Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scaling in Wall Turbulence: Scale Separation and Interaction (Invited Paper)

High Reynolds number pipe flow data are used to demonstrate the importance of several conditions related to scale separation that are either assumed in the classical theories or may be used in light of recent results in wall turbulence to infer a minimum Reynolds number condition above which scaling results may be suitable for extrapolation. Results from the Princeton Superpipe have suggested Re_τ > 5000 as the minimum Reynolds number for which key properties of pipe flow reach a “fully-developed” condition, based on observations of streamwise mean and turbulent velocity structure. Additional values related to finer constraints on the structural development are also discussed. A “skeleton” of wall turbulence is introduced, based on structural components identified as having a dominant role in the dynamics of near-wall turbulence in recent experiments by a variety of authors. Possible interaction mechanisms between these components are described alongside some outstanding questions concerning scale separation and interaction.
Cosmological Reionization by Stellar Sources

I use cosmological simulations that incorporate a physically motivated approximation to three-dimensional radiative transfer that recovers correct asymptotic ionization front propagation speeds for some cosmologically relevant density distributions to investigate the process of the reionization of the universe by ionizing radiation from protogalaxies. Reionization proceeds in three stages and occupies a large redshift range from z ~ 15 until z ~ 5. During the first, "preoverlap" stage, H II regions gradually expand into the low-density intergalactic medium, leaving behind neutral high-density protrusions. During the second, "overlap" stage, that occurs in about 10% of the Hubble time, H II regions merge and the ionizing background rises by a large factor. During the third, "postoverlap" stage, remaining high-density regions are being gradually ionized as the required ionizing photons are being produced. Residual fluctuations in the ionizing background reach significant (more than 10%) levels for the Lyα forest absorption systems with column densities above 1014-1015 cm-2 at z = 3-4.
Leaf density explains variation in leaf mass per area in rice between cultivars and nitrogen treatments.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Leaf mass per area (LMA) is an important leaf trait; however, correlations between LMA and leaf anatomical features and photosynthesis have not been fully investigated, especially in cereal crops. The objectives of this study were (a) to investigate the correlations between LMA and leaf anatomical traits; and (b) to clarify the response of LMA to nitrogen supply and its effect on photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE). METHODS In the present study, 11 rice varieties were pot grown under sufficient nitrogen (SN) conditions, and four selected rice cultivars were grown under low nitrogen (LN) conditions. Leaf anatomical traits, gas exchange and leaf N content were measured. KEY RESULTS There was large variation in LMA across selected rice varieties. Regression analysis showed that the variation in LMA was more closely related to leaf density (LD) than to leaf thickness (LT). LMA was positively related to the percentage of mesophyll tissue area (%mesophyll), negatively related to the percentage of epidermis tissue area (%epidermis) and unrelated to the percentage of vascular tissue area (%vascular). The response of LMA to N supplementation was dependent on the variety and was also mainly determined by the response of LD to N. Compared with SN, photosynthesis was significantly decreased under LN, while PNUE was increased. The increase in PNUE was more critical in rice cultivars with a higher LMA under SN supply. CONCLUSIONS Leaf density is the major cause of the variation in LMA across rice varieties and N treatments, and an increase in LMA under high N conditions would aggravate the decrease in PNUE.
In Vivo Packaging of Brome Mosaic Virus RNA3, but Not RNAs 1 and 2, Is Dependent on a cis-Acting 3′ tRNA-Like Structure

ABSTRACT The four encapsidated RNAs of brome mosaic virus (BMV; B1, B2, B3, and B4) contain a highly conserved 3′ 200-nucleotide (nt) region encompassing the tRNA-like structure (TLS) which is required for packaging in vitro (Y. G. Choi, T. W. Dreher, and A. L. N. Rao, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:655-660, 2002). To validate these observations in vivo, we performed packaging assays using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of RNAs and coat protein (CP) (P. Annamalai and A. L. N. Rao, Virology 338:96-111, 2005). Coexpression of TLS-less constructs of B1 or B2 or B3 and CP mRNAs in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves resulted in packaging of TLS-less B1 and B2 but not B3, suggesting that packaging of B3 requires the TLS in cis. This conjecture was confirmed by the efficient packaging of a B3 chimera in which the viral TLS was replaced with a cellular tRNATyr. When N. benthamiana leaves were infiltrated with a mixture of transformants containing wild-type B1 (wtB1) plus wtB2 plus a TLS-less B3 (wtB1+wtB2+TLS-lessB3), the 3′ end of progeny B3 was restored by heterologous recombination with that of either B1 or B2. This intrinsic cis-requirement of TLS in promoting B3 packaging was further confirmed when a mixture containing agrotransformants of TLS-less B1+B2+B3 was supplemented with either wtB4 or a 3′ 200-nt or 3′ 336-nt untranslated region (UTR) of B3. Northern blot analysis followed by sequencing of B3 progeny revealed that replication of TLS-less B3, but not TLS-less B1 or B2, was fully restored due to recombination with TLS from transiently expressed wtB4 or the B3 3′ UTR. Collectively, these observations suggested that the requirement of a cis-acting TLS is distinct for B3 compared with B1 or B2.
Radio-optical alignments in a low radio luminosity sample

We present an optically-based study of the alignment between the radio axes and the optical major axes of eight z � 0.7 radio galaxies in a 7C sample. The radio galaxies in this sample are � 20-times less radio luminous than 3C galaxies at the same redshift, and are significantly less radio-luminous than any other well-defined samples studied to date. Using Nordic Optical Telescope images taken in good seeing conditions at rest-frame wavelengths just longward of the 4000u break, we find a statistically significant alignment effect in the 7C sample. Furthermore, in two cases where the aligned components are well separated from the host we have been able to confirm spectroscopically that they are indeed at the same redshift as the radio galaxy. However, a quantitative analysis of the alignment in this sample and in a corresponding 3C sample from HST archival data indicates that the percentage of aligned flux may be lower and of smaller spatial scale in the 7C sample. Our study suggests that alignments on the 50-kpc scale are probably closely related to the radio luminosity, whereas those on the 15 kpc scale are not. We discuss these results in the context of popular models for the alignment effect.
Gamma Interferon Suppresses Erythropoiesis via Interleukin-15

ABSTRACT Impaired erythropoiesis causes anemia during genetic disorders, chronic disease, and infection. In studies of the underlying mechanisms researchers have increasingly focused on gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Here, we identified a previously unrecognized role for interleukin-15 (IL-15) in red blood cell homeostasis and demonstrated that IFN-γ and signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1-dependent pathways up-regulate expression of IL-15 in vivo. These findings identified new therapeutic targets for anemia.
Changes in state anxiety prior to competition.

It has been shown that competitive anxiety can negatively affect athletic performance. Psychological interventions must be used in the pre-competition period to prevent the debilitative effects of state anxiety. The aim of the present study was to investigate the temporal changes in state anxiety in the period leading up to competition. Male high school swimmers (N=62) participated in the study. A cross-sectional quantitative research design that used the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) to measure state anxiety was employed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Baseline and precompetitive state anxiety scores were analyzed by means of the paired t-test. The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.000) between state anxiety scores measured at baseline (seven days before the competition) and at precompetition (one hour before competition). Again, there were significant differences between baseline and precompetitive cognitive state anxieties (t = -10.750) and baseline and precompetitive somatic state anxieties (t = -21.275). It was concluded that both cognitive and somatic state anxieties significantly increase before competition among high school swimmers. It is recommended that both coaches and swimmers utilize strategic psychological intervention programmes in order to reduce precompetitive state anxiety. Keywords : Precompetitive state anxiety, swimming, competition.
Variant anatomy of the right portal vein in a black Kenyan population

Surface mapping of the liver before invasive procedures depends on a proper understanding of its segmental vasculature. The right portal vein ramification and lengths show marked variations and these mostly involve its right posterior sectoral branch. Their incidence is variable among populations and altogether undocumented among Africans. One hundred livers obtained during autopsies and dissections at the Department of Human anatomy, University of Nairobi, were used in this study. Gross dissection was done to reveal and determine the branching pattern of the right portal vein and the origin of the right posterior sector branch. The lengths of the right portal vein were also measured and recorded. When present, the right portal vein terminated by bifurcation in 61% of the cases, trifurcated in 20.8% and quadrifircated in 18.2%. Its length was between 0.5cm and 4cm. The right posterior sector vein was given off the main portal vein in 34 cases, the common left portal vein trunk in 15 cases, and the right portal vein in 42 cases. In 9 cases, it was not observed at the porta hepatis. We report significant different incidences of the variant anatomy of the right portal vein compared to those found in previous studies and this should be borne in mind when doing surgical interventions. Keywords: Segmentectomy, transjugular, Surface mapping, Bifurcation
Nebulizing poractant alfa versus conventional instillation: Ultrastructural appearance and preservation of surface activity

Nebulized surfactant therapy has been proposed as an alternative method of surfactant administration. The use of a perforated vibrating membrane nebulizer provides a variety of advantages over conventional nebulizers. We investigated the molecular structure and integrity of poractant alfa pre‐ and post‐nebulization.
Improved outcomes for very low birthweight infants: evidence from New Zealand national population based data

Objective: To compare the survival and short term morbidity of all New Zealand very low birthweight (VLBW) infants born in two epochs, 1986 and 1998–1999. Setting: All level III and level II neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in New Zealand. Methods: In 1986, data were prospectively collected for a study of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In 1998–1999, prospective data were collected by the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN). Both cohorts included all VLBW infants born during the calendar year and admitted to a NICU. Data were collected from birth until discharge home or death. Results: More VLBW infants were admitted for care in 1998–1999 (n = 1084, 0.96% of livebirths) than in 1986 (n = 413, 0.78% of livebirths; p < 0.001), including a higher proportion of VLBW infants of < 1000 g birth weight (38% v 32% respectively; p < 0.05). Survival to discharge home increased from 81.8% in 1986 to 90.3% in 1998–1999 (p < 0.001). The 1998–1999 cohort had a higher proportion of infants born in a hospital with a level III NICU (87% v 72% in 1986; p < 0.001) and receiving antenatal corticosteroids (80% v 58% in 1986; p < 0.001). In 1998–1999, the incidence of several morbidities had decreased compared with 1986, including oxygen dependency at 28 days (29% v 39% respectively; p = 0.001) and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (16% v 23%; p = 0.002), grade 1 intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (8% v 24%; p < 0.001), grade 2/3 IVH (5% v 11%; p < 0.001), and stage 3/4 ROP for infants < 1000 g (6% v 13%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The outlook for VLBW infants in New Zealand has improved since 1986.
Preservice Teacher Preparation in Meeting the Needs of Gifted and Other Academically Diverse Students

The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT) at the University of Virginia conducted a three-year project to study how preservice teachers develop an awareness of the needs of academically diverse learners and implement and/or modify instruction to meet those needs. Participants from seven universities were included. As part of the design of the study, the participants were surveyed, interviewed, and observed to investigate (a) their attitudes and beliefs towards academically diverse learners; (b) the teaching practices they utilized in response to the academic diversity in their classrooms; and (c) the impact of the study's interventions on their attitudes, beliefs, and practice. The study was divided into three phases. Phase 1 preservice teachers received no treatment (n = 41). This phase provided baseline data. The preservice teachers in Phase 2 were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: (a) those who participated in an interactive, full-day workshop on differentiation (n = 22), and (b) those who participated in the workshop and had a curriculum coach who worked with them throughout their student teacher placement (n = 23). Phase 3 followed a subsample of the participants from phases 1 and 2 through their first year assignments as regular classroom teachers (Phase 1: n = 6 and Phase 2: n = 4). The qualitative study of a sub-sample of these teachers yielded a number of themes. First, preservice teachers used ambiguous criteria for identifying student differences and needs. Second, preservice teachers expressed limited knowledge concerning differentiating instruction and demonstrated limited strategies for differentiation. Third, preservice teachers were influenced by factors which complicated and discouraged understanding and addressing of student differences and needs. Last, the study suggested that intervention measures provided a starting point for changing practice. In order to develop teachers who are able to meet the varied needs of
The short-term effect of a spinal manipulation on pain/pressure threshold in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pain/pressure threshold of selected myofascial points in subjects with chronic mechanical back pain after a single manipulation or mobilization. DESIGN The study design was a randomized control trial. SETTING Chiropractic College outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS Thirty subjects aged 18-50 yr (mean age 31 yr, SD = 7 yr) with chronic mechanical low back pain (mean duration of pain 74 months, SD = 83 months) were randomized into two groups. One group received a manipulation and the other received a mobilization. OUTCOME MEASURE Pain/pressure threshold of selected myofascial points were measured before, immediately after, and 15 and 30 min postintervention. RESULTS Sixteen patients were allocated to the manipulation group and 14 to the mobilization group. Repeated measured analysis of variance for all locations failed to show clinical or statistical significance (p > .287). The overall effect between treatments and the interaction between treatment and time was not significant (p > .268). CONCLUSION The absence of significant changes may be attributed to the selection of myofascial points, the instrument sensitivity to small changes, the differences in baseline measures and the absence of effect from one intervention.
Fast AutoAugment

Data augmentation is an essential technique for improving generalization ability of deep learning models. Recently, AutoAugment has been proposed as an algorithm to automatically search for augmentation policies from a dataset and has significantly enhanced performances on many image recognition tasks. However, its search method requires thousands of GPU hours even for a relatively small dataset. In this paper, we propose an algorithm called Fast AutoAugment that finds effective augmentation policies via a more efficient search strategy based on density matching. In comparison to AutoAugment, the proposed algorithm speeds up the search time by orders of magnitude while achieves comparable performances on image recognition tasks with various models and datasets including CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, SVHN, and ImageNet.
Evaluation of Alternate Category Structures for the Strain Index

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop alternative Strain Index risk classification categories. Background: Strain Index scores are usually categorized into four Strain Index “risk categories. ” The “original” risk categories were developed in the meat-packing industry and may not be fully applicable to other industries. Method: Daily Strain Index scores were estimated among 276 manufacturing workers participating in a cohort study of occupational risk factors for hand–arm musculoskeletal symptoms. Each score was categorized using the original method and a new method based on quartiles of Strain Index score values among symptomatic participants. Models examining associations between original Strain Index risk categories and incident hand–arm symptoms were compared to models examining associations between the alternative Strain Index risk categories and incident hand–arm symptoms. Results: Compared to the respective referent categories, a twofold or greater increase in the risk of incident hand–arm symptoms was observed for the highest original Strain Index risk category (HR = 2.06, 95% CI = [1.08–3.92]) and for the second highest alternate Strain Index risk exposure category (HR = 2.21, 95% CI = [1.26–3.85]). Although significant associations between Strain Index risk category and incident hand–arm symptoms were observed for both Strain Index categorization methods, model fit statistics favored the alternate approach. Conclusion: Results from this study suggests that the Strain Index risk category structure may need to be tailored to specific populations. Application: If verified, results from this study provide a better way to identify hazardous manufacturing jobs and target them for exposure reduction.
Screening for asthma and associated risk factors among urban school boys in Abha city.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to measure the prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms among male school children in Abha City and to determine some of the possible risk factors influencing its occurrence. METHODS A randomly selected sample of 4300 male school children aged 7 to 15 years in Abha were subjected to a previously validated questionnaire for asthma to be completed by parents. Asthma was identified based on the Rush Medical College and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children questionnaire. Information of asthma family history, asthma related symptoms, and other atopic conditions, smokers in the family, pets ownership and monthly family income were collected. RESULTS The overall prevalence of asthma was 9% (95% Confidence Interval: 7.73%-9.67%). Doctor-diagnosed asthma was reported by 4%, exercise-induced asthma by 4% and wheeze in the past year by 8%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that positive family history of atopic condition (Odds Ratio=437.11, P<0.001), pets ownership (Odds Ratio=2.91, p<0.001), and lower monthly family income (Odds Ratio=2.00, P<0.02) were significant factors influencing the development of asthma. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the screening methodology adopted in this study could be applied for all children at the beginning of the school year, being simple and non-invasive measure. The prevalence of asthma in school children in Abha is greater than that reported from most developing countries and closer to the rates reported in developed countries. Avoidance of pets ownership at home, improving social class and premarital counselling for atopic persons are all recommended.
Small global effect on terrestrial net primary production due to increased fossil fuel aerosol emissions from East Asia since the turn of the century

The global terrestrial carbon sink has increased since the start of this century at a time of growing carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning. Here we test the hypothesis that increases in atmospheric aerosols from fossil fuel burning enhanced the diffuse light fraction and the efficiency of plant carbon uptake. Using a combination of models, we estimate that at global scale changes in light regimes from fossil fuel aerosol emissions had only a small negative effect on the increase in terrestrial net primary production over the period 1998–2010. Hereby, the substantial increases in fossil fuel aerosol emissions and plant carbon uptake over East Asia were effectively canceled by opposing trends across Europe and North America. This suggests that if the recent increase in the land carbon sink would be causally linked to fossil fuel emissions, it is unlikely via the effect of aerosols but due to other factors such as nitrogen deposition or nitrogen‐carbon interactions.
Development of dementing illnesses in an 80‐year‐old volunteer cohort

We have prospectively followed over a 5‐year period 434 volunteers who were at intake ambulatory, functional, presumably nondemented, and between 75 and 85 years of age. Fifty‐six (an incidence of 3.53 per 100 person‐years at risk) developed a progressive dementia: 32 met diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) (an incidence of 2.0 per 100 person‐years at risk), 15 had vascular or mixed dementia, and 9 had other disorders or remain undiagnosed. New cases of dementia were as common as myocardial infarction and twice as common as stroke. Risk factors for both dementia and AD were age (over 80) and gender (female); other reported risk factors such as family history, prior head injury, thyroid disease, maternal age, and smoking were not risk factors for AD in this elderly cohort. Prior stroke was the major risk factor for vascular or mixed dementia; diabetes and left ventricular hypertrophy but not a history of hypertension per se were also risk factors for vascular dementia. The major predictor of the development of AD was the mental status score on entry. The 58.5%f of the cohort who made zero to two errors on a 33‐item mental status test had a less than 0.6% per year chance of developing AD, whereas the 16% of the cohort with five to eight errors on this test developed AD at a rate of over 12% per year. Thus, it is possible to identify a large cohort of 80‐year‐olds who are at low risk for AD and a smaller cohort at very high risk.