Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amyloid-PET in cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common age-related cerebral small vessel disease characterized by progressive deposition of amyloidal protein made up of (with rare exception) amyloid-β (Aβ) in the media and adventitia of cortical and leptomeningeal vessels.1 Lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents a late, often devastating manifestation of the disease, leading to high mortality, poor functional outcome, and dementia. Definite CAA diagnosis requires a full postmortem neuropathologic examination. However, brain MRI can help to diagnose CAA during life by detecting hemorrhagic lesions such as lobar cerebral microbleeds and cortical superficial siderosis. The modified Boston criteria include these MRI hemorrhagic markers and show a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 82% for probable CAA diagnosis.2 These hemorrhagic lesions may represent late and irreversible steps in the pathways leading from vascular dysfunction to brain injury. In vivo detection of vascular amyloidal protein might help early diagnosis of CAA.
Pros and Cons of IPv6 Transition Technologies for IPv4aaS

Several IPv6 transition technologies have been developed to provide customers with IPv4-as-a-Service (IPv4aaS) for ISPs with an IPv6-only access and/or core network. All these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, and depending on existing topology, skills, strategy and other preferences, one of these technologies may be the most appropriate solution for a network operator. This document examines the five most prominent IPv4aaS technologies considering a number of different aspects to provide network operators with an easy to use reference to assist in selecting the technology that best suits their needs.
The role of the user in accounting for SME wine businesses

This paper considers the concept of vernacular accounting, as contributed by Kilfoyle, Richardson & MacDonald (2013) in the context of SMEs. Illustrations of vernacular use of accounting in firm level contexts are provided, facilitating the translation of Kilfoyle et al.’s (2013) ideal types of vernacular accounting to the SME context. It is noted that in all examples provided, owners and/or top level management were involved, rendering the consideration of sanction redundant. The paper confirms the relevance of the concept of vernacular accountings in the SME context and the need for SME-specific definitional clarity. Further, the observation based data presented highlights the importance of immersive, contextually aware data collection methods. Research that focuses only on more traditional concepts of what constitutes a firm’s accounting system runs the risk of only considering a section of a firm’s overall system, and therefore invalidly underestimating its capabilities. 3.
The Alpha 21264 microprocessor

Alpha microprocessors have been performance leaders since their introduction in 1992. The first generation 21064 and the later 21164 raised expectations for the newest generation-performance leadership was again a goal of the 21264 design team. Benchmark scores of 30+ SPECint95 and 58+ SPECfp95 offer convincing evidence thus far that the 21264 achieves this goal and will continue to set a high performance standard. A unique combination of high clock speeds and advanced microarchitectural techniques, including many forms of out-of-order and speculative execution, provide exceptional core computational performance in the 21264. The processor also features a high-bandwidth memory system that can quickly deliver data values to the execution core, providing robust performance for a wide range of applications, including those without cache locality. The advanced performance levels are attained while maintaining an installed application base. All Alpha generations are upward-compatible. Database, real-time visual computing, data mining, medical imaging, scientific/technical, and many other applications can utilize the outstanding performance available with the 21264.
A comparison of the consistency of proteome quantitation using two‐dimensional electrophoresis and shotgun isobaric tagging in Escherichia coli cells

An important consideration in the measurement of quantitative changes in protein expression is the consistency of the observations for a given technique as well as the reproducibility of the experiment. A quantitative assessment of the technical and biological variability is crucial to avoid erroneous inferences and conclusions. Two methods for measuring quantitative changes in protein expression are two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and shotgun proteomics of isobaric‐tagged samples using iTRAQ™ reagents. An assessment of changes in Escherichia coli protein expression in response to rhsA induction demonstrates that half of the quantified protein expression ratios have a coefficent of variation (CV) less than 0.31 using 2‐DE and less than 0.24 using isobaric tags; whereas 95% of the quantified protein expression ratios have a CV less than 0.81 using 2‐DE and less than 0.53 using isobaric tags. The selective removal of outlier data points from the shotgun method using Grubb's and Rosner's statistical outlier tests improves the consistency of the quantitation data obtained.
Positioning accuracy in a registration-free CT-based navigation system

In order to maintain overall navigation accuracy established by a calibration procedure in our CT-based registration-free navigation system, the CT scanner has to repeatedly generate identical volume images of a target at the same coordinates. We tested the positioning accuracy of the prototype of an advanced workplace for image-guided surgery (AWIGS) which features an operating table capable of direct patient transfer into a CT scanner. Volume images (N = 154) of a specialized phantom were analysed for translational shifting after various table translations. Variables included added weight and phantom position on the table. The navigation system's calibration accuracy was determined (bias 2.1 mm, precision ± 0.7 mm, N = 12). In repeated use, a bias of 3.0 mm and a precision of ± 0.9 mm (N = 10) were maintainable. Instances of translational image shifting were related to the table-to-CT scanner docking mechanism. A distance scaling error when altering the table's height was detected. Initial prototype problems visible in our study causing systematic errors were resolved by repeated system calibrations between interventions. We conclude that the accuracy achieved is sufficient for a wide range of clinical applications in surgery and interventional radiology.
ANALISIS KEPUASAN KONSUMEN TERHADAP PELAYANAN RESTORAN CEPAT SAJI (RESTORAN X) DENGAN METODE SERVICE QUALITY (SERVQUAL)

Restaurant X is a fast food restaurant that emphasizes quality to obtain customer satisfaction. The process of fulfillment of consumer satisfaction, not only requires a quality product or service, but also requires a supportive service system. This study aims to analyze customer satisfaction of Restaurant X service. The method used is Service Quality. This method measures the quality of service and be used to analyze the cause of a service problem. Dimensions used in this research are reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and tangible. Data collection techniques were conducted by distributing questionnaires to respondents. The result of the research using regression technique shows that the variables affecting customer satisfaction on Restaurant X service are clean environment both at the inside and the outside, lighting condition inside restaurant, list menu neatly and visibly clear by consumers, food portions served, and employees provide prompt and timely service. The result of the research by using Service Quality method states that Restaurant X service of employee responsive to consumer requirement and employees ability to respond consumer demand quickly need to improve due to big gap between expectation and consumer perception.
Detection of hepatitis Β virus DNA and mutations in Kras and p 53 genes in human hepatocellular carcinomas

Hepatitis Β virus (HBV) infection is considered as one of the major risk factors in the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies have also suggested the implication of oncogene and onco-suppressor genes in liver carcinogenesis. We studied 41 cases of HCC for the presence of HBV DNA and point mutations in codon 12 of K-ras and codon 249 of p53. We used 'nested' PCR for the amplification of HBV because of the expected low incidence of the virus DNA in the samples. PCR was also used for the amplification of K-ras and p53 regions that contain the codons of interest, followed by RFLP analysis for the detection of point mutations. HBV DNA was amplified in 22 cases (53.7%), while 5 cases (12.2%) appeared to carry mutations in codon 12 of K-ras and 7 cases (17.1%) had mutations in codon 249 of the p53 gene. These results further support the correlation between HBV infection and HCC and also indicate an implication of K-ras and p53 genes in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Chief Executive Officer Remuneration and the ‘Two-Strikes’ Rule of Australia

Over the past two decades, executive remuneration has been a topic of considerable controversy. The perceived inability of boards of directors to set optimal executive pay, together with the revelation of corporate scandals and subsequent collapse of high-profile companies, has fuelled intense public debates about executive pay. Regulators here and abroad have been forced to address these growing concerns. With the view to improving the accountability of executive pay and to restraining ‘excessive’ executive pay, Australia introduced the Corporations Amendment (Improving Accountability on Director and Executive Remuneration) Act 2011, with effect from 1 July 2011. Unlike previous legislation, under which shareholders’ votes on remuneration reports were non-binding, this new ‘say on pay’ (SOP) legislation, widely known as the ‘two-strikes’ rule in Australia, has specific and predictable consequences. Under this new rule, the board of directors (except the chief executive officer) of a firm listed on the Australian Securities Exchange may potentially face re-election if the remuneration report receives 25% or more ‘no’ votes at the Annual General Meeting in two consecutive years.
Kalman Filter for Stripe Non-uniformity Correction in Infrared Focal Plane Arrays

This paper introduces a novel approach to correct stripe non-uniformity in infrared images. The differences between the bias of the column readout circuit of infrared focal plane arrays result in strong stripe noise. We propose that the bias of the column readout circuits can be observed by using a 1D bilateral filter on the average signal of the columns of infrared images. In this paper we regard the bias of column readout circuit as Gauss-Markov process. The proposed Gauss-Markov model provides a mechanism to capture the slow drift of the bias. A Kalman filter is derived that uses the observed bias to update the bias estimates. Finally, the infrared images are corrected using the estimated biases. The effectiveness of the method is shown according to the experimental results on real infrared images.
Massage for mechanical neck disorders.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of mechanical neck disorders (MND) is known to be both a hindrance to individuals and costly to society. As such, massage is widely used as a form of treatment for MND. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of massage on pain, function, patient satisfaction, global perceived effect, adverse effects and cost of care in adults with neck pain versus any comparison at immediate post-treatment to long-term follow-up. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, MANTIS, CINAHL, and ICL databases from date of inception to 4 Feburary 2012. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies using random assignment were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently conducted citation identification, study selection, data abstraction and methodological quality assessment. Using a random-effects model, we calculated the risk ratio and standardised mean difference. MAIN RESULTS Fifteen trials met the inclusion criteria. The overall methodology of all the trials assessed was either low or very low GRADE level. None of the trials were of strong to moderate GRADE level. The results showed very low level evidence that certain massage techniques (traditional Chinese massage, classical and modified strain/counter strain technique) may have been more effective than control or placebo treatment in improving function and tenderness. There was very low level evidence that massage may have been more beneficial than education in the short term for pain bothersomeness. Along with that, there was low level evidence that ischaemic compression and passive stretch may have been more effective in combination rather than individually for pain reduction. The clinical applicability assessment showed that only 4/15 trials adequately described the massage technique. The majority of the trials assessed outcomes at immediate post-treatment, which is not an adequate time to assess clinical change. Due to the limitations in the quality of existing studies, we were unable to make any firm statement to guide clinical practice. We noted that only four of the 15 studies reported side effects. All four studies reported post-treatment pain as a side effect and one study (Irnich 2001) showed that 22% of the participants experienced low blood pressure following treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS No recommendations for practice can be made at this time because the effectiveness of massage for neck pain remains uncertain.As a stand-alone treatment, massage for MND was found to provide an immediate or short-term effectiveness or both in pain and tenderness. Additionally, future research is needed in order to assess the long-term effects of treatment and treatments provided on more than one occasion.
Volatile organic compounds speciation and their influence on ozone formation potential in an industrialized urban area in Brazil

ABSTRACT Speciation and the influence on the ozone formation potential (OFP) from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been studied between February June 2013 in Vitória, ES, Brazil. Passive samplers were installed at three air-quality monitoring stations and a total of 96 samplings were collected. A total of 78 VOCs were characterized by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The predominant group was organic acids, followed by alcohols and substituted aromatics and 14 precursor species were quantified. An analysis correlating concentrations with wind direction was conducted to identify possible sources. The OFP was calculated applying the scale of maximum incremental reactivity proposed by Carter. [23] Ozone precursors with the greatest OFP such as undecane, toluene, ethylbenzene and m, p-xylene compounds were the most abundant with means of 0.855, 0.365, 0.259 and 0.289 µg m−3, respectively. The benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) group was found below the limits considered harmful to the health of the population living in Vitória. The OFP calculated for the precursors group was 22.55 µg m−3 for the rainy season and 32.11 µg m−3 for the dry season. The VOC/NOx ratio in Vitória is approximately 1.71, indicating that the region has a VOC-limiting condition for the production of ozone.
A study of appling BPNN to speech recognition system

Neural network has the advantages of high tolerance of error and ability of parallelism calculation . When applying to the real time speech recognition system, through one time calculation and can get the recognition result immediately that is different from other methods like VQ, DTW, HMM. Those methods need to build models one by one and the same as to recognize, and it is inconvenient on the situation needing the real time response. But using neural network as the identifier, the dimension of input vector will large, it will occupy more memory storage, then will affect the efficiency of calculation. Therefore, in this paper we raise the concept to combine HMM and BPNN, it can reduce the dimension of input vector to decrease the burden of memory storage; on the other hand, it can also raise the calculating efficiency. For resolving a general BP network problem of slow convergence while training, in this paper we raise the concept of using the recognition rate as a factor to judge whether to stop the training procedure or not, which can save more training time and can also get the required recognition rate.
Mobile Banking Adoption in Thailand: An Integration of Technology Acceptance Model and Mobile Service Quality

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence a consumerâ€™s intentions to use mobile banking. A web-based survey was employed to collect data from 348 samples of all owners of a mobile device and have experienced with mobile banking applications provide by private banks in Thailand. The proposed model of mobile banking adoption in this study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Mobile Service Quality (MSQ). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that support for the positive effect of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and mobile service quality toward mobile banking adoption intentions. Therefore, Banks should emphasize on strategies to enhance benefit perceptions of mobile banking by taking these factors into account. This study is also one of the first to examine a combined TAM and MSQ model in the context of m-banking adoption. Theoretical and practical implications of results are discussed in the paper.
Echo-enhanced color- and power-Doppler EUS for the discrimination between focal pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND EUS is a precise method for detection and staging of pancreatic tumors. However, differentiation between inflammatory pseudotumor and pancreatic carcinoma remains difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate contrast-enhanced EUS as a method of differentiating inflammation and carcinoma based on perfusion characteristics. METHODS Patients with solid pancreatic masses underwent EUS with a linear echoendoscope. Perfusion in the pancreatic tissue and the mass was assessed with native and contrast-enhanced EUS with power- and color-Doppler imaging. Examinations were evaluated by a blinded reader. A markedly hyperperfused lesion was considered an inflammatory pseudotumor whereas lesions that were hypoperfused compared with surrounding tissue were considered to be carcinoma. RESULTS Fifteen of 23 patients had hypoperfusion within the mass and 8 patients had hyperperfused lesions. Of the 15 patients with hypoperfused masses, all had pancreatic adenocarcinoma; 1 of 8 patients with a hyperperfused lesion also had adenocarcinoma. The remaining 7 patients had focal inflammation. Sensitivity for differentiation of pancreatic carcinoma versus inflammatory changes was 94%, specificity 100%. CONCLUSION Echo-enhanced power-Doppler EUS reliably differentiates pancreatic neoplasm and focal pancreatitis. The diagnostic accuracy of this technique is comparable to CT, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and ERCP.
Semantic Edge Detection for Tracking Vocal Tract Air-Tissue Boundaries in Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Images

Recent developments in real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI) have enabled the study of vocal tract dynamics during production of running speech at high frame rates (e.g., 83 frames per second). Such large amounts of acquired data require scalable automated methods to identify different articulators (e.g., tongue, velum) for further analysis. In this paper, we propose a convolutional neural network with an encoderdecoder architecture to jointly detect the relevant air-tissue boundaries as well as to label them, which we refer to as ‘semantic edge detection’. We pose this as a pixel labeling problem, with the outline contour of each articulator of interest as positive class and the remaining tissue and airway as negative classes. We introduce a loss function modified with additional penalty for misclassification at air-tissue boundaries to account for class imbalance and improve edge localization. We then use a greedy search algorithm to draw contours from the probability maps of the positive classes predicted by the network. The articulator contours obtained by our method are comparable to the true labels generated by iteratively fitting a manually created subject-specific template. Our results generalize well across subjects and different vocal tract postures, demonstrating a significant improvement over the structured regression baseline.
Medical image restoration with different types of noise

The images obtained by X-Ray or computed tomography (CT) in adverse conditions may be contaminated with noise that can affect the detection of diseases. A large number of image processing techniques (filters) have been proposed to remove noise. These techniques depend on the type of noise present in the image. In this work, we propose a method designed to reduce the Gaussian, the impulsive and speckle noise and combined noise. This filter, called PGNDF, combines a non-linear diffusive filter with a peer group with fuzzy metric technique. The proposed filter is able to reduce efficiently the image noise without any information about what kind of noise might be present. To evaluate the filter performance, we use mammographic images from the mini-MIAS database which we have damaged by adding Gaussian, impulsive and speckle noises of different magnitudes. As a result, the proposed method obtains a good performance in most of the different types of noise.
Lattice vector quantization of image wavelet coefficient vectors using a simplified form of entropy coding

Lattice vector quantization has recently attracted some interest as an alternative to full-search VQ for signal and image coding problems. It is considerably more computationally efficient, and it avoids the difficult codebook design problem. Furthermore, it has been noted that the optimal high bit rate entropy constrained vector quantizer will approximate a lattice. Indeed for lattice VQ to be competitive, the quantized vectors should be entropy coded. This has traditionally been performed on a per image basis, a complex and inefficient process. We propose a general image-independent coding scheme which we apply to the coding of lattice quantized wavelet coefficient vectors. We also demonstrate that the quantizing and coding complexity can be reduced through reducing the dimension of the wavelet vectors by means of principal components analysis and a perceptually based nonlinearity. <<ETX>>
The Influence of Family Functioning and Parent-Adolescent Acculturation on North American Chinese Adolescent Outcomes.

The present study investigated the associations between family functioning, acculturation between parents and their adolescents, and adolescent adjustment problems. Chinese adolescents and their parents (N ¼ 41) living in the United States and Canada participated in this study. Results showed that differences in acculturation between parents and adolescents were related to adolescent depression and that family functioning was related to both depression and delinquency. Both parental and adolescent acculturation levels and their differences were important in predicting adolescent outcomes. Implications for conducting family therapy and parent education with Chinese North American adolescents and their parents are discussed.