Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulated Annealing-Based Image Reconstruction for Patients With COVID-19 as a Model for Ultralow-Dose Computed Tomography

The proposed algorithm of inverse problem of computed tomography (CT), using limited views, is based on stochastic techniques, namely simulated annealing (SA). The selection of an optimal cost function for SA-based image reconstruction is of prime importance. It can reduce annealing time, and also X-ray dose rate accompanying better image quality. In this paper, effectiveness of various cost functions, namely universal image quality index (UIQI), root-mean-squared error (RMSE), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), mean absolute error (MAE), relative squared error (RSE), relative absolute error (RAE), and root-mean-squared logarithmic error (RMSLE), has been critically analyzed and evaluated for ultralow-dose X-ray CT of patients with COVID-19. For sensitivity analysis of this ill-posed problem, the stochastically estimated images of lung phantom have been reconstructed. The cost function analysis in terms of computational and spatial complexity has been performed using image quality measures, namely peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), Euclidean error (EuE), and weighted peak signal-to-noise ratio (WPSNR). It has been generalized for cost functions that RMSLE exhibits WPSNR of 64.33 ± 3.98 dB and 63.41 ± 2.88 dB for 8 × 8 and 16 × 16 lung phantoms, respectively, and it has been applied for actual CT-based image reconstruction of patients with COVID-19. We successfully reconstructed chest CT images of patients with COVID-19 using RMSLE with eighteen projections, a 10-fold reduction in radiation dose exposure. This approach will be suitable for accurate diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 having less immunity and sensitive to radiation dose.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis and Docking Studies of a Novel Flavone–Chalcone Hybrid Compound Demonstrating Anticancer Effects by Generating ROS through Glutathione Depletion

The flavone–chalcone hybrid compound, (E)-6-bromo-3-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (3), was synthesized and its three dimensional structure was identified by X-ray crystallography. The compound 3, C19H13BrO4, was crystallized in the triclinic space group P-1 with the following cell parameters: a = 8.2447(6) Å; b = 8.6032(6) Å; c = 11.7826(7) Å; α = 92.456(2)°; β = 91.541(2)°; γ = 106.138(2)°; V = 801.42(9) Å3 and Z = 2. In an asymmetric unit, two molecules are packed by a pi–pi stacking interaction between two flavone rings that are 3.790 Å apart from each other. In the crystal, two hydrogen bonds form inversion dimers and these dimers are extended along the a axis by another hydrogen bond. Hirshfeld analysis revealed that the H–H (34.3%), O–H (19.2%) and C–H (16.7%) intermolecular contacts are the major dominants, while the C–O (6.7%) and C–C (6.5%) are minor dominants. When HCT116 cells were treated with various concentrations of hybrid compound 3, reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells were observed in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment of HCT116 colon cancer cells with compound 3, decreased the intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels and generated a reactive oxygen species (ROS). In silico docking experiments between the compound 3 and glutathione S-transferase (GST) containing glutathione were performed to confirm whether the compound 3 binds to glutathione. Their binding energy ranged from −6.6 kcal/mol to −5.0 kcal/mol, and the sulfur of glutathione is very close to the Michael acceptor regions of the compound 3, so it is expected that they would easily react with each other. Compound 3 may be a promising novel anticancer agent by ROS generation through glutathione depletion.
Peroxide-Mediated Oxygenation of Organic Compounds by Fungal Peroxygenases

Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs), whose sequences can be found in the genomes of thousands of filamentous fungi, many yeasts and certain fungus-like protists, are fascinating biocatalysts that transfer peroxide-borne oxygen (from H2O2 or R-OOH) with high efficiency to a wide range of organic substrates, including less or unactivated carbons and heteroatoms. A twice-proline-flanked cysteine (PCP motif) typically ligates the heme that forms the heart of the active site of UPOs and enables various types of relevant oxygenation reactions (hydroxylation, epoxidation, subsequent dealkylations, deacylation, or aromatization) together with less specific one-electron oxidations (e.g., phenoxy radical formation). In consequence, the substrate portfolio of a UPO enzyme always combines prototypical monooxygenase and peroxidase activities. Here, we briefly review nearly 20 years of peroxygenase research, considering basic mechanistic, molecular, phylogenetic, and biotechnological aspects.
Influence of Framework Material and Posterior Implant Angulation in Full-Arch All-on-4 Implant-Supported Prosthesis Stress Concentration

This study evaluated the influence of distal implants angulation and framework material in the stress concentration of an All-on-4 full-arch prosthesis. A full-arch implant-supported prosthesis 3D model was created with different distal implant angulations and cantilever arms (30° with 10-mm cantilever; 45° with 10-mm cantilever and 45° with 6-mm cantilever) and framework materials (Cobalt–chrome [CoCr alloy], Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal [Y-TZP] and polyetheretherketone [PEEK]). Each solid was imported to computer-aided engineering software, and tetrahedral elements formed the mesh. Material properties were assigned to each solid with isotropic and homogeneous behavior. The contacts were considered bonded. A vertical load of 200 N was applied in the distal region of the cantilever arm, and stress was evaluated in Von Misses (σVM) for prosthesis components and the Maximum (σMAX) and Minimum (σMIN) Principal Stresses for the bone. Distal implants angled in 45° with a 10-mm cantilever arm showed the highest stress concentration for all structures with higher stress magnitudes when the PEEK framework was considered. However, distal implants angled in 45° with a 6-mm cantilever arm showed promising mechanical responses with the lowest stress peaks. For the All-on-4 concept, a 45° distal implants angulation is only beneficial if it is possible to reduce the cantilever’s length; otherwise, the use of 30° should be considered. Comparing with PEEK, the YTZP and CoCr concentrated stress in the framework structure, reducing the stress in the prosthetic screw.
Application of Logistic Model in Prediction of Ground Sedimentation Caused by Subway Construction

Construction of subway in China is in the ascendant, the impact on its surroundings can not be ignored. The prediction and control of ground sedimentation caused by subway construction are important topics need to be studied in depth. Referring to the characteristics and the rule of sedimentation, Logistic model is adopted. The process of modeling for Logistic model, from its establishment to verification, is described in detail, and verified with the on-site measured data from Hujialou station of #10 line of Beijing subway. The results prove that the model is brief in principle and easy-to-calculate, and rational and the applicable in prediction. The issues need to be further studied are pointed out.
Iron Deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated With Low Levels of Vitamin D Modulating Serum Hepcidin and Intestinal Ceruloplasmin Expression

INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are common comorbidities in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accumulating evidence indicates that active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)D) may enhance iron absorption by suppressing hepcidin. We investigated the influence of vitamin D on iron metabolism in patients with IBD and on the expression of genes facilitating intestinal epithelial iron absorption. METHODS: Iron parameters and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 1,25(OH)D, and hepcidin were measured in 104 adult patients with IBD (67 with Crohn's disease and 37 with ulcerative colitis). Genes involved in iron absorption were tested for induction by 1,25(OH)D in Caco-2 cells, which resemble the small intestinal epithelium. RESULTS: In multiple regression models controlling for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, disease activity, and C-reactive protein levels, low 25(OH)D levels were associated with iron deficiency in patients with IBD (β [SE] = −0.064 [0.030], P = 0.029). Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with increased levels of ferritin (β [SE] = 0.25 [0.11], P = 0.024) and transferrin saturation (β [SE] = 8.41 [4.07], P = 0.044). Higher 1,25(OH)D:25(OH)D ratios were associated with lower hepcidin levels (β [SE] = −4.31 [1.67], P = 0.012). Especially in Crohn's disease, increased 1,25(OH)D correlated with higher transferrin saturation (β [SE] = 0.43 [0.18], P = 0.027). Furthermore, 1,25(OH)D strongly induced the expression of the ferroxidase ceruloplasmin in Caco-2 cells. DISCUSSION: Low vitamin D levels in IBD correlate with iron deficiency. Vitamin D may ameliorate iron deficiency, potentially by downregulating hepcidin and upregulating ceruloplasmin, enhancing intestinal iron absorption.
A 300,000 year record of cold-water coral mound build-up at the East Melilla Coral Province (SE Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean)

Abstract. This study provides a detailed reconstruction of cold-water coral mound build-up within the East Melilla Coral Province (Southeast Alboran Sea) over the last 300 ky. Based on benthic foraminiferal assemblages, macrofaunal quantification, grain size analysis, sediment geochemistry, and foraminiferal stable isotope compositions, a reconstruction of environmental conditions having prevailed in the region is proposed. The variations in planktonic and benthic δ18O values indicate that cold-water coral mound build-up follows and records global climate variability. In contrast to northeast Atlantic counterparts, coral mound build-up in the southeast Alboran Sea occurs during glacial as well as during interglacial periods and at very low aggradation rates (between 1 and 10 cm.ky−1). Environmental conditions during glacial periods, particularly during the Last Glacial Maximum, appear to better suit the ecological requirements of the erect cheilostome bryozoan Buskea dichotoma. We propose that Buskea dichotoma has an important role in the build-up of cold-water coral mounds at the East Melilla Coral Province during glacial periods. Benthic foraminiferal assemblages suggest that important terrestrial input favoured cold-water coral proliferation during interglacial periods. The existence of strong Alboran Gyres during interglacial periods, promoting mixing between surface and intermediate water masses and bottom water turbulence, was possibly beneficial for cold-water coral development. Conversely, benthic foraminiferal assemblages indicate that the seafloor received less organic matter during glacial periods. Overall, the arid continental conditions combined to more stratified water masses resulted in limited coral proliferation during glacial times.
Spontaneous CD4+ T Cell Activation and Differentiation in Lupus-Prone B6.Nba2 Mice Is IFNAR-Independent

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by dysregulated T and B lymphocytes. Type I interferons (IFN-I) have been shown to play important pathogenic roles in both SLE patients and mouse models of lupus. Recent studies have shown that B cell intrinsic responses to IFN-I are enough to drive B cell differentiation into autoantibody-secreting memory B cells and plasma cells, although lower levels of residual auto-reactive cells remain present. We speculated that IFN-I stimulation of T cells would similarly drive specific T-cell associated lupus phenotypes including the upregulation of T follicular helper cells and Th17, thereby affecting autoantibody production and the development of glomerulonephritis. Using the B6.Nba2 mouse model of lupus, we evaluated disease parameters in T cell specific IFN-I receptor (IFNAR)-deficient mice (cKO). Surprisingly, all measured CD4+ T cell abnormalities and associated intra-splenic cytokine levels (IFNγ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-21) were unchanged and thus independent of IFN-I. In contrast B6.Nba2 cKO mice displayed reduced levels of effector CD8+ T cells and increased levels of Foxp3+ CD8+ regulatory T cells, suggesting that IFN-I induced signaling specifically affecting CD8+ T cells. These data suggest a role for both pathogenic and immunosuppressive CD8+ T cells in Nba2-driven autoimmunity, providing a model to further evaluate the role of these cell subsets during lupus-like disease development in vivo.
Propagation characteristic of envelope line spectrum of ship radiating noise in shallow water channel

Envelope line spectrum(ELS) is a critical feature of ship radiated noise, which reflects the modulation of those low frequency line spectra and periodic movement. It is very helpful for target detection and identification to analyze the ELS's features. Herein the ship radiated noise has been modeled as a periodic local-stationary random process. By use of envelope spectrum estimation and line spectrum analysis, parameters of ELS such as the height relative to the background were given. The propagation characteristics of ELS and the variation were given as a function of the receiving SNR. The numerical results show that the periodic local-stationary spectrum and the stationary spectrum of ship radiated noise obey the same law as ordinary acoustic fields from the point of view of energy propagation. The height of ELS relative to the background varies with the receiving SNR. For high positive SNR, it almost remains as a constant. For low negative SNR, it decreases proportionally with the receiving SNR. In shallow water channels, the same height of ELS can be propagated to some further ranges in contrast to the free space case.
ANISMA: A Prototyping Toolkit to Explore Haptic Skin Deformation Applications Using Shape-Memory Alloys

We present ANISMA, a software and hardware toolkit to prototype on-skin haptic devices that generate skin deformation stimuli like pressure, stretch, and motion using shape-memory alloys (SMAs). Our toolkit embeds expert knowledge that makes SMA spring actuators more accessible to human–computer interaction (HCI) researchers. Using our software tool, users can design different actuator layouts, program their spatio-temporal actuation and preview the resulting deformation behavior to verify a design at an early stage. Our toolkit allows exporting the actuator layout and 3D printing it directly on skin adhesive. To test different actuation sequences on the skin, a user can connect the SMA actuators to our customized driver board and reprogram them using our visual programming interface. We report a technical analysis, verify the perceptibility of essential ANISMA skin deformation devices with 8 participants, and evaluate ANISMA regarding its usability and supported creativity with 12 HCI researchers in a creative design task.
Image Denoising with GAN Based Model

: Image denoising is often used as a preprocessing step in computer vision tasks, which can help improve the accuracy of image processing models. Due to the imperfection of imaging systems, transmission media and recording equipment, digital images are often contaminated with various noises during their formation, which troubles the visual effects and even hinders people’s normal recognition. The pollution of noise directly affects the processing of image edge detection, feature extraction, pattern recognition, etc., making it difficult for people to break through the bottleneck by modifying the model. Many traditional filtering methods have shown poor performance since they do not have optimal expression and adaptation for specific images. Meanwhile, deep learning technology opens up new possibilities for image denoising. In this paper, we propose a novel neural network which is based on generative adversarial networks for image denoising. Inspired by U-net, our method employs a novel symmetrical encoder-decoder based generator network. The encoder adopts convolutional neural networks to extract features, while the decoder outputs the noise in the images by deconvolutional neural networks. Specially, shortcuts are added between designated layers, which can preserve image texture details and prevent gradient explosions. Besides, in order to improve the training stability of the model, we add Wasserstein distance in loss function as an optimization. We use the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) to evaluate our model and we can prove the effectiveness of it with experimental results. When compared to the state-of-the-art approaches, our method presents competitive performance.
Framework for Articulating Relation between Teachers' Practices and Students' Self-efficacy in Teaching and Learning Euclidian Geometry in High School

The aim of this paper is to explore a framework for articulating the relationship between teachers' practices and students' self-efficacy in teaching and learning of Euclidean Geometry (RTP&SS-EG) in high school. The effective learning of Mathematics, especially Euclidean Geometry by students, is directly influenced by teachers' confidence and competence. The RTP&SS-EG framework was developed based on the gap in literature revealed through international studies, indicating a direct relationship between teachers with a higher level of self-efficacy, and students' achievement. However, the researchers did not come across national studies promoting the relationship between the teachers' practices and students' self-efficacy on the learning of Euclidean Geometry in high school. The question asked was: To what extent is the relationship between the teachers' practices and the students' self-efficacy in teaching and learning of Euclidean Geometry in High school? Geometry Students Self-Efficacy (SGS-EQ) and Geometry Teacher Self-Efficacy questionnaire (GTS-EQ) were utilized. The participants were 81 Mathematics teachers, and 390 Grade 10-12 students from the Mpumalanga and North West provinces in South Africa. Reliability for the entire scale of both instruments computed in terms of the internal consistency was found to be . 83. To establish the content validity of the scores from both instruments, the exploratory factor analysis was computed using varimax rotation. The four-factor solution accounting for 43.03% of the total variance was obtained from 36 items of the GTS-EQ. A five-factor solution for 45.37% of the total explained variance was obtained from the 46 items of the SGS-EQ. In RTP&SS-EG, three education theories, constructivism, social constructivism and social cognitivism, policies, as well as teacher and student self-efficacy principles enjoin the practice enacted from the relation between the teachers' practices and the students' self-efficacy in the learning of Euclidean Geometry. The findings revealed that the learning value associated with the relationship between teachers' practices and students' self-efficacy may be integrated into the everyday preparations of teaching-learning plans in Euclidean Geometry. It is critical that policymakers, curriculum developers, teachers and students make use of this model to ensure that self-efficacy of both teachers and students is taken into consideration in Euclidean Geometry.
Efficient Homomorphic Encryption Accelerator With Integrated PRNG Using Low-Cost FPGA

With recent development in internet speed and reliability, cloud computing has become a more reliable solution for the user. In many cases where data privacy is critical, fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) can be a security solution for securing cloud computing. FHE enables computation on encrypted data, hence it ensures data privacy in case of cloud computing. One popular scheme of FHE is the BFV homomorphic encryption scheme, which is based on ring learning with error (RLWE) computation. The BFV scheme uses ring polynomials as the main object, hence its encryption, decryption, and evaluation require high-degree polynomial multiplication. In this paper, we present comprehensive design and implementation of a hardware architecture to accelerate encryption and decryption in BFV scheme. Our accelerator uses convolution approach for calculating a polynomial multiplication. To implement the convolution, we use a systolic array to calculate polynomial convolution followed by a simple delayed subtraction to calculate polynomial modulo reduction inside our accelerator’s core. Moreover, we use a built-in Gaussian pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) to generate Gaussian noise in the encryption operations. Finally, we implement the 1024 degrees BFV accelerator on the Xilinx PYNQ Z1 board and compare the encryption and decryption performances to other methods as well as a software implementation on Intel Core i7 with 8GB memory. Experimental results show that our accelerator outperforms the clock cycles of other methods with the same polynomial degrees 1024 up to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$22\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Moreover, our proposed Gaussian PRNG has better <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> correlation compared to the rotation-only-based PRNG. Finally, our accelerator accelerates up to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$9\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> for encryption and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3.5\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> for decryption as well as <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$6.8\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> for overall compared to Microsoft SEAL on Intel Core i7 processor with 8GB memory. The proposed design is scalable for higher degrees polynomial multiplication and useful for security technology such as high-speed secure cloud computing, blind computing, and secure communication.
Restoring hand functions in people with tetraplegia through multi-contact, fascicular and auto-pilot stimulation: a proof-of-concept demonstration.

Two multi-contact epineural electrodes were placed around radial and median nerves of 2 subjects with high tetraplegia C4, AIS A, group 0 of the International Classification for Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia. The purpose was to study the safety and capability of these electrodes to generate synergistic motor activation and functional movements and to test control interfaces that allow subjects to trigger pre-programmed stimulation sequences. The device consists of a pair of neural cuff electrodes and percutaneous cables with two extracorporeal connection cables inserted during a surgical procedure and maintained for 28 days. Continuity tests of the electrodes, selectivity of movements induced, motor capacities for grasping and gripping, conformity of the control order, tolerance and acceptability were assessed. Neither of the 2 participants showed general and local comorbidity. Acceptability was optimal. None of the stimulation configurations generated contradictory movements. The success rate in task execution by the electro-stimulated hand exceeded the target of 50% (54% and 51% for patient 1 and 2 respectively). The compliance rate of the control orders in both patients was > 90% using motion IMU-based detection and 100% using EMG-based detection in patient 1. These results support the relevance of neural stimulation of the tetraplegic upper limb with a more selective approach, using multi-contact epineural electrodes with 9 and 6 contact points for the median and radial nerve respectively.