Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual-source computed tomography angiography and intravascular ultrasound assessment of restenosis in patients after coronary stenting for bifurcation left main stenosis: a pilot study

Introduction The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) compared to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the detection of restenosis in patients who underwent coronary stenting for bifurcation left main (LM) stenosis. Material and methods Twenty-four patients underwent percutaneous intervention of the LM and were subsequently examined (median 9.2 months after procedure) using IVUS and CTCA for the detection of restenosis. Results Significant restenosis was detected according to IVUS examination in 6 patients (25%) and 8 segments (13%). Based on segment analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CTCA for the detection of restenosis were 89%, 68%, 32%, 97%, respectively. There was moderate to good correlation between the minimal luminal area (MLA), measured by CTCA and IVUS for LM, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the left circumflex artery (LCx) (r=0.64, p<0.01; r=0.49, p=0.03; r=0.76, p<0.01, respectively). A Bland-Altman analysis showed that the MLAs measured by CTCA were underestimated in all segments (mean difference 1.67 ±2.2 mm2 for LM; 2.0 ±2.0 mm2 for LAD; 1.79 ±1.79 mm2 for LCx). An ROC analysis of the MLAs derived by CTCA for detecting significant stenosis was performed. The area under the curve for all analysed segments was 0.73. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that in patients after LM bifurcation stenting CTCA performs well in the exclusion of in-segment restenosis. However, due to the low positive predictive value of CTCA, the finding of any restenosis should be confirmed by invasive examination.
Regional Patterns in the Otolith Chemistry of Juvenile Spotted Seatrout(Cynoscion nebulosus) Differ under Contrasting Hydrological Regimes

The value of using otolith chemistry to characterize recruitment in terms of natal source regions depends on how consistently spatio-temporal variation can be resolved. The objective of this study was to compare regional classifica- tion patterns in the otolith chemistry of juvenile Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) between two years experiencing disparate hydrological regimes, and separated by a five year interlude. Spatial patterns in the whole-otolith chemistry of juveniles of this estuarine-dependent species were compared between years using five otolith elements and two stable iso- topes. Consistent size-related trends in uptake and deposition were evidenced by parallel ontogenetic relationships for six otolith variables. Nine natal regions were discerned equally well in both years; and region accounted for similar overall amounts of variation in the seven otolith variables in both years. However, the otolith variables did not distinguish the nine regions in the same manner in both years, and natal regions varied in how similar they were in otolith chemistry be- tween years. Consequently, between-year cross-classification accuracy varied widely among regions, and geographic dis- tance per se was unimportant for explaining regional patterns in otolith chemistry. Salinity correlated significantly with regional patterns in otolith chemistry in 2001, but not at all in 2006 when conditions were much drier. Regional patterns in individual otolith variables reflected either a general trend based on hydrology, a regional-local effect whereby geographi- cally closer regions exhibited similar otolith chemistry, or a location-specific effect for which there was either no correla- tion in otolith concentration among regions between years, or a significant but individualistic relationship. In addition to elucidating limitations of using otolith chemistry to identify natal source regions or for tracking fish movements, knowing more about how and why otolith chemistry varies could be used to address specific questions about early recruitment dy- namics, or to aid in the development of more reliable instruments for discerning natal source contributions.
A Framework for Realizing Multi-Modal VR and AR User Interfaces

The development of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications still is a cumbersome and error prone task. While 2D desktop applications have very clear standards regarding user interfaces and a very limited set of common input devices, no standards for VR/AR applications yet exist. Additionally a wide range of different 3D input devices exists. In this paper we will present our framework for realizing multi-modal VR and AR user interfaces. This framework does not rely on a single mechanism, but provides a set of three individual mechanisms complementing each other. We use an interface markup language for defining cross-platform user interfaces, object behaviors for rapid VR/AR interaction prototyping, and object-oriented scene graphs for realizing complex application scenarios.
Expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in human endometrium; effects of CXCL12 on MMP production by human endometrial cells.

BACKGROUND Although several studies have suggested that CXCL12 and its receptor, CXCR4, may play a role in embryo implantation, there are limited reports of expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in human endometrium. The aim of this study was to investigate CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression in human endometrium and to see if CXCL12 could affect matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production by endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. METHODS Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA in endometrial biopsy samples obtained from fertile women (n = 30). Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to determine where in the endometrium CXCL12 and CXCR4 were expressed. Primary cell culture followed by qRT-PCR and zymography was used to investigate whether CXCL12 affected MMP-2 and -9 production by endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. RESULTS Both CXCL12 and CXCR4 were detected in the endometrium. There was no difference in CXCL12 expression at different times in the cycle, but expression of CXCR4 mRNA was significantly higher in the early proliferative (P < 0.01) compared with late proliferative and secretory phases of the cycle. CXCL12 expression was strongest in the epithelial compartment, and weaker in blood vessel walls. CXCR4 immunostaining was strong in the epithelium and blood vessel walls and weaker in the stroma. CXCL12 (10 and 100 ng/ml) had no effect on mRNA expression or activity of MMP-2 or MMP-9 in either stromal or epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the expression of CXCL12 in human endometrium does not alter during the menstrual cycle, while the endometrial expression of its receptor, CXCR4, is highest in the early proliferative phase. In contrast to its effects in other cells, CXCL12 had no effect on MMP-2 or MMP-9 production by endometrial stromal or epithelial cells.
Cumulant-based inverse filter criteria for MIMO blind deconvolution: properties, algorithms, and application to DS/CDMA systems in multipath

Tugnait (1995) and Chi and Chen proposed multi-input multi-output inverse filter criteria (MIMO-IFC) using higher order statistics for blind deconvolution of MIMO linear time-invariant systems. This paper proposes three properties on the performance of the MIMO linear equalizer associated with MIMO-IFC for any signal-to-noise ratio, including (P1) perfect phase equalization property, (P2) a relation to MIMO minimum mean square error (MIMO-MMSE) equalizer, and (P3) a connection with the one obtained by MIMO super-exponential algorithm (MIMO-SEA) that usually converges fast but does not guarantee convergence for finite data. Based on (P2), a fast algorithm for computing the theoretically optimum MIMO equalizer is proposed. Moreover, based on (P3), a fast MIMO-IFC based algorithm with performance similar to that of the MIMO-SEA and with guaranteed convergence is proposed as well as its application to suppression of multiple access interference and intersymbol interference (ISI) for multiuser asynchronous DS/CDMA systems in multipath. Finally, some simulation results are presented to support the analytic results and the proposed algorithms.
An Agent-Based Algorithm for Detecting Community Structure in Networks

We present a simple stochastic agent-based community finding algorithm. Our algorithm is tested on network data from the Zachary karate club study, data from Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables", and data obtained from a musical piece by J.S. Bach. In all three cases, the algorithm partitions the vertices of the graph sensibly.
Proprioceptive drift without illusions of ownership for rotated hands in the “rubber hand illusion” paradigm

The rubber hand illusion is one reliable way to experimentally manipulate the experience of body ownership. However, debate continues about the necessary and sufficient conditions eliciting the illusion. We measured proprioceptive drift and the subjective experience (via questionnaire) while manipulating two variables that have been suggested to affect the intensity of the illusion. First, the rubber hand was positioned either in a posturally congruent position, or rotated by 180°. Second, either the anatomically same rubber hand was used, or an anatomically incongruent one. We found in two independent experiments that a rubber hand rotated by 180° leads to increased proprioceptive drift during synchronous visuo-tactile stroking, although it does not lead to feelings of ownership (as measured by questionnaire). This dissociation between drift and ownership suggests that proprioceptive drift is not necessarily a valid proxy for the illusion when using hands rotated by 180°.
Evidence for biomechanics and motor learning research improving golf performance

The aim of this review was to determine how the findings of biomechanics and motor control/learning research may be used to improve golf performance. To be eligible, the biomechanics and motor learning studies had to use direct (ball displacement and shot accuracy) or indirect (clubhead velocity and clubface angle) golf performance outcome measures. Biomechanical studies suggested that reducing the radius path of the hands during the downswing, increasing wrist torque and/or range of motion, delaying wrist motion to late in the downswing, increasing downswing amplitude, improving sequential acceleration of body parts, improving weight transfer, and utilising X-factor stretch and physical conditioning programmes can improve clubhead velocity. Motor learning studies suggested that golf performance improved more when golfers focused on swing outcome or clubhead movement rather than specific body movements. A distributed practice approach involving multiple sessions per week of blocked, errorless practice may be best for improving putting accuracy of novice golfers, although variable practice may be better for skilled golfers. Video, verbal, or a combination of video and verbal feedback can increase mid-short iron distance in novice to mid-handicap (hcp) golfers. Coaches should not only continue to critique swing technique but also consider how the focus, structure, and types of feedback for practice may alter learning for different groups of golfers.
Predicting parents’ intentions to seek help for young children’s mental health

Abstract One in five school-age children has mental health problems, yet less than a quarter access professional help. Early childhood presents a window for prevention. This study implemented the ‘Theory of Planned Behaviour’ to explore parents’ intentions to seek professional help for young children’s behaviour and emotional problems. Participants were 442 parents of 6-year-old children, recruited as a population sample in infancy. The ‘Theory of Planned Behaviour’ measured parents’ personal intentions, attitudes and beliefs about seeking professional help for young children’s mental health. Although many parents (84%) had positive intentions to seek help if their young child were in need, a proportion (16%) was ambivalent/unlikely to do so. Specific beliefs distinguishing parents with positive intentions were that professionals would provide expert strategies with empathy and understanding, with appointments providing value for time and money. Community mental health initiatives could target these beliefs in facilitating better access for young children in need.
Micromechanical properties of biological silica in skeletons of deep-sea sponges

The silica skeleton of the deep-sea sponge Euplectella aspergillum was recently shown to be structured over at least six levels of hierarchy with a clear mechanical functionality. In particular, the skeleton is built of laminated spicules that consist of alternating layers of silica and organic material. In the present work, we investigated the micromechanical properties of the composite material in spicules of Euplectella aspergillum and the giant anchor spicule of Monorhaphis chuni . Organic layers were visualized by backscattered electron imaging in the environmental scanning electron microscope. Raman spectroscopic imaging showed that the organic layers are protein-rich and that there is an OH-enrichment in silica near the central organic filament of the spicule. Small-angle x-ray scattering revealed the presence of nanospheres with a diameter of only 2.8 nm as the basic units of silica. Nanoindentation showed a considerably reduced stiffness of the spicule silica compared to technical quartz glass with different degrees of hydration. Moreover, stiffness and hardness were shown to oscillate as a result of the laminate structure of the spicules. In summary, biogenic silica from deep-sea sponges has reduced stiffness but an architecture providing substantial toughening over that of technical glass, both by structuring at the nanometer and at the micrometer level.
The Essential Child : Origins of Essentialism in Everyday Thought

What do we mean when we say of a particular group of people – political correctness aside – that ‘they’re tight with money’ or ‘they’re not very smart’? In describing people this way, we seem to be implying that the named property is a deep, fixed and enduring characteristic of their makeup. Or, when we say that ‘tigers have stripes’, we seem to be suggesting that to count as a tiger a creature must have stripes – this is part of what a tiger is. These sorts of claims, Susan Gelman suggests, are essentialist. We make (and believe) such claims all the time. Essentialist claims say something about the very nature or identity of things. In The Essential Child, Gelman offers data that may explain why such essentialist thinking is so pervasive in our understanding of the world and the things in it. She focuses on a fascinating phenomenon called psychological essentialism (PE). PE applies to our everyday or intuitive thinking about the world, rather than our ‘formal’ or scientific theories of the world (although essentialism is widespread in science [e.g. ‘the essence of water is H2O’). Gelman claims that PE is a pervasive reasoning bias – ‘a habit of the mind’ (p. 290) – that affects human categorisation in various domains and contexts. The Essential Child begins with a general Introduction (Chapter 1), followed by three main sections. In Part I, ‘The Phenomena’ (Chapters 2-7), Gelman presents the evidence for PE. Part II, ‘Mechanisms of Acquisition’ (Chapters 7-9), explores the processes that possibly give rise to PE. In Part III, ‘Implications and Speculations’ (Chapters 10-11), Gelman discusses the implications of her view for theories of concepts and cognitive development, and explores the scope of PE in our understanding of the world. The Introduction is particularly helpful, laying out the groundwork for what follows. Here, Gelman introduces PE, and specifies exactly what she means by it – basically the view that people believe that certain categories have an un-
In-place 3D sketching for authoring and augmenting mechanical systems

We present a framework for authoring three-dimensional virtual scenes for Augmented Reality (AR) which is based on hand sketching. Sketches consisting of multiple components are used to construct a 3D virtual scene augmented on top of the real drawing. Model structure and properties can be modified by editing the sketch itself and printed content can be combined with hand sketches to form a single scene. Authoring by sketching opens up new forms of interaction that have not been previously explored in Augmented Reality. To demonstrate the technology, we implemented an application that constructs 3D AR scenes of mechanical systems from freehand sketches, and animates the scenes using a physics engine. We provide examples of scenes composed from trihedral solid models, forces, and springs. Finally, we describe how sketch interaction can be used to author complicated physics experiments in a natural way.
The Shape of Production Function and the Direction of Technical Change

This paper views the standard production function in macroeconomics as a reduced form and derives its properties from microfoundations. The shape of this production function is governed by the distribution of ideas. If that distribution is Pareto, then two results obtain: the global production function is Cobb-Douglas, and technical change in the long run is labor-augmenting. Kortum (1997) showed that Pareto distributions are necessary if search-based idea models are to exhibit steady-state growth. Here we show that this same assumption delivers the additional results about the shape of the production function and the direction of technical change.
Participatory sensing based optimization of environmental parameters using the example of energy saving in residential environments

Optimization problems are solvable if it is possible to define a solution space and an objective function. Unfortunately there exist many application scenarios where it is impossible to define a objective function due to incomplete information. Therefore, the application of standard techniques to find an adequate solution is unfeasible. One of this application scenarios is reducing the energy consumption e of a user u carrying out a task or activity a by using a set of tools t in a determined state s and following a certain workflow w.
Depressed Mothers Show Increased Anxiety and Negativity and Differential Salivary Cortisol in Response to Infant Cries

Objective: The impact of postpartum depression on mother-infant interaction, affective responses to infant cries, as well as hormonal and autonomic responses to infant stimuli were examined in a sample of primiparous and multiparous women. Methods: A sample of 140 depressed and non-depressed women where randomly assigned to one of two conditions: 1) cry (pain; hunger); and 2) neutral (female neutral voice). Emotional response scores, salivary cortisol, and heart rate were collected. Depression was designated if women scored 12 or above on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: Depressed mothers reported feeling more anxious and negative when listening to infant cries and responded more strongly to the pain as opposed to the hunger cries compared to non-depressed mothers. Depressed mothers also showed higher overall cortisol levels compared to non-depressed mothers, with non-depressed mothers demonstrating a slight increase in response to the cries, while depressed mothers had a blunted response to the cries. No differences were reported in maternal heart-rate. Conclusions: PPD has a clear impact on a mother’s interaction with her infant which in turn, can have substantial effects on the infant’s social and emotional development.
The Response of Molecular Gases and Modulated Plasmas to Short Intense Laser Pulses

Title of dissertation: THE RESPONSE OF MOLECULAR GASES AND MODULATED PLASMAS TO SHORT INTENSE LASER PULSES Andrew James Pearson Doctor of Philosophy, 2011 Dissertation directed by: Professor Thomas Antonsen Department of Physics In this thesis we study the response of two systems to short, intense laser pulses. The first system is a gas of diatomic molecules whose ensemble-averaged alignment features rotational revivals. We analyze the effect of a background plasma on the revival peaks. Both the revivals and the plasma are the result of a laser pulse passing through the gas. The second system is a density-modulated plasma channel. We study the generation of electromagnetic radiation by a laser pulse passing through this structure. The molecules in the gas are modeled as rigid rotors that interact first with the cycle-averaged electric field of the laser pulse, and second with the fluctuating electric field of the background plasma. The laser pulse generates a broad superposition of angular momentum eigenstates, resulting in the transient alignment of the molecules. Because of the time evolution properties of the angular momentum states, the alignment re-occurs periodically in field-free conditions. The alignment is calculated using a density matrix, and the background plasma is modeled using dressed particles. The result is decoherence between the phases of the basis states of the wavefunction, which causes decay of subsequent alignment peaks. We find that field-induced decoherence is competitive with collisional decoherence for small ionization fractions. The corrugated plasma channel is modeled using linear plasma theory, and the laser pulse is non-evolving. Corrugated channels support EM modes that have a Floquet dispersion relation, and thus consist of many spatial harmonics with subluminal phase velocities. This allows phase matching between the pulse and the EM modes. Since the pulse bandwidth includes THz frequencies, significant THz generation is possible. Here we consider realistic density profiles to obtain predictions of the THz power output and mode structure. We then estimate pulse depletion effects. The fraction of laser energy converted to THz is independent of laser pulse energy in the linear regime, and we find it to be around one percent. Extrapolating to a pulse energy of 0.5 J gives a THz power output of 6 mJ, with a pulse depletion length of less than 20 cm. THE RESPONSE OF MOLECULAR GASES AND MODULATED PLASMAS TO SHORT INTENSE LASER PULSES
Long-Term Experiences in Mathematics E-Learning in Europe and the USA

This chapter presents a comparative study regarding four long-term experiences teaching mathematics online at four different universities in Europe and the USA. The chapter first begins by discussing general differences in e-learning adoption between the USA and Europe (with specific focus on asynchronous e-learning). Second, some of the major benefits and challenges of mathematics e-learning are discussed. Third, the chapter describes some specific experiences with mathematics e-learning at the four universities (two European and two American) these descriptions focus on methodological and practical aspects of the e-learning process in mathematics courses. Finally, a comparative analysis highlights common patterns and differences among the different models and some key factors for successful mathematics e-learning practice are identified along with a set of recommendations. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-875-0.ch012