Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Interest Point Matching Methods for Projective Reconstruction of 3D Scenes

This work evaluates the application of different state-of-the-art methods for interest point matching, aiming the robust and efficient projective reconstruction of three-dimensional scenes. Projective reconstruction refers to the computation of the structure of a scene from images taken with uncalibrated cameras. To achieve this goal, it is essential the usage of an effective point matching algorithm. Even though several point matching methods have been proposed in the literature, their impacts in the projective reconstruction task have not yet been carefully studied. Our evaluation uses as criterion the estimated epipolar, reprojection and reconstruction errors, as well as the running times of the algorithms. Specifically, we compare five different techniques: SIFT, SURF, ORB, BRISK and FREAK. Our experiments show that binary algorithms such as, ORB and BRISK, are so accurate as float point algorithms like SIFT and SURF, nevertheless, with smaller computational cost.
Nature of the collagenous protein in a tumor basement membrane.

The EHS sarcoma (named after its discoverer, Engelbreth-Holm, and its primary characterizer, R. Swarm) contains an extracellular matrix of basement membrane. The collagenous component of the membrane was extracted with dilute acetic acid from tumors grown in lathyritic mice and separated from other proteins by chromatographic methods. This collagen has a composition resembling that reported for other basement membrane collagens. The polypeptide chains of the tumor collagen are linked by disulfide bonds and migrate after reduction intermediate between the CI chains und components of type-I collagen. The circular dichroism spectra obtained from it resemble those obtained from other collagens. The intact protein contained about 280 residues of glycine per 1000 residues. After reduction of disulfide bonds in the basement membrane collagen, treatment with either pepsin or trypsin gave rise to resistant fragments containing one-third glycine. These fragments formed segment-long-spacing crystallites 210 nm long in the case of those treated with pepsin and 350 nm long in the case of those treated with trypsin. The band pattern differs from that found with other collagens. Antibodies prepared against the tumor collagen were found to localize to the tumor matrix and to known basement membranes occurring in mouse tissues. The data suggest that these basement membranes may contain a collagenous protein similar to the tumor protein.
Unbalanced Bidding Problem with Fuzzy Random Variables

Unbalanced bidding problem with mixed uncertainty of fuzziness and randomness is considered in this paper, where the bidding engineering quantities of each activity are assumed to be fuzzy random variables. Two types of fuzzy random models as expected value maximization model and maximax chance-constrained model are built to satisfy different optimization requirements. Then a hybrid intelligent algorithm integrating fuzzy random simulations, neural network and genetic algorithm is designed to solve these models. Finally, a numerical experiment is given to illustrate its effectiveness of the algorithm. The results show that the algorithm is feasible and effective.
Use of the bronchofiberscope for bronchial brush biopsy. Diagnostic results and comparison with other brushing techniques.

The flexible bronchofiberscope was used to perform bronchial brush biopsies in 75 patients with central, midlung and peripheral lung lesions suspected of being malignant. Of the 52 patients who had lung cancer, a positive or highly suspicious cytology was obtained in 46 (89 percent), compared to a diagnostic accuracy of 72 percent in a previous series using rigid, premolded catheters, and 82 percent using a mobile, controlled-tip catheter. Direct placement of the brush on endoscopically visible tumors produced positive results in 32 of 34 patients (94 percent), whereas only 14 of 18 patients (78 percent) with peripheral bronchogenic carcinomas were correctly diagnosed by indirect fiberoptic brushing under fluoroscopic control. In distal, inaccessible lesions, the problem may be solved using a mobile, controlled-tip catheter or the recently modified curette.
Gene Expression of SERCA2a and L- and T-type Ca Channels during Human Heart Development

In this study we report, for the first time, on the gene expression of human cardiac SERCA2a, L-type (α1C) and T-type (α1H) Ca channels during development, using RNase protection assay, relative quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Human hearts during early gestation (8- to 20-wk gestation), neonatal (1- to 4-d-old) and adult (18- to 48-year-old) stages were used. The results show that T-type Ca channel α1H subunit mRNA decreased and that L-type Ca channel α1C subunit mRNA increased with development. While the levels of sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA2a) mRNA did not significantly change with development, its protein levels increased with development. In conclusion, SERCA2a, L-type and T-type Ca channel transcripts were detected as early as 8-wk gestation. Defining the profile of Ca handling proteins during development is important to the understanding of excitation-contraction (EC)-coupling of the developing human heart.
Increased Proportions of Bifidobacterium and the Lactobacillus Group and Loss of Butyrate-Producing Bacteria in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

ABSTRACT Dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota of persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been described, but there are still varied reports on changes in the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus organisms in patients with IBD. The aim of this investigation was to compare the compositions of mucosa-associated and fecal bacteria in patients with IBD and in healthy controls (HCs). Fecal and biopsy samples from 21 HCs, 21 and 15 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, and 34 and 29 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, respectively, were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The bacterial numbers were transformed into relative percentages for statistical analysis. The proportions of bacteria were uniformly distributed along the colon regardless of the disease state. Bifidobacterium was significantly increased in the biopsy specimens of active UC patients compared to those in the HCs (4.6% versus 2.1%, P = 0.001), and the proportion of Bifidobacterium was significantly higher in the biopsy specimens than in the fecal samples in active CD patients (2.7% versus 2.0%, P = 0.012). The Lactobacillus group was significantly increased in the biopsy specimens of active CD patients compared to those in the HCs (3.4% versus 2.3%, P = 0.036). Compared to the HCs, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was sharply decreased in both the fecal and biopsy specimens of the active CD patients (0.3% versus 14.0%, P < 0.0001 for fecal samples; 0.8% versus 11.4%, P < 0.0001 for biopsy specimens) and the active UC patients (4.3% versus 14.0%, P = 0.001 for fecal samples; 2.8% versus 11.4%, P < 0.0001 for biopsy specimens). In conclusion, Bifidobacterium and the Lactobacillus group were increased in active IBD patients and should be used more cautiously as probiotics during the active phase of IBD. Butyrate-producing bacteria might be important to gut homeostasis.
Individually adapted tube current selection and contrast medium injection protocol of coronary CT angiography based on test bolus parameters: a feasibility study

Background Test bolus is mostly used to determine the starting point of a full cardiac scanning with respect to injection of a larger bolus of contrast material. So far there are limited data demonstrating the feasibility of using information obtained from a test bolus to adjust contrast delivery protocols and tube current individually during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of individually adapted tube current selection and contrast injection protocols of CCTA based on test bolus parameters. Material and Methods Test bolus followed by CCTA was performed in 93 patients at 100 kV and in 81 patients at 120 kV, respectively. Simulated attenuation of the descending aorta (SimDA) of CCTA was calculated at a fixed contrast injection rate of 4 mL/s. Univariate and multivariate comparisons were performed to identify associations of SimDA and image noise of CCTA (NoiseCCTA) with test bolus information and patient-related factors including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA). Results Compared with BW, BMI, and BSA, SimDA was more closely related to the peak time of left ventricle and peak enhancement of right ventricle obtained from test bolus (r = 0.495 and r = 0.642 for 100 and 120 kV protocol, respectively). Similarly, NoiseTB was much more closely related to NoiseCCTA (r = 0.740 and r = 0.630 for 100 and 120 kV protocol, respectively) when compared with BW, BMI, and BSA. Conclusion It is feasible to individually adapt tube current and contrast injection protocol of CCTA based on the information of test bolus.
Celecoxib does not alter cardiovascular and renal function during dietary salt loading

1. Cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)‐derived prostaglandins are important in controlling sodium excretion and renin release. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a clinical dose of celecoxib would impair urinary sodium excretion and elevate blood pressure (BP) during dietary salt loading.
Disorders of consciousness

Prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC)—the vegetative and minimally conscious states (VS/MCS)—are uncommon but devastating outcomes after severe brain injury. Until recently, the medical community has viewed them with great pessimism with respect to both prognosis and effective treatments. Within the rehabilitation community, optimizing medical stability and physical health to facilitate natural recovery is viewed as important, but attempts to accelerate recovery have generally involved off-label treatments, in the absence of proven interventions. In the United States, the climate of pessimism has been self-perpetuating; health insurers often restrict access to rehabilitation for patients with DOC, who are then transferred directly from acute care centers to long-term care facilities or family homes, largely disconnected from the academic research enterprise.
Effects of Passive Immunization against Peptide Tyrosine Tyrosine on theActivity of Digestive Enzymes in Rats

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of serum antibody of peptide tyrosine tyrosine on activities of digestive enzymes in rats. A total of sixty sprague-dawley (SD) rats weighing 87.77 ± 1.61 g were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dose treatment:0 (control), 50 μL, 100 μL, or 200 μL peptide tyrosine tyrosine antiserum during the 21-d experimental period. The activity of amylases and lipases in the pancreas and duodenum as well as gastric pepsin was measured at the end of the study. The results showed that the activity of lipases in the pancreas and duodenum increased with increasing peptide tyrosine tyrosine antiserum level, but obvious tendency of pancreatic lipases activity between all treatments was not observed(P>0.05). The lipase activity in the duodenum showed a significant increase (P 0.05) among groups, but the group treated with 200 μL of PYY antiserum showed the highest activity. In conclusion, the injection of peptide tyrosine tyrosine antiserum improved nutrition utilization rate and activity of digestive enzymes in a dose dependent manner in rats.
Dynamic O-GlcNAc Modification of Nucleocytoplasmic Proteins in Response to Stress

Cellular response to environmental, physiological, or chemical stress is key to survival following injury or disease. Here we describe a unique signaling mechanism by which cells detect and respond to stress in order to survive. A wide variety of stress stimuli rapidly increase nucleocytoplasmic protein modification by O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), an essential post-translational modification of Ser and Thr residues of metazoans. Blocking this post-translational modification, or reducing it, renders cells more sensitive to stress and results in decreased cell survival; and increasing O-GlcNAc levels protects cells. O-GlcNAc regulates both the rates and extent of the stress-induced induction of heat shock proteins, providing a molecular basis for these findings.
Fine structure of the band 3 protein in human red cell membranes: freeze-fracture studies.

The major red cell membrane protein, band 3, is a glycoprotein which extends across the membrane from the extracellular space into the cytoplasmic compartment. It is widely held that band 3 is a component of the intramembrane particles (IMP) which can be demonstrated by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. In this study, we find that the outer surface poles of the IMP can be seen by freeze-etching after they are unmasked by proteolysis under conditions which excise the surrounding sialopeptides from the membrane. The poles appear as distinctive projections, 30--50 A in diameter, the "ES particles. " The ES particles remain associated with the outer surface of the membrane following cleavage of the band 3 polypeptide by chymotrypsin or pronase. This is consistent with previous biochemical studies which have shown that the 38,000-dalton outer surface segment of band 3 is intercalated in the lipid bilayer. A granulofibrillar component at the inner surface of the membrane is provisionally identified as the 40,000-dalton inner-surface domain of band 3.
Living with advanced Parkinson's disease: a constant struggle with unpredictability.

AIM This paper is a report of an exploration of patients' lifeworld and way of managing life with advanced Parkinson's disease prior to Deep Brain Stimulation and what they expect from life following this treatment. BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which is initially well-treated with L-dopa. Living with Parkinson's disease means living with the experience of continuous loss of independence and self-esteem and unpredictable ON/OFF phenomena. Thus, in the advanced stage of the disease, treatment with Deep Brain Stimulation may become relevant. METHOD Eleven patients eligible for Deep Brain Stimulation were interviewed prior to treatment. Data were collected in 2007 and analysed according to the hermeneutic phenomenological methodology of van Manen, using the four existentials as analytic tools. FINDINGS Living with advanced Parkinson's disease can be described as the experience of living with and managing unpredictability. The disease gradually took over, and participants had to struggle with unpredictability on a daily basis. Themes in relation to this were: The body - setting the agenda, Always a struggle to be on time, Living in dependence and compromise - being a burden, and Living with restrained space and changes in social life. CONCLUSION Parkinson's disease leads to profound bodily restrictions. Living with an unpredictable body affects all aspects of life, and nurses need to be aware of the impact the disease has on the entire lifeworld, and how this may affect the way treatment is perceived.
Physical restraint to patients with dementia in acute physical care settings: effect of the financial incentive to acute care hospitals

ABSTRACT Background: In April 2016, the Japanese government introduced an additional benefit for dementia care in acute care hospitals (dementia care benefit) into the universal benefit schedule of public healthcare insurance program. The benefit includes a financial disincentive to use physical restraint. The present study investigated the association between the dementia care benefit and the use of physical restraint among inpatients with dementia in general acute care settings. Methods: A national cross-sectional study design was used. Eight types of care units from acute care hospitals under the public healthcare insurance program were invited to participate in this study. A total of 23,539 inpatients with dementia from 2,355 care units in 937 hospitals were included for the analysis. Dementia diagnosis or symptoms included any signs of cognitive impairment. The primary outcome measure was “use of physical restraint. ” Results: Among patients, the point prevalence of physical restraint was 44.5% (n = 10,480). Controlling for patient, unit, and hospital characteristics, patients in units with dementia care benefit had significantly lower percentage of physical restraint than those in any other units (42.0% vs. 47.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confident interval [0.63, 0.92]). Conclusions: The financial incentive may have reduced the risk of physical restraint among patients with dementia in acute care hospitals. However, use of physical restraint was still common among patients with dementia in units with the dementia care benefit. An educational package to guide dementia care approach including the avoidance of physical restraint by healthcare professionals in acute care hospitals is recommended.
Wavelength dependence of multiplication noise in silicon avalanche photodiodes

Theoretical and experimental results on wavelength dependence of multiplication noise in silicon avalanche photodiodes are described. When the photodiode has a p-n<sup>+</sup>-junction and is illuminated from the n<sup>+</sup>-side, multiplication noise increases by decreasing optical wavelength. Effective ionization coefficient ratio k<inf>eff</inf>is equal to<tex>k</tex>exp (<tex>2Kw_{a}</tex>) for a uniform junction electric field, where<tex>k</tex>is the ratio of ionization coefficients of electrons α and holes β. The multiplication noise depends on the product of optical absorption coefficient<tex>K</tex>and the avalanche-region width w<inf>a</inf>. Calculations show that there exists an optimum w<inf>a</inf>for minimizing multiplication noise at a given wavelength. Theoretical results are shown to agree with results of experiments on diodes with a low-high-low impurity profile. Measured ionization coefficient ratio<tex>k</tex>values are 0.04 and 0.08 at 0.811- and 0.633-µm wavelength, respectively.
Two Formulas for Success in Social Media: Learning and Network Effects

Abstract Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented explosion in information technology that enables dynamic diffusion of user-generated content in social networks. Online videos, in particular, have changed the landscape of marketing and entertainment, competing with premium content and spurring business innovations. In the present study, we examine how learning and network effects drive the diffusion of online videos. While learning happens through informational externalities, network effects are direct payoff externalities. Using a unique data set from YouTube, we empirically identify learning and network effects separately, and find that both mechanisms have statistically and economically significant effects on video views; furthermore, the mechanism that dominates depends on the video type. Specifically, although learning primarily drives the popularity of quality-oriented content, network effects also make it possible for attention-grabbing content to go viral. Theoretically, we show that, unlike the diffusion of movies, it is the combination of both learning and network effects that generate the multiplier effect for the diffusion of online videos. From a managerial perspective, providers can adopt different strategies to promote their videos accordingly, that is, signaling the quality or featuring the viewer base depending on the video type. Our results also suggest that YouTube can play a much greater role in encouraging the creation of original content by leveraging the multiplier effect.
Stages of Germinal Center Transit Are Defined by B Cell Transcription Factor Coexpression and Relative Abundance

The transit of T cell-activated B cells through the germinal center (GC) is controlled by sequential activation and repression of key transcription factors, executing the pre- and post-GC B cell program. B cell lymphoma (BCL) 6 and IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 8 are necessary for GC formation and for its molecular activity in Pax5+PU.1+ B cells. IRF4, which is highly expressed in BCL6− GC B cells, is necessary for class switch recombination and the plasma cell differentiation at exit from the GC. In this study, we show at the single-cell level broad coexpression of IRF4 with BCL6, Pax5, IRF8, and PU.1 in pre- and post-GC B cells in human and mouse. IRF4 is down-regulated in BCL6+ human GC founder cells (IgD+CD38+), is absent in GC centroblasts, and is re-expressed in positive regulatory domain 1-positive centrocytes, which are negative for all the B cell transcription factors. Activated (CD30+) and activation-induced cytidine deaminase-positive extrafollicular blasts coexpress Pax5 and IRF4. PU.1-negative plasma cells and CD30+ blasts uniquely display the conformational epitope of IRF4 recognized by the MUM1 Ab, an epitope that is absent from any other IRF4+PU.1+ lymphoid and hemopoietic subsets. Low grade B cell lymphomas, representing the malignant counterpart of pre- and post-GC B cells, accordingly express IRF4. However, a fraction of BCL6+ diffuse large B cell lymphomas express IRF4 bearing the MUM1 epitope, indicative of a posttranscriptional modification of IRF4 not seen in the normal counterpart.
THE ROLE OF EXOGENOUS OXYTOCIN IN LACTATING EWE

** SUMMARY The effect of exogenous oxytocin on milk yield is studied in a series of experiments on the dairy ewe. Experiments I and II. A non-galactokinetic dose (o.oi and 0 IU/hr) injected into the carotid artery did not change milk yield. The results do not seem to confirm central oxytocin action on the lactogenic hormonal complex of the hypophysis. Experiments III, IV, V. IV injection of oxytocin ( to 2 IU) only had a tonic effect on milk yield when followed by extraction of the residual milk produced. Experiments III, IV, VI and VII. The tonic effect of oxytocin on milk secretion is confirmed even when it is injected IV in high doses ( to 10 IU) after each milking. At the same time, oxytocin is also shown to have an inhibitory effect on natural milk ejection
Suicide rate, prevalence of diagnosed depression and prevalence of working physicians in Hungary

Based on the well‐known relationship between depression and suicide, we investigated the regional distribution of the suicide rate, rate of diagnosed depression and prevalence of working physicians in Hungary. A strong significant positive correlation was found between the rate of working physicians and rate of diagnosed depression, and both parameters showed a strong significant negative correlation with the suicide rate. The more physicians per 100,000 inhabitants, the better is the recognition of depression and the lower is the suicide rate in the given region. The rate of working doctors was significantly higher in the counties located in western Hungary, which may have a role in the lower suicide mortality in this area of the country.