Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Color Characterization of Displays using Neural Networks

When studying human color perception using displays, accurate and reproducible presentation of color stimuli is paramount, which requires color characterization of the display. Often simple (non-linear) models, such as the Gain-Offset-Gamma (GOG) model, or low-resolution look-up tables (LUT), both based on a limited number of optical measurements, work well enough. However, some displays show a much more complex relationship between RGB input and color output, requiring more complex models or high-resolution LUTs based on a large number of measurements. In this paper, as the first step in a larger study, the feasibility and performance of neural networks (NN) for color characterization of a simulation display following a simple GOG model are explored and compared to a LUT-based method. Statistical analysis showed that the NN-method performed significantly better than the LUT model in terms of predicting the required RGB device input values that generate a set of target (device output) XYZ tristimulus values. In fact, to achieve the same accuracy, the number of training points can be substantially reduced for the NN-method compared to the LUT-method. Furthermore, the neural network is also more than 20 times faster than the look-up table in performing display characterization.
A Consistent Set of Empirical Scaling Relations for Spiral Galaxies: The (vmax, MoM)–(σ0, MBH, ϕ) Relations

Using the latest sample of 48 spiral galaxies having a directly measured supermassive black hole mass, MBH, we determine how the maximum disk rotational velocity, vmax (and the implied dark matter halo mass, MDM), correlates with the (i) black hole mass, (ii) central velocity dispersion, σ0, and (iii) spiral-arm pitch angle, ϕ. We find that M BH ∝ v max 10.62 ± 1.37 ∝ M DM 4.35 ± 0.66 , significantly steeper than previously reported, and with a total root mean square scatter (0.58 dex) similar to that about the MBH–σ0 relation for spiral galaxies—in stark disagreement with claims that MBH does not correlate with disks. Moreover, this MBH–vmax relation is consistent with the unification of the Tully–Fisher relation (involving the total stellar mass, M*,tot) and the steep M BH ∝ M * , tot 3.05 ± 0.53 relation observed in spiral galaxies. We also find that σ 0 ∝ v max 1.55 ± 0.25 ∝ M DM 0.63 ± 0.11 , consistent with past studies connecting stellar bulges (with σ0 ≳ 100 km s−1), dark matter halos, and a nonconstant vmax/σ0 ratio. Finally, we report that tan ∣ ϕ ∣ ∝ ( − 1.18 ± 0.19 ) log v max ∝ ( − 0.48 ± 0.09 ) log M DM , providing a novel formulation between the geometry (i.e., the logarithmic spiral-arm pitch angle) and kinematics of spiral galaxy disks. While the vmax–ϕ relation may facilitate distance estimations to face-on spiral galaxies through the Tully–Fisher relation and using ϕ as a proxy for vmax, the MDM–ϕ relation provides a path for determining dark matter halo masses from imaging data alone. Furthermore, based on a spiral galaxy sample size that is double the size used previously, the self-consistent relations presented here provide dramatically revised constraints for theory and simulations.
Protective role of MG53 against ischemia/reperfusion injury on multiple organs: A narrative review

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common clinical problem after coronary angioplasty, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and organ transplantation, which can lead to cell damage and death. Mitsugumin 53 (MG53), also known as Trim72, is a conservative member of the TRIM family and is highly expressed in mouse skeletal and cardiac muscle, with minimal amounts in humans. MG53 has been proven to be involved in repairing cell membrane damage. It has a protective effect on I/R injury in multiple oxygen-dependent organs, such as the heart, brain, lung, kidney, and liver. Recombinant human MG53 also plays a unique role in I/R, sepsis, and other aspects, which is expected to provide new ideas for related treatment. This article briefly reviews the pathophysiology of I/R injury and how MG53 mitigates multi-organ I/R injury. Graphical Abstract
Finnish teachers’ and students’ programming motivation and their role in teaching and learning computational thinking

Introduction Despite the growing importance of teaching and learning computational thinking (CT) through programming in schools, research has shown major individual differences in teachers’ instruction emphasis and students’ skills in these topics. Objective This study aims to shed further light on the role that teachers’ and students’ programming motivation plays in CT. Methods The topic is approached from the viewpoint of the self-determination theory, which can help to understand teachers’ instruction and students’ learning. Our sample consisted of Finnish Grade 8 teachers (N = 1,853) and students (N = 2,546) who participated in the International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) in 2018. Focusing on teachers’ CT instruction emphasis, students’ CT test scores, and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, we investigate (1) distributions of teachers’ and students’ responses to intrinsic and extrinsic programming motivation questions, (2) associations between teachers’ and students’ programming motivation and their background factors, and (3) associations between programming motivation and teachers’ CT instruction emphasis and students’ CT test scores. The data was analyzed by examining descriptive statistics, computing mean differences and correlation coefficients and by performing (multiple) linear regression models. Results The results showed that teachers had high extrinsic programming motivation, but the extent of their intrinsic programming motivation varied widely based on their prior programming teaching experience, subject taught, and gender. Students, in turn, reported both high intrinsic and extrinsic motivation toward programming, but boys were generally more motivated for programming than girls. High programming motivation was moderately related to teachers’ higher CT instruction emphasis and students’ higher CT test scores. Conclusion The findings give a strong incentive to pay attention to increasing especially girls’ programming motivation and providing teachers with positive CT experiences relevant to their subject and with a particular objective to increase intrinsic motivation especially among teachers who lack prior programming teaching experience and interest in the topic.
Machine learning and synthetic outcome estimation for individualised antimicrobial cessation

The decision on when it is appropriate to stop antimicrobial treatment in an individual patient is complex and under-researched. Ceasing too early can drive treatment failure, while excessive treatment risks adverse events. Under- and over-treatment can promote the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We extracted routinely collected electronic health record data from the MIMIC-IV database for 18,988 patients (22,845 unique stays) who received intravenous antibiotic treatment during an intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A model was developed that utilises a recurrent neural network autoencoder and a synthetic control-based approach to estimate patients’ ICU length of stay (LOS) and mortality outcomes for any given day, under the alternative scenarios of if they were to stop vs. continue antibiotic treatment. Control days where our model should reproduce labels demonstrated minimal difference for both stopping and continuing scenarios indicating estimations are reliable (LOS results of 0.24 and 0.42 days mean delta, 1.93 and 3.76 root mean squared error, respectively). Meanwhile, impact days where we assess the potential effect of the unobserved scenario showed that stopping antibiotic therapy earlier had a statistically significant shorter LOS (mean reduction 2.71 days, p-value <0.01). No impact on mortality was observed. In summary, we have developed a model to reliably estimate patient outcomes under the contrasting scenarios of stopping or continuing antibiotic treatment. Retrospective results are in line with previous clinical studies that demonstrate shorter antibiotic treatment durations are often non-inferior. With additional development into a clinical decision support system, this could be used to support individualised antimicrobial cessation decision-making, reduce the excessive use of antibiotics, and address the problem of AMR.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict liver metastasis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after radical resection

Objectives This study aimed to develop and externally validate a nomogram for predicting liver metastasis after radical resection in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods A total of 247 PDAC patients who underwent radical resection were retrospectively reviewed from January 2015 to March 2022 at Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital Eastern Section, and used as a training cohort to develop the nomogram. 83 PDAC patients from the Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital Xingning Section were enrolled as the validation cohort. The postoperative liver metastasis was recorded during the follow-up, and the liver metastasis-free survival was defined as the time from operation to the date of liver metastasis diagnosis or death. The nomogram was established based on independent prognostic factors selected by LASSO and multivariate Cox regression model. The performance was assessed using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to determine the clinical utility of the nomogram model. Results From the training cohort of 247 patients, a total of 132 patients developed liver metastasis during the follow-up, the 1-, 2- and 3- year liver metastasis-free survival were 52.4%, 43.5% and 40% respectively. The LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that postoperative CA125 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.007, p <0.001), tumor differentiation (HR = 1.640, p = 0.010), tumor size (HR = 1.520, p = 0.029), lymph node ratio (HR = 1.897, p = 0.002) and portal/superior mesenteric/splenic vein invasion degree (PV/SMV/SV) (HR = 2.829, p <0.001) were the independent factors of liver metastasis. A nomogram with independent factors was developed and the C-index was 0.760 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.720-0.799) and 0.739 (95% CI, 0.669-0.810) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The areas under curve (AUC) of the nomogram at 1-, 2- and 3-year were 0.815, 0.803 and 0.773 in the training cohort, and 0.765, 0.879 and 0.908 in the validation cohort, respectively, higher than those in TNM stage. Decision curve analysis (DCA) analysis revealed that the nomogram model provided superior net benefit in clinical utility. Liver metastasis-free survival curves showed a significant discriminatory ability for liver metastasis risk based on the nomogram (p <0.001). Conclusions The nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting liver metastasis for PDAC after radical resection, and may serve as a clinical support tool to guide personalized and prescient intervention.
Protocol of a randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and neural correlates of mindfulness-based habit reversal training in children with Tourette syndrome

Background Tourette syndrome (TS) is a developmental neuropsychiatric disorder. Behavior therapy, especially habit reversal training (HRT), has gradually become regarded as one of the core therapies for TS. Mindfulness approaches can improve psychological adjustment and reduce stress and anxiety, suggesting potential benefits when incorporated into behavior therapy. To improve the efficacy of HRT, we combined it with mindfulness, an approach named mindfulness-based habitual reversal training (MHRT). The aim of this protocol is to investigate the efficacy and neural mechanisms of MHRT for TS. Methods/design We will perform a randomized control trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy and neural mechanisms of MHRT. The sample will include 160 participants (including 120 patients with TS and 40 healthy controls). The patient sample will be randomly divided into three groups exposed to three different types of training: MHRT, HRT, and psychoeducation and supportive therapy (PST). Participants will be assessed and undergo resting-state fMRI scans at baseline and at the end of the 12-week training. The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and Premonitory Urge for Tic Scale (PUTS) will be used to assess the severity of tic symptoms and premonitory urges. The primary outcomes are change scores on the YGTSS and other assessments from baseline and the end of the training. The secondary outcomes are the neural correlates of these trainings among these groups based on graph theory, which is used to characterize brain functional connectivity networks. The default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN) will be assessed (which have been associated with mindfulness as well as the generation of tic symptoms) by network parameters, including clustering coefficients and shortest path lengths. Changes in these network parameters will be regarded as the neural correlates of the behavioral training. Discussion MHRT was newly developed for the treatment of TS. MHRT may lead to greater reductions in tic severity than traditional HRT. Changes in the network parameters of the DMN and SN may show associations with the efficacy of MHRT. Clinical trial registration http://www.chictr. org.cn, ChiCTR2100053077, China.
Description of CRISPR-Cas9 development and its prospects in human papillomavirus-driven cancer treatment

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been recognized as the etiologic agents of various cancers and are called HPV-driven cancers. Concerning HPV-mediated carcinogenic action, gene therapy can cure cancer at the molecular level by means of the correction of specific genes or sites. CRISPR-Cas9, as a novel genetic editing technique, can correct errors in the genome and change the gene expression and function in cells efficiently, quickly, and with relative ease. Herein, we overviewed studies of CRISPR-mediated gene remedies for HPV-driven cancers and summarized the potential applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in gene therapy for cancer.
The implications of inefficient markets for executive pay comparison: The case of China and Poland

Although there is a large volume of literature on executive compensation, few of these studies have focused on executive pay comparisons and even fewer on the antecedents of executive pay comparisons. This paper fills this gap in executive pay comparison literature by beginning with executive pay comparison behaviors, and then the elements that influence executive pay comparison behaviors are discussed. A questionnaire survey found that executive pay comparison behaviors exist in both China and Poland. Furthermore, the findings show that the factors influencing executive pay comparison behaviors are different in the two countries. In China, there is a significant relationship between executive pay comparison behaviors and the dysfunctional agent market, herd mentality. And in Poland, there is a significant relationship between executive pay comparison behaviors and the ineffectiveness of government intervention, herd mentality. The implications of the study are also discussed.
Association of malleable factors with adoption of research-based instructional strategies in introductory chemistry, mathematics, and physics

Active learning pedagogies are shown to enhance the outcomes of students, particularly in disciplines known for high attrition rates. Despite the demonstrated benefits of active learning, didactic lecture continues to predominate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. Change agents and professional development programs have historically placed emphasis on develop–disseminate efforts for the adoption of research-based instructional strategies (RBIS). With numerous reported barriers and motivators for trying out and adopting active learning, it is unclear to what extent these factors are associated with adoption of RBIS and the effectiveness of change strategies. We present the results of a large-scale, survey-based study of introductory chemistry, mathematics, and physics instructors and their courses in the United States. Herein, we evaluate the association of 17 malleable factors with the tryout and adoption of RBIS. Multilevel logistic regression analyses suggest that several contextual, personal, and teacher thinking factors are associated with different stages of RBIS adoption. These results are also compared with analogous results evaluating the association of these factors with instructors’ time spent lecturing. We offer actionable implications for change agents to provide targeted professional development programming and for institutional leaders to influence the adoption of active learning pedagogies in introductory STEM courses.
Body temperature and activity patterns modulate glucocorticoid levels across lizard species: A macrophysiological approach

Environmental and intrinsic factors interact to determine energy requirements in vertebrates. Glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) are key mediators of this interaction, as they fluctuate with energetic demands and regulate physiological and behavioral responses to environmental challenges. While a great body of research has focused on GC variation among individuals, the mechanisms driving GC variation across species and at broad spatial scales remain largely unexplored. Here, we adopted a macrophysiological approach to investigate the environmental factors and life-history traits driving variation in baseline GCs across lizard species. We tested three hypotheses: (1) If GCs increase with body temperature to meet higher metabolic demand, we expect an association between average baseline GCs and the mean species’ body temperature in the field (GC-temperature dependence hypothesis); (2) If GCs mediate behavioral responses to avoid thermal extremes, we expect that individuals frequently exposed to extreme conditions exhibit higher baseline GC levels (Behavioral thermoregulation hypothesis); (3) If GCs increase to support higher energy demands in active foragers during their period of activity, we expect that active foraging species have higher baseline GCs than sit-and-wait foragers, and that GC levels increase in relation to the duration of daily activity windows (Activity hypothesis). We used biophysical models to calculate operative temperatures and the activity patterns of lizards in sun-exposed and shaded microenvironments. Then, we tested the association between baseline GCs, body temperature, operative temperatures, foraging mode, and activity windows across 37 lizard species, using data from HormoneBase. Our comparative analyses showed that variation in baseline GCs was primarily related to the mean field body temperature and foraging mode, with higher baseline GCs in active foragers with higher body temperatures. Our results suggest that body temperature and foraging mode drive GC variation through their effects on energy requirements across lizard species.
Seasonal variability of eddy kinetic energy in the north Indian Ocean

The seasonality of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) is analyzed in the north Indian Ocean by adopting high-resolution ocean reanalysis data. Significant eddy energy can be mainly spotted in six regions, including the Somali Current (SC) region, the Gulf of Aden, the Laccadive Sea, the east of Sri Lanka, the East Indian Coastal Current (EICC) region, and the northwest of Sumatra. As the most energetic region, the EKE averaged above 200 m could exceed 0.15 m2·s-2 in the SC region, whereas the mean EKE above 200 m is less than 0.04 m2·s-2 in the other regions. The barotropic and baroclinic instabilities are vital to eddy energy, and the contribution of each term in the barotropic/baroclinic equations varies with season and region. In the SC region and EICC region, EKE is primarily generated by barotropic conversion due to the sharp velocity shear caused by the strong SC during the summer monsoon and the EICC from March to June. For the other regions, the leading source of EKE is the eddy potential energy (EPE), which is extracted from available potential energy of mean flow via baroclinic conversion, and then the EPE is converted into EKE through vertical density flux. Once generated, EKE will be redistributed by pressure work and advection via eddy energy flux, which varies in sync with the monthly variation of total EKE, transporting EKE to the adjacent region or deeper layer. From the vertical aspect, eddy energy conversions are more prominent above 200 m. The maximal EKE and barotropic conversion mostly occur at the surface, whereas the EPE and baroclinic conversion may have two peaks, which lie at the surface and in the thermocline. Using the satellite altimeter data and wind data, we further investigate the impact of geostrophic eddy wind work, which reveals a slightly dampening effect to EKE in the north Indian Ocean.
Formation of wind-captured discs in Supergiant X-ray binaries : consequences for Vela X-1 and Cygnus X-1.

In Supergiant X-ray binaries (SgXB), a compact object captures a fraction of the wind of an O/B supergiant on a close orbit. Proxies exist to evaluate the efficiency of mass and angular momentum accretion but they depend so dramatically on the wind speed that given the current uncertainties, they only set loose constrains. Furthermore, they often bypass the impact of orbital and shock effects on the flow structure. We study the wind dynamics and the angular momentum gained as the flow is accreted. We identify the conditions for the formation of a disc-like structure around the accretor and the observational consequences for SgXB. We use recent results on the wind launching mechanism to compute 3D streamlines, accounting for the gravitational and X-ray ionizing influence of the compact companion on the wind. Once the flow enters the Roche lobe of the accretor, we solve the hydrodynamics equations with cooling. A shocked region forms around the accretor as the flow is beamed. For wind speeds of the order of the orbital speed, the shock is highly asymmetric compared to the axisymmetric bow shock obtained for a purely planar homogeneous flow. With net radiative cooling, the flow always circularizes for wind speeds low enough. Although the donor star does not fill its Roche lobe, the wind can be significantly beamed and bent by the orbital effects. The net angular momentum of the accreted flow is then sufficient to form a persistent disc-like structure. This mechanism could explain the proposed limited outer extension of the accretion disc in Cygnus X-1 and suggests the presence of a disc at the outer rim of the neutron star magnetosphere in Vela X-1, with dramatic consequences on the spinning up of the accretor.