Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vector Attribute Profiles for Hyperspectral Image Classification

Morphological attribute profiles are among the most prominent spectral-spatial pixel description methods. They are efficient, effective, and highly customizable multiscale tools based on hierarchical representations of a scalar input image. Their application to multivariate images in general and hyperspectral images in particular has been so far conducted using the marginal strategy, i.e., by processing each image band (eventually obtained through a dimension reduction technique) independently. In this paper, we investigate the alternative vector strategy, which consists in processing the available image bands simultaneously. The vector strategy is based on a vector-ordering relation that leads to the computation of a single max and min tree per hyperspectral data set, from which attribute profiles can then be computed as usual. We explore known vector-ordering relations for constructing such max trees and, subsequently, vector attribute profiles and introduce a combination of marginal and vector strategies. We provide an experimental comparison of these approaches in the context of hyperspectral classification with common data sets, where the proposed approach outperforms the widely used marginal strategy.
Signal Quality Outage Analysis for Ultra-Reliable Communications in Cellular Networks

Ultra-reliable communications over wireless will open the possibility for a wide range of novel use cases and applications. In cellular networks, achieving reliable communication is challenging due to many factors, particularly the fading of the desired signal and the interference. In this regard, we investigate the potential of several techniques to combat these main threats. The analysis shows that traditional microscopic multiple-input multiple-output schemes with 2×2 or 4×4 antenna configurations are not enough to fulfil stringent reliability requirements. It is revealed how such antenna schemes must be complemented with macroscopic diversity as well as interference management techniques in order to ensure the necessary SINR outage performance. Based on the obtained performance results, it is discussed which of the feasible options fulfilling the ultra-reliable criteria are most promising in a practical setting, as well as pointers to supplementary techniques that should be included in future studies.
Wound Bioburden and Infection-Related Complications in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

The identification and diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) infections remains a complex problem. Because inflammatory responses to microbial invasion may be diminished in persons with diabetes, clinical signs of infection are often absent in persons with DFUs when infection is limited to localized tissue. In the absence of these clinical signs, microbial load is believed to be the best indicator of infection. Some researchers, however, believe microbial load to be insignificant and type of organism growing in the ulcer to be most important. Previous studies on the microbiology of DFUs have not provided enough evidence to determine the microbiological parameters of importance. Infection-related complications of DFUs include wound deterioration, osteomyelitis, and amputation. Risk factors for amputation include age, peripheral vascular disease, low transcutaneous oxygen, smoking, and poor glycemic control. These risk factors are best measured directly with physiological measures of arterial perfusion, glycemic control, sensory neuropathy, plantar pressures, and activity level and by controlling off-loading. DFU bioburden has not been examined as a risk factor for infection-related complications. To address the relationship between wound bioburden and the development of infection-related complications in DFUs, tightly controlled prospective studies based on clearly defined, valid measures of wound bioburden and wound outcomes are needed. This article reviews the literature and proposes a model of hypothesized relationships between wound bioburden—including microbial load, microbial diversity, and pathogenicity of organisms—and the development of infection-related complications.
Data Management in Ambient Assisted Living Platforms Approaching IoT: A Case Study

The adoption of the Internet of Things paradigm in Ambient Assisted Living platforms requires the investigation and analysis of issues related to data collection and processing. In fact, the peculiarities of Ambient Assisted Living services and applications pose specific requirements on the way data originated from sensors should be processed (locally or remotely), delivered (as raw data, or in aggregated fashion), and, of course, how they should be shared or protected. This paper analyses the issues related to data management starting from a review of the state of the art, in order to draw general trends or widespread approaches, that are then discussed and evaluated with respect to a practical implementation presented as a case study.
On Energy-Saving in E-Healthcare: A Directional MAC Protocol for WBAN

Progress in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has prospered the evolutions of ubiquitous E-healthcare. Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) provide real-time and reliable health monitoring which is crucial in E-healthcare beyond conventional boundaries especially in geographical sense, owing to the human-centered and sensor interoperability properties. However, the development of WBAN is confined to energy constraint of sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose an Energy-efficient Directional Approach Medium Access Control (EDA-MAC) protocol based on IEEE 802.15. 6 scheduled access mechanism to reduce energy consumption prolonging network lifetime. The EDA-MAC protocol distinguishes the traffic varieties and allocates the transmission order in the light of user priorities designated. Besides, EDA-MAC employs multi-beam and single-beam directional mode for periodic and burst data reservation respectively, while data transmission is always in single-beam mode. Furthermore, both analytical and emulational evaluations are conducted in unsaturated and saturated network traffic condition. The simulation instances show that EDA-MAC consumes less energy while its throughput is better than IEEE 802.15. 6 in the same condition.
Imbalance in the Stress-Adaptation System in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Aim: Though inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known as a stress-related disorder, basic evidence for this claim is lacking. The current study was performed to investigate the function of the neuroendocrine-immune system as a main pathway in stress response and stress-coping ability and the associations among stress response, stress-coping ability, and disease activity in IBD patients. Method: A questionnaire was administered to obtain information concerning stress state and stress-coping ability (self-efficacy and sense of coherence [SOC]) in 78 IBD patients and 21 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were taken for determining the serum levels of various stress-related hormones and cytokines before and after a calculation stress test. Results: Self-efficacy was significantly decreased in patients, though the degree of perceived stress and SOC did not differ between patients and controls. Basal levels of cortisol did not differ, but levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, β-endorphin and interleukin (IL)-6 were significantly higher in patients than in controls. In addition, the control group, but not the patient group, demonstrated significant differences in the basal cortisol levels between low and high SOC subgroups and between low and high perceived stress subgroups. Furthermore, IL-6 levels were significantly increased following the calculation stress test in patients only. Conclusion: Results indicate that IBD patients may have skewed neuroendocrine-immune systems and that emotional stress may aggravate the disease. Stress-management interventions might be useful, not only for patients' quality of life (QOL) but also for disease control.
Engineering precision biomaterials for personalized medicine

A unit operations approach for designing precision biomaterial-based medical devices may lead to more effective personalized therapies. As the demand for precision medicine continues to rise, the “one-size-fits-all” approach to designing medical devices and therapies is becoming increasingly outdated. Biomaterials have considerable potential for transforming precision medicine, but individual patient complexity often necessitates integrating multiple functions into a single device to successfully tailor personalized therapies. Here, we introduce an engineering strategy based on unit operations to provide a unified vocabulary and contextual framework to aid the design of biomaterial-based devices and accelerate their translation.
A Complete Procedure for Crop Phenology Estimation With PolSAR Data Based on the Complex Wishart Classifier

A new methodology to estimate the growth stages of agricultural crops using the time series of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) images is proposed. The methodology is based on the complex Wishart classifier and both phenological intervals and training areas are identified measuring the distances among polarimetric covariance matrices obtained from the time series of PolSAR data. Consequently, the computation of PolSAR features, which is the main step of state-of-the-art methods, is no longer needed, and the proposed approach can be applied in the same way to any crop type. Experiments undertaken on a dense time series of fully polarimetric C-band RADARSAT-2 images, collected at incidence angles ranging from 23° to 39°, in ascending/descending orbit passes, demonstrate that the proposed methodology can be successfully applied to retrieve the phenological stages of four different crop types. In addition, the effect of combining beams corresponding to different sensor's configurations has been evaluated, showing that it affects the retrieval accuracies. Validation with ground data shows the following: overall accuracy is between 54% and 86%; producer's accuracy (PA) and user's accuracy (UA) range between 21% and 100% and between 33% and 100%, respectively.
Resource Allocation for Energy-Efficient Transmission in D2D Underlaid Cellular Networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of maximizing the weighted sum energy efficiency (WS-EE) of device- to-device (D2D) pairs while guaranteeing the minimum throughput of cellular links in a D2D underlaid cellular network. To increase the spectral efficiency, D2D users (DUs) are allowed to reuse all the uplink cellular subchannels. A novel iterative algorithm is proposed, which consists of solving two subproblems: the channel allocation subproblem for cellular users (CUs) and the power control subproblem for DUs. We model the former subproblem by an assignment problem, which can be optimally solved with low complexity. The latter subproblem is a sum-of-ratios optimization, and the numerator of each summation term is non-concave. Therefore, we first express it in an equivalent form, and then apply a parametric algorithm to solve it. By iteratively solving these two subproblems, the WS-EE of DUs converges to a suboptimal solution. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm converges rapidly and outperforms the existing algorithm significantly in terms of the WS-EE of DUs.
SMAP L-Band Passive Microwave Observations of Ocean Surface Wind During Severe Storms

The L-band passive microwave data from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory are investigated for remote sensing of ocean surface winds during severe storms. The surface winds of Joaquin derived from the real-time analysis of the Center for Advanced Data Assimilation and Predictability Techniques at Penn State support the linear extrapolation of the Aquarius and SMAP geophysical model functions (GMFs) to hurricane force winds. We apply the SMAP and Aquarius GMFs to the retrieval of ocean surface wind vectors from the SMAP radiometer data to take advantage of SMAP's two-look geometry. The SMAP radiometer winds are compared with the winds from other satellites and numerical weather models for validation. The root-mean-square difference (RMSD) with WindSat or Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder is 1.7 m/s below 20-m/s wind speeds. The RMSD with the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts direction is 18° for wind speeds between 12 and 30 m/s. We find that the correlation is sufficiently high between the maximum wind speeds retrieved by SMAP with a 60-km resolution and the best track peak winds estimated by the National Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center to allow them to be estimated by SMAP with a correlation coefficient of 0.8 and an underestimation by 8%-18% on average, which is likely due to the effects of spatial averaging. There is also a good agreement with the airborne Stepped-Frequency Radiometer wind speeds with an RMSD of 4.6 m/s for wind speeds in the range of 20-40 m/s.
Sex differences in the effects of body mass index on blood pressure

Little information is available concerning the sex differences in the effects of BMI on blood pressure. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of BMI on blood pressure, focusing on the sex differences. Seven sets of cross-sectional data were obtained from annual health examinations (1994 through 2000) for residents aged 40 and older living in Tsunagi area, a small village in southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Although age-adjusted mean BP levels and prevalence of hypertension were higher in the higher levels of BMI in both sexes, the significance of obesity (BMI≥25), as a strong predictor of hypertension, was more evident in women than in men. The risks of hypertension among women were substantially lower in less than 25 of BMI than in 25 or greater BMI, but this was not the case for men. For men, weight control for preventing hypertension should be taken into account even below 25 of BMI over weight level. This trend remined stable and consistent through all survey years. These data in dicate that obesity as a predictor of hypertension should have different standards between men and women, which is very important for determinations of clinical diagnosis and reducing incidence of associated metabolic diseases.
MEK inhibition induces MYOG and remodels super-enhancers in RAS-driven rhabdomyosarcoma

MEK inhibition decreases cell viability and induces differentiation in RAS-driven rhabdomyosarcoma via an epigenetic mechanism. Muscling in on RAS Rhabdomyosarcomas occur when skeletal muscle precursors fail to differentiate. These tumors often display mutated RAS, although the mechanism through which RAS promotes tumor formation has remained unclear. Yohe et al. discovered that RAS blocks myogenesis in fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS) by inducing epigenetic changes via the MAP kinase pathway. Treatment with the MEK/ERK inhibitor trametinib led to chromatin and super-enhancer remodeling, which in turn resulted in cellular differentiation in cell lines and improved tumor volume and survival in xenograft mouse models. Combining trametinib and an IGF1R inhibitor synergistically improved treatment efficacy in the xenografted mice. The RAS isoforms are frequently mutated in many types of human cancers, including PAX3/PAX7 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma. Pediatric RMS arises from skeletal muscle progenitor cells that have failed to differentiate normally. The role of mutant RAS in this differentiation blockade is incompletely understood. We demonstrate that oncogenic RAS, acting through the RAF–MEK [mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase]–ERK (extracellular signal–regulated kinase) MAPK effector pathway, inhibits myogenic differentiation in rhabdomyosarcoma by repressing the expression of the prodifferentiation myogenic transcription factor, MYOG. This repression is mediated by ERK2-dependent promoter-proximal stalling of RNA polymerase II at the MYOG locus. Small-molecule screening with a library of mechanistically defined inhibitors showed that RAS-driven RMS is vulnerable to MEK inhibition. MEK inhibition with trametinib leads to the loss of ERK2 at the MYOG promoter and releases the transcriptional stalling of MYOG expression. MYOG subsequently opens chromatin and establishes super-enhancers at genes required for late myogenic differentiation. Furthermore, trametinib, in combination with an inhibitor of IGF1R, potently decreases rhabdomyosarcoma cell viability and slows tumor growth in xenograft models. Therefore, this combination represents a potential therapeutic for RAS-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma.
Facet-Based Investigation on Microwave Backscattering From Sea Surface With Breaking Waves: Sea Spikes and SAR Imaging

A complete facet model for the backscattering from rough sea surface with breaking waves is proposed in this paper. In consideration of the spatial distribution of breaking waves on sea surface, the model is able to give a good interpretation to the “super events” under high sea states, such as sea spikes and high polarization ratios. Based on the proposed model, normalized radar cross section plots of sea surface under backscattering configuration are calculated and compared with measured data. The comparisons show that the proposed model is tractable to estimate the scattering from electrically large ocean surface under high sea states with accuracy and efficiency. In addition, the non-Gaussian statistics and spatial correlation properties of sea clutter are analyzed under different range resolutions and incident angles. The results show that high kurtosis value, which means a sea spike phenomenon, mostly happens in lower grazing angle and higher range resolution cases. The comparisons of simulated SAR images of sea surface with and without breaking waves also reveal that sea spikes and high polarization ratios are caused by breaking waves. All the simulation results prove that our model not only is able to explain the physical mechanism of the scattering but also can be applied to the analyses of statistical properties of sea clutter under high sea states.
Zika virus–related neurotropic flaviviruses infect human placental explants and cause fetal demise in mice

West Nile and Powassan viruses cause fetal demise in mice and replicate in human placental tissue. Fearsome flaviviruses Although it was identified more than half a century ago, Zika virus’s impact on unborn children of infected pregnant women was only detected in the recent epidemic. Unfortunately, Zika virus may not be unique in its ability to afflict fetal damage. To investigate this possibility, Platt and colleagues infected pregnant immunocompetent mice with related viruses. Two other flaviruses, West Nile virus and Powassan virus, caused fetal demise. These viruses could also replicate in human maternal and fetal explant tissue. If these or other neurotropic flaviviruses take off in the human population, then we may again experience congenital infections with devastating effects. Although Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnant women can cause placental damage, intrauterine growth restriction, microcephaly, and fetal demise, these disease manifestations only became apparent in the context of a large epidemic in the Americas. We hypothesized that ZIKV is not unique among arboviruses in its ability to cause congenital infection. To evaluate this, we tested the capacity of four emerging arboviruses [West Nile virus (WNV), Powassan virus (POWV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Mayaro virus (MAYV)] from related (flavivirus) and unrelated (alphavirus) genera to infect the placenta and fetus in immunocompetent, wild-type mice. Although all four viruses caused placental infection, only infection with the neurotropic flaviviruses (WNV and POWV) resulted in fetal demise. WNV and POWV also replicated efficiently in second-trimester human maternal (decidua) and fetal (chorionic villi and fetal membrane) explants, whereas CHIKV and MAYV replicated less efficiently. In mice, RNA in situ hybridization and histopathological analysis revealed that WNV infected the placenta and fetal central nervous system, causing injury to the developing brain. In comparison, CHIKV and MAYV did not cause substantive placental or fetal damage despite evidence of vertical transmission. On the basis of the susceptibility of human maternal and fetal tissue explants and pathogenesis experiments in immunocompetent mice, other emerging neurotropic flaviviruses may share with ZIKV the capacity for transplacental transmission, as well as subsequent infection and injury to the developing fetus.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Two Families

Purpose and Methods. The reported occurrence of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in families is rare. We report two families (five patients) who have been diagnosed with CSCR. The diagnosis of CSCR was made on clinical and fluorescein angiographic findings. Results Three members of the first family and two members of the second family had CSCR. Affected individuals were all males. Conclusions CSCR has been associated with psychological and emotional stress and the occurrence of CSCR in families may be due to similar inherited psychological and physiological characteristics and responses that predispose these families to the development of CSCR.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Dermatology Outpatients

Background: Little is known about the prevalence and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among dermatology patients in the Arab world. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes about CAM, prevalence of its use, reasons for its use, and types of CAM used in dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a national survey of various regions of Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, dermatology outpatients were interviewed using a questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, acceptability, utilization pattern, and reasons for CAM use were elicited. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was obtained. Results: Overall, 1901 patients returned complete questionnaires out of 2500 distributed (76% response rate). Of these, 808 (40%) were CAM users, and the majority were woman (55.1%), with a mean age of 31.6 ± 12 years. Most were literate (71.2%) and just over half were married (51.9%). Patients with acute skin diseases were found to be more likely to use CAM (P = .027). The mean DLQI score was higher (worse quality of life) among CAM users than among nonusers (P = .002). The results showed that 315 of 801 (40%) and 250 of 601 (30%) CAM users agreed that CAM methods are safer and more effective than modern medicine, respectively, and 83% will continue to use CAM in future. The most commonly used CAM modalities were vitamins, prayers, natural products, and herbs. Responses indicated that 379 of 803 (47.2%) CAM users did not consult their doctor before using CAM, and 219 of 743 (30%) did not obtain sufficient answers regarding CAM use from their dermatologists. Conclusions: There is a significant use of CAM among dermatology outpatients in Saudi Arabia. In view of the common belief that CAM has fewer side effects than conventional medicine, dermatologists need to increase their awareness of CAM.
Guest Editorial Special Issue on Ambient-Assisted Living: Sensors, Methods, and Applications

The papers in this special section focus on the technologies and services that support ambient assisted living (ASL). It is now generally accepted that technology has a role to play in caring for this aging population. The concept of ambient-assisted living (AAL) is a term coined to describe the use of information and communication technologies in people’s daily living and working environment to enable them to stay active longer, remain socially connected, and live independently into old age.