Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of surface currents from subsequent satellite images of organic slicks on the sea surface

The problem of characterization of marine currents using ocean remote sensing data is very challenging and has not been completely resolved by now. Optical and IR satellite images of the ocean have been traditionally used to estimate the current velocities when comparing color or temperature inhomogeneities in co-located subsequent scenes. SAR as all-weather and all-day instrument with high spatial resolution is very perspective for ocean remote sensing, and the procedure similar to the optical/IR observations seems to be usable for SAR for the current velocity estimation, too. Marine biogenic film slicks often observed on the sea surface as systems of “filamentary” structures at low/moderate wind conditions can be considered as appropriate features for marine current tracking. However, very few attempts have been made to study the current velocity field when studying slick features in SAR images acquired from different satellites at a comparably short time interval. In this paper two sequential satellite SAR images acquired with Envisat ASAR and ERS-2 SAR have been analyzed in order to estimate the surface marine currents. The acquisition time difference between the images was nearly 30 min. The images were characterized by a number of slick features which were nearly identical within the 30 min time shift, so that it was rather easy to track any chosen slick structure and to retrieve the velocity field. A Maximum Cross-Correlation (MCC) method has been used for the current retrieval, when analyzing correlation between the sequential images. It has been obtained that for some slick filamentary structures or for their parts the retrieved current velocities were directed nearly along the filaments, so that the slicks can be considered as the current streamlines. On the contrary, for some other slicks the retrieved current velocity vectors were directed at quite large angles to the filament tangent lines. We believe that the latter effect appears for varying currents due to the “memory” of slicks which cannot change their orientation or appear/disappear instantaneously according to fast changes of environmental conditions, in particular according to wind speed velocity/direction changes.
The classification of facial expressions with multi-cultural backgrounds: an event-related fMRI study

Expression recognition is important for our social interaction and communications, but the role of face-selective regions in discriminating various facial expressions remain unclear, especially when the expressions came from multi-cultural backgrounds. In this study, 800 facial expressions collected from 5 different facial expression databases with western or eastern cultural backgrounds were shown to the subjects in a slow event-related fMRI experiment. The subjects were instructed to indicate the category of facial expressions (happy, disgust, angry or neutral) by pressing different buttons. One multivariate pattern analysis method, support vector machine was trained to predict the categories of facial expressions. Results showed that: (1) the face selective regions differed in their ability for expression decoding, but a similar pattern was observed, with a predominance to classify facial expressions with opposite valence, i.e. happy vs. fear and happy vs. disgust. Besides, angry vs. disgust and happy vs. neutral achieved the lowest results. (2) the accuracies of facial expression classification cross-databases were as high as the accuracy of the generalization across runs withindatabase. These results provided evidence for the consistency of the representation of facial expressions in human brain with different culture backgrounds.
Environmental conditions favoring coccolithophore blooms in subarctic and arctic seas: a 20-year satellite and multi-dimensional statistical study

Producing very extensive blooms in the world’s oceans in both hemispheres, a coccolithophore E. huxleyi affects both marine ecology and carbon fluxes at the atmosphere-ocean interface. In turn, it is subject to impacts of multiple co-acting environmental forcings responsible for spatio-temporal dynamics in E. huxleyi blooms. To reveal the individual importance of each forcing factor (FF) that is known to significantly control the extent and intensity of E. huxleyi blooms, the 1998-2016 spaceborne time series of sea surface temperature and salinity, incident photosynthetically active radiation, and the Ekman depth relevant to the North, Norwegian, Greenland, Labrador, Barents and Bering seas were employed. The descriptive statistical approach showed that E. huxleyi phytoplankton blooms were capable of arising and developing within wide but expressly sea-specific FFs ranges. Sea-specific FFs ranges, within which the blooms are particularly extensive were identified. The Random Forest Classifier (RFC) allowed to reliably rank the FFs in terms of their role in E. huxleyi bloom spatiotemporal dynamics in each target sea. High prediction ability of RFC modelling (>70%) confirms the adequacy of the developed FFs prioritization models. Although the parameters of the carbon chemistry system per se were beyond consideration, however, over the twenty years of observations, the prioritized FFs have not failed to explain the registered patterns of the spatial extent of and particulate inorganic carbon content in E. huxleyi blooms. Also, several verifications (pastcasts) showed a high degree of their consistency with the observations. Collectively, these results tell in favor of sufficiency of the FFs employed.
Relationship between Team Knowledge Heterogeneity and Corporate Innovation Performance: An Empirical Study in Coastal Areas of East China

ABSTRACT Gao, S. , Chen, J., and Zhou, Y. , 2019. Relationship between team knowledge heterogeneity and corporate innovation performance: An empirical study in coastal areas of East China. In: Li, L. ; Wan, X. ; and Huang, X. (eds.), Recent Developments in Practices and Research on Coastal Regions: Transportation, Environment and Economy. Journal of Coastal Research Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 98, pp. 320–324. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper studies the internal relationship among team knowledge heterogeneity, organizational learning, and corporate innovation performance in coastal areas of east China. The results show that different heterogeneity characteristics of team members have different effects on corporate innovation performance. There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between knowledge and skills heterogeneity and corporate innovation performance. Organization learning has a positive impact on corporate innovation performance. Exploitive learning plays a part of mediating role in the relationship between team heterogeneity and corporate innovation performance.
The Status of China's Market Economy and Structural Reforms: The Issues Behind the U.S.–China Trade War*

This paper investigates the most essential issues behind the ongoing U.S.–China trade war. In addition to the apparent bilateral trade imbalance, China's status as a non-market economy (as labelled by the Trump administration) is one of the most fundamental reasons that the United States triggered the U.S.–China trade war. Accordingly, the United States’ most pressing request is to urge China to implement further structural reform. This paper argues that the current Chinese economy is quickly becoming a modern market economy with a unique Chinese character. This is evident from ongoing structural reform to create a competitive environment between state-owned enterprises and private enterprises, and through a further opening-up of the market by guaranteeing a wider and deeper market access for inbound foreign direct investment.
Impacts of the U.S.–China Trade War on ASEAN: Case of Thailand

With nearly a year of trade dispute between the United States and China, it has become apparent that the global economy will slow down, and this will have a direct impact on world trade. We adopt a vector autoregressive model to examine the impact of the U.S.–China trade war on the Thai economy. The results indicate that Thailand's output and exports to key markets are adversely affected by the escalating trade dispute. The slowdown in the Chinese economy will also put further downward pressure on world commodity prices, which in turn will reduce Thailand's exports.
Comparison of oscillometry devices using active mechanical test loads

Noninvasiveness, low cooperation demand and the potential for detailed physiological characterisation have promoted the use of oscillometry in the assessment of lung function. However, concerns have been raised about the comparability of measurement outcomes delivered by the different oscillometry devices. The present study compares the performances of oscillometers in the measurement of mechanical test loads with and without simulated breathing. Six devices (five were commercially available and one was custom made) were tested with mechanical test loads combining resistors (R), gas compliances (C) and a tube inertance (L), to mimic respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) spectra encountered in clinical practice. A ventilator was used to simulate breathing at tidal volumes of 300 and 700 mL at frequencies of 30 and 15 min−1, respectively. Measurements were evaluated in terms of R, C, L, resonance frequency (fres), reactance area (AX) and resistance change between 5 and 20 or 19 Hz (R5–20(19)). Increasing test loads caused progressive deviations in Rrs and Xrs from calculated values at various degrees in the different oscillometers. While mean values of Rrs were recovered acceptably, some devices exhibited serious distortions in the frequency dependences of Rrs and Xrs, leading to large errors in C, L, fres, AX and R5–20(19). The results were largely independent of the simulated breathing. Simplistic calibration procedures and mouthpiece corrections, in addition to unknown instrumental and signal processing factors, may be responsible for the large differences in oscillometry measures. Rigorous testing and ongoing harmonisation efforts are necessary to better exploit the diagnostic and scientific potential of oscillometry. The clinical utility of oscillometry is limited by the lack of standardisation of devices. This study tested six oscillometers, and reveals very different performances at higher mechanical impedances observed in children and adults with lung disease. http://bit.ly/317sfjH
Trends in treatment and overall survival among patients with proximal esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND The management of proximal esophageal cancer differs from that of tumors located in the mid and lower part of the esophagus due to the close vicinity of vital structures. Non-surgical treatment options like radiotherapy and definitive chemoradiation (CRT) have been implemented. The trends in (non-)surgical treatment and its impact on overall survival (OS) in patients with proximal esophageal cancer are unclear, related to its rare disease status. To optimize treatment strategies and counseling of patients with proximal esophageal cancer, it is therefore essential to gain more insight through real-life studies. AIM To establish trends in treatment and OS in patients with proximal esophageal cancer. METHODS In this population-based study, patients with proximal esophageal cancer diagnosed between 1989 and 2014 were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The proximal esophagus consists of the cervical esophagus and the upper thoracic section, extending to 24 cm from the incisors. Trends in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, and OS were assessed. Analyses were stratified by presence of distant metastasis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses was performed to assess the effect of period of diagnosis on OS, adjusted for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. RESULTS In total, 2783 patients were included. Over the study period, the use of radiotherapy, resection, and CRT in non-metastatic disease changed from 53%, 23%, and 1% in 1989-1994 to 21%, 9%, and 49% in 2010-2014, respectively. In metastatic disease, the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy increased over time. Median OS of the total population increased from 7.3 mo [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.4-8.1] in 1989-1994 to 9.5 mo (95%CI: 8.1-10.8) in 2010-2014 (logrank P < 0.001). In non-metastatic disease, 5-year OS rates improved from 5% (95%CI: 3%-7%) in 1989-1994 to 13% (95%CI: 9%-17%) in 2010-2014 (logrank P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated a significant treatment effect over time on survival. In metastatic disease, median OS was 3.8 mo (95%CI: 2.5-5.1) in 1989-1994, and 5.1 mo (95%CI: 4.3-5.9) in 2010-2014 (logrank P = 0.26). CONCLUSION OS significantly improved in non-metastatic proximal esophageal cancer, likely to be associated with an increased use of CRT. Patterns in metastatic disease did not change significantly over time.
Switch-over Study with Fast-acting Insulin Aspart Showing Lower Glycemic Variability in Type 2 Diabetics with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Series

Background Despite conventional insulin treatment being considered an effective approach for glycemic regulation during renal dysfunction, there is still a major clinical need for better insulin therapy to stabilize fluctuations in glucose levels. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the impact of mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart therapy on glycemic variability as compared to regular human insulin therapy in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Data from eight patients were retrospectively collected after analyzing 57 patients' data between July 2019 and October 2019. All T2D patients with stage 4 CKD were switched to mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart on account of recurrent hypoglycemic events. The continuous glucose monitoring data of the first four days were analyzed to calculate the mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE) as well as five other glycemic variability indices, namely, standard deviation, mean, continuous overall net glycemic action, average daily risk range, and J index. Results The primary endpoint of 24-h MAGE significantly decreased from 7.01 ± 2.59 to 4.19 ± 1.06 mg/dL (p = 0.012) when short-acting regular human insulin (RHI) therapy was replaced with mealtime fast-acting insulin aspart therapy. However, no significant change was observed in 24-h mean glucose levels and other indices of glucose variability. Significant reduction in 24-h and night-time hypoglycemic events was reported in patients after therapy switch during the four-day follow-up period. Conclusions The present study demonstrated an improvement in glycemic variability with the administration of fast-acting insulin aspart as compared to RHI, suggesting that modern bolus insulin replacement might prove to be a useful therapeutic strategy in type 2 diabetes patients with advanced CKD. Further clinical studies will be required to confirm the benefits of this therapeutic approach. Relevance for patients The safety and effectiveness of fast-acting insulin aspart in CKD patients have not yet been established. The clinical effectiveness and better safety profile of newer mealtime insulin therapy may prompt a reconsideration of its use in patients with an advanced stage of renal dysfunction, leading to better adherence and improved quality of life.
PREPARATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF SUSTAINED RELEASE SUPPOSITORIES OF INDOMETHACINE : İNDOMETAZİNİN SÜREKLİ ETKİLİ SUPPOZİTUVARLARININ HAZIRLANMASI VE İNVİTRO DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

İndometazinin sürekli etkili suppozituvarları suda çözünmeyen taşıyıcı olan selüloz asetat ftalat (CAP) ve Eudragit RL/RS kullanılarak hazırlandı. Witepsol H15 ve polietilen glikol (PEG) karışımları hidrofobik ve hidrofilik sıvağlar olarak seçildi. Formülasyonlar üzerinde dağılma zamanı, sertlik ve salım deneyleri yapıldı. Sonuçlar matriks materyali olarak Eudragit RL/RS (1:1) karışımının CAP'tan daha uygun olduğunu gösterdi. Salım deneylerinin kinetik değerlendirilmesinde en iyi uyum Q t kinetiği ile elde edildi.
Efficacy of azithromycin in severe asthma from the AMAZES randomised trial

Background Low-dose azithromycin is an effective therapy for persistent asthma; however, its benefit in severe asthma is not defined. Methods Participants with severe asthma were identified from the AMAZES randomised, placebo-controlled trial of long-term (48 weeks) low-dose azithromycin. Participants who met one of the following severe asthma definitions were included: 1) Global Initiative for Asthma step 4 treatment with poor asthma control (asthma control questionnaire score ≥0.75); 2) International Severe Asthma Registry definition; 3) American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society severe asthma definitions. The rate of total exacerbations was calculated for each subgroup and efficacy of azithromycin compared with placebo. Asthma-related quality of life was assessed before and after treatment along with adverse effects. Results Azithromycin significantly reduced asthma exacerbations in each group. In patients meeting the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society task force definition of severe asthma (n=211), the rate of exacerbations with treatment was 1.2 per person-year, which was significantly less than for placebo (2.01 per person-year), giving an incidence rate ratio (95% CI) of 0.63 (0.41, 0.96). The proportion of participants experiencing at least one asthma exacerbation was reduced by azithromycin from 64% to 49% (p=0.021). A similar beneficial treatment effect was seen in participants poorly controlled with Global Initiative for Asthma step 4 treatment and those with International Severe Asthma Registry-defined severe asthma. Azithromycin also significantly improved the quality of life in severe asthma (p<0.05). Treatment was well tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms being the main adverse effect. Conclusion Long-term, low-dose azithromycin reduced asthma exacerbations and improved the quality of life in patients with severe asthma, regardless of how this was defined. These data support the addition of azithromycin as a treatment option for patients with severe asthma. Low-dose azithromycin is effective therapy for persistent asthma. AMAZES supports AZM as a treatment option for patients with severe asthma. Long-term, low-dose AZM reduces asthma exacerbations and improves quality of life in patients with severe asthma. http://bit.ly/2LWyjYz
Accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum

Rationale: Accessory spleen is a congenital abnormality caused by failure of the splenic anlage to fuse during embryology. The presence of an accessory spleen located in the parietal peritoneum has not been reported so far, and an accessory spleen situated on the right side is extremely rare. In the present study, we describe the first case of an accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum. Patients concerns: A 65-year-old man, presented with pain in his left abdomen for 1 month. Diagnoses: With ultrasonography and computed tomography, it was difficult to determine the accurate location and diagnosis, and an abdominal fibroma was preoperatively considered. Interventions: By laparotomy, we found a mass connected to the right parietal peritoneum by a vascular pedicle. We resected it completely, and the gross specimen measured 5.0 × 3.0 × 2.5 cm and was a localized tumor with a capsule. Outcomes: Microscopically, sinusoids were visible, as well as scattered lymphoid follicles, eosinophils, histiocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and red blood cells, indicative of splenic tissue. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed as an accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum. Postoperatively, he recovered well and was followed up for a 31 months, during which he was well with no complication. Lessons: We present the first accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum. Awareness of the accessory spleen and familiarity with typical imaging findings are necessary for surgeons to make a precise preoperative diagnosis.
Serum P-Cresyl Sulfate Is a Predictor of Central Arterial Stiffness in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Arterial stiffness (AS) has an important impact on the outcomes of patients on hemodialysis (HD), and p-cresyl sulfate (PC) can mediate the process of vascular damage. We aimed to investigate the relationship between carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and the level of PCs in HD patients. Serum PCs were quantified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Patients who were on standard HD for more than 3 months were enrolled and categorized according to the cfPWV into the high AS (>10 m/s) and control (≤10 m/s) groups. Forty-nine (41.5%) patients belonged to the high AS group and had a higher incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and increased systolic blood pressure, serum C-reactive protein, and PC levels but had lower creatinine, compared with those in the control group. In HD patients, the risk for developing high AS increased in the presence of DM (OR 4.147, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.497–11.491) and high PCs (OR 1.067, 95% CI 1.002–1.136). Having DM (r = 0.446) and high PC level (r = 0.174) were positively associated with cfPWV. The most optimal cutoff value of PC for predicting AS was 18.99 mg/L (area under the curve 0.661, 95% CI 0.568–0.746). We concluded that DM and PCs were promising predictors of high AS in patients on maintenance HD.
Exogenous of Indole-3-Acetic Acid Application Alleviates Copper Toxicity in Spinach Seedlings by Enhancing Antioxidant Systems and Nitrogen Metabolism

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a potential mediator in the protection of plants from copper (Cu) toxicity and the enhancement of Cu tolerance. In this paper, spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) seedlings were cultivated in soil containing 700 mg kg−1 Cu and the leaves of seedlings were sprayed with different concentrations of IAA. Exogenous IAA treatment reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in Cu-stressed seedlings and increased biomass, proline content, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Exogenous IAA treatment also increased the levels of nitrogen (N) assimilation compounds and the activities of N-metabolizing enzymes, but reduced NH4+ content. Notably, lower concentrations of IAA (10–40 mg L−1) increased the Cu concentrations in roots and reduced the Cu concentrations in leaves, while higher concentrations of IAA (50 mg L−1) reduced the Cu concentrations in both roots and leaves to the lowest levels. The findings indicated that the application of IAA reduced Cu accumulation, alleviated Cu toxicity, and enhanced Cu tolerance in spinach seedlings. IAA application could be used as an alternative strategy for reducing Cu accumulation in vegetable crops and for remediating Cu-contaminated soil, in turn reducing the hazardous effects of heavy metal contamination on human health and the environment.