant videos. In the second step, a target segment is selected from each video in the shortlist. We focus on target selection comparing two distinct strategies. The fi rst one exploits a bipartite graph relating utterances and words to find the most relevant utterances from which segments are derived. The second one uses explicit topic segmentation, whether hierarchical or not, to select the target segments.
Integrating Simulation into Decision Support Systems

There is a growing necessity to embed a simulator within a decision support system. For a complex system, there is usually the need both to utilize a commercial package to perform the simulations and to read data from an in-house database. The DSS is programmed in different software packages which interact via the user-friendly, readily available MSExcel. A situation in which a company is faced with a sequencing problem is presented
Vibrant Soundbridge Implantable Hearing Device: Critical Review and Single-Surgeon Short- and Long-Term Results

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of a series of 31 consecutively presenting patients who had been implanted with the Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear hearing device. All implantations had been performed by the senior author. Three of these patients had undergone bilateral implantation, and 4 others had undergone subsequent explantation and reimplantation in response to known or suspected device failure, giving us a total of 34 ears and 38 implants. Our goal was to ascertain short- and long-term outcomes as measured by conventional audiometry (pure-tone average at 1 to 6 kHz) and long-term benefit as defined by the use or nonuse of the device. We found that at the initial activation session 2 months postoperatively, the average hearing thresholds were within 3 dB of the preoperative thresholds in all 34 ears and all 38 implants. The mean short-term gain at activation in the 38 implants was 28.1 dB. Nineteen patients (20 ears) were available for long-term evaluation, with the length of follow-up ranging from less than 1 year to 11 years (mean: 7.3). Of these 20 ears, 9 demonstrated further gain (mean: 10.8 dB) despite any natural hearing deterioration; of the remaining 11 ears, gain was unchanged in 2, diminished in 7 (mean: −3.6 dB), and gain data were unavailable in 2. In the final analysis, there were 20 user ears and 10 nonuser ears; 4 ears were lost to all follow-up. We conclude that direct-drive hearing with the Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear hearing device is beneficial and provides sustained audiometric gain. Factors that have a significant impact on patient use or nonuse include difficulty in obtaining audiologic support and the direct and indirect costs of the device. Without audiologic or financial support, some patients may choose to become nonusers and to either switch to conventional hearing aid amplification or become apathetic about hearing improvement.
Radial Basis Function Network for Multitask Learning

We extend radial basis function (RBF) networks to the scenar io in which multiple correlated tasks are learned simultaneously, and present the corresponding learning algorithms. We develop the algorithms for learning the network structure, in either a supervised or unsuper vis d manner. Training data may also be actively selected to improve the ne twork’s generalization to test data. Experimental results based on rea l dat demonstrate the advantage of the proposed algorithms and support our conclusions.
Apartness and formal topology

The theory of formal spaces and the more recent theory of apartness spaces have a priori not much more in common than that each of them was initiated as a constructive approach to general topology. We nonetheless try to do the first steps in relating these competing theories to each other. Formal topology was put forward in the mid 1980s by Sambin [11] in order to make available to Martin–Löf’s type theory [9] the concepts of classical topology that are worth keeping to such a constructive and predicative framework. The development of formal topology was inspired by, among other things, the theory of formal spaces worked out by Fourman and Grayson [8]. Since its early days formal topology has proved a fairly universal setting for doing topology in a point–free way. We refer to [12] for a recent and exhaustive survey of formal topology. The theory of apartness spaces was started by Bridges and Vı̂ţă [4] nearly twenty years later to reformulate set–theoretic topology as an extension of Bishop’s constructive analysis [2, 3]. The subsequent development of the theory of apartness spaces has also shed some light on its classical counterpart, the theory of proximity or nearness spaces. A comprehensive overview will be available soon [5]. In formal topology ‘basic neighbourhood’ is a primitive concept, whereas ‘point’ is a derived notion; as sets of basic neighbourhoods, points have to be handled with particular care to meet the needs of a predicative framework like Martin–Löf type theory. In the theory of apartness spaces, it is the other way round: as in classical topology, points are given as such, and (basic) neighbourhoods are sets of points. Since, however, it is hard to detect any truly impredicative move in the practice of Bishop’s constructive mathematics in general, we dare to undertake the following attempt to link formal topology and the theory of apartness spaces to each other. 1. Basic Definitions We recall the standard definitions associated with formal topologies and morphisms between them (approximable mappings). Definition 1.1. Let A be a set, and let be a relation between elements of A and subsets of A, i.e. ⊆ A× P(A). Extend to a relation between subsets of A by setting U V if and only if a V for all a ∈ U . For a preorder (A,≤) and a subset U ⊆ A, its downwards closure U≤ consists of those a ∈ A such that a ≤ b for some b ∈ U . 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification Primary 03F65, Secondary 03F60, 06D22, 54A05, 54E17, 54E05.
Complexity Analysis of Random Massive Algebraic System

We build a new kind of random polynomial model, Massive Algebraic System (MAS), which is equivalent to algebraic polynomial system in solvability. This model focused on Finite Fields, especially on Z2, is NPcomplete. By results of Population Dynamics, we find these systems undergo 1-Replica Symmetry Breaking (1RSB) and high order Replica Symmetry Breaking. This phenomenon indicates subtle structure and profound complexity of these systems. For determining the solvability of these random systems, Moments Method provides lower bounds α ∼ 0.5 and upper bounds α = 1 of threshold value. And through the dynamical analysis of Leaf-Removing algorithm, the lower bounds are improved by αl(p), for which αl(1) = 0.562 and αl(0) = 0.818. Well understanding of this brand-new random algebraic model, which brings on new ways of complexity variation, will be instructive to polynomial equations with massive variables. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000). Primary 68Q17; Secondary 93A15.
Motion-capture-based avatar control framework in third-person view virtual environments

This paper presents a motion-capture-based control framework for third-person view virtual reality applications. Using motion capture devices, a user can directly control the full body motion of an avatar in virtual environments. In addition, using a third-person view, in which the user watches himself as an avatar on the screen, the user can sense his own movements and interactions with other characters and objects visually. However, there are still a few fundamental problems. First, it is difficult to realize physical interactions from the environment to the avatar. Second, it is also difficult for the user to walk around virtual environments because the motion capture area is very small compared to the virtual environments. This paper proposes a novel framework to solve these problems. We propose a tracking control framework in which the avatar is controlled so as to track input motion from a motion capture device as well as system generated motion. When an impact is applied to the avatar, the system finds an appropriate reactive motion and controls the weights of two tracking controllers in order to realize realistic and also controllable reactions. In addition, when the user walks in position, the system generates a walking motion for the controller to track. The walking speed and turn angle are also controlled through the user's walking gestures. Using our framework, the system generates seamless transitions between user controlled motions and system generated motions. In this paper, we also introduce a prototype application including a simplified optical motion capture system.
Zika Virus, Elevation, and Transmission Risk

Introduction: Zika virus has appeared in the Americas in the form of a major outbreak, and is now known to cause birth defects when pregnant women are infected. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued travel guidelines, in the form of an elevational risk definition: destinations below 2000m are considered as at-risk. Methods: We explored the distribution of known Zika virus vector mosquito species in relation to climatic conditions, elevation, latitude, and air traffic connections to the United States. Results: In view of the tropical and subtropical nature of the mosquito species that are the primary Zika virus vectors, we point out that climate varies rather dramatically with respect to elevation and latitude, such that a single elevational criterion will be a poor predictor of potential for transmission. Discussion: We suggest an initial adjustment would consider latitude in addition to elevation; a more definitive, quantitative analysis of risk would consider variables of ecology, climate, human condition, and connectivity of areas.
The SIP Security Enhanced by Using Pairing-assisted Massey-Omura Signcryption

Voice over IP (or VoIP) has been adopted progressively not only by a great number of companies but also by an expressive number of people, in Brazil and in other countries. However, this crescent adoption of VoIP in the world brings some concerns such as security risks and threats, mainly on the privacy and integrity of the communication. The risks and threats already exist in the signaling process to the call establishment. This signaling process is performed by specific types of protocols, like the H.323 and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). Among those risks and threats, we can emphasize the man-in-the-middle attack because of its high danger degree. After doing a bibliographical revision of the current SIP security mechanisms and analyzing some proposals to improve these mechanisms, we verified that the SIP vulnerability to the man-in-the-middle was not totally solved. Then we propose a new security mechanism for SIP in this paper, aiming both to be an alternative security mechanism and a solution for the vulnerability to the man-in-the-middle attack. In our proposal we use a protocol for secure information exchange – the Massey-Omura protocol – which, when combined with Pairing-based Cryptography (PBC), provides a better security level for SIP in all its aspects.
Exploring Faculty Members' Motivation and Persistence in Academic Service-Learning Pedagogy.

This qualitative study provides a theoretical framework for understanding faculty members’ motivation to persist in utilizing academic service-learning pedagogy. Twenty-four faculty members from a private liberal arts university in the southeastern United States were interviewed about the benefits and challenges of teaching academic service-learning courses and the factors influencing their motivation to continue. Bandura’s (1997) model of motivation, which emphasizes the roles of forethought and retrospective reasoning, was adapted to illuminate the faculty members’ motivational cycle. The study examined faculty members’ cognized goals, outcome expectancies, perceptions of success, and perceived causes of difficulty in the aca demic service-learning experience and elicited their recommendations for enhancing faculty members’ motivation to continue using this pedagogy. Drawing on these voices and perspectives, we proposed a theoretical framework for understanding faculty members’ motivation for persisting in teaching academic service-learning courses and offer recommendations for universi ties seeking to strengthen faculty members’ continued commitment to this pedagogy.
Association of asthma severity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness with a polymorphism in the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 gene.

OBJECTIVES Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 is a homolog of CD28, which is expressed only on activated T cells. It binds to accessory molecule B7 and mediates T-cell-dependent immune response. Signaling through CTLA-4 may down-regulate type 1 T-helper cell proliferation; moreover, some studies suggest that CTLA-4 might also deliver a positive signal to type 2 T-helper cell activation. Disruption of this delicate balance of immune regulation may lead to autoimmune diseases or atopic diseases. To evaluate the possible role of CTLA-4 polymorphisms in bronchial asthma, we investigated the association between polymorphisms (exon 1 +49 A/G, promoter -318 C/T) and atopy, asthma severity, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in bronchial asthma patients and a group of healthy control subjects. PATIENTS Eighty-eight asthmatic patients and 88 healthy control subjects were studied. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Asthma severity assessment, methacholine challenge, allergy skinprick test, and serum total IgE measurements were performed. The genotypes of the CTLA-4 promoter (-318 C/T) and exon 1 (+49 A/G) in all subjects were determined using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The CTLA-4 promoter (-318 C/T) polymorphism was shown to be associated with asthma severity, but not with asthma, atopy, or bronchial hyperresponsiveness. A significant association was found between severe asthma and the T allele (p = 0.037). The CTLA-4 exon 1 (+49 A/G) polymorphism was shown to be associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but not with asthma, atopy, or asthma severity. Asthmatic patients of the GG genotype had more hyperresponsive airways than those with the AG or AA genotype (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS The CTLA-4 promoter (-318 C/T) T allele may serve as a clinically useful marker of severe asthma. The CTLA-4 exon 1 (+49 A/G) polymorphism may have a disease-modifying effect in asthmatic airways.
Ultrasound medical image recognition with artificial intelligence for Parkinson's disease classification

This paper shows how to classify the medical ultrasound images by using artificial intelligence with experimental software with MATLAB. The main goal is a classification of ROI substantia nigra in midbrain. This classification of the images is useful to detection Parkinson's disease. This work is based on image processing and is realized with the help of artificial intelligence which has been experimentally simulated in MATLAB software environment. This method is well applicable with Neural Network Toolbox in MATLAB.
Mapping C-Terminal Transactivation Domains of the Nuclear HER Family Receptor Tyrosine Kinase HER3

Nuclear localized HER family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) have been observed in primary tumor specimens and cancer cell lines for nearly two decades. Inside the nucleus, HER family members (EGFR, HER2, and HER3) have been shown to function as co-transcriptional activators for various cancer-promoting genes. However, the regions of each receptor that confer transcriptional potential remain poorly defined. The current study aimed to map the putative transactivation domains (TADs) of the HER3 receptor. To accomplish this goal, various intracellular regions of HER3 were fused to the DNA binding domain of the yeast transcription factor Gal4 (Gal4DBD) and tested for their ability to transactivate Gal4 UAS-luciferase. Results from these analyses demonstrated that the C-terminal domain of HER3 (CTD, amino acids distal to the tyrosine kinase domain) contained potent transactivation potential. Next, nine HER3-CTD truncation mutants were constructed to map minimal regions of transactivation potential using the Gal4 UAS-luciferase based system. These analyses identified a bipartite region of 34 (B1) and 27 (B2) amino acids in length that conferred the majority of HER3’s transactivation potential. Next, we identified full-length nuclear HER3 association and regulation of a 122 bp region of the cyclin D1 promoter. To understand how the B1 and B2 regions influenced the transcriptional functions of nuclear HER3, we performed cyclin D1 promoter-luciferase assays in which HER3 deleted of the B1 and B2 regions was severely hindered in regulating this promoter. Further, the overexpression of HER3 enhanced cyclin D1 mRNA expression, while HER3 deleted of its identified TADs was hindered at doing so. Thus, the ability for HER3 to function as a transcriptional co-activator may be dependent on specific C-terminal TADs.