Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple object tracking with context awareness

Multiple people tracking is a key problem for many applications such as surveillance, animation or car navigation, and a key input for tasks such as activity recognition. In crowded environments occlusions and false detections are common, and although there have been substantial advances in recent years, tracking is still a challenging task. Tracking is typically divided into two steps: detection, i.e., locating the pedestrians in the image, and data association, i.e., linking detections across frames to form complete trajectories. For the data association task, approaches typically aim at developing new, more complex formulations, which in turn put the focus on the optimization techniques required to solve them. However, they still utilize very basic information such as distance between detections. In this thesis, I focus on the data association task and argue that there is contextual information that has not been fully exploited yet in the tracking community, mainly social context and spatial context coming from different views.
Manpower Human Resources Lab Leeway for the Loyal : A Model of Employee Discretion Francis Green

This paper examines the factors underlying task discretion from an economist’s perspective. It argues that the key axis for understanding discretion is the trade-off between the positive effects of discretion on potential output per employee and the negative effects of greater leeway on work effort. In empirical analysis using matched employer-employee data it is shown that discretion is strongly affected by the level of employee commitment. In addition discretion is generally greater in highskilled jobs, though not without exceptions, and lower where employees are underskilled. Homeworking and flexitime policies raise employee discretion, while the impact of teamworking is mixed, being negative in about half of cases, neutral or positive for the rest. There are also significant and substantial unobserved establishment-level factors which affect task discretion.
Radiosynthesis of the candidate β‐amyloid radioligand [11C]AZD2184: Positron emission tomography examination and metabolite analysis in cynomolgus monkeys

β‐Amyloid accumulation is associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AZD2184, a new radioligand for high‐contrast positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of Aβ‐deposits, has recently been developed and characterized in vitro and in rodents ex vivo. The objective of this study was to label AZD2184 with carbon‐11, to perform in vivo characterization of [11C]AZD2184 ([11C]5) in the cynomolgus monkey brain as well as whole‐body dosimetry, and to examine the metabolism of the labeled radioligand. [11C]5 was prepared by a two‐step radiosynthesis starting with the reaction of 5‐(6‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilyloxy)benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine with [11C]methyl iodide followed by deprotection using water. Four brain PET measurements in two cynomolgus monkeys and one whole‐body PET measurement were performed with [11C]5. There was a high and rapid brain uptake (2.2–3.4% of injected dose at 2 min). The distribution of brain radioactivity was fairly uniform, with early to late‐brain concentration ratios (peak vs. 60 min) higher for [11C]5 than ratios previously reported for [11C]PIB (8.2 and 4.6, respectively). Based on the whole‐body data, it was estimated that an effective dose in an adult male would be 6.2 μSv/MBq and thus would be safe from a radiation point of view for multiple scans within the same year. [11C]5 shows binding characteristics, suggesting low levels of white‐matter retention, and may thus provide improved contrast when compared with currently used PET radioligands for visualization of Aβ‐deposits. On the basis of the labeling chemistry and the results of the biological evaluation, we conclude that [11C]5 should be useful for routine clinical studies. Synapse 64:733–741, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of stress fractures associated with lameness in Thoroughbred flat racehorses training on different track surfaces undergoing nuclear scintigraphic examination.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There is limited information regarding the impact of training track surface on the occurrence of stress fractures. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of training track surface on the proportion of long bone and pelvic stress fractures associated with lameness in Thoroughbred horses in flat race training undergoing nuclear scintigraphic examination. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. METHODS Scintigraphic examinations of Thoroughbred flat racehorses were evaluated from 2 hospitals (hospital A [Toronto Equine Hospital], 2003-2009, and hospital B [George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania], 1994-2006). Horses admitted to hospital A trained at a single track, at which the main training surface changed from dirt to synthetic on 27 August 2006. Two distinct populations existed at hospital B: horses that trained on dirt (numerous trainers) and those that trained on turf (single trainer). All scintigraphic images were evaluated by a blinded reviewer. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression were used when appropriate, and significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS When reviewing 528 scintigraphic examinations from hospital A (257 dirt and 271 synthetic, numerous trainers), there was a greater proportion of stress fractures detected in scintigraphic examinations from horses training on a synthetic surface (31.7%) in comparison to scintigraphic examinations from horses training on a dirt surface (23.0%) at an earlier point in time (P = 0.03). There was a greater proportion of hindlimb/pelvic and tibial stress fractures diagnosed in horses from the synthetic surface-trained group than from the dirt-trained group at hospital A (P<0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that training surface may affect the proportion of stress fractures diagnosed, but other factors, such as training philosophy, appear to be important. Future prospective investigations to fully elucidate the relationship between training track surface and the proportion of stress fractures and other nonfatal musculoskeletal injuries are warranted.
Detrimental effects of ocean acidification on the economically important Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum)

The mean predicted decrease of 0.3–0.4 pH units in the global surface ocean by the end of the century has prompted urgent research to assess the potential effects of ocean acidification on the marine environment, with strong emphasis on calcifying organisms. Among them, the Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum) is expected to be particularly susceptible to acidification effects, due to the elevated solubility of its Mg‐calcite skeleton. This, together with the large overexploitation of this species, depicts a bleak future for this organism over the next decades. In this study, we evaluated the effects of low pH on the species from aquaria experiments. Several colonies of C. rubrum were long‐term maintained for 314 days in aquaria at two different pH levels (8.10 and 7.81, pHT). Calcification rate, spicule morphology, major biochemical constituents (protein, carbohydrates and lipids) and fatty acids composition were measured periodically. Exposure to lower pH conditions caused a significant decrease in the skeletal growth rate in comparison with the control treatment. Similarly, the spicule morphology clearly differed between both treatments at the end of the experiment, with aberrant shapes being observed only under the acidified conditions. On the other hand, while total organic matter was significantly higher under low pH conditions, no significant differences were detected between treatments regarding total carbohydrate, lipid, protein and fatty acid composition. However, the lower variability found among samples maintained in acidified conditions relative to controls, suggests a possible effect of pH decrease on the metabolism of the colonies. Our results show, for the first time, evidence of detrimental ocean acidification effects on this valuable and endangered coral species.
Shape representation in area V4: position-specific tuning for boundary conformation.

Visual shape recognition in primates depends on a multi-stage pathway running from primary visual cortex (V1) to inferotemporal cortex (IT). The mechanisms by which local shape signals from V1 are transformed into selectivity for abstract object categories in IT are unknown. One approach to this issue is to investigate shape representation at intermediate stages in the pathway, such as area V4. We studied 109 V4 cells that appeared sensitive to complex shape in preliminary tests. To achieve a more complete picture of shape representation in V4, we tested each cell with a set of 366 stimuli, constructed by systematically combining convex and concave boundary elements into closed shapes. Using this large, diverse stimulus set, we found that all the cells in our sample responded to a wide variety of shapes and did not appear to encode any single type of global shape. However, for most cells the shapes evoking strongest responses were characterized by a consistent type of boundary conformation at a specific position within the stimulus. For example, a given cell might be tuned for shapes containing concave curvature at the right, with other parts of the shape having little or no effect on responses. Many cells were tuned for more complex boundary configurations (e.g., a convex angle adjacent to a concave curve). We quantified this kind of shape tuning with Gaussian functions on a curvature x position domain. These tuning functions fit the neural responses much better than tuning functions based on edge or axis orientation. Thus individual V4 cells appear to encode moderately complex boundary information at specific locations within larger shapes. This finding suggests that, at intermediate stages in the V1-IT transformation, complex objects are represented at least partly in terms of the configurations and positions of their contour components.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of long terminal repeat sequences from long-term survivors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals who remain asymptomatic despite prolonged infection present a unique opportunity to understand virologic and immunologic factors involved in the pathogenesis of AIDS. We have previously identified a group of long-term survivors (LTS) who are clinically healthy and immunologically normal despite 13 to 15 years of HIV-1 infection. In this study, we examined the 5' long terminal repeat (5' LTR) sequences in eight of these LTS. A total of 29 nucleotide sequences were obtained from their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Analysis of these sequences revealed no gross deletions within the 5' LTR. Seven of the eight subjects shared nearly identical consensus sequences in the binding sites for NF-kappaB, Sp1, and the viral trans-activator Tat. In multiple samples from one individual (Pt 5), however, G-to-A hypermutations were found throughout the entire region, suggesting a genetically defective 5' LTR. The effects of the observed genetic variations on LTR transcription were studied by transient transfection of an LTR-driven luciferase reporter gene and by infection with a full-length recombinant HIV-1 containing a luciferase reporter (HIVHXBLTRluc). A wide range of basal and Tat-induced transcriptional activities was found among the 5' LTR from seven of the eight LTS in both transfected 293 cells and donor PBMC, suggesting a functionally intact 5' LTR in these individuals. It is therefore unlikely that defects in the 5' LTR are the underlying explanation for the benign clinical course associated with these seven individuals. However, functional abnormalities were found in the LTR from Pt 5 in directing both heterologous and viral gene expression, providing a possible genetic explanation for the low viral load and prolonged asymptomatic state of this individual. Last, a similar overall degree of genetic diversity was found among viruses from the LTS compared to those from patients with AIDS, reinforcing the notion that a strong correlation between the degree of genetic diversity and the rate of disease progression is unlikely.
Comparisons of Health Plan Quality: Does the Sampling Strategy Affect the Results?

Background:Health plan evaluations typically focus on beneficiaries continuously enrolled throughout a calendar year. Objective:To examine whether the sampling strategy used in evaluating health plans affects their assessment. Research Design:We completed a cross-sectional analysis of California Medicaid managed care plans aggregating individual level data by health plan. Measures:We calculated the correlation between a health plan's annual age-sex adjusted hospitalization rate for ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) conditions sampling among beneficiaries continuously enrolled throughout the year with all health plan beneficiaries enrolled for a minimum of 1 month. For health plan beneficiaries with a minimum of 1 month of enrollment we calculated hospitalization rates in 2 ways: (1) counting only those ACS hospitalizations while enrolled in the plan and (2) counting any ACS hospitalization throughout the year regardless of whether it was during the period of plan enrollment. Subjects:California Medicaid beneficiaries 18–64 years of age in 2001. Results:Forty-four Medicaid plans representing approximately 750,000 beneficiaries were included. On average, 50% (range, 26–69% across plans) of the beneficiaries were enrolled continuously during the year. Plan rankings based on the ACS hospitalization rates for each of the 3 sampling strategies were variably correlated [Spearman correlations 0.26 (P = 0.086), 0.33 (P = 0.031), and 0.71 (P < 0.0001) for pairwise comparisons]. The agreement among the sampling strategies in labeling a health plan as an outlier was not statistically different than random chance (κ = 0.069, P = 0.21). Conclusions:Judgments regarding health plan performance are affected by limiting the evaluation sample to only those beneficiaries continuously enrolled in a health plan throughout the year. Policymakers should consider the goal of health care measurement when selecting a sampling strategy and explicitly acknowledge the bias that might be introduced by a particular approach.
Phthalocyanine induced phototherapy coupled with Doxorubicin; a promising novel treatment for breast cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: Globally, breast cancer is the most common life-threatening malignant disease among women. Adjuvant chemotherapeutic treatment of anthracycline-based chemotherapy (e.g., doxorubicin) has been shown to be more advantageous over non-anthracycline-based therapies, yet possess the tenacity of developing resistance and potential side effects which have limited its use in the clinical setting. These reasons necessitate combining doxorubicin with emerging photodynamic treatment regimens. Areas covered: In this review, the authors have concisely explained doxorubicin chemotherapy and the photobiological processes of phthalocyanine triggered photodynamic therapy (PDT). A literature search was conducted and reports demonstrating the use of doxorubicin and photodynamic therapy as a treatment modality for breast cancer were identified. More emphasis was made on studies demonstrating the efficacy and improved anticancer effect of combining chemotherapy with photodynamic therapy. However, it was concluded that for this combination therapy, still in it’s infancy, it could be relevant when integrated into standard treatment. Expert Commentary: To these effects, comprehensive models based on experimental evaluations are needed for rational design of anthracycline-based chemotherapy and PDT to be integrated into the clinical setting.
Efficient modeling of single event transients directly in compact device models

With decreasing feature size, analysis of circuits for radiation strike vulnerability is becoming very important in a many applications. Classical modeling methods may be not sufficient to reproduce single event transients observed in deep-submicron, fast ICs. A novel approach for development and efficient inclusion of such effects directly in compact device models is described.
Safety and efficacy of rituximab plus bendamustine in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients: an Italian retrospective multicenter study

Abstract Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not suitable for high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has a dismal prognosis and no standard therapy. We designed an Italian multicenter retrospective study aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of rituximab plus bendamustine (R–B) as salvage treatment in patients not eligible for ASCT because of age and/or comorbidity or in patients with post-ASCT recurrence. Fifty-five patients with a median age of 76 years were included. The overall response rate was 50%, including 28% complete remission and 22% partial remission. The median overall survival (OS) was 10.8 months. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 8.8 months. Eleven patients are still alive and in complete remission at last follow-up (12–71 months). Toxicity was moderate, mainly grades 1 and 2. R–B showed promising efficacy results with an acceptable toxicity profile and should be further investigated, possibly in combination with novel drugs.
The 18 kDa Translocator Protein as a Potential Participant in Atherosclerosis

Jasmina Dimitrova-Shumkovska1, Leo Veenman2 and Moshe Gavish2 1Institute of Biology, Department of Experimental Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, 2Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Haifa, 1Republic of Macedonia 2Israel
Global fishery development patterns are driven by profit but not trophic level

Successful ocean management needs to consider not only fishing impacts but drivers of harvest. Consolidating post-1950 global catch and economic data, we assess which attributes of fisheries are good indicators for fishery development. Surprisingly, year of development and economic value are not correlated with fishery trophic levels. Instead, patterns emerge of profit-driven fishing for attributes related to costs and revenues. Post-1950 fisheries initially developed on shallow ranging species with large catch, high price, and big body size, and then expanded to less desirable species. Revenues expected from developed fisheries declined 95% from 1951 to 1999, and few high catch or valuable fishing opportunities remain. These results highlight the importance of economic attributes of species as leading indicators for harvest-related impacts in ocean ecosystems.
Estimating net air‐sea fluxes from ocean bulk data: Methodology and application to the heat cycle

A novel method to estimate annual mean heat, water, and gas exchange fluxes between the ocean and the atmosphere is proposed that is complementary to the traditional approach based on air‐sea gradients and bulk exchange parameterization. The new approach exploits the information on surface exchange fluxes contained in the distribution of temperature, salinity, and dissolved gases in the ocean interior. We use an Ocean General Circulation Model to determine how the distribution in the ocean interior is linked to surface fluxes. We then determine with least squares the surface fluxes that are most compatible with the observations. To establish and test the method, we applyit to ocean temperature data to estimate heat fluxes across the air‐sea interface for which a number of climatological estimates exists. We also test the sensitivity of the inversion results to data coverage, differences in ocean transport, variations in the surface flux pattern and a range of spatial resolutions. We find, on the basis of the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) data network augmented with selected high‐quality pre‐WOCE data, that we are able to constrain heat exchange fluxes for 10–15 regions of the ocean, whereby these fluxes nearly balance globally without enforcing a conservation constraint. Our results agree well with heat flux estimates on the basis of bulk exchange parameterization, which generally require constraints to ensure a global net heat flux of zero. We also find that the heat transports implied by our inversely estimated fluxes are in good agreement with a large range of heat transport estimates based on hydrographic data. Increasing the number of regions beyond the 10–15 regions considered here is severely limited because of modeling errors. The inverse method is fairly robust to the modeling of the spatial patterns of the surface fluxes; however, it is quite sensitive to the modeling of ocean transport. The most striking difference between our estimates and the heat flux climatologies is a large heat loss of 0.64 PW to the atmosphere from the Southern Ocean and a large heat gain by the subpolar South Atlantic of 0.56 PW. These results are consistent with the large gain of carbon dioxide called for by Takahashi et al. [1999] in his recent analysis of the air‐sea flux of carbon dioxide but inconsistent with the large loss of oxygen and carbon dioxide such as those of Stephens et al. [1998].
Phylodynamics of HIV-1 Subtype C Epidemic in East Africa

The HIV-1 subtype C accounts for an important fraction of HIV infections in east Africa, but little is known about the genetic characteristics and evolutionary history of this epidemic. Here we reconstruct the origin and spatiotemporal dynamics of the major HIV-1 subtype C clades circulating in east Africa. A large number (n = 1,981) of subtype C pol sequences were retrieved from public databases to explore relationships between strains from the east, southern and central African regions. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis of those sequences revealed that most (>70%) strains from east Africa segregated in a single regional-specific monophyletic group, here called CEA. A second major Ethiopian subtype C lineage and a large collection of minor Kenyan and Tanzanian subtype C clades of southern African origin were also detected. A Bayesian coalescent-based method was then used to reconstruct evolutionary parameters and migration pathways of the CEA African lineage. This analysis indicates that the CEA clade most probably originated in Burundi around the early 1960s, and later spread to Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, giving rise to major country-specific monophyletic sub-clusters between the early 1970s and early 1980s. The results presented here demonstrate that a substantial proportion of subtype C infections in east Africa resulted from dissemination of a single HIV local variant, probably originated in Burundi during the 1960s. Burundi was the most important hub of dissemination of that subtype C clade in east Africa, fueling the origin of new local epidemics in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Subtype C lineages of southern African origin have also been introduced in east Africa, but seem to have had a much more restricted spread.