Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imaging proliferation in brain tumors with 18F-FLT PET: comparison with 18F-FDG.

UNLABELLED 3'-Deoxy-3'-(18)F-fluorothymidine ((18)F-FLT) is a recently developed PET tracer to image tumor cell proliferation. We characterized (18)F-FLT PET of brain gliomas and compared (18)F-FLT with (18)F-FDG PET in side-by-side studies of the same patients. METHODS Twenty-five patients with newly diagnosed or previously treated glioma underwent PET with (18)F-FLT and (18)F-FDG on consecutive days. Three stable patients in long-term remission were included as negative control subjects. Tracer kinetics in normal brain and tumor were measured. Uptake of (18)F-FLT and (18)F-FDG was quantified by the standardized uptake value (SUV) and the tumor-to-normal tissue (T/N) ratio. The accuracy of (18)F-FLT and (18)F-FDG PET in evaluating newly diagnosed and recurrent gliomas was compared. More than half of the patients underwent resection after the PET study and correlations between PET uptake and the Ki-67 proliferation index were examined. Patients were monitored for a mean of 15.4 mo (range, 12-20 mo). The predictive power of PET for tumor progression and survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier statistics. RESULTS (18)F-FLT uptake in tumors was rapid, peaking at 5-10 min after injection and remaining stable up to 75 min. Hence, a 30-min scan beginning at 5 min after injection was sufficient for imaging. (18)F-FLT visualized all high-grade (grade III or IV) tumors. Grade II tumor did not show appreciable (18)F-FLT uptake and neither did the stable lesions. The absolute uptake of (18)F-FLT was low (maximum-pixel SUV [SUV(max)], 1.33) but image contrast was better than with (18)F-FDG (T/N ratio, 3.85 vs. 1.49). (18)F-FDG PET studies were negative in 5 patients with recurrent high-grade glioma who subsequently suffered tumor progression within 1-3 mo. (18)F-FLT SUV(max) correlated more strongly with Ki-67 index (r = 0.84; P < 0.0001) than (18)F-FDG SUV(max) (r = 0.51; P = 0.07). (18)F-FLT uptake also had more significant predictive power with respect to tumor progression and survival (P = 0.0005 and P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Thirty-minute (18)F-FLT PET 5 min after injection was more sensitive than (18)F-FDG to image recurrent high-grade tumors, correlated better with Ki-67 values, and was a more powerful predictor of tumor progression and survival. Thus, (18)F-FLT appears to be a promising tracer as a surrogate marker of proliferation in high-grade gliomas.
TIME-FREQUENCY PARTITIONS FOR THE GELFAND TRIPLE ( S 0 , L 2 , S ′ 0 )

We give a new characterization of the Gelfand triple of function spaces in (S0, L, S′ 0) by means of a family of time-frequency localization operators. The localization operators are defined by the short-time Fourier transform and determine the local time-frequency behavior, whereas the global timefrequency distribution is characterized by a sequence space norm. We also show that the alternative time-frequency localization method with the Weyl transform fails to yield a similar characterization of time-frequency distribution.
Vascular endothelial dysfunction after anthracyclines treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Purpose Anthracyclines have been utilized in the treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Recent studies have shown that anthracyclines may induce toxicity in the vascular endothelium. This study was performed using brachial artery reactivity (BAR) to evaluate vascular endothelial function in ALL patients who were treated with anthracycline chemotherapy. Methods We included 21 children with ALL who received anthracycline chemotherapy and 20 healthy children. The cumulative dose of anthracyclines in the ALL patients was 142.5±18.2/m2. The last anthracycline dose was administered to the patients 2 to 85 months prior to their examination using BAR. The diameter of the brachial artery was measured in both groups using echocardiography, and BAR was calculated as the percentage change in the arterial diameter after release of the cuff relative to the baseline vessel diameter. Results In the anthracycline-treated group, BAR was observed to be 3.4%±3.9%, which was significantly lower than that observed in the control group (12.1%±8.0%, P<0.05). The time elapsed after the last anthracycline treatment and the age at the time of treatment did not affect the change in BAR (P=0.06 and P=0.13, respectively). Conclusion These results provided evidence that treatment of ALL patients with anthracycline results in endothelial dysfunction. A larger cohort study and a longer follow-up period will be required to clarify the relationship between endothelial dysfunction resulting from anthracycline treatment for childhood ALL and occurrence of cardiovascular diseases later in life.
Spectral analysis and time-dependent scattering theory on manifolds with asymptotically cylindrical ends

We review the spectral analysis and the time-dependent approach of scattering theory for manifolds with asymptotically cylindrical ends. For the spectral analysis, higher order resolvent estimates are obtained via Mourre theory for both short-range and long-range behaviors of the metric and the perturbation at infinity. For the scattering theory, the existence and asymptotic completeness of the wave operators is proved in a two-Hilbert spaces setting. A stationary formula as well as mapping properties for the scattering operator are derived. The existence of time delay and its equality with the Eisenbud-Wigner time delay is finally presented. Our analysis mainly differs from the existing literature on the choice of a simpler comparison dynamics as well as on the complementary use of time-dependent and stationary scattering theories.
Parenting and Beyond: Common Neurocircuits Underlying Parental and Altruistic Caregiving

SYNOPSIS Interpersonal relationships constitute the foundation on which human society is based. The infant–caregiver bond is the earliest and most influential of these relationships. Driven by evolutionary pressure for survival, parents feel compelled to provide care to their biological offspring. However, compassion for non-kin is also ubiquitous in human societies, motivating individuals to suppress their own self-interests to promote the well-being of non-kin members of the society. We argue that the process of early kinship-selective parental care provides the foundation for non-exclusive altruism via the activation of a general Caregiving System that regulates compassion in any of its forms. We propose a tripartite structure of this system that includes (1) the perception of need in another, (2) a caring motivational or feeling state, and (3) the delivery of a helping response to the individual in need. Findings from human and animal research point to specific neurobiological mechanisms including activation of the insula and the secretion of oxytocin that support the adaptive functioning of this Caregiving System.
GpoSolver: a Matlab/C++ toolbox for global polynomial optimization

Global polynomial optimization can be a powerful tool when applied to engineering problems. One of the most successful methods for solving such problems is based on convex linear matrix inequality (LMI) relaxations. Software implementations of this approach can be found for example in Matlab toolboxes GloptiPoly and YALMIP. Matlab language makes it very easy when it comes to modelling polynomial problems. However, when using these toolboxes, Matlab is also required for the problem solving. GpoSolver aims at bridging this gap by providing a Matlab-based problem modelling toolbox supplemented by a problem-solving back end in a form of a C++ template library. Once a problem is conveniently modelled and parametrized in Matlab, a C++ class is automatically generated by GpoSolver. This class can be easily included into an existing codebase and used to solve different instances of the problem based on the supplied parameters.
Multigrid Bilateral Filter

It has proved that nonlinear diffusion and bilateral filtering (BF) have a closed connection. Early effort and contribution are to find a generalized representation to link them by using adaptive filtering. In this paper a new further relationship between nonlinear diffusion and bilateral filtering is explored which pays more attention to numerical calculus. We give a fresh idea that bilateral filtering can be accelerated by multigrid (MG) scheme which likes the nonlinear diffusion, and show that a bilateral filtering process with large kernel size can be approximated by a nonlinear diffusion process based on full multigrid (FMG) scheme. Keywords—Bilateral filter, multigrid
A Simulation Analysis of Formations for Flying Multirobot Systems

The ability of flying robots to navigate in a stable formation is the basis for a large number of applications, ranging from exploration to surveillance and rescue. However, the performances of 3D robot formations have not been extensively studied in literature. In this paper we present the results of a simulation study evaluating the adaptability of different flying robot formations to different kinds of environments.
A novel Scheme for the fast inter mode decision of H.264/AVC

The variable block sizes in H264/AVC improve coding efficiency at the price of worsening encoding complexity. To lighten the encoder's load, a novel fast inter- frame mode decision Scheme is proposed according to the statistical proportion of each encoding mode. Firstly, check whether the current macro-block is at the skip mode in terms of its characteristics. If so, some encoding modes will be avoided. Secondly, the encoding modes can be further cut down by making use of the correlation between the mode decision and the quantization parameter. Experiments show the proposed scheme can decrease the encoding time up to 31.1-76.1% with less PSNR degradation. Index Terms—H.264, inter mode decision, skip mode, motion estimation
A passivity based control signal guaranteeing joint limit avoidance in redundant robots

In this work we propose a torque control signal that guarantees joint limit avoidance of a redundant arm. Its design is based on the prescribed performance control methodology that enables guarantees on the satisfaction of inequality constraints regarding the system output. It is proved that the proposed signal preserves the passivity of closed loop robot dynamics with respect to joint velocities thus allowing its use with any passive control law designed to attract the robot towards a task goal. Experimental results with a KUKA LWR4+ for a task involving the tip's position motion along a linear path confirm theoretical findings and demonstrate the proposed signal's performance in two scenarios of a feasible and an unfeasible path.
Improving type error messages for generic Java

Since version 1.5, generics (parametric polymorphism) are part of the Java language. However, the combination of parametric polymorphism and inclusion polymorphism is complicated, particularly so for Generic Java. Indeed, the main Java compilers, Eclipse’s ejc and Sun’s javac, do not even accept the same set of programs. Moreover, experience with these compilers shows that the error messages provided by them leave more than a little to be desired.To alleviate the latter problem, we describe how to adapt the type inference process of Java to obtain better error diagnostics for generic method invocations. Although the extension by itself already helps to improve type error messages to some extent, another major advantage of the new type inference process is that it also paves the way for further heuristics can provide additional diagnostic information. The extension has been implemented into the JastAdd Extensible Java Compiler.
Coverage path planning with realtime replanning for inspection of 3D underwater structures

We present a novel method for planning 3D coverage paths for inspection of complex structures on the ocean floor (such as seamounts or coral reefs) using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Our method initially uses an a priori map to plan a nominal coverage path that allows the AUV to pass its sensors over all points on the target structure. We then go beyond previous approaches in the literature by considering the vehicle's position uncertainty rather than relying on the unrealistic assumption of an idealized path execution. To this aim, we present a replanning algorithm based on stochastic trajectory optimization that reshapes the nominal path to cope with the actual target structure perceived in situ. The replanning algorithm runs onboard the AUV in realtime during the inspection mission, adapting the path according to the measurements provided by the vehicle's range sensing sonars. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method in experiments at sea using the GIRONA 500 AUV where we cover a concrete block of a breakwater structure in a harbor and an underwater boulder rising from 40 m up to 27 m depth. Moreover, we apply state-of-the-art surface reconstruction techniques to the data acquired by the AUV and obtain 3D models of the inspected structures that show the benefits of our planning method for 3D mapping.
Learner Modeling to Facilitate Personalized E-Learning Experience

This article describes a learner modeling strategy that is employed by an adaptive learning system in order to provide each learner with a personalized e-Learning experience. Parameters related to the learners' prior knowledge, goal and learning style constitute the basis of the personalization and the adaptivity of the mentioned learning system. The present paper focuses on the mechanisms concerning the learner's prior knowledge and the goal parameters. The learner modeling that takes into account the prior knowledge of the learners is achieved by developing an ontological abstraction. Based on this ontological abstraction, a knowledge base is constructed in order to introduce the knowledge representations of the domain model and the curricular model, the knowledge and the learning structures. These knowledge representations specify how the prior knowledge of a learner will be represented, and also how it will be assessed and continuously updated.
Planning biped locomotion using motion capture data and probabilistic roadmaps

Typical high-level directives for locomotion of human-like characters are useful for interactive games and simulations as well as for off-line production animation. In this paper, we present a new scheme for planning natural-looking locomotion of a biped figure to facilitate rapid motion prototyping and task-level motion generation. Given start and goal positions in a virtual environment, our scheme gives a sequence of motions to move from the start to the goal using a set of live-captured motion clips. Based on a novel combination of probabilistic path planning and hierarchical displacement mapping, our scheme consists of three parts: roadmap construction, roadmap search, and motion generation. We randomly sample a set of valid footholds of the biped figure from the environment to construct a directed graph, called a roadmap, that guides the locomotion of the figure. Every edge of the roadmap is associated with a live-captured motion clip. Augmenting the roadmap with a posture transition graph, we traverse it to obtain the sequence of input motion clips and that of target footprints. We finally adapt the motion sequence to the constraints specified by the footprint sequence to generate a desired locomotion.
Biological control in the neotropics: a selective review with emphasis on cassava

Today, there is ample biological control (BC) research in the Neotropics. Moreover, many integrated pest management (IPM) projects in crops such as potatoes, cotton, soybeans, maize, vegetable crops and fruits include BC as a key component. Cassava cultivation is a good example of where BC has had an important role in managing the main pests, not only in the Americas but also in other continents such as Africa.
Closed-loop 3D motion modeling and control of a steerable needle for soft tissue surgery

Percutaneous intervention has become a topic of interest in recent years, due to the many potential advantages for the patient. To date, several novel needle steering systems have been developed to improve both the accuracy and applicability of this type of surgery, but many of these can still only provide limited control of the trajectory between an entry site and a deep seated target. Our previous work describes the first prototype of a bio-inspired multi-part needle, codenamed STING, which can steer along planar trajectories within a compliant medium by means of a novel programmable bevel, where the steering angle is a function of the offset between interlocked needle segments. This paper presents our first attempt to model a bio-inspired 4-part needle, an extension of the planar steering system with the potential to steer along three-dimensional (3D) trajectories within a compliant medium. This paper introduces a 3D kinematic model and closed-loop controller for the needle, which is inspired by the modeling strategy employed for under-actuated underwater vehicles, followed by simulation results which demonstrate that 3D trajectory tracking can be completed successfully.
Theories of Dynamic Pricing and the Japanese Retail Gasoline 30 November 2001 Ujo

The purpose of this paper is to estimate models for retail price of gasoline based on the prediction deriving from the recent infinitely repeated game theories, supergame theories. The prediction implies that both the future changes and the unexpected shock in the economic environment, where firms faces, do have an impact on the current retail price of gasoline. Using monthly time series data on Tokyo and Osaka for the 1990’s, this paper shows evidence consistent with the implication of the theories. Some evidence presented also suggests the behavior of retail prices has changed over the time period being examined.
A Crescent Shaped Split Ring Resonator to Form a New Metamaterial

This paper proposes a new planner metamaterial consisting of crescent shaped split ring resonator unit cells. The cell is composed of a crescent shaped strip over one face of a dielectric substrate, and an oblong over the second face. The cell is very thin and easy to fabricate. The transmission characteristics of the structure were obtained using High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) commercial software by ANSOFT. Then the effective material properties were retrieved. All the transmission characteristics and material properties were plotted to show the material behavior with frequency. The new metamaterial provides a double negative refractive index over a specific frequency band.
Vine parsing augmented Italian treebanks

This brief article describes our contribution to the EVALITA 2009 Parsing Task, dependency track. The TUT and ISST treebanks are augmented with additional features. MIRA is used to find a weight matrix suited for the Covington algorithm, which is subsequently skewed by discriminatively learned hard constraints on dependency lengths. Our skewed algorithm is linear time and thus asymptotically faster than the cubic time Covington algorithm, but increases in performance are insignificant. Our overall system is thus non-competitive. It is shown, however, that it does contribute significantly to the performance of a more competitive ensemble-based system.
Ranking Web Services using Centralities and Social Indicators

Nowadays, developers of web application mashups face a sheer overwhelming variety and pluralism of web services. Therefore, choosing appropriate web services to achieve specific goals requires a certain amount of knowledge as well as expertise. In order to support users in choosing appropriate web services it is not only important to match their search criteria to a dataset of possible choices but also to rank the results according to their relevance, thus minimizing the time it takes for taking such a choice. Therefore, we investigated six ranking approaches in an empirical manner and compared them to each other. Moreover, we have had a look on how one can combine those ranking algorithms linearly in order to maximize the quality of their outputs.
Human Fear Conditioning and Extinction in Neuroimaging: A Systematic Review

Fear conditioning and extinction are basic forms of associative learning that have gained considerable clinical relevance in enhancing our understanding of anxiety disorders and facilitating their treatment. Modern neuroimaging techniques have significantly aided the identification of anatomical structures and networks involved in fear conditioning. On closer inspection, there is considerable variation in methodology and results between studies. This systematic review provides an overview of the current neuroimaging literature on fear conditioning and extinction on healthy subjects, taking into account methodological issues such as the conditioning paradigm. A Pubmed search, as of December 2008, was performed and supplemented by manual searches of bibliographies of key articles. Two independent reviewers made the final study selection and data extraction. A total of 46 studies on cued fear conditioning and/or extinction on healthy volunteers using positron emission tomography or functional magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed. The influence of specific experimental factors, such as contingency and timing parameters, assessment of conditioned responses, and characteristics of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, on cerebral activation patterns was examined. Results were summarized descriptively. A network consisting of fear-related brain areas, such as amygdala, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex, is activated independently of design parameters. However, some neuroimaging studies do not report these findings in the presence of methodological heterogeneities. Furthermore, other brain areas are differentially activated, depending on specific design parameters. These include stronger hippocampal activation in trace conditioning and tactile stimulation. Furthermore, tactile unconditioned stimuli enhance activation of pain related, motor, and somatosensory areas. Differences concerning experimental factors may partly explain the variance between neuroimaging investigations on human fear conditioning and extinction and should, therefore, be taken into serious consideration in the planning and the interpretation of research projects.
Causal Inference in Statistics: A Primer

Many of the concepts and terminology surrounding modern causal inference can be quite intimidating to the novice. Judea Pearl presents a book ideal for beginners in statistics, providing a comprehensive introduction to the field of causality. Examples from classical statistics are presented throughout to demonstrate the need for causality in resolving decision-making dilemmas posed by data. Causal methods are also compared to traditional statistical methods, whilst questions are provided at the end of each section to aid student learning.
Semantic Alignment of Business Processes

This paper presents a method for semantically aligning business processes. We provide a representation of Petri nets in the ontology language OWL, to semantically enrich the business process models. On top of this, we propose a technique for semantically aligning business processes to support (semi)automatic interconnectivity of business processes. This semantic alignment is improved by a background ontology modeled with a specific UML Profile allowing to visually model it. The different parts of our proposal, which reduces communication efforts and solves interconnectivity problems, are discussed.