Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on liver blood vessel movement during breathing cycle

Liver blood vessel movement information is important for improving the accuracy of minimally invasive therapies such as high intensity focused ultrasound and radio frequency ablation. In this paper, we present a rigid registration of centerlines obtained from multiscale vessel enhanced liver images to understand the movement of liver during breathing cycle. The method uses modified vesselness filter for finding vessel-enhanced images. The vesselness images are used for finding the centerlines of the vessels and then used for registering rigidly using the iterative closest point algorithm. Our study has shown on volunteer magnetic resonance images, the liver blood vessels move an average of approximately 3cms during the breathing cycle. Our method can potentially be used to correct for respiratory motion during image-guided liver procedures.
Comparative study of compressive classification-based approaches for face recognition

Feature extraction and classification are two essential components in face recognition. Feature extraction is a process to reduce the original input high-dimensional data and reserve the crucial information. Considering the problem that the human face image is high-dimensional, dimensionality reduction (DR) methods can be employed to obtain low-dimensional data for recognition. Eigenspace-based method is one of the most successful methodologies for DR. Recently, the development of compressed sensing theory leads to a new direction for DR. The aim of this paper is to summarize the classical DR and classification methods. In addition, with respect to DR and classification respectively, two methods with improved recognition rate will be proposed. Experiments are carried out with two popularly utilized face databases (i.e., ORL and Yale) to demonstrate the performance of different methods.
Low Bandwidth Call Trace Logging for Sensor Networks

Call traces can provide detailed insight into the operation of distributed embedded systems. Developers inspect traces to understand and debug systems using manual and automatic techniques such as data mining. Correlation of traces between nodes provides a network level view of system. These traces are typically gathered by logging a globally unique identifier for each called function. Unfortunately, this naive call trace gathering technique results in excessive consumption of the limited memory, bandwidth, and energy resources available in wireless sensor networks. This paper proposes three new call trace gathering techniques that are designed specifically for the computing platforms with extreme resource constraints. The first technique uses local name spaces and caller side logging to significantly reduce the bit size of function identifiers. The second technique reconstructs call traces from a log of the runtime control flow decisions made by a program. The third technique performs a novel reduction over a program’s control flow graph to limit logging to control flow nodes effecting runtime call decisions. Our work automates the insertion of logging statements into source code for all the techniques described above. Our experimental results show promising outlook where two of the techniques reduced the size of the log to less than 15% of traces produced by traditional methods. These savings make the new call trace capturing techniques attractive additions to the toolbox employed by developers and users of wireless sensor networks.
Toward a Theory of Evolution Strategies: Some Asymptotical Results from the (1,+ )-Theory

A method for the determination of the progress rate and the probability of success for the Evolution Strategy (ES) is presented. The new method is based on the asymptotical behavior of the -distribution and yields exact results in the case of infinite-dimensional parameter spaces. The technique is demonstrated for the (l,+ ) ES using a spherical model including noisy quality functions. The results are used to discuss the convergence behavior of the ES.
Compressive imaging with complex wavelet transform and turbo AMP reconstruction

We extend the "turbo" belief propagation framework for compressive imaging to the dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DT-CWT) to exploit both sparsity and dependency across scales. Due to the near shift-invariance property and the improved angular resolution of DT-CWT, better reconstruction can be expected when incorporating with the compressed sensing (CS) algorithms. Two types priors to form the hidden Markov tree structure for the DT-CWT coefficients are con sidered. One models the real and imaginary components of DT-CWT separately while the other assumes the shared hid den states between the two. Simulations with natural images confirm an improved performance when iterating between the CS reconstruction and the DT-CWT HMT.
Energy Characterization of Reed-Solomon Decoding in 3G Broadcasting

3GPP2 has recently introduced the Broadcast and Multicast Services (BCMCS) architecture for cdma2000 lxEV-DO wireless networks to enable service providers to broadcast multimedia content such as MPEG-4 video. For MAC-layer forward error correction the BCMCS scheme uses the Reed-Solomon (RS) decoding process, which consumes a considerable amount of energy on mobile phones. To address this problem, we first characterize the energy consumption of the decoder with respect to its components: the data decoder, error locator and erasure decoder. Based on this detailed energy characterization we propose an analytic energy model which takes account of different levels of bit error rate in the forward traffic channel. This model is then verified experimentally on an ARM microprocessor-based testbed. Our results will help design energy-efficient BCMCS systems for 3G cellular networks
Design and comparison of 33 slot permanent magnet synchronous motor with symmetric and asymmetric AC windings

This paper investigates the design, manufacturing and comparison of low voltage 33-slot permanent magnet AC motor with symmetric and asymmetric winding. Design and analysis of the motors are performed to get information about performance characteristic of both motors for a set of given specs. No-load and on-load analyses are accomplished in order to obtain voltage and torque constants. Prototype motors are built with two sets of AC windings. Motor performances are verified experimentally and the analyses are compared with the design data. Good agreement between the designed motors and the test results is observed for this low voltage high current application.
Spectral Based Detection of Smart Worms Mr

The easy access and wide usage of the Internet makes it a prime target for malicious activity. In particular, the Internet has become a powerful mechanism for propagating malicious software programs designed to annoy (e.g., deface web pages), spread misinformation (e.g., false news reports or stock quotes), deny service (e.g., corrupt hard disks), steal financial information (e.g. credit card numbers), enable remote login (e.g., Trojan horses), etc. Smart worms cause most important security threats to the Internet. This is due to the ability of Smart worms spread in an automated fashion and can flood the Internet in a very short time. Smart worms develop during their propagation and thus create great challenges to defend against them. In this paper, we look into “Detection of Smart Worms”. The Smart Worms are different from traditional worms because of its ability to intelligently manipulate its scan traffic volume over time. Thereby, we analyze characteristics of the Smart Worms and conduct a comprehensive comparison between its traffic and non-worm traffic (background traffic). Motivated by our observations, we design a novel spectrumbased scheme to detect the Smart Worm. Our scheme uses the Power Spectral Density (PSD) distribution of the scan traffic volume and its corresponding Spectral Flatness Measure (SFM) to distinguish the Smart Worm traffic from background traffic. Using a comprehensive set of detection metrics and real-world traces as background traffic, we conduct extensive performance evaluations on our proposed spectrum-based detection scheme. The performance data clearly demonstrates that our scheme can effectively detect the Smart Worm propagation. Furthermore, we show the generality of our spectrum-based scheme in effectively detecting not only the Smart Worm, but traditional
Prosody variation: application to automatic prosody evaluation of Mandarin speech

Prosody evaluation is an essential part of computer-aided language learning system. In the paper, prosodic variability among inter-speakers is investigated based on a database containing eight repetitions of 200 sentences. For Mandarin of reading style, its variability can be analyzed from rhythm, intonation and tone. Experimental results show that the mean correlation of tone between inter-speakers is 0.70, intonation and rhythm are 0.81. Based on these analyses, the prosodic similarity between the tested and standard utterances is calculated to automatically evaluate prosody quality. The standard utterances were recorded by multiple speakers, so they can cover different prosody patterns for the same utterance. The prosodic similarities are calculated from three aspects: tone, intonation and rhythm. Based on these similarities, the prosody quality can be graded. The method evaluated on the collected database has achieved good performance, and the correlation of human-machine scores is close to that of human-human scores.
Genetic estimates of contemporary effective population size: to what time periods do the estimates apply?

Although most genetic estimates of contemporary effective population size (Ne) are based on models that assume Ne is constant, in real populations Ne changes (often dramatically) over time, and estimates (N̂e) will be influenced by Ne in specific generations. In such cases, it is important to properly match N̂e to the appropriate time periods (for example, in computing Ne/N ratios). Here I consider this problem for semelparous species with two life histories (discrete generations and variable age at maturity — the ‘salmon’ model), for two different sampling plans, and for estimators based on single samples (linkage disequilibrium, heterozygote excess) and two samples (temporal method). Results include the following. Discrete generations: (i) Temporal samples from generations 0 and t estimate the harmonic mean Ne in generations 0 through t − 1 but do not provide information about Ne in generation t; (ii) Single samples provide an estimate of Ne in the parental generation, not the generation sampled; (iii) single‐sample and temporal estimates never provide information about Ne in exactly the same generations; (iv) Recent bottlenecks can downwardly bias estimates based on linkage disequilibrium for several generations. Salmon model: (i) A pair of single‐cohort (typically juvenile) samples from years 0 and t provide a temporal estimate of the harmonic mean of the effective numbers of breeders in the two parental years (Nb(0) and Nb(t)), but adult samples are more difficult to interpret because they are influenced by Nb in a number of previous years; (ii) For single‐cohort samples, both one‐sample and temporal methods provide estimates of Nb in the same years (contrast with results for discrete generation model); (iii) Residual linkage disequilibrium associated with past population size will not affect single‐sample estimates of Nb as much as in the discrete generation model because the disequilibrium diffuses among different years of breeders. These results lead to some general conclusions about genetic estimates of Ne in iteroparous species with overlapping generations and identify areas in need of further research.
Simple convergent-nozzle aerosol injector for single-particle diffractive imaging with X-ray free-electron lasers

A major challenge in high-resolution x-ray free-electron laser-based coherent diffractive imaging is the development of aerosol injectors that can efficiently deliver particles to the peak intensity of the focused X-ray beam. Here, we consider the use of a simple convergent-orifice nozzle for producing tightly focused beams of particles. Through optical imaging we show that 0.5 μm particles can be focused to a full-width at half maximum diameter of 4.2 μm, and we demonstrate the use of such a nozzle for injecting viruses into a micro-focused soft-X-ray FEL beam.
Satellite DNA as a Driver of Population Divergence in the Red Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum

Tandemly repeated satellite DNAs are among most rapidly evolving sequences in eukaryotic genome, usually differing significantly among closely related species. By inducing changes in heterochromatin and/or centromere, satellite DNAs are expected to drive population and species divergence. However, despite high evolutionary dynamics, divergence of satellite DNA profiles at the level of natural population which precedes and possibly triggers speciation process is not readily detected. Here, we characterize minor TCAST2 satellite DNA of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and follow its dynamics among wild-type strains originating from diverse geographic locations. The investigation revealed presence of three distinct subfamilies of TCAST2 satellite DNA which differ in monomer size, genome organization, and subfamily specific mutations. Subfamilies Tcast2a and Tcast2b are tandemly arranged within pericentromeric heterochromatin whereas Tcast2c is preferentially dispersed within euchromatin of all chromosomes. Among strains, TCAST2 subfamilies are conserved in sequence but exhibit a significant content variability. This results in overrepresentation or almost complete absence of particular subfamily in some strains and enables discrimination between strains. It is proposed that homologous recombination, probably stimulated by environmental stress, is responsible for the emergence of TCAST2 satellite subfamilies, their copy number variation and dispersion within genome. The results represent the first evidence for the existence of population-specific satellite DNA profiles. Partial organization of TCAST2 satellite DNA in the form of single repeats dispersed within euchromatin additionally contributes to the genome divergence at the population level.
High-Resolution X-Ray Spectra of Capella: Initial Results from the Chandra High-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer

High-resolution spectra of the active binary Capella (G8 III + G1 III) covering the energy range of 0.4-8.0 keV (1.5-30 Å) show a large number of emission lines, demonstrating the performance of the High-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer. A preliminary application of plasma diagnostics provides information on coronal temperatures and densities. Lines arising from different elements in a range of ionization states indicate that Capella has plasma with a broad range of temperatures, from log T = 6.3 to 7.2, generally consistent with recent results from observations with the Extreme-Ultraviolet Explorer and the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics. The electron density is determined from He-like O VII lines, giving the value of Ne ~ 1010 cm-3 at Te ~ 2 × 106 K; He-like lines formed at higher temperatures give only upper limits to the electron density. The density and emission measure from O VII lines together indicate that the coronal loops are significantly smaller than the stellar radius.
Cerebral contrast retention after difficult cardiac catheterization: Case report

Background: We report a diagnostic dilemma in a rare case of cerebral contrast retention after difficult cardiac catheterization in an elderly patient loaded with prasugrel. Summary: Our case report describes a 77-year-old female with history of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia who presented to emergency department complaining of chest pain. Patient was found to have an inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction. The patient was loaded with aspirin and prasugrel and taken for emergent cardiac catheterization. Cardiac catheterization revealed two-vessel coronary artery disease with unsuccessful attempt of percutaneous intervention. Immediately after procedure, patient developed an episode of seizure. Emergent computed tomography scan of the brain revealed hyperdensity in the right frontoparietal region consistent with intracerebral bleed. Repeat computed tomography (24 h later) revealed substantial interval improvement of hyperdensity. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the head was normal. Given the lack of magnetic resonance imaging changes, the rate of resolution on computed tomography without expected subacute changes, and the lack of neurologic findings, the initial hyperdensity seen on computed tomography of the brain was believed to be secondary to contrast leakage during cardiac catheterization as opposed to intracranial hemorrhage.
Neural Mechanisms of Selective Attention in Children with Amblyopia

Previous studies have indicated that amblyopia might affect children's attention. We recruited amblyopic children and normal children aged 9–11 years as study subjects and compared selective attention between the two groups of children. Chinese characters denoting colors were used in the Stroop task, and the event-related potential (ERP) was analyzed. The results show that the accuracy of both groups in the congruent condition was higher than the incongruent condition, and the reaction time (RT) of amblyopic children was longer. The latency of the occipital P1 in the incongruent condition was shorter than the neutral condition for both groups; the peak of the occipital P1 elicited by the incongruent stimuli in amblyopic children was higher. In both groups, the N1 peak was higher in the occipital region than frontal and central regions. The N1 latency of normal children was shorter in the congruent and neutral conditions and longer in the incongruent condition; the N1 peak of normal children was higher. The N270 latencies of normal children in the congruent and neutral conditions were shorter; the N270 peak was higher in parietal and occipital regions than frontal and central regions for both groups. The N450 latency of normal children was shorter; in both groups, the N450 average amplitude was significantly higher in the parietal region than central and frontal regions. The accuracy was the same for both groups, but the response of amblyopic children was significantly slower. The two groups showed differences in both stages of the Stroop task. Normal children showed advantages in processing speed on both stimulus and response conflict stages.Brain regions activated during the Stroop task were consistent between groups, in line with their age characteristics.
The dilemma of combining positive and negative items in scales.

BACKGROUND This study analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of combining negative and positive items in scales in a Spanish-speaking context. METHOD Three telephone surveys of 233 people each were carried out. In one survey, 15 items from the Keyes Social Well-Being Scale were worded in a positive fashion; another survey presented 8 items in a positive fashion and 7 items in terms of direct denial; and in the third survey, 7 items were worded positively, 5 were worded in negative terms using polar opposites, and 3 terms were presented in terms of direct denial. RESULTS The results show a greater tendency for the items in the Positive questionnaire to show results associated with the directionality of the items. However, this questionnaire shows higher values of the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and better fit of the theoretical factor structure. CONCLUSIONS In the survey that included only positive items, findings indicated the existence of acquiescence bias. However, a remedy to this situation only made matters worse, as the combination of positive and negative items seriously affected the internal consistency of the scales.
A Process Model for Crowdsourcing: Insights from the Literature on Implementation

The purpose of the current study is to systematically review the crowdsourcing literature, extract the activities which have been cited, and synthesise these activities into a general process model. For this to happen, we reviewed the related literature on crowdsourcing methods as well as relevant case studies and extracted the activities which they referred to as part of crowdsourcing projects. The systematic review of the related literature and an in-depth analysis of the steps in those papers were followed by a synthesis of the extracted activities resulting in an eleven-phase process model. This process model covers all of the activities suggested by the literature. This paper then briefly discusses activities in each phase and concludes with a number of implications for both academics and practitioners.
Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports Offense-Defense Approach to Ranking Team Sports

The rank of an object is its relative importance to the other objects in the set. Often a rank is an integer assigned from the set 1,. ,n. A ranking model is a method of determining a way in which the ranks are assigned. Usually a ranking model uses information available on the objects to determine their respective ratings. The most recognized application of ranking is the competitive sports. Numerous ranking models have been created over the years to compute the team ratings for various sports. In this paper we propose a flexible, easily coded, fast, iterative approach we call the Offense-Defense Model (ODM), to generating team ratings. The convergence of the ODM is grounded in the theory of matrix balancing. Author Notes: Our special thanks go to Luke Ingram who has worked on developing ODM in his Masters thesis with Amy Langville.
A speculation‐friendly binary search tree

We introduce the first concurrent data structure algorithm designed for speculative executions. Prior to this work, concurrent structures were mainly designed for their pessimistic (non‐speculative) accesses to have a predictable asymptotic complexity. Researchers tried to evaluate transactional memory using such structures whose prominent example is the red‐black tree library developed by Oracle Labs that is part of multiple benchmark distributions. Although well‐engineered, such structures remain badly suited for speculative accesses, whose step complexity might raise dramatically with contention. We propose a binary search tree data structure whose key novelty stems from the decoupling of update operations, ie, instead of performing an update operation in a single large transaction, it is split into one transaction that modifies the abstraction state and several other transactions that restructure the tree implementation in the background. This results in a speculation‐friendly tree (s‐tree) that outperforms previous HTM‐based and STM‐based trees by being transiently unbalanced during contention peaks and by rebalancing in quadratic time when contention disappears. In particular, the s‐tree is shown correct, reusable, and speeds up a transaction‐based travel reservation application by up to 3.5×.
Event representation across genre

This paper describes an approach for investigating the representation of events and their distribution in a corpus. We collect and analyze statistics about subject-verb-object triplets and their content, which helps us compare corpora belonging to the same domain but to different genre/text type. We argue that event structure is strongly related to the genre of the corpus, and propose statistical properties that are able to capture these genre differences. The results obtained can be used for the improvement of Information Extraction.