Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fully Constrained Linear Spectral Unmixing Algorithm Based on Distance Geometry

Under the linear spectral mixture model, hyperspectral unmixing can be considered as a convex geometry problem, in which the endmembers are located in the vertices of simplex enclosing the hyperspectral data set and the barycentric coordinates of observation pixels with respect to the simplex correspond to the abundances of endmembers. Based on distance geometry theory, in this paper we propose a new approach for abundance estimation of mixed pixels in hyperspectral images. With the endmember signatures, which is known a priori or can be obtained from the endmember extraction algorithms, the proposed method automatically estimates the abundances of endmembers at each pixel using convex geometry concepts and distance geometry constraints. In the algorithm, denoting the pairwise distances with Cayley-Menger matrix makes it easy to calculate the barycentric coordinates of the observation pixels. Another characteristic of this algorithm is that the optimal estimated points of observation pixels as well as the least distortion in geometric structure of original data set can be obtained with the distance geometry constraint. Simultaneously, the use of barycenter of simplex builds an accurate and efficient method to estimate endmembers with zero abundance and, as a result, the subsimplex containing the estimated points is obtained. A comparative study and analysis based on Monte Carlo simulations and real data experiments is conducted among the proposed algorithm and three state-of-the-art algorithms: fully constrained least squares (FCLS), FCLS computed using constrained sparse unmixing by variable splitting and augmented Lagrangian, and simplex-projection unmixing (SPU). The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm always provides the best unmixing accuracy and when the number of endmembers is not very large the algorithm has a lower computational complexity.
MINT, the Msx2 Interacting Nuclear Matrix Target, Enhances Runx2-dependent Activation of the Osteocalcin Fibroblast Growth Factor Response Element*

Msx2 promotes osteogenic lineage allocation from mesenchymal progenitors but inhibits terminal differentiation demarcated by osteocalcin (OC) gene expression. Msx2 inhibits OC expression by targeting the fibroblast growth factor responsive element (OCFRE), a 42-bp DNA domain in the OC gene bound by the Msx2 interacting nuclear target protein (MINT) and Runx2/Cbfa1. To better understand Msx2 regulation of the OCFRE, we have studied functional interactions between MINT and Runx2, a master regulator of osteoblast differentiation. In MC3T3E1 osteoblasts (with endogenous Runx2 and FGFR2), MINT augments transcription driven by the OCFRE that is further enhanced by FGF2 treatment. OCFRE regulation can be reconstituted in the naïve CV1 fibroblast cell background. In CV1 cells, MINT synergizes with Runx2 to enhance OCFRE activity in the presence of activated FGFR2. The RNA recognition motif domain of MINT (which binds the OCFRE) is required. Runx2 structural studies reveal that synergy with MINT uniquely requires Runx2 activation domain 3. In confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, MINT adopts a reticular nuclear matrix distribution that overlaps transcriptionally active osteoblast chromatin, extensively co-localizing with the phosphorylated RNA polymerase II meshwork. MINT only partially co-localizes with Runx2; however, co-localization is enhanced 2.5-fold by FGF2 stimulation. Msx2 abrogates Runx2-MINT OCFRE activation, and MINT-directed RNA interference reduces endogenous OC expression. In chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, Msx2 selectively inhibits Runx2 binding to OC chromatin. Thus, MINT enhances Runx2 activation of multiprotein complexes assembled by the OCFRE. Msx2 targets this complex as a mechanism of transcriptional inhibition. In osteoblasts, MINT may serve as a nuclear matrix platform that organizes and integrates osteogenic transcriptional responses.
Pilot Study of Mucosal Genetic Differences in Early Smokers and Nonsmokers

Background: Global gene expression analysis is proving to be an important means of assessing human tumors and may identify key components of carcinogenesis or clinical prognosis. This technique has been successfully applied to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and thyroid carcinomas; however, little has been done to evaluate premalignant states.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs reduce radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE A 2-year randomized controlled trial was performed to test the hypothesis that long-term, continuous treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in comparison with NSAID treatment on demand only, influences radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS Patients with AS (n = 215), who had previously participated in a 6-week, randomized, double-blind clinical trial that compared celecoxib, ketoprofen, and placebo, were randomly allocated to receive either continuous treatment with NSAIDs or on-demand treatment with NSAIDs for a period of 2 years. All patients began treatment with celecoxib, at a starting dosage of 100 mg twice daily; patients could increase this dosage to 200 mg twice daily or could switch to another NSAID while maintaining the same treatment strategy. Structural changes were assessed by radiographs of the lumbar and cervical spine and scored according to the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score by one observer who was blinded to the treatment strategy and temporal order of the radiographs. Statistical analyses included a between-group comparison of 1) radiographic progression scores (by Mann-Whitney U test), 2) time-averaged values of variables reflecting signs and symptoms of AS (by linear regression analysis), and 3) the frequency of reported site-specific adverse events (by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate). RESULTS Complete sets of radiographs were available for 76 of the 111 patients in the continuous-treatment group and for 74 of the 104 patients in the on-demand group. The mean +/- SD scores for radiographic progression were 0.4 +/- 1.7 in the continuous-treatment group and 1.5 +/- 2.5 in the on-demand treatment group (P = 0.002). Parameters reflecting signs and symptoms were not statistically significantly different between groups. The between-group difference in radiographic progression did not disappear after adjusting for baseline values of radiographic damage or disease activity variables and for time-averaged values of disease activity variables, nor after input of missing data. Relevant adverse events tended to occur more frequently in the continuous-treatment group than in the on-demand group (for hypertension, 9% versus 3%; for abdominal pain, 11% versus 6%; for dyspepsia, 41% versus 38%), but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION A strategy of continuous use of NSAIDs reduces radiographic progression in symptomatic patients with AS, without increasing toxicity substantially.
Effects of unilateral and bilateral cochlea removal on 2‐deoxyglucose patterns in the chick auditory system

The 2‐deoxyglucose (2DG) method was used to map functional activity in the auditory system of chicks that had been subjected to unilateral or bilateral cochlea removal. Following survival times of 1 day to 4 weeks, chicks were exposed to continuous white noise in the 2DG experiments. In monaural subjects nucleus angularis and nucleus magnocellularis showed faint 2DG uptake on the side contralateral to the intact ear. In the binaural nucleus laminaris, the asymmetrical and almost mirror‐imaged labeling pattern (Lippe, Stewart, and Rubel: Brain Res. 196:43–58, '80) was produced. The superior olive (OS) was strongly labeled on the ipsilateral side, whereas the contralateral OS showed only a slight 2DG uptake at its medial border. The lateral lemniscus and nucleus lemnisci lateralis, pars ventralis (LLv) showed stronger activation on the contralateral side. Both Nissl stains and 2DG patterns provide evidence that nucleus ventralis lemnisci lateralis (VLV) can be subdivided into an anterior (VLVa) and a posterior (VLVp) part. Whereas VLVp is labeled only contralaterally, VLVa is labeled on both sides with similar intensity. Nucleus mesencephalicus lateralis, pars dorsalis (MLD) is strongly labeled throughout contralaterally. The ipsilateral MLD shows a defined ventral portion of high 2DG uptake. Intensity of labeling here is symmetrical to the corresponding area of the contralateral MLD. These symmetrical patterns were related to the tonotopic organization of MLD, which was mapped in intact animals by using tone stimuli. Assuming that symmetrical 2DG uptake in monaural animals indicates excitatory input from both ears (EE‐cells), it appears that these EE‐cells occupy a sector of each isofrequency plane in MLD. Nucleus ovoidalis (Ov) generally was stronger labeled on the contralateral side. The columnar organization of field L as seen in monaural chicks has already been described (Scheich, Exp. Brain Res. 51:199–205, '83). In bilaterally deafened chicks, MLD, Ov, and layer L2 of field L showed strong but spatially restricted 2DG accumulation in contrast to absence of labeling in peripheral nuclei.
Plantar loading characteristics during walking in females with and without patellofemoral pain.

BACKGROUND Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common injury, particularly in females. Foot pronation may promote knee and hip transverse plane joint kinematics during gait thought to contribute to PFP. Greater knowledge of plantar loading characteristics in females with PFP may be valuable to provide a basis for clinical decisions regarding footwear and foot orthoses. The purpose of this study was to compare plantar loading distribution in females with and without PFP during gait. METHODS Plantar pressure during walking was recorded from 19 females with PFP and 20 females without PFP. Contact area, peak force, and force-time integral were evaluated in ten plantar areas. Arch index was also calculated from contact area data during gait. RESULTS Contact area in females with PFP was 9% smaller in the first metatarsal region (P = .039) and 20% smaller in the midfoot region (P = .042) than in females without PFP. Peak force was 31% lower in the midfoot region for females with PFP (P = .027) and 13% lower in the first metatarsal region (P = .064). Force-time integral was 18% lower in the first metatarsal region in females with PFP (P = .024). Females with PFP demonstrated a lower arch index (suggesting a higher arch) (P = .028). CONCLUSIONS Decreased medial forefoot loading and decreased midfoot contact suggest decreased foot pronation during gait in females with PFP relative to females without PFP. Decreased foot pronation may foster increased patellofemoral joint loading rates. These data contribute to rationale for footwear modifications to modify plantar loading characteristics in people experiencing PFP.
Development and Pilot Test of the Shriners Pediatric Instrument for Neuromuscular Scoliosis (SPNS): A Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children With Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract Background/Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the results of rater agreement for the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISCSCI) motor and sensory scores before and after training in the testing technique. Methods: Six raters performed sequential motor and sensory examinations on 5 adolescents with SCI according to the ISCSCI manual. After completion of the first examinations, all raters were provided with a half-day formal training session on testing techniques, after which the raters repeated the examinations. lntraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated to provide parameters for ICC interpretation: > 0.90 = high agreement; 0.75 to 0.90 = moderate agreement; < 0.75 = poor agreement. Results: After training, there was improvement in rater agreement of summed motor scores (MS) from ICC = 0.809 to 0.862 and discrimination scores from ICC = 0.786 to 0.892. There was moderate rater agreement for light touch scores (LTS) before and after training. After training, there was improvement in 95% Cis except for ICCs for LTS, but for all ICCs, the lower 95% Cl value remained less than 0.75. Conclusions: Training improved rater agreement on MS and discrimination, but 95% Cis remained unacceptably wide. The positive effect of training in motor and sensory testing techniques is supported by the study data. Unlike previous studies that have suggested the ISCSCI has acceptable reliability for clinical trials, the results of this study do not fully support the use of the ISCSCI for clinical trials without better standardization to establish a lower 95% Cl value of at least 0.75.
EilA, a HilA‐like regulator in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is increasingly recognized as a diarrhoeal pathogen in developing and industrialized countries. Most EAEC virulence factors thus far described are encoded on virulence plasmid pAA, yet recent completion of the EAEC genome has suggested the presence of additional factors encoded on chromosomal islands. Previous reports have recognized the presence of a type III secretion system (T3SS), designated ETT2, at the glyU locus of prototype EAEC strain 042, along with possible T3SS effectors at the selC locus. The selC locus was also noted to harbour homologues of Salmonella enterica regulator HilA and of invasin from Yersinia spp. , yet previous publications suggested that these loci may be silent. Here, we show that the genes of the selC locus are present inconsistently among a collection of well‐characterized EAEC strains. Notably, however, there was perfect correlation between the presence of hilA‐homologue eilA and predicted Yersinia invasin homologue gene eaeX. We hypothesized that if expressed, the putative gene product EilA would contribute to EAEC virulence in part by activation of the T3SS and its effectors. An eilA mutant was constructed in EAEC strain 042, and complementation was achieved by cloning the eilA gene under control of an arabinose‐dependent promoter. In this system, we observed expression of at least seven genes to be affected by expression of eilA, either directly or indirectly: selC locus genes eipB, eipC, eipD, eicA and eaeX (renamed here air), as well as glyU ETT2 genes eivF and eivA. Notably, the eilA mutant was shown to be less adherent to epithelial cells in culture and to form less abundant biofilms than the isogenic parent. These effects were recapitulated in the air mutant, suggesting that the predicted outer membrane protein product of the air gene is involved as an accessory adhesin and aggregin of EAEC, coexpressed with the T3SS. Our data suggest that the T3SS of EAEC and presumed effectors located on different chromosomal islands may be coordinately activated by EilA, which also activates the genetically linked high molecular weight bacterial surface protein Air. Contributions of this new putative virulence‐related regulon in EAEC may include adherence, aggregation, and as yet uncharacterized roles for the T3SS.
Is It Possible to Reconcile the Caplet and Swaption Markets? Evidence from the U.S.-Dollar Market

One of the persistent and annoying puzzles in the area of interest rate derivatives is that models that can price interest rate caps consistently relative to their prices in the market fail to price swaptions properly, and vice versa, even though the payoffs to both types of derivative depend on the same spot and forward interest rates. Is reconciling the two markets just a matter of finding the right interest rate process? In this article, Rebonato and Pogudin take the very general class of models that falls within the LIBOR market model-stochastic alpha, beta, rho (LMM-SABR) family to explore whether a common valuation model can be obtained. Calibrating to caplet prices, they find overall reasonable fits but have difficulty matching swaption market prices; in particular, those with long underlying swapmaturities seem overpriced in the market. Exploring alternative assumptions on the term structure of forward rate volatilities and volatility of volatility brings them to a strategy that super-replicates a swaption payoff with an early-stopping cap contract. The model can price the two reasonably well, but in the market, the swaptions are regularly priced very close to the model-free noarbitrage bound. Moreover, the assumptions needed to get to that result entail highly unrealistic expectations about future cap prices. So, after careful exploration that illuminates the nature of the puzzle, the puzzle remains puzzling.
Intracellular Ca2+ signals evoked by stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in SH‐SY5Y cells: contribution of voltage‐operated Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ stores

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) can regulate several neuronal processes through Ca2+‐dependent mechanisms. The versatility of nAChR‐mediated responses presumably reflects the spatial and temporal characteristics of local changes in intracellular Ca2+ arising from a variety of sources. The aim of this study was to analyse the components of nicotine‐evoked Ca2+ signals in SH‐SY5Y cells, by monitoring fluorescence changes in cells loaded with fluo‐3 AM. Nicotine (30 µm) generated a rapid elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ that was partially and additively inhibited (40%) by α7 and α3β2* nAChR subtype selective antagonists; α3β4* nAChR probably account for the remaining response (60%). A substantial blockade (80%) by CdCl2 (100 µm) indicates that voltage‐operated Ca2+ channels (VOCC) mediate most of the nicotine‐evoked response, although the α7 selective antagonist α‐bungarotoxin (40 nm) further decreased the CdCl2‐ resistant component. The elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels provoked by nicotine was sustained for at least 10 min and required the persistent activation of nAChR throughout the response. Intracellular Ca2+ stores were implicated in both the initial and sustained nicotine‐evoked Ca2+ responses, by the blockade observed after ryanodine (30 µm) and the inositoltriphosphate (IP3)‐receptor antagonist, xestospongin‐c (10 µm). Thus, nAChR subtypes are differentially coupled to specific sources of Ca2+: activation of nAChR induces a sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels which is highly dependent on the activation of VOCC, and also involves Ca2+ release from ryanodine and IP3‐dependent intracellular stores. Moreover, the α7, but not α3β2* nAChR, are responsible for a fraction of the VOCC‐independent nicotine‐evoked Ca2+ increase that appears to be functionally coupled to ryanodine sensitive Ca2+ stores.
The Efficiency of Thailand’s Stock Index Futures Market

The objectives of this study were 1) to examine the market efficiency in Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) specified in SET50 Index Futures in contracts of different maturity terms 2) to explain the Speed of Adjustment of future spot price in SET50 Index Futures in contracts of different maturity terms 3) to find out the volatility of the futures prices (change in a lag term and Time Varying Risk Premium) and 4) to purpose the TFEX policy implication related to market efficiency in individual contract terms. This study conclvded that there was no market efficiency in all the contracts. However, the futures price and the future spot price have a long-run relationship in all the contracts when the Cointegration Model was utilized. Futures price in short-term contracts can better represent future spot price than that in long-term contracts. When the Error Correction Model (ECM) was utilized, it was fond that the speed of adjustment of the future spot price in the long-term contract had higher volatility. TFEX should carefully revise the procedures on how to properly regulate maturity for all financial products in the SET 50 Index Futures because contracts with a maturity term of more than 3 months will have a low level of liquidity and are less predictable for “Future Spot Price. ” Also, TFEX should promote short-maturity contracts and carefully educate investors to have a profound understand of the derivative products in the SET50 Index Futures and market mechanism.
An Efficient SVPWM Algorithm With Low Computational Overhead for Three-Phase Inverters

A compact algorithm of space vector pulsewidth modulation (SVPWM) for three-phase inverters is proposed and developed in this paper. Simplified by the proposed method, the conventional SVPWM is decomposed into fast integer operations entirely by using an intermediate vector, which will properly counteract the redundant calculations of the remaining procedures. This concept can not only simplify a two-level scheme, but is also suited for multilevel implementation. Since it can be implemented without any multiplier or divider, the fast algorithm is especially suitable for field programmable gate array applications. Then, an area- and speed-efficient IP-core based on this algorithm is built and tested. It ensures lower hardware resource usage, and at the same time, operates several times faster than some reported examples. Finally, experimental results obtained from a dc-ac inverter prototype are presented to verify the viability and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Update on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer principally attributable to asbestos. Although the incidence is now declining in the United States, it will continue to increase worldwide until all nations institute regulations limiting asbestos use and exposure. This is a heterogeneous disease, with three pathological subtypes that yield very different outcomes. Stage is less important than histology in determining prognosis. The biomarkers serum mesothelin-related peptide and osteopontin are being evaluated for screening asbestos-exposed individuals and monitoring disease response. The optimal surgical procedure remains controversial because extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy/decortication can achieve similar results. The reference chemotherapy regimen, pemetrexed-cisplatin, improves survival and quality of life. Key questions about maintenance therapy and the optimal regimens for elderly and frail patients remain to be answered. Although few other cytotoxic drugs have activity, a surprising number of novel agents are being investigated.
A survey of current trends in diffusion MRI for structural brain connectivity

In this paper, we review the state of the art in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and we present current trends in modelling the brain's tissue microstructure and the human connectome. dMRI is today the only tool that can probe the brain's axonal architecture in vivo and non-invasively, and has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two decades since its conception. A plethora of models with increasing complexity and better accuracy have been proposed to characterise the integrity of the cerebral tissue, to understand its microstructure and to infer its connectivity. Here, we discuss a wide range of the most popular, important and well-established local microstructure models and biomarkers that have been proposed from these models. Finally, we briefly present the state of the art in tractography techniques that allow us to understand the architecture of the brain's connectivity.