Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning and Detection of Object Landmarks in Canonical Object Space

This work contributes to part-based object detection and recognition by introducing an enhanced method for local part detection. The method is based on complex-valued multiresolution Gabor features and their ranking using multiple hypothesis testing. In the present work, our main contribution is the introduction of a canonical object space, where objects are represented in their ``expected pose and visual appearance''. The canonical space circumvents the problem of geometric image normalisation prior to feature extraction. In addition, we define a compact set of Gabor filter parameters, from where the optimal values can be easily devised. These enhancements make our method an attractive landmark detector for part-based object detection and recognition methods.
Requirement for autoinducer in transcriptional negative autoregulation of the Vibrio fischeri luxR gene in Escherichia coli

The effect of a mutation in luxI (autoinducer synthetase gene) on transcription of luxR in the cloned Vibrio fischeri lux system (luxR, luxICDABE) was examined in Escherichia coli. For the luxI mutant, transcription from the luxR promoter (monitored with beta-galactosidase levels from a luxR::lacZ fusion, with LuxR supplied in trans) decreased fivefold, to levels of the luxI+ strain, only in the presence of added autoinducer. The results demonstrate that, as has been shown at the translational level, autoinducer is required for negative autoregulation of luxR at the transcriptional level.
Pre-frailty and frailty of elderly residents in a municipality with a low Human Development Index

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence of the factors associated with pre-frailty and frailty of elderly residents in a municipality with a low Human Development Index METHOD: Cross-sectional study with a populational and household framework conducted with 316 elderly people. Frailty was determined from the presence of three or more of the following factors: (i) self-reported unintentional weight loss; (ii) lack of strength and energy; (iii) weakness; (iv) slowness; (v) low level of physical activity. The association between frailty and socio-demographic, behavioral and health factors was measured using the multinomial logistic regression technique. RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty was 58.7% and 23.8%, respectively. The adjusted regression model showed that the state of pre-frailty was associated with gender, age group and BMI, and frailty was associated with gender, age group, hospitalization, functional capacity, and self-perceived health. CONCLUSION: The evidence presented in this study demonstrates more variables associated with the frailty condition, reinforcing the concept of a multifactorial clinical syndrome that may result in the loss of functionality.
Antilithiatic Activity of phlorotannin rich extract of Sarghassum Wightii on Calcium Oxalate Urolithiais – In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

ABSTRACT Purpose: Urolithiasis is a common urological disorder responsible for serious human affliction and cost to the society with a high recurrence rate. The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the phlorotannin rich extract of Sargassum wightii using suitable in vitro and in vivo models to provide scientific evidence for its antilithiatic activity. Materials and Methods: To explore the effect of Sargassum wightii on calcium oxalate crystallization, in vitro assays like crystal nucleation, aggregation and crystal growth were performed. Calcium oxalate urolithiasis was induced in male Sprague dawley rats using a combination of gentamicin and calculi producing diet (5% ammonium oxalate and rat pellet feed). The biochemical parameters like calcium, oxalate, magnesium, phosphate, sodium and potassium were evaluated in urine, serum and kidney homogenates. Histopathological studies were also done to confirm the biochemical findings. Results: The yield of Sargassum wightii extract was found to be 74.5 gm/kg and confirmed by quantitative analysis. In vitro experiments with Sargassum wightii showed concentration dependent inhibition of calcium oxalate nucleation, aggregation and growth supported by SEM analysis. In the in vivo model, Sargassum wightii reduced both calcium and oxalate supersaturation in urine, serum and deposition in the kidney. The biochemical results were supported by histopathological studies. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that Sargassum wightii has the ability to prevent nucleation, aggregation and growth of calcium oxalate crystals. Sargassum wightii has better preventive effect on calcium oxalate stone formation indicating its strong potential to develop as a therapeutic option to prevent recurrence of urolithiasis.
Real-Time Video Pixel Matching

We present an efficient implementation of a state of the art algorithm PixelMatch for matching all pixels within consecutive video frames. The method is of practical interest for tracking movements in video; it is also related to block-matching in standard video compression methods. From the source specification of PixelMatch, a limited number of high-level code transformations are first performed and analyzed, to produce an intermediate executable software code. From the intermediate software code, an efficient reconfigurable hardware circuit is synthesized, in a fully automatic manner, to process Standard Definition video streams in real-time on a current mid-size FPGA. The software implementation compiled from the same code runs orders of magnitude faster than the original specification. Despite this, real-time software processing of video streams by PixelMatch is still only within reach of the highest-end workstations
Reengineering dendritic cell‐based anti‐cancer vaccines

Summary: Despite initial enthusiasm, dendritic cell (DC)‐based anti‐cancer vaccines have yet to live up to their promise as one of the best hopes for generating effective anti‐tumor immunity. One of the principal reasons for the generally disappointing results achieved thus far could be that the full potential of DCs has not been effectively exploited. Here, we argue that dramatic improvements in vaccine efficacy will probably require a careful re‐evaluation of current vaccine design. The formulation of new strategies must take into account the natural history of DCs, particularly their role in helping the immune system deal with infection. Equally critical is the emerging importance of soluble factors, notably interleukin‐12, in modulating the quality of immune responses. Vaccines should also be designed to recruit helper T cells and antibody‐producing B cells rather than simply cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Finally, the judicious selection of tumor, target antigen, and disease stage best suited for treatment should serve as the foundation of trial designs. Our discussion addresses a recent clinical vaccine trial to treat early breast cancer, where many elements of this new strategy were put into practice.
Oral Immunization of Macaques with Attenuated Vaccine Virus Induces Protection against Vaginally Transmitted AIDS

ABSTRACT The chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency virus SHIVKU-1, bearing the envelope of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), causes fulminant infection with subtotal loss of CD4+ T cells followed by development of AIDS in intravaginally inoculated macaques and thus provides a highly relevant model of sexually transmitted disease caused by HIV-1 in human beings. Previous studies using this SHIV model had shown that thevpu and nef genes were important in pathogenesis of the infection, and so we deleted portions of these genes to create two vaccines, ΔvpuΔnefSHIV-4 (vaccine 1) and ΔvpuSHIVPPc (vaccine 2). Six adult macaques were immunized subcutaneously with vaccine 1, and six were immunized orally with vaccine 2. Both viruses caused infection in all inoculated animals, but whereas vaccine 1 virus caused only a nonproductive type of infection, vaccine 2 virus replicated productively but transiently for a 6- to 10-week period. Both groups were challenged 6 to 7 months later with pathogenic SHIVKU-1 by the intravaginal route. All four unvaccinated controls developed low CD4+ T-cell counts (<200/μl) and AIDS. The 12 vaccinated animals all became infected with SHIVKU-1, and two in group 1 developed a persistent productive infection followed by development of AIDS in one. The other 10 have maintained almost complete control over virus replication even though spliced viral RNA was detected in lymph nodes. This suppression of virus replication correlated with robust antiviral cell-mediated immune responses. This is the first demonstration of protection against virulent SHIV administered by the intravaginal route. This study supports the concept that sexually transmitted HIV disease can be prevented by parenteral or oral immunization.
Perinatal maternal depressive symptoms alter amygdala functional connectivity in girls

Perinatal maternal depressive symptoms influence brain development of offspring. Such effects are particularly notable in the amygdala, a key structure involved in emotional processes. This study investigated whether the functional organization of the amygdala varies as a function of pre‐ and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms. The amygdala functional network was assessed using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) in 128 children at age of 4.4 to 4.8 years. Maternal depressive symptoms were obtained at 26 weeks of gestation, 3 months, 1, 2, 3, and 4.5 years after delivery. Linear regression was used to examine associations between maternal depressive symptoms and the amygdala functional network. Prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were significantly associated with the functional connectivity between the amygdala and the cortico‐striatal circuitry, especially the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), insula, subgenual anterior cingulate (ACC), temporal pole, and striatum. Interestingly, greater pre‐ than post‐natal depressive symptoms were associated with lower functional connectivity of the left amygdala with the bilateral subgenual ACC and left caudate and with lower functional connectivity of the right amygdala with the left OFC, insula, and temporal pole. These findings were only observed in girls but not in boys. Early exposure to maternal depressive symptoms influenced the functional organization of the cortico‐striato‐amygdala circuitry, which is intrinsic to emotional perception and regulation in girls. This suggests its roles in the transgenerational transmission of vulnerability for socio‐emotional problems and depression. Moreover, this study underscored the importance of gender‐dependent developmental pathways in defining the neural circuitry that underlies the risk for depression.
A Complex Lipoate Utilization Pathway in Listeria monocytogenes*

Although a complete pathway of lipoic acid metabolism has been established in Escherichia coli, lipoic acid metabolism in other bacteria is more complex and incompletely understood. Listeria monocytogenes has been shown to utilize two lipoate-protein ligases for lipoic acid scavenging, whereas only one of the ligases can function in utilization of host-derived lipoic acid-modified peptides. We report that lipoic acid scavenging requires not only ligation of lipoic acid but also a lipoyl relay pathway in which an amidotransferase transfers lipoyl groups to the enzyme complexes that require the cofactor for activity. In addition, we provide evidence for a new lipoamidase activity that could allow utilization of lipoyl peptides by lipoate-protein ligase. These data support a model of an expanded, three-enzyme pathway for lipoic acid scavenging that seems widespread in the Firmicutes phylum of bacteria.
Molecular basis for the polyamine-ompF porin interactions: inhibitor and mutant studies.

By testing the sensitivity of Escherichia coli OmpF porin to various natural and synthetic polyamines of different lengths, charge and other molecular characteristics, we were able to identify the molecular properties required for compounds to act as inhibitors of OmpF in the nanomolar range. Inhibitors require at least two amine groups to be effective. For diamines, the optimum length of the hydrocarbon spacer was found to be of eight to ten methylene groups. Triamine molecules based on a 12-carbon motif were found to be more effective that spermidine, an eight-carbon trivalent derivative. But differences in inhibition efficiencies were also found for trivalent compounds depending on the relative position of the internal secondary amine group with respect to the terminal groups. Finally, quaternary ammonium derivatives had no effect, suggesting that the nature of the terminal amine is important for the interaction. From these observations, we deduce that inhibition efficiency in the nanomolar range requires a 12-carbon chain triamine with terminal primary amine groups and replacement of the eighth methylene by a secondary amine. The need for this type of molecular architecture suggests that inhibition is governed by interactions between specific amine groups and protein residues, and that this is not simply due to the accumulation of charges into the pore. Together with previous observations from site-directed mutagenesis studies and inspection of the crystal structure of OmpF, these results allowed us to propose three residues (D113, D121 and Y294) as putative sites of interaction between the channel and spermine. Alanine substitution at each of these three residues resulted in a loss of inhibition by spermine, while mutations of only D113 and D121 affected inhibition by spermidine. Based on these observations, we suggest a model for the molecular determinants involved in the porin-polyamine interaction.
Multi-scale diffeomorphic cortical registration under manifold sulcal constraints

Neuroimaging at the group level requires spatial normalization across individuals. This issue has been receiving considerable attention from multiple research groups. Here we suggest a surface-based geometric approach that consists in matching a set of cortical surfaces through their sulcal imprints. We provide the proof-of-concept of this approach by showing 1) how sulci may be automatically identified and simplified from Tl-weighted MRI data series, and 2) how this sulcal information may be considered as landmarks for recent measure-based diffeomorphic deformation approaches. In our framework, the resulting 3D transforms are naturally applied to the entire cortical surface and MRI volumes.
The Postcardiac Injury Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature

The postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) includes the postmyocardial infarction syndrome, the postcommissurotomy syndrome, and the postpericardiotomy syndrome. Dressler reported a series of patients who developed a pericarditis-like illness days to weeks after a myocardial infarction. Postcardiac injury syndrome also has been observed after cardiac surgery, percutaneous intervention, pacemaker implantation, and radiofrequency ablation. Postcardiac injury syndrome is characterized by pleuritic chest pain, low-grade fever, an abnormal chest x-ray, and the presence of exudative pericardial and/or pleural effusions. The pathophysiology of PCIS involves auto-antibodies that target antigens exposed after damage to cardiac tissue. The treatment of PCIS includes the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Prophylactic use of corticosteroids before cardiac surgery has not been effective in preventing PCIS. The widespread use of reperfusion therapy and cardiac medications with anti-inflammatory properties may have reduced the incidence of PCIS. Although PCIS can follow a relapsing course, it does carry a favorable prognosis.
Fast algorithms for joint power control and scheduling in wireless networks

This paper studies the problem of finding a minimum-length schedule of a power-controlled wireless network subject to traffic demands and SINR (signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio) constraints. We propose a column generation based algorithm that finds the optimal schedules and transmit powers. The column generation method decomposes a complex linear optimization problem into a restricted master problem and a pricing problem. We develop a new formulation of the pricing problem using the Perron-Frobenius eigenvalue condition, which enables us to integrate link scheduling with power control in a single framework. This new formulation reduces the complexity of the pricing problem, and thus improves the overall efficiency of the column generation method significantly - for example, the average runtime is reduced by 99.86% in 18-link networks compared with the traditional column generation method. Furthermore, we propose a branch-and-price method that combines column generation with the branch-and-bound technique to tackle the integer constraints on time slot allocation. We develop a new branching rule in the branch-and-price method that maintains the size of the pricing problem after each branching. Our branch-and-price method can obtain optimal integer solutions efficiently for example, the average runtime is reduced by 99.72% in 18-link networks compared with the traditional branch-and-price method. We further suggest efficient heuristic algorithms based on the structure of the optimal algorithms. Simulation results show that the heuristic algorithms can reach solutions within 10% of optimality for networks with less than 30 links.
The effects of 4 different recovery strategies on repeat sprint-cycling performance.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of different recovery strategies on repeat cycling performance where a short duration between exercise bouts is required. METHODS Eleven highly trained cyclists (mean ± SD; age = 31 ± 6 y, mass = 74.6 ± 10.6 kg, height = 180.5 ± 8.1 cm) completed 4 trials each consisting of three 30-s maximal sprints (S1, S2, S3) on a cycle ergometer, separated by 20-min recovery periods. In a counterbalanced, crossover design, each trial involved subjects performing 1 of 4 recovery strategies: compression garments (COMP), electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), humidification therapy (HUM), and a passive control (CON). The sprint tests implemented a 60-s preload (at an intensity of 4.5 W/kg) before a 30-s maximal sprint. Mean power outputs (W) for the 3 sprints, in combination with perceived recovery and blood lactate concentration, were used to examine the effect of each recovery strategy. RESULTS In CON, S2 and S3 were (mean ± SD) -2.1% ± 3.9% and -3.1% ± 4.2% lower than S1, respectively. Compared with CON, COMP resulted in a higher mean power output from S1 to S2 (mean ± 90%CL: 0.8% ± 1.2%; possibly beneficial) and from S1 to S3 (1.2% ± 1.9%; possibly beneficial), while HUM showed a higher mean power output from S1 to S3 (2.2% ± 2.5%; likely beneficial) relative to CON. CONCLUSION The authors suggest that both COMP and HUM may be effective strategies to enhance recovery between repeated sprint-cycling bouts separated by ~30 min.
Reduced Levels of Serum FGF19 and Impaired Expression of Receptors for Endocrine FGFs in Adipose Tissue From HIV-Infected Patients

Background:To determine the role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19 and FGF21 and the endocrine FGFs receptor system in the metabolic alterations that manifest in HIV-1–infected patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Methods:Serum FGF19 and FGF21 levels were determined in 4 groups of individuals as follows: (1) HIV-1–infected HAART patients with lipodystrophy (n = 38); or (2) without lipodystrophy (n = 34); (3) untreated (naive) HIV-1–infected patients (n = 34); and (4) healthy controls (n = 31). Serum FGF19 levels were correlated with anthropometric, metabolic, HIV-1 infection–related, and HAART-related parameters and with FGF21 levels. The gene expression of FGF receptor 1 and the coreceptor &bgr;-Klotho was analyzed in adipose tissue from 10 individuals from each group. Results:Serum FGF19 levels were significantly reduced in all groups of HIV-1–infected patients, whereas FGF21 levels were increased. FGF19 levels were negatively correlated with insulin resistance and insulin levels and positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. FGF19 was inversely correlated with cumulative exposure to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs. The expression of FGF receptor 1 and coreceptor &bgr;-Klotho was reduced in adipose tissue from all groups of HIV-infected patients. Conclusions:FGF19 levels are reduced in HIV-1–infected patients, in contrast with FGF21 levels. Impaired expression of the corresponding receptor and coreceptor, which mediate the actions of endocrine FGFs in adipose tissue, suggests a resistance to the metabolic effects of FGF19 and FGF21 in HIV-1–infected patients. Considering the beneficial effects of endocrine FGFs on metabolism, the observed reduction in FGF19 levels and decreased sensitivity to endocrine FGFs in adipose tissue may contribute to metabolic alterations in HIV-1–infected patients.
Component-Based Distributed Modeling of Collaborative Service Processes - A Methodology for the Identification of Reference Process Building Blocks

Documenting complex and collaborative business processes is time-consuming and cost-intensive. Reference modeling offers compositional mechanisms which provide the ability to overcome such challenges by supporting component-oriented procedural structures. This paper describes a methodology for the domain-independent development of components, in the following called reference process building blocks (RPBBs), which can be used for distributed, i.e. asynchronous collaborative, modeling of complex and cross-departmental process structures. Initially, fundamental requirements and the structuring of RPBBs into activities and information objects are discussed. The RPBB generation procedure consisting of identification, evaluation and revision is then applied using the public sector as an example and the resulting RPBB catalogue is presented. Finally, formal and contentual evaluations are described which both confirm the applicability of the identified RPBBs for distributed modeling of complex, collaborative processes as well as the usability of the designed methodology.
Functional osteoclast‐like transformation of cultured human myeloma cell lines

Hyperactive osteoclastogenesis is a hallmark of multiple myeloma, a B cell neoplasia homing to bone marrow and resulting in multiple osteolytic lesions and skeleton devastation. We provide evidence that myeloma cells can themselves act as osteoclasts in vitro. By extending standard cultures of U‐266 and MCC‐2 myeloma cell lines, we found that subsets of adherent cells also expressed the osteoclast phenotype, including multinuclear morphology, cytoplasmic tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, the calcitonin receptor and a specific osteoclast antigen. These subsets resorbed bone substrates by producing osteoclast enzymes as well as the characteristic redistribution of F‐actin in their cytoskeleton, thus forming the sealing zone that is adopted by adherent osteoclasts to generate the acidified environment essential for bone resorption. Neither the phenotype nor the functional properties of osteoclasts were detected in parental non‐adherent cells. In adherent cultures osteoclastogenesis was associated with deregulated expression of both receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor (NF)‐κB (RANK) and its ligand RANK‐L, which triggers cell maturation in osteoclast precursors. Resorption of bone substrates was prevented by a neutralising anti‐RANK‐L antibody. Our data indicate that osteoclast‐like transformation of both U‐266 and MCC‐2 cellular models of human myeloma is dependent on RANK‐L stimulation.