Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Segmentation with Deep Contour-Aware Network

Human detection and segmenting are important computer vision problems with applications in indexing, surveillance, 3D reconstruction and action recognition. The figure-ground segmentation of humans in images captured in real-world environment is a challenge problem due to a variety of viewpoints, articulated skeletal structure, complex backgrounds, varying body proportions and clothing, etc. In this paper, we proposed a new approach to human segmentation in still images based on Deep Contour-Aware Network (DCAN), which is a unified multi-task deep learning framework combining the complementary object and contour information simultaneously for better segmentation performance. Experimental results on a large-scale human dataset indicates our human segmentation method can achieve a marginally better segmentation accuracy than the state of the art works.
Brain Correlates of Mental Stress-Induced Myocardial Ischemia

Objective Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and despite important advances in our understanding of this disorder, the underlying mechanisms remain under investigation. Recently, increased attention has been placed on the role of behavioral factors such as emotional stress on CAD risk. Brain areas involved in memory and the stress response, including medial prefrontal cortex, insula, and parietal cortex, also have outputs to the peripheral cardiovascular system. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of mental stress on brain and cardiac function in patients with CAD. Methods CAD patients (N = 170) underwent cardiac imaging with [Tc-99m] sestamibi single-photon emission tomography at rest and during a public speaking mental stress task. On another day, they underwent imaging of the brain with [O-15] water positron emission tomography (PET) during mental stress (arithmetic and public speaking) and control conditions. Results Patients with mental stress–induced myocardial ischemia showed increased activation with stress in anterior cingulate, inferior frontal gyrus, and parietal cortex (p < .005). This was seen with both arithmetic stress and public speaking stress. Arithmetic stress was additionally associated with left insula activation, and public speaking with right pre/postcentral gyrus and middle temporal gyrus activation (p < .005). Conclusions These findings suggest that mental stress–induced myocardial ischemia is associated with activation in brain areas involved in the stress response and autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system. Altered brain reactivity to stress could possibly represent a mechanism through which stress leads to increased risk of CAD-related morbidity and mortality.
Turning Point for a Turning Point

The present article reviews three key issues regarding the emerging adult life stage—the ways in which emerging adulthood represents a key turning point in the life span (and the influences that help to determine the path that a given individual will follow), differences in the experience of emerging adulthood between college students and noncollege-attending individuals, and international diversity in the existence and manifestation of emerging adulthood. Within each of these areas, extant knowledge is reviewed and areas in need of further attention are specified. In particular, the social, economic, and cultural forces that shape emerging adulthood are discussed in terms of who is most (and least) likely to experience emerging adulthood and the ways in which the stage is likely to manifest itself. Recommendations for future theorizing and research are presented.
Evaluation of Mandarin Chinese Speech Recognition in Adults with Cochlear Implants Using the Spectral Ripple Discrimination Test

Background The aim of this study was to explore the value of the spectral ripple discrimination test in speech recognition evaluation among a deaf (post-lingual) Mandarin-speaking population in China following cochlear implantation. Material/Methods The study included 23 Mandarin-speaking adult subjects with normal hearing (normal-hearing group) and 17 deaf adults who were former Mandarin-speakers, with cochlear implants (cochlear implantation group). The normal-hearing subjects were divided into men (n=10) and women (n=13). The spectral ripple discrimination thresholds between the groups were compared. The correlation between spectral ripple discrimination thresholds and Mandarin speech recognition rates in the cochlear implantation group were studied. Results Spectral ripple discrimination thresholds did not correlate with age (r=−0.19; p=0.22), and there was no significant difference in spectral ripple discrimination thresholds between the male and female groups (p=0.654). Spectral ripple discrimination thresholds of deaf adults with cochlear implants were significantly correlated with monosyllabic recognition rates (r=0.84; p=0.000). Conclusions In a Mandarin Chinese speaking population, spectral ripple discrimination thresholds of normal-hearing individuals were unaffected by both gender and age. Spectral ripple discrimination thresholds were correlated with Mandarin monosyllabic recognition rates of Mandarin-speaking in post-lingual deaf adults with cochlear implants. The spectral ripple discrimination test is a promising method for speech recognition evaluation in adults following cochlear implantation in China.
REEF CORALS: AUTOTROPHS OR HETEROTROPHS?

The assumption that reef corals are wholly autotrophic due to the presence of zooxanthellae is questioned. Reef corals lack the behavioral and structural specializations for an autotrophic existence comparable to that found in the xeniid octocorals and zoanthideans which appear to depend upon zooxanthellae for their food.The heterotrophic nutritional activities of reef corals, as observed both in the field and in the laboratory, include the following: (1) specialized carnivorous feeding, primarily on zooplankton, facilitated by ciliated currents and mucus, direct transfer of prey to the mouth by the tentacles, or extracoelenteric feeding by the mesenterial filaments; (2) unspecialized detritus feeding, involving the use of a wide range of organic matter of animal and perhaps of bacterial origin; (3) direct utilization of dissolved or colloidal organic matter as suggested by the uptake of amino acids by the epidermis and by the ultrastructural, histochemical and physiological features of the free cell bord.
Differences in Cognitive Function Between Women and Men With HIV

Background: Women may be more vulnerable to HIV-related cognitive dysfunction compared with men because of sociodemographic, lifestyle, mental health, and biological factors. However, studies to date have yielded inconsistent findings on the existence, magnitude, and pattern of sex differences. We examined these issues using longitudinal data from 2 large, prospective, multisite, observational studies of US women and men with and without HIV. Setting: The Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) and Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Methods: HIV-infected (HIV+) and uninfected (HIV−) participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study and Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study completed tests of psychomotor speed, executive function, and fine motor skills. Groups were matched on HIV status, sex, age, education, and black race. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine group differences on continuous and categorical demographically corrected T-scores. Results were adjusted for other confounding factors. Results: The sample (n = 1420) included 710 women (429 HIV+) and 710 men (429 HIV+) (67% non-Hispanic black; 53% high school or less). For continuous T-scores, sex by HIV serostatus interactions were observed on the Trail Making Test parts A & B, Grooved Pegboard, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. For these tests, HIV+ women scored lower than HIV+ men, with no sex differences in HIV− individuals. In analyses of categorical scores, particularly the Trail Making Test part A and Grooved Pegboard nondominant, HIV+ women also had a higher odds of impairment compared with HIV+ men. Sex differences were constant over time. Conclusions: Although sex differences are generally understudied, HIV+ women vs men show cognitive disadvantages. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying these differences is critical for tailoring cognitive interventions.
Levels of peripheral Th17 cells and serum Th17-related cytokines in patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

Studies suggest that inflammation is involved in the colorectal cancer (CRC) pathology and symptoms. This study sought to quantitatively summarize the clinical cytokine data. Multiple reports have described the proportion of Th17 cells in peripheral blood and serum levels of Th17-related cytokines in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). To clarify the status of Th17 cells and Th17-related cytokines in CRC patients, we did a meta-analysis of the results published previously to quantitatively assess the levels of peripheral Th17 cells and serum Th17-related cytokines in patients with CRC. We searched PubMed, Embase, web of Science, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) systematically for studies reporting the proportion of Th17 cells and the serum levels of Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23) in CRC patients. Studies measuring the proportion of Th17 cells and the serum levels of Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23) in CRC and healthy control subjects were included. Mean (standard deviation) proportion of Th17 cells and cytokine concentrations for CRC and control subjects were extracted. We assessed pooled data by using a random-effects model. We identified 1276 studies, of which 24 studies were included in the final meta-analytical processes. The quality was reliable according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (Case Control Studies). Compared with control subjects, CRC patients had a higher proportion of Th17 cells [2.37%, (0.53, 2.21)]; an elevated levels of serum IL-17A 1.11 pg. /ml, 95%CI (0.16-2.07); an elevated levels of serum IL-6 3.42 pg/ml, 95%CI (3.14-3.70); an elevated levels of serum IL-22 1.32 pg/ml, 95%CI (0.94-1.70); an elevated levels of serum IL-23 0.16pg/ml, 95%CI(1.94-5.39). After sensitivity analysis, an elevated level of serum IL-17 was showed. The data showed that the proportion of Th17 cells in PB and levels of serum IL-17, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23 increased among CRC patients compared to control subjects. This result demonstrated that Th17 cells and Th17-related cytokines may be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of CRC.
Alkali Activated Slag Mortars Provide High Resistance to Chloride-Induced Corrosion of Steel

The pore solutions of alkali-activated slag cements and Portland-based cements are very different in terms of their chemical and redox characteristics, particularly due to the high alkalinity and high sulfide content of alkali-activated slag cement. Therefore, differences in corrosion mechanisms of steel elements embedded in these cements could be expected, with important implications for the durability of reinforced concrete elements. This study assesses the corrosion behaviour of steel embedded in alkali-activated blast furnace slag (BFS) mortars exposed to alkaline solution, alkaline chloride-rich solution, water, and standard laboratory conditions, using electrochemical techniques. White Portland cement (WPC) mortars and blended cement mortars (white Portland cement and blast furnace slag) were also tested for comparative purposes. The steel elements embedded in immersed alkali-activated slag mortars presented very negative redox potentials and high apparent corrosion current values; the presence of sulfide reduced the redox potential, and the oxidation of the reduced sulfur-containing species within the cement itself gave an electrochemical signal that classical electrochemical tests for reinforced concrete durability would interpret as being due to steel corrosion processes. However, the actual observed resistance to chloride-induced corrosion was very high, as measured by extraction and characterisation of the steel at the end of a 9-month exposure period, whereas the steel embedded in white Portland cement mortars was significantly damaged under the same conditions.
On the Use of CALIPSO Land Surface Returns to Retrieve Aerosol and Cloud Optical Depths

The quantification of aerosol and cloud radiative properties, optical depth (OD), and phase function is of high importance to quantify the human impact on climate. Several approaches now exist based on both active (lidar) and passive (spectroradiometers) sensors. However, passive space observations over land are hindered by the important contribution of the surface to the total reflectance. Retrievals of OD from backscatter lidars do not face this issue but are usually based on the use of an a priori value of the so-called lidar ratio, which may lead to a significant uncertainty. The objective of this paper is to analyze a possible path for the space borne backscatter lidar onboard the Cloud Aerosol Lidar Pathfinder Observations satellite to overcome those issues. We will discuss the space-borne retrievals of ODs based on the land surface returns, either in combination with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or as a stand-alone lidar method. Analyses will be presented for a few cases on different surface types. The different error sources are discussed and further solutions to reduce them are explored. We show that the surface types have different polarization and multispectral properties, which can open new research areas based on space lidars. Using such an approach, we show that a retrieval technique based on the use of lidar land surface returns can be used to directly retrieve OD of aerosols and semitransparent cloud.
Risk factors associated with gastric cancer in Mexico: education, breakfast and chili.

BACKGROUND AND AIM the aim of the study was to use a validated questionnaire to identify factors associated with the development of gastric cancer (GC) in the Mexican population. METHODS the study included cases and controls that were paired by sex and ± 10 years of age at diagnosis. In relation to cases, 46 patients with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma-type GC, as reported in the hospital records, were selected, and 46 blood bank donors from the same hospital were included as controls. The previously validated Questionnaire to Find Factors Associated with Gastric Cancer (QUFA-GC©) was used to collect data. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (IC) were estimated via univariate analysis (paired OR). Multivariate analysis was performed by logistic regression. A decision tree was constructed using the J48 algorithm. RESULTS an association was found by univariate analysis between GC risk and a lack of formal education, having smoked for ≥ 10 years, eating rapidly, consuming very hot food and drinks, a non-suitable breakfast within two hours of waking, pickled food and capsaicin. In contrast, a protective association against GC was found with taking recreational exercise and consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. No association was found between the development of GC and having an income that reflected poverty, using a refrigerator, perception of the omission of breakfast and time period of alcoholism. In the final multivariate analysis model, having no formal education (OR = 17.47, 95% CI = 5.17-76.69), consuming a non-suitable breakfast within two hours of waking (OR = 8.99, 95% CI = 2.85-35.50) and the consumption of capsaicin ˃ 29.9 mg capsaicin per day (OR = 3.77, 95% CI = 1.21-13.11) were factors associated with GC. CONCLUSIONS an association was found by multivariate analysis between the presence of GC and education, type of breakfast and the consumption of capsaicin. These variables are susceptible to intervention and can be identified via the QUFA-GC
Evaluating Reinforcement Learning Algorithms in Observational Health Settings

Much attention has been devoted recently to the development of machine learning algorithms with the goal of improving treatment policies in healthcare. Reinforcement learning (RL) is a sub-field within machine learning that is concerned with learning how to make sequences of decisions so as to optimize long-term effects. Already, RL algorithms have been proposed to identify decision-making strategies for mechanical ventilation, sepsis management and treatment of schizophrenia. However, before implementing treatment policies learned by black-box algorithms in high-stakes clinical decision problems, special care must be taken in the evaluation of these policies. In this document, our goal is to expose some of the subtleties associated with evaluating RL algorithms in healthcare. We aim to provide a conceptual starting point for clinical and computational researchers to ask the right questions when designing and evaluating algorithms for new ways of treating patients. In the following, we describe how choices about how to summarize a history, variance of statistical estimators, and confounders in more ad-hoc measures can result in unreliable, even misleading estimates of the quality of a treatment policy. We also provide suggestions for mitigating these effects---for while there is much promise for mining observational health data to uncover better treatment policies, evaluation must be performed thoughtfully.
Scenarios for the application of learning analytics and the flipped classroom

This work aims to define and present some scenarios to use learning analytics with flipped classroom models. We selected some important indicators and visualizations widely used in learning analytics and analyze how to apply them in different types of flipped classroom. Besides, we specify some activities that students and teachers can do in these types of flipped classroom based on the use of learning analytics in order to improve the learning process. We also discuss the advantages of the combination of learning analytics with the flipped classroom, in comparison with only using the flipped classroom.
Genetic Algorithms with Local Optima Handling to Solve Sudoku Puzzles

Sudoku is a popular combinatorial number puzzle game and is widely spread on online blogs and in newspapers worldwide. However, the game is very complex in nature and solving it gives rise to an NP-Complete problem. In this paper, we introduce a heuristic to tackle the problem. The heuristic is a genetic algorithm with modified crossover and mutation operators. In addition, we present a new approach to prevent the genetic algorithm from getting stuck in local optima. We refer to this approach as the "purge approach". We test our algorithm on different puzzles of different difficulty levels. Results show that our algorithm outperforms several existing methods.
Coordinated regulation of core and accessory genes in the multipartite genome of Sinorhizobium fredii

Prokaryotes benefit from having accessory genes, but it is unclear how accessory genes can be linked with the core regulatory network when developing adaptations to new niches. Here we determined hierarchical core/accessory subsets in the multipartite pangenome (composed of genes from the chromosome, chromid and plasmids) of the soybean microsymbiont Sinorhizobium fredii by comparing twelve Sinorhizobium genomes. Transcriptomes of two S. fredii strains at mid-log and stationary growth phases and in symbiotic conditions were obtained. The average level of gene expression, variation of expression between different conditions, and gene connectivity within the co-expression network were positively correlated with the gene conservation level from strain-specific accessory genes to genus core. Condition-dependent transcriptomes exhibited adaptive transcriptional changes in pangenome subsets shared by the two strains, while strain-dependent transcriptomes were enriched with accessory genes on the chromid. Proportionally more chromid genes than plasmid genes were co-expressed with chromosomal genes, while plasmid genes had a higher within-replicon connectivity in expression than chromid ones. However, key nitrogen fixation genes on the symbiosis plasmid were characterized by high connectivity in both within- and between-replicon analyses. Among those genes with host-specific upregulation patterns, chromosomal znu and mdt operons, encoding a conserved high-affinity zinc transporter and an accessory multi-drug efflux system, respectively, were experimentally demonstrated to be involved in host-specific symbiotic adaptation. These findings highlight the importance of integrative regulation of hierarchical core/accessory components in the multipartite genome of bacteria during niche adaptation and in shaping the prokaryotic pangenome in the long run.
Gill structure of a fish from an alkaline lake: effect of short-term exposure to neutral conditions

The morphology and morphometry of the gills of Oreochromis alcalicus grahami, a unique ureogenic teleost that lives in the alkaline environment of Lake Magadi, Kenya (pH 10, , temperature 30 – 40 °C) were examined by transmission electron, scanning electron and light microscopy. Fish were examined in normal Lake Magadi water and 2 – 3 or 24 h after transfer to Lake Magadi water neutralized to pH 7 with HCl (i.e., replaced with Cl−), a treatment that caused severe reductions in urea excretion and O2 uptake, internal acidosis, and ionoregulatory disturbance. In Lake Magadi water, the organization of the filament epithelium of the gill was similar to that of sea water teleosts. Indeed, chloride cells were located at the bottom of pits bordered by overlying pavement cells and flanked by typical accessory cells. Total numbers of chloride cells remained unchanged after transfer to pH 7, but after 2 – 3 h, many were covered by pavement cells, restricting their communication with the external milieu. At 24 h, thi.
Party cohesion in the Icelandic Althingi

Institutional theories of party cohesion may be divided into "nomination theories" and "structure of the executive theories". The former seek explanations of cohesion in the way nominations are conducted, predicting that de-centralized and inclusive nominations will reduce party cohesion. The latter attempt to explain cohesion by reference to the structure of the executive, and predict that parliamentary government will increase cohesion. Party cohesion in the Icelandic Althingi has, hitherto, not been extensively studied. In this article, large amounts of data are explored to test hypotheses derived from the two theoretical approaches. The analysis is based on roll-call data dating back to 1961 and electronic voting records from 1991 onwards. The main conclusion is that party cohesion is at a high level in Iceland, despite decentralized and inclusive nominations, and hypotheses derived from nomination theories therefore find no support in our data. Hypotheses derived from "structure of the executive theories" fare much better and the main reason for high party cohesion in Iceland seems to be parliamentary government. Various features of our data, however, encourage us not to ignore other contextual features affecting party cohesion, which neither of the two institutional theories can account for satisfactorily.