Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A co-training framework for visual tracking with multiple instance learning

This paper proposes a Co-training Multiple Instance Learning algorithm (CoMIL). Our framework is based on the co-training approach which labels incoming data continuously, and then uses the prediction from each classifier to enlarge the training set of the other. The discriminative classifier is implemented using online multiple instance learning (MIL), which can deal with inaccurate positive samples in the updating process and allow some flexibility while finding a decision boundary. Firstly, two classifiers are improved mutually in our CoMIL tracking system. Secondly, our update mechanism uses multiple potential positives according to the MIL which handles the update error due to the risk of extracting only one positive example. Experiments show that our CoMIL tracking algorithm performs better than several state-of-the-art tracking algorithms on challenging sequences.
A new no-reference stereoscopic image quality assessment based on ocular dominance theory and degree of parallax

In recent years, while stereoscopic images were becoming widely applied and the corresponding technologies were substantially developed, very few stereoscopic image quality assessment metrics were proposed, especially under the condition that there is no reference image available. This paper proposes a new no-reference stereoscopic image quality assessment algorithm based on the ocular dominance theory and degree of parallax. All of our tests using the Toyama database draw two valuable conclusions. First, the performances of stereoscopic image quality assessment methods are significantly affected by difference of image qualities between the left and right images. Second, to offset the discriminations of different degrees of parallax caused by various 3D image contents is required indeed. Experiments and comparative studies are provided to confirm the effectiveness of our proposed new stereoscopic image quality metric.
Markov Quantal Response Equilibrium and a Homotopy Method for Computing and Selecting Markov Perfect Equilibria of Dynamic Stochastic Games

We formally deﬁne Markov quantal response equilibrium (QRE) and prove existence for all ﬁnite discounted dynamic stochastic games. The special case of logit Markov QRE constitutes a mapping from precision parameter λ to sets of logit Markov QRE. The limiting points of this correspondence are shown to be Markov perfect equilibria. Furthermore, the logit Markov QRE correspondence can be given a homotopy interpretation. We prove that for all games, this homotopy contains a branch connecting the unique solution at λ = 0 to a unique limiting Markov perfect equilibrium. This result can be leveraged both for the computation of Markov perfect equilibria, and also as a selection criterion.
Clostridium difficile in antibiotic associated pediatric diarrhea.

A case control study was carried out at the medical wards of Dr. B.C. Roy Memorial Hospital for Children, Calcutta, between January and September 1989. One hundred eleven hospitalized children up to the age of 5 years, receiving antibiotics for different medical problems, developed antibiotic associated diarrhea. Isolation of Clostridium difficile as sole pathogen was very low (3.6%) from these patients. Fecal samples of 111 case matched control children were also screened for C.difficile. Only 2.7% fecal samples of control children were positive for C.difficile. All the strains of C.difficile isolated from antibiotic associated diarrhea cases showed neutralisable cytotoxin in in vitro test. In contrast none of the strains isolated from control children showed cytotoxicity. This study suggests that C.difficile is not an important pathogen related to antibiotic associated diarrhea in children at this hospital.
BK Virus–Associated Nephropathy in Sirolimus-Treated Renal Transplant Patients: Incidence, Course, and Clinical Outcomes

Background. Because the course of polyoma virus–associated nephropathy (PVAN) has not been evaluated in a large cohort of patients receiving sirolimus (SRL)-based regimens, we have herein presented the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of 378 renal transplant recipients treated with SRL-based immunosuppression. Methods. This retrospective single center study evaluated 344 kidney alone (KTX) and 34 simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantations performed between June 2000 and December 2004. Results. At a mean follow-up of 43.3 months, six kidney (1.7%) and three kidney-pancreas (9.0%) transplanted patients displayed biopsy-proven PVAN. The mean time to diagnosis after transplantation was 18.2 months (range: 3.5–31.1 months), with a higher incidence among patients exposed (4.23%) versus not exposed to rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG; 0.53%; P=0.019) or SPK (9.0%) versus KTX (1.7%) recipients (odds ratio: 5.43; confidence interval: 1.29–22.8; P=0.038). Despite treatment with cidofovir, reduced immunosuppression and maintenance therapy with no agents other than SRL (C0=10.2±2.7 ng/dL) plus modest doses of prednisone (≤5 mg), five patients (55.5%) experienced renal allograft failure. No rejection episodes were documented during the PVAN treatment and pancreatic function continued to be excellent among the SPK patients. Conclusions. Patients treated with SRL-based immunosuppression showed an incidence at the lower end of the range described with various other contemporaneous immunosuppressive regimens and with other cohorts not undergoing BK virus polymerase chain reaction surveillance. Exposure to rATG and SPK transplantation represented risk factors for the occurrence of PVAN, which showed a pernicious course despite withdrawal of calcineurin antagonists and/or mycophenolate mofetil.
Treatment of Posttransplant Lymphomas

Jacobson and LaCasce have provided a thorough review of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs), but the authors did not completely cover the field. While the article describes the development of lymphoid tumors related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients who have received an organ transplant, it did not consider PTLDs developing after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a condition also related to EBV but which is more aggressive. Not all PTLD cases are related to EBV, however, and as in patients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection or hereditary immune deficiency, other lymphoma subtypes may be observed, including T-cell lymphomas[1] (anaplastic large cell lymphoma,[2,3] hepatosplenic lymphoma[4]), indolent lymphomas[5]; and also Hodgkin lymphoma,[6,7] multiple myeloma,[8] or lymphoproliferative disorders associated with human herpes virus 8 infection. [9]
Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Staring Array Technology

This paper describes a multiple-beam, focal plane array technology which has evolved from microwave lens-fed receiver research, and has been developed to demonstrate a 35 GHz staring array radar. The key features of any sensor which exploits this technology are that it has no moving parts, and can accurately "look" in many independent directions simultaneously. In addition the arrays are based on integrated circuitry with the potential for full monolithic implementation in low cost silicon or GaAs. Associated research has shown that scaled versions of the technology are applicable to a range of operating frequencies from below 10 GHz up to 94 GHz. It therefore represents a less complex alternative to phased array technology for higher frequencies, and offers considerable advantages over conventional, mechanically scanned sensor hardware in terms of performance, cost, volume, weight, and reliability.
Risk factors for Giardia infection among hospitalized children in Cuba

Abstract The risk factors associated with Giardia infection, in children hospitalized in Havana, Cuba, were recently explored. Children aged ⩾5 years were more likely to be positive for Giardia infection than the younger children, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3·41 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·36–9·69]. The risk factors found to be associated with Giardia infection in univariate analyses were rural residence (OR = 3·01; CI = 1·23–7·35), belonging to a household that did not receive water from an aqueduct (OR = 3·27; CI = 1·21–8·91), drinking unboiled water (OR = 3·64; CI = 2·14–6·26), nail biting (OR = 3·47; CI = 1·97–6·08), eating unwashed vegetables raw (OR = 4·84; CI = 2·33–10·14), and a personal (OR = 3·23; CI = 1·58–6·59) or family history (OR = 3·96; CI = 1·53–10·47) of previous parasitic infection. In multivariate analyses, however, only two (modifiable) risk factors were found to be independently and significantly associated with Giardia infection: nail biting and eating unwashed vegetables raw. It therefore seems that, at least at the individual level, giardiasis‐prevention activities in Havana should be focussed on health education to improve personal hygiene and food‐related practices. If appropriately managed, the surveillance of drinking water and foodstuffs, for Giardia and other parasites, might also help to reduce the hospitalization of Cuban children.
Human Hydroxysteroid Sulfotransferase SULT2B1 Pharmacogenomics: Gene Sequence Variation and Functional Genomics

The human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (SULT) 2B1 gene is a member of the cytosolic SULT gene superfamily. The two SULT2B1 isoforms, SULT2B1a and SULT2B1b, are encoded by a single gene as a result of alternative transcription initiation and alternative splicing. SULT2B1b catalyzes the sulfonation of 3β-hydroxysteroid hormones and cholesterol, whereas SULT2B1a preferentially catalyzes pregnenolone sulfonation. We used a genotype-to-phenotype approach to identify and characterize common sequence variation in SULT2B1. Specifically, we resequenced all exons, splice junctions, and ∼2.5 kb of the 5′-flanking regions (FRs) for each isoform using 60 DNA samples each from African-American and Caucasian-American subjects. We observed 100 polymorphisms, including four nonsynonymous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms and one 6-base pair deletion—all within the “shared” region of the open reading frame. Functional genomic studies of the wild type (WT) and five variant allozymes for each isoform performed with a mammalian expression system showed that variant allozyme activities ranged from 64 to 88% of WT for SULT2B1a and from 76 to 98% for SULT2B1b. Relative levels of immunoreactive protein were similar to those for enzyme activity. Luciferase reporter gene constructs for 2.5 kb of the SULT2B1b 5′-FR displayed a cell line-dependent pattern of variation in activity. Finally, deletion of the proline-rich SULT2B1 carboxyl terminus resulted in intracellular protein aggregate formation and accelerated degradation of the truncated protein. These studies resulted in the identification of common SULT2B1 gene sequence variation, as well as insight into the effects of that variation on the function of this important steroid-metabolizing enzyme.
Atmospheric neutrinos and maximal mu-tau mixing in unified models

The recent data describing the evidence for neutrino oscillations by Super Kamiokande implies that two neutrinos are very strongly mixed. We ask the question: can approximate maximal neutrino mixing be natural in unified (GUT or string) models? We attempt to answer this question in as much generality as possible. Without specifying a particular model, we are able to show that a gauged family symmetry can naturally provide the required maximal mixing between μ and τ neutrinos. The second and third family neutrino mass eigenstates are almost degenerate with masses of order 0.2 eV.
Distribution and diversity of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in tree shrew

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) mediate the pupillary light reflex, circadian entrainment, and may contribute to luminance and color perception. The diversity of ipRGCs varies from rodents to primates, suggesting differences in their contributions to retinal output. To further understand the variability in their organization and diversity across species, we used immunohistochemical methods to examine ipRGCs in tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri). Tree shrews share membership in the same clade, or evolutionary branch, as rodents and primates. They are highly visual, diurnal animals with a cone‐dominated retina and a geniculo‐cortical organization resembling that of primates. We identified cells with morphological similarities to M1 and M2 cells described previously in rodents and primates. M1‐like cells typically had somas in the ganglion cell layer, with 23% displaced to the inner nuclear layer (INL). However, unlike M1 cells, they had bistratified dendritic fields ramifying in S1 and S5 that collectively tiled space. M2‐like cells had dendritic fields restricted to S5 that were smaller and more densely branching. A novel third type of melanopsin immunopositive cell was identified. These cells had somata exclusively in the INL and monostratified dendritic fields restricted to S1 that tiled space. Surprisingly, these cells immunolabeled for tyrosine hydroxylase, a key component in dopamine synthesis. These cells immunolabeled for an RGC marker, not amacrine cell markers, suggesting that they are dopaminergic ipRGCs. We found no evidence for M4 or M5 ipRGCs, described previously in rodents. These results identify some organizational features of the ipRGC system that are canonical versus species‐specific.
Distributed Large-Scale Data Collection in Online Social Networks

The popularity and huge amount of information published in Online Social Networks (OSN) established them as one of the main data sources for a variety of research community fields. However, the design of a large-scale dataset collection campaign is a major problem for organizations and researchers who aim in addressing their research questions by analyzing this type of data. OSN platforms provide Application Programming Interfaces (API) to third party developers, which enable them to retrieve and use this data for applications deployment. However, due to OSN imposed limitations, the process of retrieving large scale data with the use of these APIs is challenging and time consuming, resulting in datasets which are either incomplete or outdated. It is relatively impossible for an individual scientist or research group to follow an efficient dataset collection procedure and build a large sample in a short amount of time. In this paper we present a framework for efficient crowd crawling of OSN. Our framework is based on the use of multiple OSN accounts, which are engaged in an efficient distributed collection process able to circumvent the imposed limitations without violating the terms of use. We present an evaluation of the proposed solution and demonstrate its performance in terms of dataset completeness and timeliness, for the case study of Twitter, one of the most popular platforms used in research.
Challenges and Controversies in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is being intensely investigated within the last years. Expectations are high regarding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment in translational medicine. However, many aspects concerning MSC therapy should be profoundly defined. Due to a variety of approaches that are investigated, potential effects of stem cell therapy are not transparent. On the other hand, most results of MSC administration in vivo have confirmed their safety and showed promising beneficial outcomes. However, the therapeutic effects of MSC-based treatment are still not spectacular and there is a potential risk related to MSC applications into specific cell niche that should be considered in long-term observations and follow-up outcomes. In this review, we intend to address some problems and critically discuss the complex nature of MSCs in the context of their effective and safe applications in regenerative medicine in different diseases including graft versus host disease (GvHD) and cardiac, neurological, and orthopedic disorders.
FGF-10 is a chemotactic factor for distal epithelial buds during lung development.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is required for normal epithelial branching in the respiratory system of several species. Recent studies have shown that FGF-10 may be a key regulator of lung branching morphogenesis, based on its pattern of expression in the early lung and its ability to induce epithelial budding in vitro. In this study we investigate whether FGF-10 is able to direct lung epithelial buds to proper positions during development . We maintained localized high levels of FGF-10 in cultured lungs using FGF-10-soaked heparin beads. FGF-10 exerts a powerful chemoattractant effect on the distal but not on proximal lung epithelium. Epithelial buds grow toward an FGF-10 source within 24 h, and subsequently form concentric layers of epithelium around the bead. BrdU incorporation analysis suggests that FGF-10, in contrast to FGF-7, is a modest proliferation factor for the lung epithelium. In the absence of mesenchyme FGF-10 requires an associated proliferative signal to induce bud migration. This can be provided by extract from lung mesenchyme, or by FGF-7, a growth factor also present in the early embryonic lung. FGF-10 does not seem to interfere with early epithelial cell differentiation. The chemoattractant effect of FGF-10 in the lung epithelium is reminiscent of the patterning effect of the Drosophila FGF ortholog branchless in the developing tracheal epithelium, suggesting that the function of these genes has been conserved during evolution.
Parvibaculum lavamentivorans DS-1T Degrades Centrally Substituted Congeners of Commercial Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonate to Sulfophenyl Carboxylates and Sulfophenyl Dicarboxylates

ABSTRACT Commercial linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) contains 20 congeners of linear alkanes (C10 to C13) substituted subterminally with the 4-sulfophenyl moiety in any position from lateral to central. Parvibaculum lavamentivorans DS-1T degrades each of eight laterally substituted congeners [e.g., 2-(4-sulfophenyl)decane (2-C10-LAS); herein, compounds are named systematically by chain length (e.g., C10) and by the position of the substituent on the chain (e.g., position 2)] to a major sulfophenyl carboxylate [SPC; here 3-(4-sulfophenyl)butyrate (3-C4-SPC)] and two minor products, namely, the α,β-unsaturated SPC (SPC-2H, here 3-C4-SPC-2H) and the SPC+2C (here 5-C6-SPC) species (D. Schleheck, T. P. Knepper, K. Fischer, and A. M. Cook, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:4053-4063). The degradation of centrally substituted congeners by strain DS-1 was examined in this work. 5-C10-LAS yielded not only the predicted 4-C8-SPC, 4-C8-SPC-2H, and 6-C10-SPC (about 70% of products) but also sulfophenyl dicarboxylates (SPdC), i.e., C6-, C8-, and C10-SPdC. These were identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) after separation by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). ESI ion-trap MS and ESI-time of flight-MS were used to confirm the identities of key intermediates. Different mixtures of congeners obtained by separation of commercial LAS by HPLC were degraded, and the degradative products were compared. If a congener carried the sulfophenyl substituent on the 5, 6, or 7 position, SPdCs were formed as well as SPC, SPC-2H, and SPC+2C, whereas the substituent on the 2, 3, or 4 position yielded only SPC, SPC-2H, and SPC+2C. Some 50 products were generated from the 20 LAS congeners: 11 major SPCs, each with an SPC-2H and an SPC+2C (i.e., 33 SPC and SPC-2H species), and about 17 SPdC species. A large array of compounds, many in low quantities, is thus generated by P. lavamentivorans DS-1 during the degradation of commercial LAS.
Efficacy and safety results of long-term growth hormone treatment of idiopathic short stature.

CONTEXT Small clinical trials of GH treatment of idiopathic short stature (ISS) show variable efficacy. OBJECTIVE The study was an analysis of a large GH registry for efficacy and safety of GH treatment of ISS. There was also a comparison with a specific clinical trial. DESIGN Up to 7 yr of GH treatment of ISS was evaluated for efficacy and safety in the National Cooperative Growth Study (NCGS). SETTING The NCGS study was conducted at Genentech, Inc. and included 47,226 patients. PATIENTS The ISS group included maximum stimulated GH 10 ng/ml or more and/or a report of ISS by investigator (n = 8018; all included for safety). Cohort 1 (n = 2520) was similar to the clinical trial, cohort 2 (n = 283) included subjects younger than 5 yr of age, and cohort 3 (n = 940) was pubertal at GH start. INTERVENTION GH, approximately 0.30 mg/kg.wk, was given. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES These included growth velocities and height sd (HtSDS). RESULTS Mean first-year growth velocities in cohorts 1, 2, and 3 increased 4.6, 3.9, and 4.4 cm/yr over pretreatment, respectively. Measures included: baseline mean HtSDS, -2.9, -3.2, and -2.8; mean HtSDS at 1 yr, -2.4, -2.3, and -2.3, respectively. Mean HtSDS after 7 yr in cohorts 1 (n = 303) and 2 (n = 85) and 5 yr in cohort 3 (n = 58) were: -1.2, -1.0, and -1.5, respectively. Cohort 3 shorter treatment time was due to advanced baseline age (mean 13.8 yr) and puberty. Mean HtSDS gain in cohort 1 was comparable with the clinical trial. No new safety signals specific to the NCGS ISS population were observed. CONCLUSION ISS patients in the GH registry demonstrate a significant increase in HtSDS with the safety profile similar to GH-deficient patients. RESULTS were similar to the clinical trial.
The Protective Roles of Estrogen Receptor β in Renal Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation via Reducing the Liver Oxalate Biosynthesis and Renal Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cell Injury

Females develop kidney stones less frequently than males do. However, it is unclear if this gender difference is related to altered estrogen/estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. Here, we found that ER beta (ERβ) signals could suppress hepatic oxalate biosynthesis via transcriptional upregulation of the glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT1) expression. Results from multiple in vitro renal cell lines also found that ERβ could function via suppressing the oxalate-induced injury through increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that led to a decrease of the renal calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal deposition. Mechanism study results showed that ERβ suppressed oxalate-induced oxidative stress via transcriptional suppression of the NADPH oxidase subunit 2 (NOX2) through direct binding to the estrogen response elements (EREs) on the NOX2 5′ promoter. We further applied two in vivo mouse models with glyoxylate-induced renal CaOx crystal deposition and one rat model with 5% hydroxyl-L-proline-induced renal CaOx crystal deposition. Our data demonstrated that mice lacking ERβ (ERβKO) as well as mice or rats treated with ERβ antagonist PHTPP had increased renal CaOx crystal deposition with increased urinary oxalate excretion and renal ROS production. Importantly, targeting ERβ-regulated NOX2 with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin, can suppress the renal CaOx crystal deposition in the in vivo mouse model. Together, results from multiple in vitro cell lines and in vivo mouse/rat models all demonstrate that ERβ may protect against renal CaOx crystal deposition via inhibiting the hepatic oxalate biosynthesis and oxidative stress-induced renal injury.