Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning action descriptors for recognition

This paper evaluates different Restricted Boltzmann Machines models in unsupervised, semi-supervised and supervised frameworks using information from human actions. After feeding these multilayer models with low level features, we infer high-level discriminating features that highly improve the classification performance. This approach eliminates the difficult process of selecting good mid-level feature descriptors, changing the feature selection and extraction process by a learning stage. Two main contributions are presented. First, a new sequence-descriptor from accumulated histograms of optical flow (aHOF) is presented. Second, comparative results using unsupervised, supervised and semi-supervised classification experiments are shown. The results show that the RBM architectures provide very good results in our classification task and present very good properties for semi-supervised learning.
Changes of nucleoside phosphatase activity in the hypoglossal nucleus during nerve regeneration.

The effect of nerve crush on the activity of nucleoside di-and triphosphatases was studied in the hypoglossal nucleus of the albino rabbit with histochemical methods. Activity of nucleoside phosphatases was found in microglial cells. Golgi apparatus of the neurons and vascular walls. During nerve regeneration an increase in enzyme activity was observed in the microglial cells as well as an increase in the number of microglial cells. The Golgi apparatus of the regenerating neurons showed an initial decrease followed by increase in nucleoside phosphatase activity. After the first week an increase in capillarization and capillary enzyme activity could be demonstrated. The findings are discussed and an increased participation in uptake and transport during nerve regeneration is suggested for the cellular structures demonstrating nucleoside phosphatases.
Unsupervised Discourse Segmentation of Documents with Inherently Parallel Structure

Documents often have inherently parallel structure: they may consist of a text and commentaries, or an abstract and a body, or parts presenting alternative views on the same problem. Revealing relations between the parts by jointly segmenting and predicting links between the segments, would help to visualize such documents and construct friendlier user interfaces. To address this problem, we propose an unsupervised Bayesian model for joint discourse segmentation and alignment. We apply our method to the "English as a second language" podcast dataset where each episode is composed of two parallel parts: a story and an explanatory lecture. The predicted topical links uncover hidden relations between the stories and the lectures. In this domain, our method achieves competitive results, rivaling those of a previously proposed supervised technique.
Electrooculogram based Instrumentation and Control System (IC System) and its Applications for Severely Paralysed Patients

The electrooculogram (EOG) signal is acquired through a dual-channel signal acquisition system and processed for its use in biomedical instrumentation systems incorporating Neural Networks. This paper discusses the applications of EOG signal processing and emphasizes the possibility of building a circuit for controlling various operations to be performed by extremely paralyzed patients. The overall response of the system is improved upon inclusion of a neural network unit, which is used to eliminate sudden spikes and as far as possible, signals due to unintended eyeball motion and enable smooth maneuvering.
Altered contractile function in isoproterenol-induced hypertrophied rat heart

Objective To study the calcium-dependent mechanisms contributing to altered contractile function in isoproterenol-induced ventricular hypertrophy of the rat heart. Design The force-interval relationship, systemic evaluation of changed contractile force and calcium sensitivity of the myofilaments were investigated using small trabecular muscle from hearts with isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Methods Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol for 12 days. The calcium sensitivity of myofilaments was studied using nonionic detergent (Triton-X-100)-skinned trabeculae. The contractile force was evaluated at various concentrations of extracellular calcium and muscle lengths. The force-interval relationship was used to reflect altered intracellular calcium handling. Results The isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy was associated with significantly enhanced contractile force at various concentrations of extracellular calcium and muscle lengths. Also, an amplified force-interval relationship in hypertrophied muscle at long rest intervals was found. However, this study revealed no change in calcium sensitivity of myofilaments. Conclusion Altered intracellullar calcium handling contributes to enhanced contractile force in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy.
On the Improvement of Quality and Reliability of Trust Cues in Micro-task Crowdsourcing (Position paper)

Micro-task crowdsourcing has become a successful mean to obtain high-quality data from a large crowd of diverse people. In this context, trust between all the involved actors (i.e. requesters, workers, and platform owners) is a critical factor for acceptance and long-term success. As actors have no expectation for "real life" meetings, thus trust can only be attributed through computer-mediated trust cues like workers qualifications and requester ratings. Such cues are often the result of technical or social assessments that are performed in isolation, considering only a subset of relevant properties, and with asynchronous and asymmetrical interactions. In this paper, we advocate for a new generation of micro-task crowdsourcing systems that pursue an holistic understanding of trust, by offering an open, transparent, privacy-friendly, and socially-aware view on the all the actors of a micro-task crowdsourcing environment.
Treatment of suicidal depression with ketamine in rapid cycling bipolar disorder

Despite rapid advances in understanding the neurobiology of bipolar disorders, rapid cycling states continue to be the Achilles heel for psychiatrists. This is due to their elusive presentation, poor treatment response, frequent recurrences, high suicidality and overall poor prognosis (Wu and Dunner, 1993; Coryell et al., 2003; Nierenberg et al., 2010). The management of rapid cyclers, especially in the acute depressive phase with antidepressants remains a challenge, due to antidepressant induced mood switches (hypomanic, manic and mixed) and fear of worsening the overall course of illness (Ghaemi et al., 2003). The scenario becomes more complicated in the setting of severe depression with suicidality, where electroconvulsive therapy is the only recommended treatment (Srisurapanont et al., 1995). However, nonavailability, prohibitive costs, negative public perceptions and stigma limit the utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical settings (Rose et al., 2003). Ketamine, a widely used anaesthetic agent and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) antagonist offers a way out of this conundrum with its rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects with better efficacy and tolerability. We present a case of a 19-yearold female with rapid cycling bipolar depression admitted after a suicide attempt, successfully treated with ketamine when she failed to improve with standard treatment.
The Chloride Channel ClC-4 Co-localizes with Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator and May Mediate Chloride Flux across the Apical Membrane of Intestinal Epithelia*

Cystic fibrosis (CF) causing mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) lead to mislocalization of CFTR protein from the brush border membrane of epithelial tissues and/or its dysfunction as a chloride channel. In initial reports, it was proposed that certain channels from the ClC family of chloride channels may provide compensatory or alternative pathways for epithelial chloride secretion in tissues from cystic fibrosis patients. In the present work, we provide the first evidence that ClC-4 protein is functionally expressed on the surface of the intestinal epithelium and hence, is appropriately localized to act as a therapeutic target in this CF-affected tissue. We show using confocal and electron microscopy that ClC-4 co-localizes with CFTR in the brush border membrane of the epithelium lining intestinal crypts in mouse and human tissues. In Caco-2 cells, a cell line thought to model human enterocytes, ClC-4 protein is expressed on the cell surface and also partially co-localizes with EEA1 and transferrin, marker molecules of early and recycling endosomes, respectively. Hence, like CFTR, ClC-4 may cycle between the plasma membrane and endosomal compartment. Furthermore, we show that ClC-4 functions as a chloride channel on the surface of these epithelial cells as antisense ClC-4 cDNA expression reduced the amplitude of endogenous chloride currents by 50%. These studies provide the first evidence that ClC-4 is endogenously expressed and may be functional in the brush border membrane of enterocytes and hence should be considered as a candidate channel to provide an alternative pathway for chloride secretion in the gastrointestinal tract of CF patients.
Conservation of notochord gene expression across chordates: Insights from the Leprecan gene family

The notochord is a defining character of the chordates, and the T‐box transcription factor Brachyury has been shown to be required for notochord development in all chordates examined. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, at least 44 notochord genes have been identified as bona fide transcriptional targets of Brachyury. We examined the embryonic expression of a subset of murine orthologs of Ciona Brachyury target genes in the notochord to assess its conservation throughout chordate evolution. We focused on analyzing the Leprecan gene family, which in mouse is composed of three genes, as opposed to the single‐copy Ciona gene. We found that all three mouse Leprecan genes are expressed in the notochord. Additionally, while Leprecan expression in C. intestinalis is confined to the notochord, expression of its mouse orthologs includes dorsal root ganglia, limb buds, branchial arches, and developing kidneys. These results have interesting implications for the evolution and development of chordates. genesis 46:683–696, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of gastric acid secretion inthe Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, by sulphated and desulphated gastrin, caerulein, and CCK-octapeptide.

Gastric acid secretory effects of gastrin/CCK-like peptides have been assayed in cods rendered "spontaneously" secreting by a continuous intestinal perfusion with diluted (33%) seawater. A high dose of pentagastrin induced a weak stimulation (31%) of acid output, while gastrin 17-II, caerulein and CCK8 were inhibitory. Caerulein was the most potent peptide, with an estimated D50 for inhibition of 0.013 nmol/kg.h. Although displaying lower potencies, also the desulphated forms of gastrin-17, caerulein and CCK8 were inhibitory. The results may be explained by release of an endogenous inhibitor, or by interaction with endogenous "codfish gastrin". In the latter case two alternatives are considered: Either gastrin 17, CCK8, and caerulein possess lower efficacies than "codfish gastrin" and therefore act as partial agonists. Alternatively, "codfish gastrin" is itself an inhibitory principle (gastron), the effect of which is mimicked by gastrin 17, caerulein and CCK8. The actions of gastrin and the gastrin-like peptides in the cod indicate a structure-activity relationship different from previously described systems, both mammalian and submammalian.
Cyclosporine A Downregulates MMP-3 and MMP-13 Expression in Cultured Pterygium Fibroblasts

Purpose: To investigate the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 expression over time and in the presence of cyclosporine A (CsA) in primary cultured human pterygium fibroblasts. We also examined the effects of CsA on cultured human pterygium fibroblasts. Methods: Primary cultured human pterygium fibroblasts subjected to scratch assays were exposed to 1 and 100 µg/mL of CsA for 3 or 10 minutes. Cells were washed with Dulbecco phosphate-buffered saline, and then incubated with serum-depleted Dulbecco modified Eagle medium/F-12 medium for 48 hours. Expression levels of MMP-3 and MMP-13 proteins and the corresponding mRNA transcripts were determined by western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. Results: Migration of cultured pterygium fibroblast cells was suppressed by pretreatment with CsA compared with controls in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner (3 minutes, 50.6% ± 1.1 in 1 µg/mL, 60.0% ± 1.2 in 100 µg/mL; 10 minutes, 59.8% ± 5.7 in 1 µg/mL, 60.5 ± 2.4 in 100 µg/mL, respectively, P < 0.01). Pretreatment with CsA also reduced the mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein expression levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions: CsA was actively involved in the migration of pterygium fibroblasts. Cell migration is inhibited in response to CsA through the inhibition of MMP-3 and MMP-13 expression. These findings reveal the therapeutic potential of CsA on pterygium progression. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the precise intracellular signal mechanism responsible for CsA-induced downregulation of MMPs in pterygium fibroblasts.
Challenging Codes: Collective Action in the Information Age

Introduction Part I. Theory of Collective Action: 1. The construction of collective action 2. Conflict and change 3. Action and meaning 4. The process of collective identity Part II. Contemporary Collective Action: 5. conflicts of culture 6. Invention of the present 7. The time of difference 8. Roots for today and for tomorrow 9. A search for ethics 10. Information, power, domination Part III. The Field of Collective Action: 11. A society without a centre 12. The political system 13. The state and the distribution of social resources 14. Modernization, crisis, and conflict: the case of Italy Part IV. Acting Collectively: 15. Mobilization and political participation 16. The organization of movements 17. Leadership in social movements 18. Collective action and discourse 19. Forms of action 20. Research on collective action.
Adaptive Weight Estimation in Multi-Biometric Verification using Fuzzy Logic Decision Fusion

This paper describes a multi-biometric verification system that is fully adaptive to variability in data acquisition using fuzzy logic decision fusion. The system uses fuzzy logic to dynamically alter the weight of three biometrics (face, fingerprint and speech), taking into account the variations during data acquisition (e.g. lighting, noise and user-device interactions). A specific decision boundary can be determined by this dynamic weight assignment to make the authentication decisions. An overall EER improvement of 42.1% relative to weighted average fusion has been achieved.
An Integrated Lab-on-Chip for Rapid Identification and Simultaneous Differentiation of Tropical Pathogens

Tropical pathogens often cause febrile illnesses in humans and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. The similarities in clinical symptoms provoked by these pathogens make diagnosis difficult. Thus, early, rapid and accurate diagnosis will be crucial in patient management and in the control of these diseases. In this study, a microfluidic lab-on-chip integrating multiplex molecular amplification and DNA microarray hybridization was developed for simultaneous detection and species differentiation of 26 globally important tropical pathogens. The analytical performance of the lab-on-chip for each pathogen ranged from 102 to 103 DNA or RNA copies. Assay performance was further verified with human whole blood spiked with Plasmodium falciparum and Chikungunya virus that yielded a range of detection from 200 to 4×105 parasites, and from 250 to 4×107 PFU respectively. This lab-on-chip was subsequently assessed and evaluated using 170 retrospective patient specimens in Singapore and Thailand. The lab-on-chip had a detection sensitivity of 83.1% and a specificity of 100% for P. falciparum; a sensitivity of 91.3% and a specificity of 99.3% for P. vivax; a positive 90.0% agreement and a specificity of 100% for Chikungunya virus; and a positive 85.0% agreement and a specificity of 100% for Dengue virus serotype 3 with reference methods conducted on the samples. Results suggested the practicality of an amplification microarray-based approach in a field setting for high-throughput detection and identification of tropical pathogens.
Normal and malignant hematopoiesis.

In summary, our knowledge on the physiology of hematopoiesis and the immune system has provided much specific information of direct clinical relevance. The cloning of hematopoietic growth factors or hormones has produced compounds (such as erythropoietin or G-CSF) that help to overcome side effects of chemotherapy, and provide convenient techniques to harvest hematopoietic progenitor cells for transplantation. The study of human leukemias has elucidated the roles of genes important both in normal and leukaemic hematopoiesis. Thus, molecular leukemia markers have become available that are of unique clinical significance to assess prognosis, to predict appropriate therapy, and to follow patients after treatment detecting minimal residual disease. Finally, the molecular unraveling of the unique molecular aberration in CML has provided specific drugs, i.e. ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors, to induce a return of the marrow to assume normal hematopoiesis. Along that way, molecularly targeted drugs to overcome the differentiation block in acute leukemias are on the horizon, to complement if perhaps not to replace cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Software Engineering for Self-Adaptive Systems: Assurances (Dagstuhl Seminar 13511)

The important concern for modern software systems is to become more cost-effective, while being versatile, flexible, resilient, dependable, energy-efficient, customisable, configurable and self-optimising when reacting to run-time changes that may occur within the system itself, its environment or requirements. One of the most promising approaches to achieving such properties is to equip software systems with self-managing capabilities using self-adaptation mechanisms. Despite recent advances in this area, one key aspect of self-adaptive systems that remains to be tackled in depth is assurances, i.e., the provision of evidence that the system satisfies its stated functional and non-functional requirements during its operation in the presence of self-adaptation. The provision of assurances for self-adaptive systems is challenging since run-time changes introduce a high degree of uncertainty during their operation. In this seminar, we discussed the problem of assurances for self-adaptive systems from four different views: criteria for assurances, composition and decomposition of assurances, feedback loop and assurances, and perpetual provisioning of assurances.
Application of dose compensation in image-guided radiotherapy of prostate cancer

In image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), volumetric information on patient anatomy at treatment conditions is made available with in-room imaging devices capable of cone-beam CT. Setup error and inter-fraction rigid motion can be corrected online. The planning margin can therefore be reduced significantly. However, to compensate for uncertainties including organ deformation and intra-fraction motion, offline evaluation and replanning are necessary. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of an offline dose compensation technique to further reduce the margin safely. In IGRT, online CT scan, rigid image registration and setup correction are performed at each fraction. Later the regions of interest are registered offline between treatment and planning CTs using a finite element method to account for non-rigid organ motion. Cumulative dose distribution is calculated and compared with the prescription dose. The discrepancy, if found significant, is repaired using the dose compensation technique, in which the cumulative dose distribution is incorporated in adaptive IMRT planning for future fractions. Two compensation schedules were tested in this study: single compensation at the end of the treatment course and compensation performed weekly. One patient with one planning CT and 16 treatment CTs were used in this simulation study. Due to the aggressive smaller planning margin used, severe underdose was observed in the clinical target volume. The size and magnitude of the underdose were reduced substantially with online guidance but were still significant. Both dose compensation strategies were able to reduce the dose deficit to an acceptable level without additional planning margin. Weekly compensation is more biologically beneficial and can spread the execution error into multiple fractions. The offline dose compensation technique allows further margin reduction and can complement the online guidance by compensating for uncertainties that cannot be reduced online, thereby increasing the confidence in IGRT delivery.
Haloalkane-Utilizing Rhodococcus Strains Isolated from Geographically Distinct Locations Possess a Highly Conserved Gene Cluster Encoding Haloalkane Catabolism

ABSTRACT The sequences of the 16S rRNA and haloalkane dehalogenase (dhaA) genes of five gram-positive haloalkane-utilizing bacteria isolated from contaminated sites in Europe, Japan, and the United States and of the archetypal haloalkane-degrading bacterium Rhodococcus sp. strain NCIMB13064 were compared. The 16S rRNA gene sequences showed less than 1% sequence divergence, and all haloalkane degraders clearly belonged to the genusRhodococcus. All strains shared a completely conserveddhaA gene, suggesting that the dhaA genes were recently derived from a common ancestor. The genetic organization of the dhaA gene region in each of the haloalkane degraders was examined by hybridization analysis and DNA sequencing. Three different groups could be defined on the basis of the extent of the conserved dhaA segment. The minimal structure present in all strains consisted of a conserved region of 12.5 kb, which included the haloalkane-degradative gene cluster that was previously found in strain NCIMB13064. Plasmids of different sizes were found in all strains. Southern hybridization analysis with a dhaA gene probe suggested that all haloalkane degraders carry the dhaA gene region both on the chromosome and on a plasmid (70 to 100 kb). This suggests that an ancestral plasmid was transferred between theseRhodococcus strains and subsequently has undergone insertions or deletions. In addition, transposition events and/or plasmid integration may be responsible for positioning thedhaA gene region on the chromosome. The data suggest that the haloalkane dehalogenase gene regions of these gram-positive haloalkane-utilizing bacteria are composed of a single catabolic gene cluster that was recently distributed worldwide.