Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-Scale Image Deblurring Based on Local Region Selection and Image Block Classification

A multi-scale image deblurring method based on local region selection and image block classification is proposed in this paper. Firstly, optimal local region is automatically chosen from the original blurred image and built to pyramid images. Then, the blind restoration problem is solved by using a Variational Bayesian model that is constructed by considering the blur kernel sparse features as prior knowledge. The coarse deblurring results are obtained using the non-blind deconvolution based on image gradient sparsity. Finally, image blocks in the coarse results are classified and adaptively filtered in order to obtain the fine deblurring results. The experimental results on natural, remote sensing and medical images demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively remove fuzziness while preserving the edges and the details.
Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Ketoacidosis – Clinical Implications in the Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors is associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. This risk has been reported in particular in off-label use of these agents in type 1 diabetes, but reports of risks in type 2 diabetes patients also exist. In type 2 diabetes ketoacidosis is rare and is present particularly in patients who have undergone prolonged starvation, serious infection, alcohol abuse or surgery. The pleiotropic advantages of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors do not outweigh the risk for a diabetic ketoacidosis, but caution is warranted.
Measuring Gait Quality in Parkinson’s Disease through Real-Time Gait Phase Recognition

Monitoring gait quality in daily activities through wearable sensors has the potential to improve medical assessment in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In this study, four gait partitioning methods, two based on thresholds and two based on a machine learning approach, considering the four-phase model, were compared. The methods were tested on 26 PD patients, both in OFF and ON levodopa conditions, and 11 healthy subjects, during walking tasks. All subjects were equipped with inertial sensors placed on feet. Force resistive sensors were used to assess reference time sequence of gait phases. Goodness Index (G) was evaluated to assess accuracy in gait phases estimation. A novel synthetic index called Gait Phase Quality Index (GPQI) was proposed for gait quality assessment. Results revealed optimum performance (G < 0.25) for three tested methods and good performance (0.25 < G < 0.70) for one threshold method. The GPQI resulted significantly higher in PD patients than in healthy subjects, showing a moderate correlation with clinical scales score. Furthermore, in patients with severe gait impairment, GPQI was found higher in OFF than in ON state. Our results unveil the possibility of monitoring gait quality in PD through real-time gait partitioning based on wearable sensors.
Adaptive multimedia learning framework with facial recognition system

Recent breakthrough in mobile technology, wireless commu­nication and sensing ability of smart devices promote the ease to detect real-world learning status of students as well as the context aware for learning. Targeted information can be provided to individual students in the right place and at the right time. This work is one of the three main components of our Smart Learning Framework, others include Multimedia Module Contents (MMC) and Learning Style Index (LSI). However, this module of our work aimed to perfect efforts to correctly make decision during an educational learning process. This was based on the fact that adaptive decisions can only be made to protect learner enthusiasm, promote learning grid and enhances general understanding of an adaptive learning environment if users immediate behavior and concern is well considered. This approach implements facial expres­sion recognition on a smart phone (android) using effectiva SDK. This enables correct detection of facial expression for further understanding of the meaning in a learning environment. The output of this module is used for Learners Behavior Analysis which then provide result of general evaluation of individual learner.
Information Extraction from High-level Activity Diagrams to Support Development Tasks

As the complexity of systems continues to increase, the use of model-driven development approaches becomes more widely applied. One of our industry partners (Daimler AG) uses UML activity diagrams as the first step in the development of vehicle functions, mainly for the purpose of communication and overview. However, the contained information is also valuable for further development tasks. In this paper, we present an automated approach to extract information from these high-level activities. We put a focus on aspects of activities such as propositional logic relations, sequences of actions, and differentiability of execution paths. The extracted parts are needed for the compilation of requirements and the creation of test cases. Also, this approach supports stakeholders unfamiliar with the notations of activities as implicit information is made explicit and hence more accessible. For this purpose, we provide a formalism for the kind of activities our industry partner uses. Based on that formalism, we define properties that express the contained sequences and execution paths. Furthermore, the formalism is used to derive the underlying propositional logic relations. We show how the approach is applied to eliminate hundreds of existing quality issues in an existing requirements document.
Fingerprinting Non-Terran Biosignatures

Abstract Most strategies for life detection rely upon finding features known to be associated with terran life, such as particular classes of molecules. But life may be vastly different on other planets and moons, particularly as we expand our efforts to explore ocean worlds like Europa and Enceladus. We propose a new concept for life detection that harnesses the power of DNA sequencing to yield intricate informatics fingerprints, even for life that is not nucleic acid–based. The concept is based on the fact that folded nucleic acid structures (aptamers) have been shown to be capable of binding a wide variety of compounds, whether inorganic, organic, or polymeric, and irrespective of being from a biotic or abiotic source. Each nucleic acid sequence can be thought of as a code, and a combination of codes as a “fingerprint. ” Over multiple analytes, the “fingerprint” of a non-terran sample can be analyzed by chemometric protocols to provide a classifier of molecular patterns and complexity. Ultimately the chemometric fingerprints of living systems, which may differ significantly from nonliving systems, could provide an empirical, agnostic means of detecting life. Because nucleic acids are exponentially amplified by the polymerase chain reaction, even very small input signals could be translated into a robust readable output. The derived sequences could be identified by a small, portable sequencing device or by capture and optical imaging on a DNA microarray. Without presupposing any particular molecular framework, this agnostic approach to life detection could be used from Mars to the far reaches of the Solar System, all within the framework of an instrument drawing little heat and power.
Predicting success of energy savings interventions and industry type using smart meter and retrofit data from thousands of non-residential buildings

This paper discusses the creation of targeting and segmentation information about non-residential buildings that are equipped with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meters, or smart meters. Statistics, model, and pattern-based temporal features are extracted from over 36,000 smart meters. They are then merged with a database of past energy efficiency interventions such as lighting, HVAC, and controls retrof its from 1,600 buildings. The buildings are divided into Good, Average, and Poor performing classes according to consumption from before and after the retrofits. Classification models are developed that improve the ability to predict retrofit success and standard industry class by 18.3% and 27.6% respectively over baselines. This study serves as an example of better leveraging smart meter data from non-residential buildings for utility targeted incentive programs. The methodology outlined is preliminary and further models and temporal features are to be tested.
Pre- and Post-Conditions Expressed in Variants of the Modal µ-Calculus

Properties of Kripke structures can be expressed by formulas of the modal µ-calculus. Despite its strong expressive power, the validity problem of the modal µ-calculus is decidable, and so are some of its variants enriched by inverse programs, graded modalities, and nominals. In this study, we show that the pre- and post-conditions of transformations of Kripke structures, such as addition/deletion of states and edges, can be expressed using variants of the modal µ-calculus. Combined with decision procedures we have developed for those variants, the properties of sequences of transformations on Kripke structures can be deduced. We show that these techniques can be used to verify the properties of pointer-manipulating programs.
Weighted simplicial complex reconstruction from mobile laser scanning using sensor topology

We propose a new method for the reconstruction of simplicial complexes (combining points, edges and triangles) from 3D points clouds from Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS). Our method uses the inherent topology of the MLS sensor to define a spatial adjacency relationship between points. We then investigate each posible connexion between adjacent points, weighted according to its distance to the sensor, and filter them by searching collinear structures in the scene, or structures perpendicular to the laser beams. Next, we create and filter triangles for each triplet of self-connected edges and according to their local planarity. We compare our results to an unweighted simplicial complex reconstruction.
Microfabrication of submicron nozzles in silicon nitride

A microfabrication process for obtaining nanometer apertures in highly cusped nozzle-like structures fabricated in silicon nitride and having apex angles of up to a few degrees is described. The process is based on a sacrificial etch technology using single-crystal silicon as the mold and silicon nitride as the material for the nozzle. The nitride coating on the apex of the pyramid shaped mold is selectively etched off using a polymer layer as the etch mask, which leaves the tip of the silicon mold protruding from the masked nitride, thus defining the aperture of the nozzles. The silicon mold is then removed in an alkaline etchant which leaves the free standing nozzles. <<ETX>>
Role of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and Related Precursors as Therapeutic Targets for Age-Related Degenerative Diseases: Rationale, Biochemistry, Pharmacokinetics, and Outcomes.

SIGNIFICANCE Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential pyridine nucleotide that serves as an essential cofactor and substrate for a number of critical cellular processes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production, DNA repair, epigenetically modulated gene expression, intracellular calcium signaling, and immunological functions. NAD+ depletion may occur in response to either excessive DNA damage due to free radical or ultraviolet attack, resulting in significant poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation and a high turnover and subsequent depletion of NAD+, and/or chronic immune activation and inflammatory cytokine production resulting in accelerated CD38 activity and decline in NAD+ levels. Recent studies have shown that enhancing NAD+ levels can profoundly reduce oxidative cell damage in catabolic tissue, including the brain. Therefore, promotion of intracellular NAD+ anabolism represents a promising therapeutic strategy for age-associated degenerative diseases in general, and is essential to the effective realization of multiple benefits of healthy sirtuin activity. The kynurenine pathway represents the de novo NAD+ synthesis pathway in mammalian cells. NAD+ can also be produced by the NAD+ salvage pathway. Recent Advances: In this review, we describe and discuss recent insights regarding the efficacy and benefits of the NAD+ precursors, nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), in attenuating NAD+ decline in degenerative disease states and physiological aging. CRITICAL ISSUES Results obtained in recent years have shown that NAD+ precursors can play important protective roles in several diseases. However, in some cases, these precursors may vary in their ability to enhance NAD+ synthesis via their location in the NAD+ anabolic pathway. Increased synthesis of NAD+ promotes protective cell responses, further demonstrating that NAD+ is a regulatory molecule associated with several biochemical pathways. FUTURE DIRECTIONS In the next few years, the refinement of personalized therapy for the use of NAD+ precursors and improved detection methodologies allowing the administration of specific NAD+ precursors in the context of patients' NAD+ levels will lead to a better understanding of the therapeutic role of NAD+ precursors in human diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.
Lipofuscin-associated photo-oxidative stress during fundus autofluorescence imaging

Purpose Current standards and guidelines aimed at preventing retinal phototoxicity during intentional exposures do not specifically evaluate the contribution of endogenous photosensitizers. However, certain retinal diseases are characterized by abnormal accumulations of potential photosensitizers such as lipofuscin bisretinoids in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We sought to determine these contributions by a numerical assessment of in-vivo photo-oxidative stress during irradiation of RPE lipofuscin. Methods Based on the literature, we calculated the retinal exposure levels, optical filtering of incident radiation by the ocular lens, media, photoreceptors, and RPE melanin, light absorption by lipofuscin, and photochemical effects in the RPE in two situations: exposure to short-wavelength (λ = 488 nm) fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF) excitation light and exposure to indirect (diffuse) sunlight. Results In healthy persons at age 20, 40, and 60, respectively, the rate of oxygen photoconsumption by lipofuscin increases by 1.3, 1.7, and 2.4 fold during SW-AF-imaging as compared to diffuse sunlight. In patients with STGD1 below the age of 30, this rate was 3.3-fold higher compared to age-matched controls during either sunlight or SW-AF imaging. Conclusions Our results suggest that the RPE of patients with STGD1 is generally at increased risk of photo-oxidative stress, while exposure during SW-AF-imaging amplifies this risk. These theoretical results have not yet been verified with in-vivo data due to a lack of sufficiently sensitive in-vivo measurement techniques.
Two-Year Outcome of a Patient Treated With Phototherapeutic Keratectomy and Autologous SMILE Lenticule Transplantation for Flap-Related Complications Following LASIK.

PURPOSE To describe a patient with flap complications after LASIK who was subsequently treated using phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and an autologous lenticule transplant obtained via small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). METHODS A 23-year-old man experienced free flap and partial flap loss in the left eye following LASIK, resulting in corneal stroma opacity 1 month later. The manifest refraction was -3.25 diopters sphere (DS)/-0.50 diopters cylinder (DC) × 100° in the right eye and +2.50 DS/-1.25 DC × 155° in the left eye. His left eye was treated with PTK and transplantation of an autologous lenticule obtained from his right eye using the SMILE procedure. RESULTS At the 2-year follow-up visit, the uncorrected distance visual acuity of the left eye had improved from 20/100 to 20/22 and the corrected distance visual acuity had improved from 20/25 to 20/18. Central corneal thickness had increased from 464 to 499 µm. The mean keratometry value had decreased from 45.00 diopters (D) at the 1-month follow-up visit to 39.40 D at the 2-year follow-up visit. Optical coherence tomography examination revealed that the lenticule remained transparent and exhibited a visible demarcation line. CONCLUSIONS The transplantation of an autologous lenticule obtained via SMILE combined with PTK improved uncorrected and corrected acuity in this patient with flap loss after LASIK. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(4):281-285. ].
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics in Air Pollution Exposure Assessment

Analyzing individual exposure in urban areas offers several challenges where both the individual’s activities and air pollution levels demonstrate a large degree of spatial and temporal dynamics. This review article discusses the concepts, key elements, current developments in assessing personal exposure to urban air pollution (seventy-two studies reviewed) and respective advantages and disadvantages. A new conceptual structure to organize personal exposure assessment methods is proposed according to two classification criteria: (i) spatial-temporal variations of individuals’ activities (point-fixed or trajectory based) and (ii) characterization of air quality (variable or uniform). This review suggests that the spatial and temporal variability of urban air pollution levels in combination with indoor exposures and individual’s time-activity patterns are key elements of personal exposure assessment. In the literature review, the majority of revised studies (44 studies) indicate that the trajectory based with variable air quality approach provides a promising framework for tackling the important question of inter- and intra-variability of individual exposure. However, future quantitative comparison between the different approaches should be performed, and the selection of the most appropriate approach for exposure quantification should take into account the purpose of the health study. This review provides a structured basis for the intercomparing of different methodologies and to make their advantages and limitations more transparent in addressing specific research objectives.
Infant feeding and growth: putting the horse before the cart.

Background Previous observational studies have consistently shown slower weight and length gains in infants with prolonged breastfeeding than in those who were formula-fed from birth or breastfed for a shorter duration. These studies inferred that prolonged breastfeeding causes slower growth in infancy. Objective We compared infant growth associated with ≥12 mo of breastfeeding with a shorter duration of breastfeeding on the basis of 3 different analytic approaches to the same data from a randomized trial: intention-to-treat (ITT; "as randomized"), observational ("as fed"), and instrumental variable (IV; by using randomization as an "instrument" to achieve ≥12 mo of breastfeeding). Design This was a cluster-randomized trial of a breastfeeding-promotion intervention. Anthropometric measurements were obtained at birth and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo. Results The 3 analytic approaches yielded different results. The ITT approach showed more rapid growth in the first 2 mo among infants randomly assigned to the breastfeeding-promotion intervention than among control infants, with a decreasing difference over the ensuing months and nearly identical weight, length, and body mass index by 12 mo. The observational analysis showed a different trend: higher weight and length in infants who were breastfed ≥12 mo than in those who were breastfed <12 mo during the first 3 mo and no difference by 6 mo, while infants who were breastfed <12 mo showed increasingly higher weight and length from 6 to 12 mo. The IV analysis showed a temporal pattern that was similar to that seen in the ITT analysis, but with larger (and less precise) differences between infants breastfed for ≥12 compared with <12 mo. Conclusions We observed major differences in experimental (ITT and IV) compared with observational approaches to analyzing data obtained from the same children. These approaches lead to opposite causal inferences about the relation between infant feeding and growth and underline the importance of ensuring that the postulated cause (feeding) temporally precedes its hypothesized effect (growth). This trial is registered at http://www.isrctn. org/ as ISRCTN37687716.
A novel channel-aware attention framework for multi-channel EEG seizure detection via multi-view deep learning

Epileptic seizure detection using multi-channel scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) signals has gained increasing attention in clinical therapy. Recently, researchers attempt to employ deep learning techniques with channel selection to determine critical channels. However, existing models with such hard selection procedure do not take dynamic constraints into account, since the irrelevant channels vary significantly across different situations. To address these issues, we propose ChannelAtt, an end-to-end multi-view deep learning model with channel-aware attention mechanism, to express multi-channel EEG signals in a high-level space with interpretable meanings. ChannelAtt jointly learns both multi-view representation and its contribution scores. We propose two attention mechanisms to learn the attentional representations of multi-channel EEG signals in time-frequency domain. Experimental results show that the proposed ChannelAtt model outperforms the baselines in detecting epileptic seizures. Analytical results of a case study demonstrate that the learned attentional representations are meaningful.
Dimerization of the cellular prion protein inhibits propagation of scrapie prions

A central step in the pathogenesis of prion diseases is the conformational transition of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the scrapie isoform, denoted PrPSc. Studies in transgenic mice have indicated that this conversion requires a direct interaction between PrPC and PrPSc; however, insights into the underlying mechanisms are still missing. Interestingly, only a subfraction of PrPC is converted in scrapie-infected cells, suggesting that not all PrPC species are suitable substrates for the conversion. On the basis of the observation that PrPC can form homodimers under physiological conditions with the internal hydrophobic domain (HD) serving as a putative dimerization domain, we wondered whether PrP dimerization is involved in the formation of neurotoxic and/or infectious PrP conformers. Here, we analyzed the possible impact on dimerization of pathogenic mutations in the HD that induce a spontaneous neurodegenerative disease in transgenic mice. Similarly to wildtype (WT) PrPC, the neurotoxic variant PrP(AV3) formed homodimers as well as heterodimers with WTPrPC. Notably, forced PrP dimerization via an intermolecular disulfide bond did not interfere with its maturation and intracellular trafficking. Covalently linked PrP dimers were complex glycosylated, GPI-anchored, and sorted to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. However, forced PrPC dimerization completely blocked its conversion into PrPSc in chronically scrapie-infected mouse neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, PrPC dimers had a dominant-negative inhibition effect on the conversion of monomeric PrPC. Our findings suggest that PrPC monomers are the major substrates for PrPSc propagation and that it may be possible to halt prion formation by stabilizing PrPC dimers.