Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-frequency unsteadiness mechanisms in shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interactions over a backward-facing step

Abstract The low-frequency unsteady motions behind a backward-facing step (BFS) in a turbulent flow at $Ma=1.7$ and $Re_\infty =1.3718\times 10^7 \ {\rm m}^{-1}$ are investigated using a well-resolved large-eddy simulation. The instantaneous flow field illustrates the unsteady phenomena of the shock wave/boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) system, including vortex shedding in the shear layer, the flapping motions of the shock and breathing of the separation bubble, streamwise streaks near the wall and arc-shaped vortices in the turbulent boundary layer downstream of the separation bubble. A spectral analysis reveals that the low-frequency behaviour of the system is related to the interaction between shock wave and separated shear layer, while the medium-frequency motions are associated with the shedding of shear layer vortices. Using a three-dimensional dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), we analyse the individual contributions of selected modes to the unsteadiness of the shock and streamwise-elongated vortices around the reattachment region. Görtler-like vortices, which are induced by the centrifugal forces originating from the strong curvature of the streamlines in the reattachment region, are strongly correlated with the low-frequency unsteadiness in the current BFS case. Our DMD analysis and the comparison with an identical but laminar case provide evidence that these unsteady Görtler-like vortices are affected by fluctuations in the incoming boundary layer. Compared with SWBLI in flat plate and ramp configurations, we observe a slightly higher non-dimensional frequency (based on the separation length) of the low-frequency mode.
Margin-Based Regularization and Selective Sampling in Deep Neural Networks

We derive a new margin-based regularization formulation, termed multi-margin regularization (MMR), for deep neural networks (DNNs). The MMR is inspired by principles that were applied in margin analysis of shallow linear classifiers, e.g., support vector machine (SVM). Unlike SVM, MMR is continuously scaled by the radius of the bounding sphere (i.e., the maximal norm of the feature vector in the data), which is constantly changing during training. We empirically demonstrate that by a simple supplement to the loss function, our method achieves better results on various classification tasks across domains. Using the same concept, we also derive a selective sampling scheme and demonstrate accelerated training of DNNs by selecting samples according to a minimal margin score (MMS). This score measures the minimal amount of displacement an input should undergo until its predicted classification is switched. We evaluate our proposed methods on three image classification tasks and six language text classification tasks. Specifically, we show improved empirical results on CIFAR10, CIFAR100 and ImageNet using state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and BERT-BASE architecture for the MNLI, QQP, QNLI, MRPC, SST-2 and RTE benchmarks.
The space of properly-convex structures

Suppose $G$ is finitely generated group and $\mathcal{C}(G)$ consists of all $\rho:G\to\operatorname{PGL}(n+1,\mathbb{R})$ for which there exists a properly convex set in $\mathbb{R}\mathbb{P}^n$ that is preserved by $\rho(G)$. Then the image of $\mathcal{C}(G)$ is closed in the character variety. Suppose $G$ does not contain an infinite, normal, abelian subgroup and $\mathcal{D}(G)\subset\mathcal{C}(G)$ is the subset of holonomies of properly-convex $n$-manifolds with fundamental group $G$. Then the image $\mathcal{D}(G)$ is closed in the character variety. If $M$ is the interior of a compact $n$-manifold and $G=\pi_1M$ is as above, and either $M$ is closed, or $\pi_1M$ contains a subgroup of infinite index isomorphic to $\mathbb{Z}^{n-1}$, then $\mathcal{D}(G)$ is closed. If, in addition, $M$ is the interior of a compact manifold $N$ such that every component of $\partial N$ is $\pi_1$-injective, and finitely covered by a torus, then every element of $\mathcal{D}(G)$ is the holonomy of a properly-convex structure on $M$, and $\mathcal{D}(G)$ is a union of connected components of a semi-algebraic set.
Mediated Asymmetric Semi-Quantum Key Distribution

This study proposes a new mediated asymmetric semi-quantum key distribution (MASQKD) protocol. With the help of a dishonest third party, two classical participants, who have only limited asymmetric quantum capabilities, can share a secret key with each other. The proposed protocol is shown to be immune to several well-known attacks. Furthermore, an improved MASQKD protocol is proposed in which the quantum capabilities of one participant can be further reduced.
On the stability and accuracy of the empirical interpolation method and gravitational wave surrogates

The combination of the reduced basis and the empirical interpolation method (EIM) approaches have produced outstanding results in many disciplines. In particular, in gravitational wave (GW) science these results range from building non-intrusive surrogate models for GWs to fast parameter estimation adding the use of reduced order quadratures. These surrogates have the salient feature of being essentially indistinguishable from or very close to supercomputer simulations of the Einstein equations, but can be evaluated in the order of a millisecond per multipole mode on a standard laptop. In this article we clarify a common misperception of the EIM as originally introduced and used in practice in GW science. Namely, we prove that the EIM at each iteration chooses the interpolation nodes so as to make the related Vandermonde-type matrix as invertible as possible; not necessarily optimizing its conditioning or accuracy of the interpolant as is sometimes thought. In fact, we introduce two new variations of the EIM, nested as well, which do optimize with respect to conditioning and the Lebesgue constant, respectively, and compare them through numerical experiments with the original EIM using GWs. Our analyses and numerical results suggest a subtle relationship between solving for the original EIM, conditioning, and the Lebesgue constant, in consonance with active research in rigorous approximation theory and related fields.
A Qualitative Study of the Dynamic Behavior of Adaptive Gradient Algorithms

The dynamic behavior of RMSprop and Adam algorithms is studied through a combination of careful numerical experiments and theoretical explanations. Three types of qualitative features are observed in the training loss curve: fast initial convergence, oscillations and large spikes. The sign gradient descent (signGD) algorithm, which is the limit of Adam when taking the learning rate to $0$ while keeping the momentum parameters fixed, is used to explain the fast initial convergence. For the late phase of Adam, three different types of qualitative patterns are observed depending on the choice of the hyper-parameters: oscillations, spikes and divergence. In particular, Adam converges faster and smoother when the values of the two momentum factors are close to each other.
Imaging of a rotationally symmetric dielectric cylinder by a quadratic approach

A quadratic approximation of the electromagnetic scattering equation is used to solve the inverse problem of the reconstruction of the dielectric permittivity function of a rotationally symmetric cylindrical object embedded in a homogeneous medium and illuminated by an incident plane wave at fixed frequency. The problem is formulated as the minimization of a properly defined functional. Because the operator involved in the inversion is quadratic, it is possible to discuss and avoid the presence of local minima (a well-known problem in nonlinear inversion). Theoretical considerations and numerical examples show the advantages of using a quadratic model in comparison with a linear one.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and lymphatic vessel density are associated with progression from adenocarcinoma in situ to invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung

The present study aimed to investigate the roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) during the progression from adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) to invasive lung adenocarcinoma (IAC). A total of 77 patients with stage 0-IA lung adenocarcinoma were enrolled. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, MMP-9 and D2-40 were immunohistochemically analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. In the non-invasive component, the proportion of CAFs and the expression levels of MMP-9 increased from AIS to IAC; however, the LVD was not significantly different. CAFs were positively correlated with levels of MMP-9. The LVD had no significant correlation with CAFs and MMP-9. In the invasive component, CAFs, MMP-9 and LVD were significantly higher in IAC compared with in minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. CAFs, MMP-9 and LVD were all positively correlated with each other. The micropapillary subtype in IAC was associated with overall survival (OS). The LVD in IAC, but not MMP-9 and CAFs, was associated with OS. CAFs, MMP-9 and LVD were involved in the progression from AIS to IAC. CAFs exhibited a strong association with MMP-9 levels in the non-invasive and invasive components. The increase in the proportion of CAFs and the expression levels of MMP-9 may have been an early event before the adenocarcinoma became invasive. Once the adenocarcinoma was invasive, the LVD served an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis, and hence may be used as a prognostic marker of poor OS in stage IA IAC.
CD73 a novel marker for the diagnosis of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors

Background Ecto-5’-nucleotidase (CD73) plays an important role in the development of several types of cancer; however, its prognostic significance in salivary gland tumors remains unknown. The current study was conducted to investigate the expression of CD73 in such tumors. Material and Methods In this retrospective study, immunohistochemical expression of CD73 was evaluated in 25 pleomorphic adenomas, 20 mucoepidermoid carcinomas and 20 adenoid cystic carcinomas using the Envision technique. Labeling indices of CD73 expression were calculated and compared between lesions. Results Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the CD73 expression was significantly higher in salivary gland tumors than in normal salivary gland tissue (p<0.001). CD73 expression was significantly higher in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma compared to pleomorphic adenoma p<0.001). In addition, the expression of CD73 was significantly higher in lymph node metastasizing cancers compared to non-metastasizing malignancies (P<0.001). In contrast, there was no significant association between CD73 expression and other clinicopathological variables such as age, gender, tumor size and distant metastasis (P>0.05). Conclusions The findings suggest that CD73 can be an independent and useful biomarker for predicting the clinical behavior of salivary gland tumors. Key words:Ecto-5’-nucleotidase, immunohistochemistry, salivary gland tumors.
Pleuroperitoneal Leak as an Uncommon Cause of Pleural Effusion in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pleural effusions are frequently seen in patients on dialysis. A pleuroperitoneal leak or communication is a rare but important cause of pleural effusion in patients on peritoneal dialysis. This diagnosis can be made with a combination of biochemical tests and radiological modalities, in the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test. In addition to thoracocentesis, treatment often involves cessation of peritoneal dialysis and transition to hemodialysis. We describe a case of an 80-year-old man who presented with unilateral right-sided pleural effusion. He underwent therapeutic thoracocentesis and was subsequently diagnosed with a pleuroperitoneal leak through pleural fluid analysis. Peritoneal dialysis was ceased, and he transitioned temporarily to hemodialysis. He was subsequently treated with talc pleurodesis and successfully recommenced on peritoneal dialysis at six weeks after operation. In our report, we also review diagnostic imaging modalities, as well as advantages and disadvantages of each modality. A pleuroperitoneal leak is a rare but important complication of peritoneal dialysis and needs consideration in any patient on peritoneal dialysis presenting with unilateral pleural effusion.
Design, Engineering and Discovery of Novel α-Helical and β-Boomerang Antimicrobial Peptides against Drug Resistant Bacteria

In an era where the pipeline of new antibiotic development is drying up, the continuous rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) bacteria are genuine threats to human health. Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may serve as promising leads against drug resistant bacteria, only a few AMPs are in advanced clinical trials. The limitations of AMPs, namely their low in vivo activity, toxicity, and poor bioavailability, need to be addressed. Here, we review engineering of frog derived short α-helical AMPs (aurein, temporins) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding designed β-boomerang AMPs for further development. The discovery of novel cell selective AMPs from the human proprotein convertase furin is also discussed.
Association between Neutrophil Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio and All-Cause Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background Neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) has been proved to be associated with clinical outcome of many diseases. This study was aimed at exploring the independent effect of NPAR on all-cause mortality of critically ill patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Method NPAR was calculated as neutrophil percentage numerator divided by serum albumin concentration. Clinical endpoints were 30-day, 90-day, and 365-day all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were performed to confirm the association between NPAR and all-cause mortality. Result 3106 patients with CAD were enrolled. All-cause mortality rates of 30 days (P < 0.001), 90 days (P < 0.001), and 365 days (P < 0.001) increased as NPAR tertiles increased. And after adjusting for possible confounding variables, NPAR was still independently associated with 30-day (third tertile group versus first tertile group: HR, 95% CI: 1.924, 1.471-2.516; P for trend < 0.001), 90-day (third tertile group versus first tertile group: HR, 95% CI: 2.053, 1.646-2.560; P for trend < 0.001), and 365-day (third tertile group versus first tertile group: HR, 95% CI: 2.063, 1.717-2.480; P for trend < 0.001) all-cause mortality in patients with CAD. Subgroup analysis did not find obvious interaction in most subgroups. Conclusion NPAR was independently correlated with 30-day, 60-day, and 365-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with CAD.
The Long-Term Changes of Forest Communities as an Effect of Former Iron-Ore Mining Activities and Current Forest Management: Importance for Local Biodiversity

The human induced changes affect the transformation of different plant communities. In some cases this process can contribute to increase in local biodiversity, but it depends on type and manner of human activity involved. The main aim of this study is to answer the question how two anthropogenic factors (former and current) can modify the species composition in forest phytocoenoses. The study area is situated in the southern Poland (Małopolska Upland). The studies were carried out on two former (19th century) mining fields where planting Common Beech Fagus sylvatica (field A) and Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris (field B) have been done since the first half of the 20th century. On gob piles (sites transformed by former iron-ore mining), single-species beech (field A) or pine (field B) tree stands are undergoing secondary succession, and transform into multi-species, fertile deciduous forests. This secondary communities corresponding to the types of new, fertile soils (formed by clayey-loamy material of gob piles), generated as a result of mining activities. Whereas, on non-transformed areas forest communities with floristic structures and composition linked to poor and acidophilous phytocoenoses developed. These communities are also compatible with their respective, primary habitats (acid, poor, and sandy soils). Nonetheless, the secondary succession of forest communities on gob piles can be disturbed. In the herb layer of fertile habitats of post-mining sites where Pinus sylverstis was planted (field B) acidophilous species among mesophilous forest species were noted. This process of acidification of humus layer is induced by the fall of needles of pines and it has not been observed in communities with planted Fagus sylvatica (field A). It was found that previous mining activities now affect the secondary succession in the forest communities of northern part of the Małopolska Upland because they have created new habitats where process of forming mesophilous phytocoenoses was observed. Accordingly, former human activity leads to the increase in local biodiversity. On the other side current forest management can reduce this effect as a result of planting tree species which acidify these fertile habitats and suppressed the occurrence of mesophilous forest species, what, by contrast, decrease the species richness.
Data Resource: population level family justice administrative data with opportunities for data linkage

Abstract Introduction Although there has been considerable progress in the use of administrative data for applied health research, the family justice field lags behind. Better use of administrative data are essential to enhance understanding of how the family justice system is working, as well as the characteristics of, and outcomes for, children and families. The Family Justice Data Partnership (FJDP) supports this aim through analyses of core family justice and linked datasets in the SAIL Databank (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage). Cafcass Cymru provide expert advice for children involved in family court proceedings in Wales, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of the child. We provide an overview of Cafcass Cymru data. We also describe and illustrate linkage to administrative datasets within SAIL. Methods Cafcass Cymru data was transferred to SAIL using a standardised approach to provide de-identified data with Anonymised Linking Fields (ALF) for successfully matched records. Three cohorts were created: all individuals involved in family court applications; all individuals with an ALF allowing subsequent health data linkage; and all individuals with a Residential Anonymised Linking Field (RALF) enabling area-level deprivation analysis. Results Cafcass Cymru application data are available for child protection matters (public law, range 2011-2019, n=12,745), and child arrangement disputes (private law, range 2005-2019, n=52,023). An 80% data linkage match rate was achieved. 40% had hospital admissions within two years pre or post application; 54% had emergency department attendances and 61% had outpatient appointments. Individuals were more likely to reside in deprived areas regardless of law type. Conclusion Cafcass Cymru data can be accessed through the SAIL Databank. The FJDP will continue to enhance research opportunities for all to better understand the family justice system, and outcomes for those involved, such as health and wellbeing for children and family members.
The Utility of Corneal Nerve Fractal Dimension Analysis in Peripheral Neuropathies of Different Etiology

Purpose Quantification of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) images has shown a significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) in a range of peripheral neuropathies. We assessed whether corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD) analysis, a novel metric to quantify the topological complexity of corneal subbasal nerves, can differentiate peripheral neuropathies of different etiology. Methods Ninety patients with peripheral neuropathy, including 29 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), 34 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 13 with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), 14 with human immunodeficiency virus-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN), and 20 healthy controls (HCs), underwent CCM for estimation of corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), CNFL, corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), CNFrD, and CNFrD adjusted for CNFL (ACNFrD). Results In patients with DPN, CIDP, CIPN, or HIV-SN compared to HCs, CNFD (P = 0.004–0.0001) and CNFL (P = 0.05–0.0001) were significantly lower, with a further significant reduction among subgroups. CNFrD was significantly lower in patients with CIDP compared to HCs and patients with HIV-SN (P = 0.02–0.0009) and in patients with DPN compared to HCs and patients with HIV-SN, CIPN, or CIDP (P = 0.001–0.0001). ACNFrD was lower in patients with CIPN, CIDP, or DPN compared to HCs (P = 0.03–0.0001) and in patients with DPN compared to those with HIV-SN, CIPN, or CIDP (P = 0.01–0.005). Conclusions CNFrD can detect a distinct pattern of corneal nerve loss in patients with DPN or CIDP compared to those with CIPN or HIV-SN and controls. Translational Relevance Various peripheral neuropathies are characterized by a comparable degree of corneal nerve loss. Assessment of corneal nerve topology by CNFrD could be useful in differentiating neuropathies based on the pattern of loss.
The role of pharmacists in the renal multidisciplinary team at a tertiary hospital in South Africa: Strategies to increase participation of pharmacists

Background Pharmacists are often marginalised from participating fully in a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). Pharmacists can contribute in the renal MDT by minimising drug-related problems and optimising therapy. Aim The study aimed to explore the current role of pharmacists in renal care at a tertiary hospital in South Africa, and to recommend strategies to improve their participation in the renal MDT. Method An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed exactly as spoken and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Three themes emerged from the analysis: pharmacist’s current scope of practice within the renal MDT, potential future roles of pharmacists, and perceived barriers to participation of pharmacists within the renal MDT. Furthermore, participants provided recommendations to increase pharmacist’s participation in the renal MDT: that is standardisation of practice, skills development of both pharmacist and pharmacist assistants and recognition of pharmacist services in the wards. Conclusion The role of pharmacists at Pietersburg Hospital is the official name of the hospital is confined to stock management and dispensing. Efforts should be made to improve the participation of pharmacists in the MDTs with the intention to standardise the practice of pharmacists in the wards, equip both pharmacists and pharmacist assistants with the necessary skills and recognise pharmacist’s services in the wards.