Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel analysis of gradient descent under directional smoothness

We develop new sub-optimality bounds for gradient descent that depend on the conditioning of the objective along the path of optimization, rather than on global, worst-case constants. Key to our proofs is directional smoothness, a measure of gradient variation that we use to develop upper-bounds on the objective. Minimizing these upper-bounds requires solving an implicit equation to obtain an adapted step-size; we show that this equation is straightforward to solve for convex quadratics and leads to new guarantees for a classical step-size sequence. For general functions, we prove that exponential search can be used to obtain a path-dependent convergence guarantee with only a log-log dependency on the global smoothness constant. Experiments on quadratic functions showcase the utility of our theory and connections to the edge-of-stability phenominon.
Random Spoofing Attack against LiDAR-Based Scan Matching SLAM

—Integrity of sensor measurement is crucial for safe and reliable autonomous driving, and researchers are actively studying physical-world injection attacks against light detection and ranging (LiDAR). Conventional work focused on object/obstacle detectors, and its impact on LiDAR-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) has been an open research problem. Addressing the issue, we evaluate the robustness of a scan-matching SLAM algorithm in the simulation environment based on the attacker capability characterized by indoor and outdoor physical experiments. Our attack is based on Sato et al.’s asynchronous random spoofing attack that penetrates randomization countermeasures in modern LiDARs. The attack is effective with fake points injected behind the victim vehicle and potentially evades detection-based countermeasures working within the range of object detectors. We discover that mapping is susceptible toward the z-axis, the direction perpendicular to the ground, because feature points are scarce either in the sky or on the road. The attack results in significant changes in the map, such as a downhill converted into an uphill. The false map induces errors to the self-position estimation on the x-y plane in each frame, which accumulates over time. In our experiment, after making laser injection for 5 meters (i.e. 1 second), the victim SLAM’s self-position begins and continues to diverge from the reality, resulting in the 5m shift to the right after running 125 meters. The false map and self-position significantly affect the motion planning algorithm, too; the planned trajectory changes by 3 ◦ with which the victim vehicle will enter the opposite lane after running 35 meters. Finally, we discuss possible mitigations against the proposed attack.
Energy Efficient and Load Balanced Optimal Resource Allocation framework for Cloud Environment using ML based Meta heuristic techniques

Cloud provides resources to the users based on their requirements by using several resource allocation schemes. Reliable resource allocation is one of the major issues of cloud computing. The objective of this paper is to provide an efficient and reliable resource allocation system for cloud environment. The existing research works on resource allocation in cloud mostly address cost and resource utilization whereas this proposed system address the most vital feature, which is cloud data security. The main novelty of this work is to consider not only security but also reduce cost while allocating appropriate resources to the users by using the optimization and machine learning algorithms. The aim of proposed approach is to maximize security while minimizing the cost. In this regard, this research work proposes a Meta heuristic optimization algorithm for resource allocation in cloud. Experimental analysis part provide several performance analyses to validate the proposed approach and the simulation results show that the proposed approach provides increased security while allocating resources to the users.
Intraspeci ﬁ c crossability and compatibility within Solanum aethiopicum

Understanding hybridization barriers is relevant for germplasm conservation and utilization. The prezygotic barriers to hybridization include ﬂ oral morphological differences like pistil and stamen length, pollen characteristics and pollen-pistil interactions. This study sought to elucidate the reproductive biology of Solanum aethiopicum ; its mating systems and compatibility barriers. Eight genotypes of Solanum aethiopicum were examined for differences in ﬂ oral morphology, phenology and cross compatibility in a full diallel mating design, with assessment of fruit set, seed set and seed viability. In-vivo pollen tube growth was observed for failed crosses at 24, 48 and 72 h after pollination. All genotypes had heterostyly ﬂ owers, with predominantly small white petals. Incompatibility was observed in ﬁ ve out of 39 combinations. All selfed genotypes displayed compatibility implying the genotypes are self-compatible. Pollen – pistil incompatibility, which was exhibited in four out of the ﬁ ve failed cross combinations, occurred on the stigma, upper style and lower style, a phenomenon typical in Solanaceae. Solanum aethiopicum is self-compatible and majorly self-pollinating but has features that support cross-pollination.
A New Sulfur and Carbon Degassing Inventory for the Southern Central American Volcanic Arc: The Importance of Accurate Time‐Series Data Sets and Possible Tectonic Processes Responsible for Temporal Variations in Arc‐Scale Volatile Emissions

This work presents a new database of SO2 and CO2 fluxes from the Southern Central American Volcanic Arc (SCAVA) for the period 2015–2016. We report ∼300 SO2 flux measurements from 10 volcanoes and gas ratios from 11 volcanoes in Costa Rica and Nicaragua representing the most extensive available assessment of this ∼500 km arc segment. The SO2 flux from SCAVA is estimated at 6,240 ± 1,150 T/d, about a factor of three higher than previous estimations (1972–2013). We attribute this increase in part to our more complete assessment of the arc. Another consideration in interpreting the difference is the context of increased volcanic activity, as there were more eruptions in 2015–2016 than in any period since ∼1980. A potential explanation for increased degassing and volcanic activity is a change in crustal stress regime (from compression to extension, opening volcanic conduits) following two large (Mw > 7) earthquakes in the region in 2012. The CO2 flux from the arc is estimated at 22,500 ± 4,900 T/d, which is equal to or greater than estimates of C input into the SCAVA subduction zone. Time‐series data sets for arc degassing need to be improved in temporal and spatial coverage to robustly constrain volatile budgets and tectonic controls. Arc volatile budgets are strongly influenced by short‐lived degassing events and arc systems likely display significant short‐term variations in volatile output, calling for expansion of nascent geochemical monitoring networks to achieve spatial and temporal coverage similar to traditional geophysical networks.
Are anxiety, depression, and stress distinguishable in Italian adolescents? an examination through the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21

The adolescents’ ability to discriminate between different negative emotional states is still under debate. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) serves as a useful tool to unravel this issue, yet the literature on its structural validity in young people is ambiguous. Therefore, this study aimed to expand knowledge on the emotional experience of youth by investigating the factor structure and psychometric properties of the DASS-21 in Italian adolescents. Six hundred fifty-five students (60.6% girls) aged 14–18 (M = 16.3 ± 1.29) completed an online survey containing the DASS-21 and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). To evaluate the factor structure of the DASS-21, several alternative models were tested, also adopting an Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) procedure. Measurement invariance, reliability, validity, and latent means differences were addressed. The ESEM model with three correlated factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress yielded the best fit to the data, supporting a hierarchical structure of the DASS-21. In addition, this model was invariant across sex and age groups. The Anxiety scale predicted both positive and negative affect, while Depression predicted positive affect only. Finally, girls scored higher than boys on Anxiety and Depression, but no age differences emerged. Overall, our results indicate that anxiety, depression, and stress are distinguishable in Italian adolescents but, simultaneously, share an underlying condition of general distress, which may explain the comorbidity between internalizing problems. Such findings are discussed in terms of clinical and preventive implications for the adolescent population.
Clinical assessment of TGFB1 and HP Relative Gene Expression in the Peripheral Blood of Prostate Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the relative gene expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1) and haptoglobin (HP) in the peripheral blood of prostate cancer (PCa) patients and evaluate their diagnostic ability. METHODS A total of 125 participants were enrolled in the present study. Among them, 75 PCa patients, 25 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, and 25 healthy volunteers served as the control group. The relative TGFB1 and HP gene expression level was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Further, free and total PSA levels were determined using electrochemiluminescence assays. RESULTS TGFB1 was significantly over-expressed, whereas HP was significantly downregulated in the peripheral blood of PCa patients compared to BPH and control groups (p-value ranges from 0.034 to <0.001). Moreover, the high expression level of TGFB1 was associated with an increased risk of PCa development with OR=1.412 (95%CI: 1.081-1.869, p= 0.012). TGFB1 and HP relative expression levels had lower diagnostic performance to differentiate PCa from normal and BPH individuals compared to PSA, however, the combination of the tested parameters improved the diagnostic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS TGFB1 and HP relative expression have moderate diagnostic efficacy in discriminating patients with PCa from BPH and healthy subjects. Furthermore, over-expression of TGFB1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCa.
Prediction of immunocyte infiltration and prognosis in postoperative hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Background The immune microenvironment (IME) is closely associated with prognosis and therapeutic response of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables non-invasive assessment of IME and predicts prognosis in HBV-HCC. We aimed to construct an MRI prediction model of the immunocyte-infiltration subtypes and explore its prognostic significance. Methods HBV-HCC patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) with radical surgery (between 1 October and 30 December 2021) were prospectively enrolled. Patients with pathologically proven HCC (between 1 December 2013 and 30 October 2019) were retrospectively enrolled. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the immunocyte-infiltration counts and MRI parameters. An MRI prediction model of immunocyte-infiltration subtypes was constructed in prospective cohort. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to analyse its prognostic significance in the retrospective cohort. Results Twenty-four patients were prospectively enrolled to construct the MRI prediction model. Eighty-nine patients were retrospectively enrolled to determine its prognostic significance. MRI parameters (relative enhancement, ratio of the apparent diffusion coefficient value of tumoral region to peritumoral region [rADC], T1 value) correlated significantly with the immunocyte-infiltration counts (leukocytes, T help cells, PD1+Tc cells, B lymphocytes). rADC differed significantly between high and low immunocyte-infiltration groups (1.47 ± 0.36 vs 1.09 ± 0.25, P = 0.009). The area under the curve of the MRI model was 0.787 (95% confidence interval 0.587–0.987). Based on the MRI model, the recurrence-free time was longer in the high immunocyte-infiltration group than in the low immunocyte-infiltration group (P = 0.026). Conclusions MRI is a non-invasive method for assessing the IME and immunocyte-infiltration subtypes, and predicting prognosis in post-operative HBV-HCC patients.
Prediction of successful weaning from renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients based on machine learning

Abstract Background Predicting the successful weaning of acute kidney injury (AKI) patients from renal replacement therapy (RRT) has emerged as a research focus, and we successfully built predictive models for RRT withdrawal in patients with severe AKI by machine learning. Methods This retrospective single-center study utilized data from our general intensive care unit (ICU) Database, focusing on patients diagnosed with severe AKI who underwent RRT. We evaluated RRT weaning success based on patients being free of RRT in the subsequent week and their overall survival. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) and machine learning algorithms were adopted to construct the prediction models. Results A total of 976 patients were included, with 349 patients successfully weaned off RRT. Longer RRT duration (7.0 vs. 9.6 d, p = 0.002, OR = 0.94), higher serum cystatin C levels (1.2 vs. 3.2 mg/L, p < 0.001, OR = 0.46), and the presence of septic shock (28.1% vs. 41.5%, p < 0.001, OR = 0.63) were associated with reduced likelihood of RRT weaning. Conversely, a positive furosemide stress test (FST) (60.2% vs. 40.7%, p < 0.001, OR = 2.75) and higher total urine volume 3 d before RRT withdrawal (755 vs. 125 mL/d, p < 0.001, OR = 2.12) were associated with an increased likelihood of successful weaning from RRT. Next, we demonstrated that machine learning models, especially Random Forest and XGBoost, achieving an AUROC of 0.95. The XGBoost model exhibited superior accuracy, yielding an AUROC of 0.849. Conclusion High-risk factors for unsuccessful RRT weaning in severe AKI patients include prolonged RRT duration. Machine learning prediction models, when compared to models based on multivariate logistic regression using these indicators, offer distinct advantages in predictive accuracy.
Cannibalism and Habitat Selection of Cultured Chinese Mitten Crab: Effects of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation with Different Nutritional and Refuge Values

We examined the food preference of Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne Edwards, 1853), under food shortage, habitat choice in the presence of predators, and cannibalistic behavior by comparing their response to the popular culture plant Elodea nuttallii and the structurally more complex Myriophyllum verticillatum L. in a series of mesocosm experiments. Mitten crabs were found to consume and thus reduce the biomass of Elodea, whereas no negative impact on Myriophyllum biomass was recorded. In the absence of adult crabs, juveniles preferred to settle in Elodea habitats (appearance frequency among the plants: 64.2 ± 5.9%) but selected for Myriophyllum instead when adult crabs were present (appearance frequency among the plants: 59.5 ± 4.9%). The mortality rate of mitten crabs in the absence of plant shelter was higher under food shortage, primarily due to cannibalism. The proportion of molting crabs dying in the structurally more complex Myriophyllum habitats was significantly lower than in the less complex Elodea habitats, indicating that Myriophyllum provides better protection from cannibalistic behavior, likely due to its structurally more complex canopy. Stable isotope analyses of crab samples revealed a trophic shift in both δ13C and δ15N (Δδ13C: 2.2–4.0‰; Δδ15N: 1.5–2.8‰) during the experimental period. Significant positive correlations between body mass and δ13C and δ15N were recorded, suggesting that cannibalistic feeding might further increase crab growth and lead to ontogenetic increases in trophic position with increasing size. Our study overall demonstrates that a combination of submerged aquatic vegetation functioning as a highly suitable food with other less palatable plant species acting as efficient refuges against predators may be the optimal method of plant stocking in mitten crab aquacultures to ensure both high crab growth and a high survival rate.
Hydrogen-Induced Formation of Surface Acid Sites on Pt/Al(PO3)3 Enables Remarkably Efficient Hydrogenolysis of C-O Bonds in Alcohols and Ethers.

The hydrogenolysis of oxygenates such as alcohols and ethers is central to the biomass valorization and also a valuable transformation in organic synthesis. However, a mild and efficient catalyst system for the hydrogenolysis of a large variety of alcohols and ethers with various functional groups is still underdeveloped. Here, we report an aluminum metaphosphate-supported Pt nanoparticles (Pt/Al(PO3)3) for the hydrogenolysis of a wide variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl and benzylic alcohols, and dialkyl, aryl alkyl, and diaryl ethers, including biomass-derived furanic compounds, under mild conditions (0.1-1 atm of H2, as low as 70 °C). Mechanistic studies suggested that H2 induces formation of the surface Brønsted acid sites via its cleavage by supported Pt nanoparticles. Accordingly, the high efficiency and the wide applicability of the catalyst system are attributed to the activation and cleavage of C-O bonds by the hydrogen-induced Brønsted acid sites with the assistance of Lewis acidic Al sites on the catalyst surface. The high efficiency of the catalyst imply its potential application in energy-efficient biomass valorization or fine chemical synthesis.
Controls on fluvial networks in upland landscapes: from hillslopes to floodplains

Mountainous regions are ubiquitously dissected by river networks. These networks are the main drivers by which climate and tectonic signals are transmitted to the rest of the landscape, and control the response timescale of the landscape to these external forcings. Furthermore, river systems set the downslope boundary conditions for hillslope sediment transport, which controls landscape denudation. Therefore, understanding the controls on the organisation and structure of river networks in upland landscapes is an important goal in Earth surface processes research. The recent introduction of high-resolution topographic data, such as airborne lidar data, has revolutionised our ability to extract information from the topography, providing new opportunities for linking geomorphic process with landscape form. This thesis is focused on developing techniques for analysing high-resolution topographic data to quantify and understand controls on the structure of fluvial systems in upland landscapes. Firstly, I develop and test new algorithms for objective feature extraction from lidar-derived digital elevation models (DEMs). I present a new method for identifying the upstream extent of channel processes by identifying scaling breaks in river long profiles. I then compare this new method to three existing methods of channel extraction, using field-mapped channel heads from four field sites in the US. I find that the new method presented here, along
Why does the MJO detour the Maritime Continent during austral summer?

Eastward propagation of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) detours the Maritime Continent (MC) region southward during austral summer, exhibiting enhanced convective activity preferentially in the southern part of the MC area with much weaker anomalies in the central MC area. Column‐integrated moist static energy budget of the MJO is analyzed to understand the processes responsible for the MJO detouring. Results show that zonal and meridional moisture advection is the essential process to the MJO detouring, causing the difference between the southern and central MC regions in the moisture recharge before and during the MJO onset. Further analysis reveals that moisture advection by MJO perturbation winds acting upon the background moisture gradient has the dominant contribution to the regional contrast between the central and southern MC areas. The zonal moisture advection is greater in the southern MC region because the zonal gradient of the background moisture field is much steeper in the southern MC area than in the central MC area. The onset of the Australian monsoon in austral summer contributes to the establishment of the sharp zonal moisture gradient in the southern MC region. The meridional moisture advection is weaker in the central MC area because meridional wind anomalies associated with the MJO vary regionally, presumably through interactions with the topography and land‐sea contrast.
High Expression of PXMP4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissues.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the high expression of peroxisome membrane protein 4 (PXMP4) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its clinical significance. METHODS The expression of PXMP4 mRNA in HCC tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues was detected by Q-PCR, and the expression of PXMP4 protein was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The correlation of PXMP4 protein expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis of HCC was analyzed. RESULTS The expression levels of PXMP4 mRNA and protein in HCC tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (P < 0.05), and its high expression was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, depth of invasion and TNM stage (P < 0.05). Patients with high expression of PXMP4 had a poor prognosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The high expression of PXMP4 may promote the occurrence and development of HCC, and inhibition of PXMP4 may be one of the potential molecular targets for targeted therapy of HCC.
Antineoplastic Activity Evaluation of Brazilian Brown Propolis and Artepillin C in Colorectal Area of Wistar Rats.

OBJECTIVE The study's aim was to evaluate Brazilian Brown Propolis (BBP) and Artepillin C (ARC) chemopreventive action in Wistar rats' colons. METHODS Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into ten experimental groups, including control groups, groups with and without 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induction, and BBP, ARC, and ARC enriched fraction (EFR) treatments, for sixteen weeks. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were classified as hyperplastic or dysplastic, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was quantified. RESULT ACF amounts in experimental groups (induced or not) decreased in both colon portions, while the isolated Aberrant Crypt (AC) number increased. Experimental groups of animals showed higher hyperplasia and dysplasia amounts compared with control groups. The ACF dysplastic amount present in groups induced and treated, in both colon portions, had similar values to IDMH (DMH induction group without treatment). In addition, DMH was effective in ACF inducing and there was positive staining for PCNA in basal and upper dysplastic foci portions in all experimental groups, in the mitotic index (MI) evaluation. To conclude, considering all the experimental groups, the one treated with EFR (fraction enriched with ARC) had the lowest rates of cell proliferation. CONCLUSION BBP and its derivatives prevented crypt cell clonal expansion.