Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Multiscale Illumination-Invariant Feature Representation for Undersampled Face Recognition

This paper presents an novel illumination-invariant feature representation approach used to eliminate the varying illumination affection in undersampled face recognition. Firstly, a new illumination level classification technique based on Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is proposed to judge the illumination level of input image. Secondly, we construct the logarithm edgemaps feature (LEF) based on lambertian model and local near neighbor feature of the face image, applying to local region within multiple scales. Then, the illumination level is referenced to construct the high performance LEF as well realize adaptive fusion for multiple scales LEFs for the face image, performing JLEF-feature. In addition, the constrain operation is used to remove the useless high-frequency interference, disentangling useful facial feature edges and constructing AJLEF-face. Finally, the effects of the our methods and other state-of-the-art algorithms including deep learning methods are tested on Extended Yale B, CMU PIE, AR as well as our Self-build Driver database (SDB). The experimental results demonstrate that the JLEF-feature and AJLEF-face outperform other related approaches for undersampled face recognition under varying illumination.
On the relationship between logarithmic TAQ and logarithmic THH

We provide a new description of logarithmic topological Andre-Quillen homology in terms of the indecomposables of an augmented ring spectrum. The new description allows us to interpret logarithmic TAQ as an abstract cotangent complex, and leads to an etale descent formula for logarithmic topological Hochschild homology. The latter is analogous to results of Weibel-Geller for Hochschild homology of discrete rings, and of McCarthy-Minasian and Mathew for topological Hochschild homology. We also summarize and clarify analogous results relating notions of formal etaleness defined in terms of ordinary THH and TAQ.
Guided Dialogue Policy Learning without Adversarial Learning in the Loop

Reinforcement learning methods have emerged as a popular choice for training an efficient and effective dialogue policy. However, these methods suffer from sparse and unstable reward signals returned by a user simulator only when a dialogue finishes. Besides, the reward signal is manually designed by human experts, which requires domain knowledge. Recently, a number of adversarial learning methods have been proposed to learn the reward function together with the dialogue policy. However, to alternatively update the dialogue policy and the reward model on the fly, we are limited to policy-gradient-based algorithms, such as REINFORCE and PPO. Moreover, the alternating training of a dialogue agent and the reward model can easily get stuck in local optima or result in mode collapse. To overcome the listed issues, we propose to decompose the adversarial training into two steps. First, we train the discriminator with an auxiliary dialogue generator and then incorporate a derived reward model into a common reinforcement learning method to guide the dialogue policy learning. This approach is applicable to both on-policy and off-policy reinforcement learning methods. Based on our extensive experimentation, we can conclude the proposed method: (1) achieves a remarkable task success rate using both on-policy and off-policy reinforcement learning methods; and (2) has potential to transfer knowledge from existing domains to a new domain.
Double continuation regions for American options under Poisson exercise opportunities

We consider the Lévy model of the perpetual American call and put options with a negative discount rate under Poisson observations. Similar to the continuous observation case, the stopping region that characterizes the optimal stopping time is either a half‐line or an interval. The objective of this paper is to obtain explicit expressions of the stopping and continuation regions and the value function, focusing on spectrally positive and negative cases. To this end, we compute the identities related to the first Poisson arrival time to an interval via the scale function and then apply those identities to the computation of the optimal strategies. We also discuss the convergence of the optimal solutions to those in the continuous observation case as the rate of observation increases to infinity. Numerical experiments are also provided.
PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASE

As the country responds to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the role of public health in ensuring the delivery of equitable health care in rural communities has not been fully appreciated. The impact of such crises is exacerbated in rural racial/ethnic minority communities. Various elements contribute to the problems identified in rural areas, including a declining population; economic stagnation; shortages of physicians and other health care providers; a disproportionate number of older, poor, and underinsured residents; and high rates of chronic illness. This commentary describes the challenges faced by rural communities in addressing COVID-19, with a focus on the issues faced by southeastern US states. The commentary will also address how the COVID19 Community Vulnerability Index may be used as a tool to identify communities at heightened risk for COVID-19 on the basis of 6 clearly defined indicators.
Carriers, exchangers, and cotransporters in the first 100 years of the Journal of General Physiology

Transporters, pumps, and channels are proteins that catalyze the movement of solutes across membranes. The single-solute carriers, coupled exchangers, and coupled cotransporters that are collectively known as transporters are distinct from conductive ion channels, water channels, and ATP-hydrolyzing pumps. The main conceptual framework for studying transporter mechanisms is the alternating access model, which comprises substrate binding and release events on each side of the permeability barrier and translocation events involving conformational changes between inward-facing and outward-facing conformational states. In 1948, the Journal of General Physiology began to publish work that focused on the erythrocyte glucose transporter—the first transporter to be characterized kinetically—followed by articles on the rates, stoichiometries, asymmetries, voltage dependences, and regulation of coupled exchangers and cotransporters beginning in the 1960s. After the dawn of cDNA cloning and sequencing in the 1980s, heterologous expression systems and site-directed mutagenesis allowed identification of the functional roles of specific amino acid residues. In the past two decades, structures of transport proteins have made it possible to propose specific models for transporter function at the molecular level. Here, we review the contribution of JGP articles to our current understanding of solute transporter mechanisms. Whether the topic has been kinetics, energetics, regulation, mutagenesis, or structure-based modeling, a common feature of these articles has been a quantitative, mechanistic approach, leading to lasting insights into the functions of transporters.
Cellular and synaptic homeostatic plasticity in response to loss of glutamatergic transmission: Insights from anti-glutamate receptor encephalitides

Anti-NMDA receptor and anti-AMPA receptor (NMDAR and AMPAR) encephalitides are debilitating but reversible autoimmune diseases of glutamatergic synapses of the central nervous system. Consistent with disruption of the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, symptoms of these newly characterized diseases are severe and include psychosis, memory loss, confusion, seizures, and autonomic instability. Previous work has shown that patients produce antibodies that can be detected in serum and cerebrospinal fluid that bind to NMDARs or AMPARs, causing their internalization and depletion from neuronal membranes and synapses. The goal of my thesis was to determine the mechanisms of patient antibody-mediated pathology and the compensatory responses of neurons upon antibody exposure. I used dissociated hippocampal neurons and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures for molecular (immunostaining, Western blotting, and quantitative PCR) and electrophysiological (whole-cell and extracellular recordings) studies. I found that antibodies from patients with anti-NMDAR or anti-AMPAR encephalitis caused internalization of their respective receptors. This internalization was stimulated by receptor cross-linking by patient immunoglobulins. Antibody-bound, internalized receptors trafficked through both recycling and lysosomal intracellular compartments. The loss of receptors was specific, time-dependent, reversible upon antibody removal, and did not result in neuronal death or structural dismantling of excitatory synapses. No acute effects on receptor function were detected. In response to the decreased glutamate signaling, neurons engage homeostatic plasticity mechanisms to maintain action potential firing rate, including down-regulating inhibitory synapses and increasing intrinsic excitability. Additionally, treatment with anti-AMPAR antibodies altered patterns of spontaneous action potential firing. Finally, a hippocampal slice culture model of antiNMDAR antibody exposure was developed and validated for use in future studies. My work demonstrates that the hypoglutamatergic state created by anti-glutamate receptor antibodies leads to both direct and compensatory cellular and synaptic changes. Homeostatic plasticity of inhibition and intrinsic excitability opposes the declining excitatory synaptic transmission, but without the preservation of action potential firing pattern. Together, the direct and compensatory plasticity caused by patient antibodies may change the activity and thus the function of key brain circuits, contributing to patients' cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Neuroscience This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/1376 First Advisor Rita J. Balice-Gordon
The Use of Resident-Run Clinics as an Educational Tool in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

Background The use of resident-run clinics to provide operative and clinical training is utilized in orthopaedic surgery, and other specialties (Neaman, Hill, Ebner, & Ford, 2010; Pyle, Angobaldo, Bryant, Marks, & David, 2010). Many orthopaedic residency programs promote resident-run clinics on their websites, but the structure and number of clinics remains unknown. Objective The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the current utilization of resident-run clinics in orthopaedic surgery residency programs and to assess program structure. Additionally, in programs that do not utilize a residentrun clinic, this study sought to assess program consideration and perceived barriers for instituting a resident-run clinic. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited orthopaedic surgery residency programs in the United States were asked to complete an anonymous on-line survey. In 2016, an e-mail was sent to the 150 ACGME accredited orthopaedic surgery residency Program coordinators. The email was unable to be delivered to 4 programs, making the total number of programs 146. Results Of the 28 orthopaedic residency PCs that responded to the survey, 18 indicated their programs had resident-run clinics (64%). At 78% of resident-run clinics, residents spent one half-day per week in clinic. At 56% of programs, residents participated in resident-run clinics 4-5 times per month. Residents saw 11+ patients in an individual clinic Hayes M, Johnson J, Daniels A, Mulcahey M MedEdPublish https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2018. 0000134.1 Page | 2 setting (61%) and scheduled on average 6+ surgical cases per month out of clinic (72%). Conclusions This study demonstrates that resident-run clinics in orthopaedic surgery residency may provide a valuable learning environment by exposing residents to a reasonable volume and variety of patients with appropriate supervision.
Efficacy and Safety of Tracnil™ Administration in Patients with Dermatological Manifestations of PCOS: An Open-Label Single-Arm Study

Myo-inositol's role in improving acne by reducing hyperandrogenism has been demonstrated in PCOS patients. Inositol and associated molecules display inhibitory properties against 5-α reductase, COX-2, and lipase enzymes in addition to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role of myo-inositol is not well established in women patients with normal hormone levels but with clinical manifestations of PCOS. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of Tracnil™, a combination of myo-inositol with folic acid and vitamin D3, in resolving acne in overweight women of menstruation age displaying normal hormone levels. It is a single-arm study conducted at 2 centers including 33 women with acne, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities. Acne and hirsutism were assessed by manual lesion count, modified Cook's scale, and modified Ferriman–Gallwey hirsutism score (mFGHS). Hormone levels and safety parameters were assessed throughout the study. Our results show that Tracnil™ monotherapy could drastically reduce acne-related lesions of both inflammatory and noninflammatory types as quickly as 8 weeks. Additionally, it improves hirsutism and menstrual irregularities. Adverse reactions were negligible during the whole study period with no drastic side effects reflected by a modulatory effect on hormone levels. Despite the subjects having normal hormone levels, the acne treatment with myo-inositol and vitamin D3 shows improvement in hirsutism and regularization of menstrual cycle. Therefore, we attribute the mechanism of action of Tracnil™ to modulation of receptor sensitivity to sex hormones or other downstream processing events. Tracnil™ may be considered as a first-line treatment for dermatological manifestations of PCOS even in the absence of significant hormonal abnormalities. This treatment is practically implementable in a dermatologists's office practise.
COMPARISON OF CLINICAL RESULTS OF BIPOLAR HEMIARTHROPLASTY FOR EXTRACAPSULAR AND INTRACAPSULAR HIP FRACTURES

1 Ankara Gölbafl› Hasvak State Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, ANKARA 2 Ankara Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, ANKARA 3 Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, ANKARA Murat ERGÜN1 Tolga TOLUNAY2 Celal BOZKURT1 Kas›m KILIÇARSLAN3 Arslan Ka¤an ARSLAN2 COMPARISON OF CLINICAL RESULTS OF BIPOLAR HEMIARTHROPLASTY FOR EXTRACAPSULAR AND INTRACAPSULAR HIP FRACTURES
Blood Pressure Attitudes, Practice Behaviors, and Knowledge of Outpatient Physical Therapists

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe and determine correlations among blood pressure (BP) attitudes, practice behaviors, and knowledge among physical therapists (PTs) practicing in the outpatient (OP) settings. Methods: A survey was mailed to 1440 OP PTs matching inclusion criteria and through random selection from the American Physical Therapy Association Listserv. Self-reported demographics, attitudes, practice behaviors, and knowledge regarding BP measures of survey respondents were recorded. Descriptive statistics analyzed demographics and question responses; whereas a nonparametric Spearman version of the correlation coefficient analyzed correlations between variables. Results: Three hundred thirteen surveys from males (41.3%), females (58.7%), and PTs with greater than 10 years' of experience (57.8%). Although 51.8% of respondents did not feel importance in measuring BP during evaluation, 94.2% felt confident in their ability to do so. In addition, 85.0% of respondents did not routinely measure BP during evaluations. One-third and two-third of respondents correctly identified criteria matching a prehypertensive or hypertensive BP, respectively. Furthermore, a positive correlation (r = 0.84, P < .001) was identified between attitude and practice behaviors; however, not between attitude or practice behavior and knowledge. Conclusion: Initiatives to address misinformed BP attitudes and behaviors as well as gaps in knowledge of PTs providing care in OP settings is warranted.
Food Addiction, BMI, Psychological Well-being and Impulsivity among People with Diabetes

The dramatic increase in the availability of processed foods has substantially changed the contemporary food environment. Simultaneously, the nutrient density and quality of these foods have declined, contributing to the exponential increase in the prevalence of obesity and nutrition-related chronic diseases. Consequently, the populace percentages of diabetes have surged in tandem with this rise in obesity rates. Despite prolific research into obesity and type 2 diabetes (t2d), current treatment has been unable to stem the upsurge of this epidemic. Food addiction (FA) is a contemporary concept challenging traditional methods in the treatment of obesity and related medical complications. Simply directing a person predisposed to FA to lose weight in order to decrease their diabetes symptomology is unlikely to be effective for everyone, which may also explain why current treatment modalities have had limited effect. ; Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2018.
Co-therapy in Open Dialogue: Transforming therapists’ self in a shared space

The present study aimed to explore co-therapists’ relationship and how therapists’ individual presence influences this relationship in Open Dialogue. Although co-therapy is key in Open Dialogue network meetings, the processes of that relationship remain largely understudied. The study applied thematic analysis to semi-structured interviews with 20 Open Dialogue trained therapists working in public and private sectors internationally. The results indicate that therapists are present in a meeting with their experiencing and professional self. Specific co-therapy processes allow co-therapists to attune to one another verbally and physically, creating a shared space that promotes new common understandings, shared responsibility and ultimately a transformation of each therapist’s self and practice. Trust between co-therapists seems to be a prerequisite for co-therapy to flourish. Results of the present study reveal a dynamic influence of co-therapy practice, in which co-therapy promotes a more dialogical personality and allows the therapists’ own transformation, which in turn enables common understandings and sharing of responsibility. Considering the growing interest in dialogical approaches and Open Dialogue trainings, trainers, supervisors, and practitioners need to be aware of and attend to the dynamics of co-therapy relationship in order to care for themselves, their team and ultimately the networks they collaborate with.
Syndemic factors and HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Taiwan

Abstract We tested the applicability of syndemic theory to men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taiwan. Of 200 MSM (mean age = 27.1 years) surveyed, the majority (54%) experienced at least one syndemic burden due to problem drug use, intimate partner violence, or HIV stigma. In multivariable analysis, MSM with one or more syndemic burdens had greater than threefold higher odds of being HIV-positive. The impact of co-occurring psychosocial health conditions on HIV infection among MSM in Taiwan indicates the importance of identifying and engaging HIV-positive MSM in effective treatment, and implementing interventions more broadly to decrease syndemic burden.
Research progress and application of artificial intelligence in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a complicated orbitopathy related to dysthyroid, which severely destroys the facial appearance and life quality without medical interference. The diagnosis and management of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy are extremely intricate, as the number of professional ophthalmologists is limited and inadequate compared with the number of patients. Nowadays, medical applications based on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been developed, which have proved effective in screening many chronic eye diseases. The advanced characteristics of automated artificial intelligence devices, such as rapidity, portability, and multi-platform compatibility, have led to significant progress in the early diagnosis and elaborate evaluation of these diseases in clinic. This study aimed to provide an overview of recent artificial intelligence applications in clinical diagnosis, activity and severity grading, and prediction of therapeutic outcomes in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. It also discussed the current challenges and future prospects of the development of artificial intelligence applications in treating thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.
Affiliate performance feedback and technology innovation: The mediating effect of the parent’s response

The relationship between firm performance feedback and technology innovation has been studied extensively, but limited attention has been paid to factors that mediate this relationship. We examine how a parent firm addresses an affiliate’s performance level and its influence on the affiliate’s technology innovation. Integrating the behavioral theory of the firm and the concept of parent functions, we argue that the parent firm addresses the affiliate’s performance level in two ways: hierarchy management and resource allocation. Specifically, unlike the case of outperforming affiliates, the parent firm facilitates the technology innovation of underperforming affiliates through hierarchy management and resource allocation. Regression analyses of 2010–2020 data of listed affiliates belonging to Chinese business groups provide strong evidence supporting our conjecture. Our study sheds light on the importance of considering the parent’s influence when affiliates adopt technology innovation in light of its performance feedback.
Association of iKIR-mismatch model and donor aKIRs with better outcome in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia

Objectives Killer cell immunoglobulin like receptor (KIR) can trigger the alloreactivity of NK cells. However, there is no clear consensus as to their function. Here, we investigated the potential influence of KIR mismatch and KIR alleles on the outcome of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Method Data from 79 AML patients treated with haplo-HSCT were retrospectively analyzed. HLA-C genotyping was determined by the PCR-rSSO method. KIR, HLA-A and HLA-B genotyping was performed by the PCR-SSP method. Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for analysis. Results Both KIR ligand mismatch (KLM) group and KIR receptor-ligand mismatch (RLM) group were associated with a decreased risk in aGVHD and relapse rate (RR), and better overall survival (OS) compared to the KIR ligand matching and receptor-ligand matching groups, respectively (aGVHD: KLM: p=0.047, HR:0.235; RLM: p<0.001, HR:0.129; RR: KLM: p=0.049, HR:0.686, RLM: p=0.017, HR:0.200;OS:KLM: p=0.012, HR: 0.298, RLM: p=0.021, HR:0.301). RLM was more accurate at predicting relapse and aGVHD compared with KLM (aGVHD: p=0.009; RR: p=0.039). Patients with greater number of donor activating KIRs (aKIR) had a lower incidence of aGVHD and relapse, and the benefits correlated with the increase in the number of donor aKIRs (aGVHD: p=0.019, HR:0.156; RR: p=0.037, HR:0.211). Patients with RLM and the highest number of donor aKIRs had the lowest RR, lowest incidence of aGVHD and best OS. Conclusions Both KLM and RLM reduced the risk of aGVHD and relapse after haplo-HSCT in AML patients, and RLM showed superiority in predicting HSCT outcome. The synergistic effects of RLM and donor aKIRs can provide a better donor selection strategy to improve haplo-HSCT outcome in AML patients.