Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tropical Natural Forest Classification Using Time-Series Sentinel-1 and Landsat-8 Images in Hainan Island

Tropical natural forest plays an important role in environmental change and biodiversity researches. However, the complexity of structures and its cloudy and rainy environment make tropical natural forest classification difficult. Taking Hainan, China as study area, we conduct a tropical natural forest classification study by combining multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images collected from Sentinel-1 satellite and optical images collected from Landsat-8 satellite in this paper. The backscatter coefficient, spectrum information, digital elevation mod (DEM), temporal information offered by multiple remote sensing data have been analyzed to identify the evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest, evergreen coniferous forest, tropical monsoon forest, typical tropical rain forest and other forest types. In addition, a two-stage tropical forest classification strategy is proposed based on support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, namely the primary land cover type classification and tropical natural forest type classification in which the time-series backscattering information is used. Finally, the Hainan tropical forest mapping image is obtained based on the proposed classification strategy and the overall accuracy reaches to 90% based on field survey data. The results show the effectiveness of the classification strategy on tropical natural forest classification.
Design Topology Optimization and Kinematics of a Multi-Modal Quadcopter and Quadruped

Multi-modal robots exhibit poor performance in locomotion modes due to its additional weight when compared to a single modal robot. Furthermore, the kinematics of a multimodal robot is more complex due to the increased number of actuators hence more prone to errors and malfunctions. The aim of this study was to use topology optimization to reduce the weight of components in a multi-modal robot, optimizing its ability to withstand stresses and loads. An algorithm for the robot's locomotion mode had been implemented using 8-bit microcontrollers. The prototype of this robot had been tested on different types of mock-up terrains. The topology of components of prototype was optimized and 3D printing was used to fabricate them due to their complex and irregular shapes. Utilization of topology optimization reduced the weight of component up to 54.40% while retaining the capability of the component to withstand the stresses and loads, proving the potential of this technique in robot development. The walking algorithm was implemented with trigonometry instead of inverse kinematics due to the limit of 8-bit microcontrollers. Complementary and exponential filters were implemented to improve the performance of flying locomotion, thus featuring auto-levelling in aerial mode. The robot was able to harness the advantage in both flying and walking over speed and energy efficiency after testing in mock-up terrains, making the robot more versatile in many situations.
Guaranteed Time Slot Allocation for IEEE 802.15.4-Based Wireless Feedback Control Systems

In this paper, wireless feedback control of multiple machines over a beacon-enabled IEEE 802.15. 4 network is considered. In the beacon-enabled IEEE 802.15. 4 network, beacons periodically structure superframes on the time axis, and each superframe consists of a contention access period (CAP) and a contention free period (CFP). In the CAP, a carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) is used; in the CFP, a guaranteed time slot (GTS)-based time division multiple access is used. Because of collision and backoff periods of packet transmission, the probability of communication failure in the CAP is greater than that in the CFP; however, the number of available GTSs is limited to seven by the standard. In order to improve the control performance of wireless feedback control, the controller must effectively allocate GTSs to transmit control input and state feedback of controlled machines. We provide a simple but efficient idea that takes both the feedback control mechanism and packet transmission mechanism of the CAP and CFP into consideration to better allocate GTSs. We propose a superior GTS allocation method that fully conforms to the IEEE 802.15. 4 standard and show that the proposed method can further improve control performance.
Adjustable Voltage-Sensor-Based MPPT Interfacing SEPIC with PV Including Variable Scaling Factor

This paper represents, an adjustable voltage-sensor based procedure of tracking the maximum power point(MPP) so that it can charge battery through SEPIC (single-ended primary-inductance converter). In this process, merely a voltage sensor remains required to get the parameter which controls the overall system. Furthermore, this method is helpful in improving steady state as well as transient performance. Based on the change in insolation level a threshold value (Qth ) is taken which decides the change in controlling parameter (Duty cycle). This will improve system’s tracking speed. The proposed system is simulated and justified in Simulated environment.
The impact of thioredoxin reduction of allosteric disulfide bonds on the therapeutic potential of monoclonal antibodies

Therapeutic mAbs are used to manage a wide range of cancers and autoimmune disorders. However, mAb-based treatments are not always successful, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the factors influencing mAb efficacy. Increased levels of oxidative stress associated with several diseases are counteracted by the activities of various oxidoreductase enzymes, such as thioredoxin (Trx), which also reduces allosteric disulfide bonds in proteins, including mAbs. Here, using an array of in vitro assays, we explored the functional effects of Trx-mediated reduction on the mechanisms of action of six therapeutic mAbs. We found that Trx reduces the interchain disulfide bonds of the mAbs, after which they remain intact but have altered function. In general, this reduction increased antigen-binding capacity, resulting in, for example, enhanced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) neutralization by two anti-TNF mAbs. Conversely, Trx reduction decreased the antiproliferative activity of an anti-tyrosine kinase-type cell-surface receptor HER2 mAb. In all of the mAbs, Fc receptor binding was abrogated by Trx activity, with significant loss in both complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of the mAbs tested. We also confirmed that without alkylation, Trx-reduced interchain disulfide bonds reoxidize, and ADCC activity is restored. In summary, Trx-mediated reduction has a substantial impact on the functional effects of an mAb, including variable effects on antigen binding and Fc function, with the potential to significantly impact mAb efficacy in vivo.
TerrestrialMetagenomeDB: a public repository of curated and standardized metadata for terrestrial metagenomes

Microbiome studies focused on the genetic potential of microbial communities (metagenomics) became standard within microbial ecology. MG-RAST and the Sequence Read Archive (SRA), the two main metagenome repositories, contain over 202 858 public available metagenomes and this number has increased exponentially. However, mining databases can be challenging due to misannotated, misleading and decentralized data. The main goal of TerrestrialMetagenomeDB is to make it easier for scientists to find terrestrial metagenomes of interest that could be compared with novel datasets in meta-analyses. We defined terrestrial metagenomes as those that do not belong to marine environments. Further, we curated the database using text mining to assign potential descriptive keywords that better contextualize environmental aspects of terrestrial metagenomes, such as biomes and materials. TerrestrialMetagenomeDB release 1.0 includes 15 194 terrestrial metagenomes from SRA and MG-RAST. Together, the downloadable data amounts to 68 Tbp. In total, 199 terrestrial terms were divided into 14 categories. These metagenomes span 84 countries, 31 biomes and 7 main source materials. The TerrestrialMetagenomeDB is publicly available at https://webapp.ufz. de/tmdb.
Accurate Ultra-Wideband Array Radar Imaging Using Four-Dimensional Unitary ESPRIT

Adaptive signal processing techniques can estimate the directions of arrival (DOAs), ranges, and radial velocities of radar targets with high resolution when applied in the space, frequency, and time domains, respectively. However, the performance of these techniques is limited when they are applied separately in each domain. Recently, adaptive signal processing algorithms based on high-dimensional signal subspaces have been studied extensively. We apply a four-dimensional unitary estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariant techniques (ESPRIT) algorithm for the simultaneous estimation of the DOAs, ranges, and Doppler velocities of multiple targets in an ultra-wideband radar imaging setting and show the effectiveness of the high-dimensional ESPRIT for the near-field imaging of distributed moving targets. The four-dimensional ESPRIT algorithm is demonstrated to be able to separate targets moving in close proximity, whereas the two- and three-dimensional ESPRIT algorithms fail to separate these targets accurately because of their limited resolutions. The application of the high-dimensional ESPRIT to near-field radar imaging covers a wide range of applications that require the measurement of multiple moving targets in close proximity. An example of such an application is radar-based human monitoring. Therefore, the superior resolution of the high-dimensional ESPRIT has the potential to improve the performance of various real-world security and healthcare systems.
Pharmacological blockage of ICAM-1 improves angiotensin II-induced cardiac remodeling by inhibiting adhesion of LFA-1+ monocytes.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a member of an immunoglobulin-like superfamily of adhesion molecules that mediate leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium and are involved in several cardiovascular diseases, including ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. However, the role of ICAM-1 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac remodeling in mice remains unclear. Wild-type (WT) mice were administered an IgG control or ICAM-1 neutralizing antibody (1 and 2 mg/mouse, respectively) and Ang II (1000 ng/kg/min) for up to 14 days. Cardiac contractile function and structure were detected by echocardiography. Hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation were assessed by histological examination. The infiltration of LFA-1+ monocytes/macrophages was assessed by immunostaining. The mRNA expression of genes was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Protein levels were tested by immunoblotting. We found that ICAM-1 expression in Ang II-infused hearts, and ICAM-1 levels in serum from human patients with heart failure (HF), were significantly increased. Moreover, Ang II infusion markedly enhanced Ang II-induced hypertension, caused cardiac contractile dysfunction and promoted cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and LFA-1+ macrophage infiltration. Conversely, blockage of ICAM-1 with a neutralizing antibody dose-dependently attenuated these effects. Moreover, our in vitro data further demonstrated that blocking ICAM-1 inhibited Ang II-induced LFA-1+ macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells and migration. In conclusion, these results provide novel evidence that blocking ICAM-1 exerts a protective effect in Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling at least in part through the modulation of adhesion and infiltration of LFA-1+ macrophages in the heart. Inhibition of ICAM-1 may represent a new therapeutic approach for hypertrophic heart diseases.
Laser scanning advancing 3D forest ecology

The fast technical development of laser scanning (LS) has been proved to bring changes to forest surveying, and accordingly, LS has also been actively attempted in the field of forest ecology to expose something new. However, how far may this category of state-of-the-art remote sensing technology act on that traditional field is still an open question of huge interest. To answer this question, we overviewed the potentials of LS on this task and then reviewed our multiple LS-based case studies covering from 3-dimensional (3D) structural growth habits, 3D biochemistry, 3D competition/facilitation to 3D phenology, i.e., the representative make-ups of forest ecology. Such endeavors all pointed to a new era of forest ecology, which we proposed as 3D forest ecology, along with the technical merits of LS getting increasingly stronger. To propel its establishment in the future, we further designed its conceptual framework and figured out its potential challenges ahead. Overall, this research review was dedicated to pushing forward the traditional field of forest ecology into its next 3D stage – a new discipline domain of 3D forest ecology.
An Implementation of Non-electronic Human-Swarm Interface for Multi-agent System in Cooperative Searching

Human factors in multi-agent system are studied, where one operator takes control of four or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in non-electronic way at the same time. The main contributions of his paper are about three aspects. First, verify that due to cognitive limitations, human should influence the multi-agent on upper level like mission level. Second, propose an implementation of non-electronic human-swarm interface for multi-agent system and verify it practically. Third, share the experience and problem dug out from prototype verification, which paves the way for combining the ability of pilot and multi-agent system in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Buzzer Tactics.
The Interaction of Smoking Cessation Norms and Nicotine Dependence on Quit Attempts: Gender-Stratified Results for Low-Income Smokers in Baltimore, MD

Abstract Background: Declines in smoking prevalence among low-income adults lag behind national samples. Understanding the influence of social context factors such as gender, and normative influence on smoking attitudes and behaviors, can inform smoking cessation interventions. Objective: This study explored how gender, smoking dependence, and cessation norms influenced the likelihood of current quit attempts among urban-dwelling, predominately African American adults. Methods: Participants answered questions about their current quit attempts, smoking dependence (heaviness of smoking index [HSI]), and cessation norms (descriptive: having friends who quit smoking; injunctive: friends disapproving of smoking) as a part of a parent study exploring social and environmental factors in tobacco use. Logistic regression stratifying by gender and adjusting for demographics examined main and interaction effects of norms and HSI on odds of having a current quit attempt. Results: Among men, having a higher smoking dependence was associated with a reduced likelihood of trying to quit (AOR = 0.30 [0.15–0.59]), but this effect was moderated by having friends who had quit smoking (AOR = 2.40 [1.20–4.78]). When accounting for the effect of friends quitting smoking, men were not influenced by friends disapproving of smoking. Among women, currently attempting to quit was predicted by neither smoking dependence nor norms. Conclusions/Importance: Cessation norms and smoking dependence influenced the likelihood of quit attempts for men, but not women, in this study. This highlights the importance of conducting gender stratification in smoking cessation research so as to better understand how social and environmental factors differently impact cessation outcomes for men and women.
Autologous platelet-rich gel and continuous vacuum sealing drainage for the treatment of patients with diabetic foot ulcer

Abstract Background: Research focusing on the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich gel (APRG) and continuous vacuum sealing drainage (CVSD) for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is increasing. Despite increasing knowledge on this theme, its results remain inconsistent. Thus, we will provide insight into the efficacy of APRG and CVSD for patients with DFU. Methods: We will search electronic databases of MEDILINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, AMED, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to October 1, 2019. No language limitation is utilized to these databases. Two authors will independently perform study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Disagreements between 2 authors will be solved through discussion with a third author. Results: The efficacy and safety of APRG and CVSD for patients with DFU will be assessed by the time to complete healing, proportion of ulcers healed within trial period, change of size of ulcer, health-related quality of life, patient length of hospital stay, and adverse events. Conclusion: The results of this study will provide helpful evidence of APRG and CVSD for patients with DFU. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019153289.
Road Centerlines Extraction from High Resolution Remote Sensing Image

The acquisition of road network information based on high-resolution remote sensing images has important practical application value. This paper focus on the phenomenon of complex background influence and easily produce spurs around the true road centerlines, the method of using convolutional neural network for road region extraction and segmental smoothing road centerline is proposed to overcome the above problems. The experiment show that the method of this paper can overcome the influence of complex background of high-resolution remote sensing images and accurately extraction the road centerline that conforms to the actual road shape, which has great practical application value.
Crop Classification Using Multitemporal Landsat 8 Images

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of multitemporal remote sensing images for crop classification. Multi-temporal Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS C1 Level-1 images were acquired. The surface reflectance of visible and near infrared bands was used to represent the characteristics of crops. A time series model of surface reflectance was constructed for crop classification. Cloud cover is critical for the accuracy of classification. In order to remove the influence of clouds, the cloud pixels were neglected by setting a constant. Pearson correlation coefficient was used in the time series model of surface reflectance to classify the crop type. Finally, the overall accuracy reaches 78.26% and Kappa reaches 71.33%. Therefore, the method has the operational potential for crop classification even in the special area with cloudy or foggy weather.
Mitigating the Shadow of the Worldwide Opioid Crisis: A Review for the Foot and Ankle Specialist

The foot and ankle physician is no stranger to the difficulties in achieving optimal pain therapy. There remains much confusion and conflicting information available to nonspecialist prescribers regarding opioid therapy as well as great deal of fear or opiophobia during the prescribing and monitoring of opioids worldwide. The role of the lower extremity specialist provider is to responsibly provide pain management to their patients in an error-free environment. The purpose of this article is to explore the central theme of responsible opioid pain management worldwide. This review focuses on the prescribing strategies of opioid analgesics to treat lower-extremity pain. Pharmacology of opioid agents and opioid prescribing strategies will be presented. Then, the concept of multimodal pain relief criteria for selecting appropriate opioid analgesics and use of adjunctive therapies to prevent opioid misuse as presented in the current medical literature is reported. Finally, a commentary and discussion centered on the actions of pharmaceutical companies of promoting their opioid products and the negative outcomes of their actions in the United States that may go worldwide if behaviors of these companies are not recognized by the foot and ankle specialist.
Identification of the key differentially expressed genes and pathways involved in neutrophilia

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are the most important determinants in the acute inflammatory response. Pathologically increased numbers of PMNs in the circulation or specific tissues (or both) lead to neutrophilia. However, the genes expressed and pathways involved in neutrophilia have yet to be elucidated. By analysis of three public microarray datasets related to neutrophilia (GSE64457, GSE54644, and GSE94923) and evaluation by gene ontology, pathway enrichment, protein–protein interaction networks, and hub genes analysis using multiple methods (DAVID, PATHER, Reactome, STRING, Reactome FI Plugin, and CytoHubba in Cytoscape), we identified the commonly up-regulated and down-regulated different expressed genes. We also discovered that multiple signaling pathways (IL-mediated, LPS-mediated, TNF-α, TLR cascades, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt) were involved in PMN regulation. Our findings suggest that the commonly expressed genes involved in regulation of multiple pathways were the underlying molecular mechanisms in the development of inflammatory, autoimmune, and hematologic diseases that share the common phenotypic characteristics of increased numbers of PMNs. Taken together, these data suggest that these genes are involved in the regulation of neutrophilia and that the corresponding gene products could serve as potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for neutrophilia.
Novel Sensorless Control Algorithm for SyR Machines Based on Low Speed Active Flux

This work deals with encoderless control of synchronous reluctance machines at low and zero speed. The algorithm is based on active flux method, often exploited to retrieve the rotor position at sufficiently high speed. Being a model based technique, the active flux commonly fails when the speed is too low due to lack of back-emf and so low signal-to-noise ratio, and is impossible at standstill. The active flux concept is now generalized and extended to cover also the low speed range, where the control is enhanced by HF voltage injection. The fundamental and HF machine models are decoupled, permitting to exploit the model based algorithm also at standstill. The proposed technique was experimentally tested in a 1.1 kW motor prototype with promising results.
A New Efficient Airborne Video Dehaze System for UCAV

Arming at the problem of image degradation during the UCAV capture the image for the interested target in the haze day, we propose a novel system for video dehaze based on embedded technology. The system adopts TS1601 as the main unit for the whole hardware system to complete dehaze parameterization control, H.264 video compression processing and framing processing, peripheral interface design and control command response and other functions. This paper introduces the design of the system’s design framework, software design frame and modules works. The experimental results indicate that the system can fulfill the demand of video dehaze in real time and have some advantages such as low power consumption, easy implement etc. It can achieve the demand of the airborne dehaze application.