Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast de-streaking method using plain neural network

Radon transform fundamentally underlies reconstructions from computed tomography. Radon transform results in a sinogram where each coefficient represents the integral of the image on one line from one angle. From a full Radon sinogram, one can rebuild the initial image with Filtered Back Projection (FBP) algorithm. However, when information from some angles are missing, streaks appear on the output image using such method. In this work, we propose a method that works exclusively on the image domain: a de-streaker based on plain neural network. The objective is not to replace reconstruction methods, but to offer a fast post-processing that reduces artifacts from the output image, particularly when sinogram is unavailable.
Low-Cost Data Deduplication for Virtual Machine Backup in Cloud Storage

In a virtualized cloud cluster, frequent snapshot backup of virtual disks improves hosting reliability; however, it takes significant memory resource to detect and remove duplicated content blocks among snapshots. This paper presents a low-cost deduplication solution scalable for a large number of virtual machines. The key idea is to separate duplicate detection from the actual storage backup instead of using inline deduplication, and partition global index and detection requests among machines using fingerprint values. Then each machine conducts duplicate detection partition by partition independently with minimal memory usage. Another optimization is to allocate and control buffer space for exchanging detection requests and duplicate summaries among machines. Our evaluation shows that the proposed multi-stage scheme uses a small amount of memory while delivering a satisfactory backup throughput.
Mapping the MMPI–2–RF Substantive Scales Onto Internalizing, Externalizing, and Thought Dysfunction Dimensions in a Forensic Inpatient Setting

ABSTRACT Contemporary models of psychopathology—encompassing internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction factors—have gained significant support. Although research indicates the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008/2011) measures these domains of psychopathology, this study addresses extant limitations in MMPI–2–RF diagnostic validity research by examining associations between all MMPI–2–RF substantive scales and broad dichotomous indicators of internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction diagnoses in a sample of 1,110 forensic inpatients. Comparing those with and without internalizing diagnoses, notable effects were observed for Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism–Revised (NEGE-r), Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID), Dysfunctional Negative Emotions (RC7), Demoralization (RCd), and several other internalizing and somatic/cognitive scales. Comparing those with and without thought dysfunction diagnoses, the largest hypothesized differences occurred for Thought Dysfunction (THD), Aberrant Experiences (RC8), and Psychoticism–Revised (PSYC-r), although unanticipated differences were observed on internalizing and interpersonal scales, likely reflecting the high prevalence of internalizing dysfunction in forensic inpatients not experiencing thought dysfunction. Comparing those with and without externalizing diagnoses, the largest effects were for Substance Abuse (SUB), Antisocial Behavior (RC4), Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction (BXD), Juvenile Conduct Problems (JCP), and Disconstraint–Revised (DISC-r). Multivariate models evidenced similar results. Findings support the construct validity of MMPI–2–RF scales as measures of internalizing, thought, and externalizing dysfunction.
Computational modelling of clot development in patient‐specific cerebral aneurysm cases

Essentials Clotting in cerebral aneurysms is a process that can either stabilize the aneurysm or lead to rupture. A patient‐specific computational model capable of predicting cerebral aneurysm thrombosis is presented. The different clotting outcomes highlight the importance of personalization of treatment. Once validated, the model can be used to tailor treatment and to clarify clotting processes in aneurysms.
Generalized spatial modulation with transmit antenna grouping for correlated channels

In this paper, an effective generalized spatial modulation (GenSM) scheme with transmit antenna grouping is proposed to overcome the performance degradation caused by correlated channels. In the proposed scheme, the transmit antennas are divided into several equal-sized groups, and spatial modulation (SM) is carried out to select one active antenna in each group independently. It is quite different from the conventional GenSM which jointly selects active antenna set. Apart from the straightforward block grouping method, which collects the adjacent antennas to the same group, interleaved grouping is also introduced. It can maximize the average distance between the antennas in the same group, since the channel correlation depends on it. To evaluate the performance, a closed-form expression of the average bit error probability (ABEP) upper bound is derived for all proposed grouping methods and Monte-Carlo simulations are conducted to verify the analysis and reveal the performance gain of the proposed scheme in terms of bit error rate (BER) in comparison with conventional GenSM and SM.
Epidemiology and Long-term Outcome of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosed at Elderly Age—An Increasing Distinct Entity?

Background:Elderly onset (EO) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may become a more common entity as a result of population aging and the rising IBD incidence. Its management is challenging, because of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and frailty. Insight into the long-term outcome is essential for optimal patient counseling and treatment. We studied the incidence and disease outcome of elderly-onset IBD in direct comparison to adult-onset (AO) IBD. Methods:All 2823 cases with IBD from the Dutch population-based IBD South Limburg cohort, diagnosed between 1991 and 2011, were included. Long-term outcome (hospitalization, surgery, and disease phenotype) was compared between AO (<60 years at diagnosis) and EO (≥60 years at diagnosis) disease, for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) separately. Results:In total, 1162 patients with CD (136 EO/1026 AO) and 1661 patients with UC (373 EO/1288 AO) were included. The EO IBD incidence increased from 11.71 per 100,000 persons in 1991 to 23.66 per 100,000 persons in 2010, P < 0.01. Immunomodulators were less often used in EO CD (61.8% versus 77.1%, P = 0.03) and EO UC (22.8% versus 35.4%, P < 0.01), even as biologicals (25.1% versus 55.1%, P = 0.03 and 7.8% versus 18.0%, P < 0.01, respectively). No differences were observed in surgery risk (CD: hazard ratio [HR] 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–1.67 and UC: HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.53–1.46), or in CD phenotype progression (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.52–1.25), but more patients with EO UC required hospitalization (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.01–1.63). Conclusions:EO IBD is rising, warranting physicians' alertness for IBD in elderly patients. The long-term outcome was not different from AO disease, despite a less frequent use of immunomodulators and biologicals.
Detection of Driving fatigue by using Noncontact EMG and ECG signals Measurement System

Driver fatigue can be detected by constructing a discriminant mode using some features obtained from physiological signals. There exist two major challenges of this kind of methods. One is how to collect physiological signals from subjects while they are driving without any interruption. The other is to find features of physiological signals that are of corresponding change with the loss of attention caused by driver fatigue. Driving fatigue is detected based on the study of surface electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiograph (ECG) during the driving period. The noncontact data acquisition system was used to collect physiological signals from the biceps femoris of each subject to tackle the first challenge. Fast independent component analysis (FastICA) and digital filter were utilized to process the original signals. Based on the statistical analysis results given by Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test, the peak factor of EMG (p < 0.001) and the maximum of the cross-relation curve of EMG and ECG (p < 0.001) were selected as the combined characteristic to detect fatigue of drivers. The discriminant criterion of fatigue was obtained from the training samples by using Mahalanobis distance, and then the average classification accuracy was given by 10-fold cross-validation. The results showed that the method proposed in this paper can give well performance in distinguishing the normal state and fatigue state. The noncontact, onboard vehicle drivers' fatigue detection system was developed to reduce fatigue-related risks.
Evaluation of 1-Nitropyrene as a Surrogate Measure for Diesel Exhaust

We investigated the viability of particle bound 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) air concentration measurements as a surrogate of diesel exhaust (DE) exposure, as compared with industry-standard elemental carbon (EC) and total carbon (TC) measurements. Personal exposures are reported for 18 employees at a large underground metal mine during four different monitoring campaigns. Full-shift personal air exposure sampling was conducted using a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) compliant diesel particulate matter (DPM) impactor cassette downstream of a GS-1 cyclone pre-selector. Each DPM filter element was analyzed for EC and organic carbon (OC) using NIOSH Method 5040. After EC and OC analysis, the remaining portion of each DPM filter was analyzed for 1-NP using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). We observed high correlations between the quantiles of 1-NP and EC exposures across 10 different work shift task groups (r = 0.87 to 0.96), and a linear relationship with a slope between 6.0 to 6.9 pg 1-NP per µg EC. However, correlation between 1-NP and EC was weak (r =0.34) for the 91 individual sample pairs due to low EC concentrations and possible heterogeneity of DE composition. While both 1-NP and EC differentiated between high and low exposure groups categorized by job location, measurements of 1-NP, but not EC further differentiated between specific job activities. Repeated measurements on individual subjects verified the relationship between 1-NP and EC and demonstrated substantial within-subject variability in exposure. The detection limit of TC air concentration ranged between 18 and 28 µg m-3 and was limited by OC contamination of the quartz filters in the MSHA compliant DPM samplers.
Iranian Azeri’s Y-Chromosomal Diversity in the Context of Turkish-Speaking Populations of the Middle East

Background: The main goal of this study was to conduct a comparative population genetic study of Turkish speaking Iranian Azeries as being the biggest ethno-linguistic community, based on the polymorph markers on Y chromosome. Methods: One hundred Turkish-speaking Azeri males from north-west Iran (Tabriz, 2008–2009) were selected based on living 3 generations paternally in the same region and not having any relationship with each other. Samples were collected by mouth swabs, DNA extracted and multiplex PCR done, then 12 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 6 Microsatellites (MS) were sequenced. Obtained data were statistically analyzed by Arlequin software. Results: SNPs and Microsatellites typing were compared with neighboring Turkish-speaking populations (from Turkey and Azerbaijan) and Turkmens representing a possible source group who imposed the Turkish language during 11–15th centuries AD. Azeris demonstrated high level of gene diversity compatible with patterns registered in the neighboring Turkish-speaking populations, whereas the Turkmens displayed significantly lower level of genetic variation. This rate of genetic affiliation depends primarily on the geographic proximity. Conclusion: The imposition of Turkish language to this region was realized predominantly by the process of elite dominance, i.e. by the limited number of invaders who left only weak patrilineal genetic trace in modern populations of the region.
Face-Name Associative Recognition Deficits in Subjective Cognitive Decline and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND There is a need for more sensitive neuropsychological tests to detect subtle cognitive deficits emerging in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Associative memory is a cognitive function supported by the hippocampus and affected early in the process of AD. OBJECTIVE We developed a short computerized face-name associative recognition test (FNART) and tested whether it would detect memory impairment in memory clinic patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). METHODS We recruited 61 elderly patients with either SCD (n = 32) or MCI (n = 29) and 28 healthy controls (HC) and compared performance on FNART, self-reported cognitive deterioration in different domains (ECog-39), and, in a reduced sample (n = 46), performance on the visual Paired Associates Learning of the CANTAB battery. RESULTS A significant effect of group on FNART test performance in the total sample was found (p < 0.001). Planned contrasts indicated a significantly lower associative memory performance in the SCD (p = 0.001, d = 0.82) and MCI group (p < 0.001, d = 1.54), as compared to HCs, respectively. The CANTAB-PAL discriminated only between HC and MCI, possibly because of reduced statistical power. Adjusted for depression, performance on FNART was significantly related to ECog-39 Memory in SCD patients (p = 0.024) but not in MCI patients. CONCLUSIONS Associative memory is substantially impaired in memory clinic patients with SCD and correlates specifically with memory complaints at this putative preclinical stage of AD. Further studies will need to examine the predictive validity of the FNART in SCD patients with regard to longitudinal (i.e., conversion to MCI/AD) and biomarker outcomes.
Autonomous Cognitive Robots Need Emotional Modulations: Introducing the eMODUL Model

Emotion is an integral part of cognition. There is significant evidence of mutual, bi-directional influence between cognitive and emotional processes. Also, more and more research works propose an integrative view of emotion and cognition. In this paper, we review a large literature on emotion–cognition interactions in psychology, neuroscience, and computational modeling. Then, we introduce eMODUL, which consolidates this literature into a conceptual model. In particular, this model stresses the importance of emotional modulations and the roles they play with respect to the system autonomy depending on the targeted computational/cognitive processes (e.g., allocation of resources, organization of behavior). To illustrate these aspects and support our theoretical model, we review two robotic experiments where eMODUL is instantiated. The results demonstrate the interest of our approach for the development of interaction/communication and autonomy/adaptation capabilities in cognitive robots. In terms of natural cognition understanding they give additional insights into the emergence of emotion, the construction of multilevel appraisal, and the link between emotion and cognition in task-related emotions.
Virtual Surgical Planning: The Pearls and Pitfalls

Objective: Over the past few years, virtual surgical planning (VSP) has evolved into a useful tool for the craniofacial surgeon. Virtual planning and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) may assist in orthognathic, cranio-orbital, traumatic, and microsurgery of the craniofacial skeleton. Despite its increasing popularity, little emphasis has been placed on the learning curve. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive virtual surgeries was done from July 2012 to October 2016 at the University of Montreal Teaching Hospitals. Orthognathic surgeries and free vascularized bone flap surgeries were included in the analysis. Results: Fifty-four virtual surgeries were done in the time period analyzed. Forty-six orthognathic surgeries and 8 free bone transfers were done. An analysis of errors was done. Eighty-five percentage of the orthognathic virtual plans were adhered to completely, 4% of the plans were abandoned, and 11% were partially adhered to. Seventy-five percentage of the virtual surgeries for free tissue transfers were adhered to, whereas 25% were partially adhered to. The reasons for abandoning the plans were (1) poor communication between surgeon and engineer, (2) poor appreciation for condyle placement on preoperative scans, (3) soft-tissue impedance to bony movement, (4) rapid tumor progression, (5) poor preoperative assessment of anatomy. Conclusion: Virtual surgical planning is a useful tool for craniofacial surgery but has inherent issues that the surgeon must be aware of. With time and experience, these surgical plans can be used as powerful adjuvants to good clinical judgement.
2DEG-HEATED ALGAN/GAN MICRO-HOTPLATES FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE CHEMICAL SENSING MICROSYSTEMS

Fully-suspended AlGaN/GaN micro-hotplates that leverage self-heating of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) have been modeled, micro-fabricated, and characterized at elevated ambient temperatures (from 25°C to 600°C in air). An input power of ~75 mW heated the micro-hotplates to approximately 270°C from 25°C ambient conditions. In addition, finite element analysis (FEA) showed high-temperature uniformity across the micro-hotplate (<1% variation) and fast transient response times (~2 ms rise and fall times). These results support the use of the AlGaN/GaN-on-Si platform for high-temperature activation of chemical sensing catalysts and in-situ chemical sensing within high-temperature environments (e.g., combustion exhaust, industrial process, and downhole).
Neuroserpin regulates the density of dendritic protrusions and dendritic spine shape in cultured hippocampal neurons

Neuroserpin is a member of the serpin superfamily that is expressed principally in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neuroserpin's spatial‐temporal expression during development and in the adult brain suggests possible roles in synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. This is supported by behavioral changes in transgenic mice overexpressing neuroserpin. We have used an embryonic rat primary hippocampal neuron culture model to investigate whether neuroserpin can regulate elements of synaptic morphology that may be involved in these changes in cognitive function. Neuroserpin localized to axonal and dendritic compartments in cultured neurons and accumulated in synapsin‐positive presynaptic terminals. Increased expression of neuroserpin resulted in an increase in the density of dendritic protrusions and alterations in dendritic spine shape. Our results identify neuroserpin as a new regulator of structural plasticity and suggest a cellular mechanism that may contribute to neuroserpin's effects on cognition. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A low voltage pre start up circuit for thermal energy harvesting applications

Energy harvesting technology is a key enabler in any drive to monitor the health of people that occurs outside of the clinical environment. The growing demand of low voltage portable consumer electronics makes things easier and economical in the terms of power management. In this Paper an Energy harvesting system is proposed a combining low voltage internal start-up circuit and DC-DC Boost Converter for low voltage thermoelectric generator (TEG) (80 mV) which provides the output voltage of 1.52 V. The start-up circuit uses the forward body biasing technique (FBB) to reduce the MOS threshold voltages and the supply voltages of oscillator and Dickson Charge Pump. A maximum power of 40 μψ has been extracted across the inductor based Boost converter. This will be beneficial for biomedical implants for powering the sensor nodes.
Analysis of lattice thermal conductivity of Si thin films

We present a new lateral thermal conductivity model which include the new relaxation time expressions for phonon scattering considering detailed information of the phonon dispersion. The effect of phonon dispersion on the three-phonon process is considered in detail. The experimental data of the temperature dependence of lateral thermal conductivity of silicon crystal thin films fits well using these expressions.
Vector Field Based Neural Networks

A novel Neural Network architecture is proposed using the mathematically and physically rich idea of vector fields as hidden layers to perform nonlinear transformations in the data. The data points are interpreted as particles moving along a flow defined by the vector field which intuitively represents the desired movement to enable classification. The architecture moves the data points from their original configuration to anew one following the streamlines of the vector field with the objective of achieving a final configuration where classes are separable. An optimization problem is solved through gradient descent to learn this vector field.
A new partnership: the Society for Acupuncture Research and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

807 It is a great pleasure to announce a collaboration between the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) and The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM). While fully maintaining its commitment to the greater complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) community, JACM will also become the new “Official Journal” of SAR. This is likely to prompt questions from many in the CAM community: “What is SAR? ” and “Why has it chosen to partner with the JACM? ” SAR was created in the early 1990s, a seminal time for the emergence into health care consciousness of what would become known as CAM. This was the time of the “Eisenberg Effect,” by which, similar to its subatomic soundalike, the act of examining a phenomenon altered what was being observed. A national survey that revealed a widespread but largely covert use of “unconventional medical practices” (Eisenberg et al., 1993) triggered a remarkable overt level of practitioner, consumer, medical educator, media, and governmental interest in nonbiomedical systems of health care. Other prominent events included the U.S. Congress mandating the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to create a formal structure to examine these nonbiomedical practices, and public television surveying the changing health care landscape in Healing and the Mind (Moyers, 1993). Acupuncture was among the numerous health care options that benefited from this emergent interest. In particular, the Food and Drug Administration—in cooperation with the newly created NIH Office of Alternative Medicine—initiated a process that would clarify a 20-year legal gray area by removing the acupuncture needle from “investigational” status and reclassifying it as a “safe and effective” Class II medical device (FDA, 1996; Eskinazi and Jobst, 1996). This ruling set in motion preparations for the landmark NIH Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture that concluded: “There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value” (NIH Consensus Conference, 1998). Within this climate of increased interest in and scrutiny of nonbiomedical health care options, the Society for Acupuncture Research was formed. The major purpose of SAR has