Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Dimensional Bayesian Optimization with Sparse Axis-Aligned Subspaces

Bayesian optimization (BO) is a powerful paradigm for efficient optimization of black-box objective functions. High-dimensional BO presents a particular challenge, in part because the curse of dimensionality makes it difficult to define -- as well as do inference over -- a suitable class of surrogate models. We argue that Gaussian process surrogate models defined on sparse axis-aligned subspaces offer an attractive compromise between flexibility and parsimony. We demonstrate that our approach, which relies on Hamiltonian Monte Carlo for inference, can rapidly identify sparse subspaces relevant to modeling the unknown objective function, enabling sample-efficient high-dimensional BO. In an extensive suite of experiments comparing to existing methods for high-dimensional BO we demonstrate that our algorithm, Sparse Axis-Aligned Subspace BO (SAASBO), achieves excellent performance on several synthetic and real-world problems without the need to set problem-specific hyperparameters.
Penalized Poisson model for network meta‐analysis of individual patient time‐to‐event data

Network meta‐analysis (NMA) allows the combination of direct and indirect evidence from a set of randomized clinical trials. Performing NMA using individual patient data (IPD) is considered as a “gold standard” approach as it provides several advantages over NMA based on aggregate data. For example, it allows to perform advanced modeling of covariates or covariate‐treatment interactions. An important issue in IPD NMA is the selection of influential parameters among terms that account for inconsistency, covariates, covariate‐by‐treatment interactions or nonproportionality of treatments effect for time to event data. This issue has not been deeply studied in the literature yet and in particular not for time‐to‐event data. A major difficulty is to jointly account for between‐trial heterogeneity which could have a major influence on the selection process. The use of penalized generalized mixed effect model is a solution, but existing implementations have several shortcomings and an important computational cost that precludes their use for complex IPD NMA. In this article, we propose a penalized Poisson regression model to perform IPD NMA of time‐to‐event data. It is based only on fixed effect parameters which improve its computational cost over the use of random effects. It could be easily implemented using existing penalized regression package. Computer code is shared for implementation. The methods were applied on simulated data to illustrate the importance to take into account between trial heterogeneity during the selection procedure. Finally, it was applied to an IPD NMA of overall survival of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Passive Beamforming Design and Channel Estimation for IRS Communication System with Few-Bit ADCs

Utilizing intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) was proven to be efficient in improving the energy efficiency for wireless networks. In this paper, we investigate the passive beamforming and channel estimation for IRS assisted wireless communications with low-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) at the receiver. We derive the approximate achievable rate by using the Bussgang theorem. Based on the derived analytical achievable rate expression, we maximize the achievable rate by using semidefinite programming (SDP), branch-and-bound (BB), and gradient-based approaches. A maximum likelihood (ML) estimator is then proposed for channel estimation by considering the $\mathrm{1}$-bit quantization ADC. Numerical result shows that the proposed beamforming design and channel estimation method significantly outperforms the existing methods.
A Unified MPC Framework for Whole-Body Dynamic Locomotion and Manipulation

In this letter, we propose a whole-body planning framework that unifies dynamic locomotion and manipulation tasks by formulating a single multi-contact optimal control problem. We model the hybrid nature of a generic multi-limbed mobile manipulator as a switched system, and introduce a set of constraints that can encode any pre-defined gait sequence or manipulation schedule in the formulation. Since the system is designed to actively manipulate its environment, the equations of motion are composed by augmenting the robot's centroidal dynamics with the manipulated-object dynamics. This allows us to describe any high-level task in the same cost/constraint function. The resulting planning framework could be solved on the robot's onboard computer in real-time within a model predictive control scheme. This is demonstrated in a set of real hardware experiments done in free-motion, such as base or end-effector pose tracking, and while pushing/pulling a heavy resistive door. Robustness against model mismatches and external disturbances is also verified during these test cases.
Listening to the city, attentively: A Spatio-Temporal Attention Boosted Autoencoder for the Short-Term Flow Prediction Problem

In recent years, studying and predicting mobility patterns in urban environments has become increasingly important as accurate and timely information on current and future vehicle flows can successfully increase the quality and availability of transportation services (e.g., sharing services). However, predicting the number of incoming and outgoing vehicles for different city areas is challenging due to the nonlinear spatial and temporal dependencies typical of urban mobility patterns. In this work, we propose STREED-Net, a novel autoencoder architecture featuring time-distributed convolutions, cascade hierarchical units and two distinct attention mechanisms (one spatial and one temporal) that effectively captures and exploits complex spatial and temporal patterns in mobility data for short-term flow prediction problem. The results of a thorough experimental analysis using real-life data are reported, indicating that the proposed model improves the state-of-the-art for this task.
Insights and alternative proposals on the phase retrieval in high resolution transmission electron microscopy

Alternative reconstruction method is proposed on retrieving the object exit wave function (OEW) directly from the recorded image intensity pattern in high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The method is based on applying a modified intensity equation representing the HRTEM image. A comparative discussion is provided between the existing methodologies involved in reconstruction of OEW, off-axis electron holography and the present proposal. Phase shift extracted from the experimental images of MoS2, BN and ZnO are found to be in excellent agreement with the theoretical reference values. Additionally, it is shown that the Fourier series expansion of diffraction pattern is effective in retrieving the isolated and periodic image functions of certain form directly. However, for aperiodic object information e.g., defects, dopants, edges etc., the first method works in entirety. *Corresponding author e-mail: ranjan@jncasr.ac. in
A 3d Model-Based Approach For Fitting Masks To Faces In The Wild

Face recognition now requires a large number of labelled masked face images in the era of this unprecedented COVID19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the rapid spread of the virus has left us little time to prepare for such dataset in the wild. To circumvent this issue, we present a 3D model-based approach called WearMask3D for augmenting face images of various poses to the masked face counterparts. Our method proceeds by first fitting a 3D morphable model on the input image, second overlaying the mask surface onto the face model and warping the respective mask texture, and last projecting the 3D mask back to 2D. The mask texture is adapted based on the brightness and resolution of the input image. By working in 3D, our method can produce more natural masked faces of diverse poses from a single mask texture. To compare precisely between different augmentation approaches, we have constructed a dataset comprising masked and unmasked faces with labels called MFW-mini. Experimental results demonstrate WearMask3D1 produces more realistic masked faces, and utilizing these images for training leads to state-of-the-art recognition accuracy for masked faces.
Selenium Speciation and Distribution Characteristics in the Rhizosphere Soil of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings

A five-step sequential extraction procedure was used for the fractionation of selenium (Se) in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils with rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Results showed that in rhizosphere soils without the addition of Se, the soluble Se (Sol-Se), exchangeable Se and Se bound to carbonates (Exc-Se), Se bound to organic-sulfide matter and elemental Se (OM-Se), and total Se contents were significantly greater than those in nonrhizosphere soils, whereas the residual Se (Res-Se) was less than that in the nonrhizosphere soils. After the addition of Se, the Sol-Se and OM-Se contents in the rhizosphere soils were still evidently greater than those in nonrhizosphere soils, but the Exc-Se was significantly less in rhizosphere soils than in nonrhizosphere soils. Our overall results suggest that the Se bioavailability in rice rhizosphere soils is greater than that in nonrhizosphere soils. Selenium bioavailability in the rhizosphere soil is not correlated with Se accumulation in rice seedlings.
Resilience as a Mediator between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Prescription Opioid Misuse among U.S. Adults

Abstract Background: Studies have shown some linkage between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and prescription opioid misuse. While preventable, once an individual is exposed to ACEs, they can have irreparable health impacts. Resilience could have protective effects on preventing those with ACEs from adulthood health-risk behaviors. Objectives: To examine how resilience mediates the association between ACEs and adulthood prescription opioid misuse among U.S. adults. Methods: Adult respondents (n = 33,613) from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (2012-2013) were included. A count of ten types of ACEs constituted the ACE score (range: 0-10). A latent variable was created to measure resilience based on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) was utilized to conduct the mediation analysis. The Problem Behavior Theory was used to guide covariate selection. Results: The GSEM measurement model estimated the latent variable resilience and determined that tolerance of negative effects, self-control, acceptance of change, and spiritual influence were all associated with resilience, holding personal competence constrained for estimation purposes. Respondents with a higher ACE score were more likely to misuse prescription opioids in the past year (OR = 1.08; p < 0.01), where 40.8% of the association was mediated by resilience (indirect effect OR = 1.06). Conclusion: Reducing prescription opioid misuse is an essential step in alleviating the current opioid epidemic. Findings suggested that resilience mediated the relationship between ACEs and adulthood prescription opioid misuse. To prevent adults with ACEs from misusing prescription opioids, interventions designed to address ACEs’ impact should include behavioral and educational components for enhancing the priority dimensions of resilience.
Non-neoplastic anal sac disorders in UK dogs: Epidemiology and management aspects of a research-neglected syndrome.

BACKGROUND Non-neoplastic anal sac disorders (ASD) are frequent presentations for dogs in primary-care practice but evidence-based information on disease occurrence and risk is sparse. This study estimates prevalence, breed associations and other risk factors as well as reporting on clinical management. METHODS A cohort study of dogs attending VetCompass practices between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression methods. RESULTS Of 104,212 dogs attending 110 UK practices, the 1-year period prevalence of ASD was 4.40% (95% CI: 4.22-4.57). Compared to crossbreds, six breeds showed increased odds of ASD (Cavalier King Charles spaniel, King Charles spaniel, Cockapoo, Shih-tzu, Bichon Frise and Cocker spaniel), and six breeds showed reduced odds (Labrador Retriever, Border collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Lurcher, German Shepherd Dog and Boxer). Brachycephalic types had 2.6 times the odds for ASD compared to dolichocephalic types. Medication prescribed for ASD included antimicrobials (n = 480, 20.24%) and analgesics (n = 284, 11.97%). Anal sacculectomy was performed in under 1% of cases. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence, strong breed predispositions and evidence of severity suggested from the antimicrobial and analgesic therapies combined with current substantial knowledge gaps identify ASD as a key research-neglected syndrome in dogs.
Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of conducting copolymers of biphenyl with pyrrole

Copolymer films of biphenyl and pyrrole were synthesized by electrochemical polymerization. The influence of the applied potential used for the electropolymerization on the structure, morphology, electrical conductivity, and stability of the films was examined. From the analysis of the current–time curves, it was found that the growth of the copolymer films starts immediately. The films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and their electrical conductivity (σ), energy gap (Eg), and electrochemical stability were also determined. Based on the results, the copolymers were classified into three groups. The first includes the (PP-PPy)0.80 copolymer synthesized at the lowest potential Eox (0.80 V), having the highest ratio R (R = 0.35) of quinoid to benzenoid rings (calculated from FTIR), the highest value of σ (σ = 0.9 S/cm), the lowest Eg (Eg = 1.20 eV), and has compact morphology. The second group concerns the copolymers synthesized at higher potential (0.82 up to 0.86 V), having lower R (∼ 0.20), lower σ (below 0.4 S/cm), higher Eg (∼ 1.35 eV), and they are less compact with many pores. The third group includes the copolymers synthesized at even higher applied potential (0.88 and 0.90 V), having even lower R values (∼ 0.10), significantly lower σ (∼ 10−3 S/cm), even higher Eg (∼ 1.70 eV), and they are very porous. The applied potential during electropolymerization strongly affects the properties of the synthesized copolymers. Because of the combination of high conductivity, low energy gap, and partial solubility with significant electrochemical stability, these new copolymers are attractive candidates for many applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Patient related factors affecting in-hospital costs of a TURP procedure

Abstract Introduction: Treatment costs of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) are a substantial economic burden that will continue to increase in the future as a result of the ageing male population and increasing health awareness. The true costs for surgical interventions against BPE have been difficult to quantify as treatment costs strongly depend on the performance setting and may also vary among different healthcare systems, regions and institutions. The purpose of this study was to disclose the in-hospital costs and main expense items associated with a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Methods: A cohort of men subjected to TURP due to BPE was analysed during a 3-year period (2017–2019). All in-hospital expenses were registered using an electronic spreadsheet. Patient background and perioperative variables were registered using retrospective chart reviews. Results: A total of 122 men were available for final analysis. Of these, 70 men were operated on due to bothersome LUTS and 52 men due to urinary retention. The mean and median (inter quartile range) cost per patient was €4025 and €3702 (2961 − 4390), respectively. The main drivers of total cost were length of stay, the surgical procedure and anaesthesia related costs. Factors associated with increasing total cost per patient were increasing age, prostate volume, presence of urinary retention, occurrence of complications, increasing catheter time and length of stay. Conclusion: The main factor that influences total cost for an elective TURP procedure is the occurrence of postoperative complications. Our findings firmly underscore the indispensability to employ every possible means to avoid and prevent complications of any kind.
Physicochemical properties of LaFeO3. Kinetics of reduction and of oxygen adsorption

The reduction with hydrogen of LaFeO3 and the kinetics of oxygen adsorption on this perovskite have been studied. The results of temperature-programmed reduction suggest that the starting sample was reduced first to nearly stoichiometric LaFeO3(600–850 K) and then to α-Fe and La2O3(850–1250 K). The reduction process at 1063–1163 K is controlled by formation and growth of nuclei of metallic iron. The kinetic data for reduction fit the Avrami–Erofeev equation. The kinetic data for oxygen adsorption fit the Elovich equation using t0 values as calculated by the method of Aharoni and Ungarish. Activation energies for reduction and for oxygen adsorption were 194 and 16 kJ mol–1, respectively. Oxygen adsorption was very low in comparison with other LaMO3 oxides, as would be expected from its low catalytic activity for total oxidation.
Are the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index interchangeable in patients after lumbar spinal fusion?

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common health problem for which there are several treatment options. For optimizing clinical decision making, evaluation of treatments and research purposes it is important that health care professionals are able to evaluate the functional status of patients. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely accepted and recommended. The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) are the two mainly used condition-specific patient reported outcomes. Concerns regarding the content and structural validity and also the different scoring systems of these outcome measures makes comparison of treatment results difficult. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to determine if the RMDQ and ODI could be used exchangeable by assessing the correlation and comparing different measurement properties between the questionnaires. METHODS: Clinical data from patients who participated in a multicenter RCT with 2 year follow-up after lumbar spinal fusion were used. Outcome measures were the RMDQ, ODI, Short Form 36 – Health Survey (SF-36), leg pain and back pain measured on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, Spearman correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots were calculated. RESULTS: three hundred and seventy-six completed questionnaires filled out by 87 patients were used. The ODI and RMDQ had both a good level of internal consistency. There was a very strong correlation between the RMDQ and the ODI (r= 0.87; p< 0.001), and between the VAS and both the ODI and RMDQ. However, the Bland-Altman plot indicated bad agreement between the ODI and RMDQ. CONCLUSIONS: The RMDQ and ODI cannot be used interchangeably, nor is there a possibility of converting the score from one questionnaire to the other. However, leg pain and back pain seemed to be predictors for both the ODI and the RMDQ.
Hearing loss in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To determine the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), describe frequency-specific hearing threshold changes in this patient population as compared to age-matched control, and compare the clinical and serological profiles of patients with SLE with and without HL. Methods A systematic review querying four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane) was performed. Meta-analysis of available data was performed to determine the overall prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of HL, and compare mean differences in frequency-specific hearing thresholds between patients with SLE and control. Additionally, meta-analysis of proportions allowed for comparison of disease features present in patients with SLE with and without sensorineural HL. Results This review included 17 studies reporting on 1326 patients (635 with SLE and 691 control). The pooled prevalence of HL in patients with SLE was 27%. In comparison to control, patients with SLE had a significantly higher odds of HL (OR 14.6, 95% CI: 8.5 to 25.0). Mean air-conduction hearing thresholds in patients with SLE were significantly elevated relative to control at 125 and 250 Hz. Mean bone-conduction hearing thresholds were significantly elevated in patients with SLE across all measured frequencies except at 3000 and 6000 Hz compared to control. Disease features did not significantly differ between patients with SLE with and without HL. Conclusion Compared to age-matched control, patients with SLE have increased odds of HL, which primarily manifests at low frequencies. Therefore, this patient population requires greater audiologic attention.
Bacteriophages immunomodulate the response of monocytes

Bacteriophages are present in fluids from cirrhosis patients. However, their effect on the immune response is unknown. In this work, we explore the role of phages in the phenotype, function, and cytokine production of monocytes. We stimulated healthy monocytes with five different butanol-purified phage suspensions infective for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. We studied the expression of the monocyte markers involved in lipopolysaccharide recognition (LPS; CD14), antigen presentation (HLA-DR) and co-stimulation (CD86), and the concentration of induced cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-α, and IL-10) by phages. To confirm the direct role of phages without the interference of contaminating soluble LPS in phage suspensions, polymyxin B was added to the cell cultures. Phagocytosis experiments were assessed by flow cytometry using labeled phage suspensions. We observed that butanol-purified phages reduced the surface levels of CD14 and CD86 in monocytes and increased the secreted levels of TNF-α and IL-10 compared with the control sample containing only butanol buffer. All phage suspensions showed downregulation of HLA-DR expression but only Staphylococcus aureus phage contaminated with Escherichia coli reached statistical significance. The addition of polymyxin B did not restore the monocytic response induced by phages, suggesting that the effect was not caused by the presence of LPS. Monocytes were able to phagocyte phages in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To conclude, the phagocytosis of butanol-purified phages altered the phenotype and cytokine production of monocytes suggesting they become tolerogenic.