Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NeuLF: Efficient Novel View Synthesis with Neural 4D Light Field

In this paper, we present an efficient and robust deep learning solution for novel view synthesis of complex scenes. In our approach, a 3D scene is represented as a light field, i.e., a set of rays, each of which has a corresponding color when reaching the image plane. For efficient novel view rendering, we adopt a two-plane parameterization of the light field, where each ray is characterized by a 4D parameter. We then formulate the light field as a 4D function that maps 4D coordinates to corresponding color values. We train a deep fully connected network to optimize this implicit function and memorize the 3D scene. Then, the scene-specific model is used to synthesize novel views. Different from previous light field approaches which require dense view sampling to reliably render novel views, our method can render novel views by sampling rays and querying the color for each ray from the network directly, thus enabling high-quality light field rendering with a sparser set of training images. Per-ray depth can be optionally predicted by the network, thus enabling applications such as auto refocus. Our novel view synthesis results are comparable to the state-of-the-arts, and even superior in some challenging scenes with refraction and reflection. We achieve this while maintaining an interactive frame rate and a small memory footprint.
Tuning PoW with Hybrid Expenditure

Proof of Work (PoW) is a Sybil-deterrence security mechanism. It introduces an external cost to a system by requiring computational effort to perform actions. However, since its inception, a central challenge was to tune this cost. Initial designs for deterring spam email and DoS attacks applied overhead equally to honest participants and attackers. Requiring too little effort did not deter attacks, whereas too much encumbered honest participation. This might be the reason it was never widely adopted. Nakamoto overcame this trade-off in Bitcoin by distinguishing desired from malicious behavior and introducing internal rewards for the former. This solution gained popularity in securing cryptocurrencies and using the virtual internally-minted tokens for rewards. However, in existing blockchain protocols the internal rewards fund (almost) the same value of external expenses. Thus, as the token value soars, so does the PoW expenditure. Bitcoin PoW, for example, already expends as much electricity as Colombia or Switzerland. This amount of resource-guzzling is unsustainable and hinders even wider adoption of these systems. In this work we present Hybrid Expenditure Blockchain (HEB), a novel PoW mechanism. HEB is a generalization of Nakamoto's protocol that enables tuning the external expenditure by introducing a complementary internal-expenditure mechanism. Thus, for the first time, HEB decouples external expenditure from the reward value. We show a practical parameter choice by which HEB requires significantly less external consumption compare to Nakamoto's protocol, its resilience against rational attackers is similar, and it retains the decentralized and permissionless nature of the system. Taking the Bitcoin ecosystem as an example, HEB cuts the electricity consumption by half.
Patterns of mental health problems before and after easing COVID-19 restrictions: Evidence from a 105248-subject survey in general population in China

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has alarming implications for individual and population level mental health. Although the future of COVID-19 is unknown at present, more countries or regions start to ease restrictions. The findings from this study have provided the empirical evidence of prevalence and patterns of mental disorders in Chinese general population before and after easing most COVID-19 restrictions, and information of the factors associated with these patterns. Methods A cross-sectional population-based online survey was carried out from February to March 2020 in the general population across all provinces in China. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was incorporated in the survey. Latent class analyses were performed to investigate the patterns of mental disorders and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine how individual and regional risk factors can predict mental disorder patterns. Results Four distinctive patterns of mental health were revealed in the general population. After the ease of most COVID-19 restrictions, the prevalence of high risk of mental disorders decreased from 25.8% to 20.9% and prevalence of being high risk of unhappiness and loss of confidence decreased from 10.1% to 8.1%. However, the prevalence of stressed, social dysfunction and unhappy were consistently high before and after easing restrictions. Several regional factors, such as case mortality rate and healthcare resources, were associated with mental health status. Of note, healthcare workers were less likely to have mental disorders, compared to other professionals and students. Conclusions The dynamic management of mental health and psychosocial well-being is as important as that of physical health both before and after the ease of COVID-19 restrictions. Our findings may help in mental health interventions in other countries and regions while easing COVID-19 restrictions.
Using the aMAP Risk Score to Predict Late Recurrence Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chinese Population: A Multicenter Study

Objective This study was conducted to explore the application of age-male-ALBI-platelets (aMAP) score for predicting late recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and develop an aMAP score based-nomogram to predict prognosis in Chinese population. Materials and Methods HCC patients who developed late recurrence following RFA at National Cancer Center (NCC) of China, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2011 to December 2016 were included as a training cohort, and patients who were treated at Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2012 and December 2016 were included as an external validation cohort. The optimal cut-off value for aMAP score was determined using X-tile software to discriminate the performance of recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results A total of 339 eligible patients were included in this study. Patients were grouped into low-risk (aMAP score ≤64.2), medium-risk (64.3 ≤aMAP score ≤68.6) and high-risk (aMAP score ≥68.7) groups by X-tile plots. The prognostic factors that affected RFS were the number of lesions and aMAP score. A nomogram was constructed to predict the RFS with a C-index of 0.793 (95% CI: 0.744–0.842). The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (t-AUCs) of the nomogram to predict 3, 4 and 5-year RFS were 0.808, 0.820 and 0.764, respectively. The model was then tested with data from an external validation cohort. The calibration curve confirmed the optimal agreement between the predicted and observed values. Conclusion The aMAP score provided a well-discriminated risk stratification and is an independent prognostic factor for the late recurrence of HCC following RFA. The aMAP score-based nomogram could help to strengthen prognosis-based decision making and formulate adjuvant therapeutic and preventive strategies.
Stability, electronic and magnetic properties of the Octagraphene-like boron nitride Nanosheets: In silico studies

ABSTRACT The characterization of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of octagraphene-like boron-nitride: BN (B32N32H24, B37N27H24, and B27N37H24), nanosheets were performed by means of density functional theory all-electron calculations at the HSEh1PBE/GGA level. Orbital 6–311G(d,p) basis sets were used. Non-stoichiometric B37N27H24 and B27N37H24 compositions: rich in boron or nitrogen atoms, forming homonuclear B or N bonds, respectively, were chosen. The obtained results reveal that these BN nanosheets reach structural stability in the anionic form, where semiconductor behaviors are promoted. Indeed, the HOMO-LUMO gap values are: 5.09, 1.48 and 2.53 eV, for stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric models, respectively. Whereas the magnetic moments are coming from the boron atoms in all cases (1.0 bohrs magneton). The rich in boron and nitrogen nanosheets presents high-polarity; either in the gas phase or embedded in aqueous mediums like water. Also appears low chemical reactivity, signifying potential applicability as nanovehicles of pharmaceutical species. The nanosheets rich in boron atoms are promising candidates for the design of nanosensors, because they possess low-work functions, mainly arising from the homonuclear boron bond formation.
Sputum Protein Biomarkers in Airway Diseases: A Pilot Study

Background Chronic mucous hypersecretion (CMH or chronic bronchitis) per se or when associated with chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has several adverse clinical consequences. The sputum fluid phase has several candidate proteins including mucins which have the potential of being therapeutic targets, but has not yet been explored in-depth. This study aimed at exploring the profile of sputum proteins in various airway diseases. Methods Sputum from thirty-one patients with various airway diseases was collected and the fluid phase analyzed by LC-MS/MS and subsequently by sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragments ion spectra (SWATH) (n = 15) for protein quantitation. Hierarchical clustering and functional grouping were performed. Results A total of 185 proteins were quantitated by SWATH of which 21 proteins were identified which could distinguish between the clinical phenotypes by hierarchical clustering. Functional protein clustering revealed 4 groups: those that are inflammation related, oxidative stress related, mucin related and a cytoskeletal and calcium related group. The levels of eight proteins (Azurocidin1, Neutrophil defensin 3, Lactotransferrin, Calmodulin 3, Coronin1A, Mucin 5B, Mucin 5AC and BPI fold containing family B1) were significantly altered (relative to mean) in exacerbator prone subjects compared to nonexacerbators. Another simple but useful metric which emerged from this study was total protein concentration in sputum which was significantly higher in frequent exacerbators. Conclusion Sputum proteins can detect the various airway disease clinical phenotypes. Total protein concentration and eight other proteins are biomarkers for frequent exacerbators. The clinical and therapeutic implications of the functional groups of proteins need further evaluation.
Network Pharmacology Prediction and Molecular Docking-Based Strategy to Discover the Potential Pharmacological Mechanism of Huai Hua San Against Ulcerative Colitis

Background Huai Hua San (HHS), a famous Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, has been widely applied in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the interaction of bioactives from HHS with the targets involved in UC has not been elucidated yet. Aim A network pharmacology-based approach combined with molecular docking and in vitro validation was performed to determine the bioactives, key targets, and potential pharmacological mechanism of HHS against UC. Materials and Methods Bioactives and potential targets of HHS, as well as UC-related targets, were retrieved from public databases. Crucial bioactive ingredients, potential targets, and signaling pathways were acquired through bioinformatics analysis, including protein–protein interaction (PPI), as well as the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Subsequently, molecular docking was carried out to predict the combination of active compounds with core targets. Lastly, in vitro experiments were conducted to further verify the findings. Results A total of 28 bioactive ingredients of HHS and 421 HHS-UC-related targets were screened. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that quercetin, luteolin, and nobiletin may be potential candidate agents. JUN, TP53, and ESR1 could become potential therapeutic targets. PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might play an important role in HHS against UC. Moreover, molecular docking suggested that quercetin, luteolin, and nobiletin combined well with JUN, TP53, and ESR1, respectively. Cell experiments showed that the most important ingredient of HHS, quercetin, could inhibit the levels of inflammatory factors and phosphorylated c-Jun, as well as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, which further confirmed the prediction by network pharmacology strategy and molecular docking. Conclusion Our results comprehensively illustrated the bioactives, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of HHS against UC. It also provided a promising strategy to uncover the scientific basis and therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulae in treating diseases.
Observations of nucleation-mode particle events and characterization of organic atmospheric particulate matter at a rural New England site

OBSERVATIONS OF NUCLEATION-MODE PARTICLE EVENTS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ORGANIC ATMOSPHERIC PARTICULATE MATTER AT A RURAL NEW ENGLAND SITE by Philip Fulton Place Jr. University of New Hampshire, May 2009 Air quality of New England reflects air quality of the eastern United States and Canada because of transport from these areas to New England. Particle number (PN) concentration, size distribution, and composition were observed in the winter/spring period at a rural New England site (Thompson Farm). Thirteen PN events identified on the basis of increased PN above the site average were investigated, with the majority of events originating from clean northwestern air masses. Steady particle growth rates were observed for events ranging between 0.9 and 5.5 nm hr". The organic composition of bulk aerosols were also investigated over a year (August 2007 to August 2008), through measurements of organic carbon, elemental carbon, and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) from 24-hour samples. Annual means and seasonal trends are reported. ^-NMR showed little variation among functional groups present in WSOC on a seasonal basis but showed significant variation on a daily basis.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater crab Tenuilapotamon latilum kaiyangense Dai et Li,1985 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamoidea)

Abstract We first reported the complete mitochondrial genome of Tenuilapotamon latilum kaiyangense (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamoidea). The genome is 19,294 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. The whole mitochondrial genome is characterized by the apparent AT bias (74.19%). This research provides DNA data for further researches on population genetics and phylogenetics.
View Point: Disease Modification and Cell Secretome Based Approaches in Parkinson’s Disease: Are We on the Right Track?

Abstract The term idiopathic Parkinson’s disease describes an entity of various not well-characterized disorders resembling each other. They are characterized by chronic neuronal dying originating from various disease mechanisms. They result in the onset of motor and related non-motor features, both of which respond to administration of personalized drug combinations and surgical therapies. The unmet need is beneficial disease course modification with repair and neurogenesis. Objectives are to discuss the value of cell secretome based treatments including neuronal graft transplantation and to suggest as an alternative the stimulation of an endogenous available approach for neuronal repair. Chronic neurodegenerative processes result from different heterogeneous, but complementing metabolic, pathological cascade sequences. Accumulated evidence from experimental research suggested neuron transplantation, stem cell application and cell secretome-based therapies as a promising future treatment with cure as an ultimate goal. To date, clinical testing of disease-modifying treatments has focused on substitution or repair of the remaining dopamine synthesizing neurons following diagnosis. At diagnosis, many of the still surviving and functioning, but already affected neurons have lost most of their axons and are primed for cell death. A more promising therapeutic concept may be the stimulation of an existing, endogenous repair system in the peripheral and central nervous systems. The abundant protein repulsive guidance molecule A blocks restoration and neurogenesis, both of which are mediated via the neogenin receptor. Inhibition of the physiological effects of repulsive guidance molecule A is an endogenous available repair pathway in chronic neurodegeneration. Antagonism of this protein with antibodies or stimulation of the neogenin receptor should be considered as an initial repair step. It is an alternative to cell replacement, stem cell or associated cell secretome concepts.
Renal Cell Carcinoma With Cardiac Metastases

The median survival of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is 5 months with a 1-year survival rate of 29%. Cardiac metastasis from RCC is a rare finding and there is scarce data available on treatment options. Recently, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab has been approved as a first-line treatment for advanced RCC in patients with a poor prognosis. Here we present a case of a 45-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with cough, dyspnea, and fever. Chest X-ray showed hilar lymphadenopathy and diffuse reticulonodular opacities, whereas a thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed carcinomatosis lymphangitis, pleural carcinosis and multiple heterogenous zones on the cardiac wall. A transthoracic echocardiogram and a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed cardiac metastases. Subsequent imaging showed abundant distal metastases whereas a renal biopsy confirmed clear cell RCC making it a high-grade stage IV metastatic RCC. The patient was treated with the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab. The unique feature about this case is that we have found a rare case of cardiac metastases that persists after a 3-month follow-up. Previously, there was only one case report of a patient with RCC and cardiac metastases who showed persistent response to nivolumab after 12 months. The key points from this case report are that a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosing cardiac metastases given that the signs and symptoms of metastatic cardiac involvement can be non-specific. Spread has been described as directly through the renal vein and vena cava or indirectly via the lymphatic system, which confers a worse prognosis. Furthermore, cardiac metastases can be mistaken for thrombi, endocarditis, or primary tumors, therefore echocardiograms can be limiting. Supplemental imaging with cardiac MRI or positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) is often needed for further characterization.
Mitochondrial genome of Arcynopteryx dichroa (McLachlan, 1872) (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) and phylogenetic analysis

Abstract To better understand the diversity and phylogeny of Perlodidae, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Arcynopteryx dichroa. This mitogenome was 16,215 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA unit genes (rRNAs), and a control region like other plecopteran. The nucleotide composition of A. dichroa mitochondrial genome obviously biases toward A and T. The A + T content of the whole mitochondrial genome, the PCGs, tRNAs, rRNAs, and the control region were: 69.3%, 67.6%, 69.8%, 71.3%, and 78.7%. Phylogenetic relationship based on the concatenated sequences of 13 PCGs and two ribosomal RNAs showed that the family Perlodidae and Chloroperlidae are sister relationship, family Perlidae being the sister group to the clade (Perlodidae + Chloroperlidae). The monophyly of the family Perlodidae is well supported but the subfamily Perlodinae and Isoperlinae are not monophyletic groups.
Using Mixed Methods With Multiple Stakeholders to Inform Development of a Breast Cancer Screening Decision Aid for Women With Limited Health Literacy

Background. When stakeholders offer divergent input, it can be unclear how to prioritize information for decision aids (DAs) on mammography screening. Objectives. This analysis triangulates perspectives (breast cancer screening experts, primary care providers [PCPs], and patients with limited health literacy [LHL]) to understand areas of divergent and convergent input across stakeholder groups in developing a breast cancer screening DA for younger women with LHL. Design. A modified online Delphi panel of 8 experts rated 57 statements for inclusion in a breast cancer screening DA over three rounds. Individual interviews with 25 patients with LHL and 20 PCPs from a large safety net hospital explored informational needs about mammography decision making. Codes from the qualitative interviews and open-ended responses from the Delphi process were mapped across stakeholders to ascertain areas where stakeholder preferences converged or diverged. Results. Four themes regarding informational needs were identified regarding 1) the benefits and harms of screening, 2) different screening modalities, 3) the experience of mammography, and 4) communication about breast cancer risk. Patients viewed pain as the primary harm, while PCPs and experts emphasized the harm of false positives. Patients, but not PCPs or experts, felt that information about the process of getting a mammogram was important. PCPs believed that mammography was the only evidence-based screening modality, while patients believed breast self-exam was also important for screening. All stakeholders described incorporating personal risk information as important. Limitations. As participants came from one hospital, perceptions may reflect local practices. The Delphi sample size was small. Conclusions. Patients, experts, and PCPs had divergent views on the most important information needed for screening decisions. More evidence is needed to guide integration of multiple stakeholder perspectives into the content of DAs. Article Highlights This study combines data from patients with limited health literacy, primary care providers (PCPs), and experts to examine priorities for information inclusion in a breast cancer screening decision aid. All stakeholders described including personal risk information as important. While experts and PCPs prioritized providing evidence-based screening options only, emphasized false positives as the primary mammography harm, and downplayed the relevance of delivering mammography process information, patients had a broader scope of harms (e.g., pain), wanted more information on breast self- exam, and viewed process information as fundamental to their decision making. This study demonstrates that there are differences in what doctors and experts prioritize communicating about breast cancer screening and what patients want to learn about.