Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient image resampling for multiview displays

We present an evaluation of different resampling strategies for autostereoscopic multiview displays. In particular, we compare the computational efficiency, memory requirements, and image quality of different resampling algorithms with focus on real-time architectures. Our assessment shows large differences in computational complexity for similar image quality, and aims at providing a recommendation for selecting a suitable resampling strategy.
METABOLIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR CHANGES DURING A STATE OF ACUTE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AROUSAL

ABSTRACT Measurements of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and glucose levels, urinary excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, heart rate, and blood pressure were made in 20 students undergoing a major fifteen-minute scholastic examination. Similar measurements were made on a non-test day. Marked increases in plasma FFA concentration occurred in all 20 students during the examination. Plasma glucose concentration also rose. The urinary excretion of adrenaline increased in all subjects. Urinary excretion of noradrenaline varied sporadically. The heart rate increased in all. Several students had marked tachycardia (120 to 166 beats per minute). Independent post-examination assessment of affect arousal indicated varying degrees of response. A rating of affect arousal was correlated to some extent with the level of the heart rate and with the magnitude of the increases in serum FFA and glucose levels and in the urinary excretion of adrenaline. These acute changes suggest that lipolysis may be a companion proces.
Impact of Fenestrated Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair on Renal Function

Purpose: To investigate the impact of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (fEVAR) on renal function perioperatively and at midterm. Methods: A case-controlled study was performed involving 58 patients (mean age 75±7 years; 51 men) who underwent elective fEVAR for a juxtarenal or short-necked abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) matched on age, sex, smoking, diabetes, and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with a contemporaneous group undergoing open aneurysm repair (OAR) for the same indications. Perioperative incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and levels of eGFR at 30 days and 1 year were compared. A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies that had used eGFR as renal outcome after fEVAR; the pooled data were meta-analyzed using an eGFR drop >30% at 1 month and the latest follow-up as endpoints. Results are reported as the pooled proportion and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The incidence of AKI after fEVAR was 28% compared to 10% after OAR (p=0.03). Following fEVAR, the mean eGFR dropped from 78±8 to 74±9 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 30 days compared to a change from 79±8 to 80±16 mL/min/1.73 m2 after OAR (p<0.01). However, the absolute drop in eGFR between fEVAR and OAR at 1 year was similar (7 mL/min/1.73 m2; p=0.53); 7% of the fEVAR patients had an eGFR drop >30% at that point compared with none for OAR (p=0.12). The systematic literature review identified eGFR outcomes for 193 fEVAR patients. Combining these patients with the 58 from our cohort study, the pooled proportions of eGFR drop >30% were 20% (95% CI 9% to 39%) at 30 days and 8% (95% CI 0.5% to 13%) at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: fEVAR has a significant perioperative impact on renal function, but 1-year results are similar to OAR. fEVAR patients may benefit from targeted AKI prevention strategies that need to be assessed in relevant studies.
An Oral versus Intranasal Prime/Boost Regimen Using Attenuated Human Rotavirus or VP2 and VP6 Virus-Like Particles with Immunostimulating Complexes Influences Protection and Antibody-Secreting Cell Responses to Rotavirus in a Neonatal Gnotobiotic Pig Model

ABSTRACT We determined the impact of mucosal prime/boost regimens and vaccine type (attenuated Wa human rotavirus [AttHRV] or nonreplicating Wa 2/6 rotavirus-like particles [VLP]) on protection and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) responses to HRV in a neonatal gnotobiotic pig disease model. Comparisons of delivery routes for AttHRV and evaluation of nonreplicating VLP vaccines are important as alternative vaccine approaches to overcome risks associated with live oral vaccines. Groups of neonatal gnotobiotic pigs were vaccinated using combinations of oral (PO) and intranasal (IN) inoculation routes as follows: (i) 3 oral doses of AttHRV (AttHRV3×PO); (ii) AttHRV3×IN; (iii) AttHRVPO, then 2/6VLP2×IN; (iv) AttHRVIN, then 2/6VLP2×IN; and (v) mock-inoculated controls. Subsets of pigs from each group were challenged with virulent Wa HRV [P1A(8) G1] (4 weeks post-primary inoculation) to assess protection. The AttHRVPO+2/6VLP2×IN pigs had the highest protection rates against virus shedding and diarrhea (71% each); however, these rates did not differ statistically among the vaccine groups, except for the AttHRVIN+2/6VLPIN group, which had a significantly lower protection rate (17%) against diarrhea. The isotype, magnitude, and tissue distribution of ASCs were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The highest mean numbers of virus-specific IgG and IgA ASCs were observed pre- and postchallenge in both intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues of the AttHRVPO+2/6VLPIN group. Thus, the AttHRVPO+2/6VLPIN vaccine regimen using immunostimulating complexes (ISCOM) and multiple mucosal inductive sites, followed by AttHRV3×PO or IN regimens, were the most effective vaccine regimens, suggesting that either AttHRVPO+2/6VLPIN or AttHRV3×IN may be an alternative approach to AttHRV3×PO for inducing protective immunity against rotavirus diarrhea.
Self‐care, plesio‐care, telecare and m‐care: a new assisted living model

Purpose – This paper critically reviews the motivations for introducing different connected healthcare to support Assisted Living in older and other vulnerable groups. The aim is to develop a new approach that will be sustainable in the future.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology involves a consideration of assessment criteria currently being employed and the resulting costs and limitations in providing a person centred approach. The implications of introducing new technologies such as plesiocare and mCare are then considered.Findings – It was found that one of the most cost‐effective applications of technology is in the support of informal carers but the telecare equipment that they are offered may not be the most appropriate.Research limitations/implications – The findings are limited by a lack of formal risk assessments that are person centred. The implications include the need for improved training in assessment processes and access to a wider inventory of technologies.Practical implications .
Fundamental frequency generation for whisper-to-audible speech conversion

In this work, we address the issues involved in whisper-to-audible speech conversion. Spectral mapping techniques using Gaussian mixture models or Artificial Neural Networks borrowed from voice conversion have been applied to transform whisper spectral features to normally phonated audible speech. However, the modeling and generation of fundamental frequency (F0) and its contour in the converted speech is a major issue. Whispered speech does not contain explicit voicing characteristics and hence it is hard to derive a suitable F0, making it difficult to generate a natural prosody after conversion. Our work addresses the F0 modeling in whisper-to-speech conversion. We show that F0 contours can be derived from the mapped spectral vectors, which can be used for the synthesis of a speech signal. We also present a hybrid unit selection approach for whisper-to-speech conversion. Unit selection is performed on the spectral vectors, where F0 and its contour can be obtained as a byproduct without any additional modeling.
Immunogenicity of a Live Recombinant Salmonellaenterica Serovar Typhimurium Vaccine Expressing pspA in Neonates and Infant Mice Born from Naïve and Immunized Mothers

ABSTRACT We are developing a Salmonella vectored vaccine to prevent infant pneumonia and other diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. One prerequisite for achieving this goal is to construct and evaluate new recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine (RASV) strains suitable for use in neonates and infants. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain χ9558(pYA4088) specifies delivery of the pneumococcal protective antigen PspA and can protect adult mice from challenge with S. pneumoniae. This strain is completely safe for oral delivery to day-old and infant mice. Here we assess the colonizing ability, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of χ9558(pYA4088) in neonatal mice. Colonization was assessed in mice 0, 2, 4, or 7 days of age after oral inoculation. In the presence of maternal antibodies, the colonization of lymphoid tissues was delayed, but the immune responses were enhanced in mice born to immunized mothers. Both oral and intranasal routes were used to assess immunogenicity. All orally or intranasally immunized neonatal and infant mice born to either immunized or naïve mothers developed PspA-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses. Mice born to immunized mothers produced higher titers of PspA-specific antibodies in the blood and mucosa and greater numbers of PspA-specific interleukin-4 (IL-4)-secreting cells than mice born to naïve mothers. More importantly, mice born to immune mothers showed a significant increase in protection against S. pneumoniae challenge. These results suggest that strain χ9558(pYA4088) can circumvent some of the limitations of the immature immune system in neonatal and infant mice, generating enhanced protective immune responses in the presence of maternal antibodies.
Randomized Trial on the Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of MenACWY-CRM, an Investigational Quadrivalent Meningococcal Glycoconjugate Vaccine, Administered Concomitantly with a Combined Tetanus, Reduced Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine in Adolescents and Young Adults

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, MenACWY-CRM, when administered concomitantly with a combined tetanus, reduced diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, in subjects aged 11 to 25 years. Subjects received either MenACWY-CRM and Tdap, MenACWY-CRM and saline placebo, or Tdap and saline placebo. No significant increase in reactogenicity and no clinically significant vaccine-related adverse events (AEs) occurred when MenACWY-CRM and Tdap were administered concomitantly. Similar immunogenic responses to diphtheria, tetanus, and meningococcal (serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y) antigens were observed, regardless of concomitant vaccine administration. Antipertussis antibody responses were comparable between vaccine groups for filamentous hemagglutinin and were slightly lower, although not clinically significantly, for pertussis toxoid and pertactin when the two vaccines were administered concomitantly. These results indicate that the investigational MenACWY-CRM vaccine is well tolerated and immunogenic and that it can be coadministered with Tdap to adolescents and young adults.
Role of Intrahippocampal Sigma Receptor in Inhibiting Seizure by Electroacupuncture in Rats

Abstract Background: The opioid receptors in the hippocampus are very important in regulating epilepsy. Previous studies showed that kappa, delta, and mu opioid receptors in the hippocampus play an important role in epilepsy and electroacupuncture (EA) anticonvulsion. Objective: To investigate the effects of intrahippocampal sigma receptor on EA anticonvulsant. Design and Setting: A randomized controlled animal experiment was conducted at the Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College in China. A total of 64 male Wistar rats, weighing 280–300 g, were randomized to 6 groups: DTG [1,3,di(2-tolyl)guanidine] (n = 10), dextrorphan (n = 10), artificial cerebrospinal fluid (n = 10), EA + DTG (n = 10), EA+ dextrorphan (n = 14), and EA+ artificial cerebrospinal fluid (n = 10). Intervention: The rat seizure model was achieved by repeated electroconvulsive shock (500 V, 60 mA, 50 Hz sine waves clipped on both ears 3 times with interval of 5 minutes), and the ictal b.
Staphylococcus aureus Exotoxins Are Present In Vivo in Tampons

ABSTRACT Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) is the cause of menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) associated with vaginal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. In this pilot study, we measured TSST-1 and alpha-toxin, another exotoxin, on used tampons from four healthy women with S. aureus on tampons and from two women with tampon-associated mTSS. Tampons from all six women were sectioned into approximately 0.5-cm3 pieces, some containing menstrual blood and some lacking menstrual blood. The pH of tampon sections with or without menstrual blood was neutral. S. aureus CFU were present in tampon sections at approximately equivalent counts (total counts were 1 × 108 to 2 × 109 CFU/tampon). TSST-1 (2 to 80 μg/tampon) and alpha-toxin (28 to 30 μg/tampon) were present only in the sections containing little or no menstrual blood (low hemoglobin density). In the tampons from TSS patients, the cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was detected only in menstrual-blood-containing sections, whereas the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 3α and interleukin-8 were detected in all sections. Thus, IFN-γ was being produced systemically, whereas the chemokines were being produced both locally by epithelial cells and systemically. The data show that S. aureus exotoxins can be identified in tampons ex vivo in sites with low hemoglobin density.
Dual clustering: integrating data clustering over optimization and constraint domains

Spatial clustering has attracted a lot of research attention due to its various applications. In most conventional clustering problems, the similarity measurement mainly takes the geometric attributes into consideration. However, in many real applications, the nongeometric attributes are what users are concerned about. In the conventional spatial clustering, the input data set is partitioned into several compact regions and data points which are similar to one another in their nongeometric attributes may be scattered over different regions, thus making the corresponding objective difficult to achieve. To remedy this, we propose and explore in this paper a new clustering problem on two domains, called dual clustering, where one domain refers to the optimization domain and the other refers to the constraint domain. Attributes on the optimization domain are those involved in the optimization of the objective function, while those on the constraint domain specify the application dependent constraints. Our goal is to optimize the objective function in the optimization domain while satisfying the constraint specified in the constraint domain. We devise an efficient and effective algorithm, named Interlaced Clustering-Classification, abbreviated as ICC, to solve this problem. The proposed ICC algorithm combines the information in both domains and iteratively performs a clustering algorithm on the optimization domain and also a classification algorithm on the constraint domain to reach the target clustering effectively. The time and space complexities of the ICC algorithm are formally analyzed. Several experiments are conducted to provide the insights into the dual clustering problem and the proposed algorithm.
Beneficial Dysregulation of the Time Course of Inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Factor-Deficient Mice

ABSTRACT To begin to understand the surprising survival of macrophage-specific lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha factor-deficient (macLITAF−/−) animals after a lethal dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as reported earlier, the present follow-up study focuses on the role of LITAF in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines secreted in response to lethal or sublethal doses of LPS administered to wild-type (WT) and macLITAF−/− mice. A time course study of kinase expression in peritoneal macrophages revealed increased phosphorylation of prosurvival kinases Akt, Erk1/2, and ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) in macLITAF−/− mice compared to that in WT mice (n = 8), confirming their role in LPS-mediated diseases. macLITAF−/− mice (n = 8) survived a lethal dose of LPS plus d-galactosamine (d-GalN), expressing lower serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines than the WT levels. To extend our knowledge on LPS-induced inflammatory events, an effective sublethal dose of LPS was administered to the animals (n = 14). WT animals exhibited an acute inflammatory response that decreased after 4 h. Interestingly, macLITAF−/− mice exhibited an initial delay in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines that peaked after 8 h and reached WT levels after 18 h. Anti-inflammatory cytokine secretions were initially delayed but increased after 4 h and remained elevated compared to WT levels, even after 18 h. Our results demonstrate that LITAF deficiency in vivo affects cytokines other than TNF-α and influences the balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which protects the animals from the deleterious effects of an LPS-induced inflammatory response, resulting in a beneficial host regulation of inflammatory cytokines and in enhanced survival. Therapeutic intervention aimed at reducing LITAF via kinase modulators may prove useful in preventing LPS-induced mortality.
Mapping Broadly Reactive Norovirus Genogroup I and II Monoclonal Antibodies

ABSTRACT Noroviruses are responsible for most acute nonbacterial epidemic outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide. To develop cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for rapid identification of genogroup I and II (GI and GII) noroviruses (NoVs) in field specimens, mice were immunized with baculovirus-expressed recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) corresponding to NoVs. Nine MAbs against the capsid protein were identified that detected both GI and GII NoV VLPs. These MAbs were tested in competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to identify common epitope reactivities to GI and GII VLPs. Patterns of competitive reactivity placed these MAbs into two epitope groups (groups 1 and 2). Epitopes for MAbs NV23 and NS22 (group 1) and MAb F120 (group 2) were mapped to a continuous region in the C-terminal P1 subdomain of the capsid protein. This domain is within regions previously defined to contain cross-reactive epitopes in GI and GII viruses, suggesting that common epitopes are clustered within the P1 domain of the capsid protein. Further characterization in an accompanying paper (B. Kou et al., Clin Vaccine Immunol 22:160–167, 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/CVI.00519-14) revealed that MAb NV23 (epitope group 1) is able to detect GI and GII viruses in stool. Inclusion of the GI and GII cross-reactive MAb NV23 in antigen detection assays may facilitate the identification of GI and GII human noroviruses in stool samples as causative agents of outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis worldwide.
Vectored Expression of the Broadly Neutralizing Antibody FI6 in Mouse Airway Provides Partial Protection against a New Avian Influenza A Virus, H7N9

As of 4 July 2013, there have been 134 confirmed cases of human infection and 43 fatalities with a new avian influenza A virus (H7N9) ([1][1]). H7N9 is currently contained in Southeastern China, and the majority of human cases of infection have reported direct exposure to poultry ([2][2]). While no
The capacity of the extended family safety net for orphans in Africa

This paper reviews published studies on orphans and describes indicators by which weakened or saturated extended family safety nets can be identified. Most orphans in Africa are still being cared for by members of their extended family. The traditional safety net for orphans in Africa used to be their aunts and uncles. The alternate safety net of grandparents or more distant relatives is becoming prevalent as a result of weakening of the extended family and increasing orphan numbers; comparative data on uncle/aunt:grandparent caregiver rates are presented. Indicators of the strength of the extended family safety net include the prevalence of widow remarriage, purposive fostering and contact with relatives. Measures of the weakening of the safety net include the paternal:maternal caregiver ratio, the uncle/aunt:grandparent caregiver ratio, the prevalence of child-headed households, sibling dispersal and migration. Increasing numbers of children are slipping through the extended family safety net, leading to child-headed households, street children and child labour; such children have increased likelihood of physical, social, economic and psychological morbidity and vulnerability to HIV infection. It is essential to understand extended family safety net mechanisms so that proposed orphan initiatives support rather than undermine traditional orphan care.
DATA MINING FOR BIG DATA

Big data" is pervasive, and yet still the notion engenders confusion. Big data has been used to convey all sorts of concepts, including: huge quantities of data, social media analytics, next generation data management capabilities, real-time data, and much more. Whatever the label, organizations are starting to understand and explore how to process and analyze a vast array of information in new ways. Big data is the term for a collection of data sets which are large and complex, it contain structured and unstructured both type of data. Data comes from everywhere, sensors used to gather climate information, posts to social media sites, digital pictures and videos etc This data is known as big data. Useful data can be extracted from this big data with the help of data mining. Data mining is a technique for discovering interesting patterns as well as descriptive, understandable models from large scale data. In this paper we overviewed types of big data and challenges in big data for future.
Policy Issues and Stakeholder Concerns Regarding the Storage and Use of Residual Newborn Dried Blood Samples for Research

Newborn screening is an important public health programs in the United States. Over 4 million infants are screened each year for a number of conditions. There is a growing need for more explicit state policies governing the storage and research use of residual newborn samples. This paper provides an overview of newborn screening and issues related to policies of residual newborn samples as well as attitudes and opinions from stakeholders. Three groups (n = 21) were conducted with stakeholders: an African American group, a Pediatrician group and a Mothers of young children group. Despite the differences between these groups, consistent themes emerged from all groups that may be relevant for policy development governing the storage and use of residual newborn samples. The data from this exploratory study suggest that future policy developments with the newborn screening program warrant further public input on these topics.