Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A hybrid classifier for precise and robust eye detection

Eye location is an important visual cue for face image processing such as alignment before face recognition, gaze tracking, expression analysis, etc. In this paper a novel eye detection algorithm is presented, which integrates the characteristics of single eye and eye-pair images to develop a hybrid classifier under the learning paradigm. The low dimensional features representing eye patterns yield by subspace projection are selected via a filter and a wrapper method for a simplified maximum likelihood and a SVM classifier respectively. Eye candidates determined by a cascade of the two classifiers are further verified with eye-pair template matching scores to reject false detections. The performance of this eye detector is assessed on several publicly available face databases and the experimental results demonstrate its robustness to the variations in head pose, facial expressions, partial occlusions and lighting conditions
Wood-Cement Composites from Wastes of Pinus Sp. Wood: Effect of Particles Treatment

The aim of this research was to produce and evaluate mechanical performance in compression parallel to the grain for composites made with wastes from Pinus sp. and Portland cement. To obtain the composites were used treated and untreated wood particles, average size 1.7mm, and Portland cement-II-E-32, determining a ratio for cement/wood/water of 1: 0.21: 0.6. Treatment of particles was based on thermal bath in water for a period of 6 hours. Effect of treatment on density and mechanical properties of these composites was analyzed, according to NBR 7215:1996. Results showed that inclusion of treated wood particles in manufacture of wood-cement composite was significant in all properties investigated, by reducing density (7%); increasing modulus of elasticity (126%) and compressive strength (70%). Large gains in these properties demonstrate the feasibility of wood-cement composites manufacture.
Symplectic embeddings of 4‐dimensional ellipsoids

We show how to reduce the problem of symplectically embedding one 4-dimensional rational ellipsoid into another to a problem of embedding disjoint unions of balls into ℂP 2 . For example, the problem of embedding the ellipsoid E(1, k) into a ball B is equivalent to that of embedding k disjoint equal balls into ℂP 2 , and so can be solved by the work of Gromov, McDuff-Polterovich, and Biran. (Here k is the ratio of the area of the major axis to that of the minor axis.) As a consequence we show that the ball may be fully filled by the ellipsoid E(1, k) for k = 1, 4 and all k ⩾ 9, thus answering a question raised by Hofer.
Target Uncertainty Mediates Sensorimotor Error Correction

Human movements are prone to errors that arise from inaccuracies in both our perceptual processing and execution of motor commands. We can reduce such errors by both improving our estimates of the state of the world and through online error correction of the ongoing action. Two prominent frameworks that explain how humans solve these problems are Bayesian estimation and stochastic optimal feedback control. Here we examine the interaction between estimation and control by asking if uncertainty in estimates affects how subjects correct for errors that may arise during the movement. Unbeknownst to participants, we randomly shifted the visual feedback of their finger position as they reached to indicate the center of mass of an object. Even though participants were given ample time to compensate for this perturbation, they only fully corrected for the induced error on trials with low uncertainty about center of mass, with correction only partial in trials involving more uncertainty. The analysis of subjects’ scores revealed that participants corrected for errors just enough to avoid significant decrease in their overall scores, in agreement with the minimal intervention principle of optimal feedback control. We explain this behavior with a term in the loss function that accounts for the additional effort of adjusting one’s response. By suggesting that subjects’ decision uncertainty, as reflected in their posterior distribution, is a major factor in determining how their sensorimotor system responds to error, our findings support theoretical models in which the decision making and control processes are fully integrated.
A Prospective Twin Registry in Southwestern China (TRiSC): Exploring the Effects of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Cognitive and Behavioral Development and Mental Health Wellbeing in Children and Adolescents

Abstract The goals, prospects and methods of the Prospective Twin Registry in Southwestern China (TRiSC) are described. The aim of this study is to measure children's behavioral development and psychopathology from phenotypic, genetic and environmental perspectives. It focuses on measuring children's behavior and psychopathology from child self-reports, as well as parental and teacher informant reports, and relating it to the children's general cognitive abilities, and to the parenting style in the family. Other variables of interest such as children's temperament and parental health status are discussed, as well as plans for further research.
Characterization of the porcine testis-expressed gene 11 (Tex11)

Testis expressed gene 11 (Tex 11) is essential for meiosis and male fertility in the mouse. Currently, little is known about the control of spermatogenesis in non-rodent animal models such as pigs. Here, we characterized the sequence and expression profile of the porcine Tex11 gene. We showed that the porcine Tex11 is an X-linked gene that is exclusively expressed in germ cells in the adult pig testis. The expression of porcine Tex11 is correlated with the onset of meiosis and the expression pattern is highly conserved between the Tex11 homologues in pig and mouse. The DNA sequence analysis and the estimated molecular weight also suggested a high level of homology across species. As the mouse Tex11 proved to be essential for male fertility, the important biological function during meiosis is likely conserved in the porcine Tex11.
The Role of Bundle Sheath Extensions and Life Form in Stomatal Responses to Leaf Water Status1[W][OA]

Bundle sheath extensions (BSEs) are key features of leaf structure with currently little-understood functions. To test the hypothesis that BSEs reduce the hydraulic resistance from the bundle sheath to the epidermis (rbe) and thereby accelerate hydropassive stomatal movements, we compared stomatal responses with reduced humidity and leaf excision among 20 species with heterobaric or homobaric leaves and herbaceous or woody life forms. We hypothesized that low rbe due to the presence of BSEs would increase the rate of stomatal opening (V) during transient wrong-way responses, but more so during wrong-way responses to excision (Ve) than humidity (Vh), thus increasing the ratio of Ve to Vh. We predicted the same trends for herbaceous relative to woody species given greater hydraulic resistance in woody species. We found that Ve, Vh, and their ratio were 2.3 to 4.4 times greater in heterobaric than homobaric leaves and 2.0 to 3.1 times greater in herbaceous than woody species. To assess possible causes for these differences, we simulated these experiments in a dynamic compartment/resistance model, which predicted larger Ve and Ve/Vh in leaves with smaller rbe. These results support the hypothesis that BSEs reduce rbe. Comparison of our data and simulations suggested that rbe is approximately 4 to 16 times larger in homobaric than heterobaric leaves. Our study provides new evidence that variations in the distribution of hydraulic resistance within the leaf and plant are central to understanding dynamic stomatal responses to water status and their ecological correlates and that BSEs play several key roles in the functional ecology of heterobaric leaves.
Beneficial Effects of Long-Term Administration of an Oral Formulation of Angiotensin-(1–7) in Infarcted Rats

In this study was evaluated the chronic cardiac effects of a formulation developed by including angiotensin(Ang)-(1–7) in hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), in infarcted rats. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by left coronary artery occlusion. HPβCD/Ang-(1–7) was administered for 60 days (76 μg/Kg/once a day/gavage) starting immediately before infarction. Echocardiography was utilized to evaluate usual cardiac parameters, and radial strain method was used to analyze the velocity and displacement of myocardial fibers at initial time and 15, 30, and 50 days after surgery. Real-time PCR was utilized to evaluate the fibrotic signaling involved in the remodeling process. Once-a-day oral HPβCD/Ang-(1–7) administration improved the cardiac function and reduced the deleterious effects induced by MI on TGF-β and collagen type I expression, as well as on the velocity and displacement of myocardial fibers. These findings confirm cardioprotective effects of Ang-(1–7) and indicate HPβCD/Ang-(1–7) as a feasible formulation for long-term oral administration of this heptapeptide.
FUNCTIONAL DURABILITY OF A QUARTZ CRYSTAL MICROBALANCE SENSOR FOR THE RAPID DETECTION OF SALMONELLA IN LIQUIDS FROM POULTRY PACKAGING

Abstract : Foodborne disease causes an estimated 4 to 76 million cases of food poisoning with 5,000 associated deaths annually in the United States at a cost of $6.5 - 34.9 billion. In poultry products, Salmonella is the most common pathogenic bacterial contaminant, and is responsible for the highest percentage of foodborne disease transmission. Currently, microbial detection performed by the food industry is inadequate; tainted food products routinely are sold and consumed before contamination is revealed. A rapid, sensitive (350 +/- 150 cells ml/cm) quartz crystal microbalance biosensor, layered with heat-treated anti-Salmonella-phospholipid monolayers by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, has been evaluated by immersion testing in chicken exudate to determine the feasibility of inclusion into processed poultry packaging. Biosensor degradation and bacterial interaction were examined under darkfield microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that the biosensor is specific (r >/- 0.98), and sensitive (>/- 10 mV decade/cm) for up to 32-40 hours post-immersion at 4 deg C with an assay time of less than 7 minutes. The working longevity of the biosensor was not increased through filter-sterilization of chicken exudate. Heat-treated antibodies (56 deg C for 30 minutes) were required to prepare a properly functioning sensor. Observations of bacterial interaction with the monolayer by scanning electron microscopy and darkfield microscopy agreed well with the functional duration of the biosensor. The results of the evaluation suggest the potential feasibility of using the biosensor in processed poultry packaging as a preemptive tool for the rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of Salmonella.
Accuracy assessments of aerosol optical properties retrieved from AERONET Sun and sky-radiance measurements

Sensitivity studies are conducted regarding aerosol optical property retrieval from radiances measured by ground based Sun sky scanning radiometers of the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET). These studies focus on testing a new inversion concept for simultaneously retrieving aerosol size distribution, complex refractive index, and single scattering albedo from spectral measurements of direct and diffuse radiation. The perturbations of the inversion resulting from random errors, instrumental offsets, and known uncertainties in the atmospheric radiation model are analyzed. Sun or sky channel miscalibration, inaccurate azimuth angle pointing during sky radiance measurements, and inaccuracy in accounting for surface
Lessons from Dwarf8 on the Strengths and Weaknesses of Structured Association Mapping

The strengths of association mapping lie in its resolution and allelic richness, but spurious associations arising from historical relationships and selection patterns need to be accounted for in statistical analyses. Here we reanalyze one of the first generation structured association mapping studies of the Dwarf8 (d8) locus with flowering time in maize using the full range of new mapping populations, statistical approaches, and haplotype maps. Because this trait was highly correlated with population structure, we found that basic structured association methods overestimate phenotypic effects in the region, while mixed model approaches perform substantially better. Combined with analysis of the maize nested association mapping population (a multi-family crossing design), it is concluded that most, if not all, of the QTL effects at the general location of the d8 locus are from rare extended haplotypes that include other linked QTLs and that d8 is unlikely to be involved in controlling flowering time in maize. Previous independent studies have shown evidence for selection at the d8 locus. Based on the evidence of population bottleneck, selection patterns, and haplotype structure observed in the region, we suggest that multiple traits may be strongly correlated with population structure and that selection on these traits has influenced segregation patterns in the region. Overall, this study provides insight into how modern association and linkage mapping, combined with haplotype analysis, can produce results that are more robust.
Impaired hemostasis and protection against thrombosis in protease‐activated receptor 4‐deficient mice is due to lack of thrombin signaling in platelets

Summary. Platelets from protease‐activated receptor 4 (PAR4)‐deficient mice are unresponsive to thrombin, and Par4–/– mice have prolonged bleeding times and are protected against thrombosis. However, in addition to its role in platelets, PAR4 contributes to thrombin signaling in cells in the blood vessel wall that might participate in hemostasis and thrombosis, such as endothelial cells. To determine whether the hemostatic and thrombotic phenotypes of Par4–/– mice were due to loss of PAR4 function in hematopoietic vs. other cell types, tail bleed times and thromboplastin‐induced pulmonary embolism were examined in lethally irradiated mice reconstituted with Par4+/+ or Par4–/– bone marrow. In Par4+/+ and Par4–/– mice reconstituted with Par4+/+ marrow, the median tail bleed times were 2.0 and 1.7 min, respectively, vs. > 10 min for both Par4+/+ and Par4–/– mice reconstituted with Par4–/– marrow. In the pulmonary embolism model, Par4+/+ and Par4–/– mice reconstituted with Par4+/+ marrow survived a median of 3.7 and 2.8 min, respectively, after administration of thromboplastin, vs. > 20 min for both Par4+/+ and Par4–/– mice reconstituted with Par4–/– marrow. Further, the phenotype of mice reconstituted with Par4–/– marrow was almost as dramatic as that seen in Nf‐e2–/– mice, which lack platelets. These data strongly suggest that increased tail bleed times and protection against thrombosis in Par4–/– mice are accounted for by lack of PAR4 function in platelets, emphasize the importance of thrombin signaling in platelets among the multiple pathways and cell types that govern hemostasis and thrombosis.
Automated image analysis reveals the dynamic 3-dimensional organization of multi-ciliary arrays

ABSTRACT Multi-ciliated cells (MCCs) use polarized fields of undulating cilia (ciliary array) to produce fluid flow that is essential for many biological processes. Cilia are positioned by microtubule scaffolds called basal bodies (BBs) that are arranged within a spatially complex 3-dimensional geometry (3D). Here, we develop a robust and automated computational image analysis routine to quantify 3D BB organization in the ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila. Using this routine, we generate the first morphologically constrained 3D reconstructions of Tetrahymena cells and elucidate rules that govern the kinetics of MCC organization. We demonstrate the interplay between BB duplication and cell size expansion through the cell cycle. In mutant cells, we identify a potential BB surveillance mechanism that balances large gaps in BB spacing by increasing the frequency of closely spaced BBs in other regions of the cell. Finally, by taking advantage of a mutant predisposed to BB disorganization, we locate the spatial domains that are most prone to disorganization by environmental stimuli. Collectively, our analyses reveal the importance of quantitative image analysis to understand the principles that guide the 3D organization of MCCs. Summary: We develop an automated computational image analysis routine to quantify basal body organization, which detects subtle spatial phenotypes resulting from environmental and genetic perturbations.
Effects of genistein and genistin on in vitro maturation of pig oocytes

The objective of the study was to verify the hypothesis that GEN (genistein - phytoestrogen and an inhibitor of tyrosine protein kinase - TPK) effects on pig oocyte maturation and cumular cell expansion under in vitro conditions are connected with its estrogenic activity. Oocytes were cultivated for 24 hours up to the stage of the first meiotic metaphase (MI). Three different doses of GEN (13, 40, 80 µg/ml of medium) and also three doses of GIN, genistin, an analogue of GEN without effects on TPK, (80, 160 and 240 µg/ml of medium) were tested. To verify the reversibility of GEN effects, the oocytes were first cultivated for 24 hours with 80 µg of GEN per 1 ml of medium and then for another 24 hours without any GEN. GEN blocked pig oocyte maturation at the stage of the germinal vesicle (GV), depending on the dose. After rinsing out the GEN the oocyte maturation recovered, but with abnormalities (32%). GIN in a concentration of 80 µg/ml of medium induced a significant blockage at the GV stage (18%). With an increase in the GIN concentra - tion, the number of oocytes blocked at the GV stage significantly decreased, but the abnormal maturation increased (up to 31%). GEN inhibited the cumular cell expansion in proportion to its dose. GIN had a less pronounced effect. As GEN and GIN effects demonstrate similar patterns, it is probable that estrogenic activity is involved.
A National Survey of Pediatrician Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

OBJECTIVE. A human papillomavirus vaccine was licensed in June 2006. The vaccine is quadrivalent, protecting against 2 human papillomavirus strains that cause cervical cancer and 2 that cause genital warts. The objective of this study was to determine physician characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes associated with an intention to recommend human papillomavirus vaccination. METHODS. Between August and October 2005, a cross-sectional survey was administered to a national network of 431 pediatricians. The network was developed from a random sample of American Academy of Pediatrics members and was designed to be representative of the organization’s membership with respect to urban/rural location, practice type, and region. The survey was conducted before human papillomavirus vaccine licensure and therefore focused on a candidate quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine and a range of potential vaccination recommendations. The main outcome measure was intention to recommend a quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine to young adolescent (10- to 12-year-old) females. RESULTS. Survey response rate was 68%. If endorsed by national health organizations, 46% of respondents would recommend vaccination for 10- to 12-year-old females, 77% for 13- to 15-year-old females, and 89% for 16- to 18-year-old females. Corresponding rates for males were 37%, 67%, and 82%, respectively. Whereas 60% of respondents thought that parents would be concerned that human papillomavirus vaccination may encourage risky sexual behaviors, 11% reported that they themselves had this concern. Respondents who believed that other new adolescent immunization recommendations (eg, meningococcal, pertussis) would facilitate human papillomavirus vaccine implementation were more likely to intend to recommend vaccination. CONCLUSIONS. Although a national sample of pediatricians expressed a high level of acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination in older adolescent females, fewer than one half anticipated giving human papillomavirus vaccine to younger female patients. Provider concerns about parental vaccine acceptance will need to be addressed to optimize human papillomavirus vaccination implementation.
Torque recoil following screw insertion

Summary Our ability to apply screws in a uniformly reproducible manner using “human torque control” has been shown to be very inconsistent. As a means of reducing this variability, torque-limiting devices are being utilized in select trauma and spinal applications. Cortical, cancellous and pedicle screws are now applied to a set, predetermined level of torque. It has been shown that extraction torque can be a little as 10% at the torque level at the time of application at plate removal 10 weeks after application. Using cadaveric specimens, the current study has evaluated the extraction torque immediately after application to a predetermined level. Regardless of the specimen, or location within the specimen, a significant difference was observed between the set application torque (1.5 Nm) and that obtained at the time of extraction (0.9 Nm). Some values were as low as 33% of the insertion value. This work suggests that in order to standardize interfragmentary compression, or bone plate fixation, we can not rely upon screw torque as the means of defining screw behaviour. Displacement control would appear to be the key to enable adaptation to the differing mechanical and biological nature of the bone and to overcome the recoil observed.
The Maturing of Hormesis as a Credible Dose-Response Model

Hormesis is a dose-response phenomenon that has received little recognition, credibility and acceptance as evidenced by its absence from major toxicological/risk assessment texts, governmental regulatory dose-response modeling for risk assessment, and non-visibility in major professional toxicological society national meetings. This paper traces the historical evolution of the hormetic dose-response hypothesis, why this model is not only credible but also more common than the widely accepted threshold model in direct comparative evaluation, and how the toxicological community made a critical error in rejecting hormesis, a rejection sustained over 70 years.
Cross-domain recommender systems : A survey of the State of the Art

Cross-domain recommendation is an emerging research topic. In the last few years an increasing amount of work has been published in various areas related to the Recommender System field, namely User Modeling, Information Retrieval, Knowledge Management, and Machine Learning. The problem has thus been addressed from distinct perspectives. Hence there are even conflicting definitions of the cross-domain recommendation task, and there is no rigorous comparison of existing approaches. In this paper we provide a formal statement of the problem, and present a review of the state of the art. We also establish a general taxonomy that let us to better characterize, categorize and compare the revised work. Finally, we conclude this review with a survey of interesting research topics on cross-domain recommendation.