Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic SfM: Detecting Scene Changes from Image Pairs

Detecting changes in scenes is important in many scene understanding tasks. In this paper, we pursue this goal simply from a pair of image recordings. Specifically, our goal is to infer what the objects are, how they are structured, and how they moved between the images. The problem is challenging as large changes make point‐level correspondence establishment difficult, which in turn breaks the assumptions of standard Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM). We propose a novel algorithm for dynamic SfM wherein we first generate a pool of potential corresponding points by hypothesizing over possible movements, and then use a continuous optimization formulation to obtain a low complexity solution that best explains the scene recordings, i.e., the input image pairs. We test the algorithm on a variety of examples to recover the multiple object structures and their changes.
Focal impulse and rotor modulation using the novel 64-electrode basket catheter: electrogram characteristics of human rotors.

AIMS Ablation of fractionated electrograms (EGMs) has been performed to eliminate areas of slow conduction in atrial fibrillation (AF). The rotor hypothesis suggests that rapidly activating spiral waves perpetuate and maintain AF. This study describes the EGM characteristics of AF rotors, using the novel 64-electrode basket catheter. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-five patients (male n = 16) with AF (paroxysmal n = 10) underwent focal impulse and rotor modulation. A 3.5 mm irrigated-tip ablation catheter was placed at the identified rotor core and EGMs were analysed for amplitude, characteristics (single-EGM, fractionated-EGM, and continuous-EGM), and cycle length over 10 s. A total of 72 rotors were identified [right atrium (RA) = 13, left atrium (LA) = 59]. Seven rotors were excluded from EGM analysis due to location in the pulmonary veins. Single-EGMs were more frequent in the RA compared with the LA (8 (61.5) vs. 12 (23.1); P < 0.01) and EGM amplitudes were smaller in LA rotors when compared with RA rotors (0.14 (0.08-0.17) mV vs. 0.19 (0.15-0.29) mV; P = 0.029). In patients with persistent AF, single-EGMs were observed more often in the right-sided rotors compared with left-sided rotors (4 (57.1) vs. 5 (14.3); P = 0.012), and EGM amplitudes were smaller in patients with persistent AF compared with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients (0.15 (0.09-0.19) mV vs. 0.22 (0.17-0.47) mV; P = 0.03). Furthermore, the prevalence of fractionated- EGMs was higher in patients with persistent AF compared with PAF patients (31/42 (73.8) vs. 9/23 (39.1); P = 0.03). CONCLUSION There are no characteristic rotor-EGM potentials. Rotor-EGM characteristics are different between the RA and LA. Although rotors are not associated with abnormal EGMs, rotor-EGMs in persistent AF were more fractionated with lower amplitudes compared with that in PAF.
Does the h index have predictive power?

Bibliometric measures of individual scientific achievement are of particular interest if they can be used to predict future achievement. Here we report results of an empirical study of the predictive power of the h index compared with other indicators. Our findings indicate that the h index is better than other indicators considered (total citation count, citations per paper, and total paper count) in predicting future scientific achievement. We discuss reasons for the superiority of the h index.
Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells: a review of clinical applications and manufacturing practices

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently generated great interest in the fields of regenerative medicine and immunotherapy due to their unique biologic properties. In this review we attempt to provide an overview of the current clinical status of MSC therapy, primarily focusing on immunomodulatory and regenerative or tissue repair applications of MSCs. In addition, current manufacturing is reviewed with attention to variation in practices (e.g., starting material, approach to culture and product testing). There is considerable variation among the 218 clinical trials assessed here; variations include proposed mechanisms of action, optimal dosing strategy, and route of administration. To ensure the greatest likelihood of success in clinical trials as the field progresses, attention must be given to the optimization of MSC culture.
Slap Negatively Regulates Src Mitogenic Function but Does Not Revert Src-Induced Cell Morphology Changes

ABSTRACT Src-like adapter protein (Slap) is a recently identified protein that negatively regulates mitogenesis in murine fibroblasts (S. Roche, G. Alonso, A. Kazlausakas, V. M. Dixit, S. A. Courtneidge, and A. Pandey, Curr. Biol. 8:975–978, 1998) and comprises an SH3 and SH2 domain with striking identity to the corresponding Src domains. In light of this, we sought to investigate whether Slap could be an antagonist of all Src functions. Like Src, Slap was found to be myristylated in vivo and largely colocalized with Src when coexpressed in Cos7 cells. Microinjection of a Slap-expressing construct into quiescent NIH 3T3 cells inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced DNA synthesis, and the inhibition was rescued by the transcription factor c-Myc but not by c-Jun/c-Fos expression. Fyn (or Src) overexpression overrides the G1/S block induced by both SrcK− and a Slap mutant with a deletion of its C terminus (SlapΔC), but not the block induced by Slap or SlapΔSH3, implying that the C terminus is a noncompetitive inhibitor of Src mitogenic function. Furthermore, a chimeric adapter comprising SrcΔK fused to the Slap C terminus (Src/SlapC) also inhibited Src function during the PDGF response in a noncompetitive manner, as Src coexpression could not rescue PDGF signaling. Slap, however, did not reverse deregulated Src-induced cell transformation, as it was unable to inhibit depolymerization of actin stress fibers while still being able to inhibit SrcY527F-induced DNA synthesis. This was attributed to a distinct Slap SH3 binding specificity, since the chimeric Slap/SrcSH3 molecule, in which the Slap SH3 was replaced by the Src SH3 sequence, substantially restored stress fiber formation. Indeed, three amino acids important for ligand binding in Src SH3 were replaced in the Slap SH3 sequence; Slap SH3 did not bind to the Src SH3 partners p85α, Shc, and Sam68 in vitro, and the chimeric tyrosine kinase Slap/SrcK, composed of SlapΔC fused to the SH2 linker kinase sequence of Src, was not regulated in vivo. Furthermore, the Src SH3 domain is required for signaling during mitogenesis and since Slap/SrcK behaved as a dominant negative in the PDGF mitogenic response when microinjected into quiescent fibroblasts. We conclude that Slap is a negative regulator of Src during mitogenesis involving both the SH2 and the C terminus domains in a noncompetitive manner, but it does not regulate all Src function due to specific SH3 binding substrates.
Long-Term Results Comparing Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix and Autogenous Connective Tissue Grafts With Coronally Advanced Flaps for Treatment of Dehiscence-Type Recession Defects.

BACKGROUND Although connective tissue grafts with coronally advanced flaps (CTG + CAF) have been deemed the gold standard for recession defect treatment, to provide adequate recession coverage, the periodontal profession continues to pursue lower-morbidity, patient-preferred substitutes that are more convenient and of unlimited supply. METHODS Using a randomized, controlled, and masked contralateral comparison of matched-pair, within-patient recession defects, collagen matrix (CMX) + CAF therapy was compared with CTG + CAF at 6 months and 5 years. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage of root coverage (RC). Secondary efficacy parameters included width of keratinized tissue (KTw), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), clinician rating of color and texture compared with surrounding tissues, and patient esthetic satisfaction. RESULTS Seventeen patients were available for the 5-year recall. Mean RC between 6 months and 5 years changed from 89.5% to 77.6% for CMX + CAF test sites and 97.5% to 95.5% for CTG + CAF control sites. KTw averaged >3 mm for both test and control sites at 5 years. PD was equivalent at all time points. The 6-month to 5-year changes for RC, KTw, and PD were not significantly different between therapies. CAL change from 6 months to 5 years was greater for CTG + CAF (0.26 mm) than CMX + CAF (-0.21 mm). Tissue color match to surrounding tissues remained similar for both therapies throughout the study. There was a difference in tissue texture at both 6 months and 5 years, with CMX + CAF sites tending to be "equally firm" and CTG + CAF sites "more firm. " Patient satisfaction was high, with no statistical difference in satisfaction between therapies at any time point. CONCLUSION When balanced with patient-reported satisfaction, clinical rankings of esthetics, and control and historical RC results reported by other investigators, CMX + CAF appears to present a viable and long-term alternative to traditional CTG + CAF therapy.
QoS-FS: A new forwarding strategy with QoS for routing in Named Data Networking

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) is a novel paradigm for future Internet architectures. The aim of ICN is to accommodate content distribution within the Internet infrastructure. Named Data Networking (NDN) is one of the most popular ICN proposal. This paper presents a design of QoS-FS, a new NDN's adaptive forwarding strategy with quality of service (QoS). At each node of the network, QoS-FS monitors, in real-time, ingoing and outgoing networks' link to estimate the QoS parameters and integrate them into the different decisions taken to determine when and which interface to use to forward an Interest. Therefore, making forwarding decision adaptive to network conditions and user's preferences. We provide simulation experiments to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed solution.
Biology and Economics of Recommendations for Insecticide-Based Management of Soybean Aphid

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, remains the key insect pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, in the north-central United States. Management of this pest has relied primarily on scouting and application of foliar insecticides based on an economic threshold (ET) of 250 aphids per plant. This review explains why this ET remains valid for soybean aphid management, despite changes in crop value and input costs. In particular, we review how soybean aphid impacts soybean yield, the role of biology and economics in recommendations for soybean aphid management, and the shortand long-term consequences of inappropriately timed insecticide applications.
Risk factors and timing of default from treatment for non-multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Moldova.

SETTING The Republic of Moldova, in Eastern Europe, has among the highest reported nationwide proportions of tuberculosis (TB) patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) worldwide. Default has been associated with increased mortality and amplification of drug resistance, and may contribute to the high MDR-TB rates in Moldova. OBJECTIVE To assess risk factors and timing of default from treatment for non-MDR-TB from 2007 to 2010. DESIGN A retrospective analysis of routine surveillance data on all non-MDR-TB patients reported. RESULTS A total of 14.7% of non-MDR-TB patients defaulted from treatment during the study period. Independent risk factors for default included sociodemographic factors, such as homelessness, living alone, less formal education and spending substantial time outside Moldova in the year prior to diagnosis; and health-related factors such as human immunodeficiency virus co-infection, greater lung pathology and increasing TB drug resistance. Anti-tuberculosis treatment is usually initiated within an institutional setting in Moldova, and the default risk was highest in the month following the phase of hospitalized treatment (among civilians) and after leaving prison (among those diagnosed while incarcerated). CONCLUSIONS Targeted interventions to increase treatment adherence for patients at highest risk of default, and improving the continuity of care for patients transitioning from institutional to community care may substantially reduce risk of default.
Systems Analysis of a Maize Leaf Developmental Gradient Redefines the Current C4 Model and Provides Candidates for Regulation[W][OA]

This work reports on a comprehensive systems biology analysis of maize leaves, concluding that C4 photosynthesis is established from sink tissue without an intermediate phase of C3 or C2 photosynthesis. We systematically analyzed a developmental gradient of the third maize (Zea mays) leaf from the point of emergence into the light to the tip in 10 continuous leaf slices to study organ development and physiological and biochemical functions. Transcriptome analysis, oxygen sensitivity of photosynthesis, and photosynthetic rate measurements showed that the maize leaf undergoes a sink-to-source transition without an intermediate phase of C3 photosynthesis or operation of a photorespiratory carbon pump. Metabolome and transcriptome analysis, chlorophyll and protein measurements, as well as dry weight determination, showed continuous gradients for all analyzed items. The absence of binary on–off switches and regulons pointed to a morphogradient along the leaf as the determining factor of developmental stage. Analysis of transcription factors for differential expression along the leaf gradient defined a list of putative regulators orchestrating the sink-to-source transition and establishment of C4 photosynthesis. Finally, transcriptome and metabolome analysis, as well as enzyme activity measurements, and absolute quantification of selected metabolites revised the current model of maize C4 photosynthesis. All data sets are included within the publication to serve as a resource for maize leaf systems biology.
Diffusion-tensor MR imaging of gray and white matter development during normal human brain maturation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Conventional MR imaging findings of human brain development are thought to result from decreasing water content, increasing macromolecular concentration, and myelination. We use diffusion-tensor MR imaging to test theoretical models that incorporate hypotheses regarding how these maturational processes influence water diffusion in developing gray and white matter. METHODS Experimental data were derived from diffusion-tensor imaging of 167 participants, ages 31 gestational weeks to 11 postnatal years. An isotropic diffusion model was applied to the gray matter of the basal ganglia and thalamus. A model that assumes changes in the magnitude of diffusion while maintaining cylindrically symmetric anisotropy was applied to the white matter of the corpus callosum and internal capsule. Deviations of the diffusion tensor from the ideal model predictions, due to measurement noise, were estimated by using Monte Carlo simulations. RESULTS Developing gray matter of the basal ganglia and developing white matter of the internal capsule and corpus callosum largely conformed to theory, with only small departures from model predictions in older children. However, data from the thalamus substantially diverged from predicted values, with progressively larger deviations from the model with increasing participant age. CONCLUSION Changes in water diffusion during maturation of central gray and white matter structures can largely be explained by theoretical models incorporating simple assumptions regarding the influence of brain water content and myelination, although deviations from theory increase as the brain matures. Diffusion-tensor MR imaging is a powerful method for studying the process of brain development, with both scientific and clinical applications.
A novel uniplanar differentially-fed UWB polarization diversity antenna with dual notch bands

A novel design of a differentially-fed ultrawideband (UWB) polarization diversity antenna with dual band-notched characteristics is presented in this paper. The antenna consists of a chamfer square slot and two orthogonal differential pairs to achieve polarization diversity operation over the UWB. The proposed antenna has a wide impedance bandwidth from 2.75 to more than 11 GHz for differential reflection coefficients less than -10 dB. High differential isolation larger than 40 dB and low cross-polarization are also obtained. Besides, by employing two different methods, dual band-rejected operation filtering the 3.5 GHz WiMAX and 5.5 GHz WLAN band is realized. All these features make the proposed antenna very suitable for the application in UWB wireless communication systems.
A summary of recent experimental research on ion energy and charge states of pulsed vacuum arcs

The paper reviews the results of vacuum arc experimental investigations made collaboratively by research groups from Berkeley and Tomsk over the last two years, i.e. since the last ISDEIV in 2006. Vacuum arc plasma of various metals was produced in pulses of a few hundred microseconds duration, and the research focussed on three topics: (i) the energy distribution functions for different ion charge states, (ii) the temporal development of the ion charge state distribution, and (iii) the evolution of the mean directed ion velocities during plasma expansion. A combined quadruple mass-to-charge and energy analyzer (EQP by HIDEN Ltd.) and a time-of-flight spectrometer were employed. Cross-checking data by those complimentary techniques helped to avoid possible pitfalls in interpretation. It was found that the ion energy distribution functions in the plasma were independent of the ion charge state, which implies that the energy distribution on a substrate are not equal to due to acceleration in the substrate's sheath. In pulsed arc mode, the individual ion charge states fractions showed changes leading to a decrease of the mean charge state toward a steady-state value. This decrease can be reduced by lower arc current, higher pulse repetition rate and reduced length of the discharge gap. It was also found that the directed ion velocity slightly decreased as the plasma expanded into the vacuum.
Geodesic Haptic Device for Surface Rendering

This paper describes a haptic device whose aim is to render the contact with a continuous and developable surface by means of the representation of a geodesic trajectory. Some preliminary tests conducted with industrial designers have showed that the trajectories performed while exploring the surface of a style product, for a qualitative evaluation, follows some particular trajectories that may be mathematically described as geodesic curves. In order to represent these particular curves a haptic strip based on a modular servo-controlled mechanism has been developed. Each module of mechanism allows us to control both the curvature and the torsion. This device, in respect to the commercial existing haptic devices, allows a hand-surface contact with the virtual model in real scale without artifacts, by self-deforming its shape in order to conform to the mathematical curve to render. The strip is 900 mm long and has 9 control points for bending and 8 control points for torsion. Due to these characteristics, it allows us to render exploration trajectories of several kinds of product shapes and dimensions. In order to allow users to fully explore an object surface, we have mounted the strip on a platform consisting of two MOOG-FCS HapticMaster devices, which permits 6DOF orientation of the strip and force feedback control. The paper describes the mechanism of the strip and the 6DOF platform starting from the empirical observations of the exploration of surfaces and highlights the problems encountered and the solutions adopted.
Cause and rate of death in people with schizophrenia across the lifespan: a population-based study in Manitoba, Canada.

OBJECTIVE To compare the causes and rates of death for people with and without schizophrenia in Manitoba, Canada. METHOD Using de-identified administrative databases at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, a population-based analysis was performed to compare age- and sex-adjusted 10-year (1999-2008) mortality rates, overall and by specific cause, of decedents aged 10 years or older who had 1 diagnosis of schizophrenia (ICD-9-CM code 295, ICD-10-CA codes F20, F21, F23.2, F25) over a 12-year period (N = 9,038) to the rest of the population (N = 969,090). RESULTS The mortality rate for those with schizophrenia was double that of the rest of the population (20.00% vs. 9.37%). The all-cause mortality rate was higher for people with schizophrenia compared to all others (168.9 vs. 99.1 per thousand; relative risk [RR] = 1.70, P < .0001); rates of death due to suicide (RR = 8.67, P < .0001), injury (RR = 2.35, P < .0001), respiratory illness (RR = 2.00, P < .0001), and circulatory illness (RR = 1.64, P < .0001) were also significantly higher in people with schizophrenia. Overall cancer deaths were similar (28.6 vs. 27.3 per thousand, P = .42, NS) except in the middle-aged group (40-59), in which cancer death rates were significantly higher for those with schizophrenia (28.7 vs. 11.6 per thousand; RR = 2.48, P < .01). Mortality rates due to lung cancer were significantly higher in people with schizophrenia (9.4 vs. 6.4 per thousand, RR = 1.45, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS People with schizophrenia are at increased risk of death compared to the general population, and the majority of these deaths are occurring in older age from physical disease processes. Risk of cancer mortality is significantly higher in middle-aged but not younger or older patients with schizophrenia. Understanding these patients' vulnerabilities to physical illness has important public health implications for prevention, screening, and treatment as the population ages.
The Shear Bond Strengths of Metal and Ceramic Brackets: An in-Vitro Comparative Study.

AIM This study has compared the Shear Bond Strengths (SBSs) of ceramic brackets and metal brackets. MATERIALS AND METHOD Forty freshly extracted, human maxillary first premolars were selected for bonding. They were equally bonded with ceramic brackets (Transcend series 6000) and metal brackets (Mini Dynalock Straight wire brackets). A no - mix orthodontic adhesive system was used. Their shear bond strengths were measured by using the Instron universal machine. RESULTS The mean bond strength of the ceramic brackets was 20.68 ± 3.89 Mpa and that of the metal brackets was 12.15 ± 1.32 MPa. CONCLUSION The shear bond strength of the ceramic brackets was found to be superior than that of the metal brackets.
Calculations of Transition Probabilities for Some Excited Levels of Na I

Transition probabilities are calculated for individual and multiplet lines between some excited states in neutral sodium by using the weakest bound electron potential model theory. In the determination of parameters required for calculation of transition probabilities, we employed numerical non-relativistic Hartree–Fock wave functions for expectation values of radii in all levels. The necessary energy values were taken from experimental energy data in the literature. The obtained results were compared with accepted values taken from National Institute of Standards and Technology data and multi-configurational Hartree–Fock results given by Fischer. A good agreement was observed in related excited states.