Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HASIC-Net: Hybrid Attentional Convolutional Neural Network With Structure Information Consistency for Spectral Super-Resolution of RGB Images

Spectral super-resolution (SSR), referring to the recovery of a reasonable hyperspectral image (HSI) from a single RGB image, has achieved satisfactory performance as part of the continued development of a convolutional neural network (CNN) in remote sensing image processing. However, the majority of existing algorithms focus on the pursuit of networks with deeper or broader architecture. Such algorithms have a poor channel or band feature extraction and fusing performance, and fail to fully leverage the input RGB images. To overcome these issues, we present a novel hybrid attentional CNN with structure information consistency (HASIC-net) that uses a two-pathway architecture. Specifically, both sides are stacked with several 2-D residual groups (2-DRGs) and residual groups (1-DRGs) equipped with channel or band attention (BA) modules, which mainly focuses on extracting channel statistics and bandwise features, respectively, by a parallel pooling architecture. We introduce several transversal connections from 2-DRG to 1-DRG to realize the interaction of information flow between both sides. In addition, we take the structure information of both RGB images and HSI into consideration and devise a structure information consistency (SIC) module to merge the structure tensor prior to the RGB images with the input of each 2-DRG. We then combine spectral gradient constraint loss with mean relative absolute error as a novel loss function to further restrain the spectral distortion and smooth the reconstructed spectral response curves. Experimental results on four benchmark datasets (i.e., NTIRE 2020, NTIRE 2018, CAVE, and Harvard) demonstrate that our proposed HASIC-net achieves state-of-the-art performance.
A General Model for the Longevity of Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces in Under-Saturated, Stationary Liquid

We perform a numerical study of the longevity of a super-hydrophobic surface (SHS) in under-saturated, stationary liquid. We numerically solve the spatial-temporal evolution of the gas concentration in the liquid, the time-variation of mass flux of gas out of the plastron, as well as the time required for the gas in the plastron to be fully dissolved (i.e., the plastron lifetime). We find that the profiles of gas concentration at different times are self-similar, and the mass flux reduces with time (t) at a rate of 1/t0.5. In addition, we examine the impact of texture parameters, including pitch, gas fraction, texture height, and advanced contact angle, on the diffusion process. Our results show that both plastron lifetime and diffusion length increase with increasing the gas fraction or increasing the texture height, and are independent of the advanced contact angle and pitch. We propose simple analytical models for plastron lifetime and diffusion length. We show that the model has a fair agreement with the experimental data reported in the literature, and can predict the longevity for SHS with various texture geometries, texture sizes, and under different degrees of under-saturations. Our models could guide the design of long-life SHS for underwater applications such as reducing skin-friction drag and preventing biofouling.
Verification Report on the extraction and analysis of GM pollen DNA in honey

Following the judgment of 06 September 2011 on GM honey by the European Court of Justice (legal case C-442-09), the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EU-RL GMFF) established by Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, performed an in-house study to test the extraction and PCR analysis of genomic DNA from genetically modified pollen in honey. The present report documents on an extraction method for isolation and analysis of pollen DNA present in honey, including the solation and analysis of isolated genomic pollen DNA using real-time PCR on commercial honey samples and honey samples spiked ith various levels of GM MON 810 pollen. i w
Ecology of Asclepias brachystephana: a plant for roadside and right-of-way management

ABSTRACT:Declining insect abundance is occurring around the world, and some management projects are aiming to utilize roadsides and other right-of-ways as insect conservation areas. In the US, the decline of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus Linnaeus [Nymphalidae]) populations has led to multiple studies focusing on a small number of milkweed species (Asclepias [Apocynaceae]) that occur in the major flyways. Here we survey a poorly studied milkweed, bract milkweed (A. brachystephana Engelm. ex Torr.), to document where it grows, which organisms make use of the plants, seed production, and concentrations of milkweed toxins (cardenolides) and to investigate if this species is suitable for roadside or right-of-ways management projects. Our results show that the range of A. brachystephana includes the Chihuahuan Desert and neighboring ecoregions. Plant populations were also observed occurring on roadsides and right-of-ways, rarely spreading into neighboring habitats. We document a variety of native pollinators utilizing floral resources and a few herbivores feeding on plant tissue. Chemical analyses show wild plants produce higher concentrations of toxic cardenolide than many other milkweed species. These data suggest A. brachystephana should be considered for roadside and right-of-way plantings, restoration projects, or seeding throughout the Chihuahuan Desert and adjoining ecoregions.
Lessons learned from the exquisite design of the endothelial surface glycocalyx and their amazing applications

In a recent paper by Weinbaum et al. [1], a theoretical model was developed for the structural organization and function of the thin 0.4 μm endothelial surface matrix layer of proteoglycans and glycoproteins that coats the inner lining of our blood vessels. In particular, it is shown that the core proteins in this layer are sufficiently stiff to serve as an exquisitely designed transducer of fluid shear stress to the cortical cytoskeleton of the endothelial cell in initiating intracellular signaling, but offer negligible resistance to buckling when red cell motion is arrested. This latter property allows highly flexible red cells to move through tightly fitting capillaries with remarkably little frictional resistance since the normal force is balanced nearly entirely by the fluid pressure in the highly compressible glycocalyx layer and sliding friction between the cell and the solid phase is vanishingly small. We first show that there is a remarkable dynamic similarity between the motion of red cells gliding on the endothelial glycocalyx and a human snowboarding on fresh powder although they differ in mass by 10 15 . One is able to produce lift forces in each case that are four orders of magnitude larger than classical lubrication theory due to the inability of the trapped fluid or air in the porous layer to rapidly escape. These concepts are then extended to the design of a future generation train that can glide on a track whose permeability and elastic properties are similar to goose down.
Biomimicry for Energy-Efficient Building Design: A Bibliometric Analysis

With the development of the biomimicry approach, new and creative ideas have been established to solve problems in architectural design. In the designs based on this process, “nature” is used as a diverse data source for the transfer of these data to various processes, functions, materials, and structures. The primary purpose of this paper is to explore the development of biomimicry as an architectural approach, with a bibliometric review of research related to biomimicry and energy efficiency. Emphasis on the importance of the need for biomimicry in modern designs is another goal of this study. In this study, articles published in the Web of Science database (2010–2021) were analyzed. VOSviewer and SankeyMATIC software were used to represent the analysis results graphically. According to the results of this study, in addition to the inadequacy of biomimicry research, the need for further research became apparent. This review can serve as a reference for future studies to transfer natural phenomena to architecture in order to solve the problem of efficient energy consumption.
Nrf2 Is Required for Optimal Alveolar-Macrophage-Mediated Apoptotic Neutrophil Clearance after Oxidant Injury

Recognition and clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes (also known as efferocytosis), primarily mediated by macrophages, are essential to terminate lung inflammatory responses and promote tissue repair after injury. The Nrf2 transcription factor is crucial for cytoprotection and host defense. Previously, we showed sustained neutrophilic lung inflammation in Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2−/−) mice after hyperoxia-induced lung injury in vivo, but the mechanisms underlying this abnormal phenotype remain unclear. To examine whether Nrf2 regulates apoptotic neutrophil clearance, we used the alveolar macrophages (AMФs) and bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMФs) of wild-type (WT) and Nrf2−/− mice. We found that the efferocytic ability of AMФ was impaired in hyperoxia-exposed mice’s lungs, but the effect was more pronounced in Nrf2−/− mice. Importantly, AMФ-mediated efferocytosis remained impaired in Nrf2−/− mice recovering from injury but was restored to the basal state in the wild-type counterparts. Hyperoxia affected apoptotic neutrophil binding, not internalization, in both WT and Nrf2−/− BMDMФs, but the effect was more significant in the latter cells. Augmenting Nrf2 activity restored hyperoxia attenuated efferocytosis in WT, but not in Nrf2−/− macrophages. However, the loss of Nrf2 in neutrophils affected their uptake by WT macrophages. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Nrf2 is required for optimal macrophage-mediated efferocytosis and that activating Nrf2 may provide a physiological way to accelerate apoptotic cell clearance after oxidant injury.
Family and Rehabilitation of Children with Cochlear Implant: A Qualitative Study

Aim This study was conducted to explain the role of families in rehabilitating children with cochlear implants based on the participants’ experiences and perceptions. Method This research is a qualitative study based on the method of contract content analysis, and it is conducted with semi-structured interviews to collect information in Iran in 2018–2019. The interview was conducted with 12 participants, including caregivers (child caregivers with a cochlear implant), and the process of data collection continued until saturation. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the data were analyzed using Gran Haim and Landman content analysis. This study was guided by consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative (COREQ). Results The results of the study were formed in the main class titled the family, the effective rehabilitation factor, and two sub-classes titled supportive family and continuing professional and non-professional rehabilitation. Conclusion The findings of this study indicated that the rehabilitation process in these children will be incomplete without the presence and support of the family.
An Algebraic Modulation Strategy for 3L-NPC Converters With Inherent Neutral-Point Voltage Balance Capability

This letter proposes an algebraic modulation strategy for the three-level neutral-point-clamped converters. The duty-cycle-assignment problem is first transformed into the algebraic-solution problem. Then, according to the algebraic theory, the general solution of the modulation matrix is obtained. By properly designing the free parameters in the general modulation matrix, various neutral-point voltage (NPV) balancing methods can be constructed conveniently. In addition, the NPV balance is easily realized without additional control effort. Compared to the existing modulation strategies, the proposed strategy is simple and easy-to-implement. The feasibility of the proposed strategy is validated by laboratory experiments.
Feeling and Thinking about It Are Two Different Things: How to Capture Momentary Emotions of Extreme Sports in the Field

To learn about extreme sports and what motivates such activities, we need to understand the emotions embedded in the experience itself. However, how we go about assessing these emotions might provide us with very different answers. An experience is a fleeting and ever-changing phenomenon, rich in detail and filled with nuances. What we remember and, therefore, what we are able to report from our experience might, however, be strikingly different to what we experienced. Our memories are grained by time, impaired by arousal, and affected by context. Despite these limitations, the most common way to measure an experience is by self reporting. The current paper reviews some of the relevant theory on emotions and how this might impact different assessments. I also describe a new way of measuring momentary emotions in the field by use of video cameras and automatic coding of facially expressed emotions. Extreme sports may leave us with positive memories but may be anything but pleasant while in the midst of them. In the end, this paper may give some hints to why.
Subsonic Jet Noise Reduction Variable Geometry Chevron

Turbulent mixing of jet engine exhaust streams contributes significantly to airport community noise. Serrated aerodynamic devices along the trailing edge of exhaust nozzles, known as chevrons, have been shown to greatly reduce jet noise by promoting advantageous mixing of the streams. The design of these devices represents a delicate compromise between noise reduction at take off conditions, engine operability, and thrust loss at cruise. We report here the successful design and test of a full-scale variable geometry chevron for the fan-nozzle exhaust whose shape change is driven by a shape memory alloy actuator. The collected data supports the aerodynamic, thermal, and mechanical modeling of the chevron. The test results demonstrate that the device can operate autonomously and can reproducibly transition between take-off and cruise shapes. Having validated the concept, this data will facilitate the development of the next generation, variable geometry chevron.
Directed endozoochorous dispersal by scavengers facilitate sexual reproduction in otherwise clonal plants at cadaver sites

Abstract The regeneration niche of many plant species involves spatially and temporally unpredictable disturbances, called recruitment windows of opportunity. However, even species with clear dispersal adaptations such as fleshy berries may not successfully reach such elusive regeneration microsites. Ericaceous, berry‐producing species in the northern hemisphere demonstrate this dispersal limitation. They are said to display a reproductive paradox owing to their lack of regeneration in apparently suitable microsites despite considerable investment in producing large quantities of berries. Cadavers generate vegetation‐denuded and nutrient‐rich disturbances termed cadaver decomposition islands (CDIs). Cadavers attract facultative scavengers with considerable capacity for endozoochorous seed dispersal. We hypothesize that CDIs facilitate recruitment in berry‐producing ericaceous species due to endozoochorous dispersal directed toward favorable microsites with low competition. We examined seedling establishment within a permanent, semi‐regular 10 × 10 m grid across an ungulate mass die‐off on the Hardangervidda plateau in southeastern Norway. Competing models regarding the relative importance of factors governing recruitment were evaluated, specifically cadaver location (elevated seed rain) and microsite conditions (competition). We found that CDIs did facilitate seedling establishment, as cadaver density was the best predictor of seedling distribution. Other important factors governing seedling establishment such as percentage cover of soil and vascular plants alone were inadequate to explain seedling establishment. Synthesis: This study provides a novel understanding of sexual reproduction in species with cryptic generative reproduction. The directed nature of endozoochorous dispersal combined with long‐distance dispersal abilities of medium to large vertebrate scavengers toward cadavers allows plants to exploit the advantageous but ephemeral resource provided by CDIs.
In Situ Agarose Microfabrication Technology Using Joule Heating of Micro Ionic Current for On-Chip Cell Network Analysis

Agarose microfabrication technology is one of the micropatterning techniques of cells having advantages of simple and flexible real-time fabrication of three-dimensional confinement microstructures even during cell cultivation. However, the conventional photothermal etching procedure of focused infrared laser on thin agarose layer has several limitations, such as the undesired sudden change of etched width caused by the local change of absorbance of the bottom surface of cultivation plate, especially on the indium-tin-oxide (ITO) wiring on the multi-electrode array (MEA) cultivation chip. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a new agarose etching method exploiting the Joule heating of focused micro ionic current at the tip of the micrometer-sized capillary tube. When 75 V, 1 kHz AC voltage was applied to the tapered microcapillary tube, in which 1 M sodium ion buffer was filled, the formed micro ionic current at the open end of the microcapillary tube melted the thin agarose layer and formed stable 5 μm width microstructures regardless the ITO wiring, and the width was controlled by the change of applied voltage squared. We also found the importance of the higher frequency of applied AC voltage to form the stable microstructures and also minimize the fluctuation of melted width. The results indicate that the focused micro ionic current can create stable local spot heating in the medium buffer as the Joule heating of local ionic current and can perform the same quality of microfabrication as the focused infrared laser absorption procedure with a simple set-up of the system and several advantages.
Search of Non-circular Slip Surface Based on Improved FOA

: The determination of the most critical non-circular slip surface can be attributed to the optimization of complex non-linear multi-peak function due to its numerous control variables and large amount of calculation. It is a trend in recent years to apply intelligent optimization algorithm into slope stability analysis. Considering that the standard Fruit fly Optimization Algorithm (FOA) is prone to fall into local extremum, the improved Fruit fly Optimization Algorithm is obtained by incorporating the standard FOA with the simulated annealing idea. In order to improve the search efficiency, a fixed step size is adjusted to an adaptive step size, and a double tier search strategy is proposed to be applied: the potential non-circular slip surface is obtained from the outer layer, and the factor of safety along the potential slip surface is calculated step by step from the inner layer. The improved FOA is applied to a slope with weak interlayer. The feasibility, superiority and efficiency of the improved algorithm are proved by comparing its answers to the judges'. Different inter-slice force functions, various initial values of Fs and λ are assumed, and the results show that these parameters could hardly affect final solution for safety factor.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Germline Variant in PTK7 Gene in Familial Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Only 5% of all CRC cases are due to germline mutations in known predisposition genes, and the remaining genetic burden still has to be discovered. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing on six members of a Polish family diagnosed with CRC and identified a novel germline variant in the protein tyrosine kinase 7 (inactive) gene (PTK7, ENST00000230419, V354M). Targeted screening of the variant in 1705 familial CRC cases and 1674 healthy elderly individuals identified the variant in an additional familial CRC case. Introduction of this variant in HT-29 cells resulted in increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; it also caused down-regulation of CREB, p21 and p53 mRNA and protein levels, and increased AKT phosphorylation. These changes indicated inhibition of apoptosis pathways and activation of AKT signaling. Our study confirmed the oncogenic function of PTK7 and supported its role in genetic predisposition of familial CRC.
Achieving guaranteed anonymity in time-series location data

OF THE DISSERTATION Achieving Guaranteed Anonymity in Time-Series Location Data by Baik Hoh Dissertation Director: Prof. Marco Gruteser Collaborative sensing networks anonymously aggregate location-tagged sensing information from a large number of users to monitor environments. However, sharing anonymous location-tagged sensing information from users raises serious privacy concern. Rendering the location traces anonymous before sharing them with application service providers or third parties often allows an adversary to follow anonymous location updates because a time-series of anonymous location data exhibit a spatiotemporal correlation between successive updates. Prior privacy techniques for location data such as spatial cloaking techniques based on k-anonymity and best-effort algorithms do not meet both data quality and privacy requirements at the same time. This raises the problem of guaranteed anonymity in a dataset of location traces while maintaining high data accuracy and integrity. To overcome these challenges, we develop a novel privacy metric, called Time-ToConfusion to characterize the privacy implication of anonymous location traces and propose two different privacy-preserving techniques that achieve both the guaranteed location privacy of all users and high data quality. The Time-To-Confusion effectively captures how long an adversary can follow an anonymous user at a specified level of
AHR and NRF2 in Skin Homeostasis and Atopic Dermatitis

Skin is constantly exposed to environmental insults, including toxic chemicals and oxidative stress. These insults often provoke perturbation of epidermal homeostasis and lead to characteristic skin diseases. AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) and NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) are transcription factors that induce a battery of cytoprotective genes encoding detoxication and antioxidant enzymes in response to environmental insults. In addition to their basic functions as key regulators of xenobiotic and oxidant detoxification, recent investigations revealed that AHR and NRF2 also play critical roles in the maintenance of skin homeostasis. In fact, specific disruption of AHR function in the skin has been found to be associated with the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, most prevalently atopic dermatitis (AD). In this review, current knowledge on the roles that AHR and NRF2 play in epidermal homeostasis was summarized. Functional annotations of genetic variants, both regulatory and nonsynonymous SNPs, identified in the AHR and NRF2 loci in the human genome were also summarized. Finally, the possibility that AHR and NRF2 serve as therapeutic targets of AD was assessed.
Case Report of Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis Related to Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Following Administration of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 for Vaccination against COVID-19

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has been recently reported after vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We present a case of a patient with fulminant CVST and thrombocytopenia after receiving the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Although the patient received immediate anticoagulant and intravenous immune globulin treatment, he died within 24 h after hospital admission. VITT and CVST are rare conditions; however, the course may be fatal. Therefore, clinicians should be familiarized with the clinical and laboratory features of VITT.