Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blunted Cardiac Output from Overtraining Is Related to Increased Arterial Stiffness

Purpose Moderate overtraining has been characterized by decreased exercising HR and recently decreased exercising stroke volume (SV), independent of alterations to blood volume. The aim of this study was to assess changes in arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics, and their relationship to exercising SV, after 3 wk of overload training. Methods Twenty-six cyclists and triathletes completed 3 wk of either regular training (CON; n = 13) or overload training (OL; n = 13). Testing took place before (PRE) and after regular or overload training (POST). Resting measures included brachial blood pressure, HR, carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) to assess arterial stiffness, and carotid pulse wave analysis to assess wave reflections and central hemodynamics. An incremental cycle test was used to assess peak power, maximal HR, and maximal lactate to assess overtraining status. Cardiac output (Q˙), SV, and HR were assessed using cardiac impedance. Results Resting arterial stiffness was unaltered in CON but increased with OL after increased training (CON −0.1 ± 0.6 m·s−1 vs OL +0.5 ± 0.8 m·s−1, P = 0.04). Resting blood pressure and central hemodynamics, including aortic pressures, augmentation index, and subendocardial viability ratio, did not change (all P > 0.05). Maximal SV (CON +3 mL vs OL −9 mL, P = 0.04), HR (CON −2 ± 4 bpm vs OL −9 ± 3 bpm, P < 0.001), and Q˙ (CON +0.32 L·min−1 vs OL −1.75 L·min−1, P = 0.01) decreased with OL from PRE to POST. A significant inverse relationship existed between changes in PWV and maximal Q˙ (r = −0.44, P = 0.04) and changes in PWV and peak power (r = −0.48, P = 0.01), and trended for SV and PWV (r = −0.41, P = 0.055). Conclusions Overload training results in increased resting arterial stiffness and reduced SV during exercise, with no changes to resting central hemodynamics.
Towards the Certification of Complexity Proofs

We report on our formalization of matrix-interpretation in Isabelle/HOL. Matrices are required to certify termination proofs and we wish to utilize them for complexity proofs, too. For the latter aim, only basic methods have already been integrated, and we discuss some upcoming problems which arise when formalizing more complicated results on matrix-interpretations, which are based on Cayley-Hamilton's theorem or joint-spectral radius theory.
Shorter-course treatment for Mycobacterium ulcerans disease with high-dose rifamycins and clofazimine in a mouse model of Buruli ulcer

Starting in 2004, the standard regimen for treatment of Buruli ulcer (BU) recommended by the World Health Organization has been daily treatment for eight weeks with rifampin (RIF) and streptomycin. Based on recent clinical trials, treatment with an all-oral regimen of RIF and clarithromycin (CLR) may be an effective alternative. With the achievement of an all-oral regimen, a new goal is to find a regimen that can shorten the duration of treatment without compromising efficacy. We recently observed that increasing the dose of RIF from the standard 10 mg/kg dose to 20 or 40 mg/kg, or replacing RIF with the more potent long-acting rifamycin, rifapentine (RPT) at 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg increased the bactericidal activity of the RIF+CLR regimen in a mouse model of BU. We also recently showed that replacing CLR with clofazimine(CFZ) at 25 mg/kg may have greater sterilizing activity than the RIF+CLR regimen. Here, we demonstrate that combining high-dose rifamycins with CFZ at a lower dose of 12.5 mg/kg results in similar reductions in swelling, bacterial burden and mycolactone concentrations in mouse footpads compared to the standard regimens and more rapid sterilization of footpads as determined by the proportions of footpads harboring viable bacteria three months after completion of treatment. The potential of these high-dose rifamycin and CFZ combinations to shorten BU treatment to four weeks warrants evaluation in a clinical trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03474198, NCT01659437
Dual-process theories and consciousness: the case for ‘Type Zero’ cognition

Abstract A step towards a theory of consciousness would be to characterize the effect of consciousness on information processing. One set of results suggests that the effect of consciousness is to interfere with computations that are optimally performed non-consciously. Another set of results suggests that conscious, system 2 processing is the home of norm-compliant computation. This is contrasted with system 1 processing, thought to be typically unconscious, which operates with useful but error-prone heuristics. These results can be reconciled by separating out two different distinctions: between conscious and non-conscious representations, on the one hand, and between automatic and deliberate processes, on the other. This pair of distinctions is used to illuminate some existing experimental results and to resolve the puzzle about whether consciousness helps or hinders accurate information processing. This way of resolving the puzzle shows the importance of another category, which we label ‘type 0 cognition’, characterized by automatic computational processes operating on non-conscious representations.
Examining user‐driven factors for intentions to use video digital libraries

The purpose of the present study is to examine potential influences of certain user‐driven factors on the intentions to use or target video digital libraries. The overarching objective of the study is to present a validated research model which depicts such phenomenon between users and video digital libraries. A total of 229 respondents participated in an online survey, which included questions for seven distinct variables: retrieval functionality, user interface characteristics, user support, collection quality, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to use. Multiple regression and correlation coefficient were used to analyze the collected survey data and test the hypotheses for validating the proposed research model. The preliminary results show that both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are determinant factors of users’ intention to use video digital library resources. In addition, retrieval functionality, user support, and collection quality significantly affected users’ perceived ease of use of digital library resources. Further study of additional variables is currently in progress in order to assess influential factors that affect use of digital video libraries and ultimate adoption of such tools.
Faster and More Robust Mesh-based Algorithms for Obstacle k-Nearest Neighbour

We are interested in the problem of finding $k$ nearest neighbours in the plane and in the presence of polygonal obstacles ($\textit{OkNN}$). Widely used algorithms for OkNN are based on incremental visibility graphs, which means they require costly and online visibility checking and have worst-case quadratic running time. Recently $\mathbf{Polyanya}$, a fast point-to-point pathfinding algorithm was proposed which avoids the disadvantages of visibility graphs by searching over an alternative data structure known as a navigation mesh. Previously, we adapted $\mathbf{Polyanya}$ to multi-target scenarios by developing two specialised heuristic functions: the $\mathbf{Interval heuristic}$ $h_v$ and the $\mathbf{Target heuristic}$ $h_t$. Though these methods outperform visibility graph algorithms by orders of magnitude in all our experiments they are not robust: $h_v$ expands many redundant nodes when the set of neighbours is small while $h_t$ performs poorly when the set of neighbours is large. In this paper, we propose new algorithms and heuristics for OkNN which perform well regardless of neighbour density.
Errors and Complications in SQL Query Formulation

SQL is taught in almost all university level database courses, yet SQL has received relatively little attention in educational research. In this study, we present a database management system independent categorization of SQL query errors that students make in an introductory database course. We base the categorization on previous literature, present a class of logical errors that has not been studied in detail, and review and complement these findings by analyzing over 33,000 SQL queries submitted by students. Our analysis verifies error findings presented in previous literature and reveals new types of errors, namely logical errors recurring in similar manners among different students. We present a listing of fundamental SQL query concepts we have identified and based our exercises on, a categorization of different errors and complications, and an operational model for designing SQL exercises.
Cross-Layer Lifetime Optimization for Practical Industrial Wireless Networks: A Petroleum Refinery Case Study

This paper studies how to maximize the lifetime of ISA100.11a and Wireless highway addressable remote transducer (WiHART) compatible sensor networks for a petroleum refinery scenario. When accounting for the energy consumption of a typical refinery process sensor and the node microprocessor, only a relatively small percentage of battery energy on average is spent on wireless communication. However, this paper will demonstrate that optimizing network operation can still considerably extend network lifetime. The longest lifetimes are achieved using a new network optimization approach that accounts for the frame structure of ISA100.11a/WiHART. Results are generated using a full network protocol stack simulation that incorporates three different network optimization approaches and includes the energy consumption of the wireless transceiver, sensor, and microprocessor.
Phenolic Profile and Susceptibility to Fusarium Infection of Pigmented Maize Cultivars

Maize is a staple food source in the world, whose ancient varieties or landraces are receiving a growing attention. In this work, two Italian maize cultivars with pigmented kernels and one inbred line were investigated for untargeted phenolic profile, in vitro antioxidant capacity and resistance to Fusarium verticillioides infection. “Rostrato Rosso” was the richest in anthocyanins whilst phenolic acids were the second class in abundance, with comparable values detected between cultivars. Tyrosol equivalents were also the highest in “Rostrato Rosso” (822.4 mg kg−1). Coherently, “Rostrato Rosso” was highly resistant to fungal penetration and diffusion. These preliminary findings might help in breeding programs, aiming to develop maize lines more resistant to infections and with improved nutraceutical value.
Long‐term plasticity of glutamatergic input from the subthalamic nucleus to the entopeduncular nucleus

The hyperdirect pathway of the basal ganglia bypasses the striatum, and delivers cortical information directly to the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In rodents, the STN excites the two output nuclei of the basal ganglia, the entopeduncular nucleus (EP) and the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr). Thus, during hyperdirect pathway activation, the STN drives EP firing inhibiting the thalamus. We hypothesized that STN activity could induce long‐term changes to the STN‐>EP synapse. To test this hypothesis, we recorded in the whole‐cell mode from neurons in the EP in acute brain slices from rats while electrically stimulating the STN. Repetitive pre‐synaptic stimulation generated modest long‐term depression (LTD) in the STN‐>EP synapse. However, pairing EP firing with STN stimulation generated robust LTD that manifested for pre‐before post‐as well as for post‐ before pre‐synaptic pairing. This LTD was highly sensitive to the time difference and was not detected at a time delay of 10 ms. To investigate whether post‐synaptic calcium levels were important for LTD induction, we made dendritic recordings from EP neurons that revealed action potential back‐propagation and dendritic calcium transients. Buffering the dendritic calcium concentration in the EP neurons with EGTA generated long term potentiation instead of LTD. Finally, mild LTD could be induced by post‐synaptic activity alone that was blocked by an endocannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor blocker. These results thus suggest there may be an adaptive mechanism for buffering the impact of the hyperdirect pathway on basal ganglia output which could contribute to the de‐correlation of STN and EP firing.
Feasibility Study of Applying Ferromagnetic Contrast Agents in Thermoacoustic Imaging

Thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) has been applied to many biomedical related areas. Tumor detection is one of the most promising application. But contrast in microwave absorption between tumor and surrounding normal tissues may not be large enough in some situations for reliable detection by TAI. Contrast agents hold the potential to address this problem. A new type of contrast agents based on ferromagnetic resonance is proposed to enhance the strength of generated thermoacoustic signals. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate the obvious increase in the thermoacoustic signal magnitude with ferromagnetic resonance induced in the ferromagnetic contrast agents. This new kind of agents can help to increase the reliability and signal to noise ratio for tumor detection by TAI.
The Genome of a Thermo Tolerant, Pathogenic Albino Aspergillus fumigatus

Biotechnologists are interested in thermo tolerant fungi to manufacture enzymes active and stable at high temperatures, because they provide improved catalytic efficiency, strengthen enzyme substrate interactions, accelerate substrate enzyme conversion rates, enhance mass transfer, lower substrate viscosity, lessen contamination risk and offer the potential for enzyme recycling. Members of the genus Aspergillus live a wide variety of lifestyles, some embrace GRAS status routinely employed in food processing while others such as Aspergillus fumigatus are human pathogens. A. fumigatus produces melanins, pyomelanin protects the fungus against reactive oxygen species and DHN melanin produced by the pksP gene cluster confers the gray-greenish color. pksP mutants are attenuated in virulence. Here we report on the genomic DNA sequence of a thermo tolerant albino Aspergillus isolated from rain forest composted floors. Unexpectedly, the nucleotide sequence was 95.7% identical to the reported by Aspergillus fumigatus Af293. Genome size and predicted gene models were also highly similar, however differences in DNA content and conservation were observed. The albino strain, classified as Aspergillus fumigatus var. niveus, had 160 gene models not present in A. fumigatus Af293 and A. fumigatus Af293 had 647 not found in the albino strain. Furthermore, the major pigment generating gene cluster pksP appeared to have undergone genomic rearrangements and a key tyrosinase present in many aspergilli was missing from the genome. Remarkably however, despite the lack of pigmentation A. fumigatus var. niveus killed neutropenic mice and survived macrophage engulfment at similar rates as A. fumigatus Af293.
Avengers: capturing thanos's complex face

In Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos (played by actor Josh Brolin,) is entirely CG and is one of the the main characters in this live action movie. The plot depends on the emotional performances of this digital creature and it was imperative that Thanos's facial performance convey the actor's performances faithfully. Digital Domain's performance capture process, Direct Drive is a major departure from traditional blendshape solver techniques and was used to create Thanos's performances. We will present an overview of our updated multistage facial retargeting process. We have removed the reliance on high-resolution, per-shot facial capture and refined the process of training the system. This system is faster to set up, needs far less artist input, and preserves elements of the performance that were previously lost using traditional facial capture techniques.
A New Deep-Q-Learning-Based Transmission Scheduling Mechanism for the Cognitive Internet of Things

Cognitive networks (CNs) are one of the key enablers for the Internet of Things (IoT), where CNs will play an important role in the future Internet in several application scenarios, such as healthcare, agriculture, environment monitoring, and smart metering. However, the current low packet transmission efficiency of IoT faces a problem of the crowded spectrum for the rapidly increasing popularities of various wireless applications. Hence, the IoT that uses the advantages of cognitive technology, namely the cognitive radio-based IoT (CIoT), is a promising solution for IoT applications. A major challenge in CIoT is the packet transmission efficiency using CNs. Therefore, a new Q-learning-based transmission scheduling mechanism using deep learning for the CIoT is proposed to solve the problem of how to achieve the appropriate strategy to transmit packets of different buffers through multiple channels to maximize the system throughput. A Markov decision process-based model is formulated to describe the state transformation of the system. A relay is used to transmit packets to the sink for the other nodes. To maximize the system utility in different system states, the reinforcement learning method, i.e., the Q learning algorithm, is introduced to help the relay to find the optimal strategy. In addition, the stacked auto-encoders deep learning model is used to establish the mapping between the state and the action to accelerate the solution of the problem. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate that the new action selection method can converge after a certain number of iterations. Compared with other algorithms, the proposed method can better transmit packets with less power consumption and packet loss.
Effects of temperature on the timing of breeding and molt transitions in house finches

ABSTRACT Temperature-correlated shifts in reproductive timing are now well documented in numerous bird species. However, whether temperature directly influences reproductive timing or whether its effects are mediated by an intermediate environmental cue, such as plant phenology, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the direct effects of temperature on reproductive timing in house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), which have a range and breeding diet not well represented in previous studies of temperature and reproductive timing. We conducted experiments with captive male house finches in which temperature was elevated within realistic ranges and the effects on the timing of preparations for reproduction, as well as on the termination of reproduction and the onset of prebasic feather molt, were examined. We found no adjustments in the timing of reproductive preparations of males in direct response to temperature. However, elevated temperature did advance the breeding–molt transition. Our results suggest that elevated temperatures in the range tested here do not directly impact physiological preparations for reproduction in male house finches, but may constrain the timing of the breeding–molt transition in this species. Summary: Experimental manipulations in male house finches indicate that elevated temperature has no direct effect on the timing of reproductive preparations, but does influence the transition from breeding to molt.
Discovery and Visualization of Expertise Evolution and Tendency

This paper presents a technique to discover expertise in research topics that authors have been contributed over the time through their publications. The process starts with typical natural language processing, followed by a topic modeling technique to extract the annual contribution in research topics and the discovery of evolution and tendency for a particular author. A bubble graph for expertise evolution and tendency is drawn over the year. The visualization can improve the perception of research topic evolution for a particular author, which will then be used to form a network of researchers in a particular area. This will support research collaboration in future.
Grab my tail: evolution of dazzle stripes and colourful tails in lizards

Understanding the functions of animal coloration has been a long‐standing question in evolutionary biology. For example, the widespread occurrence of striking longitudinal stripes and colourful tails in lizards begs for an explanation. Experiments have suggested that colourful tails can deflect attacks towards the tail (the ‘deflection’ hypothesis), which is sacrificable in most lizards, thereby increasing the chance of escape. Studies also suggest that in moving lizards, longitudinal body stripes can redirect predators’ strikes towards the tail through the ‘motion dazzle’ effect. Despite these experimental studies, the ecological factors associated with the evolution of such striking colorations remain unexplored. Here, we investigated whether predictions from motion dazzle and attack deflection could explain the widespread occurrence of these striking marks using comparative methods and information on eco‐physiological variables (caudal autotomy, diel activity, microhabitat and body temperature) potentially linked to their functioning. We found both longitudinal stripes and colourful tails are associated with diurnal activity and with the ability to lose the tail. Compared to stripeless species, striped species are more likely to be ground‐dwelling and have higher body temperature, emphasizing the connection of stripes to mobility and rapid escape strategy. Colourful tails and stripes have evolved multiple times in a correlated fashion, suggesting that their functions may be linked. Overall, our results together with previous experimental studies support the notion that stripes and colourful tails in lizards may have protective functions based on deflective and motion dazzle effects.
Eco-friendly synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial, antioxidant, and catalytic activities.

The present work is emphasised on the bio-fabrication of silver and gold nanoparticles in a single step by a microwave-assisted method using the leaf extract of Synedrella nodiflora as both reducing and stabilising agent. The synthesised nanoparticles are highly stable and show surface plasmon resonance peak at 413 and 535 nm, respectively, for silver and gold nanoparticles in UV-Vis spectrum. The functional group responsible for the reduction of metal ions were obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystalline nature of nanoparticles with face-centred cubic geometry was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction patterns. The morphology and sizes of the silver and gold nanoparticles were obtained from transmission electron microscopy images. The nanoparticles exhibit effective antimicrobial activities against various pathogenic strains. These antimicrobial properties were analysed by employing agar well diffusion method. The nanoparticles show significant antioxidant properties, and it was determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The nanoparticles also show potent catalytic activity in the degradation of anthropogenic pollutant dyes Congo red and eosin Y by excess NaBH4. Thus, the current study demonstrates the potential use of S. nodiflora as a reducing and stabilising agent for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their relevance in the field of biomedicine and catalysis.