Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Key-frame Based Spatiotemporal Scribble Propagation

We present a practical, key-frame based scribble propagation framework. Our method builds upon recent advances in spatiotemporal filtering by adding key-components required for achieving seamless temporal propagation. To that end, we propose a temporal propagation scheme for eliminating holes in regions where no motion path reaches reliably. Additionally, to facilitate the practical use of our technique we formulate a pair of image edge metrics influenced from the body of work on edge-aware filtering, and introduce the "hybrid scribble propagation" concept where each scribble's propagation can be controlled by user defined edge stopping criteria. Our method improves the current state-of-the-art in the quality of propagation results and in terms of memory complexity. Importantly, our method operates on a limited, user defined temporal window and therefore has a constant memory complexity (instead of linear) and thus scales to arbitrary length videos. The quality of our propagation results is demonstrated for various video processing applications such as mixed HDR video tone mapping, artificial depth of field for video and local video recoloring.
A hyaluronidase activity of the sperm plasma membrane protein PH-20 enables sperm to penetrate the cumulus cell layer surrounding the egg

A typical mammalian egg is surrounded by an outer layer of about 3,000 cumulus cells embedded in an extracellular matrix rich in hyaluronic acid. A current, widely proposed model is that the fertilizing sperm, while it is acrosome intact, passes through the cumulus cell layer and binds to the egg zona pellucida. This current model lacks a well- supported explanation for how sperm penetrate the cumulus layer. We report that the sperm protein PH-20 has a hyaluronidase activity and is present on the plasma membrane of mouse and human sperm. Brief treatment with purified, recombinant PH-20 can release all the cumulus cells surrounding mouse eggs. Acrosome intact mouse sperm incubated with anti-PH-20 antibodies can not pass through the cumulus layer and thus can not reach the zona pellucida. These results, indicating that PH-20 enables acrosome intact sperm to penetrate the cumulus barrier, reveal a mechanism for cumulus penetration, and thus provide the missing element in the current model.
Urinary excretion of phenol, catechol, hydroquinone, and muconic acid by workers occupationally exposed to benzene.

OBJECTIVES: Animal inhalation studies and theoretical models suggest that the pattern of formation of benzene metabolites changes as exposure to benzene increases. To determine if this occurs in humans, benzene metabolites in urine samples collected as part of a cross sectional study of occupationally exposed workers in Shanghai, China were measured. METHODS: With organic vapour monitoring badges, 38 subjects were monitored during their full workshift for inhalation exposure to benzene. The benzene urinary metabolites phenol, catechol, hydroquinone, and muconic acid were measured with an isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectroscopy assay and strongly correlated with concentrations of benzene air. For the subgroup of workers (n = 27) with urinary phenol > 50 ng/g creatinine (above which phenol is considered to be a specific indicator of exposure to benzene), concentrations of each of the four metabolites were calculated as a ratio of the sum of the concentrations of all four metabolites (total metabolites) and were compared in workers exposed to > 25 ppm v < or = 25 ppm. RESULTS: The median, 8 hour time weighted average exposure to benzene was 25 ppm. Relative to the lower exposed workers, the ratio of phenol and catechol to total metabolites increased by 6.0% (p = 0.04) and 22.2% (p = 0.007), respectively, in the more highly exposed workers. By contrast, the ratio of hydroquinone and muconic acid to total metabolites decreased by 18.8% (p = 0.04) and 26.7% (p = 0.006), respectively. Similar patterns were found when metabolite ratios were analysed as a function of internal benzene dose (defined as total urinary benzene metabolites), although catechol showed a more complex, quadratic relation with increasing dose. CONCLUSIONS: These results, which are consistent with previous animal studies, show that the relative production of benzene metabolites is a function of exposure level. If the toxic benzene metabolites are assumed to be derived from hydroquinone, ring opened products, or both, these results suggests that the risk for adverse health outcomes due to exposure to benzene may have a supralinear relation with external dose, and that linear extrapolation of the toxic effects of benzene in highly exposed workers to lower levels of exposure may underestimate risk.
Lipid Tail Protrusion in Simulations Predicts Fusogenic Activity of Influenza Fusion Peptide Mutants and Conformational Models

Fusion peptides from influenza hemagglutinin act on membranes to promote membrane fusion, but the mechanism by which they do so remains unknown. Recent theoretical work has suggested that contact of protruding lipid tails may be an important feature of the transition state for membrane fusion. If this is so, then influenza fusion peptides would be expected to promote tail protrusion in proportion to the ability of the corresponding full-length hemagglutinin to drive lipid mixing in fusion assays. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of influenza fusion peptides in lipid bilayers, comparing the X-31 influenza strain against a series of N-terminal mutants. As hypothesized, the probability of lipid tail protrusion correlates well with the lipid mixing rate induced by each mutant. This supports the conclusion that tail protrusion is important to the transition state for fusion. Furthermore, it suggests that tail protrusion can be used to examine how fusion peptides might interact with membranes to promote fusion. Previous models for native influenza fusion peptide structure in membranes include a kinked helix, a straight helix, and a helical hairpin. Our simulations visit each of these conformations. Thus, the free energy differences between each are likely low enough that specifics of the membrane environment and peptide construct may be sufficient to modulate the equilibrium between them. However, the kinked helix promotes lipid tail protrusion in our simulations much more strongly than the other two structures. We therefore predict that the kinked helix is the most fusogenic of these three conformations.
F1 and F2 Correlation with F0: A Study of Vowels of Hindi, Punjabi, Korean and Thai

This is an empirical study of the peripheral vowels of four languages, Hindi, Punjabi, Thai and Korean in terms of two parameters, namely F0 variation, and acoustic space calculated by using two lower formants, F1 and F2. We examine all peripheral vowels (with level tone in case of Thai and Punjabi) to find out the correlation between the pitch of voice, a laryngeal phenomenon and the resonance phenomenon/acoustic space. The results based on four different languages including two tonal languages, Punjabi and Thai give us some interesting hypotheses to be explored further with data from more languages. The correlations are studied using SPSS. The results are interesting, the formants F1 and F2 show a statistically significant correlation with F0/Pitch of voice. F0 and F1 correlation and F0 and F2 correlation have significant implications for comparison across speakers for speaker characterization and forensic applications. These results also have significant application in speech pathology, for developing tools and instruments for assessment and therapeutic speech procedures in speech pathology.
Survey of Parallel Data Processing in Context with MapReduce

MapReduce is a parallel programming model and an associated implementation introduced by Google. In the programming model, a user specifies the computation by two functions, Map and Reduce. The underlying MapReduce library automatically parallelizes the computation, and handles complicated issues like data distribution, load balancing and fault tolerance. The original MapReduce implementation by Google, as well as its open-source counterpart, Hadoop, is aimed for parallelizing computing in large clusters of commodity machines.This paper gives an overview of MapReduce programming model and its applications. The author has described here the workflow of MapReduce process. Some important issues, like fault tolerance, are studied in more detail. Even the illustration of working of Map Reduce is given. The data locality issue in heterogeneous environments can noticeably reduce the Map Reduce performance. In this paper, the author has addressed the illustration of data across nodes in a way that each node has a balanced data processing load stored in a parallel manner. Given a data intensive application running on a Hadoop Map Reduce cluster, the auhor has exemplified how data placement is done in Hadoop architecture and the role of Map Reduce in the Hadoop Architecture. The amount of data stored in each node to achieve improved data-processing performance is explained here.
Trust in online therapeutic relationships: The therapist’s experience

Trust is one of the most important constructs in psychology to explain interpersonal functioning and outcomes of interactions. As with traditional face-to-face counselling, it can be assumed that trust plays an important role in developing a working alliance in online counselling and therapy. However, due to the fact that this is a relatively new field, most previous studies have only focussed on the analysis of factors influencing the therapeutic relationship in a face-to-face context. This qualitative study, therefore, investigates how online counsellors define and experience trust in online therapeutic environments and what effect the presence or absence of trust has on the therapeutic relationship online.Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), semi-structured interviews were conducted with six online counsellors who were accredited with the BACP and had at least three years’ post-qualification experience. Three main themes arose through the process of analysis: (1) The role of anonymity in trust online; (2) the impact of the medium of communication; and (3) similar issues to forming trust in face-toface contexts. The findings have practical implications for the provision of counselling and therapy online.
Changes in variance explained by top SNP windows over generations for three traits in broiler chicken

The purpose of this study was to determine if the set of genomic regions inferred as accounting for the majority of genetic variation in quantitative traits remain stable over multiple generations of selection. The data set contained phenotypes for five generations of broiler chicken for body weight, breast meat, and leg score. The population consisted of 294,632 animals over five generations and also included genotypes of 41,036 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for 4,866 animals, after quality control. The SNP effects were calculated by a GWAS type analysis using single step genomic BLUP approach for generations 1–3, 2–4, 3–5, and 1–5. Variances were calculated for windows of 20 SNP. The top ten windows for each trait that explained the largest fraction of the genetic variance across generations were examined. Across generations, the top 10 windows explained more than 0.5% but less than 1% of the total variance. Also, the pattern of the windows was not consistent across generations. The windows that explained the greatest variance changed greatly among the combinations of generations, with a few exceptions. In many cases, a window identified as top for one combination, explained less than 0.1% for the other combinations. We conclude that identification of top SNP windows for a population may have little predictive power for genetic selection in the following generations for the traits here evaluated.
Reconstruction of Head and Neck Cancer with Double Flaps: Comparison of Single and Double Recipient Vessels

Patients with advanced head and neck cancers require reconstruction with a double free flap, but in some situations, it is extremely difficult to attain the ideal set of recipient vessels for these patients. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 had one recipient vessel; group 2 had two recipient vessels. Fifty-five patients were enrolled between 2001 and 2005. Double flaps, including a fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap and an anterolateral thigh flap, were used for the reconstruction. In group 1, the second flap was anastomosed at the distal runoff of the fibular flap. Group 1 contained 39 patients and group 2 had 16 patients. No significant differences in the success rate, operating time, days of hospitalization, or complication rate were noted between groups 1 and 2. Thus using one recipient vessel is our first choice for double free-flap reconstruction for head and neck defects.
A Framework of Online Learning with Imbalanced Streaming Data

A challenge for mining large-scale streaming data overlooked by most existing studies on online learning is the skewdistribution of examples over different classes. Many previous works have considered cost-sensitive approaches in an online setting for streaming data, where fixed costs are assigned to different classes, or ad-hoc costs are adapted based on the distribution of data received so far. However, it is not necessary for them to achieve optimal performance in terms of the measures suited for imbalanced data, such as Fmeasure, area under ROC curve (AUROC), area under precision and recall curve (AUPRC). This work proposes a general framework for online learning with imbalanced streaming data, where examples are coming sequentially and models are updated accordingly on-the-fly. By simultaneously learning multiple classifiers with different cost vectors, the proposed method can be adopted for different target measures for imbalanced data, including F-measure, AUROC and AUPRC. Moreover, we present a rigorous theoretical justification of the proposed framework for the F-measure maximization. Our empirical studies demonstrate the competitive if not better performance of the proposed method compared to previous cost-sensitive and resampling based online learning algorithms and those that are designed for optimizing certain measures.
Analysis of the structural parameters of polyacrylonitrile fibers containing nanohydroxyapatite

The structural parameters and strength properties of a new generation of polyacrylonitrile fibers have been analyzed. These fibers, after being carbonized, can be used in biomaterial engineering. They are characterized by a high tensile strength of 31–43 cN/tex. An advantageous influence of nanoparticles added to the fiber matter on the degree of crystallinity has been found. When nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite are incorporated into these fibers, their degree of crystallinity increases by about 5%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 760–765, 2006
Response to Diaz

The nomenclature introduced by Allis et al. (1) renames all known K-methyltransferases, K-demethylases and K-acyltransferases, based on phylogenetic relationships, functional data and homology of domain architecture, and is thus the most logical and comprehensive nomenclature system available for these enzymes. We believe that the mix up of MLL2 and MLL4, which is our main concern, cannot be remedied by the mixed lineage leukemia/ALL-1 related (MLL/ALR) nomenclature. First, because the name ALR has already been used for both enzymes in the literature. Second, an MLL/ALR nomenclature that divides the enzymes KMT2A–KMT2D into two groups of two homologs distinguished by the number 1 and 2 in the suffix would necessitate a change in the ALR nomenclature. KMT2D was originally named ALR, and KMT2C (MLL3) was termed homologous to ALR (HALR). The terms ‘ALR1’ and ‘ALR2’ do not exist. Changing this nomenclature would be a new source for confusion, because it is just as arbitrary as the names MLL/ALR/HALR, which do not convey any information about function or phylogeny. Of course, for some group members the nomenclature must allow compromise. ASH1L (KMT2H) is not a H3K4-methyltransferase in all species. Historically ASH1 was first identified in Drosophila melanogaster as an interaction partner of trithorax (Kmt2) and a H3K4-methyltransferase, and was therefore subsumed as a member of the trithorax protein family (2). In mammals ASH1L is slightly different from ASH1 in terms of domain architecture, and acts as a H3K36-methyltransferase (3). But it also synergizes with KMT2A to activate HOX gene expression independently of H3K36 methylation in humans (4). KMT2E is not a H3K4-methyltransferase per se, but indirectly regulates H3K4 diand trimethylation (5). Thus, based on the historic background, the high degree of structural homology with other KMT2 group members and the mentioned functional data, it is justifiable to leave ASH1L and MLL5 in the KMT2 group, keeping the original trithorax group together. Naturally, no nomenclature system can work simply and informatively across all phyla and there are already several alternative gene family nomenclatures across multiple species which use alternative rules for naming, e.g. the CYP family. Potential problems for naming genes in some (distantly related) species cannot, however, be a reason for continuing to use a confusing nomenclature for all species, when a more systematic alternative is available. Viewed from the field of human genetics, we think it is of great importance to present a logical and unifying nomenclature system for all chromatin modifying enzymes, in order to promote correct interpretation of scientific information that might impact patient-based research and molecular genetic diagnostics.
Tranexamic Acid Reduced the Percent of Total Blood Volume Lost During Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery

Background Multilevel posterior spine fusion is associated with significant intraoperative blood loss. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that reduces intraoperative blood loss. The goal of this study was to compare the percent of total blood volume lost during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) with or without tranexamic acid in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods Thirty-six AIS patients underwent PSF in 2011-2014; the last half (n=18) received intraoperative tranexamic acid. We retrieved relevant demographic, hematologic, intraoperative and outcomes information from medical records. The primary outcome was the percent of total blood volume lost, calculated from estimates of intraoperative blood loss (numerator) and estimated total blood volume per patient (denominator, via Nadler’s equations). Unadjusted outcomes were compared using standard statistical tests. Results Tranexamic acid and no-tranexamic acid groups were similar (all p>0.05) in mean age (16.1 vs. 15.2 years), sex (89% vs. 83% female), body mass index (22.2 vs. 20.2 kg/m2), preoperative hemoglobin (13.9 vs. 13.9 g/dl), mean spinal levels fused (10.5 vs. 9.6), osteotomies (1.6 vs. 0.9) and operative duration (6.1 hours, both). The percent of total blood volume lost (TBVL) was significantly lower in the tranexamic acid-treated vs. no-tranexamic acid group (median 8.23% vs. 14.30%, p = 0.032); percent TBVL per level fused was significantly lower with tranexamic acid than without it (1.1% vs. 1.8%, p=0.048). Estimated blood loss (milliliters) was similar across groups. Conclusions Tranexamic acid significantly reduced the percentage of total blood volume lost versus no tranexamic acid in AIS patients who underwent PSF using a standardized blood loss measure. Level of Evidence: 3. Institutional Review Board status: This medical record chart review (minimal risk) study was approved by the University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board.
p21-Activated Kinase 4 Promotes Intimal Hyperplasia and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation during Superficial Femoral Artery Restenosis after Angioplasty

The aim of this study is to explore the function of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in intimal hyperplasia (IH) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation. We choose vascular samples from patients undergoing angioplasty in superficial femoral artery (SFA) as the experimental group and vascular samples from donors without clinical SFA restenosis as the control group, respectively. We draw from the results that both levels of mRNA and protein of PAK4 in the experimental group increased dramatically compared with the control group. IH arose from angioplasty of SFA. Moreover, overexpression of PAK4 dramatically contributed to cell proliferation of VSMCs and promoted cell cycle progression from G0/G1 phase (71.12 ± 0.69% versus 58.77 ± 0.77%, P < 0.001) into S phase (23.99 ± 0.21% versus 31.35 ± 0.33%, P < 0.001). Besides, PAK4 downregulated the level of p21 and enhanced the activity of Akt as well. And we conclude that PAK4 acts as a regulator of cell cycle progression of VSMC by mediating Akt signaling and controlling p21 levels, which further modulate IH and VSMCs' proliferation.
Effects of 22 novel CYP2D6 variants found in Chinese population on the metabolism of dapoxetine

Background CYP2D6 is one of the most important members of the cytochrome P450 superfamily. Its genetic polymorphism significantly influences the efficacy and safety of some drugs, which might cause adverse effects and therapeutic failure. Methods and results The aim of this research was mainly to explore the catalytic activities of 22 newly reported CYP2D6 isoforms (2D6*87, *88, *89, *90, *91, *92, *93, *94, *95, *96,*97, *98, *R25Q, F164L, E215K, F219S, V327M, D336N, V342M, R344Q, R440C, R497C) on dapoxetine in vitro. The research was designed with an appropriate incubation system in test tubes and carried out in the constant temperature water. Through detecting its two metabolites desmethyldapoxetine and dapoxetine-N-oxide, the available data were obtained to explain the influence of CYP2D6 polymorphism on the substrate drug dapoxetine. As a result, the intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) values of most variants were significantly altered when compared with the counterpart of CYP2D6*1, with most of these variants exhibiting either reduced Vmax and/or increased Km values. For dapoxetine demethylation pathway (which produces desmethyldapoxetine), 2D6*89 and E215K exhibited no markedly decreased relative clearance of 92.81% and 97.70%, respectively. The relative clearance of rest 20 variants exhibited decrease in different levels, ranging from 20.44% to 90.90%. For the dapoxetine oxidation pathway (which produces dapoxetine-N-oxide), the relative clearance values of three variants, 2D6*90, *94, and V342M, exhibited no markedly increased relative clearance of 106.17%, 107.78%, and 109.98%, respectively; the rest 19 variants exhibited significantly decreased levels ranging from 27.56% to 84.64%. In addition, the kinetic parameters of two CYP2D6 variants (2D6*92 and 2D6*96) could not be detected, due to the defect of the CYP2D6 gene. Conclusion As the first report of all aforementioned alleles for dapoxetine metabolism, these data may help in the clinical assessment of the metabolic elimination of dapoxetine and may provide fundamental information for further clinical studies.