Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detoxification of Glucose, Ammonium and Formaldehyde Using Nitrification and Plant Processes

The purpose of this study was to obtain the removal efficiency values from glucose, ammonium and formaldehyde based on toxicity units. The nitrification process is applied using nitrifying bacteria and the process of plants using water hyacinth. The toxicity tests used were bacterial respiration test and test with batch reactor system for plants. The results show that the EC50 value of formaldehyde was smaller than ammonium and glucose. Formaldehyde was the most toxic substance among these substances, but its detoxification efficiency was high; this may be due to an antagonistic effect (from toxic to less toxic) mixture of substances.
Notice of Release of ‘Continental’ Basin Wildrye

‘Continental’ basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve [Poaceae]) has been released as a cultivar for use in rangeland seedings. It was developed from a hybrid between an induced octoploid (2n = 56), generated from the natural tetraploid ‘Trailhead’ (2n = 28), and the natural octoploid ‘Magnar’ (2n = 56). Continental has shown similar or superior stand establishment to Trailhead and Magnar in evaluation trials in west-central Utah, northeastern Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and northwestern Colorado.
Suppression of Oral Sweet Sensations during Consumption of Sweet Food in Humans: Effects on Gastric Emptying Rate, Glycemic Response, Appetite, Food Satisfaction and Desire for Basic Tastes

Suppression of oral sweet sensation (OSS) acutely reduces intake of sweet-tasting food due to lower liking. However, little is known about other physiological responses during both the prandial and postprandial phase. Here, we explored the effects of Gymnema sylvestre (GS)-based suppression of OSS of several types of sweet-tasting food (muffin, sweet yogurt, banana) on gastric emptying, blood glucose (BG), plasma insulin (PI), appetite indices (hunger, fullness and prospective consumption), satisfaction and desire for tastes. Fifteen healthy subjects (22 ± 3 years, 9 women) took part in the study. Subjects rinsed their mouth with either GS solution or distilled water before eating the sweet-tasting food. Subjects felt decreased sweet taste intensity and reduced taste liking associated with GS rinsing after consuming each food, compared with rinsing with distilled water (p < 0.05). Gastric emptying, BG, PI and appetite indices during and after the prandial phase did not significantly change with GS rinsing compared to rinsing with distilled water (p > 0.05). Higher desire for sweet taste as well as lower satisfaction (p < 0.05) in the postprandial phase were observed with GS rinsing. These results suggest that the suppression of OSS does not affect gastric emptying, glycemic response and appetite during and after consumption of sweet-tasting food.
Composition Tuning of Nanostructured Binary Copper Selenides through Rapid Chemical Synthesis and Their Thermoelectric Property Evaluation

Reduced energy consumption and environmentally friendly, abundant constituents are gaining more attention for the synthesis of energy materials. A rapid, highly scalable, and process-temperature-sensitive solution synthesis route is demonstrated for the fabrication of thermoelectric (TE) Cu2−xSe. The process relies on readily available precursors and microwave-assisted thermolysis, which is sensitive to reaction conditions; yielding Cu1.8Se at 200 °C and Cu2Se at 250 °C within 6–8 min reaction time. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed crystalline nature of as-made particles with irregular truncated morphology, which exhibit a high phase purity as identified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis. Temperature-dependent transport properties were characterized via electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal diffusivity measurements. Subsequent to spark plasma sintering, pure Cu1.8Se exhibited highly compacted and oriented grains that were similar in size in comparison to Cu2Se, which led to its high electrical and low thermal conductivity, reaching a very high power-factor (24 µW/K−2cm−1). Density-of-states (DOS) calculations confirm the observed trends in electronic properties of the material, where Cu-deficient phase exhibits metallic character. The TE figure of merit (ZT) was estimated for the materials, demonstrating an unprecedentedly high ZT at 875 K of 2.1 for Cu1.8Se sample, followed by 1.9 for Cu2Se. Synthetic and processing methods presented in this work enable large-scale production of TE materials and components for niche applications.
Treatment Outcomes for Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Cementless Press-Fit Total Hip Replacement

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to report outcomes in dogs with periprosthetic femoral fractures associated with a press-fit cementless femoral total hip replacement implant. Materials and Methods Electronic medical records and digital radiographs were used to identify dogs with periprosthetic femoral fractures associated with press-fit cementless total hip replacement. Data collected included signalment, weight, time of fracture, cause of fracture, presence of intra-operative fissure, fracture type, repair technique, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. Long-term patient outcome was assessed by communication with owners or referring veterinarians. Results Twenty-eight dogs with femoral fracture repair associated with cementless press-fit total hip replacement were identified. Eight of the fractures occurred intraoperatively and 20 occurred at a median of 2 days postoperatively. An oblique or spiral configuration was noted in 19 cases and 15 occurred at the distal end of the femoral stem (type B), with thirteen type B1, one type B2 and one type B3 fractures. Fractures were repaired with non-locking (18/28) or locking-plate fixation (10/28). Cerclage wire was applied around the plate and proximal bone segment in 17/28 dogs. Major complications occurred in 7/28 cases (five deep infection, two mechanical failures). Bone healing was noted in 21/23 cases, for which follow-up radiographic interpretation was available. Return to function was complete in 17 cases, acceptable in 8 cases and unacceptable in 3 cases. Conclusions While cementless total hip replacement periprosthetic femoral fractures can be successfully repaired with lateral plate fixation, the risk of infection appears to be high.
Investigation of Factors Affecting the Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability.

This study aimed to examine the factors affecting the clinical outcomes of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair surgery with arthroscopy for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). From 2015 to 2018, 18 consecutive patients diagnosed with CLAI after conservative treatment for ≥3 months underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair surgery using the Broström-Gould technique. Clinical scores at 1 year postoperatively on the Karlsson scoring scale (median, 85 points) and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot scale (median, 90 points) were significantly improved compared with preoperative scores (median, 50 and 66 points; p < .001 and <.001, respectively). The median period to start jogging was 2 and 6 months for patients without (n = 11) and with (n = 7) cartilage damage, respectively, showing a significant difference (p = .006). Four patients with cartilage damage could not return to preinjury sports within 1 year after surgery. In the stress radiographs, the talar tilt angle (TTA) significantly improved from a median of 6° preoperatively to a median of 3.5° postoperatively (p = .002). Talar anterior drawer distance (TAD) significantly improved from a median of 6.5 mm preoperatively to a median of 4.1 mm postoperatively (p < .001). There was no significant difference in TTA or TAD between patients without and with cartilage damage. The period to start jogging postoperatively was significantly correlated with postoperative TTA and TAD. It is suggested that the postoperative period to start activities was delayed because of the larger postoperative TTA and TAD. According to our results, the postoperative period to start activities may depend on cartilage damage and instability remaining postoperatively.
TGF-beta/Activin ligand Myoglianin couples muscle growth to the initiation of metamorphosis

Although the mechanisms that control growth are now well understood, the mechanism by which animals assess their body size remains one of the great puzzles in biology. The final larval instar of holometabolous insects, after which growth stops and metamorphosis begins, is specified by a threshold size. We investigated the mechanism of threshold size assessment in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. The threshold size was found to change depending on the amount of exposure to poor nutrient conditions whereas hypoxia treatment consistently led to a lower threshold size. Under these various conditions, the mass of the muscles plus integuments was correlated with the threshold size. Furthermore, the expression of myoglianin (myo) increased at the threshold size in both M. sexta and Tribolium castaneum. Knockdown of myo in T. castaneum led to larvae that underwent supernumerary larval molts and stayed in the larval stage permanently even after passing the threshold size. We propose that increasing levels of Myo produced by the growing tissues allow larvae to assess their body size and trigger metamorphosis at the threshold size.
Cougars in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas: Estimates of Occurrence and Distribution Using Analysis of DNA

Abstract We used non-invasive genetic techniques to investigate the number and distribution of cougars (Puma concolor) inhabiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. During 8 years, ≥31 resident and transient cougars were identified genetically and ≥15 individuals used the park in 2002. Based on estimates of size of home ranges of males and females, the park should support 4–6 resident adults. Genetic data suggest a high number of transients and, perhaps, an unstable population that may be the result of intense hunting pressure outside protected areas. Analysis of genetic diversity indicates restricted gene flow between the park and other populations in western Texas.
Preoperative Exclusive Total Parental Nutrition is Associated with Clinical and Laboratory Remission in Severe Active Crohn’s Disease—A Pilot Study

Background: The effect of 1–3 months of preoperative exclusive total parental nutrition (TPN) in active Crohn’s disease (CD) patients is not well established. We investigated the efficacy of exclusive TPN in active CD patients. Methods: In a retrospective multi-visit study with data according to our standard care therapy, we assessed clinical and laboratory remission to refractory CD with exclusive preoperative TPN. Inclusion required exclusive preoperative home TPN without additional oral intake for 1–3 months prior to planning surgery. Results: Twenty preoperative CD patients (65% male; 35% female) were on exclusive TPN. The mean age of the cohort was 30.8 ± 11.6 years. Mean duration of preoperative TPN treatment was 73 days (range: 24–142 days). Most patients had terminal ileal (35%) or ileocolonic CD (30%), and with stricturing (B2) phenotype. All 20 patients had significant clinical improvement in all disease activity indices at the end of preoperative TPN (baseline vs. post TPN): HBI 14.5 vs. 4.0 (p = 0.001); BMI 19.2 vs. 19.7 kg/m2 (p = 0.017); CRP 57.2 vs. 10.3 mg/L (p = 0.001); Fecal calprotectin (FC) 672 vs. 200 (μg/g); albumin 2.7 vs. 3.6 g/dL (p = 0.001). Two patients (10%) no longer required surgery after completion of exclusive TPN. Conclusion: Exclusive preoperative TPN was found to provide significant improvement in nutritional status, and clinical and laboratory remission in severe active Crohn’s patients.
A Proposal for a Classification of Marine Rockpools on the Swedish West Coast

Introduction In the neighbourhood of the Zoological Station Kristineberg> province of Bohusiän, Sweden, observations have been made on marine rockpools during four summers since June I960. The area in which rockpools have been investigated comprises both sheitered parts and parts with more exposed shores (Fig. 1), In the main part of the area the salinity of the surface water is about 30°/00> but in the locality "Lökskär" situated on theKoljöfjord" there are lower salinities, about 20°/00 (SÖDERSTRÖM, 1971). With rockpoolis here meant a body of water in crevices and other cavities situated above the zero-line of rocky shores. As zero-Iine the upper limit of the Baianus balanoidts belt has been used (LEVRING, 1937). Rockpools which are far from the sea containing fresh water have not been included. As the change of the water level due to the tide on the Swedish West Coast only has a ränge of about 0.3 m there are no real tidepools. It is important to distinguish between rockpools and tidepools which is not always done in the literature about pools. The difference is marked. The water in a tidepool is regulary exchanged but a rockpool gets new water only irregulary by wave action, spray, and rain.
Delayed Radical Prostatectomy is Not Associated with Adverse Oncological Outcomes: Implications for Men Experiencing Surgical Delay Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced many healthcare organizations to divert efforts and resources to emergent patient care, delaying many elective oncological surgeries. We investigated an association between delay in radical prostatectomy (RP) and oncological outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective review of men with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer (PC) in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) underdoing radical prostatectomy from 2010-2016. Immediate RP was defined as RP within 3-months of diagnosis, while delayed RP was analyzed in 3-month intervals up to 12-months. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to test for associations between levels of delayed RP and outcomes of interest (adverse pathology, upgrading on RP, node positive disease, and post-RP secondary treatments) compared with men undergoing immediate RP. RESULTS We identified 128,062 men with intermediate- and high-risk PC treated with RP. After adjustment, we did not appreciate a significant difference in odds of adverse pathology, upgrading, node positive disease, or post-RP secondary treatments between men treated with immediate RP and any level of delay up to 12 months. Subgroup analysis of men with Grade group 4 and 5 PC did not demonstrate an association between delayed RP and worse oncological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In the NCDB, delayed RP was not associated with early adverse oncological outcomes at RP. These results may provide reassurance to patients and urologists balancing care in the current pandemic.
Casca de café em dietas de vacas em lactação: consumo, digestibilidade e produção de leite

It was studied the effects of replacing ground corn with coffee hulls on intake, apparent digestibility, and milk production and composition of lactating dairy cows. Twelve Holstein-Zebu dairy cows were blocked by days in milk and randomly assigned to three 4 x 4 Latin squares. The following levels of coffee hulls were included in the concentrate portion of the diet: 0.0, 8.75, 17.5, or 26.25% of dry mater (DM). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (14% CP) and contained a forage:concentrate ratio of 60:40 on DM basis. Inclusion of coffee hulls in the diet had no significant effects on intakes of DM, organic matter, CP, and total carbohydrates (TC). However, intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased linearly when coffee hulls replaced ground corn in the diet. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, CP, TC, NDF, and NFC all reduced linearly by increasing coffee hulls from 0.0 to 26.25% in the diet. Coffee hulls increased excretion of N in the feces resulting in a negative nitrogenous balance. The incremental levels of coffee hulls did not affect the urinary excretions of allantoin, uric acid, and purine derivatives as well as microbial protein synthesis. Milk yield and contents and yields of fat, protein, and total solids also were not affected by replacing ground corn with coffee hulls. It can be concluded that coffee hulls can be included up to 10.5% of the total dietary DM.
Using realistic host galaxy metallicities to improve the GRB X-ray equivalent total hydrogen column density and constrain the intergalactic medium density

It is known that the GRB equivalent hydrogen column density (NHX) changes with redshift and that, typically, NHX is greater than the GRB host neutral hydrogen column density. We have compiled a large sample of data for GRB NHX and metallicity [X/H]. The main aims of this paper are to generate improved NHX for our sample by using actual metallicities, dust corrected where available for detections, and for the remaining GRB, a more realistic average intrinsic metallicity using a standard adjustment from solar. Then, by approximating the GRB host intrinsic hydrogen column density using the measured neutral column (NHI, IC) adjusted for the ionization fraction, we isolate a more accurate estimate for the intergalactic medium (IGM) contribution. The GRB sample mean metallicity is = −1.17 ± 0.09 rms (or 0.07 ± 0.05 Z/Zsol) from a sample of 36 GRB with a redshift 1.76 ≤ z ≤ 5.91, substantially lower than the assumption of solar metallicity used as standard for many fitted NHX. Lower GRB host mean metallicity results in increased estimated NHX with the correction scaling with redshift as Δlog (NHX cm−2) = (0.59 ± 0.04)log(1 + z) + 0.18 ± 0.02. Of the 128 GRB with data for both NHX and NHI, IC in our sample, only six have NHI, IC > NHX when revised for realistic metallicity, compared to 32 when solar metallicity is assumed. The lower envelope of the revised NHX – NHI, IC, plotted against redshift can be fit by log(NHX – NHI, IC cm−2) = 20.3 + 2.4 log(1 + z). This is taken to be an estimate for the maximum IGM hydrogen column density as a function of redshift. Using this approach, we estimate an upper limit to the hydrogen density at redshift zero (n0) to be consistent with n0 = 0.17 × 10−7cm−3.
Hero: Hierarchical Encoder for Video+Language Omni-representation Pre-training

We present HERO, a novel framework for large-scale video+language omni-representation learning. HERO encodes multimodal inputs in a hierarchical structure, where local context of a video frame is captured by a Cross-modal Transformer via multimodal fusion, and global video context is captured by a Temporal Transformer. In addition to standard Masked Language Modeling (MLM) and Masked Frame Modeling (MFM) objectives, we design two new pre-training tasks: (i) Video-Subtitle Matching (VSM), where the model predicts both global and local temporal alignment; and (ii) Frame Order Modeling (FOM), where the model predicts the right order of shuffled video frames. HERO is jointly trained on HowTo100M and large-scale TV datasets to gain deep understanding of complex social dynamics with multi-character interactions. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that HERO achieves new state of the art on multiple benchmarks over Text-based Video/Video-moment Retrieval, Video Question Answering (QA), Video-and-language Inference and Video Captioning tasks across different domains. We also introduce two new challenging benchmarks How2QA and How2R for Video QA and Retrieval, collected from diverse video content over multimodalities.
MedType: Improving Medical Entity Linking with Semantic Type Prediction

Medical entity linking is the task of identifying and standardizing medical concepts referred to in an unstructured text. Most of the existing methods adopt a three-step approach of (1) detecting mentions, (2) generating a list of candidate concepts, and finally (3) picking the best concept among them. In this paper, we probe into alleviating the problem of overgeneration of candidate concepts in the candidate generation module, the most under-studied component of medical entity linking. For this, we present MedType, a fully modular system that prunes out irrelevant candidate concepts based on the predicted semantic type of an entity mention. We incorporate MedType into five off-the-shelf toolkits for medical entity linking and demonstrate that it consistently improves entity linking performance across several benchmark datasets. To address the dearth of annotated training data for medical entity linking, we present WikiMed and PubMedDS, two large-scale medical entity linking datasets, and demonstrate that pre-training MedType on these datasets further improves entity linking performance. We make our source code and datasets publicly available for medical entity linking research.
Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) is a novel class of deep generative models that has recently gained significant attention. GANs learn complex and high-dimensional distributions implicitly over images, audio, and data. However, there exist major challenges in training of GANs, i.e., mode collapse, non-convergence, and instability, due to inappropriate design of network architectre, use of objective function, and selection of optimization algorithm. Recently, to address these challenges, several solutions for better design and optimization of GANs have been investigated based on techniques of re-engineered network architectures, new objective functions, and alternative optimization algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing survey that has particularly focused on the broad and systematic developments of these solutions. In this study, we perform a comprehensive survey of the advancements in GANs design and optimization solutions proposed to handle GANs challenges. We first identify key research issues within each design and optimization technique and then propose a new taxonomy to structure solutions by key research issues. In accordance with the taxonomy, we provide a detailed discussion on different GANs variants proposed within each solution and their relationships. Finally, based on the insights gained, we present promising research directions in this rapidly growing field.
Partial Univalence in n-truncated Type Theory

It is well known that univalence is incompatible with uniqueness of identity proofs (UIP), the axiom that all types are h-sets. This is due to finite h-sets having non-trivial automorphisms as soon as they are not h-propositions. A natural question is then whether univalence restricted to h-propositions is compatible with UIP. We answer this affirmatively by constructing a model where types are elements of a closed universe defined as a higher inductive type in homotopy type theory. This universe has a path constructor for simultaneous "partial" univalent completion, i.e., restricted to h-propositions. More generally, we show that univalence restricted to (n -- 1)-types is consistent with the assumption that all types are n-truncated. Moreover we parametrize our construction by a suitably well-behaved container, to abstract from a concrete choice of type formers for the universe.