Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy Linear Regression Discriminant Projection for Face Recognition

How to capture distinctive features from facial images when there are large variations in illumination, poses, and expressions is important for the face recognition problems. This paper introduces a novel algorithm called fuzzy linear regression discriminant projection (FLRDP) for face recognition. The proposed algorithm FLRDP seeks to generate an efficient subspace for the LRC method and could effectively handle variations between facial images. To be specific, FLRDP first computes the gradual membership degrees of each sample to corresponding classes, and then incorporates such membership degree information into the construction of the fuzzy between-class and within-class reconstruction errors. Finally, the criterion function is derived via maximizing the ratio of the fuzzy between-class reconstruction error to the fuzzy within-class reconstruction error. Experimental results carried out on the ORL, CMU PIE, and FERET face databases show the superiority of our proposed method over other state-of-the-art algorithms.
To Pool or Not to Pool: What Is a Good Strategy for Parameter Estimation and Forecasting in Panel Regressions?

This paper considers estimating the slope parameters and forecasting in potentially heterogeneous panel data regressions with a long time dimension. We propose a novel optimal pooling averaging estimator that makes an explicit trade-off between efficiency gains from pooling and bias due to heterogeneity. By theoretically and numerically comparing various estimators, we find that a uniformly best estimator does not exist and that our new estimator is superior in nonextreme cases and robust in extreme cases. Our results provide practical guidance for the best estimator and forecast depending on features of data and models. We apply our method to examine the determinants of sovereign credit default swap spreads and forecast future spreads.
A 1.8-GHz self-calibrated phase-locked loop with precise I/Q matching

A 1.8 GHz phase-locked loop (PLL) with a self-calibration circuit implemented in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS process is presented. The calibration circuit continuously adjusts the delay mismatches among the delay cells in a ring-type voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and automatically cancels the phase offsets in the multi-phase clock signals generated from the VCO. An edge-combining fractional-N frequency synthesizer with the self-calibrated PLL has been implemented and successfully eliminates -13 dBc fractional spur occurring owing to the delay mismatches in the VCO.
Acute colorectal obstruction: treatment with self-expandable metallic stents before scheduled surgery--results of a multicenter study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of treatment with self-expandable metallic stents for acute colonic obstruction before elective surgical resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 71 patients with malignant obstruction seen from October 1993 through December 1996, lesions were located in the transverse colon in one patient, in the descending colon in 22 patients, and in the rectosigmoid region in 48. A total of 72 self-expandable metallic stents were implanted within 24 hours of diagnosis. RESULTS Technical success was obtained in 64 patients (90%). In two cases (3%), it was not possible to advance across the obstructing mass. In five cases (7%), the prostheses were poorly positioned at the site of obstruction, requiring placement of a new stent in three cases. Clinical improvement and resolution of the obstruction were confirmed in 66 patients (93%) within 96 hours. Minor complications developed in nine cases (13%). One patient (1%) underwent surgery to resolve a colonic perforation caused by wires at the ends of the stent. The mean time between stent placement and surgery was 8.6 days (range, 6-16 days). CONCLUSION Implantation of colorectal stents is a safe treatment of acute malignant colonic obstruction before resection.
The role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymph node metastases in patients with extrapulmonary malignancy.

OBJECTIVE The determination of mediastinal lymphadenopathy is important in the management of extrapulmonary malignancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy in patients with proven or suspicious extrapulmonary malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed in 57 patients (81 lesions) with proven (n=51) or suspicious (n=6) extrapulmonary malignancies who underwent EBUS-TBNA between May 2009 and January 2011. RESULTS There were 37 male and 20 female patients, with a median age of 64 years. Thirty-five (61.4%) patients were confirmed as malignancy (34 extrapulmonary malignancy and 1 primary lung cancer) and 22 (38.6%) patients were confirmed as benign. EBUS-TBNA identified malignancy in 30 patients. One patient who was diagnosed as primary lung cancer was excluded from diagnostic performance analysis. Overall cancer prevalence was 61% in 56 study patients. The diagnostic sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA per patient were 88%, 93%, and 85%. The diagnostic sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of PET/CT scan per patient were 81%, 82%, and 71%, respectively. There were no serious complications related to EBUS-TBNA. CONCLUSION Since mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy do not always result from metastases in patients with extrapulmonary malignancy, histopathologic confirmation is mandatory. EBUS-TBNA is a sensitive modality and can be considered as the initial test for the histopathological diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy in patients with extrapulmonary malignancy.
Peripheral Blood “Endothelial Progenitor Cells” Are Derived From Monocyte/Macrophages and Secrete Angiogenic Growth Factors

Background—Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been isolated from peripheral blood and can enhance angiogenesis after infusion into host animals. It is not known whether the proangiogenic effects are a result of such events as endothelial differentiation and subsequent proliferation of EPCs or secondary to secretion of angiogenic growth factors. Methods and Results—Human EPCs were isolated as previously described, and their phenotypes were confirmed by uptake of acetylated LDL and binding of ulex-lectin. EPC proliferation and surface marker expression were analyzed by flow cytometry, and conditioned medium was assayed for growth factors. The majority of EPCs expressed monocyte/macrophage markers such as CD14 (95.7±0.3%), Mac-1 (57.6±13.5%), and CD11c (90.8±4.9%). A much lower percentage of cells expressed the specific endothelial marker VE-cadherin (5.2±0.7%) or stem/progenitor-cell markers AC133 (0.16±0.05%) and c-kit (1.3±0.7%). Compared with circulating monocytes, cultured EPCs showed upregulation of monocyte activation and macrophage differentiation markers. EPCs did not demonstrate any significant proliferation but did secrete the angiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, granulocyte colony–stimulating factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor. Conclusions—Our findings suggest that acetylated LDL(+)ulex-lectin(+) cells, commonly referred to as EPCs, do not proliferate but release potent proangiogenic growth factors. The majority of acetylated LDL(+)ulex-lectin(+) cells are derived from monocyte/macrophages. The findings of low proliferation and endothelial differentiation suggest that their angiogenic effects are most likely mediated by growth factor secretion. These findings may allow for development of novel angiogenic therapies relying on secreted growth factors or on recruitment of endogenous monocytes/macrophages to sites of ischemia.
Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: part 3: a hospital-based survey of 68 referred horses (1999-2005).

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There is limited information available on the more serious sequellae of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures. OBJECTIVES To obtain information on clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings in referred horses with idiopathic CT fractures. METHODS Details of all horses suffering from idiopathic CT fractures referred to the Equine Hospital at the University of Edinburgh 1999-2005 were examined, and information concerning fracture patterns, clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings, treatments and long-term response to treatments were obtained and analysed. RESULTS A total of 60 maxillary and 17 mandibular idiopathic CT fractures were diagnosed in 68 horses. Fracture patterns included maxillary CT lateral slab fractures (45%), maxillary CT midline sagittal fractures (16%) and various other patterns of maxillary CT fractures (17%). In the mandibular CT, lateral slab fractures were found (12%) and various other CT fracture patterns were present in 10%. The more centrally positioned CT (maxillary and mandibular Triadan 08s and 09) were preferentially fractured. Clinical signs included quidding in 47% of cases; bitting and behavioural problems (28%); signs of apical infection, including bony swellings and nasal discharge (21%); anorexia/weight loss (15%); halitosis (13%); and buccal food impaction (12%). The treatment of all cases was conservative whenever possible and included corrective rasping of the remaining tooth (46% of cases); oral extraction of the smaller and loose dental fragment (32%) and extraction of the entire fractured tooth by oral extraction (28%) or by repulsion (13%). Prophylactic treatment of adjacent, nonfractured CT with carious infundibula was possibly of value in preventing further midline sagittal maxillary CT fractures. CONCLUSIONS Horses referred with idiopathic CT fractures frequently have clinical signs of apical infection of the fractured CT and these teeth require extraction, orally if possible. More conservative treatment of idiopathic CT fractures without signs of gross apical infection can resolve clinical signs in most cases. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE In the absence of apical infection, extraction of only the loose dental fragments of CT with idiopathic fractures is usually successful.
Lack of allelic association between 102T/C polymorphism of serotonin receptor type 2A gene and schizophrenia in Chinese

Recent studies have reported an association between a 102T/C polymorphism of serotonin receptor type 2A gene (5-HT24) and schizophrenia. In addition, an association was detected between a 102T/C polymorphism of the 5-HT24 receptor gene and drug response to clozapine in the treatment of schizophrenic patients. These studies suggest an important role of the 5-HT24 gene in schizophrenia. To study the possible involvement of the 5-HT24 gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, a case-control association study was carried out in a Chinese population from Taiwan. No significant differences of genotype distributions, allele frequencies and homozygosity were detected between schizophrenic patients (n = 177) and non-psychiatric controls (n = 98). When subjects were divided into subgroups according to sex, still no differences of allele frequencies or genotype distributions were noted between patients and controls. Our data do not support an allelic association between the 102T/C polymorphism of the 5-HT24, receptor gene and schizophrenia in Chinese population.
Chemopreventive Effects of Melatonin on Diethylnitrosamine and Phenobarbital-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Male F344 Rats

The antitumor effects of melatonin on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated and/or phenobarbital (PB)-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis were investigated in male F344 rats. Five-week-old male F344 rats were divided into eight groups. Rats in groups 1-5 were given DEN (100 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) once a week for 3 wk, whereas those in groups 6-8 received vehicle treatment. Groups 1-3 and 7 were given 500 ppm PB in drinking water for 20 wk after DEN or vehicle treatment. Group 2 was given 400 ppm melatonin-containing diet during the initiation phase. Groups 3 and 5 were fed melatonin-containing diet for 20 wk, starting 1 wk after the last dosing of DEN. Group 6 was given melatonin-containing diet alone throughout the experiment (24 wk). Group 8 was treated with vehicle alone. Liver neoplasms were recognized only in DEN-treated groups. The incidences and multiplicities of hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in group 3 were significantly smaller when compared with group 1 (P < 0.001 or P < 0.002). The average and unit areas of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci of groups 2 and 3 were significantly smaller than those of group 1 (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01). The density and average area of these preneoplastic lesions of group 5 were also smaller than those of group 4 (P < 0.001 or P < 0.005). In addition, the ornithine decarboxylase activity in nonneoplastic liver tissue was reduced by melatonin treatment in both the initiation and postinitiation phases. These results suggest that melatonin has an antitumor-promoting ability in DEN-initiated and PB-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.
MHCBN: a comprehensive database of MHC binding and non-binding peptides

MHCBN is a comprehensive database of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) binding and non-binding peptides compiled from published literature and existing databases. The latest version of the database has 19 777 entries including 17 129 MHC binders and 2648 MHC non-binders for more than 400 MHC molecules. The database has sequence and structure data of (a) source proteins of peptides and (b) MHC molecules. MHCBN has a number of web tools that include: (i) mapping of peptide on query sequence; (ii) search on any field; (iii) creation of data sets; and (iv) online data submission. The database also provides hypertext links to major databases like SWISS-PROT, PDB, IMGT/HLA-DB, GenBank and PUBMED.
Alexithymia and postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms: a follow-up study in a pregnancy cohort

Abstract Introduction: There is a lack of longitudinal studies assessing the significance of alexithymia on the emergence of mental illnesses. We aimed to evaluate the potential effect of alexithymia on postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms in a sample of parents to be. Methods: In a pregnancy cohort, longitudinal data were available from three time points (gestational weeks 18−20, and 3 and 12 months postpartum) for 100 mothers and 65 fathers. The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used to assess alexithymia, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to evaluate anxiety symptoms and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess depression. Linear regression analyses were used to estimate the effect of alexithymia on the symptom scale score changes from baseline. Results: Both in mothers and fathers, the TAS-20 total score was significantly correlated with the STAI and EPDS scores at several time-points, with a higher TAS-20 score indicating more symptoms. In the regression analyses, the association of alexithymia with later symptoms became non-significant in mothers. However, in fathers, the TAS-20 score had a statistically significant effect on the increase of the STAI score at 3 months postpartum (p = 0.006). For the separate TAS-20 subscales, difficulty identifying feelings had a significant effect on the increase of anxiety by 12 months postpartum (p = 0.023) and difficulty describing feelings on the increase by 3 months postpartum (p < 0.001). Discussion: Although the setting did not facilitate the assessment of actual diagnoses regarding the anxiety and depression symptoms, alexithymia appears to have a significant effect on the increase of postpartum anxiety symptoms in fathers-to-be.
Maternal Socialization Goals, Parenting Styles, and Social-Emotional Adjustment Among Chinese and European American Young Adults: Testing a Mediation Model

ABSTRACT The authors compared the associations among perceived maternal socialization goals (self-development, filial piety, and collectivism), perceived maternal parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, and training), and the social-emotional adjustment (self-esteem, academic self-efficacy, and depression) between Chinese and European American young adults. The mediation processes in which socialization goals relate to young adults’ adjustment outcomes through parenting styles were examined. Results showed that European American participants perceived higher maternal self-development socialization goals, whereas Chinese participants perceived higher maternal collectivism socialization goals as well as more authoritarian parenting. Cross-cultural similarities were found in the associations between perceived maternal authoritative parenting and socioemotional adjustment (e.g., higher self-esteem and higher academic self-efficacy) across the two cultural groups. However, perceived maternal authoritarian and training parenting styles were found only to be related to Chinese participants’ adjustment (e.g., higher academic self-efficacy and lower depression). The mediation analyses showed that authoritative parenting significantly mediated the positive associations between the self-development and collectivism goal and socioemotional adjustment for both cultural groups. Additionally, training parenting significantly mediated the positive association between the filial piety goal and young adults’ academic self-efficacy for the Chinese group only. Findings of this study highlight the importance of examining parental socialization goals in cross-cultural parenting research.
Associations between Alzheimer's disease and blood homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND There is a growing focus on nutritional therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and controversy exists regarding the association between AD and homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12, and folate levels. OBJECTIVE The present study evaluated the association between AD and the combined levels of Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate. METHODS This case-control study consisted of 115 patients with AD and 115 matched controls. Serum folate and vitamin B12 were measured using an automated immunoassay analyzer. Plasma Hcy was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The association between AD and Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate was analyzed using binary logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS With the combination of normal blood Hcy, vitamin B12, and folate levels as the reference category, low vitamin B12 in subjects with normal Hcy and folate was associated with AD (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-13.2). The combination of low vitamin B12 and folate in subjects with normal Hcy was associated with AD (adjusted OR, 4.3; 95% CI: 1.3-14.6). The combination of high Hcy and low folate levels in patients with normal vitamin B12 was associated with AD (adjusted OR, 17.0; 95% CI: 5.4- 53.4). The combination of high Hcy, low vitamin B12, and any folate level was associated with AD (adjusted OR, 30.5; 95% CI: 9.7-95.9). CONCLUSION Vitamin B12 was directly associated with AD. The combination of high Hcy, low vitamin B12, and any folate level represented the poorest association with AD.
Host cyclophilin A mediates HIV‐1 attachment to target cells via heparans

The present study proposes a novel mode of action for cyclophilin A (CypA) in the HIV‐1 life cycle. We demonstrate that CypA‐deficient viruses do not replicate because they fail to attach to target cells. We show that CypA is exposed at the viral membrane and mediates HIV‐1 attachment. We identify heparan as the exclusive cellular binding partner for CypA. Furthermore, CypA binds directly to heparan via a domain rich in basic residues similar to known heparin‐binding motifs. This interaction between exposed CypA and cell surface heparans represents the initial step of HIV‐1 attachment and is a necessary precursor to gp120‐binding to CD4. In conclusion, HIV‐1 attachment to target cells is a multi‐step process that requires an initial CypA–heparan interaction followed by the gp120–CD4 interaction.
A CONTACT ZONE WITH NONCOINCIDENT CLINES FOR SEX‐SPECIFIC MARKERS IN THE FIELD VOLE (MICROTUS AGRESTIS)

A field vole (Microtus agrestis) population characterized by unique mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome markers occurs in southwest Sweden. A contact zone between this Lund (Lu) population and a standard (St) population was examined with two sex‐specific genetic markers. The field vole mtDNA and Y chromosome clines display a remarkable lack of coincidence, rarely observed in contact zones. The cline width for both markers is about 50 km, but the two clines are displaced from each other: the mtDNA cline is found in the central part of the study area, whereas the cline for the Y chromosome is located in the eastern part. Thus, the absolute width of the Lu‐St zone spans about 95–110 km. As a result of the cline shift, all male hybrids carry the Lu‐Y chromosome and St‐type mtDNA. The other possible male hybrid class is lacking. The distinct noncoincidence of the mtDNA and Y chromosome clines is most likely explained by selection against male hybrids with the St‐Y chromosome and Lu‐mtDNA. It is possible that incompatibilities between the maternal genome of Lu‐type animals and the paternal genome of St‐type individuals exist. However, alternative explanations based on neutrality or selective advantage cannot be totally dismissed.
Quantification of intervertebral efforts during walking: comparison between a healthy and a scoliotic subject

The accurate quantification of internal efforts in the human body is still a challenge in biomechanics. The aim of this study is to quantify the intervertebral efforts along the spine during walking, in order to compare the dynamical behaviours between a healthy and a scoliotic subject. Practically, one healthy subject, one scoliotic patient before an instrumentation surgery (Cobb 41 degrees ) and after this instrumentation (Cobb 7.5 degrees ) walked on a treadmill at 4 km/h. The acquisition system included optokinetic sensors, recording the 3D-joint coordinates, a treadmill equipped with strain gauges, measuring the external forces independently applied to both feet, and bi-planar radiographs, enabling the 3D reconstruction of the spine from C7 to L5, using a free form interpolation technique. The intervertebral efforts were computed using an inverse dynamical model of the human body in 3D. As results, significant differences of the spine kinematics were recorded which lead to different internal effort behaviour in magnitude, shift, coordination and pattern when normalized to the subject mass. Particularly, the normalized antero-posterior intervertebral torques are less uniform for the scoliotic patient (from min -2.5 to max 1.9 Nm/kg) than the healthy subject (from -1.5 to 1.5 Nm/kg). This disequilibrium in the left-right balance of the scoliotic patient is a bit rectified after surgery (from -1.3 to 1.1 Nm/kg).