Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fingerprint indexing based on pyramid deep convolutional feature

The ridges of fingerprint contain enormous discriminative information for fingerprint indexing, however it is hard to depict the structure of ridges for rule-based methods because of nonlinear distortion. This paper investigates to represent the structure of ridges by Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN). The indexing approach partitions the fingerprint image into increasing fine sub-region and extracts feature from each sub-region by DCNN, forming pyramid deep convolutional feature, to represent the global patterns and local details (especially minutiae). Extensive experimental results show that the proposed method achieves better performance on accuracy and efficiency than other prominent indexing approaches. Finally, occlusion sensitivity, visualization and fingerprint reconstruction techniques are employed to explore which attributes of ridges are described in deep convolutional feature.
The Role of Factor Substitution and Technical Progress in China’s Great Expansion

We offer a macroeconomic assessment of China’s Reform Period, highlighting several neglected channels underlining its great expansion. Estimating the supply side of the post-Reform economy reveals the relatively high (above unity) value of the elasticity of factor substitution and the time-varying pattern of factor-saving technical change. The latter we relate to trade, human capital and reallocation factors. We then demonstrate how, in addition to factor accumulation and technical progress, the above-unity elasticity of substitution can be a source of growth (the ‘de La Grandville hypothesis’). We then draw upon our estimated framework to rationalize China’s high and rising savings ratio as well as the dynamic nature of its convergence path. JEL Classification: D24, E13, O11
Relationship between strength qualities and short track speed skating performance in young athletes

This study analyzed the relationships between isometric as well as concentric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) strength of the leg muscles and the times as well as speeds over different distances in 17 young short track speed skaters. Isometric as well as concentric single‐joint MVC strength and multi‐joint MVC strength in a stable (without skates) and unstable (with skates) condition were tested. Furthermore, time during maximum skating performances on ice was measured. Results indicate that maximum torques during eversion and dorsal flexion have a significant influence on skating speed. Concentric MVC strength of the knee extensors was higher correlated with times as well as speeds over the different distances than isometric MVC strength. Multi‐joint MVC testing revealed that the force loss between measurements without and with skates amounts to 25%, while biceps femoris and soleus showed decreased muscle activity and peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, as well as rectus femoris exhibited increased muscle activity. The results of this study depict evidence that the skating times and speeds are primarily influenced by concentric MVC strength of the leg extensors. To be able to transfer the strength onto ice in an optimal way, it is necessary to stabilize the knee and ankle joints.
A novel hybrid intelligent method for static var compensator placement in distribution network with plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles parking

In this paper the optimal placement of Static Var Compensator (SVC) in presence of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) Parking is proposed with a novel hybrid technique. In this method two-step optimization process is implemented. Firstly optimal location and charge-discharge schedule of two PHEVs parking is executed in three different penetration levels by PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization), secondly optimal location and sizing of two SVC is specified by CSA (Cuckoo Search Algorithm) optimization method. The main objective in first step is minimizing energy loss and daily load profile fluctuations in the distribution network based on available information about the price of electricity. Objective function in second step is improving voltage deviation and reduction cost of SVCs allocation besides reduction of energy loss. The feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated with IEEE 34 Node Test Feeder.
Gene Expression of Proresolving Lipid Mediator Pathways Is Associated With Clinical Outcomes in Trauma Patients

Objectives:Specialized proresolving lipid mediators have emerged as powerful modulators of inflammation and activators of resolution. Animal models show significant benefits of specialized proresolving lipid mediators on survival and wound healing after major burn trauma. To date, no studies have investigated specialized proresolving lipid mediators and their relation to other lipid mediator pathways in humans after trauma. Here we determine if patients with poor outcomes after trauma have dysregulated lipid mediator pathways. Design:We studied blood leukocyte expression of 18 genes critical to the synthesis, signaling, and metabolism of specialized proresolving lipid mediators and proinflammatory lipid mediators, and we correlated these expression patterns with clinical outcomes in trauma patients from the Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury study. Setting:Seven U.S. medical trauma centers. Subjects:Ninety-six patients enrolled in the Inflammation and Host Response to Injury study, after blunt trauma and unambiguously classified as having uncomplicated or complicated recoveries. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Within each patient, the 18 genes of interest were used to calculate scores for distinct families of lipid mediators, including resolvins, lipoxins, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, as well as leukotriene to resolvin score ratios. Scores were built using a simple weighting scheme, taking into consideration both dependent and independent activities of enzymes and receptors responsible for lipid mediator biosynthesis and function. Individually, ALOX12, PTGS2, PTGES, PTGDS, ALOX5AP, LTA4H, FPR2, PTGER2, LTB4R, HPGD, PTGR1, and CYP4F3 were expressed differentially over 28 days posttrauma between patients with uncomplicated and complicated recoveries (p < 0.05). When all genes were combined into scores, patients with uncomplicated recoveries had differential and higher resolvin scores (p < 0.001) and lower leukotriene scores (p < 0.001). A final combined ratio was calculated for each patient, and posttrauma leukotriene score to resolvin score ratios were significantly lower in patients with uncomplicated clinical courses (p < 0.001). Conclusions:proresolving lipid mediator lipidomics and/or protein expression, and identifying associated therapeutic targets, may influence the clinical management of trauma patients.
Systemic Regulation of Leaf Anatomical Structure, Photosynthetic Performance, and High-Light Tolerance in Sorghum1[C]

Leaf anatomy of C3 plants is mainly regulated by a systemic irradiance signal. Since the anatomical features of C4 plants are different from that of C3 plants, we investigated whether the systemic irradiance signal regulates leaf anatomical structure and photosynthetic performance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a C4 plant. Compared with growth under ambient conditions (A), no significant changes in anatomical structure were observed in newly developed leaves by shading young leaves alone (YS). Shading mature leaves (MS) or whole plants (S), on the other hand, caused shade-leaf anatomy in newly developed leaves. By contrast, chloroplast ultrastructure in developing leaves depended only on their local light conditions. Functionally, shading young leaves alone had little effect on their net photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance, but shading mature leaves or whole plants significantly decreased these two parameters in newly developed leaves. Specifically, the net photosynthetic rate in newly developed leaves exhibited a positive linear correlation with that of mature leaves, as did stomatal conductance. In MS and S treatments, newly developed leaves exhibited severe photoinhibition under high light. By contrast, newly developed leaves in A and YS treatments were more resistant to high light relative to those in MS- and S-treated seedlings. We suggest that (1) leaf anatomical structure, photosynthetic capacity, and high-light tolerance in newly developed sorghum leaves were regulated by a systemic irradiance signal from mature leaves; and (2) chloroplast ultrastructure only weakly influenced the development of photosynthetic capacity and high-light tolerance. The potential significance of the regulation by a systemic irradiance signal is discussed.
Neuropeptide Y stabilizes body temperature and prevents hypotension in endotoxaemic rats

The on‐going high mortality from sepsis motivates continuous research for novel therapeutic strategies. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a sympathetic neurotransmitter, has been shown to increase survival in experimental septic shock in rats. This protective effect might be due to immunological, cardiovascular or thermoregulatory effects. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo effect of peripherally administered NPY on body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate in endotoxaemic animals. In order to obtain clinically relevant data, various physiological parameters were monitored in parallel via radio‐telemetry in chronically intravenously cannulated, freely behaving rats. Rats received a sublethal bolus of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 μg kg−1i.v.) and the three parameters were continuously recorded for 72 h. Endotoxaemic rats showed a long‐lasting hypotension, an initial hypothermia (−0.5°C), followed by a prolonged febrile phase (+1.6°C 6 h after endotoxin challenge) associated with a decrease of the circadian rhythm amplitude of temperature. Pretreatment with NPY (160 pmol kg−1i.v. over 75 min) prevented hypotension and significantly stabilized body temperature immediately following the application. The febrile phase was effectively reduced for at least 72 h. These telemetrically obtained findings clearly demonstrate that pretreatment with NPY positively influences two life‐threatening symptoms in endotoxaemia and might be a future option for a successful clinical treatment regimen.
Individual tree-based species classification for uneven-aged, mixed-deciduous forests using multi-seasonal WorldView-3 images

Individual tree-based species maps are valuable for sustainable forest practices from both economic and ecological perspectives. Recent advances in high spatial resolution remote sensing provide the opportunity to map trees species with greater resolution and accuracy. This study aims to classify tree species at the individual tree level by using multi-seasonal WorldView-3 images. Our study site is in Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, located in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region of Central Ontario, Canada. The multi-seasonal WorldView-3 images collected in 2015 include late spring, mid-summer, early-fall, and late-fall scenes. Our analysis indicates that the overall accuracy of individual tree-based species classification is the highest when using mid-summer, followed by the late-spring image, and the early-fall image. The synergistic use of above three-seasonal images improves the classification accuracy substantially. Adding late-fall image fails to increase the classification accuracy.
An Exploratory Study of Work-Life Balance, Conflict and Enrichment Experiences of Frontline Hospitality Employees in a UK Context

Abstract Purpose – This research project aims to inform the current literature on the work-life balance, conflict and enrichment experiences of frontline hospitality employees in a UK context by considering the perceptions of participants from Organisation X, with the view to making recommendations for practitioners and academics. Design/Methodology/Approach – From an interpretivist perspective, the author examined perceptions of the work-life balance, conflict and enrichment experiences of frontline hospitality employees by conducting semi-structured interviews with five participants. Key findings were established from transcriptions using thematic analysis. Findings – The findings indicated time and strain-based conflicts emerge as a result of the organisation’s overreliance on key individuals, who identify themselves as being members of a core group of staff within the labour force. Little evidence emerged of behaviour-based conflicts as a result of the overextended time and strain-based conflicts and the impact these have on the life and personal dimensions. Enrichment factors such as an allegiance to work, and relationships with colleagues emerged from the findings, and an acceptance of poor work-life balance and that attribution of this to inherent industry factors is also evident. Research Limitations – Data was collected using a limited sample of participants drawn from one organisation, compromising the generalisability of the conclusions and their reliability in application to the wider UK context. Originality/Value – This study used purposive sampling in order to obtain participants that conform to certain demographic criteria which is currently underrepresented in the work-life balance literature. This study is based in a UK context which is also currently underrepresented in the literature.
A Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Recombinant Expressing Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Induces Enhanced T-Cell Responses and Is Highly Attenuated for Replication in Animals

ABSTRACT Live attenuated vectors based on recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (rVSVs) expressing foreign antigens are highly effective vaccines in animal models. In this study, we report that an rVSV (VSV-GMCSF1) expressing high levels of murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) from the first position in the viral genome is highly attenuated in terms of viral dissemination and pathogenesis after intranasal delivery to mice. However, this highly attenuated virus generated antibody and T-cell responses equivalent to those induced by a control virus expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) from the first position (VSV-EGFP1). The better containment and clearance of VSV-GMCSF1 may be due to enhanced recruitment of macrophages to the site of infection but is not explained by a greater induction of interferons. The primary CD8 T-cell and neutralizing antibody responses to VSV-GMCSF1 were equivalent to those generated by VSV-EGFP1, while the CD8 T-cell memory and recall responses to the vector were enhanced in mice infected with VSV-GMCSF1. It is likely that the GM-CSF produced by immunization with this virus results in an enhanced recruitment of antigen-presenting cells, leading to better acute and long-term T-cell responses. This recruitment appears to cancel out any negative effect of viral attenuation on immunogenicity.
Methodical study on the estimation of strain in shearing and rotating structures using radio frequency ultrasound based on 1-D and 2-D strain estimation techniques

This simulation study is concerned with: 1) the feasibility of measuring rotation and 2) the assessment of the performance of strain estimation in shearing and rotating structures. The performance of 3 different radio frequency (RF) based methods is investigated. Linear array ultrasound data of a deforming block were simulated (axial shear strain = 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0%, vertical strain = 0.0, 1.0, and 2.0%). Furthermore, data of a rotating block were simulated over an angular range of 0.5° to 10°. Local displacements were estimated using a coarse-to-fine algorithm using 1-D and 2-D precompression kernels. A new estimation method was developed in which axial displacements were used to correct the search area for local axial motion. The study revealed that this so-called free-shape 2-D method outperformed the other 2 methods and produced more accurate displacement images. For higher axial shear strains, the variance of the axial strain and the axial shear strain reduced by a factor of 4 to 5. Rotations could be accurately measured up to 4.0 to 5.0°. Again, the free-shape 2-D method yielded the most accurate results. After reconstruction of the rotation angle, the mean angles were slightly underestimated. The precision of the strain estimates decreased with increasing rotation angles. In conclusion, the proposed free-shape 2-D method enhances the measurement of (axial shear) strains and rotation. Experimental validation of the new method still has to be performed.
Biomonitoring for Improving Alcohol Consumption Surveys

To assess alcohol consumption levels in large populations, researchers often rely on self-report measures. However, these approaches are associated with several limitations, particularly underreporting. Use of noninvasive biomonitoring approaches may help validate self-report alcohol consumption measurements and thus improve their accuracy. Two such devices currently are available, the WrisTAS™ and SCRAM™ devices, both of which measure alcohol vapors emitted through the skin after alcohol consumption. Several studies assessing the utility of the WrisTAS™ bracelet in determining alcohol consumption levels noted that it was associated with relatively high failure rates. The SCRAM™ is an ankle bracelet intended for court-ordered alcohol monitoring. In studies, its sensitivity exceeded that of the WrisTAS™ and increased with increasing blood alcohol concentrations. Although early studies also identified some equipment concerns with the SCRAM™, studies of its ability to detect moderate and heavy drinking recently have yielded good results. Biomonitoring devices already are valuable tools and with further improvements may become even more useful in both research and practical applications.
CD4 and BST-2/Tetherin Proteins Retro-translocate from Endoplasmic Reticulum to Cytosol as Partially Folded and Multimeric Molecules

Background: CD4 and Tetherin are stabilized through intrachain and interchain disulfide bonds, respectively. Results: CD4 and Tetherin retro-translocate from ER to cytosol with oxidized disulfide bridges as folded and multimeric molecules. Conclusion: Cysteines reduction is not a prerequisite for ER to cytosol dislocation. Significance: Our observations challenge the requirements of reduction and unfolding before dislocation. CD4 and BST-2/Tetherin are cellular membrane proteins targeted to degradation by the HIV-1 protein Vpu. In both cases proteasomal degradation following recruitment into the ERAD pathway has been described. CD4 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, with four extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains containing three intrachain disulfide bridges. BST-2/Tetherin is an atypical type II transmembrane glycoprotein with an N-terminal transmembrane domain and a C-terminal glycophosphatidylinositol anchor, which dimerizes through three interchain bridges. We investigated spontaneous and Vpu-induced retro-translocation of CD4 and BST-2/Tetherin using our novel biotinylation technique in living cells to determine ER-to-cytosol retro-translocation of proteins. We found that CD4 retro-translocates with oxidized intrachain disulfide bridges, and only upon proteasomal inhibition does it accumulate in the cytosol as already reduced and deglycosylated molecules. Similarly, BST-2/Tetherin is first exposed to the cytosol as a dimeric oxidized complex and then becomes deglycosylated and reduced to monomers. These results raise questions on the required features of the putative retro-translocon, suggesting alternative retro-translocation mechanisms for membrane proteins in which complete cysteine reduction and unfolding are not always strictly required before ER to cytosol dislocation.
Myeloid leukemia with transdifferentiation plasticity developing from T‐cell progenitors

Unfavorable patient survival coincides with lineage plasticity observed in human acute leukemias. These cases are assumed to arise from hematopoietic stem cells, which have stable multipotent differentiation potential. However, here we report that plasticity in leukemia can result from instable lineage identity states inherited from differentiating progenitor cells. Using mice with enhanced c‐Myc expression, we show, at the single‐cell level, that T‐lymphoid progenitors retain broad malignant lineage potential with a high capacity to differentiate into myeloid leukemia. These T‐cell‐derived myeloid blasts retain expression of a defined set of T‐cell transcription factors, creating a lymphoid epigenetic memory that confers growth and propagates myeloid/T‐lymphoid plasticity. Based on these characteristics, we identified a correlating human leukemia cohort and revealed targeting of Jak2/Stat3 signaling as a therapeutic possibility. Collectively, our study suggests the thymus as a source for myeloid leukemia and proposes leukemic plasticity as a driving mechanism. Moreover, our results reveal a pathway‐directed therapy option against thymus‐derived myeloid leukemogenesis and propose a model in which dynamic progenitor differentiation states shape unique neoplastic identities and therapy responses.
HIV sexual transmission risk among serodiscordant couples: assessing the effects of combining prevention strategies

Background:The number of strategies to prevent HIV transmission has increased following trials evaluating antiretroviral therapy (ART), preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and male circumcision. Serodiscordant couples need guidance on the effects of these strategies alone, and in combination with each other, on HIV transmission. Methods:We estimated the sexual risk of HIV transmission over 1-year and 10-year periods among male–male and male–female serodiscordant couples. We assumed the following reductions in transmission: 80% from consistent condom use; 54% from circumcision in the negative male partner of a heterosexual couple; 73% from circumcision in the negative partner of a male–male couple; 71% from PrEP in heterosexual couples; 44% from PrEP in male–male couples; and 96% from ART use by the HIV-infected partner. Findings:For couples using any single prevention strategy, a substantial cumulative risk of HIV transmission remained. For a male–female couple using only condoms, estimated risk over 10 years was 11%; for a male–male couple using only condoms, estimated risk was 76%. ART use by the HIV-infected partner was the most effective single strategy in reducing risk; among male–male couples, adding consistent condom use was necessary to keep the 10-year risk below 10%. Conclusion:Focusing on 1-year and longer term transmission probabilities gives couples a better understanding of risk than those illustrated by data for a single sexual act. Long-term transmission probabilities to the negative partner in serodiscordant couples can be high, though these can be substantially reduced with the strategic use of preventive methods, especially those that include ART.