julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic angiographic procedures: differences in dose area product between analog image intensifier and digital flat panel detector
2015-07-31

Background Radiation exposure remains an unceasing concern in angiographic procedures. Modern angiography machines such as analog image intensifiers (AII) or the new flat panel detectors (FPD) aim at a further dose reduction. Purpose To present dose area products (DAP) in a broad spectrum of therapeutic angiographic procedures, comparing an AII to an FPD angiography system. Material and Methods A total of 999 peripheral therapeutic angiography procedures performed with an FPD ( n = 562) and an AII system ( n = 437) were evaluated. DAP, fluoroscopy time, and patients' body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Interventions were classified into five main groups: percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA); PTA and stent placement; intra-arterial thrombolysis; embolization procedures; and specialized interventions. Results DAP values in therapeutic angiographic procedures were significantly higher when performed with the FPD compared to the AII system. The increase of the FPD versus AII system was 100.1% for PTA, 39.9% for PTA and stent placement, 187% for intra-arterial thrombolysis, 31.3% for embolization procedures, and 361% for specialized interventions. These differences persisted after standardizing DAP values to the geometric mean fluoroscopy duration of each procedure. Fluoroscopy times were shorter in all interventions performed at the FPD as compared to the AII system. DAPs increased with higher BMI, but the DAP increase of both systems with elevated BMI was variable, depending on the individual intervention. Conclusion In therapeutic angiographic procedures, the FPD system required higher DAPs despite shorter fluoroscopy times as compared to an AII system. Better ergonomics and speediness of the FPD system may be advantageous in the emergency setting.
Evaluation of a Coupled Snow and Energy Balance Model for Zhadang Glacier, Tibetan Plateau, Using Glaciological Measurements and Time-Lapse Photography
2015-08-01

Abstract We present a new open-source, collaborative “COupled Snowpack and Ice surface energy and MAss balance model” (COSIMA) that is evaluated for Zhadang glacier, Tibetan Plateau. The model is calibrated, run, and validated based on in situ measurements and atmospheric model data from the High Asia Refined analysis (HAR) over the period April 2009 to June 2012. Results for the model runs forced by both in situ measurements and HAR agree well with observations of various atmospheric, glaciological, surface, and subsurface parameters on the glacier. A time-lapse camera system next to the glacier provides a 3-year image time series of the mean transient snow line altitude and the snow cover pattern, which is used for the spatial and temporal validation of the model. The model output corresponds very well to the observed temporal and spatial snow cover variability. The model is then run for a 10-year period of October 2001 to September 2011 forced with HAR data. In general, the radiation components dominate the overall energy turnover (65%), followed by the turbulent fluxes (31%). The generally dry atmosphere on the Tibetan Plateau causes sublimation to be responsible for 26% of the total mass loss. A proportion of 11% of the surface and subsurface melt refreezes within the snowpack.
Platelets induce apoptosis via membrane-bound FasL
2015-08-01

Key Points PLTs contribute to apoptosis in vivo and express the death receptor ligand FasL upon activation. Membrane-bound FasL mediates PLT-induced apoptosis, whereas Bax/Bak signaling is not required but reinforces PLT-induced apoptosis.
Role of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 for platelet function
2015-08-01

Platelet-derived SDF-1α (stromal cell derived factor-α) mediates inflammation, immune defence and repair mechanisms at site of tissue injury. This review summarizes the relative expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and CXCR7 in platelets, their dynamic trafficking in presence of ligands like chemokine C-X-C-motif ligand 11 (CXCL11), CXCL12 and MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor); how these receptors differentially mediate the functional and survival response to the chemokines CXCL11, CXCL12 and MIF. We further elaborate and emphasize the prognostic significance of platelet surface expression of CXCR4–CXCR7 in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD). SDF-1α/CXCL12, CXCL11, MIF effects mediated through CXCR4 and CXCR7 may play a regulatory role at the site of vascular and tissue inflammation, immune defence and repair where activated platelets reach as forerunners and function as critical players.
Comparing metrics to evaluate performance of regression methods for decoding of neural signals
2015-08-01

The use of regression methods for decoding of neural signals has become popular, with its main applications in the field of Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) for control of prosthetic devices or in the area of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for cursor control. When new methods for decoding are being developed or the parameters for existing methods should be optimized to increase performance, a metric is needed that gives an accurate estimate of the prediction error. In this paper, we evaluate different performance metrics regarding their robustness for assessing prediction errors. Using simulated data, we show that different kinds of prediction error (noise, scaling error, bias) have different effects on the different metrics and evaluate which methods are best to assess the overall prediction error, as well as the individual types of error. Based on the obtained results we can conclude that the most commonly used metrics correlation coefficient (CC) and normalized root-mean-squared error (NRMSE) are well suited for evaluation of cross-validated results, but should not be used as sole criterion for cross-subject or cross-session evaluations.
EMG-based multi-joint kinematics decoding for robot-aided rehabilitation therapies
2015-08-01

In recent years, a significant effort has been invested in the development of kinematics-decoding models from electromyographic (EMG) signals to achieve more natural control interfaces for rehabilitation therapies. However, the development of a dexterous EMG-based control interface including multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the upper limb still remains a challenge. Another persistent issue in surface myoelectric control is the non-stationarity of EMG signals across sessions. In this work, the decoding of 7 distal and proximal DOFs' kinematics during coordinated upper-arm, fore-arm and hand movements was performed. The influence of the EMG non-stationarity was tested by training a continuous EMG decoder in three different scenarios. Moreover, the generalization characteristics of two algorithms (ridge regression and Kalman filter) were compared in the aforementioned scenarios. Eight healthy participants underwent EMG and kinematics recordings while performing three functional tasks. We demonstrated that ridge regression significantly outperformed the Kalman filter, indicating a superior generalization ability. Furthermore, we proved that the performance drop caused by the session-to-session non-stationarities could be significantly mitigated by including a short re-calibration phase. Although further tests should be performed, these preliminary findings constitute a step forward towards the non-invasive control of the next generation of upper limb rehabilitation robotics.
DIMA – Annotation guidelines for German intonation
2015-08-01

This paper presents newly developed guidelines for\\nprosodic annotation of German as a consensus\\nsystem agreed upon by German intonologists. The\\nDIMA system is rooted in the framework of\\nautosegmental-metrical phonology. One important\\ngoal of the consensus is to make exchanging data\\nbetween groups easier since German intonation is\\ncurrently annotated according to different models.\\nTo this end, we aim to provide guidelines that are\\neasy to learn. The guidelines were evaluated running\\nan inter-annotator reliability study on three different\\nspeech styles (read speech, monologue and\\ndialogue). The overall high κ between 0.76 and 0.89\\n(depending on the speech style) shows that the\\nDIMA conventions can be applied successfully.
Current status of robotic assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal neobladder for bladder cancer
2015-08-01

To investigate the current status and feasibility of robotic neobladder diversion after robotic assisted radical cystectomy. A Medline search was conducted resulting in identification of 423 articles. After exclusion of ineligible studies, 3 case series and 5 case reports were considered with a total number of reported cases of 203. Although robotic intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction is in its starting phase, initial perioperative results seem to be comparable to open series. However, randomized studies are needed to confirm non‐inferiority. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:427–429 . © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system to use arbitrary Windows applications by directly controlling mouse and keyboard
2015-08-01

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) allows to control a computer by brain activity only, without the need for muscle control. In this paper, we present an EEG-based BCI system based on code-modulated visual evoked potentials (c-VEPs) that enables the user to work with arbitrary Windows applications. Other BCI systems, like the P300 speller or BCI-based browsers, allow control of one dedicated application designed for use with a BCI. In contrast, the system presented in this paper does not consist of one dedicated application, but enables the user to control mouse cursor and keyboard input on the level of the operating system, thereby making it possible to use arbitrary applications. As the c-VEP BCI method was shown to enable very fast communication speeds (writing more than 20 error-free characters per minute), the presented system is the next step in replacing the traditional mouse and keyboard and enabling complete brain-based control of a computer.
Brain-computer interfacing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications of a resting-state EEG analysis
2015-08-01

Despite decades of research on EEG-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there is still little known about how the disease affects the electromagnetic field of the brain. This may be one reason for the present failure of EEG-based BCI paradigms for completely locked-in ALS patients. In order to help understand this failure, we have recorded resting state data from six ALS patients and thirty-two healthy controls to investigate for group differences. While similar studies have been attempted in the past, none have used high-density EEG or tried to distinguish between physiological and non-physiological sources of the EEG. We find an ALS-specific global increase in gamma power (30-90 Hz) that is not specific to the motor cortex, suggesting that the mechanism behind ALS affects non-motor cortical regions even in the absence of comorbid cognitive deficits.
Cholesterol Modification of p40-Specific Small Interfering RNA Enables Therapeutic Targeting of Dendritic Cells
2015-08-01

Abstract Small interfering RNA (siRNA)–based therapies allow targeted correction of molecular defects in distinct cell populations. Although efficient in multiple cell populations, dendritic cells (DCs) seem to resist siRNA delivery. Using fluorescence labeling and radiolabeling, we show that cholesterol modification enables siRNA uptake by DCs in vitro and in vivo. Delivery of cholesterol-modified p40 siRNA selectively abolished p40 transcription and suppressed TLR-triggered p40 production by DCs. During immunization with peptide in CFA, cholesterol-modified p40 siRNA generated p40-deficient, IL-10–producing DCs that prevented IL-17/Th17 and IFN-γ/Th1 responses. Only cholesterol-modified p40-siRNA established protective immunity against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and suppressed IFN-γ and IL-17 expression by CNS-infiltrating mononuclear cells without inducing regulatory T cells. Because cholesterol-modified siRNA can thus modify selected DC functions in vivo, it is intriguing for targeted immune therapy of allergic, autoimmune, or neoplastic diseases.
Identification of the Default Mode Network with electroencephalography
2015-08-01

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a brain resting-state network that is closely linked to consciousness and neuropsychiatric disorders. The DMN is routinely identified with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or positron emission tomography (PET). However, both of these methods impose restrictions on the groups of patients that can be examined. We show that the DMN can also be identified by electroencephalography (EEG). Instructing subjects to alternate between self-referential memory recall and focusing on their breathing induces a spatial pattern of spectral band power modulation in the θ- and α-band (4-16 Hz) that is consistent with the DMN pattern observed with PET and fMRI. Since EEG is a portable, cheap, and safe technology, our work enables the characterization of DMN alterations in patient groups that are difficult to study with fMRI or PET.
Eliminating pulse-induced artifacts in Urethral Pressure data
2015-08-01

Urethral Pressure Profilometry (UPP) is a tool in the diagnosis of urinary incontinence. The pressure profile along the urethra is measured by a special catheter in order to assess the contraction strength of the sphincter muscle. The use of microtip catheters with several pressure sensors and an integrated acceleration sensor enables signal reconstruction of the pressure distribution on the urethra's inside. Experimental data from minipigs exhibit artifact patterns in the pressure data. It is shown that these artifacts are caused by vascular pulsation in the sphincter structure. We therefore investigate different methods exploiting the time-correlation of the artifacts to eliminate pulse-induced artifacts in the pressure data without compromising the actual signal. Evaluation of these methods applied to experimental data conclude this work showing that both an Input-Model and Principal Component Analysis Decorrelation are effective at removing the artifacts.
B2SHARE: An Open eScience Data Sharing Platform
2015-08-01

Scientific data sharing is becoming an essential service for data driven science and can significantly improve the scientific process by making reliable, and trustworthy data available. Thereby reducing redundant work, and providing insights on related research and recent advancements. For data sharing services to be useful in the scientific process, they need to fulfill a number of requirements that cover not only discovery, and access to data. But to ensure the integrity, and reliability of published data as well. B2SHARE, developed by the EUDAT project, provides such a data sharing service to scientific communities. For communities that wish to download, install and maintain their own service, it is also available as software. B2SHARE is developed with a focus on user-friendliness, reliability, and trustworthiness, and can be customized for different organizations and use-cases. In this paper we discuss the design, architecture, and implementation of B2SHARE. We show its usefulness in the scientific process with some case studies in the biodiversity field.
Hemocompatibility of Axial Versus Centrifugal Pump Technology in Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
2015-08-01

Abstract The hemocompatible properties of rotary blood pumps commonly used in mechanical circulatory support ( MCS ) are widely unknown regarding specific biocompatibility profiles of different pump technologies. Therefore, we analyzed the hemocompatibility indicating markers of an axial flow and a magnetically levitated centrifugal device within an in vitro mock loop. The H eart M ate II ( HM II ; n = 3) device and a C entri M ag ( CM ; n = 3) adult pump were investigated in a human whole blood mock loop for 360 min using the MCS devices as a driving component. Blood samples were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for markers of coagulation, complement system, and inflammatory response. There was a time‐dependent activation of the coagulation (thrombin–antithrombin complexes [ TAT ]), complement ( SC 5b‐9), and inflammation system (polymorphonuclear [ PMN ] elastase) in both groups. The mean value of TAT ( CM : 4.0 μg/L vs. 29.4 μg/L, P &lt; 0.001; HM II : 4.5 μg/L vs. 232.2 μg/L, P &lt; 0.05) and PMN elastase ( CM : 53.4 ng/mL vs. 253.8 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.05; HM II : 28.0 ng/mL vs. 738.8 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.001) significantly increased from baseline until the end of the experiments (360 min). After 360 min, TAT and PMN values were significantly higher in the HM II group compared with the values in the CM adult group. The values of SC 5b‐9 increased from baseline to 360 min in the CM group ( CM : 141.8 ng/mL vs. 967.9 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.05) and the HM II group. However, the increase within the HM II group (97.3 vs. 2462.0, P = 0.06) and the comparison of the 360‐min values between CM group and HM II group did not reach significance ( P = 0.18). The activation of complement, coagulation, and inflammation system showed a time‐dependent manner in both devices. The centrifugal CM device showed significantly lower activation of coagulation and inflammation than that of the HM II axial flow pump. Both HM II and CM have demonstrated an acceptable hemocompatibility profile in patients. However, there is a great opportunity to gain a clinical benefit by developing techniques to lower the blood surface interaction within both pump technologies and a magnetically levitated centrifugal pump design might be superior.
Towards decoding of functional movements from the same limb using EEG
2015-08-01

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using electroencephalographic (EEG) activity to close the loop between brain oscillations and movement to induce functional motor rehabilitation. Rehabilitation robots or exoskeletons have been controlled using EEG activity. However, all studies have used a 2-class or one-dimensional decoding scheme. In this study we investigated EEG decoding of 5 functional movements of the same limb towards an online scenario. Six healthy participants performed a three-dimensional center-out reaching task based on direction movements (four directions and rest) wearing a 32-channel EEG cap. A BCI design based on multiclass extensions of Spectrally Weighted Common Spatial Patterns (Spec-CSP) and a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier was developed and tested offline. The decoding accuracy was 5-fold cross-validated. A decoding accuracy of 39.5% on average for all the six subjects was obtained (chance level being 20%). The results of the current study demonstrate multiple functional movements decoding (significantly higher than chance level) from the same limb using EEG data. This study represents first steps towards a same limb multi degree of freedom (DOF) online EEG based BCI for motor restoration.
Submacular predominantly hemorrhagic choroidal neovascularization: resolution of bleedings under anti-VEGF therapy
2015-08-01

Many of the eyes with hemorrhagic lesions showed stabilization or improvement of the mean BCVA after treatment within 1 year. Anti-VEGF treatment can be considered as a useful treatment option in eyes with hemorrhages secondary to nAMD.
Provenance for SQL through abstract interpretation
2015-08-01

We demonstrate the derivation of fine-grained where - and why -provenance for a rich dialect of SQL that includes recursion, (correlated) subqueries, windows, grouping/aggregation, and the RDBMS's library of built-in functions. The approach relies on ideas that originate in the programming language community---program slicing and abstract interpretation, in particular. A two-stage process first records a query's control flow decisions and locations of data access before it derives provenance without consultation of the actual data values (rendering the method largely "value-less"). We will bring an interactive demonstrator that uses this provenance information to make input/output dependencies in real-world SQL queries tangible.
Marine turtles from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta, Canada
2015-08-01

Previously reported and new specimens of marine turtles from the late Campanian of Alberta, Canada, provide additional information on the diversity and distribution of chelonioid turtles at this time. An articulated carapace from the Bearpaw Formation previously interpreted as Lophochelys niobrarae is considered to be a juvenile of a specifically indeterminate chelonioid and is referred to Lophochelys sp. Isolated neurals and a hyoplastron from nonmarine estuarine deposits in the uppermost beds of the Dinosaur Park Formation are tentatively referred to Lophochelys sp. These specimens suggest that this chelonioid could enter freshwater environments. A new chelonioid, Kimurachelys slobodae gen. et sp. nov., is recognized on the basis of two mandibles and a maxilla from the uppermost beds of the Dinosaur Park Formation of southeastern Alberta. A partial postcranial skeleton of an indeterminate chelonioid from the Bearpaw Formation provides additional evidence that chelonioids of this formation included taxa that were phylogenetically intermediate between chelonioids of the late Santonian and members of the crown group.
White-Box Error Effect Simulation for Assisted Safety Analysis
2015-08-01

This paper presents an approach on extending virtual prototyping, commonly used for system verification and design space exploration, for safety analysis. Virtual prototyping will enhance safety analysis, overcoming the challenges resulting from the ever-increasing number of safety-related, complex, interconnected electronic systems. The presented integral fault injection framework enables safety analysis in combination with established system verification methods. It consists of a fault behavior specification methodology and the corresponding, reusable injection tool, with focus on seamless applicability in between functional models in early concept phases and low-level structural models in late design phases. Our approach works with third party compilers and simulators while providing a minimal intrusive approach using existing models. Selected use cases at gate, register-transfer and functional level demonstrate the usage of the approach.
Efficient Fault Localization During Replay of Embedded Software
2015-08-01

When testing embedded software in real world operation, remaining failures which have not been detected during unit or system testing can often be observed. The execution of these failures is traced during operation tests of the integrated embedded system to replay it for offline debugging in the laboratory. It is time-consuming to detect the root-causes of noncrashing failures in the replay manually. Dynamic analyses during replay assist the developers in fixing these failures. The implementation of dynamic analyses using standard debugging tools improves the portability to different embedded platforms. Unfortunately, fine-grained dynamic analyses with debugger tools are often not applicable in practice because they require too much runtime effort for monitoring. Our approach accelerates the analyses by monitoring in detail only the locations which are relevant for the failure. It starts with fast monitoring of method calls to detect the approximate location of the failure in the replayed execution. Afterwards, in additional replays, it detects the root-causes by monitoring in detail only the relevant executions of methods. This paper shows how our multi-level concept makes fault localization for embedded software using debugger tools applicable in practice.