Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physics of Eclipsing Binaries. V. General Framework for Solving the Inverse Problem

PHOEBE 2 is a Python package for modeling the observables of eclipsing star systems, but until now it has focused entirely on the forward model—that is, generating a synthetic model given fixed values of a large number of parameters describing the system and the observations. The inverse problem, obtaining orbital and stellar parameters given observational data, is more complicated and computationally expensive as it requires generating a large set of forward models to determine which set of parameters and uncertainties best represents the available observational data. The process of determining the best solution and also of obtaining reliable and robust uncertainties on those parameters often requires the use of multiple algorithms, including both optimizers and samplers. Furthermore, the forward model of PHOEBE has been designed to be as physically robust as possible, but it is computationally expensive compared to other codes. It is useful, therefore, to use whichever code is most efficient given the reasonable assumptions for a specific system, but learning the intricacies of multiple codes presents a barrier to doing this in practice. Here we present release 2.3 of PHOEBE (publicly available from http://phoebe-project.org), which introduces a general framework for defining and handling distributions on parameters and utilizing multiple different estimation, optimization, and sampling algorithms. The presented framework supports multiple forward models, including the robust model built into PHOEBE itself.
Sliced Kernelized Stein Discrepancy

Kernelized Stein discrepancy (KSD), though being extensively used in goodness-of-fit tests and model learning, suffers from the curse-of-dimensionality. We address this issue by proposing the sliced Stein discrepancy and its scalable and kernelized variants, which employs kernel-based test functions defined on the optimal onedimensional projections instead of the full input in high dimensions. When applied to goodness-of-fit tests, extensive experiments show the proposed discrepancy significantly outperforms KSD and various baselines in high dimensions. For model learning, we show its advantages by training an independent component analysis when compared with existing Stein discrepancy baselines. We further propose a novel particle inference method called sliced Stein variational gradient descent (S-SVGD) which alleviates the mode-collapse issue of SVGD in training variational autoencoders.
Delayed Q-update: A novel credit assignment technique for deriving an optimal operation policy for the Grid-Connected Microgrid

A microgrid is an innovative system that integrates distributed energy resources to supply electricity demand within electrical boundaries. This study proposes an approach for deriving a desirable microgrid operation policy that enables sophisticated controls in the microgrid system using the proposed novel credit assignment technique, delayed-Q update. The technique employs novel features such as the ability to tackle and resolve the delayed effective property of the microgrid, which prevents learning agents from deriving a well-fitted policy under sophisticated controls. The proposed technique tracks the history of the charging period and retroactively assigns an adjusted value to the ESS charging control. The operation policy derived using the proposed approach is well-fitted for the real effects of ESS operation because of the process of the technique. Therefore, it supports the search for a near-optimal operation policy under a sophisticatedly controlled microgrid environment. To validate our technique, we simulate the operation policy under a real-world grid-connected microgrid system and demonstrate the convergence to a near-optimal policy by comparing performance measures of our policy with benchmark policy and optimal policy.
Calabi-Yau Spaces in the String Landscape

Calabi-Yau spaces, or Kähler spaces admitting zero Ricci curvature, have played a pivotal role in theoretical physics and pure mathematics for the last half century. In physics, they constituted the first and natural solution to compactification of superstring theory to our 4-dimensional universe, primarily due to one of their equivalent definitions being the admittance of covariantly constant spinors. Since the mid-1980s, physicists and mathematicians have joined forces in creating explicit examples of Calabi-Yau spaces, compiling databases of formidable size, including the complete intersecion (CICY) data set, the weighted hypersurfaces data set, the elliptic-fibration data set, the Kreuzer-Skarke toric hypersurface data set, generalized CICYs, etc., totaling at least on the order of 1010 manifolds. These all contribute to the vast string landscape, the multitude of possible vacuum solutions to string compactification. More recently, this collaboration has been enriched by computer science and data science, the former in bench-marking the complexity of the algorithms in computing geometric quantities, and the latter in applying techniques such as machine learning in extracting unexpected information. These endeavours, inspired by the physics of the string landscape, have rendered the investigation of Calabi-Yau spaces one of the most exciting and interdisciplinary fields.
A Bayesian regularization-backpropagation neural network model for peeling computations

ABSTRACT A Bayesian regularization-backpropagation neural network (BR-BPNN) model is employed to predict some aspects of the gecko spatula peeling, viz. the variation of the maximum normal and tangential pull-off forces and the resultant force angle at detachment with the peeling angle. -fold cross validation is used to improve the effectiveness of the model. The input data is taken from finite element (FE) peeling results. The neural network is trained with of the FE dataset. The remaining are utilized to predict the peeling behavior. The training performance is evaluated for every change in the number of hidden layer neurons to determine the optimal network structure. The relative error is calculated to draw a clear comparison between predicted and FE results. It is shown that the BR-BPNN model in conjunction with the -fold technique has significant potential to estimate the peeling behavior.
On the strong concavity of the dual function of an optimization problem

We provide three new proofs of the strong concavity of the dual function of some convex optimization problems. For problems with nonlinear constraints, we show that the the assumption of strong convexity of the objective cannot be weakened to convexity and that the assumption that the gradients of all constraints at the optimal solution are linearly independent cannot be further weakened. Finally, we illustrate our results with several examples.
(COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE) AND SIMULATION OF ITS PHENOLOGY

123: (1991) Temperature-dependent development of the egg. larval, and pupal Iife-stages of the mountain pine beetle (Dendrocronus ponderosae Hopkins) was described using data from constant-temperature laboratory experiments. A phenology model describing thc effect of temperature on the temporal distribution of the life-stages was developed using these data. Phloem temperatures recorded in a beetle-infested lodgpole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas) were used as input to run the model. Results from model simulations suggest that inherent temperature thresholds in each life-stage help to synchronize pop- ulation dynamics with seasonal climatic changes. This basic phenological information and the developed model will facilitate both research and management endeavors aimed at reducing losses in lodgepole pine stands caused by mountain pine beetle infestations. dkveloppement Can. En? 123: de l'insecte qui tient compte de l'effet de la temptrature sur la rtpartition temporelle des divers stades. Les tempkratures du phlokme enregis-trCes dans un Pin ponderosa infest6 de colCoptkres ont CtC intCgrCes au modkle. Les rksultats des simulations indiquent que les seuils thermiques inhtrents B chacun des stades contribuent i synchroniser la dynamique de la population avec les changements climatiques saisonniers. Cette information phCnologique de base et le modkle que nous avons mis au point faciliteront les tentatives de recherche et dlamCnagement entreprises dans le but de limiter, dans les for& de Pins ponderosa, les pertes occasionntes par les infestations de dendroctones.
Comparación de métodos de extracción de ADN en tejidos parafinados y utilidad para amplificación por PCR

Los tejidos fijados en formol e incluidos en parafina son una fuente de material para hallazgos moleculares en el ambito clinico y cientifico, demostrandose que el ADN extraido de estos, es adecuado para amplificacion a traves de la reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa (RCP). En este estudio, se ensayaron tres metodos de extraccion de ADN en tejidos incluidos en parafina, con el objetivo de comparar la eficiencia de estos para obtener ADN adecuado, ademas se analizo su utilidad en amplificacion por RCP. Se emplearon tres muestras, correspondientes a una biopsia de pulmon, legrado endometrial y ganglio linfatico, todas fijadas en formaldehido al 10% e incluidas en parafina. Utilizandose tres metodos diferentes de extraccion de ADN (extraccion por salting out, metodo modificado de Sambrook y kit comercial) El ADN obtenido se cuantifico por espectrofotometria, ademas se realizo electroforesis en gel de agarosa al 1%, para comprobar si el ADN era de buena calidad y se realizo RCP para el exon 3 del gen caveolina 1. Todos los metodos dieron como resultado una buen producto de ADN genomico, observandose mayor cantidad y pureza en los metodos de salting out y kit comercial, asimismo se obtuvo amplificacion del producto esperado por estos dos metodos, no hubo buenos resultados con el ADN extraido por el metodo modificado "Preparation of Genomic DNA from Mouse Tails y Other Small samples, segun Sambrook". El ADN obtenido a partir de tejidos FFIP puede ser amplificado por varios metodos, entre estos, la extraccion por salting out es util y con poca toxicidad, permite obtener ADN de buena calidad para amplificacion por RCP.
Spiders of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

Abstract We studied the spider fauna of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on six collecting expeditions during October 2004–August 2005. Spiders collected during these field trips produced ≥81 species in 60 genera and 26 families. Faunal diversity was dominated by Salticidae (≥13 species in seven genera), followed by Lycosidae (eight species in seven genera), Araneidae (eight species in seven genera), Gnaphosidae (seven species in seven genera), and Philodromidae (four species in four genera), with Thomisidae, Linyphiidae, Dictynidae, Theridiidae, Miturgidae, Pholcidae, and Tetragnathidae represented by two to seven species in one to three genera each. A total of 14 other families was represented by single species in single genera. The family Lycosidae was at more sites than any other family and it was the family with the largest number of individuals collected. We report an overall landscape-based density of species of only 0.96 species/km2 and, although 45.7% of species were represented by single specimens, we conclude that the fauna is depauperate. This is consistent with other low-elevation desert and playa-dominated habitats in North America, and might be attributable to limited formation of soil.
Assessing bias in demographic estimates from joint live and dead encounter models

Joint encounter (JE) models estimate demographic rates using live recapture and dead recovery data. The extent to which limited recapture or recovery data can hinder estimation in JE models is not completely understood. Yet limited data are common in ecological research. We designed a series of simulations using Bayesian multistate JE models that spanned a large range of potential recapture probabilities (0.01–0.90) and two reported mortality probabilities (0.10, 0.19). We calculated bias by comparing estimates against known probabilities of survival, fidelity and reported mortality. We explored whether sparse data (i.e., recapture probabilities <0.02) compromised inference about survival by comparing estimates from dead recovery (DR) and JE models using an 18-year data set from a migratory bird, the lesser snow goose (Anser caerulescens caerulescens). Our simulations showed that bias in probabilities of survival, fidelity and reported mortality was relatively low across a large range of recapture probabilities, except when recapture and reported mortality probabilities were both lowest. While bias in fidelity probability was similar across all recapture probabilities, the root mean square error declined substantially with increased recapture probabilities for reported mortality probabilities of 0.10 or 0.19, as expected. In our case study, annual survival probabilities for adult female snow geese were similar whether estimated with JE or DR models, but more precise from JE models than those from DR models. Thus, our simulated and empirical data suggest acceptably minimal bias in survival, fidelity or reported mortality probabilities estimated from JE models. Even a small amount of recapture information provided adequate structure for JE models, except when reported mortality probabilities were <0.10. Thus, practitioners with limited recapture data should not be discouraged from use of JE models. We recommend that ecologists incorporate other data types as frequently as analytically possible, since precision of focal parameters is improved, and additional parameters of interest can be estimated.
Gallium-67 SPECT-CT for the evaluation of head and neck: preliminary study on maximum standardised uptake value in lesions, and in the parotid and submandibular glands

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the gallium-67 (67Ga) single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) for the evaluation of head and neck, especially maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) in lesions, and in the parotid and submandibular glands. Material and methods Fourteen patients with head and neck lesions who underwent SPECT-CT at 72 hours after injection of 67Ga were included in this study. The 67Ga SPECT-CT parameters SUVmax were compared between the parotid glands and submandibular glands. Statistical analyses for the SUVmax were performed by Mann-Whitney U test. A p value lower than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Of all 14 patients, 67Ga SPECT-CT was positive for two cases (one malignant lymphoma and one osteomyelitis). The SUVmax for malignant lymphoma and osteomyelitis were 11.21 and 10.95, respectively. Furthermore, SUVmax for parotid glands and submandibular glands of all patients were 4.86 ± 1.89 and 4.64 ± 1.64, respectively (p = 0.694). Conclusions This study investigated the 67Ga SPECT-CT for the evaluation of head and neck, especially SUVmax of lesions, and the parotid and submandibular glands. 67Ga SPECT-CT may be an effective technique for the evaluation of maxillofacial lesions.
TNFAIP8 family gene expressions in the mouse tail intervertebral disc injury model

The TNF‐α‐induced protein‐8 (TNFAIP8, also known as TIPE) family of molecules comprises four members: TNFAIP8 and TIPEs1‐3. Since the first description of these proteins, their roles in fine‐tuning inflammation and in directing leukocyte migration have been described in several organ systems. However, their relationship with intervertebral disc (IVD) is unknown.
Diversity and structure of microcrustacean assemblages (Cladocera and Copepoda) and limnological variability in perennial and intermittent pools in a semi-arid region, Bahia, Brazil

Ambientes temporarios sofrem secas periodicas devido a escassez de agua que interrompe a conectividade hidrologica com sistemas aquaticos adjacentes. No entanto, alguns ambientes retem agua por mais tempo permitindo uma maior persistencia das comunidades. Este estudo avaliou diferencas nas assembleias de microcrustaceos e na variabilidade limnologica entre pocas perenes e temporarias em um rio intermimente na regiao semiarida da Bahia. As caracteristicas abioticas das pocas temporarias (temperatura da agua, pH, alcalinidade total, condutividade eletrica e profundidade) foram mais afetadas do que nas pocas perenes devido a perda total do volume de agua. Isso pode ter contribuido para maior riqueza e indice de diversidade medio de microcrustaceos em alguns ambientes intermitentes, e a diferencas encontradas na estrutura das assembleias. Menores valores de diversidade e riqueza de especies foram registrados nos locais com fatores fisicos e quimicos restritivos que tornaram o ambiente improprio para os organismos, tais como: maior quantidade de solidos em suspensao e condutividade eletrica da agua e amplitude de variacao do pH. Estes resultados sugerem que nos ambientes intermitentes, o desenvolvimento da comunidade e interrompido pela estacao seca. Quando a agua retorna, devido as chuvas ou soerguimento do lencol freatico, cada ambiente apresenta um processo diferente de colonizacao. Nestas circunstâncias, a importância biologica dos ambientes aquaticos temporarios e destacada, ja que esses locais fornecem abrigos e tem um papel importante na manutencao da diversidade regional de ambientes aquaticos.
Detection of Carbapenem-Resistant Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Drinking Water in Khartoum, Sudan

Waterborne Escherichia coli are a major reservoir of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Carbapenem-resistance, especially when mediated by transferable carbapenemase-encoding genes, is spreading worldwide and causing dramatically limiting treatment options. In our country, studies for the detection of carbapenem resistance in drinking water do not exist; therefore, this work was carried out to determine the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant genes “blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaSPM, blaVIM, and blaOXA-48” among Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water in Khartoum, Sudan. A total of forty-five E. coli bacteria were isolated from different sources of drinking water. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using imipenem (10 mg/disc), gentamicin (10 mg/disc), ceftriaxone (30 mg/disc), ciprofloxacin (5 mg/disc), chloramphenicol (30 mg/disc), and tetracycline (30 mg/disc). “Sensitive” or “resistant” patterns of E. coli were judged using antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Bacterial genomic DNA was extracted by the boiling method, and then multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaSPM, blaVIM, and blaOXA-48). Multiplex PCR assays confirmed the presence of carbapenemase genes in 28% of all water isolates. OXA-48 gene was the most predominant gene, detected in 15.5% of the isolates. The blaKPC and blaSPM genes were also detected in 4.4% and 8.8% of the isolates, respectively. However, the isolates were negative for blaNDM, blaVIM, and blaIMP genes. The isolates showed a high rate of tetracycline resistance (97.7%), followed by gentamicin (57.7%), ciprofloxacin (46.6%), ceftriaxone (35.5%), and chloramphenicol (31.1%). In conclusion, this study confirmed for the first time the presence of E. coli carried carbapenem-resistant genes in the drinking water of Khartoum state, Sudan. These isolates commonly carried OXA-48 (7/45), followed by SPM (4/45) and KPC (2/45).
UV RADIATION AND TEMPERATURE AFFECT VIABILITY OF SERRATIA SPP., POTENTIAL BIOCONTROL AGENTS OF INSECTS

Several species within the genus Serratia (Enterobacteriaceae) have potential for use, or are currently used, in the control of insect pests. However, as with most microbes, exposure to certain UV wavelengths can drastically reduce cell viability. In this study we investigated the effect of exposure to short (254 nm) UV radiation and natural sunlight on strains of Serratia. Exposure to 254 nm for 5-30 minutes killed most Serratia spp. ; however, there were considerable strain differences with the LT 50 ranging from 2.9 to 13.7 minutes. Survival time increased to more than 2+ hours under sunlight exposure but was dependent the bacterial broth temperature.
Rheumatoid Arthritis as a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Calcification and Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Chest Pain: A Registry Based Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose To examine the occurrence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to non-RA patients in a population referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) due to chest pain. Patients and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 46,210 patients from a national CTA database were included. Patients with RA were stratified on serology, treatment with conventional synthetic or biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and the need for relapse or flare treatment with intraarticular or -muscular glucocorticoid injections (GCIs). Primary outcomes were coronary artery calcium score (CACS) >0 and CACS ≥400, and secondary outcome was obstructive CAD. Associations between RA and outcomes were examined using logistic regression and results were adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. Results A total of 395 (0.9%) RA patients were identified. In overall RA, crude odds ratio (OR) for having CACS >0 was 1.48 (1.21–1.82) and 1.52 (1.15–2.01) for CACS ≥400, whereas adjusted ORs were 1.08 (0.86–1.36) and 1.21 (0.89–1.65), respectively. Seropositive RA patients had adjusted OR of 1.16 (0.89–1.50) for CACS >0 and 1.37 (0.98–1.90) for CACS ≥400. Patients who had received ≥1 GCI in the period of 3 years prior to the CTA had an adjusted OR of 1.37 (0.94–2.00) for having CACS >0 and 1.46 (0.92–2.31) for CACS ≥400. Conclusion This is the first large-scale, CTA-based study examining the occurrence and severity of CAD in RA patients with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease. A higher prevalence of coronary artery calcification was found in RA patients. After adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, the tendency was less pronounced. We found a trend for increased coronary calcification in RA patients being seropositive or needing treatment with GCI for a relapse or flare.