Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Four-layer DOI detector with a multi pixel APD by light sharing method for small animal PET

Recently, avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are used as photo detectors in positron emission tomography (PET) because they have many advantages over photomultipliers (PMTs) typically used in PET detectors. We have been developing a PET detector with a multi pixel APD for a small animal PET scanner. Previously, we succeeded in the identification of four-layer depth of interaction (DOI) with a position sensitive PMT coupled to the backside of a crystal array by only an optimized reflector arrangement. We adopt this method for the APD detector to replace the position sensitive PMT. While APDs have many advantages as photo detectors, the detector performance with them is affected by electrical noise because of their low internal gain. Since scintillation lights are shared among many pixels by the presented method, weaker signals in pixels far from the interacting crystals are strongly affected by the noise. To evaluate the possible use of the four-layer DOI detector with APDs using the light sharing method, we constructed a prototype DOI detector and tested its performance. The prototype detector consisted of four layers of a 6 x 6 array with Lu2(1-x) Y2x SiO5 (LYSO) (Lu: 98 %, Y: 2 %) (Proteus Inc., U. S. A.) crystals, and a pixelized APD with a 4x8 pixel array (S8550, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. ). The size of each crystal element was 1.46 mm x 1.46 mm x 4.5 mm and all element surfaces were chemically etched. The experimental results indicated that the four-layer DOI detector with the multi pixel APD can be used as a small animal PET detector.
Theory-based analysis of cognitive support in software comprehension tools

Past research on software comprehension tools has produced a wealth of lessons in building good tools. However, our explanations of these tools tend to be weakly grounded in existing theories of cognition and human-computer interaction. As a result, the interesting rationales underlying their design are poorly articulated, leaving the lessons primarily implicit. This paper describes a way of using existing program comprehension theories to rationalize tool designs. To illustrate the technique, key design rationales underlying a prominent reverse engineering tool (the Reflexion Model Tool) are reconstructed. The reconstruction shows that theories of cognitive support can be applied to existing cognitive models of software developer behaviour. The method for constructing the rationales is described, and implications are drawn for codifying existing design knowledge, evaluating tools and improving design reasoning.
The Influence of Gyri and Sulci on the Skull-Brain Motion Based on Two Two-Dimensional Finite Element Models

The relative displacement between the skull and brain can be caused by road accidents and leads to permanent health issues or even death. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of gyri and sulci on skull-brain motion with two two-dimensional finite element head models with detailed structures. The material properties were adopted from the relative literature and assigned to the different model parts. Firstly, frontal impacts were simulated by impacting the head models with the same box-shaped object respectively to enable a comparison between simulation results and experiment data. Next, the same load condition of Nahum’s experiment reported in the literature was used as input to the finite element models. The results indicate that the influence of gyri and sulci on skull-brain motion is not significant.
Estimation of respiratory rate from thermal videos of preterm infants

Studies have demonstrated that respiratory rate (RR) is a good predictor of the patient condition as well as an early marker of patient deterioration and physiological distress. However, it is also referred as “the neglected vital parameter”. This is mainly due to shortcoming of current monitoring techniques. Moreover, in preterm infants, the removal of adhesive electrodes cause epidermal stripping, skin disruption, and with it pain.
Microcolumn development on titanium by multipulse laser irradiation in nitrogen

We report the growth of titanium nitride microcolumns under multipulse Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet (λ = 1.064 μm, τ ∼ 300 ns, ν = 30 kHz) laser irradiation of titanium targets in nitrogen atmosphere. The laser intensity value was chosen below the single-pulse melting threshold of titanium. The evolution with the number of laser pulses of the target morphology, crystalline state, and chemical composition at the surface as well as in depth were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, and wavelength dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Under the action of the laser pulses, during progressive surface nitridation, an initial rippled morphology developed, which evolved with further irradiation to TiN microcolumns. In-depth investigations showed a granular zone beneath the surface consisting of rutile and anatase phase TiO_2, followed by a compact needlelike layer of titanium until the interface with the unaffected target material.
Enhancing Quality of Code Clone Detection with Program Dependency Graph

At present, there are various kinds of code clone detection techniques. PDG-based detection is suitable to detect non-contiguous code clones meanwhile other detection techniques are not suited to detect them. However, there is a tendency that it cannot detect contiguous code clones unlike string-based or token-based technique. This paper proposes two techniques to enhance the PDG-based detection for practical usage. The software tool, Scorpio has been developed based on the techniques.
Towards Automatic Support for Augmenting Concept Maps with Documents

Concept mapping has been used extensively in educational settings as a learning and teaching tool and, more recently, as a knowledge elicitation tool to capture expert knowledge for preservation purposes. In these contexts, electronic concept maps annotated with supplementary multi-media resources can provide a rich source of information. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for users to identify the right resources to attach, especially when dealing with large resource collections. This paper presents ongoing research on methods for easing the annotation task by automatically searching a document library for relevant documents and suggesting them as potential associations for concepts in a map. The paper begins by discussing how concept map structure can be exploited to automatically generate queries to a database of indexed documents, to search for documents to link to the concepts in a map. It then presents methods for indexing documents to improve the search results. The methods for generating queries and indexing documents have been evaluated using two pre-existing expert knowledge models, with encouraging results.
Role of interface roughness on lateral transport in InGaN/GaN LEDs: diffusion length, dislocation spacing, and radiative efficiency

In a LED, electrons and holes are injected from the contacts into the quantum wells. The carriers diffuse laterally in the quantum wells. In this letter, we focus on the role of interface roughness, electron-electron scattering, and dislocation scattering in the quantum well on lateral transport and present results on the diffusion length in the lateral direction. The influence of quantum well with different indium compositions, carrier densities, dislocation densities, and interface roughness are studied. A Monte Carlo simulation program is used to study the lateral mobility in quantum well. The effects of alloy scattering, charged dislocation scattering, interface roughness scattering, and e-e scattering have been included in our Monte Carlo model. The results show that the nonradiative lifetime caused by the dislocation trapping is still a dominating role for higher indium composition. This limits the internal quantum efficiency. The large interface roughness caused by a quantum dot like structures and In-clustering effect may help to improve the efficiency by reducing the diffusion length. However, our results show that for the longer wavelength source, we should try to improve the overall internal quantum efficiency first before discussing the droop effect. One is to decrease the radiative lifetime by reducing the QCSE with nonpolar/semipolar structures. The other approach would be to reduce the dislocation density to less than 106cm-2.
Monitoring cardio-respiratory and posture movements during sleep: What can be achieved by a single motion sensor

Quality of sleep is an important index of wellbeing and health. Irregular sleep patterns are often associated with stress and disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, sleep apnea and obesity. In addition to key physiological indices, body movements and posture during sleep are also important for assessing causal relationship of irregular sleep patterns and underlying health issues. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of using a single accelerometer strapped onto the chest to detect posture and cardio-respiratory parameters during sleep. An efficient movement detector suitable for on-node implementation is developed to distinguish static postures from dynamics movements. When in static postures, a linear discriminant analysis (IDA) classifier is used to further divide the static postures into four common sleeping positions. Simultaneously, both heart rate and respiratory rate are extracted from the acceleration signal. A small cohort of 7 healthy subjects were recruited for lab-controlled experiments to evaluate the performance of our proposed methods. ECG signal and K4b2 system's V02 measurements were also collected to extract heart rate and respiratory rate as the ground truth for comparison. An overall classification accuracy of 99% is achieved for recognising the correct sleeping positions. Good matches to ground truths were also obtained for the derived cardiac and respiratory rates.
Checking and Bounding the Solutions of Some Recurrence Relations

Recurrence relations play an important role in the field of complexity analysis since complexity measures can often be elegantly expressed by systems of such relations. This justifies the interest in automatic, precise, efficient and correct systems able to solve or to approximate the solution of systems of recurrence relations. Assume such a system is built. Since closed-form solutions for recurrences of even modest complexity can be so big and complex to be unmanageable, how can confidence on such a system be gained? How can we quickly validate or perhaps disprove its results? And, in those cases where the exact solution is too complex to be of practical use, how can we trade precision for efficiency by approximating them from below and from above? We also concern ourselves with a problem related to the handling of sets of solutions of recurrence relations: how can we confine by means of a lower bound and an upper bound a set of such solutions? We provide some solutions to these problems where we are careful to rely, whenever possible, on fast integer computations and/or conditions that are easy to check in a completely automatic way. The ongoing experimental evaluation of these ideas is giving very promising results, showing order-of-magnitude speedups over the more traditional methods.
Persistent Homology for Characterizing Stimuli Response in the Primary Visual Cortex

The neural code is one of the largest and most perplexing frontiers in modern science. Much of the difficulty of studying networks in the brain lies in the fact that biological datasets are often not directly comparable, restricting most analyses to a very small sample size. We use persistent homology to investigate a basic classification problem in the primary visual cortex (V1): how do we differentiate neural responses to natural scenes from neural response to a Gaussian noise or other synthetic image? Topological techniques are particularly suited to stimuli characterization because they are coordinate free, allowing for comparison across brains, and resilient to deformation, decreasing the influence of noise. We show promising results towards obtaining a classification based on the first-order Betti number of the V1 neural response.
Positive Correlation between Estradiol and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor but not Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 in Normal Human Breast Tissue In vivo

Purpose: Angiogenesis is crucial in tumor development and progression. Ovarian hormones regulate angiogenesis in the reproductive tract but very little is known about its regulation in the normal breast. Sex steroids play an important role in breast cancer development by poorly understood mechanisms. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) are potent stimulators of angiogenesis. Both VEGF and FGF-2 function in autocrine/paracrine pathways and there is a major contribution of bioactive proteins by a posttranslational activation of sequestered molecules in the extracellular space. A direct measurement of these molecules in the extracellular compartment is, therefore, needed. Experimental Design: In this study, microdialysis was used to measure extracellular VEGF and FGF-2 in normal human breast tissue in situ in 11 premenopausal and 5 postmenopausal women. Results: Significantly higher level of VEGF in breast tissue of premenopausal women was found. Plasma as well as local estradiol and breast tissue VEGF exhibited significant correlations, whereas progesterone had no correlation with breast VEGF. FGF-2 did not correlate with either estradiol or progesterone. Conclusion: The result suggests that estradiol is a more potent regulator of free VEGF levels than progesterone in the normal breast. The control of free FGF-2 seems to be independent of sex steroids in the breast. Estrogen induction of free extracellular VEGF may be one mechanism involved in sex steroid–dependent breast carcinogenesis.
Exploring Music Collections by Browsing Different Views

The availability of large music collections calls for ways to efficiently access and explore them. We present a new approach which combines descriptors derived from audio analysis with meta-information to create different views of a collection. Such views can have a focus on timbre, rhythm, artist, style or other aspects of music. For each view the pieces of music are organized on a map in such a way that similar pieces are located close to each other. The maps are visualized using an Islands of Music metaphor where islands represent groups of similar pieces. The maps are linked to each other using a new technique to align self-organizing maps. The user is able to browse the collection and explore different aspects by gradually changing focus from one view to another. We demonstrate our approach on a small collection using a meta-information-based view and two views generated from audio analysis, namely, beat periodicity as an aspect of rhythm and spectral information as an aspect of timbre.
Encoding of Smooth Pursuit Direction and Eye Position by Neurons of Area MSTd of Macaque Monkey

The spike activity of neurons was recorded from the dorsal bank of the superior temporal sulcus (area MSTd) of alert behaving macaque monkeys performing visual fixation or target tracking tasks, with the aim of studying the tuning features of these neurons with both the direction of slow eye movement and the position of gaze. One hundred thirty-two neurons were tested for several fixation points and tracking directions. Many of them (43%) tuned to the direction of pursuit, regardless of the angle of gaze. Some (18%) showed a tonic discharge modulated by the static position of the eyes without pursuit direction specificity. A substantial number of cells (22%) were characterized by a discharge rate tuned to pursuit direction but influenced also by angle of gaze. Tuning curves for eye movement direction presented an average bandwidth of 130° and turned out to be continuously overlapping, suggesting a sort of vector coding of smooth pursuit direction. Gaze fields of eye position (EP) neurons were mostly ramp-like, with center of ramps shifted away from the straight ahead, implying a form of scalar coding of gaze eccentricity. The different categories of cells were intermingled and close to each other, suggesting possible reciprocal interactions within the same cortical area. These results show that EP and pursuit direction are signaled mainly by separate neuronal elements in area MSTd. Moreover, some cells can integrate both signals. Taking into account the visual responses of MSTd neurons to large, textured, moving fields, it is suggested that this area could be the site of interaction between visuo-oculomotor signals related to visual motion detection, slow eye movement direction, and EP. This signal interaction may be important for integrative functions such as analysis of external or self-induced visual motion, cortical control of pursuit eye movements, and eye/head coordination.
A context based storage system for mobile computing applications

In this paper, we describe a novel context based storage system that use context to manage user data and make it available to him based on his situation. First, we examine several existing systems that use context with documents. Subsequently, a new storage system is presented that uses context to aid in the capture of and access to documents in mobile environment. We describe file browser and calendar applications that we have developed within our mobile computing infrastructure utilizing the features of context based storage. Novel features of our system include the access rights mechanism for data and support for group activity.
Effect of Wuzhi Tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) on the Pharmacokinetics of Paclitaxel in Rats

Wuzhi tablet (WZ, registration no. in China: Z20025766) is a preparation of an ethanol herb extract of Wuweizi (Schisandra sphenanthera) containing 7.5 mg Schisantherin A per tablet. It was reported recently that WZ could significantly increase the blood concentrations of tacrolimus, which might be due to the inhibitory effect of WZ and its ingredients on P‐gp and/or CYP450 activity. Paclitaxel is a substrate of the efflux transporter P‐gp, and is mainly metabolized by CYP450 enzymes in the liver. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether and how WZ affects the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel in rats. After pretreatment with WZ, there were significant increases in the AUC0‐24h of oral paclitaxel (from 280.8 ± 97.3 to 543.5 ± 115.2 h ng/mL; p < 0.05) and Cmax (from 44.6 ± 16.4 to 86.8 ± 16.1 ng/mL; p < 0.05). The pharmacokinetic data for i.v. paclitaxel with WZ showed a relatively small (when compared against oral paclitaxel) but still significant increase in AUC0‐24h (from 163.6 ± 22.1 to 212.7 ± 17.7 h ng/mL; p < 0.05) and a decrease in clearance (from 3.2 ± 0.6 to 2.2 ± 0.3 L/h/kg; p < 0.05). Thus, the presence of WZ improved the systemic exposure of paclitaxel in rats. The herb–drug interaction between WZ and paclitaxel should be taken into consideration in clinical use. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin and differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), a major structural component of the vessel wall, not only play a key role in maintaining vascular structure but also perform various functions. During embryogenesis, SMC recruitment from their progenitors is an important step in the formation of the embryonic vascular system. SMCs in the arterial wall are mostly quiescent but can display a contractile phenotype in adults. Under pathophysiological conditions, i.e. vascular remodelling after endothelial dysfunction or damage, contractile SMCs found in the media switch to a secretory type, which will facilitate their ability to migrate to the intima and proliferate to contribute to neointimal lesions. However, recent evidence suggests that the mobilization and recruitment of abundant stem/progenitor cells present in the vessel wall are largely responsible for SMC accumulation in the intima during vascular remodelling such as neointimal hyperplasia and arteriosclerosis. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms that control SMC differentiation from vascular progenitors is essential for exploring therapeutic targets for potential clinical applications. In this article, we review the origin and differentiation of SMCs from stem/progenitor cells during cardiovascular development and in the adult, highlighting the environmental cues and signalling pathways that control phenotypic modulation within the vasculature.
NATURAL POLYMER BASED CLING FILMS FOR FOOD PACKAGING

In the last decades, there has been a marked increase in the use of natural polymer based film materials in packaging, which prevents food from external contamination, retardation of deterioration by extension of its shelf life and maintenance of its quality and safety. Natural polymer based cling films for food packaging can replace the non-biodegradable petroleum-based synthetic polymers at a low cost, thereby producing a positive effect both environmentally and economically. This review aims to obtain a better understanding of use of natural polymers based cling films available for food packaging which include: protein based edible films and films from cellulose and its derivatives. Protein-based edible films offer alternative packaging sources that can be used for versatile food products to reduce loss of moisture from food, can restrict the absorption of oxygen, lessen the migration of lipids, improving mechanical handling properties, and can provide physical protection to food. Cellulose derivatives are a class of natural polymers in which cellulose is swollen to form films with higher tensile strength and improved water vapor properties. However, currently research is focusing on the blending, layering, and filling cellulose derivatives with different biopolymers or synthetic polymers to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties, therefore strengthening their position in competition with other packaging materials available for food packaging. Cling films are synthesized involving biopolymers and the preparation of their modified derivatives to develop a class of natural packaging films which will revolutionize the food packaging industry using various different formulations. The aim in future is to come up with best films for the food industry by increasing their shelf lives and by validating the films according to ASTM standards for food packaging.
Tumor doubling time of renal cell carcinoma measured by CT

Introduction: Increasing numbers of patients are now being incidentally detected with small-sized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The natural history of small renal masses is not completely understood. Currently, there are no specific tumor markers to determine initial risk or progression to metastatic disease. Growth rate and tumor size are factors shown to be predictive of tumor biology. In this study, we attempted to examine the natural history of RCC and calculated the doubling times (DTs) of untreated RCC at the primary site. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients with RCC who had at least two measurements of the same tumor mass obtained on computed tomography (CT) imaging on two different dates (at least 6 months apart) during periods of non-treatment. The tumor volume was calculated at two points in time using images yielded by the CT imaging. The tumor DT was calculated using the following equation: DT = (T – T0) × log2/logV – logV0. Results: Twenty-two (13 male and nine female) patients with ages ranging from 32 to 71 years (mean 52.22 years) were included in the study. The initial maximum tumor diameter ranged from 2.8 to 6.8 cm (mean 3.93 cm) and the last maximum tumor diameter ranged from 3.2 to 7.8 cm (mean 4.39 cm). The DT for the entire population was 460.01 days (range 174-913 days). Conclusions: RCC is a diverse disease process, with the majority of lesions demonstrating malignant disorder. In our study, the DT for the patient population was 460.01 days (range 174-913 days).