Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep learning methods for image reconstruction from angularly sparse data for CT and SAR imaging

In this paper we apply deep learning methods to improve image reconstruction from angularly sparse data in Computed Tomography (CT) and SAR imaging. In CT, image reconstruction from sparse views is desirable to reduce X-ray exposure for patients, improving reconstruction time. It is also desirable to reduce the number of pulses used to reconstruct far-field objects in SAR imaging. Conventional algorithms must often incorporate a priori knowledge while successful approaches such as total variation regularization (TV) are limited to signal-tonoise ratio ranges cannot match the inconsistencies of practical application.1 Instead, we propose to formulate the image reconstruction problem as an optimization problem. In this approach, a recurrent neural network (RNN) is used to unfold a given, fixed number of iterations of an iterative solver. We verify the performance of our method using numerical data and compare it with more traditional approaches.
The internal phylogeny of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract. The higher phylogeny of the Formicidae was analysed using 68 characters and 19 taxa: the 14 currently recognized ant subfamilies plus 5 potentially critical infrasubfamilial taxa. The results justified the recognition of 3 additional subfamilies: Aenictogitoninae Ashmead (new status), Apomyrminae Dlussky & Fedoseeva (new status), and Leptanilloidinae Bolton (new subfamily). A second analysis on these better delimited 17 subfamilies resulted in 24 equally most parsimonious trees. All trees showed a basal division of extant Formicidae into two groups, the first containing (Myrmicinae, Pseudomyrmecinae, Nothomyrmeciinae, Myrmeciinae, Formicinae, Dolichoderinae, Aneuretinae) and the second the remaining subfamilies. Clades appearing within these groups included the Cerapachyinae plus ‘army ants’, the Nothomyrmeciinae plus Myrmeciinae, the ‘formicoid’ subfamilies (Aneuretinae + Dolichoderinae + Formicinae), and the Old World army ants (Aenictinae + Aenictogitoninae + Doryline), but relationships within the last two groups were not resolved, and the relative positions of the Apomyrminae, Leptanillinae and Ponerinae remained ambiguous. Moreover, a bootstrap analysis produced a consensus tree in which all branches were represented in proportions much lower than 95%. A reconstruction of the ground plan of the Formicidae indicated that the most specialized of all recent ants are the members of the subfamily Dorylinae and the least specialized ones are the monotypic Apomyrminae.
The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and the Response to Group Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Objective To examine the relationship between childhood trauma and the response to group cognitive-behavioural therapy (GCBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods A single cohort study conducted in an outpatient university referral center for CFS including a well-documented sample of adult patients meeting the CDC criteria for CFS and having received 9 to 12 months of GCBT. A mixed effect model was adopted to examine the impact of childhood trauma on the treatment response in general and over time. The main outcome measures were changes in fatigue, as assessed with the Checklist Individual Strength (total score), and physical functioning, as gauged with the Short Form 36 Health Survey subscale, with the scales being completed at baseline, immediately after treatment completion and after 1 year. Results We included 105 patients with CFS. Childhood trauma was not significantly associated with the response to GCBT over time on level of fatigue or physical functioning. Conclusion Childhood trauma does not seem to have an effect on the treatment response to dedicated GCBT for CFS sufferers over time. Therefore, in the allocation of patients to this kind of treatment, a history of childhood trauma should not be seen as prohibitive.
Clinical impact of multi-parameter continuous non-invasive monitoring in hospital wards: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstrac Objective Delayed response to clinical deterioration as a result of intermittent vital sign monitoring is a cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the clinical impact of multi-parameter continuous non-invasive monitoring of vital signs (CoNiM) in non-intensive care unit patients. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies. Embase, MEDLINE, HMIC, PsycINFO and Cochrane were searched from April 1964 to 18 June 2019 with no language restriction. Setting The search was limited to hospitalised, non-intensive care unit adult patients who had two or more vital signs continuously monitored. Participants All primary studies that evaluated the clinical impact of using multi-parameter CoNiM in adult hospital wards outside of the intensive care unit. Main outcome measures Clinical impact of multi-parameter CoNiM. Results This systematic review identified 14 relevant studies from 3846 search results. Five studies were classified as Group A – associations found between measured vital signs and clinical parameters. Nine studies were classified as Group B – comparison between clinical outcomes of patients with and without multi-parameter CoNiM. Vital signs data from CoNiM were found to associate with type of presenting complaint, level of renal function and incidence of major clinical events. CoNiM also assisted in diagnosis by differentiating between patients with acute heart failure, stroke and sepsis (with sub-clustering of septic patients). In the meta-analysis, patients on multi-parameter CoNiM had a 39% decrease in risk of mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.61; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -0.39–0.95) when compared to patients with regular intermittent monitoring. There was a trend of reduced intensive care unit transfer (RR 0.86; 95% CI -0.67–1.11) and reduced rapid response team activation (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.26–1.43). A trend towards reduced hospital length of stay was also found using weighted mean difference (WMD –3.32 days; 95% CI -8.82–2.19 days). Conclusion There is evidence of clinical benefit in implementing CoNiM in non-intensive care unit patients. This review supports the use of multi-parameter CoNiM outside of intensive care unit with further large-scale RCTs required to further affirm clinical impact.
Longitudinal effect of gestational age on the developmental trajectory of social competence difficulties from early childhood to mid-adolescence: Evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort

Background: Preterm birth and maternal psychological distress are associated with an increased risk for social competence difficulties; however, little is known about how this risk changes over time and across gestational age. This study aimed to examine mean developmental trajectories of social competence difficulties from early childhood to mid-adolescence by gestational age groups: very preterm (VP, <32 weeks), moderate-to-late preterm (MLP, 32-36 weeks), early-term (37-38 weeks) and full-term (39-41 weeks) and to assess the mediating effect of maternal psychological distress during infancy on the social competence difficulties trajectories. Methods: Data were analysed on 15,821 participants from the UK Millennium Cohort Study participants, a nationally-representative birth cohort. Social competence difficulties were assessed by parent report when the participants were aged 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14 years. Maternal psychological distress was self-rated when the children were 9 months of age. Data were modelled using latent growth curve analysis. Results: The developmental trajectories of social competence difficulties were u-shaped in all groups showing a decline from age 3 to 7, followed by a stable low period and then an increase during adolescence. VP children (n=173) showed pronounced difficulties throughout (b=0.94, SE=0.36 at age 14). MLP children (n=1,130) and early-term children (n=3,232) showed greater difficulties compared with their full-term peers around age 7, which resolved by age 14 (b=0.20, SE=0.13; 0.03, 0.07, respectively). Maternal psychological distress during infancy mediated 20% of the above association for VP. Conclusions: The effect of gestational age on developmental trajectories of social competence difficulties can be dose-response. Monitoring and providing support on social development throughout childhood and into their adolescence and treating early maternal psychological distress may benefit preterm children, particularly those born VP.
Subcellular localization of GABAB receptor subunits in rat visual cortex

Although studies in the visual cortex have found γ‐aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor‐mediated pre‐ and postsynaptic inhibitory effects on neurons, the subcellular localization of GABAB receptors in different types of cortical neurons and synapses has not been shown directly. To provide this information, we have used antibodies against the GABAB receptor (R)1a/b and GABABR2 subunits and have studied the localization of immunoreactivities in rat visual cortex. Light microscopic analyses have shown that both subunits are expressed in cell bodies and dendrites of 65–92% of corticocortically projecting pyramidal neurons and in 92–100% of parvalbumin (PV)‐, calretinin (CR)‐, and somatostatin (SOM)‐containing GABAergic neurons. Electron microscopic analyses of immunoperoxidase‐ and immunogold‐labeled tissue revealed staining in the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell surface membranes with both antibodies. Colocalization of both subunits was observed in all of these structures. GABABR1a/b and GABABR2 were concentrated in excitatory and inhibitory synapses and in extrasynaptic membranes. In GABAergic synapses, GABABR1a/b and GABABR2 were more strongly expressed postsynaptically on pyramidal and nonpyramidal cells than presynaptically. In type 1 synapses GABABR1a/b and GABABR2 was found in pre‐ and postsynaptic membranes. The nuclear localization of GABABR1 and GABABR2 subunits suggests a novel role for neurotransmitter receptors in controlling gene expression. The synaptic colocalization of GABABR1 and GABABR2 indicates that subunits form heteromeric assemblies of the functional receptor in inhibitory and excitatory synapses. Subunit coexpression in GABAergic synapses that include PV‐containing and PV‐deficient terminals suggests that pre‐ and postsynaptic GABAB receptor activation is provided by several different types of interneurons. The coexpression of both subunits in excitatory synapses suggests a role for GABAB receptors in the regulation of glutamate release and raises the question how these receptors are activated in the absence of pre‐or postsynaptic GABAergic synaptic inputs to excitatory synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 431:182–197, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D Electron Microscopy Gives a Clue: Maize Zein Bodies Bud From Central Areas of ER Sheets

Zeins are the main storage proteins in maize seed endosperm, and the onset of zein synthesis in young seeds challenges the endomembrane system and results in the formation of storage organelles. Even though zeins lack a conventional endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal, they accumulate within the ER and assemble in conspicuous ER-derived protein bodies (PBs) stabilized by disulfide bridge formation and hydrophobic interaction between zein chains. Zein body formation during seed development has been extensively studied, as well as the mechanisms that lead to the initiation of PBs. However, the exact course of the PB formation process and the spatial relationship with the ER remain unclear. The development of serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) techniques that allow three-dimensional imaging combined with the high resolution of electron microscopy provides new perspectives on the study of the plant endomembrane system. Here, we demonstrate that (i) the ER of maize seeds is mainly formed by massive sheets and (ii) PBs are not budding from tubules or the edge of sheets, but protrude from the entire surface of the ER sheet.
High Photosynthetic Rates in a Solanum pennellii Chromosome 2 QTL Is Explained by Biochemical and Photochemical Changes

Enhanced photosynthesis is strictly associated with to productivity and it can be accomplished by genetic approaches through identification of genetic variation. By using a Solanum pennellii introgression lines (ILs) population, it was previously verified that, under normal (CO2), IL 2–5 and 2–6 display increased photosynthetic rates by up to 20% in comparison with their parental background (M82). However, the physiological mechanisms involved in the enhanced CO2 assimilation exhibited by these lines remained unknown, precluding their use for further biotechnological applications. Thereby, here we attempted to uncover the physiological factors involved in the upregulation of photosynthesis in ILs 2–5 and 2–6 under normal (CO2) as well as under elevated (CO2). The results provide evidence for increased biochemical capacity (higher maximum carboxylation velocity and maximum electron transport rate) in plants from IL 2–5 and 2–6, whereas the diffusive components (stomatal and mesophyll conductances) were unaltered in these ILs in comparison to M82. Our analyses revealed that the higher photosynthetic rate observed in these ILs was associated with higher levels of starch as well as total protein levels, specially increased RuBisCO content. Further analyses performed in plants under high (CO2) confirmed that biochemical properties are involved in genetic variation on chromosome 2 related to enhanced photosynthesis.
COVID-19: Presumed Infection Routes and Psychological Impact on Staff in Administrative and Logistics Departments in a Designated Hospital in Wuhan, China

Objective: Our aim was to explore the presumed infection routes and psychological impact of COVID-19 on staff in administrative and logistics departments (ALDs). Methods: We gathered data from all 18 staff members with COVID-19 in ALDs in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. The baseline, job before diagnosis, presumed infection environment, use of protective equipment, and psychological status before and after diagnosis were collected and analyzed. A total of 18 uninfected staff members working alongside them in the same environment and 18 random matched infected doctors and nurses formed two control groups; the psychological impact of these three groups was then compared. Results: Of the 18 members of staff, 88.89% were infected due to the working environment (hospital), and nine had face-to-face conversations with doctors and nurses in their daily work. Many staff members did not take any protective measures in their routine work. Before they were diagnosed, 12 staff members were aware of the seriousness of the epidemic, and most of the staff maintained a neutral attitude to the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 77.78% of the staff experienced psychological stress or emotional changes after diagnosis, which were mainly caused by family health and disease related issues. Most of them managed their emotions by self-control and video calls with their families. There was no significant difference in psychological impact among the three groups, but uninfected staff members were fully aware of the seriousness of the epidemic. Conclusions: Effective protective measures should be taken for staff members in ALDs. Psychological interventions are very important to help infected staff members in ALDs cope with psychological distress.
Oral Contraceptive Use Influences On-Kinetic Adaptations to Sprint Interval Training in Recreationally-Active Women

Introduction Oral contraceptive (OC) use influences peak exercise responses to training, however, the influence of OC on central and peripheral adaptations to exercise training are unknown. This study investigated the influence of OC use on changes in time-to-fatigue, pulmonary oxygen uptake, cardiac output, and heart rate on-kinetics, as well as tissue saturation index to 4 weeks of sprint interval training in recreationally active women. Methods Women taking an oral contraceptive (OC; n = 25) or experiencing natural menstrual cycles (MC; n = 22) completed an incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion followed by a square-wave step-transition protocol to moderate (90% of power output at ventilatory threshold) and high intensity (Δ50% of power output at ventilatory threshold) exercise on two separate occasions. Time-to-fatigue, pulmonary oxygen uptake on-kinetics, cardiac output, and heart rate on-kinetics, and tissue saturation index responses were assessed prior to, and following 12 sessions of sprint interval training (10 min × 1 min efforts at 100–120% PPO in a 1:2 work:rest ratio) completed over 4 weeks. Results Time-to-fatigue increased in both groups following training (p < 0.001), with no difference between groups. All cardiovascular on-kinetic parameters improved to the same extent following training in both groups. Greater improvements in pulmonary oxygen up-take kinetics were seen at both intensities in the MC group (p < 0.05 from pre-training) but were blunted in the OC group (p > 0.05 from pre-training). In contrast, changes in tissue saturation index were greater in the OC group at both intensities (p < 0.05); with the MC group showing no changes at either intensity. Discussion Oral contraceptive use may reduce central adaptations to sprint interval training in women without influencing improvements in exercise performance - potentially due to greater peripheral adaptation. This may be due to the influence of exogenous oestradiol and progestogen on cardiovascular function and skeletal muscle blood flow. Further investigation into female-specific influences on training adaptation and exercise performance is warranted.
Can We Improve the Monitoring of People With Multiple Sclerosis Using Simple Tools, Data Sharing, and Patient Engagement?

Technological innovation is transforming traditional clinical practice, enabling people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) to contribute health care outcome data remotely between clinic visits. In both relapsing and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), patients may experience variable disability accrual and symptoms throughout their disease course. The potential impact on the quality of life (QoL) in pwMS and their families and carers is profound. The introduction of treatment targets, such as NEDA (no evidence of disease activity) and NEPAD (no evidence of progression or active disease), that guide clinical decision-making, highlight the importance of utilizing sensitive instruments to measure and track disease activity and progression. However, the gold standard neurological disability tool—expanded disability severity scale (EDSS)—has universally recognized limitations. With strides made in our understanding of MS pathophysiology and DMT responsiveness, maintaining the status quo of measuring disability progression is no longer the recommended option. Outside the clinical trial setting, a comprehensive monitoring system has not been robustly established for pwMS. A 21st-century approach is required to integrate clinical, paraclinical, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) data from electronic health records, local databases, and patient registries. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is critical in the design and implementation of this workflow. To take full advantage of the potential of digital technology in the monitoring and care and QoL of pwMS will require iterative feedback between pwMS, health care professionals (HCPs), scientists, and digital experts.
Spatial and genetic structure of two sandhills oaks: Quercus laevis and Quercus margaretta (Fagaceae)

Quercus laevis Walt. (turkey oak) and Q. margaretta Ashe (scrubby post oak) are important scrub oaks in the sandhills forest communities of the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. We used allozyme loci and Ripley's L-statistics to examine clonal structure and spatial dispersion in these species. Q. laevis greater than 1.5 m in height were randomly dispersed on a scale of 0-40 m; smaller individuals (< 1.5 m) were slightly clustered on a scale of 0-12 m. Larger individuals separated by s 1 m had 15% probability of being ramets of the same clone. Q. margaretta showed strong clustering on a scale of 0-20 m. Stems separated by < 1 m had a 71% probability of being ramets of the same clone. Clonal offspring were strongly clustered about the presumed clonal parent: 50% fell within 0.50 m of this individual. Simulation modeling and direct comparison of adult and juvenile genotypes indicated that acorns are dispersed on a scale of tens of meters for both species, suggesting animal vectors such as squirrels or blue jays. Many woody plant species have the capacity to repro
Evaluation of Self-Assessed State of Health and Vitamin D Knowledge in Emirati and International Female Students in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Introduction Globally, vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies, affecting nearly half the world’s population. The objective of this survey was to assess and compare the knowledge about vitamin D and the perceived state of health in Emirati and international tourist female students in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This is a cross-sectional study that took place in universities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This survey consisted of 17 multiple choice questions and was adapted from a study recently conducted in Poland. The first part of the survey assessed levels of supplementation, diet and UV exposure. Another section evaluated the participants’ self-assessed state of health in terms of vitamin D testing, symptoms related to vitamin D deficiency and general welbeing. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS statistics for windows version 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results 105 respondents were Emiratis and 65 were international students. The average age was 21, with an average BMI 23.3 kg/m2. Almost one-third of each group reported using Vitamin D supplements once weekly. The vast majority of both groups reported rarely getting tanned. Almost all participants in both groups reported regular consumption of Vitamin D rich foods. In both groups, more than half reported consuming milk and cheese regularly and up to one-third reported consuming fish in a regular manner. Although more than half of the students rated their health as good; more than two-thirds reported experiencing muscle pain; only half reported having their blood Vitamin D levels measured once; half reported experiencing problems with concentration and more than three-quarters reported experiencing bad mood in the past month. The prevalence of these symptoms was almost similar across different categories of vitamin D supplementation, tanning habits, dietary intake, or nationality. No statistically significant differences were noted between the Emirati and International tourist students regarding any of the studied variables. Conclusion Notably, more Emirati students were aware of the association between vitamin D and osteoporosis than International tourist students (40% vs. 21.9%, respectively; p < 0.05). On the other hand, both groups had lower knowledge about the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hypertension, and the optimal vitamin D level; however, no statistically significant differences were noted regarding this knowledge of Emiratis and international students.