Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quaternion-based Local Binary Patterns for illumination invariant face recognition

Face recognition under varying illumination conditions has benefited from the encapsulation of face features into a quaternion representation. In particular, a quaternion-based representation encoding four LBP descriptors (one-pixel to four-pixel radius) has delivered interesting recognition scores when using just one training image per subject. However, each coefficient of such a representation only encapsulates the eight sampling values required for computing a classic LBP code. In this paper, we propose a quaternion representation which encodes additional LBP codes at each radius. Consequently, a wider pixel descriptor is obtained because further sampling values are considered in the region surrounding the reference pixel. Illumination invariant face verification and identification experiments are conducted by using only one training face image. The representation proposed improves the recognition rates reported by the representation only encapsulating classic LBP codes.
Propofol acts at the sigma‐1 receptor and inhibits pentazocine‐induced c‐Fos expression in the mouse posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortices

Background: The sigma‐1 receptor is functionally linked with psychotomimetic effects of various drugs. A sigma‐1 receptor agonist enhances bradykinin‐induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increase and induces c‐Fos expression in a part of the brain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of several intravenous anaesthetics on the sigma‐1 receptor.
GENETIC ALGORITHMIC OPTIMIZATION OF PHYSICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS IN CITRIC ACID FERMENTATION

The Present work reports an economic and higher yield production of Citric acid by aerobic submerged fermentation of sucrose using Aspergillus Niger-NCIM 705. Regression analysis was carried out for the Univariate search experimental data using DATAFIT software to evaluate the degree of effect of each of the variables: Initial sucrose Concentration, Fermentation Temperature, Stirrer speed, oxygen flow rate, and pH on the amount of Citric acid produced, biomass generated and Sucrose consumed. The results of regression analysis reported that the physical operating conditions: fermentation temperature and oxygen flow rate were enormously influencing the yield of citric acid and hence the two are dominant variables. Univariate search experiments for the two parameters were again conducted. The yield of Citric acid obtained from experiments was developed as a function of fermentation temperature and oxygen flow rate and the same variables were optimized using evolutionary Genetic algorithms. The optimum values from experimental studies were found to be 31C and 0.5 lpm whereas by Genetic algorithms to be 28.95C and 0.55 lpm respectively producing maximum citric acid of 56.70 g/l. The genetic algorithmic results were compared with the literature values and found to be in good agreement.
How Do We Apply Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Necrosectomy with Minimal Access?

Background: The conservative treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis has greatly improved due to broad antibiotic treatment and improved organ support in intensive care units. Nevertheless, infected necrosis or persistent multi-organ dysfunction are predictors of poor outcome. In these patients, there is still a need to perform necrosectomy. Open surgery results in extensive operative trauma and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, several minimally invasive techniques have been developed recently. Retroperitoneal necrosectomy has been shown to be safe and to reduce morbidity and mortality compared to the open procedure. Methods and Results: In an instructive video, we show the technique of video-assisted retroperitoneal necrosectomy with minimal access, including the preoperative percutaneous drainage and several accesses to the necrosis. We discuss the indication for retroperitoneal necrosectomy as well as the optimal time point of the intervention. Conclusion: In the management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, the multidisciplinary approach is crucial. The initial treatment by the intensive care units should be extended to intervention or surgery in case of infected necrosis or persistent multi-organ dysfunction. We show here a minimal access solution with the placement of a percutaneous drain followed by video-assisted retroperitoneal necrosectomy.
The Mid‐Domain Effect: There’s a Baby in the Bathwater

In a recent article (Colwell et al. 2004; hereafter CRG), we reviewed all studies of the mid-domain effect (MDE) published up to that time and responded to earlier critiques of MDE by (among others) Hawkins and Diniz-Filho (2002) and Zapata et al. (2003). The discussion continues here with comments on our article by Hawkins, DinizFilho, and Weiss (2005; hereafter HDW) and by Zapata, Gaston, and Chown (2005; hereafter ZGC). In this article, we respond to HDW and ZGC. Null models and null hypotheses. ZGC defend their view of MDE models as null hypotheses subject to falsification. In contrast, proponents of MDE theory have always held that richness patterns have multiple causes. For example, referring to the effect of geometric (boundary) constraints on geographic patterns of species richness, Colwell and Lees (2000, p. 79) stated that “the question is not whether geometry affects such patterns, but by how much. ” We view any assessment of the role of geometric constraints as a problem of estimating the magnitude of the contribution (if any) of MDE to richness patterns (“how much”). Just as with other candidate causes of richness patterns (e.g., climatic, topographic, or historical drivers), the appropriate null hypothesis (if any) is that MDE makes no contribution to richness patterns, not that MDE uniquely and fully accounts for richness patterns. It is for this reason that we distinguish between MDE as a model and the hypotheses that can be framed regarding its predictions.
Mortality Salience, Martyrdom, and Military Might: The Great Satan Versus the Axis of Evil

Study 1 investigated the effect of mortality salience on support for martyrdom attacks among Iranian college students. Participants were randomly assigned to answer questions about either their own death or an aversive topic unrelated to death and then evaluated materials from fellow students who either supported or opposed martyrdom attacks against the United States. Whereas control participants preferred the student who opposed martyrdom, participants reminded of death preferred the student who supported martyrdom and indicated they were more likely to consider such activities themselves. Study 2 investigated the effect of mortality salience on American college students' support for extreme military interventions by American forces that could kill thousands of civilians. Mortality salience increased support for such measures among politically conservative but not politically liberal students. The roles of existential fear, cultural worldviews, and construing one's nation as pursing a heroic battle against evil in advocacy of violence were discussed.
An Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia Secondary to Ipilimumab Treatment.

BACKGROUND Melanoma is one of the fastest growing neoplasms worldwide. Treatment of metastatic disease has swiftly shifted in the last decade from generally ineffective chemotherapy regimens to highly effective targeted treatments or immunotherapy, with a range of side effects that differ completely from those of previous treatments for this disease. CASE We present a case of a 71-year-old man with diagnosis metastatic melanoma. This patient was treated with anti-CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab. Despite minor skin toxicity, the regimen was well tolerated until he developed hemolytic anemia, an autoimmune side effect of ipilimumab. The treatment was withdrawn and steroids were administered until the issue was resolved. CONCLUSION Immunotherapy has become the standard of care for many tumors, and its side effects are completely different from those of chemotherapy, meaning that oncologists must be aware of this to avoid a potentially life-threatening situation and arrive at an early diagnosis and implement prompt treatment.Key words: anemia - autoimmune event - anti-CTLA-4.
Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) Regulates Cell Migration in a Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation-independent Mechanism*

Background: MLCK in cell migration remains controversial. Results: MLCK deletion causes enhanced cell protrusion along with a reduction of membrane tension and is rescued by kinase-dead MLCK or five-DFRXXL motif. Conclusion: MLCK regulates cell migration not by myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation but possibly through a membrane tension-based mechanism. Significance: Our results shed light on a novel regulatory mechanism of protrusion during cell migration. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) has long been implicated in the myosin phosphorylation and force generation required for cell migration. Here, we surprisingly found that the deletion of MLCK resulted in fast cell migration, enhanced protrusion formation, and no alteration of myosin light chain phosphorylation. The mutant cells showed reduced membrane tether force and fewer membrane F-actin filaments. This phenotype was rescued by either kinase-dead MLCK or five-DFRXXL motif, a MLCK fragment with potent F-actin-binding activity. Pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that the absence of MLCK led to attenuated formation of transmembrane complexes, including myosin II, integrins and fibronectin. We suggest that MLCK is not required for myosin phosphorylation in a migrating cell. A critical role of MLCK in cell migration involves regulating the cell membrane tension and protrusion necessary for migration, thereby stabilizing the membrane skeleton through F-actin-binding activity. This finding sheds light on a novel regulatory mechanism of protrusion during cell migration.
On the Hardware/Software Design and Implementation of a High Definition Multiview Video Surveillance System

This paper proposes a distributed architecture for high definition multiview video surveillance system. It adopts a modular design where single view/stereo intelligent internet protocol (IP)-based video surveillance cameras are connected to a front-end field programmable gate array (FPGA) board(s) which are connected to a back-end local video server through the IP network. The data intensive video analytics (VA) algorithms such as background modeling, connected component labeling and single view object tracking are implemented in the FPGA using an efficient fix-point based architecture. Each back-end video server is equipped with a storage and graphics processing units for supporting high-level VA and other processing algorithms such as video decompression/display, mean depth estimation and consistent labeling. A real-time prototype system was constructed to illustrate the architecture and VA algorithms involved. Satisfactory results were obtained for both publicly available data set and real surveillance video data.
A ping-pong-pang current-feedback instrumentation amplifier with 0.04% gain error

A ping-pong-pang auto-zeroed and chopped current-feedback instrumentation amplifier (CFIA) uses three dynamically-matched input stages to achieve 0.04% gain error, a 2.5× improvement over prior art. Its 4µV offset and 28nV/√Hz noise are achieved at 3.5× less supply current than a comparable ping-pong auto-zeroed CFIA.
Setting the scene: what did we know before Rosetta?

This paper provides an overview of our state of knowledge about comets prior to the Rosetta mission encounter. Starting with the historical perspective, this paper discusses the development of comet science up to the modern era of space exploration. The extent to which comets are tracers of solar system formation processes or preserve pristine interstellar material has been investigated for over four decades. There is increasing evidence that in contrast with the distinct dynamical comet reservoirs we see today, comet formation regions strongly overlapped in the protoplanetary disc and there was significant migration of material in the disc during the epoch of comet formation. Comet nuclei are now known to be very low-density highly porous bodies, with very low thermal inertia, and have a range of sizes which exhibit a deficiency of very small bodies. The low thermal inertia suggests that comets may preserve pristine materials close to the surface, and that this might be accessible to sample return missions. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Cometary science after Rosetta’.
Mechanism of action of vitamin C in sepsis: Ascorbate modulates redox signaling in endothelium

Circulating levels of vitamin C (ascorbate) are low in patients with sepsis. Parenteral administration of ascorbate raises plasma and tissue concentrations of the vitamin and may decrease morbidity. In animal models of sepsis, intravenous ascorbate injection increases survival and protects several microvascular functions, namely, capillary blood flow, microvascular permeability barrier, and arteriolar responsiveness to vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. The effects of parenteral ascorbate on microvascular function are both rapid and persistent. Ascorbate quickly accumulates in microvascular endothelial cells, scavenges reactive oxygen species, and acts through tetrahydrobiopterin to stimulate nitric oxide production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase. A major reason for the long duration of the improvement in microvascular function is that cells retain high levels of ascorbate, which alter redox‐sensitive signaling pathways to diminish septic induction of NADPH oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that microvascular function in sepsis may be improved by parenteral administration of ascorbate as an adjuvant therapy. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cupriavidus basilensis 4G11, Isolated from the Oak Ridge Field Research Center Site

ABSTRACT Cupriavidus basilensis 4G11 was isolated from groundwater at the Oak Ridge Field Research Center (FRC) site. Here, we report the complete genome sequence and annotation of Cupriavidus basilensis 4G11. The genome contains 8,421,483 bp, 7,661 predicted protein-coding genes, and a total GC content of 64.4%.
Exome sequencing for prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with sonographic abnormalities

In the absence of aneuploidy or other pathogenic cytogenetic abnormality, fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT ≥ 3.5 mm) and/or other sonographic abnormalities have a greater incidence of genetic syndromes, but defining the underlying pathology can be challenging. Here, we investigate the value of whole exome sequencing in fetuses with sonographic abnormalities but normal microarray analysis.
How to Enable Future Faster Payments? An Evaluation of a Hybrid Payments Settlement Mechanism

In the era of Fintech innovation and e-commerce, faster settlement of massive retail transactions is crucial for business growth and financial system stability. However, speeding up payments settlement can create periodic liquidity shortfalls to banks which would incur high cost of funds in the settlement process. We propose a new hybrid settlement mechanism design that integrates features of real-time gross settlement, deferred net settlement, and central queue management structure. The hybrid mechanism is managed by an intermediary and is particularly suitable to settle large volume of small-value retail payments. We evaluate the mechanism using computer experiments and simulation. We find that central-queue netting is an effective means to achieve high system performance. Our results also show that the intermediary plays an important role in coordinating multilateral central-queue netting and supplying liquidity as needed to banks. We offer some policy insights into future faster payments settlement mechanism design and implementation.
Nonenveloped Nucleocapsids of Hepatitis C Virus in the Serum of Infected Patients

ABSTRACT One of the characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the high incidence of persistent infection. HCV core protein, in addition to forming the viral nucleocapsid, has multiple regulatory functions in host-cell transcription, apoptosis, cell transformation, and lipid metabolism and may play a role in suppressing host immune response. This protein is thought to be present in the bloodstream of the infected host as the nucleocapsid of infectious, enveloped virions. This study provides evidence that viral particles with the physicochemical, morphological, and antigenic properties of nonenveloped HCV nucleocapsids are present in the plasma of HCV-infected individuals. These particles have a buoyant density of 1.32 to 1.34 g/ml in CsCl, are heterogeneous in size (with predominance of particles 38 to 43 or 54 to 62 nm in diameter on electron microscopy), and express on their surface epitopes located in amino acids 24 to 68 of the core protein. Similar nucleocapsid-like particles are also produced in insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus bearing cDNA for structural HCV proteins. HCV core particles isolated from plasma were used to generate anti-core monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). These MAbs stained HCV core in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes from experimentally infected chimpanzees in the acute phase of the infection. These chimpanzees had concomitantly HCV core antigen in serum. These findings suggest that overproduction of nonenveloped nucleocapsids and their release into the bloodstream are properties of HCV morphogenesis. The presence of circulating cores in serum and accumulation of the core protein in liver cells during the early phase of infection may contribute to the persistence of HCV and its many immunopathological effects in the infected host.
Caracterização Geoecológica e Análise de Fragmentos da Bacia do Córrego do Lenheiro, São João Del-Rei – MG

As crises e conflitos ambientais da atualidade, na maioria das vezes, advem de uma visao fragmentada do espaco e dos elementos que o compoem. Assim, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo discutir os conceitos geoecologicos e aplica-los a bacia do Corrego do Lenheiro, localizado em Sao Joao Del-Rei, Minas Gerais. Foi analisada a composicao da bacia como um todo e dois fragmentos florestais de formatos distintos, considerando-se dados de temperatura, umidade e vegetacao, e a atuacao de fragmentos menores como corredores. Os resultados gerados demonstram a importância dos fragmentos florestais no contexto de uma bacia urbana.
Noradrenaline-induced secretions of pancreatic hormones in cold- and heat-acclimated rats.

Effects of noradrenaline on the portal and aortic plasma pancreatic hormone concentrations were studied in the cold- and heat-acclimated rats in order to know possible roles of these hormones in temperature acclimation. Noradrenaline (NA) infusion (2 micrograms/min, i.v., 30 min) effected greater elevation of colonic temperature (Tc) in the cold-acclimated rats (CA) than in the warm controls (WC), and did not influence Tc in the heat-acclimated rats (HA) under hexobarbital anesthesia. Portal and aortic glucagon levels increased in the NA-infused CA and HA, but no changes were observed in the NA-infused WC. NA-infusion did not affect the portal and aortic insulin levels in WC and CA, but increased aortic insulin level in HA. Aortic glycerol and free fatty acid (FFA) levels increased in all NA-infused groups. Portal and jugular vein FFA levels increased in NA-infused WC, but did not in NA-infused CA and HA. Neither NA infusion, nor glucagon was related to the elevation of Tc in HA. These results suggest that temperature acclimation modifies a glucagon-releasing action of NA and the NA-released glucagon could cooperate with NA to enhance nonshivering thermogenesis in the cold.
Advancing Physical Activity Theory: A Review and Future Directions

As behavioral physical activity (PA) research matures, the adaptation and augmentation of theories with PA-specific concepts are required to improve explanatory power and to justify the uniqueness of the discipline. This review details the advances of three prominent theories applied to understand PA. We conclude by presenting a framework for researchers to test whether a particular behavioral theory holds use in the PA domain.
Strongly involutive uninorm algebras

We investigate uninorm algebras satisfying a strong version of involutiveness. More precisely, we require that negation is an order reversing monoid isomorphism between the positive cone and the negative cone. A rather surprising consequence of this property is that the negative cones of these algebras are BL-algebras which do not admit MV-components with more than two elements. Among other things, we prove standard completeness and co-NP completeness of the logic corresponding to these algebras.
Detection of Cortical Venous Drainage and Determination of the Borden Type of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula by Means of 3D Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin-Labeling MRI.

OBJECTIVE The risk of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula is linked to its pattern of venous drainage (Borden type), in particular the presence of cortical venous drainage. The purpose of this study was to assetss the accuracy of 3D pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling (ASL) MRI for noninvasive delineation of venous drainage. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 34 patients with a dural arteriovenous fistula who had undergone both digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3D pseudocontinuous ASL MRI. Two neuroradiologists blinded to the DSA results independently assessed ASL images for the presence of cortical vein hyperintensity (cortical venous drainage) and the distribution of venous hyperintensity (Borden type). DSA was used as the reference standard. The sensitivity and specificity of 3D pseudocontinuous ASL MRI for the detection of cortical venous drainage were determined. Intermodality and interobserver agreement for Borden type was determined by use of the weighted kappa statistic. RESULTS Three-dimensional pseudocontinuous ASL MRI had high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (96%) for the detection of cortical venous drainage. Borden type was correctly identified with very good intermodality (weighted κ = 0.82) and interobserver (weighted κ = 0.85) agreement in 88% of patients. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional pseudocontinuous ASL MRI is highly accurate for the detection of cortical venous drainage and determination of Borden type. With this technique, high-risk fistulas requiring treatment can be reliably differentiated from low-risk lesions. Although it cannot replace DSA, incorporating 3D pseudocontinuous ASL into an MRI protocol for assessment of dural arteriovenous fistula can facilitate treatment planning.
QMUL @ MediaEval 2010 Tagging Task : Semantic Query Expansion for Predicting User Tags

This paper describes our participation in “The Wild Wild Web Tagging Task @ MediaEval 2010”, which aims to predict user tags based on features derived from video such as speech, audio, visual content or associated textual or social information. Two tasks were pursued: (i) closed-set annotations and (ii) open-set annotations. We have attempted to evaluate whether using only a limited number of features (video title, filename and description) can be compensated by semantic expansion with NLP tools and Wikipedia and Wordnet. This technique proved successful on the open-set task with approximately 20% generated tags being considered relevant by all manual annotators. On the closed-set task, the best result (MAP 0.3) was achieved on tokenized filenames combined with video descriptions, indicating that filenames are a valuable tag predictor.