Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust 2DPCA With Non-greedy  $\ell _{1}$ -Norm Maximization for Image Analysis

2-D principal component analysis based on ℓ1-norm (2DPCA-L1) is a recently developed approach for robust dimensionality reduction and feature extraction in image domain. Normally, a greedy strategy is applied due to the difficulty of directly solving the ℓ1-norm maximization problem, which is, however, easy to get stuck in local solution. In this paper, we propose a robust 2DPCA with non-greedy ℓ1-norm maximization in which all projection directions are optimized simultaneously. Experimental results on face and other datasets confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Adaptive Neural Control of Active Power Filter Using Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controller

This paper proposes an adaptive radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN) fuzzy control scheme to enhance the performance of shunt active power filter (APF). The RBF NN is utilized on the approximation of nonlinear function in the APF dynamic model and the weights of the RBF NN are adjusted online according to adaptive law from the Lyapunov stability analysis to ensure the state hitting the sliding surface and sliding along it. In order to compensate the network approximation error and eliminate the existing chattering, the sliding mode control term is adjusted by adaptive fuzzy systems, which can enhance the robust performance of the system. The simulation results of APF using the proposed method confirm the effectiveness of the proposed controller, demonstrating the outstanding compensation performance and strong robustness.
Supervisor-subordinate relationships, accountability andwellbeing

The supervisor-subordinate relationship is vital to public sector employees. The paper examined the impact of supervisor-subordinate relationships upon police officers' perceptions of accountability and in turn, wellbeing. Mixed methods were used to collect data. The findings provide new insight into whether the supervisor-subordinate relationship is adequately "cushioning" police officers from organisational demands for increased efficiency and accountability. The implications of the findings are that the present supervision practices are not ideal for delivering high quality services to the public, nor are they ideal for ensuring the wellbeing of police officers. The LMX lens and the findings from this study challenges policing managers in OECD countries to rethink the direction and substance of control-centred management aimed at ensuring professional conduct within a cost-driven efficiency agenda
MERCURIC CHLORIDE ALTERS THE MEMBRANE POTENTIAL AND INTRACELLULAR CALCIUM LEVEL IN MOUSE PANCREATIC ISLET CELLS

In this study, mercuric chloride was applied to the primary cultures of mouse pancreatic islet cells for studying its effects on resting membrane potential and the intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ), using the techniques of electrophysiology and fluoi rometry. It was observed that mercuric chloride (1-100 µ M ) caused a rapid and sustained depolarization, and induced a rapid first phase and a large sustained second phase of elevation in fura-2 fluorescence ratio in islet cells. The depolarization and increased [Ca 2+ ] i induced by mercuric chloride could be inhibited by dithiothreitol (a sulf-hydryl-containing reducing agent). Removing Ca 2+ from the external medium inhibited the mercuric chloride-induced elevation of [Ca 2+ ] i . The increased [Ca 2+ ] i may also originate from the endoplasmic reticulum of pancreatic islet cells, since caffeine (an activator of Ca 2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum) and thapsigargin (an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase) could antagonize the effect of mercuric chloride. Moreover, in the absence of glucose in the medium, the response of islet cells to mercuric chloride was a rapid first phase of increased [Ca 2+ ] i followed by a small sustained second phase. Readministration of 5 m M glucose was sufficient but transient to restore sustained phase of increased [Ca 2+ ] i . The increase of [Ca 2+ ] i in islet cells induced by a lower concentration of mercuric chloride (5 µ M ) was potentiated in higher glucose (7.5 m M ) medium. Tolbutamide, an inhibitor of the ATP-sensitive K + -channel, could also inhibit the effect of mercuric chloride. These findings suggest that mercuric chloride initially interacts with the sulfhydryl groups of membrane-bound proteins, which may be an ATP-sensitive K + channel, to cause depolarization of the islet cells. This depolarization triggers Ca 2+ influx and then the release of Ca 2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum.
Measuring Cyclically-Adjusted Budget Balances for OECD Countries

Measuring cyclically-adjusted budget balances for OECD countries An important tool in the analysis of fiscal policy is the distinction between structural and cyclical components of the budget balance. This paper describes work undertaken to re-estimate and re-specify the elasticities underlying the Economics Department's calculations of cyclically-adjusted budget balances. Account is taken of tax reforms introduced since the previous updating exercise. A number of methodological innovations have been introduced to better account for the lags between taxes and activity and to ensure greater cross-country consistency in the estimates. The methodology underlying cyclical adjustment of expenditures has also been reviewed. Finally, the country coverage has been extended. The overall results are broadly consistent with the previous set of estimates. The sensitivity of government net lending to a 1 percentage point change in the output gap remains at around 0.5% of GDP for OECD economies on average. Mesurer le solde budgetaire corrige des fluctuations cycliques pour les pays de l'OCDE La distinction entre les composantes structurelle et cyclique du solde budgetaire est un outil essentiel de l'analyse de la politique budgetaire. Cette etude presente le travail de re-estimation et de re-modelisation entrepris afin de mettre a jour les elasticites sous-jacentes au calcul par le Departement des Affaires Economiques du solde budgetaire corrige des fluctuations conjoncturelles. Les reformes fiscales mise en œuvre depuis le dernier exercice de mise a jour ont ete prises en compte. Un certain nombre d'ameliorations methodologiques ont ete introduites afin de mieux tenir compte des delais d'ajustement entre les recettes fiscales et l'activite economique ainsi que pour assurer une meilleure coherence des estimations entre les pays. La methodologie utilisee pour l'ajustement cyclique des depenses a aussi ete revue. Finalement, le nombre de pays couvert a ete augmente. Les resultats globaux sont, dans l'ensemble, coherents avec les estimations precedentes. La sensibilite du solde financier des administrations publiques a un changement d'un point de pourcentage de l'ecart de production demeure autour de 0.5% du PIB pour la moyenne des pays de l'OCDE.
Spatial and temporal variations in parasite prevalence and infracommunity structure in herring (Clupea harengus L.) caught to the west of the British Isles and in the North and Baltic Seas: implications for fisheries science

Abstract Herring Clupea harengus L. viscera were examined for endoparasitic infections as part of a multidisciplinary stock identification project (WESTHER, EU Contract no. Q5RS-2002-01 056) which applied a range of stock discrimination techniques to the same individual fishes to obtain comparable results for multivariate analysis. Spawning and non-spawning adults, and juvenile herring were caught, over 3 years, by commercial and research vessels from numerous locations to the west of the UK and Ireland, along with control samples of spawning fish from the eastern Baltic Sea, and juveniles from sites in the eastern and western North Sea, and the north of Norway. The metacercariae of two renicolid digeneans (Cercaria pythionike and Cercaria doricha), one larval nematode (Anisakis simplex s.s.) and one larval cestode (Lacistorhynchus tenuis) were selected as tag species. Results were compared with those from herring collected between 1973 and 1982, which suggested remarkable stability in the parasite fauna of herring in the study area. These species were used to compare the parasite infracommunities of spawning herring. A significant variation in infracommunity structure was observed between different spawning grounds. These results suggest that the parasite fauna of herring are spatially variable but remain temporally stable in both the short and long term. Significant differences in prevalence and abundance of infections and comparisons of parasite infracommunity enabled the separation of putative herring stocks west of the British Isles. Distinctive patterns of parasite infection in two different spawning groups off the north coast of Scotland suggest that this area is occupied by two spawning populations, one recruiting from the west of Scotland, the other from outside this area, and most likely from the eastern North Sea. The distribution patterns of L. tenuis, C. doricha and C. pythionike suggest the potential for fish that spawn in three distinct International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) management units to be present in mixed aggregations found over the Malin Shelf, with significant implications for management in this area.
The Child Care Labor Market.

This study provides the first systematic analysis of the labor market behavior and characteristics of child care workers in the United States. A nationally representative sample of over 4,000 child care workers from the 1977-87 March Current Population Surveys is used to provide an analysis of the characteristics of child care workers and to estimate a model of wages. The results indicate that child care workers' wages are generally unaffected by government subsidies and regulations, suggesting that the supply of child care labor is relatively elastic. Wages of child care workers have remained constant relative to other workers' wages from 1976-86 despite substantial real increases in child care subsidies. Relative wages of different classes of child care workers have also remained constant.
Prevalence of O25b-ST131 clone among Escherichia coli strains producing CTX-M-15, CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-92 β-lactamases

Abstract Background: Dissemination of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli is closely associated with the worldwide spread of a single clone ST131, which is the main cause of urinary tract and bloodstream infections in patients from nursing homes and immunocompromised patients. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of ST131 clone and the replicons involved in the spread of blaCTX-M genes among O25b-ST131 CTX-M-producing E. coli isolates in Lithuania. Methods: The strains included in this study were screened for CTX-M β-lactamase-encoding genes, phylogenetic groups and ST131 clone by PCR. Bacterial conjugation was performed to identify plasmid replicon types responsible for blaCTX-M genes dissemination. Results: A total of 158 E. coli clinical non-duplicate ESBL isolates were analyzed. Nearly half (n = 67, 42.4%) of the investigated E. coli isolates belonged to phylogenetic group B2. The isolates producing CTX-M-92 β-lactamases were identified to be the ST131 clone more frequently than the non-ST131 clone (11.5% vs. 3.1%, p = .035). The CTX-M-15 isolates were identified as ST131 isolates less frequently than non-ST131 isolates (50.8% vs. 71.1%; p = .015). The ST131 clone isolates contained type L/M and A/C replicons; a fused FII/FIB replicon was found in four isolates (23.5%). Type HI1 replicon was identified in ST131 E. coli isolates producing CTX-M-15 β-lactamases. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the predominance of the ST131 clone among CTX-M β-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates. Dissemination of blaCTX-M genes in ST131 strains can be linked not only to highly adapted IncF plasmids such as FII/FIB and FII, but also to plasmid replicon types A/C, L/M and HI1.
The Research of Association Rules Mining and Application in Intrusion Alerts Analysis

In allusion to the efficiency problem of the actual association rules mining algorithms in the process of disposing massive data, an improved one LRE based on one-dimensional linked list is put forward in this paper. And these tests show that LRE takes priority of apriori and FP-growth algorithms in implement efficiency. To resolve the large number of alerts and the high false positive rate issues, it constructs an intrusion alerts analysis system model (IAAS) with LRE applied. Finally, the validity in the aspect of reducing the number of alerts and the false positive rate has been showed by the experiments.
High-Radix Nonblocking Integrated Optical Switching Fabric for Data Center

To accomplish high-bandwidth and low-latency communications among tens or even hundreds of nodes with low power consumption, dual radial and angular grating optical network (DRAGON), a new integrated high-radix strictly nonblocking optical switching fabric, is proposed in this paper. The topology and routing algorithms of DRAGON are discussed, and a formal proof for the strictly nonblocking property is presented. With the loss model developed, we show DRAGON has significantly lower worst-case loss as well as average loss compared with other widely studied integrated nonblocking switching fabrics. In addition, our crosstalk analysis also suggests a lower crosstalk of DRAGON. For example, for 32 wavelength division multiplexing channels, both the worst-case loss and average loss of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{180}}\times {\text{180}}$</tex-math></inline-formula> DRAGON are around 20 dB lower than crossbar of the same size, and 28 dB lower than <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{128}}\times {\text{128}}$</tex-math></inline-formula> Beneš. Furthermore, due to the strictly nonblocking property, DRAGON has advantages of smaller communication latency and larger throughput compared with Beneš switching fabric.
Journal of Globalization and Development International Income Comparisons and Social Welfare : Methodology , Analysis , and Implications

This paper contributes to ongoing debates on international income comparisons by decomposing the income distribution functions for the United States and Canada over the period 1993 2000 using finite mixtures. We also conduct tests for equality, first, second and third order stochastic dominance to determine which, if either, country might exhibit greater social welfare, which in our baseline case we model simply as expected utility. Overall, our results suggest that Canada exhibits higher social welfare than U.S., principally because it exhibits lower income inequality, thereby confirming a conjecture by Joseph Stiglitz which was the motivation for our study.
Identification of a Novel Noninflammatory Biosynthetic Pathway of Platelet-activating Factor*

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator playing various inflammatory and physiological roles. PAF is biosynthesized through two independent pathways called the de novo and remodeling pathways. Lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (lyso-PAF AT) was believed to biosynthesize PAF under inflammatory conditions, through the remodeling pathway. The first isolated lyso-PAF AT (LysoPAFAT/LPCAT2) had consistent properties. However, we show in this study the finding of a second lyso-PAF AT working under noninflammatory conditions. We partially purified a Ca2+-independent lyso-PAF AT from mouse lung. Immunoreactivity for lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) was detected in the active fraction. Lpcat1-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells exhibited both LPCAT and lyso-PAF AT activities. We confirmed that LPCAT1 transfers acetate from acetyl-CoA to lyso-PAF by the identification of an acetyl-CoA (and other acyl-CoAs) interacting site in LPCAT1. We further showed that LPCAT1 activity and expression are independent of inflammatory signals. Therefore, these results suggest the molecular diversity of lyso-PAF ATs is as follows: one (LysoPAFAT/LPCAT2) is inducible and activated by inflammatory stimulation, and the other (LPCAT1) is constitutively expressed. Each lyso-PAF AT biosynthesizes inflammatory and physiological amounts of PAF, depending on the cell type. These findings provide important knowledge for the understanding of the diverse pathological and physiological roles of PAF.
Success of citizen advisory committees in consensus‐based water resources planning in the great lakes basin

Abstract Advocates for public involvement in environmental planning often herald the use of consensus building among diverse interests to improve decision making. The 42 Great Lakes “Areas of Concern”; use broadly representative citizen advisory committees that work toward consensus about appropriate cleanup actions for affected communities. In 1990, the contributions of these committees and the quality of the public involvement experience were evaluated through four in‐depth case studies using site visits, personal and telephone interviews, document review, and mail questionnaires. Although consensus on planning decisions was rarely reached, the committees generally supported the decisions and perceived the decision‐making process as fair and open. There was a high level of satisfaction with the planning process, and most committee members felt their individual goals were being at least partially met. Participation on a committee proved to be a valuable educational experience for most involved, which may.
3D Object Reconstruction from a Single Depth View with Adversarial Learning

In this paper, we propose a novel 3D-RecGAN approach, which reconstructs the complete 3D structure of a given object from a single arbitrary depth view using generative adversarial networks. Unlike the existing work which typically requires multiple views of the same object or class labels to recover the full 3D geometry, the proposed 3D-RecGAN only takes the voxel grid representation of a depth view of the object as input, and is able to generate the complete 3D occupancy grid by filling in the occluded/missing regions. The key idea is to combine the generative capabilities of autoencoders and the conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) framework, to infer accurate and fine-grained 3D structures of objects in high-dimensional voxel space. Extensive experiments on large synthetic datasets show that the proposed 3D-RecGAN significantly outperforms the state of the art in single view 3D object reconstruction, and is able to reconstruct unseen types of objects. Our code and data are available at: https://github.com/Yang7879/3D-RecGAN.
Heterogeneous distribution of the serotonin 5‐HT1A receptor mRNA in chemically identified neurons of the mouse rostral brainstem: Implications for the role of serotonin in the regulation of wakefulness and REM sleep

The 5‐HT1A receptor (5‐HT1AR) plays a key role in the inhibitory influence of serotonin (5‐HT) on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in rodents. However, the neuronal networks mediating such influence are mostly unknown, notably in the mouse. This led us to map 5‐HT1AR mRNA, by in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH), and to characterize the neuronal phenotype of 5‐HT1AR mRNA‐positive neurons by dual ISHH and ISHH combined with immunohistochemistry, throughout the mouse rostral brainstem, a pivotal region for the generation of REM sleep and cortical activation. 5‐HT1AR mRNA was found in most 5‐HT neurons in the dorsal raphe (DR), the median raphe (MnR), the B9, and the interpeduncular (IP) nuclei. 5‐HT1AR mRNA‐positive neurons were also identified in individualized clusters of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons in the DR and in neurons of an undetermined phenotype in the MnR. In addition, 1) GABAergic neurons of the ventral portion of Gudden's dorsal tegmental nucleus (DTg), the IP, and the caudal portion of the deep mesencephalic nucleus (DpMe), and 2) glutamatergic neurons scattered in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC) and densely packed in the internal lateral parabrachial subnucleus (PBil) also expressed 5‐HT1AR mRNA. In contrast, no specific 5‐HT1AR‐related ISHH signal was generally detected in brainstem cholinergic and catecholaminergic neurons. These results emphasize the role of 5‐HT1AR as an autoreceptor and the phenotypical heterogeneity of 5‐HT1AR‐expressing neurons within the DR and the MnR in the mouse brain. They also provide a neuroanatomical basis for understanding the influence of 5‐HT1AR on REM sleep and wakefulness. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:2744–2770, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrolyte and water distribution in familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis

There are contradictory reports on the intracellular concentrations of muscle electrolytes in familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis. These are summarized in Table I. Grob, Johns, and Liljestrand (1957), studying arteriovenous differences of potassium, demonstrated that the fall in serum potassium during attacks of paralysis is due to the entry of potassium into muscle cells. Jantz (1947), Conn and Streeten (1960), and Talso, Glynn, Oester, and Fudema (1963) found an increase in intracellular potassium concentration during attacks, whereas Vastola and Bertrand (1956) and Shy, Wanko, Rowley, and Engel (1961) found a slight decrease, which the latter authors attributed to the entry of relatively greater amounts of water than potassium. These conflicting results probably arose from difficulties in the technique of chemical analysis of muscle biopsies and the small number of cases studied. We present in this paper the results obtained, using a multiple isotope technique, in a study of the distribution of water and electrolytes in six cases of familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis.
Genome-wide changes accompanying the knockdown of Ep-CAM in retinoblastoma

Purpose Previously we showed that epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM), a cell surface molecule, was highly expressed in primary retinoblastoma tumors. In the present study, we studied the genes regulated by Ep-CAM in a retinoblastoma Y79 cell line in vitro using a combination of short interference RNA and microarray technology. Methods Flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (Q-RT–PCR), and immunohistochemistry were performed to confirm the Ep-CAM re-expression in the Y79 cells treated with 5′-azacytidine (AZC). Ep-CAM expression in AZC-treated Y79 cells was silenced using synthetic anti-Ep-CAM short interference RNA, and whole genome microarray was performed to determine the gene expression changes post Ep-CAM knockdown. Ep-CAM inhibition was confirmed by Q-RT–PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Results Ep-CAM expression was significantly restored in Y79 cells on day 5 of AZC treatment. Ep-CAM inhibition significantly affected Y79 cell proliferation. We identified 465 upregulated genes (≥1.0 fold) and 205 downregulated genes (≤0.5 fold) in response to knockdown of Ep-CAM. These genes regulate several aspects of tumor function, including cell survival/proliferation, DNA replication/transcription, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Quantitative pathway analysis using Biointerpreter further revealed that the most pronounced effect of Ep-CAM knockdown was deregulation of pathways that include mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP) kinase and tumor protein 53 (P53) pathways. Real-time Q-RT–PCR confirmed microarray gene expression changes for selected genes. Conclusions Ep-CAM silencing significantly decreases Y79 cell proliferation and revealed a wide network of deregulated pathways in vitro. Future studies targeting Ep-CAM gene expression in vivo will help to delineate the mechanisms associated with Ep-CAM gene function in neoplastic transformation and define the potential for Ep-CAM-based molecular intervention in retinoblastoma patients.