Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of service activity in a badminton game

Recognition of activities in sport videos is essential for quantitative analysis of the game and for effective indexing of activities to ease the browsing in sport videos. The analysis of a game in any broadcast racket sport videos requires the detection of the rally segments as an indication of the start and end of the analysis process. This paper presents a rule-based approach to address two research challenges - identifying frames with court in view and detecting service activity in a badminton game. Pixels similarity measure based on template comparison will be use in the identification of the frames with court in view. For the detection of the service activity, slice-based optical flow weightage (SOFW) algorithm will be use to compute the motion of the upper and lower body of the player in the bounding box region (rule 1). The angular computation of the players' centroid (rule 2) and the distance computation of the players' centroid with the midline (rule 3) are computed to validate the probable detected service activity. We carried out the experiments on a broadcast badminton video sequences to demonstrate that our method works even in difficult conditions. The experimental results demonstrate that our method is promising and reliable.
Localization of a Germinant Receptor Protein (GerBA) to the Inner Membrane of Bacillus subtilisSpores

ABSTRACT Dormant Bacillus subtilis spores germinate in response to specific nutrients called germinants, which are recognized by multisubunit receptor complexes encoded by members of thegerA family of operons, of which the gerBoperon is a member. The germinant receptors are expected to be membrane associated, but there is some debate about whether they are located in the inner or outer spore membrane. In this study we have used Western blot analysis to determine the precise location of GerBA, agerB-encoded receptor protein, in various spore fractions. GerBA was not extracted from spores by a decoating treatment that removes the coat and outer membrane but was present in lysates from decoated spores and in the insoluble fraction (termed P100) from such lysates that contained inner-membrane vesicles. GerBA was also solubilized from the P100 fraction with detergent but not with high salt. These findings suggest that GerBA is an integral membrane protein located in the spore's inner membrane. Consistent with this idea, GerBA was present in the cell membrane of the outgrowing spore, a membrane that is derived from the dormant spore's inner membrane. Based on these observations we propose that GerBA and probably the entire GerB germinant receptor are located in the inner membrane of the dormant spore. We also estimated that there are only 24 to 40 molecules of GerBA per spore, a number that is consistent with the previously reported low level of gerB operon expression and with the putative receptor function of the proteins encoded by thegerB operon.
Luteolin inhibits pyrogallol‐induced apoptosis through the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway

Luteolin is an antioxidative, antitumor and anti‐inflammatory flavone. It has been shown to reduce endothelial dysfunction, but the mechanism is not clear. We set out to explore the effects of luteolin on apoptosis and its mechanism of action in endothelial cells. The effect of luteolin on pyrogallol‐induced superoxide stress and the subsequent apoptosis was studied in the mouse heart capillary endothelial cell line H5V and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, by the use of flow cytometry, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide, Hoechst staining, and western blot. Pyrogallol (0–400 μm) dose‐dependently induced reactive oxygen species production, cytotoxicity, an annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate increase, mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization and DNA condensation in both H5V and human umbilical vein endothelial cells; these actions were reversed by luteolin (0.78–50 μm) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Luteolin suppressed the poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase activation, caspase‐8 cleavage and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation triggered by pyrogallol, and stimulated the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway to counteract the pyrogallol‐induced apoptotic signals. Luteolin is an effective agent for the protection of endothelial cells from superoxide stress‐induced apoptosis via the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway.
Stochastic, Distributed and Federated Optimization for Machine Learning

We study optimization algorithms for the finite sum problems frequently arising in machine learning applications. First, we propose novel variants of stochastic gradient descent with a variance reduction property that enables linear convergence for strongly convex objectives. Second, we study distributed setting, in which the data describing the optimization problem does not fit into a single computing node. In this case, traditional methods are inefficient, as the communication costs inherent in distributed optimization become the bottleneck. We propose a communication-efficient framework which iteratively forms local subproblems that can be solved with arbitrary local optimization algorithms. Finally, we introduce the concept of Federated Optimization/Learning, where we try to solve the machine learning problems without having data stored in any centralized manner. The main motivation comes from industry when handling user-generated data. The current prevalent practice is that companies collect vast amounts of user data and store them in datacenters. An alternative we propose is not to collect the data in first place, and instead occasionally use the computational power of users’ devices to solve the very same optimization problems, while alleviating privacy concerns at the same time. In such setting, minimization of communication rounds is the primary goal, and we demonstrate that solving the optimization problems in such circumstances is conceptually tractable.
Flexibility Envelopes for Power System Operational Planning

Modern power systems are undergoing a transitional phase, increasingly incorporating renewable energy sources (RES) to harness their economic and environmental benefits. The main challenge with this transitional phase is the management of the increased variability and uncertainty in the power balance. Legacy operation and planning practices are gradually seen as becoming inadequate or ill-adapted in addressing this challenge. One particular gap in the state of the art, which is of great importance, is estimating the operational flexibility potential of individual power system assets and their aggregation at the system level. System operators need to evaluate and plan ahead flexibility adequacy for their power systems in order to ensure feasible and economical operation under high RES penetration. Likewise, asset owners need to integrate the notion of asset flexibility as part of their investment and operations decisions. To this end, we propose the concept of the flexibility envelope to describe the flexibility potential dynamics of a power system and its individual resources in the operational planning time-frame. We demonstrate that the resulting envelope dynamics can be a starting point for flexibility adequacy planning in systems with highly variable generation.
Reviving Function in CD4+ T Cells Adapted to Persistent Systemic Antigen1

In bone marrow-transplanted patients, chronic graft-versus-host disease is a complication that results from the persistent stimulation of recipient minor histocompatibility Ag (mHA)-specific T cells contained within the graft. In this study, we developed a mouse model where persistent stimulation of donor T cells by recipient’s mHA led to multiorgan T cell infiltration. Exposure to systemic mHA, however, deeply modified T cell function and chronically stimulated T cells developed a long-lasting state of unresponsiveness, or immune adaptation, characterized by their inability to mediate organ immune damages in vivo. However, analysis of the gene expression profile of adapted CD4+ T cells revealed the specific coexpression of genes known to promote differentiation and function of Th1 effector cells as well as genes coding for proteins that control T cell activity, such as cell surface-negative costimulatory molecules and regulatory cytokines. Strikingly, blockade of negative costimulation abolished T cell adaptation and stimulated strong IFN-γ production and severe multiorgan wasting disease. Negative costimulation was also shown to control lethal LPS-induced toxic shock in mice with adapted T cells, as well as the capacity of adapted T cells to reject skin graft. Our results demonstrate that negative costimulation is the molecular mechanism used by CD4+ T cells to adapt their activity in response to persistent antigenic stimulation. The effector function of CD4+ T cells that have adapted to chronic Ag presentation can be activated by stimuli strong enough to overcome regulatory signals delivered to the T cells by negative costimulation.
Therapy of human ovarian carcinoma xenografts using doxorubicin encapsulated in sterically stabilized liposomes

Background. This study compared the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin hydrochloride in saline and in sterically stabilized, long‐circulating liposomes composed of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/polyethylene glycol‐distearoyl‐phosphatidyl‐ethanolamine (Doxil).
RGS4 Inhibits Gq-mediated Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase and Phosphoinositide Synthesis*

Recombinant regulators of G protein-signaling (RGS) proteins stimulate hydrolysis of GTP by α subunits of the Gi family but have not been reported to regulate other G protein α subunits. Expression of recombinant RGS proteins in cultured cells inhibits Gi-mediated hormonal signals probably by acting as GTPase-activating proteins for Gαisubunits. To ask whether an RGS protein can also regulate cellular responses mediated by G proteins in the Gq/11 family, we compared activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by a Gq/11-coupled receptor, the bombesin receptor (BR), and a Gi-coupled receptor, the D2 dopamine receptor, transiently co-expressed with or without recombinant RGS4 in COS-7 cells. Pertussis toxin, which uncouples Gi from receptors, blocked MAPK activation by the D2 dopamine receptor but not by the BR. Co-expression of RGS4, however, inhibited activation of MAPK by both receptors causing a rightward shift of the concentration-effect curve for both receptor agonists. RGS4 also inhibited BR-stimulated synthesis of inositol phosphates by an effector target of Gq/11, phospholipase C. Moreover, RGS4 inhibited inositol phosphate synthesis activated by addition of AlF4 − to cells overexpressing recombinant αq, probably by binding to αq·GDP·AlF4 −. These results demonstrate that RGS4 can regulate Gq/11-mediated cellular signals by competing for effector binding as well as by acting as a GTPase-activating protein.
Primates, Lice and Bacteria: Speciation and Genome Evolution in the Symbionts of Hominid Lice

Abstract Insects with restricted diets rely on symbiotic bacteria to provide essential metabolites missing in their diet. The blood-sucking lice are obligate, host-specific parasites of mammals and are themselves host to symbiotic bacteria. In human lice, these bacterial symbionts supply the lice with B-vitamins. Here, we sequenced the genomes of symbiotic and heritable bacterial of human, chimpanzee, gorilla, and monkey lice and used phylogenomics to investigate their evolutionary relationships. We find that these symbionts have a phylogenetic history reflecting the louse phylogeny, a finding contrary to previous reports of symbiont replacement. Examination of the highly reduced symbiont genomes (0.53–0.57 Mb) reveals much of the genomes are dedicated to vitamin synthesis. This is unchanged in the smallest symbiont genome and one that appears to have been reorganized. Specifically, symbionts from human lice, chimpanzee lice, and gorilla lice carry a small plasmid that encodes synthesis of vitamin B5, a vitamin critical to the bacteria-louse symbiosis. This plasmid is absent in an old world monkey louse symbiont, where this pathway is on its primary chromosome. This suggests the unique genomic configuration brought about by the plasmid is not essential for symbiosis, but once obtained, it has persisted for up to 25 My. We also find evidence that human, chimpanzee, and gorilla louse endosymbionts have lost a pathway for synthesis of vitamin B1, whereas the monkey louse symbiont has retained this pathway. It is unclear whether these changes are adaptive, but they may point to evolutionary responses of louse symbionts to shifts in primate biology.
Structure of HIV-1 protease in complex with potent inhibitor KNI-272 determined by high-resolution X-ray and neutron crystallography

HIV-1 protease is a dimeric aspartic protease that plays an essential role in viral replication. To further understand the catalytic mechanism and inhibitor recognition of HIV-1 protease, we need to determine the locations of key hydrogen atoms in the catalytic aspartates Asp-25 and Asp-125. The structure of HIV-1 protease in complex with transition-state analog KNI-272 was determined by combined neutron crystallography at 1.9-Å resolution and X-ray crystallography at 1.4-Å resolution. The resulting structural data show that the catalytic residue Asp-25 is protonated and that Asp-125 (the catalytic residue from the corresponding diad-related molecule) is deprotonated. The proton on Asp-25 makes a hydrogen bond with the carbonyl group of the allophenylnorstatine (Apns) group in KNI-272. The deprotonated Asp-125 bonds to the hydroxyl proton of Apns. The results provide direct experimental evidence for proposed aspects of the catalytic mechanism of HIV-1 protease and can therefore contribute substantially to the development of specific inhibitors for therapeutic application.
A Vibration Mitigation Approach for Inverter-fed Permanent Magnet Motor Drive System

One time radial vibration, mostly caused by rotary eccentric load, may reduce the reliability and operating life of motors. In order to mitigate the one time radial vibration in permanent magnet motors, a real time detection method for rotary eccentric load based on the theoretical analysis of the motor vibration and the mechanical analysis was given, and a novel control strategy based on FOC (field oriented control) was proposed, which could produce the artificial pulsating torque to suppress the impact of vibration cause by the eccentric load. The control algorithm was investigated and tested on a real time permanent magnet motor drive system platform. The experimental results indicate that the proposed methods are simple and easy to be applied in the digital control system and the control strategy is practical.
Sexual orientation of trans adults is not linked to outcome of transition-related health care, but worth asking

Abstract Since the beginning of contemporary transition-related care at the outset of the 20th century, sexual orientation has ben considered to be closely connected with gender identity and the developmental trajectories of trans people. Specifically, health professionals have regarded the anticipated post-transitional heterosexual behaviour of trans adults as predictive of a good outcome of cross-sex hormones and gender-confirming surgeries. This article reviews the current literature according to the question of whether the sexual orientation of trans people is linked to outcome measures following transition-related interventions. A comprehensive review was undertaken using the Medline database, searching for empirical studies published between 2010 and 2015. Out of a total of 474 studies, only 10 studies reported a follow-up of trans adults and assessed sexual orientation in the study protocol at all. Sexual orientation was predominantly assessed as homosexual versus non-homosexual related to sex assigned at birth. Only one 1 of 10 follow-up studies found a significant association according to the outcome between groups differentiated by sexual orientation. Empirically there is no link between sexual orientation and outcome of transition-related health care for trans adults. In order to provide comprehensive health care, we recommend asking for sexual behaviours, attractions and identities, as well as for gender experiences and expressions; however, this knowledge should not drive, but simply inform, such comprehensive care.
ABCF2, an Nrf2 target gene, contributes to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells

Previously, we have demonstrated that NRF2 plays a key role in mediating cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. To further explore the mechanism underlying NRF2‐dependent cisplatin resistance, we stably overexpressed or knocked down NRF2 in parental and cisplatin‐resistant human ovarian cancer cells, respectively. These two pairs of stable cell lines were then subjected to microarray analysis, where we identified 18 putative NRF2 target genes. Among these genes, ABCF2, a cytosolic member of the ABC superfamily of transporters, has previously been reported to contribute to chemoresistance in clear cell ovarian cancer. A detailed analysis on ABCF2 revealed a functional antioxidant response element (ARE) in its promoter region, establishing ABCF2 as an NRF2 target gene. Next, we investigated the contribution of ABCF2 in NRF2‐mediated cisplatin resistance using our stable ovarian cancer cell lines. The NRF2‐overexpressing cell line, containing high levels of ABCF2, was more resistant to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis compared to its control cell line; whereas the NRF2 knockdown cell line with low levels of ABCF2, was more sensitive to cisplatin treatment than its control cell line. Furthermore, transient overexpression of ABCF2 in the parental cells decreased apoptosis and increased cell viability following cisplatin treatment. Conversely, knockdown of ABCF2 using specific siRNA notably increased apoptosis and decreased cell viability in cisplatin‐resistant cells treated with cisplatin. This data indicate that the novel NRF2 target gene, ABCF2, plays a critical role in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer, and that targeting ABCF2 may be a new strategy to improve chemotherapeutic efficiency.
Membrane‐coating Granules and the Intercellular Cementing Substance (Membrane‐coating Material) in the Epidermis in Different Regions of the Equine Hoof

This study aimed to carry out a comprehensive morphological examination of the structure and ultrastructure of the membrane‐coating granules (MCG) and membrane‐coating material (MCM) common to all hoof segments as well as segment‐specific features in the MCG and MCM regarding their synthesis, structure and biochemical composition. Tissue samples from the hooves of the left front and right hind limb of 20 adult riding horses were used. Samples were preserved and embedded for histological routine methods as well as for histochemical techniques and tracer techniques for light and electron microscopy. The MCM shows a segment‐specific structure, biochemical composition and function, which were demonstrated for the different parts of the hoof. The MCM and its properties are related to the segment‐specific horn quality. Besides intercellular structural factors the MCM is of major importance for the structural integrity and the biomechanical properties of the hoof horn. The physiological structure and composition of MCM provides explanation for the existence of clinically well‐known sites of predilection for hoof disorders such as the White Line Disease. Alterations of the MCM play a role in dysfunction and diseases of the hoof epidermis; they are particularly involved in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases of the hoof.
The Highly Conserved Stt3 Protein Is a Subunit of the Yeast Oligosaccharyltransferase and Forms a Subcomplex with Ost3p and Ost4p*

The oligosaccharyltransferase has been purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an hetero-oligomeric complex composed of four or six subunits. Here, the in vivosubunit composition and stoichiometry of the oligosaccharyltransferase were investigated by attaching an epitope coding sequence to a previously characterized subunit gene, OST3. Five (Ost1p, Wbp1p, Swp1p, Ost2p, and Ost5p) of the seven polypeptides that were coimmunoprecipitated with the epitope-tagged Ost3p were identical to those obtained by the conventional purification procedure. Two additional coprecipitating polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 60 and 3.6 kDa were identified as the 78-kDa Stt3 protein and the 36-residue Ost4 protein, respectively. Stt3p and Ost4p were previously identified in screens for gene products involved inN-linked glycosylation. Quantification of the in vivo radiolabeled subunits and the radioiodinated purified enzyme shows that the yeast oligosaccharyltransferase is composed of equimolar amounts of eight subunits. Exposure of the immunoprecipitated oligosaccharyltransferase to mild protein denaturants yielded a subcomplex comprised of Stt3p, Ost3p, and Ost4p. These experiments, taken together with genetic and biochemical evidence for subunit interactions, suggest that the enzyme is composed of the following three subcomplexes: (a) Stt3p-Ost4p-Ost3p, (b) Swp1p-Wbp1p-Ost2p, and (c) Ost1p-Ost5p.
Sector PCS-EBG Antenna for Low-Cost High-Directivity Applications

This letter proposes a new topology of antenna based on the use of planar circularly symmetric electromagnetic band gap (PCS-EBG) with different periodicities. These periodicities are used to impose different propagation velocities of the dominant surface waves on different zones of the same dielectric substrate. The control of the dispersion characteristics guides the design together with the definition of a centered feed suitable to excite the surface waves. One prototype has been designed, manufactured and tested to prove the concept.
The cannabinoid WIN55, 212-2 abrogates dermal fibrosis in scleroderma bleomycin model

Objectives There is increasing evidence that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in pathological fibrosis, and that its modulation might limit fibrotic responses. The aim of this study was to examine the capacity of a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist to modify skin fibrosis in the bleomycin mouse model of scleroderma. Methods Skin fibrosis was induced by local injections of bleomycin in two groups of DBA/2J mice. One group was cotreated with the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 at 1 mg/kg/day. Skin fibrosis was evaluated by histology and skin thickness and hydroxyproline content were quantified. Markers of fibroblast activation, including α smooth muscle actin and the profibrotic cytokines transforming growth factor (TGF)β, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, were examined. Levels of PSMAD2/3, which are crucial in extracellular matrix overproduction, were analysed. Results Bleomycin treatment induced typical skin fibrosis. Upon WIN55,212-2 treatment dermal fibrosis was completely prevented. Subcutaneous inflammatory cell infiltration, dermal thickness and collagen content resulted similar to those of the control group. The synthetic cannabinoid prevented fibroblasts activation induced by bleomycin, paralleled by a strong inhibition of TGFβ, CTGF and PDGF-BB expression. Phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 was significantly downregulated after WIN55,212-2 exposure. Conclusions Taken together, the results indicate that the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 is capable of preventing skin fibrosis in a mouse model of scleroderma.