Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Locally linear discriminant analysis for multimodally distributed classes for face recognition with a single model image

We present a novel method of nonlinear discriminant analysis involving a set of locally linear transformations called "Locally Linear Discriminant Analysis" (LLDA). The underlying idea is that global nonlinear data structures are locally linear and local structures can be linearly aligned. Input vectors are projected into each local feature space by linear transformations found to yield locally linearly transformed classes that maximize the between-class covariance while minimizing the within-class covariance. In face recognition, linear discriminant analysis (LIDA) has been widely adopted owing to its efficiency, but it does not capture nonlinear manifolds of faces which exhibit pose variations. Conventional nonlinear classification methods based on kernels such as generalized discriminant analysis (GDA) and support vector machine (SVM) have been developed to overcome the shortcomings of the linear method, but they have the drawback of high computational cost of classification and overfitting. Our method is for multiclass nonlinear discrimination and it is computationally highly efficient as compared to GDA. The method does not suffer from overfitting by virtue of the linear base structure of the solution. A novel gradient-based learning algorithm is proposed for finding the optimal set of local linear bases. The optimization does not exhibit a local-maxima problem. The transformation functions facilitate robust face recognition in a low-dimensional subspace, under pose variations, using a single model image. The classification results are given for both synthetic and real face data.
Approximate Kalman Filter Q-Learning for Continuous State-Space MDPs

We seek to learn an effective policy for a Markov Decision Process (MDP) with continuous states via Q-Learning. Given a set of basis functions over state action pairs we search for a corresponding set of linear weights that minimizes the mean Bellman residual. Our algorithm uses a Kalman filter model to estimate those weights and we have developed a simpler approximate Kalman filter model that outperforms the current state of the art projected TD-Learning methods on several standard benchmark problems.
The Development and Implementation of a Jail-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Many jail inmates have high rates of substance use and abuse disorders, as well as a range of other social problems. Yet, the majority of jails do not offer substance abuse treatment programs. Few studies detail the development and implementation of these programs that can serve as a guide to social workers and others who seek to start them. To address this void, we describe the development and 7-year implementation of the Choices program, a jail-based substance abuse treatment program located in a suburban county jail. We conclude with recommendations for developing and implementing jail-based substance abuse treatment programs that draw on the experiences of Choices and other jail-based programs reported in the literature.
Glycoproteomic Approach Identifies KRAS as a Positive Regulator of CREG1 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Protein glycosylation plays a fundamental role in a multitude of biological processes, and the associated aberrant expression of glycoproteins in cancer has made them attractive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In this study, we examined differentially expressed glycoproteins in cell lines derived from three different states of lung tumorigenesis: an immortalized bronchial epithelial cell (HBE) line, a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line harboring a Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) activation mutation and a NSCLC cell line harboring an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation deletion. Using a Triple SILAC proteomic quantification strategy paired with hydrazide chemistry N-linked glycopeptide enrichment, we quantified 118 glycopeptides in the three cell lines derived from 82 glycoproteins. Proteomic profiling revealed 27 glycopeptides overexpressed in both NSCLC cell lines, 6 glycopeptides overexpressed only in the EGFR mutant cells and 19 glycopeptides overexpressed only in the KRAS mutant cells. Further investigation of a panel of NSCLC cell lines found that Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG1) overexpression was closely correlated with KRAS mutation status in NSCLC cells and could be down-regulated by inhibition of KRAS expression. Our results indicate that CREG1 is a down-stream effector of KRAS in a sub-type of NSCLC cells and a novel candidate biomarker or therapeutic target for KRAS mutant NSCLC.
Fast video matching with signature alignment

Video data is stored and distributed in large quantities and a wide variety of formats. As the amount of material increases, so too does the need to manage and search it. In previous work, we addressed the problem of rapidly locating a given clip in a large stream of video by analysing the pattern of edits or cuts, a method that is fast and as effective as a standard search method based on image comparison, but is not very robust, particularly for short clips. In this paper we describe two new methods that address the limitations of the cut-based approach. We show that the new video representations are more robust than any previous method and vastly superior at identifying similar content when the cut-based signature is not sufficiently discriminatory.
FORMATION AND FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A MOLECULAR COMPLEX DERIVED FROM THE SECOND AND THE FOURTH COMPONENT OF HUMAN COMPLEMENT

A functional unit of the human complement system has been delineated. It is composed of two subunits which are derived from the second (C'2) and from the fourth (C'4) component of complement. Purified C'2 and C'4 were found to interact in free solution and to form a reversible protein-protein complex. When acted upon by C'1 esterase in the presence of Mg ions, the reversible complex acquires stability and the ability to act enzymatically on the third component of complement. The trivial name C'3 convertase has been selected to denote the enzyme. Molecular weight determinations suggest that the entire C'4 molecule, but probably only a fragment of the C'2 molecule, are incorporated into C'3 convertase. Prior treatment of C'2 with iodine led to enhanced stability and activity of the enzyme. It was shown that the cell-bound form of C'3 convertase is cytolytically active and that the free enzyme is able to induce lysis from the fluid phase of erythrocytes from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Evidence was presented that action of C'3 convertase on C'3 results in fragmentation of the molecule.
From Pattern Recognition to Place Identication

homepage: http://www.informatik. uni-bremen.de/cog neuroinf/en Abstract. What are the ingredients required for vision-based place recog- nition? Pattern recognition models for localization must fulll invariance requirements dierent from those of object recognition. We propose a method to evaluate the suitability of existing image processing tech- niques by testing their outputs against these invariances. The method is applied to several holistic and one local model. We generalize our nd- ings and identify model properties of locality, spatial conguration and
Pathogenesis of Acute Renal Failure following Temporary Renal Ischemia in the Rat

In this study, we characterized the sequence of several intrarenal events and evaluated their relative importance in the pathogenesis of unilateral oliguric acute renal failure induced experimentally in rats by complete occlusion of a renal artery for 1 hour. Kidneys were studied prior to occlusion and 1–3 hours and 22–26 hours after release of the temporary occlusion. Renal blood flow measured by an electromagnetic flow transducer was reduced to 40-50percent of control during both postocclusion periods. Flow of tubular fluid was markedly reduced, and the damaged kidneys were oliguric. Proximal and distal convolutions were filled with fluid and dilated 1–3 hours after occlusion; their pressures were greatly heterogeneous and were elevated, on the average, to 31 and 16 mm Hg, respectively. Glomerular capillary pressure at this time was normal or slightly increased. Histological sections showed extensive tubular obstruction. We conclude that initially the oliguria is primarily due to intraluminal obstruction in the absence of predominant increases in preglomerular vascular resistance. Observations at 22–26 hours after occlusion indicated acute tubular necrosis. Moreover, the combined involvement of preglomerular vasoconstriction, persisting tubular obstruction, and passive backflow of tubular fluid appeared to be important in the maintenance of the oliguria. Glomerular capillary, proximal intratubular, and peritubular capillary hydrostatic pressures were reduced below control values. After acute volume expansion, the reduced pressures and renal blood flow were reversed, yet the experimental kidneys remained oliguric. Thus, it is clear that tubular obstruction is a significant factor responsible for both the genesis and the maintenance of oliguria in this experimental model of ischemia-induced acute renal failure.
Maternal and developmental toxicity of ayahuasca in Wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION Ayahuasca is a psychotropic plant beverage initially used by shamans throughout the Amazon region during traditional religious cult. In recent years, ayahuasca has also been used in ceremonies of a number of modern syncretic religious groups, including pregnant women. However, no documented study has been performed to evaluate the risk of developmental toxicity of ayahuasca. METHODS In the present work, maternal and developmental toxicity was evaluated in Wistar rats. Ayahuasca was administered to pregnant rats in three different doses [the equivalent typical dose (TD) administered to humans, five-fold TD and 10-fold TD] during the gestational period (6-20 days). RESULTS Dams treated with the highest ayahuasca dose showed maternal toxicity with decrease of weight gain and food intake. Visceral fetal findings were observed in all treatment groups. Skeletal findings were observed in the intermediate- and high-dose groups. The fetuses deriving from the highest dose group also presented a decrease in body weight. CONCLUSIONS From these results, it is possible to conclude that there is a risk of maternal and developmental toxicity following ayahuasca exposure and that the level of toxicity appears to be dose-dependent.
X-Ray Scaling Relations of Galaxy Groups in a Hydrodynamic Cosmological Simulation

We examine the scalings of X-ray luminosity, temperature, and dark matter or galaxy velocity dispersion for galaxy groups in a ΛCDM cosmological simulation, which incorporates gravity, gas dynamics, radiative cooling, and star formation, but no substantial nongravitational heating. In agreement with observations, the simulated LX-σ and LX-TX relations are steeper than those predicted by adiabatic simulations or self-similar models, with LX ∝ σ4. 4 and LX ∝ T for massive groups and significantly steeper relations below a break at σ ≈ 180 km s-1 (TX ≈ 0.7 keV). The TX-σ relation is fairly close to the self-similar scaling relation, with TX ∝ σ1. 75, provided that the velocity dispersion is estimated from the dark matter or from ≳10 galaxies. The entropy of hot gas in low-mass groups is higher than predicted by self-similar scaling or adiabatic simulations, and it agrees with observational data that suggest an "entropy floor. " The steeper scalings of the luminosity relations are driven by radiative cooling, which reduces the hot (X-ray-emitting) gas fraction from 50% of the total baryons at σ ≈ 500 km s-1 to 20% at σ ≈ 100 km s-1. A secondary effect is that hot gas in smaller systems is less clumpy, further driving down LX. A smaller volume simulation with 8 times higher mass resolution predicts nearly identical X-ray luminosities at a given group mass, demonstrating the insensitivity of the predicted scaling relations to numerical resolution. The higher resolution simulation predicts higher hot gas fractions at a given group mass, and these predicted fractions are in excellent agreement with available observations. There remain some quantitative discrepancies: the predicted mass scale of the LX-TX and LX-σ breaks is somewhat too low, and the luminosity-weighted temperatures are too high at a given σ, probably because our simulated temperature profiles are flat or rising toward small radii, while observed profiles decline at r ≲ 0.2Rvir. We conclude that radiative cooling has an important quantitative impact on group X-ray properties and can account for many of the observed trends that have been interpreted as evidence for nongravitational heating. Improved simulations and observations are needed to understand the remaining discrepancies and to decide the relative importance of cooling and nongravitational heating in determining X-ray scalings.
Visualization of quantitative breast DCE-MRI functional parametric maps by dedicated image processing

DCE-MRI is a diagnostic method that can visualize neoangiogenic-induced vascular changes. Typically, the analysis of these data is time-consuming and the visualization of the quantitative information on tumor vasculature, derivable from DCE-MRI, is not easy and comfortable. In this study, we propose a method to accelerate computation and analysis of DCE-MRI data, while making easy to use the functional information obtained from model-based functional analysis.
Real-time indoor positioning using range imaging sensors

This paper considers a novel indoor positioning method that is currently under development at the ETH Zurich. The method relies on a digital spatio-semantic interior building model CityGML and a Range Imaging sensor. In contrast to common indoor positioning approaches, the procedure presented here does not require local physical reference infrastructure, such as WLAN hot spots or reference markers.
MUSIC THERAPY AS AN INTERVENTION FOR INPATIENT TREATMENT OF SUICIDAL IDEATION

This study examined the role music therapy plays in the treatment of people with suicidal ideation in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Through naturalistic inquiry, the study sought to describe participant reactions to music therapy in a group treatment setting and explain how the group was perceived to be of value. Inductive analysis of data led to the emergence of three main categories under which several themes were identified. The categories were PERSONAL CONTEXT, EXPERIENCE OF THE MUSIC THERAPY GROUP, and EFFECTIVENESS. Study outcomes are explained by components of Berne’s (1964) theory of Transactional Analysis (TA).
Expression of Type-1 Cannabinoid Receptor During Rat Postnatal Testicular Development: Possible Involvement in Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation1

Abstract Endocannabinoids are lipidic modulators able to bind cannabinoid receptors (CNRs). Two types of CNRs have been cloned, CNR1 (central) and CNR2 (peripheral). The objectives of the present study were to investigate the expression pattern of CNR1 in the rat testis during prepubertal development and to define the CNR1 spatiotemporal pattern. From 31 to 60 days of age, CNR1 was immunolocalized in round elongating spermatids and spermatozoa, suggesting an important role for this receptor in spermatogenesis. From 14 to 60 days of age, adult Leydig cells (ALCs) at different developmental stages were positive for CNR1. In particular, CNR1 expression in differentiating ALCs was negatively correlated to cell division. Bromodeoxyuridine uptake experiments on serial sections showed that immature Leydig cells in mitosis were negative for CNR1; in contrast, immature nonmitotic Leydig cells were positive for CNR1. A further observation of few ALCs in CNR1KO mice validates the role of CNR1 during proliferative activity involved in ALC differentiation. In addition, starting from 41 days of age, a faint CNR1 signal was also observed in Sertoli cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate the first clear evidence (to our knowledge) of CNR1 in mammalian germinal epithelium, ALCs, and Sertoli cells and indicate that differentiation of ALCs may depend on the endocannabinoid system.
Using Top‐down and Bottom‐up Costing Approaches in LMICs: The Case for Using Both to Assess the Incremental Costs of New Technologies at Scale

Abstract Purpose Estimating the incremental costs of scaling‐up novel technologies in low‐income and middle‐income countries is a methodologically challenging and substantial empirical undertaking, in the absence of routine cost data collection. We demonstrate a best practice pragmatic approach to estimate the incremental costs of new technologies in low‐income and middle‐income countries, using the example of costing the scale‐up of Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/resistance to riframpicin (RIF) in South Africa. Materials and methods We estimate costs, by applying two distinct approaches of bottom‐up and top‐down costing, together with an assessment of processes and capacity. Results The unit costs measured using the different methods of bottom‐up and top‐down costing, respectively, are $US16.9 and $US33.5 for Xpert MTB/RIF, and $US6.3 and $US8.5 for microscopy. The incremental cost of Xpert MTB/RIF is estimated to be between $US14.7 and $US17.7. While the average cost of Xpert MTB/RIF was higher than previous studies using standard methods, the incremental cost of Xpert MTB/RIF was found to be lower. Conclusion Costs estimates are highly dependent on the method used, so an approach, which clearly identifies resource‐use data collected from a bottom‐up or top‐down perspective, together with capacity measurement, is recommended as a pragmatic approach to capture true incremental cost where routine cost data are scarce.
White space radio: Towards an active database-centred topology

The following paper presents and discusses the state of the art in White Space radio topologies. A possible system architecture combining database stations and active sensing is also presented. Some of the main challenges associated with such architectures are discussed and notes are made with regard to database design, sensing requirements and antenna specifications. The discussion could inform the development of distributed device networks which are needed to enable the Internet of Things.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Attenuates FFA Induced Ceramide Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes in an Adiponectin Dependent Manner

Objective Excess dietary lipids result in the accumulation of lipid metabolites including ceramides that can attenuate insulin signaling. There is evidence that a botanical extract of Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) improves insulin action, yet the precise mechanism(s) are not known. Hence, we examined the effects of Urtica dioica L. (UT) on adipocytes. Research Design We investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of UT on free fatty acid (palmitic acid) induced inhibition of insulin-stimulated Akt serine phosphorylation and modulation of ceramidase expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Adipocytes were exposed to excess FFAs in the presence or absence of UT. Effects on adiponectin expression, ceramidase expression, ceramidase activity, ceramide accumulation and insulin signaling were determined. Results As expected, FFAs reduced adiponectin expression and increased the expression of ceramidase enzymes but not their activity. FFA also induced the accumulation of ceramides and reduced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in adipocytes. The effects of FFA were partially reversed by UT. UT enhanced adiponectin expression and ceramidase activity in the presence of excess FFAs. UT abated ceramide accumulation and increased insulin sensitivity via enhanced Akt phosphorylation. A siRNA knockdown of adiponectin expression prevented UT from exerting positive effects on ceramidase activity but not Akt phosphorylation. Conclusions In adipocytes, the ability of UT to antagonize the negative effects of FFA by modulating ceramidase activity and ceramide accumulation is dependent on the presence of adiponectin. However, the ability of UT to enhance Akt phosphorylation is independent of adiponectin expression. These studies demonstrate direct effects of UT on adipocytes and suggest this botanical extract is metabolically beneficial.
Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, an immunosuppressive enzyme that inhibits natural killer cell function, as a useful target for ovarian cancer therapy

This study examined the role of the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in ovarian cancer progression, and the possible application of this enzyme as a target for ovarian cancer therapy. We transfected a short hairpin RNA vector targeting IDO into the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3, that constitutively expresses IDO and established an IDO downregulated cell line (SKOV-3/shIDO) to determine whether inhibition of IDO mediates the progression of ovarian cancer. IDO downregulation suppressed tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination in vivo, without influencing cancer cell growth. Moreover, IDO downregulation enhanced the sensitivity of cancer cells to natural killer (NK) cells in vitro, and promoted NK cell accumulation in the tumor stroma in vivo. These findings indicate that downregulation of IDO controls ovarian cancer progression by activating NK cells, suggesting IDO targeting as a potential therapy for ovarian cancer.
New Point Matching Algorithm Using Sparse Representation of Image Patch Feature for SAR Image Registration

Image registration is an important preprocessing step in many synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image applications. A key issue in image registration is to reliably establish the correspondences between the feature points extracted from the reference and sensed images. A new point matching algorithm is proposed in this paper to align two SAR images. In the proposed method, by considering image patches as the basic units, a novel local descriptor including the intensity and geometric information is assigned to each feature point, which is more robust to speckle noise. Furthermore, a correspondence establishment scheme is introduced based on the reconstruction errors between feature points calculated by the sparse representation (SR) technique, which is designed for achieving accurate matches. Based on the obtained SR coefficients, a coordinate correction procedure is further proposed for improving the localization accuracy of the obtained correspondences. Both simulated deformed and real SAR images are utilized to evaluate the performance. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method yields a better registration performance in terms of both accuracy and robustness.
The role of stromal fibroblasts in lung carcinogenesis: A target for chemoprevention?

The tumour microenvironment plays an essential role in the development and spread of cancers. Tumour cells interact with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), embedded within which, are a variety of non‐cancer cells including cells of the vasculature, immune system and fibroblasts. The essential role of fibroblasts in the cultivation and maintenance of an environment in which tumour cells are able to maintain their aggressive phenotypic traits is becoming increasingly well documented. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts are able to secrete a vast array of ECM‐modulating factors, meaning that they have potential for a functional role in every step of the carcinogenic process. In particular, they are likely to have a role in early tumour‐initiating inflammatory events, and so may provide a potential target for chemopreventive intervention. This review summarises the known interactions between lung tumour cells and surrounding reactive fibroblasts, highlighting the need to further investigate cancer‐associated fibroblasts as therapeutic targets in lung cancer chemoprevention strategies.