Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compact descriptor for local feature using dominating centre-symmetric local binary pattern

The authors propose a terse texture feature, called the dominant centre-symmetric local binary pattern (DCSLBP), which has similar distinctiveness and half dimension compared against original centre-symmetric local binary pattern (CS-LBP). On the basis of DCSLBP histogram and an improved construction, a compact descriptor for local feature is presented. To assess the proposed descriptor with the state-of-the-art in performance and dimension, the authors extend it to two variants with different dimensions using the existing method. These descriptors are compared with scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), multisupport region rotation and intensity monotonic invariant descriptor (MRRID), orthagonal combination local binary pattern (OC-LBP) in interest region matching and in the application of object recognition. The experiments demonstrate the proposed descriptor's compactness and robustness to various image transformations, especially to large illumination change.
The analog voice privacy system

The Analog Voice Privacy System (AVPS) is a voice scrambler that permutes individual output samples from a subband coder analysis filterbank. The system has 125! possible permutation keys, giving it the cryptanalytical strength of a digital encryption system. However, it retains the good voice-quality characteristics of analog scramblers. The AVPS has been implemented in a real-time hardware prototype designed for evaluation in telephone environments and works with any modular telephone and standard 120V ac electrical power. The unit contains two circuit boards — one for analog and one for digital processing — that each use four digital signal processors. To date, we have successfully tested it over long-distance telephone connections, several analog and digital PBXs and telephone switches, and a channel simulator. The quality of the decrypted speech is considered very natural, and speaker recognition is retained — a significant advantage over digital vocoders. This paper describes the underlying principles of the AVPS algorithm, its implementation, and laboratory test results.
Afferent connections of the sexually dimorphic area of the hypothalamus of male and female gerbils

We studied neural inputs to the sexually dimorphic area (SDA) of the gerbil hypothalamus by injecting wheat‐germ agglutinin‐horseradish peroxidase into its medial or lateral components in males and females. To confirm the topography of SDA afferents, we injected Phaseolus vulgaris‐leucoagglutinin into areas where retrograde labeling from the medial and lateral SDA differed. Both methods indicated that the medial SDA received stronger inputs from the medial part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the ventral part of the lateral septal nucleus, the medial amygdaloid nucleus, and the amygdalohippocampal area, than the lateral SDA does. In contrast, the rostrodorsal part of the lateral septum, the lateral part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the anterior and posterior hypothalamic areas, and the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus project more heavily to the lateral than to the medial SDA. In addition, retrograde labeling suggested that the ventral part of the premammillary nucleus projects more strongly to the medial than to the lateral SDA, whereas the infralimbic area of the cortex and the lateral preoptic area project more strongly to the lateral than to the medial SDA. The densities of cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and medial amygdaloid nucleus that could be retrogradely labeled from the medial SDA were greater in males than in females. This was not true of labeling in the arcuate nucleus or in the ventral part of the lateral septal nucleus. Since the medial SDA receives strong inputs from areas with many steroid‐accumulating cells, it could respond to steroids directly and via these afferents. In contrast, hormonal effects on the lateral SDA are more likely to occur locally.
Enterprise Architecture: A Snapshot from Practice

Enterprise Architecture EA has been portrayed as one of the cornerstones of modern IT Governance, with increasing numbers of organisations formally recognising an EA function and adopting EA frameworks such as TOGAF http://www.opengroup. org/togaf/ The Open Group Architectural Framework. Many claims have been made of the benefits of EA, yet little is known as to what organisations actually do or evidence of the benefits they accrue through EA. In this paper we report on the results of a small scale survey painting a snapshot of current EA practice in large UK organisations across the private and public sectors.
Guidelines for the management of agitation in dementia

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Assumptions about Ecological Scale and Nature Knowing Best Hiding in Environmental Decisions

Assumptions about nature are embedded in people's preferences for environmental policy and management. The people we interviewed justified preservationist policies using four assumptions about nature knowing best: nature is balanced, evolution is progressive, technology is suspect, and the Creation is perfect. They justified interventionist policies using three assumptions about nature: it is dynamic, inefficient, and robust. Unstated assumptions about temporal, spatial, and organizational scales further confuse discussions about nature. These findings confirm and extend findings from previous research. Data for our study were derived from interviews with people actively involved in negotiating the fate of forest ecosystems in southwest Virginia: landowners, forest advisors, scientists, state and federal foresters, loggers, and leaders in non-governmental environmental organizations. We argue that differing assumptions about nature constrain people's vision of what environmental conditions can and should exist, thereby constraining the future that can be negotiated. We recommend promoting ecological literacy and a biocultural approach to ecological science.
Invariance and variability in interaction error-related potentials and their consequences for classification

Objective. This paper discusses the invariance and variability in interaction error-related potentials (ErrPs), where a special focus is laid upon the factors of (1) the human mental processing required to assess interface actions (2) time (3) subjects. Approach. Three different experiments were designed as to vary primarily with respect to the mental processes that are necessary to assess whether an interface error has occurred or not. The three experiments were carried out with 11 subjects in a repeated-measures experimental design. To study the effect of time, a subset of the recruited subjects additionally performed the same experiments on different days. Main results. The ErrP variability across the different experiments for the same subjects was found largely attributable to the different mental processing required to assess interface actions. Nonetheless, we found that interaction ErrPs are empirically invariant over time (for the same subject and same interface) and to a lesser extent across subjects (for the same interface). Significance. The obtained results may be used to explain across-study variability of ErrPs, as well as to define guidelines for approaches to the ErrP classifier transferability problem.
The Bacterial Second Messenger Cyclic di-GMP Regulates Brucella Pathogenesis and Leads to Altered Host Immune Response

ABSTRACT Brucella species are facultative intracellular bacteria that cause brucellosis, a chronic debilitating disease significantly impacting global health and prosperity. Much remains to be learned about how Brucella spp. succeed in sabotaging immune host cells and how Brucella spp. respond to environmental challenges. Multiple types of bacteria employ the prokaryotic second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) to coordinate responses to shifting environments. To determine the role of c-di-GMP in Brucella physiology and in shaping host-Brucella interactions, we utilized c-di-GMP regulatory enzyme deletion mutants. Our results show that a ΔbpdA phosphodiesterase mutant producing excess c-di-GMP displays marked attenuation in vitro and in vivo during later infections. Although c-di-GMP is known to stimulate the innate sensor STING, surprisingly, the ΔbpdA mutant induced a weaker host immune response than did wild-type Brucella or the low-c-di-GMP guanylate cyclase ΔcgsB mutant. Proteomics analysis revealed that c-di-GMP regulates several processes critical for virulence, including cell wall and biofilm formation, nutrient acquisition, and the type IV secretion system. Finally, ΔbpdA mutants exhibited altered morphology and were hypersensitive to nutrient-limiting conditions. In summary, our results indicate a vital role for c-di-GMP in allowing Brucella to successfully navigate stressful and shifting environments to establish intracellular infection.
Influence of fatty acids on energy metabolism. 2. Kinetics of changes in metabolic rates and changes in subcellular adenine nucleotide contents and pH gradients following addition of octanoate and oleate in perfused rat liver.

The uncoupling-like effect of fatty acids [ Scholz , R. , Schwabe , U. , and Soboll , S. (1984) Eur. J. Biochem. 141, 223-230] was further substantiated in experiments with perfused rat livers by two ways: firstly the kinetics of changes in metabolic rates (oxygen consumption, ketogenesis, fatty acid oxidation) were analysed; secondly subcellular contents of adenine nucleotides and pH gradients across the mitochondrial membrane were determined following fractionation of freeze-fixed and dried tissues in non-aqueous solvents. The following results were obtained. The relaxation kinetics of the increase in oxygen consumption following fatty acid infusion revealed two components, a rapid one with a half-time around 10 s and a slow one with a half-time of more than 100 s. The rapid component was similar to the kinetics of fatty acid oxidation (ketogenesis and 14CO2 production from labelled fatty acids) whereas the half-time of the slow component was in the range of half-times observed with the increase in oxygen consumption following addition of carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. In the presence of fatty acids, the cytosolic ATP concentrations and ATP/ADP ratios decreased, whereas the corresponding parameters for the mitochondrial space were either increased (oleate) or decreased (octanoate). The effects of oleate were dependent on the albumin concentrations in the perfusate. The normally large difference between cytosolic and mitochondrial ATP/ADP ratios became smaller. Similar observations were obtained with uncoupling agents. The pH gradient across the mitochondrial membrane as calculated from the subcellular distribution of 5,5 dimethyl[2-14C]oxazolidine-2,4-dione was inversed following the addition of both carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone and fatty acids, i.e. the mitochondrial matrix became more acidic than the cytosol. The pH gradient was not affected when oleate was added in the presence of high albumin concentrations. The data support the hypothesis that the increase in hepatic oxygen consumption due to octanoate or oleate is, in part, caused by a mechanism similar to uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. This mechanism seems not to be an artifact of isolated systems; it may be of physiological importance for processes in which reducing equivalents are removed independently of the ATP demand of the hepatocyte.
Mating Behavior in Australopithecus and Early Homo: A Review of The Diagnostic Potential of Dental Dimorphism.

Dental dimorphism is one of the primary means by which the mating systems of extinct hominins are studied. Its use has been particularly significant for describing the behaviors of Australopithecus and early Homo, and consequently the factors involved in the evolution of our own species. Analysis however, has tended to produce ambiguous and contrasting results, with no firm agreement as to what mating strategies these genera practiced. Interpretation is confounded by numerous problems such as a generally poor understanding of how dental dimorphism develops in primates, and what factors influence its expression. It is also not well known how these factors interact with different aspects of the dentition and to what relative extent these aspects are diagnostic of mating behavior. The failure in many cases to firmly establish the sex of fossil specimens has likewise hampered the interpretations of sexual dimorphism and by extension, mating behavior. Lastly, the ability to correlate dental dimorphism with mating systems, even in living primates, has met with only moderate success. For these reasons it is argued that dental dimorphism be used only to support the most general assertions about hominin social behavior.
Non-contraceptive benefits of oral contraceptives

Background: There is increasing awareness of the opportunity that many contraceptive interventions may provide for additional health benefits. However, treatment of medical problems with oral contraceptives (OCs) is often an ‘off-label’ practice. Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize available data on non-contraceptive benefits of OCs. Methods: Review of the literature. Results: OCs have been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancer. It has been suggested that OCs may be used in treatment of endometriosis, menorrhagia, and uterine leiomyomas. Pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and acne have been shown to improve under OCs. Conclusion: OCs are important for global and female health. Besides contraception, non-contraceptive effects of OCs are evidence based, well established, and commonly used in clinical practice.
Analysis of the null current gradient position for sensorless control of SRM

For sensorless control of switched reluctance motor, it is significant to improve the accuracy of the angle estimation. In traditional current-gradient method, it is thought that the null current gradient point appears just at the pole overlap position without considering the magnetic saturation, which is exploited as the reference position in the cycle. However, the actual null current gradient position varies with the operation condition. In this paper, firstly, the change rate of the phase current gradient was derived considering the magnetic saturation; And then the effects of the dc bus voltage, the turn-on angle, the angle speed and the load torque on the null current gradient position were analyzed; Finally, an improved current-gradient method was proposed, in which the null current gradient position corrected by lookup table was exploited as the reference position. The analysis was validated for a 1800W battery powered fan using 12/8 three-phase SRM, at the same time, it was illustrated that the improved current-gradient method improved the accuracy of the angle estimation significantly.
Theoretical foundations of 3D scalar field visualization

In this paper we introduce two novel technics that allow for a three dimensional scalar field to be visualized in the three dimensional space R3. Many applications are possible especially in medicine imagery. New multiresolution models can be build based our techniques. Moreover, we show that these two visualization techniques allow the extraction of morphological features of the space and that may not be captured by classical
Treatment for glaucoma: adherence by the elderly.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of nonadherence to treatment for glaucoma among elderly patients. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 2440 patients older than age 65 who were enrolled in the New Jersey Medicaid Program and who were newly initiated on a topical agent for the treatment of glaucoma. Two patient-specific measures of nonadherence were employed: (1) no filled prescription for any glaucoma medication over a 12-month period after the initiation of therapy and (2) number of days without therapy for glaucoma during this 12-month period. RESULTS By the first measure, 569 patients (23%) were found to be nonadherent. The mean number of days without therapy during the study year was 112. Factors associated with nonadherence included the use of glaucoma medication requiring more than 2 administrations per day and the presence of multiple other medications in the patient's drug regimen. Patients started on multiple glaucoma medication were more adherent than those started on a single agent. Age and sex were not found to be predictors of nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS Substantial nonadherence was found to be common in this population. More attention to the issue of nonadherence could result in important benefits in the preservation of sight.
Cell Adhesion Molecules—Update

Cell adhesion molecules are glycoproteins expressed on the cell surface and play an important role in inflammatory as well as neoplastic diseases. There are four main groups: the integrin family, the immunoglobulin superfamily, selectins, and cadherins. The integrin family has eight subfamilies, designated as β1, through β8. The most widely studied subfamilies are β1 (CD29, very late activation [VLA] members), β2 (leukocyte integrins such as CDlla/CD18, CDllb/CD18, CDllc/CD18, and αdβ2), β3 (CD61, eytoadhesions), and β7 (α4β7 and αEβ7). The immunoglobulin superfamily includes leukocyte function antigen-2 (LFA-2 or CD2), leukocyte function antigen-3 (LFA-3 or CD58), intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PE-CAM-1), and mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1). The selectin family includes E-selectin (CD62E), P-selectin (CD62P), and L-selectin (CD62L). Cadherins are major cell-cell adhesion molecules and include epithelial (E), placental (P), and neural (N) subclasses. The binding sites (ligands/receptors) are different for each of these cell adhesion molecules (e.g., ICAM binds to CD11/CD18; VCAM-1 binds to VLA-4). The specific cell adhesion molecules and their ligands that may be involved in pathologic conditions and potential therapeutie strategies by modulating the expression of these molecules will be discussed.
Effect of Ingestion of Cow's Milk Protein Hydrolysate Formulas on α-Casein-Specific Immunoglobulin E and G1 Antibody Responses in Naïve and Sensitized Mice

Objectives: Cow's milk protein hydrolysate formulas are widely used for genetically predisposed atopic infants. Whether hydrolysate formulas can induce oral tolerance to α-casein was studied for the first time in naive and sensitized mice. Methods: Using immunoblotting, residual antigenicity to α-casein was examined for in animals fed hydrolysate formulas. Naïve mice fed hydrolysate formulas for 1 to 4 weeks were later sensitized with α-casein. Another group of mice sensitized first with α-casein were then fed hydrolysate formulas continually for 12 weeks. Results: Oral tolerance measured by immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG1 antibody responses to α-casein was induced in naïve mice fed NAN for 1 week or NAN-HA for 4 weeks. IgE responses to α-casein were suppressed in mice fed NAN-HA for 1 week or Neoangelac FL for 4 weeks. In contrast, mice fed Alfare, Pepti-Junior, or Pregestimil for 1 to 4 weeks did not develop tolerance to α-casein. Antibody responses to α-casein were not significantly suppressed in sensitized mice fed NAN or hydrolysate formulas for 12 weeks. Conclusions: Primary IgE responses to α-casein are readily suppressed in naïve mice firts fed cow's milk formula or partially hydrolyzed formula for 1 week. Conversely, ongoing IgE, IgG1, and IgG antibody responses to α-casein are poorly supressed in previously sensitized mice even after prolonged feeding of cow's milk formula or hydrolysate formulas.
Studies on antibiotic SF-837, a new antibiotic. 3. Isolation and properties of minor components.

Three newantibiotics were isolated as minor componentsfrom the culture broth of Streptomyces mycarofaciens, and named as SF-837 A2, A3 and A4. They are basic macrolides and have the molecular formulae of C42H69NO15, C41H65NO15 and C42H67NO15, respectively. a maximum at 232mju, and gave on hydrolysis propionic acid and n-butyric acid, one mole each, to be a homologue a UVmaximum at 280 mju, and liberated two moles of propionic acid and a pair of one propionic acid and one n-butyric acid in their respective hydrolyzates. Their antibacterial activities were analogous to that of SF-837. The physico-chemical characterization of three components established their novelties.
A real-time exercise feedback utility with body sensor networks

The key to a long healthy life is the adoption of a balanced diet and regular exercise. The paper describes the use of a Body Sensor Network (BSN) for real-time corrective feedback during the performance of an exercise routine. The feedback utility will log important parameters during an exercise session to allow one to keep track of fitness progress. Inclusion of vital sign sensors such as pulse sensors avoid over exertion and exercise mishaps. A means of creating new exercise routines easily is an additional important functionality. We detail the design of a working prototype exercise system, showing how it differs from related work. We follow up with a study of its effectiveness. The system based on a combination of accelerometers and ultrasound hardware is shown to recognize correctly a subset of exercises.
Uso de Patrones en la Construcción de Escenarios

Resumen. Los patrones permiten y han permitido en diferentes areas del conocimiento humano reusar la esencia de la solucion de un problema al enfrentar nuevos problemas similares. Es asi que los patrones constituyen una especie de mecanismo de registro y concentracion de experticia. Uno de los problemas que trae aparejado el uso de patrones en la practica, es la identificacion del patron mas apropiado para el problema en cuestion. En el presente articulo se describe una heuristica de seleccion de patrones de escenarios basada en el uso de arboles de decision, organizados con preguntas precisas y faciles de responder.