Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phase Calibration of Airborne Tomographic SAR Data via Phase Center Double Localization

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected over a 2-D synthetic aperture can be processed to focus the illuminated scatterers in the 3-D space, using a number of signal processing techniques generally grouped under the name of SAR tomography (TomoSAR). A fundamental requirement for TomoSAR processing is to have precise knowledge of the platform position along the 2-D synthetic aperture. This requirement is not easily met in the case where the 2-D aperture is formed by collecting different flight lines (i.e., 1-D apertures) in a repeat-pass fashion, which is the typical case of airborne and spaceborne TomoSAR. Subwavelength platform position errors give rise to residual phase screens among different passes, which hinder coherent focusing in the 3-D space. In this paper, we propose a strategy for calibrating repeat-pass tomographic SAR data that allows us to accurately estimate and remove such residual phase screens in the absence of reference targets and prior information about terrain topography and even in the absence of any point- or surface-like target within the illuminated scene. The problem is tackled by observing that multiple flight lines provide enough information to jointly estimate platform and target positions, up to a roto-translation of the coordinate system used for representing the imaged scene. The employment of volumetric scatterers in the calibration process is enabled by the phase linking algorithm, which allows us to represent them as equivalent phase centers. The proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical simulations, in order to validate the results based on the exact knowledge of the simulated scatterers, and using real data from the ESA campaigns AlpTomoSAR, BioSAR 2008, and TropiSAR. A cross-check of the results from simultaneous P- and L-band acquisitions from the TropiSAR data set indicates that the dispersion of the retrieved flight trajectories is limited to a few millimeters.
Recent Increases in Hippocampal Tau Pathology in the Aging Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study.

BACKGROUND The Hisayama study is a prospective cohort study of lifestyle-related diseases that commenced in 1961. Through it, a significant increasing trend in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease has been observed over the past 18 years. OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the increases in brain pathology related to Alzheimer's disease using automated MATLAB morphometric analyses for quantifying tau pathology. METHODS We examined a series of autopsied cases from Hisayama residents obtained between 1998 and 2003 (group A: 203 cases), and between 2009 and 2014 (group B: 232 cases). We developed custom software in MATLAB to analyze abnormal tau deposits quantitatively. Specimens were immunostained with both anti-amyloid-β-protein and anti-phosphorylated tau antibodies. RESULTS Both the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) criteria for senile plaques and Braak stage for NFT were higher in group B. Morphometric analyses of the hippocampi also revealed a trend toward increased tau pathology in both men and women over 80 years of age in group B. The increases were also significant when the subjects were examined independently according to high or low CERAD scores and in all levels of AD neuropathologic change according to the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association guidelines (2012). CONCLUSION We revealed a recent trend of increased tauopathy in the older people, which is partly independent of amyloid-β pathology.
Fingerprint Template Ageing Vs. Template Changes Revisited

This study investigates the impact of "ghost" fingerprint and minutiae information in 4 year time-span separated fingerprint datasets. A high amount of ghost fingerprints within the data, eventually a source for differences in acquisition conditions, might be responsible for recently re- ported template ageing effects. According to that, various experiments have been performed to get rid of this problematic image content and to compare the corresponding matching results to the performance figures using the non altered imprints. The analysis with respect to detected increased error rates exhibits very similar effects for all considered methods no matter if ghost fingerprint information is removed or not. Thus, ghost fingerprints are not responsible for the observed effects.
Optical Window Materials For Hypersonic Flow

Optical window materials were investigated for infrared sensor systems used in observing ground targets from a hypersonic-glide vehicle. The equilibrium temperature of the window in the glide region depends on the emissivity and varied between 1,370 and 2,250 K. The high temperatures showed that a protective cover over the window is required during the entire glide region of the trajectory. Ejection of the window cover at 70-kft altitude in the terminal region was assumed, resulting in maximum window temperatures of 565 K and 592 K for magnesium oxide and diamond windows, respectively, both 0.8-in thick. The window temperatures for germanium and sapphire were also calculated. Thermal shock, thermal expansion, the effects of the window radiation on the infrared detectors and methods to reduce the hot window problem were examined.
Analysis and Design of High-Frequency Converter With Resistive Matching Network and Spiral Inductor

In this paper, two resistive matching networks are proposed, which can maintain the resistive transferring property under different load conditions. The high-frequency converter based on the resistive network can adequately achieve the soft-switching characteristics within a large load variation range, which helps to reduce switching losses and improve system efficiency. At the same time, a detailed design method for planar spiral inductor is described. In addition, the quality factor characteristics of different winding structures are analyzed. A 20-MHz high-frequency dc/dc converter based on the T-type matching network and circular spiral inductor is designed in this paper. The experimental results verify the advantages of the proposed resistive matching network and spiral inductor.
Outcome of Single-Bundle versus Double-Bundle Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has 2 anatomic bundles. Standard ACL reconstruction is with a single-bundle graft, but double-bundle reconstruction may better control knee rotational torque, a potential cause of failure after single-bundle reconstruction. The authors investigated outcomes of single-bundle versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis There is no difference in outcomes of single-bundle versus double-bundle reconstruction. Study Design Meta-analysis. Methods The authors systematically identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing single-bundle versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction (secondary analysis includes nonrandomized trials). Outcomes reported in a majority of included trials were meta-analyzed. Results Four RCTs were included (secondary analysis including 5 additional trials yielded reassuringly similar results). Two outcome measures were reported (in a manner permitting meta-analysis) in at least 3 of 4 trials: KT-1000 arthrometer and pivot-shift testing. On average, KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference was 0.52 mm closer to normal in patients treated with double-bundle reconstruction. This difference is demonstrated to be clinically insignificant. In addition, there was no statistical difference in the odds of having a normal or nearly normal pivot-shift result in patients treated with double-bundle versus single-bundle reconstruction. Conclusion Double-bundle reconstruction does not result in clinically significant differences in KT-1000 arthrometer or pivot-shift testing. The pivot-shift results have particular clinical relevance because the test is designed to evaluate knee rotational instability; the results do not support the theory that double-bundle reconstruction better controls knee rotation. Improved quality of future RCTs would allow meta-analysis of a greater number of outcome measures including measures of symptoms and disabilities most important to patients.
Real-time video stitching

This paper presents a real-time video stitching system which can stitch videos acquired from multiple moving cameras. Most conventional stitching methods were developed under the assumption of static scenes without considering moving objects. However, cameras could move freely for general video stitching and the homography matrices between different camera views could vary from frame to frame. The proposed algorithm estimates the refined homography in both spatial and temporal domains. To be more specific, we first estimate homography between images acquired by different cameras by using RANSAC in the spatial domain at some key frames separated by a fixed interval. Then, we obtain temporally smooth homography transformations by using temporally linear interpolation for the frames between the key frames. For the image stitching, we correct the exposure of the stitched image by linear blending in the overlapping region and generate a panoramic view with cylindrical warping. To achieve real-time video stitching, we speed up our system with CUDA parallel programming. The experimental results show that the stitched views by using the proposed algorithm compare favorably with other methods. In addition, our video stitching system can achieve real-time performance and it is much more efficient compared to the other methods included in our experimental comparison.
On the Influence of Relative Humidity on the Contact Angle of a Water Droplet on a Silicon Wafer

Contact angle analysis of liquids on surfaces has been extensively used to evaluating solid surface free energy, surface tension, and surface wetting characteristics. Despite the great interest in the contact angle, reported measurements has shown a high variety, which is often related to different contact angle measurement techniques or substrate preparation and oxidation among others. In addition, it is well know, that surface tension and contact angle are modified with temperature. However, no attention has been paid to the influence of the relative humidity (RH) in surface tension or contact angle measurements. In a previous work, we have demonstrated that (for a constant temperature) surface tension on a suspended droplet decreases linearly with RH in the air. In this paper, contact angle of a water droplet on a silicon wafer surface is studied and its relationship with the relative humidity in the air investigated. © 2013 ASME
The Impact of Additives on the Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sodium Content of Commonly Consumed Meat, Poultry, and Fish Products Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVE Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are advised to limit their dietary intake of phosphorus and potassium as hyperphosphatemia and hyperkalemia are both associated with an increased risk of mortality. There is uncertainty concerning the actual content of these minerals in the Canadian food supply, as phosphorus and potassium are increasingly being used as food additives. This study aimed to determine the impact of food additives on the chemically analyzed content of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and protein in commonly consumed meat, poultry, and fish products (MPFs). DESIGN Foods representing commonly consumed MPF identified by a food frequency questionnaire in dialysis patients were purchased from three major grocery store chains in Canada. MPF with and without phosphorus and potassium additives listed on their ingredient list (n = 76) as well as reference MPF that was additive free (n = 15) were chemically analyzed for phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and protein content according to Association of Analytical Community official methods. RESULTS Phosphorus, potassium, and sodium additives were present on the ingredient list in 37%, 9%, and 72% of MPF, respectively. Among MPF categories that contained a phosphorus additive, phosphorus content was significantly (P < .05) higher in MPF with phosphorus additives versus MPF without phosphorus additives and MPF reference foods (median [min, max]): (270 [140, 500] mg/100 g) versus (200 [130, 510] mg/100 g) versus (210 [100, 260] mg/100 g), respectively. Among MPF categories containing a potassium additive, foods listing a potassium additive had significantly more (P < .05) potassium than foods that did not list potassium additives and reference foods (900 [750, 1100] mg/100 g) versus (325 [260, 470] mg/100 g) versus (420 [270, 450] mg/100 g). CONCLUSIONS The use of additives in packaged MPF products as indicated by the ingredient list can significantly contribute to the dietary phosphorus and potassium loads in patients with CKD. Patients with CKD should be educated to avoid MPF foods listing phosphorus and/or potassium additives on the ingredient list, which may lead to improved dietary adherence.
An efficient query platform for streaming and dynamic natural graphs

Massive scale data streaming is now prevalent and can be used to dynamically build large graphs which are then efficiently analyzable for insightful information. In situations where real-time analytics is required approximate outcomes within time bounds may be desirable. We have identified graph summarization and TCM sketching in particular as a good technique for graph summarization for streaming data. TCM sketching provides a set of metrics such as Average Relative Error, Number of Effective Queries, Effectiveness of Effective Queries and Confusion Matrix of queries on streaming graphs. We then propose extensions to the TCM model for automatic sketch creation while the graph is being constructed and evaluate the approach with different sketch creation policies and query combinations. The proposed query framework works well with streaming graphs with 80% to 90% query efficiency and ±3 deviations from exact results.
QTc Time Correlates with Amitriptyline and Venlafaxine Serum Levels in Elderly Psychiatric Inpatients

Abstract Introduction Many antidepressants cause QT prolongation but the classification of cardiac risk of these drugs varies markedly in different published lists. This retrospective study analyzed the correlation of QTc time with amitriptyline and venlafaxine serum level in elderly psychiatric inpatients. Methods Elderly inpatients aged≥65 years for whom venlafaxine or amitriptyline serum level had been measured were selected retrospectively from a therapeutic drug monitoring database and screened for an electrocardiogram measurement at the time of blood withdrawal. The correlation of amitriptyline or venlafaxine serum levels with QTc time was examined by using Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results Amitriptyline serum levels (n=11) correlated significantly with QTc time (r=0.918, p<0.001, CI 95%). Venlafaxine serum levels (n=27) also correlated significantly with QTc time (r=0.382, p<0.05, CI 95%). Discussion Amitriptyline and venlafaxine induce QT prolongation depending on drug concentrations in blood. Its extent, however, is very low when drug serum levels are within the therapeutic range. Future pharmacokinetic studies that correlate drug serum level and QT time should classify the cardiac risk of drugs based on the grade of the regression line in relation to the therapeutic range.
Developing an anticancer copper(II) pro-drug based on the nature of cancer cell and human serum albumin carrier IIA subdomain: mouse model of breast cancer

Human serum albumin (HSA)-based drug delivery systems are promising for improving delivery efficiency, anticancer activity and selectivity of anticancer agents. To rationally guide to design HSA carrier for anticancer metal agent, we built a breast mouse model on developing anti-cancer copper (Cu) pro-drug based on the nature of IIA subdomain of HSA carrier and cancer cells. Thus, we first synthesized a new Cu(II) compound derived from tridentate (E)-N'-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide Schiff base ligand (HL) containing 2 potential leaving groups [indazole (Ind) and NO3−], namely, [Cu(L)(Ind)NO3]. Structural analysis of the HSA complex showed that Cu(L)(Ind)(NO3) could bind to the hydrophobic pocket of the HSA IIA subdomain. Lys199 and His242 coordinate with Cu2+ by replacing the indazole and NO3 ligands of [Cu(L)(Ind)NO3]. The release behavior of the Cu compound from the HSA complex is different at different pH levels. [Cu(L)(Ind)NO3] can enhance cytotoxicity by 2 times together with HSA specifically in cancer cells but has no such effect on normal cells in vitro. Importantly, our in vivo results showed that the HSA complex displayed increased selectivity and capacity to inhibit tumor growth and was less toxic than [Cu(L)(Ind)NO3] alone.
Effect of Hot-Wet Aging on the Pin-Bearing Strength of a Pultruded Material with Polyester Matrix

This paper presents test results to show the effect of hot-wet conditioning on the pin-bearing strength of a pultruded fiber reinforced polymer material. Knowledge of this strength property, taking account of any reduction over the service lives of structures, is required to reliably calculate bearing strength when designing bolted connections. Pin-bearing strength is determined using an in-house test method with batches of nominally identical specimens, cut from the web of a 203 x 203 x 9.53 mm wide flange shape. This shape is from the 1525 series of Creative Pultrusion Inc., having a polyester based matrix. Specimens were immersed prior to strength testing under water for 3000 hours at the constant temperature of 40° C. The paper discusses the accelerated aging protocol and its relation to service life, and an explanation is given to why the material was aged for an unknown number of service years. Variables in the test matrix are the direction of the bearing force (0°, 45° and 90° to the direction of pultrusion) and plain pin diameter (four sizes from 9.7 mm to 25.4 mm). Comparing aged pin-bearing strengths with equivalent strengths for non-aged material it is found that the average reduction in characteristic strength (calculated in accordance with Eurocode 0) of the 12 batches, is in the range of 18 to 31%. The extent of strength reduction is found to be independent of pin size, except when the diameter is 25.4 mm. For the 0o situation a comparison is made between the characteristic strengths for the four pin diameters determined using BS EN 1990:2002 and ASTM D7290 to show that the latter Weibull distribution values are lower, and by 4 to 18%.
Decentralized attribute-based encryption and data sharing scheme in cloud storage

In this paper, we consider the problems of data sharing between multiple distrusted authorities. Prior solutions rely on trusted third parties such as CAs, or are susceptible to collusion between malicious authorities, which can comprise the security of honest ones. In this paper, we propose a new multi-authority data sharing scheme — Decentralized Multi-Authority ABE (DMA), which is derived from CP-ABE that is resilient to these types of misbehavior. Our system distinguishes between a data owner (DO) principal and attribute authorities (AAs): the DO owns the data but allows AAs to arbitrate access by providing attribute labels to users. The data is protected by policy encryption over these attributes. Unlike prior systems, attributes generated by AAs are not user-specific, and neither is the system susceptible to collusion between users who try to escalate their access by sharing keys. We prove our scheme correct under the Decisional Bilinear Diffie-Hellman (DBDH) assumption; we also include a complete end-to-end implementation that demonstrates the practical efficacy of our technique.
GPU-accelerated image alignment for object detection in industrial applications

This research proposes a practical method for detecting featureless objects by using image alignment approach with a robust similarity measure in industrial applications. This similarity measure is robust against occlusion, illumination changes and background clutter. The performance of the proposed GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) accelerated algorithm is deemed successful in experiments of comparison between both CPU and GPU implementations.
Strategies for Monitoring of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Aquatic Environment

The protein biomarker vitellogenin in fish is discussed alongside alterative strategies for monitoring of endocrine disrupting chemicals. The first objective was to find a cheap, robust and generic method for the quantification of vitellogenin. A new sample preparation method was developed for the indirect quantification of vitellogenin through alkali-labile phosphate (ALP) with final analysis using spectrophotometry. An improved method with molybdate as colour reagent had a detection limit of 3. 2µg phosphate / ml plasma, which was further improved using molybdate in combination with malachite green giving a detection limit of 0. 3µg / ml. The first method was applied for measurement of background levels of ALP in male and female crucian carp (Carassius carassius), as well as in in fish 7 days after intraperitonal injection of 17β-estradiol. The malachite method was applied for ALP measurement in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from a fish farm which were placed in flow-through tanks at three locations along the brook of Vallkarra, Lund, Sweden. This brook is contaminated with leachate water from a covered landfill. In comparison to reference fish, ALP was significantly higher (66%) in fish placed close to the landfill. With the ALP method based on malachite green the obstacle of insufficient detection limit has been overcome enabling very wide usage of ALP measurements in the future. A miniaturized microporous membrane, liquid-liquid extraction was developed using a hollow fibre for analysis of steroid hormones during controlled exposure studies with fish or analysis in sewage water. The sample preparation was combined with gas chromatography and a detection limit of 1.6, 3, and 10 ng/L was achieved for 17β-estradiol, estrone and 17α-ethinylestradiol respectively. This method is simple, environmentally friendly and omits the use of additional sample clean-up despite measuring in such a complicated matrix as sewage. For improved risk assessment a method for chemical measurement of bioavailability of persistent organic pollutants with endocrine effects was developed. With selective supercritical fluid extraction it was possible to estimate and predict how large fraction of PCBs in a contaminated soil that was bioavailable to earthworms. By confirming the uptake in worms it was found that the extraction procedure could give a 93% accurate estimation of bioavailability. (Less)