Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Precursory signals using satellite and ground data associated with the Wenchuan Earthquake of 12 May 2008

Multi-satellite sensor and ground observation data were analysed soon after the Wenchuan Earthquake of magnitude 7.9 (according to the USGS) or 8.0 (according to Xinhua, the Chinese News Agency) that occurred on 12 May 2008. This earthquake was felt by millions of people living in a number of countries; it took 65 000 lives and made millions of people homeless, damaged small and large infrastructure, and large surface manifestations were observed on the surface. Soon after the earthquake multi-satellite sensor and ground observatory data were analysed to study changes in ground, meteorological and atmospheric parameters. A detailed analysis of these data shows pronounced anomalous changes prior to the Wenchuan Earthquake event. Analysis of Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) data at different pressure levels clearly shows characteristic behaviour of the air temperature and relative humidity compared to other days. Such changes are observed up to 500 hPa, with maximal change at the lower levels. Changes in the surface, atmosphere, meteorological and ionospheric parameters prior to the Wenchuan Earthquake are complementary to one another and show the existence of a strong coupling between land, atmosphere and ionosphere, associated with the Wenchuan Earthquake.
Limiting dilution analysis of proliferative responses in human lymphocyte populations defined by the monoclonal antibody UCHL1: implications for differential CD45 expression in T cell memory formation

Using limiting dilution analysis, we investigated proliferative responses of UCHL1+ and UCHL1− T cell populations to compare the precursor cell frequencies following recall and alloantigen stimulation, and the complexity of cellular interactions within UCHL1+ and UCHL1− populations. We find high frequencies of recall antigen responses among UCHL l+, but not UCHL1− T cells. In contrast, both populations contain similar frequencies of alloantigen responsive cells. Our results are consistent with single‐hit kinetics in recall as well as alloantigen responses and show no complex cellular interactions within the responding populations. In conclusion, the difference between the recall antigen response of UCHL 1+ and UCHL1− cells observed in conventional proliferation assays is most probably due to a high frequency of recall antigen‐responsive UCHL1+ cells and not to suppressive phenomena in the UCHL1−population. These data suggest that memory T cells are largely of the UCHL 1+ phenotype. The relation of post‐thymic T cell maturation and differential CD45 expression is briefly discussed.
Fast and Accurate Poisson Denoising with Optimized Nonlinear Diffusion

The degradation of the acquired signal by Poisson noise is a common problem for various imaging applications, such as medical imaging, night vision and microscopy. Up to now, many state-of-the-art Poisson denoising techniques mainly concentrate on achieving utmost performance, with little consideration for the computation efficiency. Therefore, in this study we aim to propose an efficient Poisson denoising model with both high computational efficiency and recovery quality. To this end, we exploit the newly-developed trainable nonlinear reaction diffusion model which has proven an extremely fast image restoration approach with performance surpassing recent state-of-the-arts. We retrain the model parameters, including the linear filters and influence functions by taking into account the Poisson noise statistics, and end up with an optimized nonlinear diffusion model specialized for Poisson denoising. The trained model provides strongly competitive results against state-of-the-art approaches, meanwhile bearing the properties of simple structure and high efficiency. Furthermore, our proposed model comes along with an additional advantage, that the diffusion process is well-suited for parallel computation on GPUs. For images of size $512 \times 512$, our GPU implementation takes less than 0.1 seconds to produce state-of-the-art Poisson denoising performance.
A randomized controlled trial of a cognitive behavioural therapy-based self-management intervention for irritable bowel syndrome in primary care

Background Recent guidelines for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) emphasize the need for research to facilitate home-based self-management for these patients in primary care. The aim of the current study was to test the efficacy of a manualized cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based self-management programme for IBS in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). Method Sixty-four primary-care patients meeting Rome criteria for IBS were randomized into either self-management plus treatment as usual (TAU) (n=31) or a TAU control condition (n=33). The self-management condition included a structured 7-week manualized programme that was self-administered in conjunction with a 1-hour face-to-face therapy session and two 1-hour telephone sessions. The primary outcome measures were the Subject's Global Assessment (SGA) of Relief and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) assessed at baseline, end of treatment (2 months), and 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Results Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Twenty-three (76.7%) of the self-management group rated themselves as experiencing symptom relief across all three time periods compared to seven (21.2%) of the TAU controls [odds ratio (OR) 12.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.72–40.1]. At 8 months, 25 (83%) of the self-management group showed a clinically significant change on the IBS-SSS compared to 16 (49%) of the control group (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.64–17.26). Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that CBT-based self-management in the form of a structured manual and minimal therapist contact is an effective and acceptable form of treatment for primary-care IBS patients.
Prediction-Based Topology Control and Routing in Cognitive Radio Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Cognitive radio (CR) technology will have significant impacts on upper layer performance in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). In this paper, we study topology control and routing in CR-MANETs. We propose a distributed Prediction-based Cognitive Topology Control (PCTC) scheme to provision cognition capability to routing in CR-MANETs. PCTC is a midware-like cross-layer module residing between CR module and routing. The proposed PCTC scheme uses cognitive link availability prediction, which is aware of the interference to primary users, to predict the available duration of links in CR-MANETs. Based on the link prediction, PCTC constructs an efficient and reliable topology, which is aimed at mitigating re-routing frequency and improving end-to-end network performance such as throughput and delay. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Morse Set Classification and Hierarchical Refinement Using Conley Index

Morse decomposition provides a numerically stable topological representation of vector fields that is crucial for their rigorous interpretation. However, Morse decomposition is not unique, and its granularity directly impacts its computational cost. In this paper, we propose an automatic refinement scheme to construct the Morse Connection Graph (MCG) of a given vector field in a hierarchical fashion. Our framework allows a Morse set to be refined through a local update of the flow combinatorialization graph, as well as the connection regions between Morse sets. The computation is fast because the most expensive computation is concentrated on a small portion of the domain. Furthermore, the present work allows the generation of a topologically consistent hierarchy of MCGs, which cannot be obtained using a global method. The classification of the extracted Morse sets is a crucial step for the construction of the MCG, for which the Poincaré index is inadequate. We make use of an upper bound for the Conley index, provided by the Betti numbers of an index pair for a translation along the flow, to classify the Morse sets. This upper bound is sufficiently accurate for Morse set classification and provides supportive information for the automatic refinement process. An improved visualization technique for MCG is developed to incorporate the Conley indices. Finally, we apply the proposed techniques to a number of synthetic and real-world simulation data to demonstrate their utility.
Spatial Analysis of Regional Inequalities in Turkey

Abstract In this paper, we examine regional inequalities in Turkey not only at the interprovincial level but for three different regional definitions as well. It has raised questions about inequalities not only between regions (interregional) but inequalities within each region. Hence, one contribution of this paper is to test the effects of aggregation and scale on the identification of regional inequalities using currently accepted spatial analytic methods. The results indicate that overall inequalities are decreasing; however spatial dependence is becoming more dominant. The Theil Index indicates that interregional inequalities are increasing while intraregional inequalities are declining for all spatial partitions from 1980 to 1997. Most developed provinces are enhancing overall inequalities, although there is some evidence of a spread effect on their neighbours.
The weighted median filter

The median filter is well-known [1, 2]. However, if a user wishes to predefine a set of feature types to remove or retain, the median filter does not necessarily satisfy the requirements. A more general filter, called the Weighted Median Filter, of which the median filter is a special case, is described. It enables filters to be designed with a wide variety of properties. Particular cases of filter requirements are discussed and the corresponding filters are derived. The notion of a minimal weighted median filter, of a subclass that act identically, is introduced and discussed. The question of finding the number of distinct ways a class of filters can act is considered and solved for some classes.
Spacetime as a Feynman diagram: the connection formulation

Spin-foam models are the path-integral counterparts to loop-quantized canonical theories. Over the last few years several spin-foam models of gravity have been proposed, most of which live on finite simplicial lattice spacetime. The lattice truncates the presumably infinite set of gravitational degrees of freedom down to a finite set. Models that can accommodate an infinite set of degrees of freedom and that are independent of any background simplicial structure, or indeed any a priori spacetime topology, can be obtained from the lattice models by summing them over all lattice spacetimes. Here we show that this sum can be realized as the sum over Feynman diagrams of a quantum field theory living on a suitable group manifold, with each Feynman diagram defining a particular lattice spacetime. We give an explicit formula for the action of the field theory corresponding to any given spin-foam model in a wide class which includes several gravity models. Such a field theory was recently found for a particular gravity model. Our work generalizes this result as well as Boulatov's and Ooguri's models of three- and four-dimensional topological field theories, and ultimately the old matrix models of two-dimensional systems with dynamical topology. A first version of our result has appeared in a companion paper: here we present a new and more detailed derivation based on the connection formulation of the spin-foam models.
Zonal structure of the mean flow and eddies in the Azores Current system

[1] The surface circulation and eddy field from the Azores Current system are studied here by analyzing surface drifters records and altimetry maps collected over more than 16 years. Clear differences in mean flow and eddy characteristics allow for a classification of the Azores Current in three zonal sectors: west of 30°W between the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Hyeres-Atlantis seamount system, between 30°W and the longitude of Madeira, and east of Madeira. A detailed and quantitative characterization of each sector is given. The transition between the western and central parts is controlled by the Hyeres-Atlantis ridge. In the transition to the eastern sector there is a change in the dynamics and the flow is forced by the cyclonic recirculation driven by the Mediterranean outflow. There is no clear expression of a continuous surface northern counterflow, but three distinct westward flows are seen: one along the southeastern border of the Azores plateau, another one southwest of Madeira, and a third one along 31°N west of the Hyeres seamount. No clear tilt in the axis of the Azores Current is found in the calculated mean surface flow from surface drifters. Observations from both drifters and altimetry data show that anticyclonic features dominate in the northern region, whereas cyclonic ones dominate in the southern region. Overall, cyclones are more numerous, constituting 60% of large eddies. The eddy features detected in the west tend to be larger than those in the east, both in size and sea level anomaly. There is indication of different mean propagation speeds east and west of 25°W–30°W, with the mean speeds consistently increasing by 25%–45% in the west. Estimates for the rate of formation of strong eddies range from 1.4 to 2.4 year−1 for cyclones, and 1.2 to 1.7 year−1 for anticyclones.
A Novel Tricyclic Polyketide, Vanitaracin A, Specifically Inhibits the Entry of Hepatitis B and D Viruses by Targeting Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide

ABSTRACT Anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) drugs are currently limited to nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) and interferons. A challenge of drug development is the identification of small molecules that suppress HBV infection from new chemical sources. Here, from a fungus-derived secondary metabolite library, we identify a structurally novel tricyclic polyketide, named vanitaracin A, which specifically inhibits HBV infection. Vanitaracin A inhibited the viral entry process with a submicromolar 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) (IC50 = 0.61 ± 0.23 μM), without evident cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration of >256 μM; selectivity index value of >419) in primary human hepatocytes. Vanitaracin A did not affect the HBV replication process. This compound was found to directly interact with the HBV entry receptor sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) and impaired its bile acid transport activity. Consistent with this NTCP targeting, antiviral activity of vanitaracin A was observed with hepatitis D virus (HDV) but not hepatitis C virus. Importantly, vanitaracin A inhibited infection by all HBV genotypes tested (genotypes A to D) and clinically relevant NA-resistant HBV isolate. Thus, we identified a fungal metabolite, vanitaracin A, which was a potent, well-tolerated, and broadly active inhibitor of HBV and HDV entry. This compound, or its related analogs, could be part of an antiviral strategy for preventing reinfection with HBV, including clinically relevant nucleos(t)ide analog-resistant virus. IMPORTANCE For achieving better treatment and prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, anti-HBV agents targeting a new molecule are in great demand. Although sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) has recently been reported to be an essential host factor for HBV entry, there is a limited number of reports that identify new compounds targeting NTCP and inhibiting HBV entry. Here, from an uncharacterized chemical library, we isolated a structurally new compound, named vanitaracin A, which inhibited the process of entry of HBV and hepatitis D virus (HDV). This compound was suggested to directly interact with NTCP and inhibit its transporter activity. Importantly, vanitaracin A inhibited the entry of all HBV genotypes examined and of a clinically relevant nucleos(t)ide analog-resistant HBV isolate.
The shape of rock particles, a critical review

An attempt was made to distinguish aspects of the shape of rock particles, and to discover by analysis and empirical considerations the most appropriate parameters for describing these aspects. The shape of a rock particle can be expressed in terms of three independent properties: form (overall shape), roundness (large-scale smoothness) and surface texture. These form a three-tiered hierarchy of observational scale, and of response to geological processes. Form can be represented by only two independent measures from the three orthogonal axes normally measured. Of the four pairs of independent measures commonly used for bivariate plots, the two sphericity/shape factor pairs appear to be more efficient discriminators than simple axial ratios. Of the two, the most desirable pair is the maximum projection sphericity and oblate-prolate index for both measures show an arithmetic normal distribution for the range investigated. A measure of form that is independent of the three orthogonal axes, and measures derived from them, is the angularity measure of Lees. Roundness has measures of three types, those estimating average roundness of corners, those based on the sharpest corner, and a measure of convexity in the particle outline. Although each type measures a different aspect, they are not independent of each other. Only roundness from corners is considered in detail. As neither average nor sharpest corner measures are inherently more objective or more quantitative, purpose should determine which is more appropriate. Of the visual comparison charts for average roundness, Krumbein's appears best. The Modified Wentworth roundness is the most satisfactory for estimating roundness from the sharpest corner. The Cailleux Roundness index should not be used because it includes aspects of roundness and form. Shape is a difficult parameter to use for solving sedimentological problems. Even the best of the commonly used procedures are limited by observational subjectivity and a low discriminating power. Unambiguous interpretation of particle shape in terms of source material and processes will always be made difficult by the large number of natural variables and their interactions. For ancient sediments satisfactory results can be expected only from carefully planned studies or rather unusual geological situations.
On Available Corpora for Empirical Methods in Vision & Language

Integrating vision and language has long been a dream in work on artificial intelligence (AI). In the past two years, we have witnessed an explosion of work that brings together vision and language from images to videos and beyond. The available corpora have played a crucial role in advancing this area of research. In this paper, we propose a set of quality metrics for evaluating and analyzing the vision & language datasets and classify them accordingly. Our analyses show that the most recent datasets have been using more complex language and more abstract concepts, however, there are different strengths and weaknesses in each.
The influence of affective states varying in motivational intensity on cognitive scope

We review a program of research that has suggested that affective states high in motivationally intensity (e.g., enthusiasm, disgust) narrow cognitive scope, whereas affective states low in motivationally intensity (e.g., joy, sadness) broaden cognitive scope. Further supporting this interpretation, indices of brain activations, derived from human electroencephalography, suggest that the motivational intensity of the affective state predicts the narrowing of cognitive scope. Finally, research suggests that the relationship between emotive intensity and cognitive scope is bi-directional, such that manipulated changes in cognitive scope influence early brain activations associated with emotive intensity. In the end, the review highlights how emotion can impair and improve certain cognitive processes.
Study of Cross-media Retrieval Technique Based on Ontology

With the recent advances in information retrieval, cross-media retrieval has been attracting lot of attention, but several issues remain problems such as constructing effective correlations, calculating similarity between different kinds of media objects. To gain better cross-media retrieval performance, it is crucial to mine the semantic correlations among the heterogeneous multimedia data. This paper introduces a new method for cross-media retrieval which uses ontology to organize different media objects. The experiment results show that the proposed method is effective in cross-media retrieval.
Off-diagonal hyperfine interaction and parity nonconservation in cesium

We have performed relativistic many-body calculations of the hyperfine interaction in the $6s$ and $7s$ states of Cs, including the off-diagonal matrix element. The calculations were used to determine the accuracy of the semi-empirical formula for the electromagnetic transition amplitude $ $ induced by the hyperfine interaction. We have found that even though the contribution of the many-body effects into the matrix elements is very large, the square root formula $ = \sqrt{ }$ remains valid to the accuracy of a fraction of $10^{-3}$. The result for the M1-amplitude is used in the interpretation of the parity-violation measurement in the $6s-7s$ transition in Cs which claims a possible deviation from the Standard model.
Serum Dioxin-like Activity Is Associated with Reproductive Parameters in Young Men from the General Flemish Population

Background 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and some related environmental contaminants are aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands that exert reproductive and developmental toxicity in laboratory animals. In humans, fertility-related effects are less documented. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dioxin-like biological activity in serum and parameters of reproductive status in men from the general population 5 months after a polychlorinated biphenyl and dioxin food-contamination episode in Belgium. Design In the framework of the cross-sectional Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS), we recruited 101 men 20–40 years of age and evaluated sperm parameters, measured sex hormones, and gathered information on a number of lifestyle factors. In addition, we determined the AhR-mediated enzymatic response elicited by individual serum samples and expressed it as TCDD equivalent concentrations (CALUX-TEQs) using an established transactivation assay. Results Age (p = 0.04) and the frequency of fish (p = 0.02) and egg (p = 0.001) consumption were independent positive determinants of serum dioxin-like activity. After correcting for possible confounders, we found that a 2-fold increase in CALUX-TEQ > 16 pg/L was associated with a 7.1% and 6.8% (both p = 0.04) decrease in total and free testosterone, respectively. We also observed a more pronounced drop in semen volume of 16.0% (p = 0.03), whereas sperm concentration rose by 25.2% (p = 0.07). No relationship was found with total sperm count or sperm morphology. Conclusions These data suggest an interaction of dioxin-like compounds with the secretory function of the seminal vesicles or prostate, possibly indirectly through an effect on testosterone secretion, at levels not affecting spermatogenesis as such.