Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optic Disc Perfusion in Primary Open Angle and Normal Tension Glaucoma Eyes Using Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Microangiography

Purpose To investigate optic disc perfusion differences in normal, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) eyes using optical microangiography (OMAG) based optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography technique. Design Cross-sectional, observational study. Subjects Twenty-eight normal, 30 POAG, and 31 NTG subjects. Methods One eye from each subject was scanned with a 68 kHz Cirrus HD-OCT 5,000-based OMAG prototype system centered at the optic nerve head (ONH) (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin, CA). Microvascular images were generated from the OMAG dataset by detecting the differences in OCT signal between consecutive B-scans. The pre-laminar layer (preLC) was isolated by a semi-automatic segmentation program. Main Outcome Measures Optic disc perfusion, quantified as flux, vessel area density, and normalized flux (flux normalized by the vessel area) within the ONH. Results Glaucomatous eyes had significantly lower optic disc perfusion in preLC in all three perfusion metrics (p<0.0001) compared to normal eyes. The visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) were similar between the POAG and NTG groups, and no differences in optic disc perfusion were observed between POAG and NTG. Univariate analysis revealed significant correlation between optic disc perfusion and VF MD, VF PSD, and rim area in both POAG and NTG groups (p≤0.0288). However, normalized optic disc perfusion was correlated with some structural measures (retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and ONH cup/disc ratio) only in POAG eyes. Conclusions Optic disc perfusion detected with OMAG was significantly reduced in POAG and NTG groups compared to normal controls, but no difference was seen between POAG and NTG groups with similar levels of VF damage. Disc perfusion was significantly correlated with VF MD, VF PSD, and rim area in glaucomatous eyes. Vascular changes at the optic disc as measured using OMAG may provide useful information for diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma.
A trigger-less acquisition system for the EXILL large germanium detectors array

The combination of the intense cold neutron beam available at the PF1b beam position of the Institute Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, together with the high detection efficiency of a large array of high purity Ge detectors (HPGe) has offered a unique opportunity for a set of experiments devoted to nuclear spectroscopy on stable isotopes as well as on exotic nuclei produced in the fission process of uranium and plutonium samples. The emitted γ-rays from neutron capture on stable targets as well as from the decay of fission fragments have been acquired in a trigger-less mode to preserve a maximum of information for further off-line treatment. A dedicated fully digital acquisition system using a combination of a 14-bit 100 MS/s digitisers with a PowerPC-based VME single board computer has been developed to ensure data collection and real-time processing capabilities. The present article will describe the experimental setup as well as the specific electronic configuration used during the EXILL campaign of measurements with particular emphasis on the technical achievements as well as on the preliminary results obtained in the various experiments.
GP-Music: An Interactive Genetic Programming System for Music Generation with Automated Fitness Raters

In this paper we present the GP-Music System, an interactive system which allows users to evolve short musical sequences using interactive genetic programming, and its extensions aimed at making the system fully automated. The basic GPsystem works by using a genetic programming algorithm, a small set of functions for creating musical sequences, and a user interface which allows the user to rate individual sequences. With this user interactive technique it was possible to generate pleasant tunes over runs of 20 individuals over 10 generations. As the user is the bottleneck in interactive systems, the system takes rating data from a users run and uses it to train a neural network based automatic rater, or “auto rater”, which can replace the user in bigger runs. Using this auto rater we were able to make runs of up to 50 generations with 500 individuals per generation. The best of run pieces generated by the auto raters were pleasant but were not, in general, as nice as those generated in user interactive runs.
Analysis of weight initialization routines for conjugate gradient training algorithm with Fletcher-Reeves updates

Among the various choices of improving the speed of convergence of sigmoidal feed forward neural network, the choice of the initial weights and the biases stands out as an important one. This paper presents an analysis of various weight initialization methods when the neural network was trained with the conjugate gradient training algorithm having Fletcher-Reeves updates. A set of experiments were performed over eight problems from the function approximation domain. The lesser value of mean test error obtained from the experiments, recommend that the weight initialization technique proposed by Nguyen and Widrow assist the neural network to converge faster and also to generalize better while the SCAWI technique is the most robust technique as it underperforms in the least number of cases.
Quantifying the performance impacts of using local memory for many-core processors

Due to the increasing complexity of multi/many-core architectures (with their mix of caches and scratch-pad memories) and applications (with different memory access patterns), the performance of many workloads becomes increasingly variable. In this work, we address one of the main causes for this performance variability: the efficiency of the memory system. Specifically, based on an empirical evaluation driven by memory access patterns, we qualify and partially quantify the performance impact of using local memory in multi/many-core processors. To do so, we systematically describe memory access patterns (MAPs) in an application-agnostic manner. Next, for each identified MAP, we use OpenCL (for portability reasons) to generate two microbenchmarks: a “naive” version (without local memory) and “an optimized” version (using local memory). We further evaluate both of them on typically used multi-core and many-core platforms, and we log their performance. What we eventually obtain is a local memory performance database, indexed by various MAPs and platforms. To show how our database can be used to provide information on local memory usage, we demonstrate a scenario for performance prediction: given an application, its MAPs, and a platform, a query in the database can indicate the performance impact of using local memory for the given application. This indication can be used to either avoid the hassle of implementing optimizations with too little gain or, alternatively, give a rough prediction of the performance gain.
China English or Chinese English

In the last 20 years, the term ‘China English’ has been advanced as the most appropriate name for the variety of English that better expresses Chinese sociocultural realities and distinguishes the variety from the pejoratively perceived ‘Chinese English’ or ‘Chinglish’ (Du & Jiang, 2003; Jiang & Du, 2003; Meilin & Xiaoqiong, 2006). The demarcation between ‘China’ and ‘Chinese’, it is argued (Wang, 1991; Li, 1993; He & Li, 2009), is necessary if English as used by Chinese speakers is to gain recognition as something other than ‘bad’ English. Although no consensus regarding the definition of China English has yet formed among those who argue for the adoption of ‘China English’, characteristics of the variety can be inferred and the characteristics are used to confirm that ‘China English’ as a legitimate variety does exist, that it exhibits features of linguistic creativity rather than interference, suggesting a nativized educated variety (Berns, 2011). However, in my view, arguments in favor of a new term, ‘China English’, have more to do with renaming and rebranding and less with providing new insights into the nature of this English.
A QoS-aware multicast routing protocol

The future Internet is expected to support multicast applications with quality of service (QoS) requirements. To facilitate this, QoS multicast routing protocols are pivotal in enabling new receivers to join a multicast group. However, current routing protocols are either too restrictive in their search for a feasible path between a new receiver and the multicast tree, or burden the network with excessive overhead. We propose QMRP, a new QoS-aware multicast routing protocol. QMRP achieves scalability by significantly reducing the communication overhead of constructing a multicast tree, yet it retains a high chance of success. This is achieved by switching between single-path routing and multiple-path routing according to the current network conditions. The high level design of QMRP makes it operable on top of any unicast routing algorithm in both intradomain and interdomain. Its responsiveness is improved by using a termination mechanism which detects the failure as well as the success of routing without the use of timeout. In addition, QMRP always constructs loop-free multicast trees.
Biocompatibility of Intracortical Microelectrodes: Current Status and Future Prospects

Rehabilitation of sensory and/or motor functions in patients with neurological diseases is more and more dealing with artificial electrical stimulation and recording from populations of neurons using biocompatible chronic implants. As more and more patients have benefited from these approaches, the interest in neural interfaces has grown significantly. However an important problem reported with all available microelectrodes to date is long-term viability and biocompatibility. Therefore it is essential to understand the signals that lead to neuroglial activation and create a targeted intervention to control the response, reduce the adverse nature of the reactions and maintain an ideal environment for the brain-electrode interface. We discuss some of the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie in this intersection of neuroscience research, bioengineering, neurology and biomaterials.
Targeting DNA Double-Strand Breaks with TAL Effector Nucleases

Engineered nucleases that cleave specific DNA sequences in vivo are valuable reagents for targeted mutagenesis. Here we report a new class of sequence-specific nucleases created by fusing transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) to the catalytic domain of the FokI endonuclease. Both native and custom TALE-nuclease fusions direct DNA double-strand breaks to specific, targeted sites.
Analysis of family‐wise error rates in statistical parametric mapping using random field theory

This technical report revisits the analysis of family‐wise error rates in statistical parametric mapping—using random field theory—reported in (Eklund et al. [ ]: arXiv 1511.01863). Contrary to the understandable spin that these sorts of analyses attract, a review of their results suggests that they endorse the use of parametric assumptions—and random field theory—in the analysis of functional neuroimaging data. We briefly rehearse the advantages parametric analyses offer over nonparametric alternatives and then unpack the implications of (Eklund et al. [ ]: arXiv 1511.01863) for parametric procedures. Hum Brain Mapp, 40:2052–2054, 2019. © 2017 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monocular 3D shape reconstruction using deep neural networks

This paper presents a novel approach to reconstructing the 3D shape of an object from a single image. The approach combines deep neural networks with a silhouette-based 3D reconstruction process. The optimal 3D shape is sought efficiently inside an extremely low-dimensional latent shape space, and the viewpoint and the object shape are jointly optimized based on the result of image segmentation. Evaluation of this approach shows a nearly 20 percent performance gain in viewpoint estimation subsequent to the optimization.
The commitment: A determinant basic mental skill in student’s performance in Physical Education and Sport

Предпосылки и цель исследования: умственные навыки и мотивация являются ключевыми факторами в обучении и результатах деятельности. Целью этого исследования является моделирование их влияния на результаты в физическом воспитании и спорте среди марокканских старшеклассников. Материал и методы. В этом исследовании приняли участие 202 школьника, в том числе 100 мальчиков и 102 девочки. Чтобы оценить умственные навыки, мы использовали тест на оценку умственных навыков Оттавы (OMSAT-3) и для оценки различных форм мотивации, мы использовали шкалу спортивной мотивации (SMS-28). Чтобы оценить эффективность в физическом воспитании и спорте, мы выбрали индивидуальный вид спорта, который является прыжком в высоту. Результаты: множественная линейная регрессия имеет зависимую переменную производительность в физическом воспитании и спорте, а в качестве объясняющих переменных умственные навыки и мотивационные формы сохраняют только приверженность. Вывод: приверженность, как основное умственное умение, является определяющим фактором в учебе в физическом воспитании и спорте.
An Interactive Trust Model for Application Market of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) application market (IAM) is supposed to be an effective approach for service distribution in the era of IoT. To protect the privacy and security of users, a systematic mechanism to determine the trustworthiness of the applications in the IAM is demanded. In this paper, an interactive trust model (ITM) is proposed based on interaction between application market and end users. In this model, application trustworthiness (AT) is quantitatively evaluated by the similarity between the application's behavior and the behavior expected by the user. In particular, by using the evaluation vector and feedback vector feature of application in the marketplace and behavior of applications on end devices can be exchanged in mathematical form to establish the connection between market and users. Behavior-based detecting agent on a users' device gives strong evidence about what applications have done to your privacy and security issues. Indicators derived by this model are presented in the market along with the application, and it helps users to more efficiently select the most appropriate application from the market.
Enhancing training data for handwriting recognition of whiteboard notes with samples from a different database

Recognition of unconstrained handwritten text is still a challenge. In this paper we consider a new problem, which is the recognition of notes written on a whiteboard. Our recognizer is based on hidden Markov models (HMMs). As it is difficult to acquire sufficient amounts of training data for the HMMs we propose two strategies for enlarging the training set. Both strategies are based on an existing database of offline handwritten text, which includes handwriting samples different from whiteboard data. The two proposed strategies are MAP adaptation and merging of training sets. With these methods we can achieve improvements of the word recognition rate of up to 5.7%.
Content + Collaboration - Recommendation

Building recommender systems, that filters and suggests relevant and personalized information to its user, has become a practical challenge for researchers in AI. On the other hand, the relevance of such information is a userdependent notion, defmed within the scope or context of a particular domain or topic. Previous work, mainly in IR, focuses on the analysis of the content by means of keyword-based metrics. Some recent algorithms apply social or collaborative information filtering to improve the task of retrieving relevant information, and for refining each agent’s particular knowledge. In this paper, we combine both approaches developing a new content-based filtering technique for learning up-to-date users’ profile that serves as basis for a novel collaborative information-filtering algorithm. We demonstrate our approach through a system called RAAP (Research Assistant Agent Projec0 implemented to support collaborative research by classifying domain specific information, retrieved from the Web, and recommending these "bookmarks" to other researcher with similar research interests.
Time-Domain Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Techniques Suitable for Solid-State Imaging Sensor Arrays

We have successfully demonstrated video-rate CMOS single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD)-based cameras for fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) by applying innovative FLIM algorithms. We also review and compare several time-domain techniques and solid-state FLIM systems, and adapt the proposed algorithms for massive CMOS SPAD-based arrays and hardware implementations. The theoretical error equations are derived and their performances are demonstrated on the data obtained from 0.13 μm CMOS SPAD arrays and the multiple-decay data obtained from scanning PMT systems. In vivo two photon fluorescence lifetime imaging data of FITC-albumin labeled vasculature of a P22 rat carcinosarcoma (BD9 rat window chamber) are used to test how different algorithms perform on bi-decay data. The proposed techniques are capable of producing lifetime images with enough contrast.
An Interpolated Dynamic Navigation Function

The E* algorithm is a path planning method capable of dynamic replanning and user-configurable path cost interpolation. It calculates a navigation function as a sampling of an underlying smooth goal distance that takes into account a continuous notion of risk that can be controlled in a fine-grained manner. E* results in more appropriate paths during gradient descent. Dynamic replanning means that changes in the environment model can be repaired to avoid the expenses of complete replanning. This helps compensating for the increased computational effort required for interpolation. We present the theoretical basis and a working implementation, as well as measurements of the algorithm’s precision, topological correctness, and computational effort.
LCE in-network caching on vehicular networks for content distribution in urban environments

ICN/CCN advocates ubiquitous in-network caching to enhance content distribution. Non-safety application in vehicular communication is emerging beyond the initial safety application. However, it suffers from a typical issue of low delivery ratio in urban environments, where high buildings block and attenuate the radio propagation from RSU infrastructures as well as other technical issues. In this paper, LCE in-network caching strategy with LRU algorithm in vehicular networks is proposed according to traffic characteristics in metropolitan areas. We compare this scheme with the legacy TCP/IP based scheme by simulation tools of OMNeT++ & Veins and SUMO. The simulation results validate that the proposed scheme could achieve stronger robustness against obstacles, higher file capture rate and less dependency on RSU infrastructure.
A Cautious Note on Natural Hedging of Longevity Risk ∗

In this note, we examine the so-called “natural hedging” approach for life insurers to internally manage their longevity risk exposure by adjusting their insurance portfolio. In particular, unlike the existing literature, we also consider a non-parametric mortality forecasting model that averts the assumption that all mortality rates are driven by the same factor(s). Our primary finding is that higher order variations in mortality rates may considerably affect the performance of natural hedging. More precisely, while results based on a parametric single factor model—in line with the existing literature—imply that almost all longevity risk can be hedged, results are far less encouraging for the non-parametric mortality model. JEL classification: G22; G32; J11.
SGA: A Structured Genetic Algorithm

For more than two decades, genetic algorithms (GAs) have been studied by researchers from diierent elds and brought to their present form. Over the years, many modiications have been suggested to alleviate diiculties encountered by GAs in solving diierent problems. Despite these modiications, with the increase in applications , traditional GAs remain inadequate for many practical purposes. This paper introduces a new genetic model called the Structured Genetic Algorithm (sGA) to address some of the diiculties encountered by the simple genetic approaches in solving various types of problems. The novelty of this genetic model lies primarily in its redundant genetic material and a gene activation mechanism which utilises a multi-layered structure for the chromosome. This representation provides many advantages in search and optimisation. For example, it can retain multiple (alternative) solutions or parameter spaces in its representation. In eeect, it also works as a long-term distributed memory within the population, enabling rapid adaptation in nonstationary environments. Theoretical arguments and empirical studies exhibit that sGA can solve more complex problems eeciently than has been possible with simple GAs. It is also noted that sGA exhibits greater implicit non-disruptive diversity than other existing genetic models, while its possession of neutral (apparently redundant) genetic material is consistent with biological systems. This report is the updated version of our previous technical report (No. IKBS-2-91) entitled A Structured Genetic Algorithm: The model and the First Results.
Antialiasing in Raycasting Digital Terrain Models

We may use ray-casting methods to render terrain from digital terrain models. In this paper we enhance a terrain renderer in several ways, including application of antialiasing techniques. Also we examine various aspects of antialiasing in terrain rendering. We summarize surface and color reconstruction models, and discuss several vertical antialiasing techniques, including supersampling and area sampling. Finally, we discuss several issues of horizontal antialiasing.
ZFX Controls the Self-Renewal of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer great promise in regenerative medicine and disease modeling due to their unlimited self-renewal and broad differentiation capacity. There is evidence that the growth properties and critical signaling pathways differ between murine and human ESCs; therefore, it is essential to perform functional studies to test the putatively conserved mechanisms of pluripotent stem cell self-renewal between species. Previously, we identified the transcription factor Zfx as a key regulator of self-renewal in murine ESCs. Here we extend those findings to human ESCs. ZFX knockdown in hESCs hindered clonal growth and decreased colony size after serial replating. ZFX overexpression enhanced clone formation in the presence of Y-27632, increased colony size at low density and decreased expression of differentiation-related genes in human ESCs. ZFX-overexpressing hESCs resisted spontaneous differentiation but could be directed to differentiate into endodermal and neural cell fates when provided with the appropriate cues. Thus, ZFX acts as a molecular rheostat regulating the balance between self-renewal and differentiation in hESCs, revealing the close evolutionary conservation of the self-renewal mechanisms in murine and human ESCs.