Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-Layered Random Forest-based Metaphoric Hand Gesture Interface in VR

We present a novel Natural User Interface (NUI) framework, called Meta-Gesture1, for supporting intricate interactive scenarios in Virtual Reality. Meta-Gesture uses the gestures of holding and manipulating everyday tools commonly used in daily life. Specifically, the holding gesture is used to summon a virtual object into the palm of the hand, while the manipulating gesture is used to trigger the function of the summoned virtual tool. Our contributions include: (i) a novel NUI supporting a sophisticated level of interaction, such as a very small (nail-sized) VR object selection, which is achieved by combining a 3D palm pose estimator (publicly available) with a proposed Meta-Gesture estimator and (ii) a novel multi-layered random forest as a Meta-Gesture estimator, which classifies a static and dynamic gesture hierarchically, in a single classifier. We also present (iii) a novel voxel coding scheme called Layered Shape Pattern (LSP), which is configured by calculating the fill rate of point clouds (raw source of data) in each voxel on top of the palm pose estimation. We foresee numerous potential AR/VR applications of our system, which augment a user’s experience (See Fig. 4).
Analysing the Course of Trust Towards Public and Financial Institutions via Hidden Markov Models

We propose a statistical method to analyse public trust which is considered as latent concept fluctuating over time. At this aim, using measured trust's levels from individual items of a long-term survey is necessary because key variables with appropriate meaning are not available elsewhere. We conceive trust as a mental unobservable feature of each person which is related to the observed time-varying and time-fixed covariates and we propose a hidden Markov model to account for the repeated measures and for longitudinal sampling weights as well as missing responses. We estimate the model parameters by a weighted log-likelihood maximized by the Expectation-Maximization algorithm. We use data collected in an East-Central European country like Poland where the level of support to the national and international institutions is one of the lowest among the European member states. We apply a suitable algorithm based on the posterior probabilities to predict the best allocation of each individual in each latent typology. We validate the proposed model by predicting out-of-sample responses and we find reasonable predictive values. Concerning the applicative example we disentangle four hidden groups of Poles: discouraged, with no opinion, with selective trust and with fully public trust. We predict an increasing number of people that are going to select the institutions to support over time.
Improved fat-suppression homogeneity with mDIXON turbo spin echo (TSE) in pediatric spine imaging at 3.0 T

Background Robust fat suppression remains essential in clinical MRI to improve tissue signal contrast, minimize fat-related artifacts, and enhance image quality. Purpose To compare fat suppression between mDIXON turbo spin echo (TSE) and conventional frequency-selective and inversion-recovery methods in pediatric spine MRI. Material and Methods Images from T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) TSE sequences coupled with conventional methods and the mDIXON technique were compared in 36 patients (5.8 ± 5.4 years) at 3.0 T. Images from 42 pairs of T1W (n = 16) and T2W (n = 26) scans were acquired. Two radiologists reviewed the data and rated images using a three-point scale in two categories, including the uniformity of fat suppression and overall diagnostic image quality. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the scores. Results The Cohen’s kappa coefficient for inter-rater agreement was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56–0.83). Images from mDIXON TSE were considered superior in fat suppression (P < 0.01) in 22 (rater 1) and 25 (rater 2) cases, respectively. In 13 (rater 1) and 11 (rater 2) cases, mDIXON TSE demonstrated improved diagnostic image quality (P < 0.01). In three cases, fat suppression was superior using inversion-recovery and likewise in one case mDIXON had poorer image diagnostic quality. Lastly, mDIXON and conventional fat-suppression methods performed similarly in 17 (rater 1) and 14 (rater 2) cases, and yielded equal diagnostic image quality in 28 (rater 1) and 30 (rater 2) cases. Conclusion Robust fat suppression can be achieved with mDixon TSE pediatric spine imaging at 3.0 T and should be considered as a permanent replacement of traditional methods, in particular frequency-selective techniques.
Azathioprine in connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease: data from a retrospective single centre study

Background: Immunosuppressive agents and corticosteroids are the standard treatments for patients with connective tissue disease associated ILD (CTD-ILD). This retrospective study aimed to provide data on tolerability and efficacy of azathioprine in CTD-ILDs. Methods: 56 CTD-ILD patients treated with azathioprine between 2003 and 2014 were included in the study. Azathioprine was added to oral corticosteroids as a corticosteroid sparing agent. Patients were assessed every 3 months in the outpatient clinic. Results: 15 patients (27%) discontinued treatment due to side effects, mostly due to elevated liver enzymes, within the first 3 months. The mean treatment duration was 34 months with a range of 3 to 105 months. 41 patients were treated for longer than 3 months, and 27 of those (66%) had stable or improved pulmonary function during treatment. In patients who remained stable or improved, the mean FVC was 62 ± 17 % pred at the initiation of treatment and 65 ± 17 % pred at the last follow up visit (p=0.036), and the mean DLCO was 38 ± 16 % pred at initiation of treatment and 39 ± 17% pred at the last follow up visit (p=0.06). The mean serum level of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) was elevated in all patients, it was 1655±821 U/mL at start of treatment and 1589±744 U/mL at the last follow up visit. Serum KL-6 levels showed a decline in stable or improved patients during treatment, but this was not significant (p= 0.210). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the role of azathioprine in treatment of CTD-ILD. While early drug intolerance is frequent, most patients who tolerated the drug well achieved long-term stabilisation or improvement of lung function. Randomised controlled trials are still needed to validate these results. KL-6 seems to be a promising biomarker for monitoring CTD-ILDs under treatment.
Evaluation of circulating current suppression methods for parallel interleaved inverters

Two-level Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) are often connected in parallel to achieve desired current rating in multi-megawatt Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). A multi-level converter can be realized by interleaving the carrier signals of the parallel VSCs. As a result, the harmonic performance of the WECS can be significantly improved. However, the interleaving of the carrier signals may lead to the flow of circulating current between parallel VSCs and it is highly desirable to avoid/suppress this unwanted circulating current. A comparative evaluation of the different methods to avoid/suppress the circulating current between the parallel interleaved VSCs is presented in this paper. The losses and the volume of the inductive components and the semiconductor losses are evaluated for the WECS with different circulating current suppression methods. Multi-objective optimizations of the inductive components have been also carried out. The design solutions, that are obtained using the optimization, have been compared on the basis of the volume of the inductive components and yearly energy loss for a given mission profile.
Heat treatment to suppress image defect occurrence in amorphous selenium avalanche multiplication photoconductive film with improved red-light sensitivity

Amorphous selenium (a-Se) avalanche multiplication photoconductive film, HARP film, has been developed for the purpose of making a high sensitivity video camera. HARP film used for the red channel in a color camera is doped with tellurium (Te) to improve its red-light sensitivity. However, doping a-Se with Te causes impurity levels that trap electrons, and the built-in-field from the trapped electrons causes image defects when a camera using the film is shooting intense spotlights. A heat treatment to suppress the defect occurrence was found. We describe this treatment and discuss its mechanism.
Automatic 3D Segmentation of the Breast in MRI

Automatic 3D segmentation of the breast in MRI Cristina Gallego Ortiz Master of Science Graduate Department of Medical Biophysics University of Toronto 2011 Breast cancer is currently the most common diagnosed cancer among women and a significant cause of death. Breast density is considered a significant risk factor and an important biomarker influencing the later risk of breast cancer. Therefore, ongoing epidemiological studies using MRI are evaluating quantitatively breast density in young women. One of the challenges is segmenting the breast in order to calculate total breast volume and exclude non-breast surrounding tissues. This thesis describes an automatic 3D breast volume segmentation based on 3D local edge detection using phase congruency and Poisson surface reconstruction to extract the total breast volume in 3D. The boundary localization framework is integrated on a subsequent atlas-based segmentation using a Laplacian framework. The 3D segmentation achieves breast-air and breast-chest wall boundary localization errors with a median of 1.36 mm and 2.68 mm respectively when tested on 409 MRI datasets.
Breakfast type, daily nutrient intakes and vitamin and mineral status of French children, adolescents, and adults.

OBJECTIVE To examine associations between the consumption of different types of breakfasts, dietary intakes, and selected indices of nutritional status. METHODS Dietary intakes were obtained using the dietary history method, and serum bioassays were used to assess vitamin and mineral status in a representative community-based sample of 1108 French children (ages 2 to 10 years), adolescents (ages 10 to 18 years), and adults (ages 18 to 65 years). Breakfasts were divided into three categories: low-energy (<15% of the energy RDA), medium-energy (15-25%) and high-energy (>25%). RESULTS High-energy breakfasts were associated with the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) cereals. High-energy breakfasts and cereal consumption, both more common among children and adolescents than among adults, were also associated with a greater proportion of daily energy from carbohydrate and lower proportion of energy from fat. High-energy breakfasts and cereal consumption were further associated with higher intakes of vitamins and minerals as measured by percent RDAs. High-energy breakfasts and cereal consumption were associated with lower serum cholesterols and improved biochemical indices of nutritional status. Serum concentrations of vitamin B1 (in children and adolescents), vitamin B2 and beta-carotene (in adults) were significantly linked to the level of energy provided by breakfast. CONCLUSION The consumption of breakfast cereals appears to have a positive impact on nutritional status regardless of age.
Detailed characterization of the mouse glioma 261 tumor model for experimental glioblastoma therapy

Mouse glioma 261 (Gl261) cells are used frequently in experimental glioblastoma therapy; however, no detailed description of the Gl261 tumor model is available. Here we present that Gl261 cells carry point mutations in the K‐ras and p53 genes. Basal major histocompatibility complex (MHC)I, but not MHCII, expression was detected in Gl261 cells. The introduction of interferon‐γ‐encoding genes increased expression of both MHCI and MHCII. A low amount of B7‐1 and B7‐2 RNA was detected in wild‐type cells, but cytokine production did not change expression levels. Gl261 cells were transduced efficiently by adenoviral vectors; the infectivity of retroviral vectors was limited. Low numbers of transplanted Gl261 cells formed both subcutaneous and intracranial tumors in C57BL/6 mice. The cells were moderately immunogenic: prevaccination of mice with irradiated tumor cells 7 days before intracranial tumor challenge prevented tumor formation in approximately 90% of mice. When vaccination was carried out on the day or 3 days after tumor challenge, no surviving animals could be found. In vitro‐growing cells were radiosensitive: less than 2 Gy was required to achieve 50% cell mortality. Local tumor irradiation with 4 Gy X‐rays in brain tumor‐bearing mice slowed down tumor progression, but none of the mice were cured off the tumor. In conclusion, the Gl261 brain tumor model might be efficiently used to study the antitumor effects of various therapeutic modalities, but the moderate immunogenicity of the cells should be considered. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 546 – 553)
Effects of Ginkgo biloba on haemostatic factors and inflammation in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients

Ginkgo biloba extract decreased plasma D‐dimer concentration, a marker of intravascular coagulation, in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients. Blood levels of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, hs‐CRP, albumin and liver enzyme levels were not significantly changed. No bleeding episode was reported. These results suggest that Ginkgo biloba extract was effective in partially reversing the thrombogenic coagulation profile without increasing the risk of bleeding. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The history and geography of the Y chromosome SNPs in Europe: an update.

The knowledge of the evolution of the human genome is strictly dependent on the availability of appropriate genetic markers and their relative coverage of genetic variation which refine the phylogenetic reconstruction. While autosomal markers are particularly valuable for recognizing correspondence between genetic and geographic distances, markers on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or Non Recombining Portion of Y Chromosome (NRY), because of their unilinear transmission, can effectively trace diachronical patterns of the human peopling. The maximum extent of polymorphism coverage has already been reached for the very small mitochondrial genome (about 16,5 Kbp), whereas the first studies based on RFLPs (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms) (Cann et al. , 1987) and on sequencing of the hypervariable regions (Vigliant et al. , 1991), were then combined to get higher resolution (Torroni et al. , 1996), and finally the complete genome sequencing is now routinely performed (Achilli et al. , 2004, Pala et al. , 2009), in order to detect the whole mtDNA variation. A similar approach cannot be used yet at population level for the by far larger nuclear genome. However, advances in genotyping technology have dramatically enhanced the resolution of the analysis at genome-wide level, and recent papers significantly improved the knowledge of the relationships among European populations, using 300 to 500 K SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) on microarrays chips (Tian et al. , 2008; Novembre et al. , 2008). As to the NRY, most of the studies before the year 2000 were performed using Alu insertion (Hammer, 1995) or STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) (De Knijff et al. , 1997; Pritchard et al. , 1999) with the known limitations due to recurrence and reversion of this kind of polymorphisms. Using D-HPLC (Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography) technology, Underhill and coworkers (1997) discovered 22 new SNP biallelic markers, rapidly raising in number to 167 (Underhill et al. , 2000), 242 (YCC, 2002), about 600 (Karafet et al., 2008), up to more than 725 presently listed in the Y-DNA SNP Index 2009, (www.isogg. org), and the knowledge of Y chromosome phylogeny and of the spread worldwide of human populations raised proportionally. The next goal of the research on Y chromosome will be the use of specific microarrays that can genotype a much higher number of SNPs than nowadays routinely performed, and, ultimately, the complete Y chromosome sequencing. Waiting for future developments, this short note reports the state of the art of the phylogenetic (“history”) and phylogeographic (“geography”) research on Y chromosome SNP analyses in Europe, updating the review published in this Journal by Francalacci & Sanna at the beginning of 2008.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the WISC-IV in a Hospital Referral Sample

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) scores of 297 children referred to a children’s hospital in the Southwestern United States. Results support previous findings that indicate the WISC-IV is best represented by a direct hierarchical (bifactor) model including four first-order factors and one general intelligence factor. In this sample, the general intelligence factor accounted for 50% of the total variance and 76% of the common variance. Of the first-order factors, the Verbal Comprehension factor accounted for the most total (5.6%) and common (8.4%) variance. Furthermore, the general intelligence factor accounted for more variance in each subtest than did its respective first-order factor and it was the only factor that exhibited adequate measurement precision (ωh = .87). These findings support previous recommendations that WISC-IV interpretations should focus on the general intelligence factor over first-order factors.
Increased muscular triglyceride content and hyperglycemia in Goto-Kakizaki rat are decreased by egg white hydrolysate

Abstract We investigated the fat metabolic characteristics in non-obese and diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat and the effects of dietary egg white hydrolysate (EWH) on glucose and fat metabolism. Wistar (W) and GK (G) rats were placed into dietary casein (WC and GC) or EWH (WE and GE) group, and fed their respective diet for six weeks. Triglyceride (TG) content and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) indices in the soleus muscle were higher in the GC group than WC group in parallel with worsening serum glucose metabolic parameters. The glucose metabolic parameters were significantly improved in the GE group. The TG accumulation and SCD indices in the soleus muscle were also significantly lower in the GE group than in the GC group. In conclusion, dietary EWH not only improved glucose metabolism but also reduced both TG accumulation and SCD indices in the soleus muscle of GK rat.
In vitro effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides delivered by gelatin nanoparticles on canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic and healthy dogs - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides offer a novel promising immunotherapeutic approach for atopic dermatitis (AD) both in humans and animals. Gelatin nanoparticles (GNP) enhance and prolong CpG-associated immunomodulatory effects and minimize adverse effects both in vitro and in vivo. Information about the effects of this combination in dogs is lacking. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate immunological effects of CpG coupled to GNP on canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. ANIMALS Eight dogs with AD, diagnosed by standard criteria and with a concurrent immediate hypersensitivity to house dust mites were included. Control samples were taken from eight healthy, age-matched control dogs without history or evidence of cutaneous or systemic illness. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy and allergic dogs were incubated with CpG-GNP and the uptake of CpG-GNP was demonstrated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell culture supernatant concentrations of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by Canine Cytokine Milliplex. RESULTS No significant changes in IFN-γ and IL-4 were found when comparing PBMCs incubated with CpG and CpG-GNP with the negative controls in atopic and healthy dogs. Interleukin-6 was not detected in any of the groups. However, a statistically significant increase in IL-10 concentration was found after 24 h stimulation with CpG-GNP compared with CpG alone both in atopic and healthy dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE As IL-10 is considered an immunosuppressive cytokine playing a key role in peripheral tolerance; the reported CpG-GNP formulation could be a new approach in allergy treatment.
Vitamin D, Cardiovascular Disease, and Survival in Dialysis Patients

Dialysis patients have an increased burden of cardiovascular disease, with >70% of patients dying from a cardiovascular event. Several recent retrospective cohort studies have shown an association of treatment with calcitriol or its analogs and improved survival. The similar findings of these studies increase the validity of the observations, but these studies are subject to biases inherent in this type of study design. In particular, the nonrandom choice to treat, lack of information on concomitant medications, and differences in characteristics of patients who are treated compared with those not treated can lead to significant bias. Thus, prospective studies are needed. Two, small, uncontrolled, prospective studies showed improvement in left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis patients treated with α‐calcidiol or calcitriol, and there is abundant animal and in vitro studies showing biological plausibility. Thus, given the available evidence, it seems prudent to advise that most dialysis patients receive some form of vitamin D while we await results of a prospective interventional trial. The unknown is what type and how much to give, and whether this approach is safe, especially in patients with low levels of PTH.
The Strategy of Java Class File's Modification

A modification strategy is given Java class file. It does not disobey the Java class file’s format, so the modified class files can be interpret any Java Virtual Machine products. It denotes the way how to add extra information into class file, which make common Java Virtual Machine products ignore them, but special Java Virtual Machine products may recognized them. Experimentation has put up to inspect the strategy.
Some properties of frozen concentrated starters produced by continuous culture

Summary Frozen concentrated cheese starters were prepared from 7 Streptococcus cremoris and 2 Str. lactis strains by continuous culture. pH control with NH4OH and Ca(OH)2 increased the yield of Str. cremoris strains as compared with NaOH, but the resultant cells were smaller and less active. Maximum yields for both species were obtained at a dilution rate of 0·6 and pH 6·3, but with Str. cremoris cell activity was reduced above pH 6·0. Degeneration in continuous culture was observed in the 2 Str. lactis strains, due apparently in one case to the action of a bacteriophage and in the other possibly to selection or to loss of adaptive enzymes. Concentrated starters retained full viability and activity when stored for 10–12 weeks at −110°C, and 94% activity after storage for 4 weeks at −40°C. Cheese made with the concentrated starters ripened normally and was comparable in quality with control cheese made with normal bulk starter.
K+‐channel inhibition reduces portal perfusion pressure in fibrotic rats and fibrosis associated characteristics of hepatic stellate cells

In liver fibrosis, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) secrete excess extracellular matrix, thus, represent key targets for antifibrotic treatment strategies. Intermediate‐conductance Ca2 + ‐activated K+‐channels (KCa3.1) are expressed in non‐excitable tissues affecting proliferation, migration and vascular resistance rendering KCa3.1 potential targets in liver fibrosis. So far, no information about KCa3.1 expression and their role in HSC exists. Aim was to quantify the KCa3.1 expression in HSC depending on HSC activation and investigation of antifibrotic properties of the specific KCa3.1 inhibitor TRAM‐34 in vitro and in vivo.