Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facial expression recognition using krawtchouk moments and support vector machine classifier

In this paper, we have proposed an algorithm for facial expression recognition using Krawtchouk moments. In this method, useful facial patches are detected using Viola Jones algorithm. These detected patches are first preprocessed by performing Gaussian filtering and histogram equalization. As our facial expressions are mainly dependent on eyes and lips gestures so only these regions of interests are extracted. Computation of orthogonal moments is performed on extracted ROI at different spatial pyramid levels. These features are then concatenated so that both global and local features can be obtained. The dimensional space of the feature vector is reduced by using Neighbourhood Component Analysis (NCA) so that only relevant features with high expression information are selected. We use 10 fold cross validation to perform classification using binary Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. An efficiency of 95.62% and 95.31% on CK+ database and JAFFE database has been obtained respectively.
What's the Skinny on Elastin Deficiency and Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis?

Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), a localized narrowing of the aorta just distal to the aortic valve, has been encountered sporadically for over 130 years.1,2 In 1961, Williams reported 4 patients with SVAS who shared syndromic features, including short stature, mental retardation, peripheral pulmonary artery stenoses, and a characteristic facies.3 Beuren et al4 reported additional cases, and this syndrome is now known both as Williams syndrome (WS) and Williams–Beuren syndrome. Familial clustering of nonsyndromic SVAS5,6 and WS7 was later identified, bolstering the notion that both WS and SVAS are genetically based. See accompanying article on page 930 Williams hypothesized that SVAS was caused by a combination of medial hypertrophy and aortic wall constriction, but proposed no underlying mechanisms. Others proposed intimal fibrous thickening, due to hyperplasia and excessive collagen deposition (Figure [A]), as potential pathogeneses.9,10 However, the mechanisms that might account for cell proliferation and fibrosis remained uncertain. In 1993, Keating’s group discovered that (1) individuals with both familial and sporadic WS were hemizygous at the elastin locus11 and (2) members of a family with SVAS had a balanced translocation that disrupted the elastin gene and cosegregated with the SVAS phenotype.12 Because elastin is a major component of the aortic wall, comprising ≈50% of total protein,13 and because aortas of individuals with SVAS have decreased elastin content and abnormal elastin architecture,10 elastin deficiency seemed the obvious underlying cause of SVAS. This conclusion was solidified by detection of elastin point mutations in individuals with SVAS.14 Keating’s group speculated that SVAS associated with elastin deficiency was caused by decreased aortic elasticity leading to endothelial dysfunction, and that this nondenuding endothelial injury led to intimal proliferation, fibrosis, and stenosis (Figure [B]). 12 Figure. Models of pathogenesis of aortic …
Autonomic cardiac control response to walking and executive cognitive task in adolescents with acquired brain injury and typically developed controls

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) present a range of physical and cognitive as well as cardiac autonomic control system (CACS) dysfunctions. Aim: To examine the CACS response to an executive task, a physical task and a combined physical and executive task, in adolescents with ABI and typically developed (TD) controls. Methods: Included were two groups: The first group consisted of 17 adolescents (11–18 years) with ABI, during the in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation period. All were independent walkers. The second group consisted of 18-year-olds age and gender-matched TD adolescents. A Polar RS800CX device was used to assess heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). Walking velocity was assessed by average speed on the 6-Minute Walk Test, and executive cognitive function was assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire. The physical task was walking for 5 minutes on a treadmill. The cognitive task was the Digit Span Backward test. The study included four stages divided into rest state with and without cognitive task and walking state with and without cognitive task. Results: Adolescents with ABI presented higher HR and lower HRV measures at rest (p-value < 0.01). A significant ‘group’ and ‘activity’ interaction effect on HRV was found; change in the activity level had significantly smaller effects on HRV parameters in adolescents with ABI as compared to controls. An interaction effect of ‘cognitive’ and ‘activity’ on HR and HRV was noted, with no significant difference between groups; at rest, performing a cognitive task was associated with reduced HRV, while during walking HRV increased. Conclusions: While ABI was associated with a reduced HRV at rest and less adaptive cardiac autonomic system to activity, ABI adolescent’s response to a cognitive demand during an activity task such as walking was similar to the response of TD adolescents. Accordingly, we may say that adding a cognitive task to a walking task can improve the CACS function of ABI adolescents.
Evaluation of the Biological Properties and Cross-Reactive Antibody Response to H10 Influenza Viruses in Ferrets

ABSTRACT The recent outbreak of avian origin H10N7 influenza among seals in northern Europe and two fatal human infections with an avian H10N8 virus in China have demonstrated that H10 viruses can spread between mammals and cause severe disease in humans. To gain insight into the potential for H10 viruses to cross the species barrier and to identify a candidate vaccine strain, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo properties and antibody response in ferrets to 20 diverse H10 viruses. H10 virus infection of ferrets caused variable weight loss, and all 20 viruses replicated throughout the respiratory tract; however, replication in the lungs was highly variable. In glycan-binding assays, the H10 viruses preferentially bound “avian-like” α2,3-linked sialic acids. Importantly, several isolates also displayed strong binding to long-chain “human-like” α2,6-linked sialic acids and exhibited comparable or elevated neuraminidase activity relative to human H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2 viruses. In hemagglutination inhibition assays, 12 antisera cross-reacted with ≥14 of 20 H10 viruses, and 7 viruses induced neutralizing activity against ≥15 of the 20 viruses. By combining data on weight loss, viral replication, and the cross-reactive antibody response, we identified A/mallard/Portugal/79906/2009 (H10N7) as a suitable virus for vaccine development. Collectively, our findings suggest that H10 viruses may continue to sporadically infect humans and other mammals, underscoring the importance of developing an H10 vaccine for pandemic preparedness. IMPORTANCE Avian origin H10 influenza viruses sporadically infect humans and other mammals; however, little is known about viruses of this subtype. Thus, we characterized the biological properties of 20 H10 viruses in vitro and in ferrets. Infection caused mild to moderate weight loss (5 to 15%), with robust viral replication in the nasal tissues and variable replication in the lung. H10 viruses preferentially bind “avian-like” sialic acids, although several isolates also displayed binding to “human-like” sialic acid receptors. This is consistent with the ability of H10 viruses to cross the species barrier and warrants selection of an H10 vaccine strain. By evaluating the cross-reactive antibody response to the H10 viruses and combining this analysis with viral replication and weight loss findings, we identified A/mallard/Portugal/79906/2009 (H10N7) as a suitable H10 vaccine strain.
Habitat-Specific Morphological Variation among Threespine Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) within a Drainage Basin

Habitat-specific morphological variation, often corresponding to resource specialization, is well documented in freshwater fishes. In this study we used landmark based morphometric analyses to investigate morphological variation among threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) from four interconnected habitat types within a single lowland drainage basin in eastern England. These included the upper and lower reaches of the river, the estuary, a connected ditch network and a coastal salt marsh. We found significant habitat-specific differences in morphology, with three axes of variation describing differences in orbit diameter, body depth, caudal peduncle shape and pectoral fin positioning as well as variation in relative dorsal and pelvic spine size. Interestingly, the ditch system, an artificial and heavily managed habitat, is populated by sticklebacks with a characteristic morphology, suggesting that human management of habitats can in some circumstances lead to morphological variation among the animals that inhabit them. We discuss the mechanisms that conceivably underlie the observed morphological variation and the further work necessary to identify them. Finally, we consider the implications of habitat-specific body shape variation for the behavioural ecology of this ecologically generalist species.
Coding and Interference Aware Path Bandwidth Estimation in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks

Network coding is known to be a promising technology to increase the bandwidth capacity in wireless networks. To our best knowledge, there is limited work on studying the available bandwidth for a given path with network coding. This paper presents a new method to estimate the available bandwidth of a path that considers network coding and wireless interference simultaneously. We show that our estimated path bandwidth can be easily achieved using a simple scheduling scheme. We also show that path bandwidth estimation is more accurate than other existing method through theoretical analysis and simulation experiments.
Hepatitis Delta Virus: Replication Strategy and Upcoming Therapeutic Options for a Neglected Human Pathogen

The human Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) is unique among all viral pathogens. Encoding only one protein (Hepatitis Delta Antigen; HDAg) within its viroid-like self-complementary RNA, HDV constitutes the smallest known virus in the animal kingdom. To disseminate in its host, HDV depends on a helper virus, the human Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which provides the envelope proteins required for HDV assembly. HDV affects an estimated 15–20 million out of the 240 million chronic HBV-carriers and disperses unequally in disparate geographical regions of the world. The disease it causes (chronic Hepatitis D) presents as the most severe form of viral hepatitis, leading to accelerated progression of liver dysfunction including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and a high mortality rate. The lack of approved drugs interfering with specific steps of HDV replication poses a high burden for gaining insights into the molecular biology of the virus and, consequently, the development of specific novel medications that resiliently control HDV replication or, in the best case, functionally cure HDV infection or HBV/HDV co-infection. This review summarizes our current knowledge of HBV molecular biology, presents an update on novel cell culture and animal models to study the virus and provides updates on the clinical development of the three developmental drugs Lonafarnib, REP2139-Ca and Myrcludex B.
The Effect of Language on Economic Behavior: Evidence from Savings Rates, Health Behaviors, and Retirement Assets

Languages differ widely in the ways they encode time. I test the hypothesis that the languages that grammatically associate the future and the present, foster future-oriented behavior. This prediction arises naturally when well-documented effects of language structure are merged with models of intertemporal choice. Empirically, I find that speakers of such languages: save more, retire with more wealth, smoke less, practice safer sex, and are less obese. This holds both across countries and within countries when comparing demographically similar native households. The evidence does not support the most obvious forms of common causation. I discuss implications for theories of intertemporal choice.
Probing Mixed-Genotype Infections II: High Multiplicity in Natural Infections of the Trypanosomatid, Crithidia bombi, in Its Host, Bombus spp

Mixed-genotype infections have major consequences for many essential elements of host-parasite interactions. With genetic exchange between co-infecting parasite genotypes increased diversity among parasite offspring and the emergence of novel genotypes from infected hosts is possible. We here investigated mixed- genotype infections using the host, Bombus spp. and its trypanosome parasite Crithidia bombi as our study case. The natural infections of C. bombi were genotyped with a novel method for a representative sample of workers and spring queens in Switzerland. We found that around 60% of all infected hosts showed mixed-genotype infections with an average of 2.47±0.22 (S.E.) and 3.65±1.02 genotypes per worker or queen, respectively. Queens, however, harboured up to 29 different genotypes. Based on the genotypes of co-infecting strains, these could be putatively assigned to either ‘primary’ and ‘derived’ genotypes - the latter resulting from genetic exchange among the primary genotypes. High genetic relatedness among co-infecting derived but not primary genotypes supported this scenario. Co-infection in queens seems to be a major driver for the diversity of genotypes circulating in host populations.
Robust Range Camera Pose Estimation for Mobile Online Scene Reconstruction

We present a multi-sensor camera tracking method for a real-time 3-D reconstruction on mobile devices. Our approach combines the iterative closest point (ICP) pose estimation using the low-resolution range maps delivered by a PMD pico-flexx time-of-flight camera with the 6-DOF pose estimates given by inertial tracking. In contrast to prior approaches, we do not rely on additional sensors, such as 2-D visual odometry. We fuse the results of the inertial tracking with the extrapolated ICP pose estimates using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Subsequently, the output of the EKF is used as initial guess for the next ICP-based pose estimation. This approach yields an efficient and robust pose tracking for the spatially and temporally low-resolution range data given in mobile applications, and, at the same time, it results in a consistent geometric reconstruction, as the final pose minimizes the error with respect to the scene geometry.
Semiparametric Contextual Bandits

This paper studies semiparametric contextual bandits, a generalization of the linear stochastic bandit problem where the reward for an action is modeled as a linear function of known action features confounded by an non-linear action-independent term. We design new algorithms that achieve $\tilde{O}(d\sqrt{T})$ regret over $T$ rounds, when the linear function is $d$-dimensional, which matches the best known bounds for the simpler unconfounded case and improves on a recent result of Greenewald et al. (2017). Via an empirical evaluation, we show that our algorithms outperform prior approaches when there are non-linear confounding effects on the rewards. Technically, our algorithms use a new reward estimator inspired by doubly-robust approaches and our proofs require new concentration inequalities for self-normalized martingales.
Bilobal architecture is a requirement for calmodulin signaling to CaV1.3 channels

Significance Calmodulin (CaM) regulation of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels constitutes a prototypic biological feedback mechanism that contributes prominently toward Ca2+ homeostasis in neurons and cardiac myocytes. Here, by partitioning CaM molecularly into its two elemental domains or lobes, we uncover a distinctive nonlinearity in CaM signaling to CaV channels. CaV channels detect the coincident binding of two CaM lobes to up-regulate channel activity. This mechanism elaborates a molecular logic operation that enables channels to detect combinations of spatiotemporal Ca2+ signals and perform higher-order computations on Ca2+ signals. These findings uncover the unified mechanistic basis for CaV channel feedback and, in so doing, shed light on the versatility of CaM in decoding cellular Ca2+ signals. Calmodulin (CaM) regulation of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels is a powerful Ca2+ feedback mechanism that adjusts Ca2+ influx, affording rich mechanistic insights into Ca2+ decoding. CaM possesses a dual-lobed architecture, a salient feature of the myriad Ca2+-sensing proteins, where two homologous lobes that recognize similar targets hint at redundant signaling mechanisms. Here, by tethering CaM lobes, we demonstrate that bilobal architecture is obligatory for signaling to CaV channels. With one lobe bound, CaV carboxy tail rearranges itself, resulting in a preinhibited configuration precluded from Ca2+ feedback. Reconstitution of two lobes, even as separate molecules, relieves preinhibition and restores Ca2+ feedback. CaV channels thus detect the coincident binding of two Ca2+-free lobes to promote channel opening, a molecular implementation of a logical NOR operation that processes spatiotemporal Ca2+ signals bifurcated by CaM lobes. Overall, a unified scheme of CaV channel regulation by CaM now emerges, and our findings highlight the versatility of CaM to perform exquisite Ca2+ computations.
Non-contact measurement of emotional and physiological changes in heart rate from a webcam

Heart rate, measured in beats per minute (BPM), can be used as an index of an individual’s physiological state. Each time the heart beats, blood is expelled and travels through the body. This blood flow can be detected in the face using a standard webcam that is able to pick up subtle changes in color that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Due to the light absorption spectrum of blood, we are able to detect differences in the amount of light absorbed by the blood traveling just below the skin (i.e., photoplethysmography). By modulating emotional and physiological stress—i.e., viewing arousing images and sitting vs. standing, respectively—to elicit changes in heart rate, we explored the feasibility of using a webcam as a psychophysiological measurement of autonomic activity. We found a high level of agreement between established physiological measures, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood pulse oximetry, and heart rate estimates obtained from the webcam. We thus suggest webcams can be used as a non-invasive and readily available method for measuring psychophysiological changes, easily integrated into existing stimulus presentation software and hardware setups.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at a glance.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habit. Hence, IBS is associated with a significantly impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and reduced work productivity around the world. The incidence of IBS is rising dramatically worldwide. Currently, 7 – 10 % of people have IBS worldwide and it is 1.5 times more prevalent in younger women than in men. Much research has been undertaken during the past several decades, which has lead to deep understanding about IBS, particularly the pathogenesis and management. This review summarizes the epidemiology, underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment about IBS that has been published in recent years. We hope this review can help to provide some reference in clinical practice for physicians in the management of IBS.
Discovery and Characterization of Human-Urine Utilization by Asymptomatic-Bacteriuria-Causing Streptococcus agalactiae

ABSTRACT Streptococcus agalactiae causes both symptomatic cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU); however, growth characteristics of S. agalactiae in human urine have not previously been reported. Here, we describe a phenotype of robust growth in human urine observed in ABU-causing S. agalactiae (ABSA) that was not seen among uropathogenic S. agalactiae (UPSA) strains isolated from patients with acute cystitis. In direct competition assays using pooled human urine inoculated with equal numbers of a prototype ABSA strain, designated ABSA 1014, and any one of several UPSA strains, measurement of the percentage of each strain recovered over time showed a markedly superior fitness of ABSA 1014 for urine growth. Comparative phenotype profiling of ABSA 1014 and UPSA strain 807, isolated from a patient with acute cystitis, using metabolic arrays of >2,500 substrates and conditions revealed unique and specific l-malic acid catabolism in ABSA 1014 that was absent in UPSA 807. Whole-genome sequencing also revealed divergence in malic enzyme-encoding genes between the strains predicted to impact the activity of the malate metabolic pathway. Comparative growth assays in urine comparing wild-type ABSA and gene-deficient mutants that were functionally inactivated for the malic enzyme metabolic pathway by targeted disruption of the maeE or maeK gene in ABSA demonstrated attenuated growth of the mutants in normal human urine as well as synthetic human urine containing malic acid. We conclude that some S. agalactiae strains can grow in human urine, and this relates in part to malic acid metabolism, which may affect the persistence or progression of S. agalactiae ABU.
Fish-Inspired Swimming Simulation and Robotic Implementation

This paper describes our efforts to develop a Digital Fish Simulator (DFS), particularly aiming at creating a controlled kinematic centered environment to further shed light on how to design and control artificial fish robots. Compared to a 3D simulator for autonomous robotic fish by Liu and Hu, an improved body wave equation capable of multimodal swimming motions is adopted in our simulator and artificial swimming data can be further imported enabling various fictive swimming patterns. Furthermore, the swimming data generated from the simulator can directly be fed into the fish robots for verification, and vice versa. Finally, a series of fishlike robots with different mechanical design have been built to validate our well-formed ideas and to reach a new level of performance close to actual fish for real applications.
Seasonal changes in anthropometric, physiological, nutritional, and performance factors in collegiate rowers.

Well-controlled seasonal distribution of training intensity appears to be an important variable for endurance athletes' success as competitors and/or for avoidance of overtraining. The aim of this study was to examine the interrelationships of training distribution, body composition, energy intake/expenditure, and rowing ergometer performance throughout the 2012-2013 season. In the present study of 15 collegiate male rowers, most of whom started rowing during their time at the university, we divided the 2012-2013 season (total 37 weeks) into 3 phases (off-season, December to mid-March, 16 weeks; pre-season, late March to April, 5 weeks; and in-season, May to August, 16 weeks) and analyzed the transition of 2000-m rowing ergometer time, training intensity/volume, body composition (body weight and body fat) and energy intake/expenditure in each phase. There were significant main effects of the training time by the intensities; 2000-m rowing ergometer time; energy expenditure; and protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake across the seasons (p < 0.05). Two findings were particularly important. First, on-water high-intensity training, especially for inexperienced rowers, may contribute to improvement of 2000-m rowing ergometer performance. Second, higher intake of carbohydrate, and to a lesser degree, protein, is necessary for optimal training adaptation (e.g., increase of muscle glycogen content), and results in better 2000-m performance on the rowing ergometer. Also, those findings may be beneficial to the coaches who are interested in designing the well-controlled seasonal training program, which is especially intended to improve the 2000-m rowing ergometer performance as well as avoidance of overtraining.