Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Sparse Bayesian Learning via Screening Test and Its Applications

In high-dimensional settings, sparse structures are critical for efficiency in term of memory and computation complexity. For a linear system, to find the sparsest solution provided with an over-complete dictionary of features directly is typically NP-hard, and thus alternative approximate methods should be considered. In this paper, our choice for alternative method is sparse Bayesian learning, which, as empirical Bayesian approaches, uses a parameterized prior to encourage sparsity in solution, rather than the other methods with fixed priors such as LASSO. Screening test, however, aims at quickly identifying a subset of features whose coefficients are guaranteed to be zero in the optimal solution, and then can be safely removed from the complete dictionary to obtain a smaller, more easily solved problem. Next, we solve the smaller problem, after which the solution of the original problem can be recovered by padding the smaller solution with zeros. The performance of the proposed method will be examined on various data sets and applications.
A Natural Actor-Critic Algorithm with Downside Risk Constraints

Existing work on risk-sensitive reinforcement learning - both for symmetric and downside risk measures - has typically used direct Monte-Carlo estimation of policy gradients. While this approach yields unbiased gradient estimates, it also suffers from high variance and decreased sample efficiency compared to temporal-difference methods. In this paper, we study prediction and control with aversion to downside risk which we gauge by the lower partial moment of the return. We introduce a new Bellman equation that upper bounds the lower partial moment, circumventing its non-linearity. We prove that this proxy for the lower partial moment is a contraction, and provide intuition into the stability of the algorithm by variance decomposition. This allows sample-efficient, on-line estimation of partial moments. For risk-sensitive control, we instantiate Reward Constrained Policy Optimization, a recent actor-critic method for finding constrained policies, with our proxy for the lower partial moment. We extend the method to use natural policy gradients and demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on three benchmark problems for risk-sensitive reinforcement learning.
Modelling Excess Zeros in Count Data: A New Perspective on Modelling Approaches

We consider the analysis of count data in which the observed frequency of zero counts is unusually large, typically with respect to the Poisson distribution. We focus on two alternative modelling approaches: over‐dispersion (OD) models and zero‐inflation (ZI) models, both of which can be seen as generalisations of the Poisson distribution; we refer to these as implicit and explicit ZI models, respectively. Although sometimes seen as competing approaches, they can be complementary; OD is a consequence of ZI modelling, and ZI is a by‐product of OD modelling. The central objective in such analyses is often concerned with inference on the effect of covariates on the mean, in light of the apparent excess of zeros in the counts. Typically, the modelling of the excess zeros per se is a secondary objective, and there are choices to be made between, and within, the OD and ZI approaches. The contribution of this paper is primarily conceptual. We contrast, descriptively, the impact on zeros of the two approaches. We further offer a novel descriptive characterisation of alternative ZI models, including the classic hurdle and mixture models, by providing a unifying theoretical framework for their comparison. This in turn leads to a novel and technically simpler ZI model. We develop the underlying theory for univariate counts and touch on its implication for multivariate count data.
The Morphology–Density Relationship in 1 < z < 2 Clusters

The morphology–density relationship states that dense cosmic environments such as galaxy clusters have an overabundance of quiescent elliptical galaxies, but it is unclear at which redshift this relationship is first established. We study the morphology of four clusters with 1.2 < z < 1.8 using Hubble Space Telescope imaging and the morphology computation code statmorph. By comparing the median morphology of cluster galaxies to CANDELS field galaxies using Monte Carlo analysis, we find that two out of four clusters (at z = 1.19 and 1.75) have an established morphology–density relationship with more than 3σ significance. Approximately 50% of the galaxies in these clusters are bulge-dominated, compared to ∼30% in the field, and they are significantly more compact. This result is more significant for low-mass galaxies with , showing that low-mass galaxies are affected the most in clusters. We also find an intriguing system of two z ≈ 1.45 clusters at a unusually small 2D separation of 3′ and 3D separation of ≈73 Mpc that exhibit no morphology–density relationship but have enhanced merger signatures. We conclude that the environmental mechanism responsible for the morphology–density relationship is (1) already active as early as z = 1.75; (2) forms compact, bulge-dominated galaxies; and (3) affects primarily low-mass galaxies. However, there is a significant degree of intracluster variance that may depend on the larger cosmological environment in which the cluster is embedded.
Les virus infectant les bivalves marins

Les mollusques bivalves sont des filtreurs et de ce fait ils peuvent accumuler dans leurs tissus des virus d’origine anthropique. Par ailleurs, des mortalites ont ete rapportees chez les bivalves en association a la detection de virus apparentes a differentes familles. Ainsi, des mortalites massives de l’huitre portugaise, Crassostrea angulata, ont ete observees entre 1967 et 1973 en France et associees a la presence de virus interpretes comme appartenant a la famille des Iridoviridae. Par ailleurs, des virus de type herpes ont ete detectes chez differentes especes de bivalves marins lors d’episodes de mortalite. Des neoplasies touchant les hemocytes, les cellules circulantes de l’hemolymphe, sont decrites chez les mollusques bivalves et sont encore aujourd’hui d’etiologie incertaine. Cependant, l’implication de retrovirus a ete suspectee. D’autres virus interpretes comme appartenant aux familles des Papovaviridae, Togaviridae, Reoviridae, Birnaviridae et Picornaviridae ont ete decrits chez les coquillages. L’absence de lignees cellulaires de bivalves rend cependant difficile l’isolement de virus a partir d’echantillons de mollusques. Du fait du developpement des productions d’ecloserie en conchyliculture au niveau mondial, il apparait aujourd’hui indispensable de developper des outils de detection performants et des strategies de lutte adaptees contre les maladies virales.
A pressure-robust discretization of Oseen's equation using stabilization in the vorticity equation

Discretization of Navier-Stokes' equations using pressure-robust finite element methods is considered for the high Reynolds number regime. To counter oscillations due to dominating convection we add a stabilization based on a bulk term in the form of a residual-based least squares stabilization of the vorticity equation supplemented by a penalty term on (certain components of) the gradient jump over the elements faces. Since the stabilization is based on the vorticity equation, it is independent of the pressure gradients, which makes it pressure-robust. Thus, we prove pressure-independent error estimates in the linearized case, known as Oseen's problem. In fact, we prove an $O(h^{k+\frac12})$ error estimate in the $L^2$-norm that is known to be the best that can be expected for this type of problem. Numerical examples are provided that, in addition to confirming the theoretical results, show that the present method compares favorably to the classical residual-based SUPG stabilization.
Incorporating prior knowledge about structural constraints in model identification

Model identification is a crucial problem in chemical industries. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in learning data-driven models utilizing partial knowledge about the system of interest. Most techniques for model identification do not provide the freedom to incorporate any partial information such as the structure of the model. In this article, we propose model identification techniques that could leverage such partial information to produce better estimates. Specifically, we propose Structural Principal Component Analysis (SPCA) which improvises over existing methods like PCA by utilizing the essential structural information about the model. Most of the existing methods or closely related methods use sparsity constraints which could be computationally expensive. Our proposed method is a wise modification of PCA to utilize structural information. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated using synthetic and industrial case-studies.
5S rDNA characterization in twelve Sciaenidae fish species (Teleostei, Perciformes): depicting gene diversity and molecular markers

In order to extend the genetic data on the Sciaenidae fish family, the present study had the purpose to characterize PCR-generated 5S rDNA repeats of twelve species of this group through PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) analysis. The results showed the occurrence of at least two different 5S rDNA size classes in all the species. Moreover, 5S rDNA repeats of one of the studied species - Isopisthus parvipinnis - were cloned and subjected to nucleotide sequencing and Southern blot membrane hybridization analyses, which permitted to confirm the existence of two major 5S rDNA classes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of different 5S rDNA repeats of I. parvipinnis lead to their separation into two major clusters. These results may reflect the high dynamism that rules the evolution rate of 5S rDNA repeats. The obtained data suggest that 5S rDNA can be useful in genetic analyses to identify species-specific markers and determine relationships among species of the Sciaenidae group.
A new species of Atheris (Serpentes: Viperidae) from northern Mozambique

A new species of forest viper (Atheris Serpentes: Viperidae) is described from Mount Mabu and Mount Namuli, northern Mozambique. This is the most southerly record of the genus, and the first record from Mozambique. Features of scalation, colour, body form and behaviour distinguish the new species from all other African Atheris, particularly its small size (maximum total length 384mm), retention of juvenile colouration in adults, and relatively low ventral, subcaudal and labial scale counts. It appears to be a dwarf, possibly paedomorphic, species that feeds among leaf litter on small frogs and geckos. The discovery of the new species in isolated populations in mid-altitude forest remnants on Mount Mabu and Mount Namuli, emphasizes the high conservation importance of the region.
The Population Biology of Host-Pathogen Interactions

Plant pathology literature provides ample evidence of growing knowledge of the biochemical, physiological, and genetic nature of host-pathogen interactions. Equally important, but less often studied, aspects of host-pathogen interactions are the complementary genetic changes that occur in the coevolution of host and pathogen populations. It is widely accepted that this coevolution of plants and their pathogens can be understood best in the context of integrated host-pathogen systems (e.g. 60). Pathogen population studies have been limited by a shortage of genetically well-defined host-pathogen systems based on easily scored genetic markers. Such markers are necessary to make use of the concepts of population genetics in improving our knowledge of host-pathogen population interactions. In particular, understanding the processes that drive genetic change in pathogen populations is essential to develop adequate and proper methods of disease control. Incorporating princi-
Herbivore‐induced emissions of maize volatiles repel the corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis

When maize plants, Zea mays L. , are mechanically damaged and the damaged sites are treated with caterpillar regurgitant, the plants will release a specific blend of volatiles. It is known that these volatiles can be attractive to natural enemies of herbivores. We hypothesise that the plant volatiles constitute part of the induced plant defence and that herbivores will be affected by the odours as well. In laboratory and semi‐field studies this hypothesis was tested for the aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Rhynchota, Sternorrhyncha, Aphididae).
Chamomile: An ancient pain remedy and a modern gout relief - A hypothesis

Matricaria chamomilla (MC) is a well-known medicinal plant. In the present paper, the researchers intended to focus on the possible anti-inflammatory pharmacological mechanisms of MC preparations in the treatment of gouty arthritis and the constituents of MC responsible for its effects. The medicinal preparations of MC are composed of several classes of biologically active compounds with an inhibitory effect on inflammation including essential oils and flavonoids. Apigenin, quercetin and luteolin are flavonoids, which exhibit their anti-inflammatory effects via different mechanisms. Apigenin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines production. Luteolin suppresses production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 and expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 – which are all associated with inflammatory responses. In addition, Luteolin along with quercetin, inhibit xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme. There are also additional components of theMC preparations which play a role in its anti-inflammatory action via other pathways. The mentioned mechanisms are in accordance with the authors’s concept that MC can alleviate inflammation in gouty arthritis. Key words: Matricaria chamomilla, gout, inflammation, essential oils, flavonoids.
On the solvability of routing multiple point-to-point paths in manhattan meshes

The solvability of multiple path routing problems in 3D Manhattan meshes is greatly influenced by the order in which the paths are processed. Unsolvable instances can readily be made solvable by simply changing the sequence of paths to be routed, and the inverse also holds. Our results on square meshes with 100 randomly placed terminals show that the routability of an instance can be accurately guessed a priori from its characteristics only. Furthermore, the attainable routability from random sequence change can also be accurately guessed, and a tight scaling relation suggests these results hold for a broad range of instance sizes. For our particulars, the number of routable paths can increase as much as 73%, just by changing the order of processing.
Multiple Roles for Chemokines in Neutrophil Biology

Chemokines are recognized as the most critical mediators for selective neutrophil recruitment during inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, they are considered fundamental regulators of neutrophil mobilization from the bone marrow (BM) to the bloodstream and for their homing back at the end of their life for apoptosis and clearance. However, chemokines are also important mediators of neutrophil effector functions including oxidative burst, degranulation, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)osis, and production of inflammatory mediators. Neutrophils have been historically considered as a homogeneous population. In recent years, several maturation stages and subsets with different phenotypic profiles and effector functions were described both in physiological and pathological conditions such as infections, autoimmunity, and cancer. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the current evidence regarding the role of chemokines and chemokine receptors in neutrophil biology, including their possible role in neutrophil maturation, differentiation, and in defining emerging neutrophil subsets.
Physiological quality, content and activity of antioxidants in soybean seeds artificially aged

The objective of this study was to evaluate physiological quality, content, and activity of antioxidants, in soybean seeds subjected to accelerated aging during different periods. Seeds of cultivars BRS 258, BRS 262 and BRS 268, subjected to accelerated aging during 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours and non-aged seeds were used. After each aging period, the seed were evaluated by tests of: germination; first count and tetrazolium. The total of phenolic compounds, total flavonoides, total of isoflavones, and activity for eliminating ABTS ●+ radicals were quantified. There were differences among cultivars according to vigor and viability only after seeds were aged. Cultivars BRS 158 and BRS 268 have shown better seed physiological quality in each aging period; however, not presenting higher amounts of isoflavones and efficiency in removing free radicals. For all cultivars, the values for total of phenolic compounds, as well as total of flavonoids have shown quadratic positive behavior; the values for isoflavones remained constant and the vigor and viability showed contrary trend to activity of antioxidant agents.
Corona Virus Nanoparticles and Enhanced Respiratory Protection for Outpatient Ophthalmic Practice

The Covid-19 pandemic has emerged rapidly and is now part of our everyday life and work. At the time of writing this editorial all routine clinical activity and surgery that had previously been stopped is set for a phased reopening over the next 6 weeks to 6 months. Ophthalmic examination includes close working distance to our patients at the slit lamp (<20 cm). Many nasolacrimal outpatient procedures can easily convert into droplet infection and even aerosol i.e reflux from lacrimal washout. In addition, many slit lamp based procedures and examinations can lead to prolonged exposure and in some cases even aerosol generation. Thus loosely fitted surgical masks, despite their electret filter to trap nanoparticles may offer little or no protection at all. Evidence is overwhelming that ophthalmologists need enhanced PPEs including surgical cap, gown, fit tested mask, gloves and goggles for all ophthalmic examinations. Hesitation in implementing new PPE guidance for ophthalmology will probably cost lives. An overview of the use of PPE is discussed in the following paragraphs.
T cell receptor therapy against melanoma—Immunotherapy for the future?

Malignant melanoma has seen monumental changes in treatment options the last decade from the very poor results of dacarbazine treatment to the modern‐day use of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Melanoma has a high mutational burden making it more capable of evoking immune responses than many other tumours. Even when considering double immune checkpoint blockade with anti‐CTLA‐4 and anti‐PD‐1, we still have far to go in melanoma treatment as 50% of patients with metastatic disease do not respond to current treatment. Alternative immunotherapy should therefore be considered. Since melanoma has a high mutational burden, it is considered more immunogenic than many other tumours. T cell receptor (TCR) therapy could be a possible way forward, either alone or in combination, to improve the response rates of this deadly disease. Melanoma is one of the cancers where TCR therapy has been frequently applied. However, the number of antigens targeted remains fairly limited, although advanced personalized therapies aim at also targeting private mutations. In this review, we look at possible aspects of targeting TCR therapy towards melanoma and provide an implication of its use in the future.
Neuroprotective Effects of Adenosine A1 Receptor Signaling on Cognitive Impairment Induced by Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia in Mice

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a breathing disorder associated with cognitive impairment. However, the mechanisms leading to cognitive deficits in OSAHS remain uncertain. In this study, a mouse model of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) exposures were applied for simulating the deoxygenation-reoxygenation events occurring in OSAHS. The conventional adenosine A1 receptor gene (A1R) knockout mice and the A1R agonist CCPA- or antagonist DPCPX-administrated mice were utilized to determine the precise function of A1R signaling in the process of OSAHS-relevant cognitive impairment. We demonstrated that CIH induced morphological changes and apoptosis in hippocampal neurons. Further, CIH blunted hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and resulted in learning/memory impairment. Disruption of adenosine A1R exacerbated morphological, cellular, and functional damage induced by CIH. In contrast, activation of adenosine A1R signaling reduced morphological changes and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, promoted LTP, and enhanced learning and memory. A1Rs may up-regulate protein kinase C (PKC) and its subtype PKC-ζ through the activation of Gα(i) improve spatial learning and memory disorder induced by CIH in mice. Taken together, A1R signaling plays a neuroprotective role in CIH-induced cognitive dysfunction and pathological changes in the hippocampus.
A comparative study of shoot and root development of interior and coastal Douglas-fir seedlings

Bud development and root elongation of coastal and interior seedlots of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) were compared from September through March after 4 months of growth under Styroblock container nursery production conditions. Apical development of vegetative buds was described in terms of morphology, mitotic index, apical dimensions, and cell numbers. An estimate was made of the number of leaf primordia produced on the embryonic shoot. Morphological and anatomical stages of bud development in the interior variety occurred about 4 weeks in advance of those in the coastal variety. Cell divisions ceased in apices in November and December in interior and coastal varieties, respectively, and resumed in mid-February in both varieties, so all apices were undergoing cell division by March 1. Flushing was variable but occurred earlier in the interior variety. Numbers of white root tips were highest during October and March in both varieties. Root elongation tended to follow the pattern of bud.
Multi-objective ant colony optimization for task allocation in vehicle-based crowdsourcing

With the continuous popularization of various mobile devices, spatial crowdsourcing tasks have also developed rapidly. Recently, vehicles are being used to complete spatial crowdsourcing tasks. Drivers and passengers can provide the ability to actively complete query tasks, while sensors on the vehicle can passively complete sensing tasks. In this paper, we consider a spatial crowdsourcing scenario where a worker can complete a location-based query task and also a sensing task at the same time. The formal description of the problem is given, and then a multiobjective ant colony algorithm for vehicle-based crowdsourcing is proposed to optimize both task query reliability and sensing coverage. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated on a real-world traffic trace dataset.
A Review of Gene, Drug and Cell-Based Therapies for Usher Syndrome

Usher syndrome is a genetic disorder causing neurosensory hearing loss and blindness from retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Adaptive techniques such as braille, digital and optical magnifiers, mobility training, cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices are indispensable for reducing disability. However, there is currently no treatment to reduce or arrest sensory cell degeneration. There are several classes of treatments for Usher syndrome being investigated. The present article reviews the progress this research has made towards delivering commercial options for patients with Usher syndrome.
Accumulation of β-N-Oxalyl Amino Alanine in Lathyrus during Podding and Maturation

The accumulation of BOAA was studied at four stages of podding and two stages of maturity in low and high BOAA genotypes. The major BOAA was synthesized and accumulated during development and enlargement of pods, which however declined during maturity. High BOAA variety Pusa 24 accumulated more BOAA in seed during podding as compared to the other two varieties.