Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural Analysis of Attributes for Vehicle Re-Identification and Retrieval

Vehicle re-identification plays an important role in video surveillance applications. Despite the efforts made on this problem in the past few years, it remains a challenging task due to various factors such as pose variation, illumination changes, and subtle inter-class difference. We believe that the key information for identification has not been well explored in the literature. In this paper, we first collect a vehicle dataset ‘VAC21’ which contains 7129 images of five types of vehicles. Then, we carefully label the 21 classes of structural attributes hierarchically with bounding boxes. To our knowledge, this is the first dataset with several detailed attributes labeled. Based on this dataset, we use the state-of-the-art one-stage detection method, Single-shot Detection, as a baseline model for detecting attributes. Subsequently, we make a few important modifications tailored for this application to improve accuracy: 1) adding more proposals from low-level layers to improve the accuracy of detecting small objects and 2) employing the focal loss to improve the mean average precision. Furthermore, the results of the attribute detection can be applied to a series of vision tasks that focus on analyzing the images of vehicles. Finally, we propose a novel region of interests (ROIs)-based vehicle re-identification and retrieval method in which the ROIs’ deep features are used as discriminative identifiers, encoding the structure information of a vehicle. These deep features are input to a boosting model to improve the accuracy. A set of experiments are conducted on the dataset VehicleID and the experimental results show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Investigation on Insulating Properties of the Oil-Paper Transformer at its Different Position by Partial Discharging System

The oil-paper transformer is widely used as the common insulating device in the electrical industry. The transformer with the reserved primary coil and the secondary coils was filled with the transformer oil by the vacuum pouring process. Its insulating property was tested by the partial discharging (PD) system and the testing results are analyzed in detail. The experiment data reveals that the insulating properties of transformer at different positions are diverse due to the specific oil-paper structure. Obviously, the outer part of the transformer shows a much higher insulating property than its inner part. This confirms the residual air or defects are mostly concentrated in the inner part and air in the outer part is easier to be degassed by a viable vacuum pouring technology.
Functional interaction between Wnt3 and Frizzled-7 leads to activation of the Wnt/ β -catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background/Aims— The canonical Wnt signaling is frequently activated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously demonstrated that up-regulation of Frizzled-7 receptor (FZD7) in HCC was associated with nuclear accumulation of wild-type β -catenin. Here, we investigated Wnt ligand(s) that may activate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway through FZD7 in HCC cells. Methods— To identify Wnt ligand expression, RT-PCR was performed in HCC cells. To evaluate the function of Wnt3 and FZD7 in HCC, we utilized Wnt3 over-expressing FOCUS HCC cells (FOCUS-Wnt3) and human tumors. Results— In hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced HCC, Wnt3 was upregulated in tumor and peritumoral tissues compared to normal liver and downstream β -catenin target genes were also increased in these samples. Activation of the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway in FOCUS-Wnt3 cells was demonstrated by β -catenin accumulation, enhanced TCF transcriptional activity and proliferation rate. The activation of Wnt/ β -catenin signaling in FOCUS-Wnt3 was abolished by a knockdown of FZD7 expression by siRNA. More important, a specific Wnt3-FZD7 interaction was observed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments, which suggest that the action of Wnt3 was mediated via FZD7. Conclusions— These findings demonstrate a functional interaction between Wnt3 and FZD7 leading to activation of the Wnt/ β -catenin signaling pathway in HCC cells and may play a role during hepatocarcinogenesis.
A New Hands-On Course in Characterization of Wide-Bandgap Devices

As wide-bandgap (WBG) devices and applications move from niche to mainstream, a new generation of engineers trained in this area is critical to continue the development of the field. This paper introduces a new hands-on course in characterization of WBG devices, which is an emerging and fundamental topic in WBG-based techniques. First, the lecture–simulation–experiment format based course structure and design considerations, such as safety, are presented. Then, the necessary facilities to support this hands-on course are summarized, including classroom preparation, software tools, and laboratory equipment. Afterward, the detailed course implementation flow is presented to illustrate the approach of close interaction among lecture, simulation, and experiment to maximize students’ learning outcomes. Finally, grading for students and course evaluation by students are discussed, highlighting the findings and potential improvements. Detailed course materials are provided via potenntial.eecs. utk.edu/WBGLab for educational use.
Amyloid- b deposition and regional grey matter atrophy rates in dementia with Lewy bodies

Alzheimer’s disease pathology frequently coexists with Lewy body disease at autopsy in patients with probable dementia with Lewy bodies. More than half of patients with probable dementia with Lewy bodies have high amyloid- b deposition as measured with 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B binding on positron emission tomography. Biomarkers of amyloid- b deposition precede neurodegeneration on magnetic resonance imaging during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but little is known about how amyloid- b deposition relates to longitudinal progression of atrophy in patients with probable dementia with Lewy bodies. We investigated the associations between baseline 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B binding on positron emission tomography and the longitudinal rates of grey matter atrophy in a cohort of clinically diagnosed patients with dementia with Lewy bodies ( n = 20), who were consecutively recruited to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centre. All patients underwent 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations at baseline. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging was performed after a mean (standard deviation) interval of 2.5 (1.1) years. Regional grey matter loss was determined on three-dimensional T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging with the tensor-based morphometry-symmetric normalization technique. Linear regression was performed between baseline 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B standard unit value ratio and longitudinal change in regional grey matter volumes from an in-house modiﬁed atlas. We identiﬁed signiﬁcant associations between greater baseline 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B standard unit value ratio and greater grey matter loss over time in the posterior cingulate gyrus, lateral and medial temporal lobe, and occipital lobe as well as caudate and putamen nuclei, after adjusting for age ( P 5 0.05). Greater baseline 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B standard unit value ratio was also associated with greater ventricular expansion rates ( P 5 0.01) and greater worsening over time in Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, sum of boxes ( P = 0.02). In conclusion, in patients with probable dementia with Lewy bodies, higher amyloid- b deposition at baseline is predictive of faster neurodegeneration in the cortex and also in the striatum. This distribution is suggestive of possible interactions among amyloid- b , tau and a -synuclein aggregates, which needs further investigation. Furthermore, higher amyloid- b deposition at baseline predicts a faster clinical decline over time in patients with probable dementia with Lewy bodies. CDR-SOB Clinical Dementia Rating scale, Sum of Boxes; DLB dementia with Lewy bodies; MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination; PiB = 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B; SUVR = standardized uptake value ratio; TBM-SyN = tensor-based morphometry using symmetric diffeomorphic image normalization; UPDRS-III = Uniﬁed Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III
Renal actions of atria1 natriuretic factor: a mathematical modeling study

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a peptide hormone that increases renal NaCl and water excretion. Several renal sites of ANF action have been identified, but general agreement has not been reached concerning the quantitative contribution of each action to the natriuresis and diuresis. Using a five-nephron central core model of NaCl, urea, KCl, and water transport in the rat kidney, we have quantitatively evaluated the hypothetical effects on whole kidney function of three experimentally observed ANF actions: 1 ) inhibition of active NaCl absorption in the collecting duct, 2 ) inhibition of osmotic water permeability in the collecting duct, and 3 ) increased NaCl and water delivery out of the proximal convoluted tubule simulating an increase in glomerular filtration rate. The simulations show that inhibition of collecting duct active NaCl absorption by ≥ 50% can increase NaCl and water excretion to levels that match experimental values. In addition, the model predicted that the urinary sodium concentration will increase to greater than plasma levels as observed experimentally. Simulated decreases in collecting duct water permeability predicted an in- crease in water excretion with little change in NaCl excretion. Simulated 2.5 − 5% increases in glomerular filtration rate also increased simulated NaCl and water excretion rates to experimentally observed levels in response to ANF. However, this action was less effective than inhibition of collecting duct active NaCl absorption in increasing the urinary NaCl concentration. We conclude that a combination of several actions are likely to account for the overall renal effect of ANF. FACTOR (ANF) is a circulating peptide, secreted by cardiac atria, that induces a marked increase in renal NaCl and water excretion when its circulating level rises. A unique aspect of this response (vis-a-vis other factors that cause a natriuresis) is that the urinary NaCl concentration increases to levels well in excess of the plasma NaCl concentration (1). Several renal sites of ANF action have been identified, but general agreement has not been reached concerning the quantitative contribution of each action to the natriuresis and diuresis.
Analysis of Different Strategies for Lowering the Operation Temperature in Existing District Heating Networks

District heating systems have an important role in increasing the efficiency of the heating and cooling sector, especially when coupled to combined heat and power plants. However, in the transition towards decarbonization, current systems show some challenges for the integration of Renewable Energy Sources and Waste Heat. In particular, a crucial aspect is represented by the operating temperatures of the network. This paper analyzes two different approaches for the decrease of operation temperatures of existing networks, which are often supplying old buildings with a low degree of insulation. A simulation model was applied to some case studies to evaluate how a low-temperature operation of an existing district heating system performs compared to the standard operation, by considering two different approaches: (1) a different control strategy involving nighttime operation to avoid the morning peak demand; and (2) the partial insulation of the buildings to decrease operation temperatures without the need of modifying the heating system of the users. Different temperatures were considered to evaluate a threshold based on the characteristics of the buildings supplied by the network. The results highlight an interesting potential for optimization of existing systems by tuning the control strategies and performing some energy efficiency operation. The network temperature can be decreased with a continuous operation of the system, or with energy efficiency intervention in buildings, and distributed heat pumps used as integration could provide significant advantages. Each solution has its own limitations and critical parameters, which are discussed in detail.
INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE Computerized Condition-specific Templates For Improving Care of Geriatric Syndromes in a Primary Care Setting

INTRODUCTION: As the U.S. population ages, primary care clinicians (PCCs) will encounter more patients with geriatric syndromes, such as urinary incontinence (UI) and falls. Yet, current evidence suggests that care of these conditions does not meet expected standards and that PCCs would benefit from tools to improve care of these conditions. Little is known about the role of computerized condition-specific templates for improving care of geriatric syndromes. AIM: We sought to develop and assess the usefulness of condition-specific computerized templates in a primary care setting. SETTING: A large academic Veterans Affairs medical center. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: We developed and tested the usefulness of 2 condition-specific computerized templates (UI and falls) that could be added on to an existing electronic health record system. PROGRAM EVALUATION: Semistructured interviews were used to identify barriers to use of computerized templates. Usefulness and usability were assessed through a randomized-controlled trial involving standardized patients. DISCUSSION: Use of condition-specific templates resulted in improved history and physical exam assessment for both UI and falls ( P o .05). Our computerized, condition-specific templates are a promising method for improving care of geriatric conditions in a primary care setting, but require improvement in usability before widespread implementation.
An Induction Generator System Based on Instantaneous Torque Impulse Balance Control (ITIBC)

The induction machine, offering the merits of robust machine structure, brushless construction, and good voltage regulation capability, is a good choice used as a generator in the dc power system. For the induction generator, the instantaneous torque control (ITC) can achieve stable regulation of the output voltage and excellent dynamic performance of the electromagnetic torque. However, the proportional-integral controller of the voltage loop in the ITC can hardly guarantee the optimal dynamic performance of the output voltage, that is, during the response to the load sudden change, the output voltage exhibits several adjustments, overshoot, and relatively long recovery time. To solve this problem, an instantaneous torque impulse balance control (ITIBC) method is investigated in this paper. In the dynamic process, a group of optimal switch vectors is obtained to achieve the shortest recovery time and the minimum number of adjustments of the output voltage without overshoot. Thus, the optimal dynamic performance of the voltage can be achieved for the induction generator system. Simulation and experimental results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the ITIBC method.
Post-transcriptional regulation of transferrin receptor mRNA by IFNy

IFNy inhibits the rise in transferrin receptor mRNA level which is normally observed when stationary WISH cells are stimulated to proliferate. This effect is not attributable to a change in the transcription rate of the transferrin receptor gene or in the cytoplasmic stability of the mRNA. The IFN-y-induced reduction of the transferrin receptor mRNA content is already present at the nuclear level to an extent comparable to that observed in whole cells. Thus, IFN-y does not impair the passage of this mRNA from the nuclear to the cytoplasmic compartment but probably interferes with a nuclear post-transcriptional event during the processing of the immature transferrin receptor mRNA. Two different levels of regulation of transferrin receptor mRNA have been previously reported. Iron modulates the cytoplasmic stability of this mRNA through the binding of a specific cytoplasmic factor, whereas cell growth variation influences the transcription of this gene. Our results suggest the existence of another mechanism of regulation for transferrin receptor gene expression not so far considered. Furthermore, the distinction between the mechanism of regulation exerted by IFNy and that exerted by cell proliferation on transferrin receptor gene expression suggests that, in WISH cells, the IFN-induced transferrin receptor decay is not a consequence of cell growth arrest but rather one of the causes of the antiproliferative effect of IFN through iron deprivation.
Engrailed-1 Negatively Regulates (cid:1) -Catenin Transcriptional Activity by Destabilizing (cid:1) -Catenin via a Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (cid:1) –independent Pathway

The Wnt signaling pathway plays a major role in development, and upon deregulation it is implicated in neoplasia. The hallmark of the canonical Wnt signal is the protection of (cid:1) -catenin from ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation induced by glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 (cid:1) inhibition. The stabilized (cid:1) -catenin translocates to the nucleus where it binds to T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors, activating the expression of Wnt target genes. In the absence of Wnt signal, TCF/LEF bind to Groucho (Gro)/TLE corepressors and repress Wnt target genes. Gro/TLE bind also to Engrailed (En) transcription factors mediating En-repressive activity on En target genes. Here, we present data suggesting that En-1 serves also as a negative regulator of (cid:1) -catenin transcriptional activity; however, its repressive effect is independent of Gro/TLE. Our data suggest that En-1 acts by destabilizing (cid:1) -catenin via a proteasomal degradation pathway that is GSK-3 (cid:1) –independent. Moreover, because En-1-mediated (cid:1) -catenin degradation is also Siah independent, our data imply that En-1 exerts its repressive effect by a novel mechanism negatively controlling the level of (cid:1) -catenin.
Automation enhancement and accuracy investigation of a portable single‐camera gait analysis system

While optical motion analysis systems can provide high-fidelity gait parameters, they are usually impractical for local clinics and home use, due to high cost, requirement for large space, and lack of portability. In this study, the authors focus on a cost-effective and portable, single-camera gait analysis solution, based on video acquisition with calibration, autonomous detection of frames-of-interest, Kalman-filter + structural-similarity-based marker tracking, and autonomous knee angle calculation. The proposed system is tested using 15 participants, including 10 stroke patients and 5 healthy volunteers. The evaluation of autonomous frames-of-interest detection shows only 0.2% difference between the frame number of the detected frame compared to the frame number of the manually labelled ground truth frame, and thus can replace manual labelling. The system is validated against a gold standard optical motion analysis system, using knee angle accuracy as metric of assessment. The accuracy investigation between the RGB- and the greyscale-video marker tracking schemes shows that the greyscale system suffers from negligible accuracy loss with a significant processing speed advantage. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can automatically estimate the knee angle, with R-squared value larger than 0.95 and Bland-Altman plot results smaller than 3.0127° mean error.
HIV increases the risk of tuberculosis due to recent re-infection in individuals with latent infection

Introduction— HIV-associated tuberculosis disease (TB) can follow reactivation of a latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection or recent (re-)infection with Mtb. If contemporary TB cases share identical Mtb strains (i.e. are “clustered”) the episode is likely to have followed recent (re-)infection, irrespective of evidence of prior, latent infection. Methods— Individuals experiencing a first TB episode between 1996 and 2008 in Karonga District, Northern Malawi, were included if information on Mtb infection status (from tuberculin tests) before 1990, and a DNA fingerprint from the TB episode were available. We explored differences in proportion clustered by prior Mtb infection status and HIV status, adjusting for age, sex, BCG status and time since tuberculin testing. Results— Of 79 HIV-negative TB cases, those with a prior Mtb infection were much less likely to be clustered than cases without a prior Mtb infection (29% versus 77%, adjusted OR (95%CI) 0.15 (0.04–0.59)). Among 119 HIV-positive TB cases, clustering was similar in both groups (88% versus 84%, adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.85 (0.41–8.29)). Discussion— HIV-infection appears to increase the risk of TB following recent re-infection in patients with a latent Mtb infection. Our results add to the mounting evidence that HIV-associated TB mainly follows recent Mtb infection.
I aging A vances in tereotac c Ra iosurgery

Novel functional and metabolic MRI imaging provides the ability to analyze tumor tissue properties including tumor vasculature, vascular permeability, tumor cellularity, hypoxia, and tumor proliferation. Stereotactic radiosurgery involves the delivery of a very precise, focal dose of radiation to a target. Recent advances in MR imaging have the potential to improve accuracy for target volume delineation and to potentially improve outcome. Novel MR imaging techniques may also be used in subsequent post-treatment follow-up to distinguish between tumor recurrences versus non-neoplastic treatment-related changes. paper, we address multiparametric MR imaging and cerebral angiography as tools to reduce toxicity.