Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated 3-D segmentation and analysis of retinal optical coherence tomography images

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is becoming an increasingly important modality for the noninvasive assessment of a variety of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, and age-related macular degeneration. Even though individual layers of the retina are visible on OCT images, current commercial quantitative assessment is limited to measuring the thickness of only one layer. Because each intraretinal layer may be affected differently by disease, an intraretinal layer segmentation approach is needed to enable quantification of individual layer properties, such as thickness or texture. Furthermore, with the latest generation of OCT scanner systems producing true volumetric image data, processing these images using 3-D methods is important for maximal extraction of image information. In this thesis, an optimal 3-D graph search approach for the intraretinal layer segmentation of OCT images is presented. It is built upon the optimal 3-D multiple surface graph-theoretic approach presented by Li et al. (K. Li, X. Wu, D. Z. Chen, and M. Sonka, “Optimal surface segmentation in volumetric images – a graph-theoretic approach,” IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 119–134, 2006). In this method, multiple surfaces can be found simultaneously by transforming the 3-D segmentation problem into finding a minimum-cost closed set in a corresponding vertex-weighted geometric graph. However, the original formulation of this approach did not incorporate varying feasibility constraints or true regional information, two extensions that would aid in the intraretinal layer segmentation of OCT images. Thus, the major contributions of this thesis include: 1) extending the optimal 3-D graph-theoretic segmentation approach to allow for the incorporation of varying feasibility constraints and regional information, 2) developing a method for learning varying constraints and cost functions from examples for use in the approach, 3) developing and validating a method for the 3-D segmentation of intraretinal layers in
Self-dual types of cycle-transitivity

A general framework for studying the transitivity of reciprocal relations is presented. The key feature is the cyclic evaluation of transitivity: triangles (i.e. any three points) are visited in a cyclic manner. An upper bound function acting upon the ordered weights encountered provides an upper bound for the ‘sum minus 1’ of these weights. Commutative quasi-copulas allow to translate a general definition of fuzzy transitivity (when applied to reciprocal relations) elegantly into the framework of cycletransitivity. Similarly, a general notion of stochastic transitivity corresponds to a particular class of upper bound functions. Special attention is given to selfdual upper bound functions.
Protein A Suppresses Immune Responses during Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infection in Guinea Pigs

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus infection is not associated with the development of protective immunity, and disease relapses occur frequently. We hypothesize that protein A, a factor that binds immunoglobulin Fcγ and cross-links VH3 clan B cell receptors (IgM), is the staphylococcal determinant for host immune suppression. To test this, vertebrate IgM was examined for protein A cross-linking. High VH3 binding activity occurred with human and guinea immunoglobulin, whereas mouse and rabbit immunoglobulins displayed little and no binding, respectively. Establishing a guinea pig model of S. aureus bloodstream infection, we show that protein A functions as a virulence determinant and suppresses host B cell responses. Immunization with SpAKKAA, which cannot bind immunoglobulin, elicits neutralizing antibodies that enable guinea pigs to develop protective immunity. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of soft tissue and bloodstream infections; however, a vaccine with clinical efficacy is not available. Using mice to model staphylococcal infection, earlier work identified protective antigens; however, corresponding human clinical trials did not reach their endpoints. We show that B cell receptor (IgM) cross-linking by protein A is an important immune evasion strategy of S. aureus that can be monitored in a guinea pig model of bloodstream infection. Further, immunization with nontoxigenic protein A enables infected guinea pigs to elicit antibody responses that are protective against S. aureus. Thus, the guinea pig model may support preclinical development of staphylococcal vaccines. Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of soft tissue and bloodstream infections; however, a vaccine with clinical efficacy is not available. Using mice to model staphylococcal infection, earlier work identified protective antigens; however, corresponding human clinical trials did not reach their endpoints. We show that B cell receptor (IgM) cross-linking by protein A is an important immune evasion strategy of S. aureus that can be monitored in a guinea pig model of bloodstream infection. Further, immunization with nontoxigenic protein A enables infected guinea pigs to elicit antibody responses that are protective against S. aureus. Thus, the guinea pig model may support preclinical development of staphylococcal vaccines.
Help-Seeking Characteristics of Eating-Disordered Hotline Callers

Abstract Objective: the aim of the study was to differentiate help-seeking characteristics of specific categories of Eating Disordered callers to the Israeli hotline. Method: 32,835 calls received by the hotline center during one year, yielded 196 ED calls. Results: Results revealed that Anorexia Nervosa was over-represented among hotline callers compared to its prevalence in the general population. Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa callers were characterized by a desire for counseling while Binge Eating Disorder callers, primarily expected emotional support. A striking finding was the high frequency (22%) of suicidal calls among the anorexic group. Discussion: The significance of the anonymous hotline as a means of offering emotional help are discussed.
A Methodological Review of the Sex Ratio: Alternatives for Comparative Research.

In this paper we examine conceptual methodological and practical issues associated with measuring the sex ratio in comparative research. We give particular attention to measuring sex ratios for the black population. Census data are used to develop empirical measures for U.S. metropolitan areas and nonmetropolitan areas of Louisiana. The impact of the sex ratio on community-level variation in marriage patterns and family formation for the black population is addressed. (EXCERPT)
A class of local classical solutions for the one-dimensional Perona-Malik equation

We consider the Cauchy problem for the one-dimensional Perona-Malik equation u t = 1 ― u 2 x/ (1 + u 2 x ) 2 u xx in the interval [―1,1], with homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. We prove that the set of initial data for which this equation has a local-in-time classical solution u: [―1,1] x [0,T] → ℝ is dense in C 1 ([―1, 1]). Here "classical solution" means that u, u t , u x and u xx are continuous functions in [―1,1]×[0,T].
Estrogen Receptor β Mediates Rapid Estrogen Actions on Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons In Vivo

The gonadal steroid estrogen exerts an important modulatory influence on the activity of multiple neuronal networks. In addition to classical genomic mechanisms of action, estrogen also exerts poorly understood rapid, nongenomic effects on neurons. To examine whether estrogen may exert rapid actions on intracellular signaling within gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in vivo,we examined the phosphorylation status of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in these cells after the administration of 17-β-estradiol to ovariectomized (OVX) mice. The percentage of GnRH neurons expressing phosphorylated CREB was increased more than sixfold (p < 0.05) in a time- and dose-dependent manner by estrogen, with the increase first observed 15 min after estrogen administration. A series of in vitro studies demonstrated that estrogen acted directly on native GnRH neurons to phosphorylate CREB, but that estrogen conjugated to bovine serum albumin was without effect. The role of classical estrogen receptors (ERs) was evaluated using ER knock-out mice in vivo. The effect of estrogen on CREB phosphorylation in GnRH neurons was normal in ERα knock-out mice but completely absent in ERβ knock-out mice. Finally, studies in intact female mice revealed levels of CREB phosphorylation within GnRH neurons that were equivalent to those of estrogen-treated OVX mice. These observations demonstrate that ERβ mediates the rapid, direct effects of estrogen on the GnRH neuronal phenotype, and that these actions persist under physiological conditions. They also provide the first evidence for a role of ERβ in nongenomic estrogen signaling within the brain in vivo.
Frontline providers harbor misconceptions about the bedside evaluation of dizzy patients

Acta Oto-Laryngologica Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.informaworld. com/smpp/title~content=t713690940 Frontline providers harbor misconceptions about the bedside evaluation of dizzy patients David E. Newman-Toker a; Victoria A. Stanton b; Yu-Hsiang Hsieh c; Richard E. Rothman c a Departments of Neurology and Otolaryngology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA b School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, CA, USA c Department of Emergency Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
The Effects of Television Violence on Antisocial Behavior: A Meta-Analysis1

A meta-analysis is performed on studies pertaining to the effect of television violence on aggressive behavior. Partitioning by research design, viewer attributes, treatment and exposure variables, and type of antisocial behavior, allows one to interpret computed effect sizes for each of the variables in the partitions. We find a positive and significant correlation between television violence and aggressive behavior, albeit to varying degrees depending on the particular research question. According to research design, we find Z Fisher values ranging from . 19 for survey to . 40 for laboratory experiments. Erotica emerges as a strong factor even when it is not accompanied by portrayal of violence. Additionally, the effect of television violence on the antisocial behavior of boys and girls is found to be marginally equal in surveys. A host of tests are performed to solidify these, and further results. Substantive interpretation is provided as well.
Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

to the development of an efficiently axiomatized system of force dynamics, has given too little credit to the equally primary role which purely mathematical considerations could, on occasion, play in that development. A strong counterexample to his blanket thesis (p. 263) that 'the application of calculus by itself could not remove such problems' exists in the dynamical theory (here inadequately sketched on pp. 305-10) published by Leibniz in his 'Tentamen de motuum coelestium causis' in 1689, which was erected to explain the form of the differential equation of motion resulting from two differentations of the polar equation of the planetary ellipse. And I find it significant that Westfall's final chapter, where he seeks to epitomize the essence of Newton's mature (highly mathematical) dynamical theory as developed in the Prirwipia skates lightly but none too expertly over the thin ice of its technicalities without even mentioning Newton's most general solution of the problem of finding central-force orbits (Book I, Proposition 41). Let these specialist criticisms not detract from the book's general excellence. If its asking price is a little steep, it is pleasantly and accurately printed and produced to the high standard we have come to expect from Hoskin's History of Science series (of which this is the twelfth volume to appear). But I do wish that the footnotes, which need often to be read in conjunction with the main text, could have been set page by page at its physical foot (and not, as here, at the end of the individual chapters).
The changing use of deference among the Mississippi Chinese

In the biracial southern American state of Mississippi, the Chinese represent a “third culture,” an enclave with their own distinct Mississippi Chinese (MC) culture and community. The MC have learned to negotiate culturally and linguistically between white and black communities, developing speech strategies influenced by both Southern Genteelism and Confucianism. This essay begins with a review of deference, a key rhetorical feature used with particular adroitness by MC living in the Delta. Deference is defined as the courteous yielding to others and may occur in two forms: accommodation (i.e., making the non-MC speaker feel comfortable and welcome) and topic shifting (i.e., changing the subject of conversation). Next, the article includes examples of how this feature has changed or subsided in the speech of urban MC and concludes with some possible reasons for this shift.
Unequal protection of encoded video streams in bluetooth EDR

Bluetooth’s Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) modulation schemes can potentially support higher quality video streams. To avoid the impact of RF noise, this paper proposes adaptive modulation, previously unavailable to Bluetooth, based on content type importance at the picture and macroblock levels. Because, as a result, a lower bit rate for protected data may occur, buffer management is introduced to avoid transmit buffer overflow. The paper also proposes a tri-zone buffer with varying unequal protection (UP) policy in each zone. Application of these UP techniques results in up to 4 dB improvement in PSNR.
Intraseasonal variability of sea surface height in the Bay of Bengal

Intraseasonal variability (ISV) of sea surface height (SSH) over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) is studied using altimetry data and an eddy-resolving ocean model. In both the model hindcast and satellite observations, large SSH ISV is found along the eastern and northern coasts of the BoB, in the western BoB, and in a zonal band across the Bay centered near 5 degrees N. The ISV displays a clear seasonality. In the western BoB, it reaches its annual maximum in spring, whereas it does so in summer and autumn southeast of Sri Lanka. Driven by equatorial intraseasonal winds, equatorial Kelvin waves propagate eastward, reach the western coast of Sumatra, and reflect there to propagate around the perimeter of the BoB as coastally trapped waves. Two distinct bands of high eddy activity are detected in the western and central BoB, respectively. In both bands, isolated eddies propagate southwestward. Eddy formation in the eddy train in the central Bay is linked to the coastal wave as it bends around the corner of the Irrawaddy Delta off Myanmar. Eddy activity contributes to the high ISV in the central Bay to some extent. An energetics analysis indicates that high total eddy energy in the western BoB is due to barotropic/baroclinic instability of the mean current. Citation: Cheng, X. , S. -P. Xie, J. P. McCreary, Y. Qi, and Y. Du (2013), Intraseasonal variability of sea surface height in the Bay of Bengal, J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 118, 816-830, doi:10.1002/jgrc.20075.
Classifying Legal Questions into Topic Areas Using Machine Learning

In this paper we describe the steps taken to build a machine learning classifier that successfully classifies legal questions into the most relevant practice area. We have created 16 different general categories that legal questions fall into. Categorizing legal questions into the correct practice area has many useful applications such as facilitating improved realtime feedback, information retrieval, relevant lawyer recommendations, and responses to users asking questions on Q&A websites.
Diameter vulnerability of iterated line digraphs in terms of the girth

Iterated line digraphs arise naturally in designing fault tolerant systems. Diameter vulnerability measures the increase in diameter of a digraph when some of its vertices or arcs fail. Thus, the study of diameter vulnerability is a suitable approach to the fault tolerance of a network. In this article we present some upper bounds for diameter vulnerability of iterated line digraphs LkG. Our bounds depend basically on the girth of the digraph G and on the number of iterations k. These bounds generalize some previous results on diameter vulnerability of line digraphs. Also, we apply our results to several important families of line digraphs such as Kautz digraphs and deBruijn generalized cycles, which contain deBruijn digraphs, the Reddy-Pradhan-Kuhl digraphs, and the butterflies. Our bounds allow us to obtain improvements in known results on diameter vulnerability for all these families. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 45l2r, 49-54 2005
Creating Personal 3D Avatar from a Single Depth Sensor

Personalized avatar provides splendid user experiences in gaming, virtual community and other applications. The emergence of commodity depth sensors, e.g., The Kinect device, provides a wealth of input for personalizing avatar. While there are a wide range of research done on creating personal 3D avatar that looks exactly like the user, how to personalize an animated character, like Shrek, to look like the user is seldom explored. In this paper, we propose a method for creating 3D avatars with similar body shape as the user. First, we capture a 3D human body model of the user, and the user specifies an animated character. Then the captured user model is simplified and key points are selected from both the user model and the animated character. Finally, all key points are transformed directly form the animated character to the personalized model and other points are interpolated with RBF interpolation. We show an example of a user model transformed into a warrior avatar.
A Case-Control Study of Emotion Regulation and School Refusal in Children and Adolescents

The current study aimed to investigate emotion regulation (ER) strategy use in a sample of 21 clinic-referred children and adolescents (10-14 years old) presenting with school refusal, all of whom were diagnosed with at least one anxiety disorder. Being the first known study to examine ER and school refusal, hypotheses were guided by previous research on anxiety. It was hypothesized that the school refusal sample would report less healthy ER strategy use compared to an age- and sex-matched nonclinical sample (n = 21). As expected, the school refusal sample reported less use of cognitive reappraisal and greater use of expressive suppression to regulate their emotions than did the nonclinical sample. Although preliminary, the findings provide important information regarding the emotional functioning of children and adolescents presenting with school refusal. Future directions for research and implications for improved prevention and intervention programs are discussed.
Memory for Faces in Children with Autism

Previous research has established that children with Autistic Disorder have deficits in aspects of social cognition and in verbal memory, but research on social memory is limited. Twenty-four autistic boys aged 7 to 12 years and normal controls matched for verbal mental age were administered parallel social and nonsocial matching and memory tasks. Results showed that the children with autism were impaired relative to the normal children on the social (face) memory task only. Furthermore, of the four experimental tasks, the social memory task had the highest and most consistent correlations with measures of social development and adaptive skills. Whereas the normal children used the special status of faces to recall them more easily than objects, the children with autism showed equal recall of objects and faces.
Polymorphisms of the TCF4 gene are associated with the risk of schizophrenia in the Han Chinese

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex and severe mental disorder with highly heritability (80%). Several large genome‐wide association studies have identified that the transcription factor 4 (TCF4) polymorphisms were strongly associated with SCZ. Therefore, the present study was to replicate the potential relationships between the TCF4 polymorphisms and SCZ. Furthermore, the study also investigated whether other variants were associated with SCZ in the Han Chinese. We conducted a case‐control study including 499 patients and 500 healthy controls. Five SNPs were successfully genotyped and evaluated the association with SCZ by using χ2 test and genetic model analysis. We found that the genotype “AG” of rs9320010 and “GA” of rs7235757 decreased SCZ risk (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.50–0.99, P = 0.041; OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.49–0.97, P = 0.034, respectively). In the genetic model analysis, we also observed that the allele “A” of rs9320010 and “G” of rs7235757 were inversely related with the risk of SCZ in the dominant model (OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.52–0.98, P = 0.039; OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.50–0.96, P = 0.025, respectively). Further interaction and stratification analysis suggested that rs1452787 was notably correlated with increased SCZ risk in males (OR = 2.77, 95%CI = 1.43–5.35, P = 0.002). Our study indicated that rs9320010, rs7235757, and rs1452787 were prominently associated with SCZ. Further studies are required to verify our findings and focus on determining the biological functions of the SNPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constructions of teacher leadership in three periods of policy and reform activism

It is primarily within the last two decades that ‘teacher leadership’ has emerged as a prominent element of reform strategy and policy rhetoric. Three bodies of data spanning 14 years show how the meanings of teacher leadership vary, paralleling shifts in policy goals and strategies. Over time, designated teacher leadership roles have become heavily weighted toward institutional agendas over which teachers have little direct control and over which teachers themselves are divided. Much formally defined teacher leadership accomplishes a division of labour without entailing much initiative on matters of purpose and practice. Yet in each of the reform periods—from progressive and relatively decentralised to conservative and strongly centralised—some instances of teacher leadership constitute genuine initiative in teaching, learning and schooling. Such cases present existence proofs that illuminate both possibilities and dilemmas. From them we have begun to learn how teacher leaders might mobilise resources for teacher learning and educational reform.
The HPEC Challenge Benchmark Suite

Quantitative evaluation of different multi-processor High Performance Embedded Computing (HPEC) systems is an ongoing challenge for the HPEC community. The DARPA Polymorphous Computer Architecture (PCA) and HighProductivity Computing Systems (HPCS) programs have created kernel and system level benchmarks and metrics for comparing the different architectures being developed under these programs. In this talk, we will describe a new benchmark suite drawn from the HPCS and PCA programs: the HPEC Challenge Benchmarks. It consists of eight single-processor kernel benchmarks and of a multiprocessor scalable synthetic SAR benchmark. We describe an implementation of the kernel benchmarks on the PowerPC G4 and the metrics used to evaluate it. We also demonstrate the parallel SAR benchmark and its scaling to multiple problem and machine sizes. The HPEC Challenge suite will be made widely available to community and will enable more rigorous comparison of HPEC systems.