Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Projected Improved Fista And Application To Image Deblurring

The analysis-sparse model has been shown to be efficient as compared to the synthesis-sparse model when the sparsifying transform is redundant particularly for image restoration applications. We pose the image deblurring problem as an optimization problem based on the analysis-sparse model considering the sparsifying basis to be a tight frame, more specifically, the shift-invariant discrete wavelet transform (SIDWT). We propose two algorithms, namely, projected improved fast iterative soft-thresholding algorithm (piFISTA) and projected improved fast iterative soft-thresholding algorithm beyond Nesterov’s momentum (piFISTA-BN). The proposed algorithms are the analysis counterparts of the improved fast iterative soft-thresholding algorithm (iFISTA) and improved fast iterative soft-thresholding algorithm beyond Nesterov’s momentum (iFISTA-BN), respectively, both of which consider the synthesis-sparse model. We demonstrate that piFISTA and piFISTA-BN significantly outperform FISTA, pFISTA, iFISTA, and iFISTA-BN considering standard objective metrics such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index metric (SSIM). Further, we demonstrate empirically that the proposed algorithms converge faster than the state-of-the-art techniques.
Effects of Achilles Tendon Moment Arm Length on Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is caused by traction force of the tendon. The effectiveness of the suture bridge technique in correcting it is unknown. We examined the moment arm in patients with IAT before and after surgery using the suture bridge technique, in comparison to that of healthy individuals. We hypothesized that the suture bridge method influences the moment arm length. An IAT group comprising 10 feet belonging to 8 patients requiring surgical treatment for IAT were followed up postoperatively and compared with a control group comprising 15 feet of 15 healthy individuals with no ankle complaints or history of trauma or surgery. The ratio of the moment arm (MA) length/foot length was found to be statistically significant between the control group, the IAT group preoperatively and the IAT group postoperatively (p < 0.01). Despite no significant difference in the force between the control and preoperative IAT groups, a significantly higher force to the Achilles tendon was observed in the IAT group postoperatively compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that a long moment arm may be one of the causes of IAT, and the suture bridge technique may reduce the Achilles tendon moment arm.
Large Body Size as a Socially Valued Factor Determining Excess Weight and Obesity in the Context of the Nutritional Transition in Senegal

Like most African countries, Senegal is experiencing a nutritional transition. Global drivers of sedentary behavior and high-calorie dietary intake, together with local anthropological drivers of large body size as a socially valued characteristic could be exposing the population to obesity. This study therefore set out to assess the impact of this sociocultural factor on the nutritional status of Senegalese adults. We set up 14 focus groups (n =84 participants) and a crosssectional quantitative survey (n =313 women; n =284 men) of adults in three different socio-ecological areas in Senegal (rural: n =204; suburban: n =206; urban: n =187). We also assessed perceptions of body weight (Body Size Scale) and weight status (anthropometric measures). Middle-aged and older Senegalese people value excess weight more than younger Senegalese in all the areas studied. Being female, older, living in urban/suburban areas and valuing excess weight/obesity were independently associated with being overweight/obese. A higher socio-economic status was also associated with being overweight/obese. A nutritional transition is under way in Senegal in urban/suburban areas, particularly affecting older urban women, with specific cultural factors contributing to this phenomenon. This suggests a need for local measures targeting women and is accounted for by specific anthropological characteristics in the Senegalese population.
Renaming Bombyx mori Chemosensory Proteins

This is a concise critical editorial about the functions described for a group of proteins from the family of Chemosensory Proteins (CSPs), particularly functions related to specific binding of odor chemosensory molecules. CSPs are small soluble proteins of a size comprised between 10-14 kDa and a flexible structure made of four Cysteine residues and six alpha-helices [1]. They are found to bind a large repertoire of ligand molecules mainly in the fatty acid category in most of all insect species. A specific function in binding odor chemosensory ligands has been proposed on the basis of the presence of these proteins in the sensory lymph of locusts. This finding has given the name of the whole protein superfamily, CSPs [2].
Effects of soaking on compressive strength of recycled polymer modified asphalt

ABSTRACT Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride have been being used as a modifier of bitumen (asphalt cement), whereas application of waste polyethylene (WPE) and waste polyvinyl chloride (WPVC) are quite introductory in the field of bituminous pavement. This research studied the effects of soaking periods on the compressive strength of compacted modified bituminous mixes with WPE and WPVC. 11% WPE and 8% WPVC, the optimum modifier contents, were utilised in modifying the bitumen, which was found from an investigation of Marshall properties. Index of retained strength (IRS) of Mix-I, Mix-II, and Mix-III satisfied the standard limit of 75%, until 62.4, 84, and 67.2 h of soaking periods, respectively. WPE and WPVC showed excellent performance in submergence, encouraging the use of modified bitumen in the flood-prone region. WPE is suitable in cold climate as well as the warmer region, while WPVC is recommended only for the warmer climate. Utilisation of WPE and WPVC resulted in saving asphalt cement of 0.11 and 0.08 kg/kg, respectively, and reduce environmental pollution.
Influence of the Cobb 500 hybrid parent age and egg storage period on incubation parameters

: Main goal of this research was to determine the influence of Cobb 500 hybrid broiler parent age (BPA) and egg storage (ES) period, the impact of egg maturity on egg fertilization and chick hatching, as well as on embryonal mortality of chicks during incubation period. There were three phases of production cycle, three different ages of broiler parents 25, 41 and 58 weeks (BPA25 , BPA41 , BPA 58) . The eggs there were differentiated according to storage time: eggs stored up to 7 days and eggs stored over 7 days (ES<7; ES>7). Using the random sample method, 1.050 eggs were chosen (total number of chosen eggs was 6.300), with the aim to determine above mentioned reproductive parameters, one day old chick weight and relative share of chick weight in total egg weight were determined. Age of broiler parents had the highest influence on egg fertility as the highest number of fertilized eggs was recorded during the middle of production cycle (BPA41 = 97.05%), then at the beginning of the cycle (BPA25 = 96.09%), and lowest number of fertilized eggs was during the last phase of the cycle (BPA58 = 93.00%). eggs (P<0.001), while the relative share of chick weight in total egg weight was decreased, therefore storage period in all three phases of production cycle had negative influence on chick percent, with increase of storage time of the egg, relative share of chick weight in total egg weight decreased, especially during start BPA25 and end BPA58 phase of the production cycle (P<0.001).
Pan-cancer scale landscape of simple somatic mutations

Genome is the carrier of somatic mutations during the development of cancer. The catalogue of simple somatic mutations (SSM) is a subgroup of somatic mutations. It includes single base substitutions, small deletions and insertions of <= 200 bp, and multiple base substitutions of <= 200 bp. The comprehensive landscape of SSM has not been studied. After analysed 46,692,922 SSM of 10,878 samples, we proposed a pan-cancer scale landscape of SSM for 60 cancer projects in ICGC. In addition, the whole genome sequencing (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WXS) techniques were compared according to the landscape of SSM. The result indicates numbers of SSM vary dramatically in different cancers. WGS can detect 10 times more single base substitutions and insertions than WXS. In terms of WXS, it called 10 times more deletions than insertions. Multiple base substitutions have not been well studied so they were just observed in a few cancer projects. Cancers generally show high prevalence of C > T substitutions at NpCpG trinucleotide contexts. Skin cancer showed distinct mutational spectra. Breast cancer, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer were found to have similar mutational spectra. Acute myeloid leukemia and lung cancer from South Korea, and colorectal cancer from China show high density of single base substitutions per mega base in chromosome Y. To sum up, our study and findings will be thought provoking in studying SSM in cancer.
Spatially balanced designs that incorporate legacy sites

A robust scientific conclusion is the result of a rigorous scientific process. In observational ecology, this process involves making inferences about a population from a sample. The sample is crucial, and is the result of implementing a survey design. A good survey design ensures that the data from the survey are capable of answering the research question. Better designs, such as spatially balanced designs, will also be as precise as possible given the constraints of the budget. Many study areas will have previously sampled ‘legacy sites’ that already have accumulated a time series of observations. For estimating trent, it is often beneficial to include these sites within a new survey. In this paper, we propose a method to incorporate the locations of legacy sites into new spatially balanced survey designs to ensure spatial balance among all sample locations. Simulation experiments indicate that incorporating the spatial location of legacy sites increases spatial balance and decreases uncertainty in inferences (smaller standard errors in mean estimates) when compared to designs that ignore legacy site locations. We illustrate the process of incorporating legacy sites using a proposed survey of a large marine reserve in South‐Eastern Australia, although the method is applicable to all environments. Our approach allows for integration of legacy sites into a new spatially balanced design, increasing efficiency. Scientists, managers and funders alike will benefit from this methodology – it provides a tool to provide efficient survey designs around established ones, including in‐the‐field adjustments. In this way, it can aid integrated monitoring programmes. An R‐package that implements these methods, called MBHdesign, is available from CRAN.
Phylogeography and the population genetic structure of flowering cherry Cerasus serrulata (Rosaceae) in subtropical and temperate China

Abstract Cerasus serrulata (Rosaceae) is an important flowering cherry resource which is valuable for developing new cultivars of flowering cherries. It is broadly distributed and possesses abundant variations. In this study, phylogeographic analysis was conducted to reveal the evolutionary history to better understand the genetic diversity and genetic structure of C. serrulata so as to provide more accurate molecular insights into better conservation and utilization of the germplasm resources. A total of 327 individuals from 18 wild populations were collected. Three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments (matK, trnD‐E, and trnS‐G) and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were utilized. The results showed a high genetic diversity at both species level and population level of C. serrulata. High genetic differentiation and the existence of the phylogeographic structure were detected. No significant expansion events were discovered. Two geographic lineages were inferred. One was confined to the Qinling Mountains and the Taihang Mountains. The other was from the Wuling Mountains to the Jiangnan Hilly Regions and then went northeast to the coast of Asia. In addition, some taxonomic treatments of the C. serrulata complex are discussed and reconsidered. Conservation and utilization strategies of wild C. serrulata germplasm resources were recommended.
Combination effect of limestone filler and slag on hydration reactions in ternary cements

Abstract An overview of the effect of mineral additives on hydration reactions in ternary cement systems is of high importance for concrete design and durability. In this paper, the combination effect of limestone filler and slag on hydration reactions in ternary cements was investigated. Tests were carried out on cement pastes with various replacement levels of cement by limestone filler and slag (15, 25 and 45%) and two w/b ratios (0.35 and 0.48). The hydration reactions of ternary cement pastes were evaluated by measuring their degree of reaction at 7, 28 and 90 days. The degree of reaction was followed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method. The results showed that the reaction degree was dependent on the replacement level and w/b ratio. The hydration heat and the compressive strength were further examined to verify the results obtained. Both hydration heat and compressive strength were found to be proportional to the reaction degree.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of lime (citrus aurantifolia) peel extract in mice balb/c induced salmonella typhi

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is a traditional plant that is widely used as antibacterial. This study to prove the effect of lime peel extract (LPE) on the growth of bacterial colonization of S. Typhi medited by activity of IL-6. True experimental pre-post test design, mice were divided into; LPE 510 mg/kgbw, LPE 750 mg/kgbw, positive and negative control. The examination was carried out 3 times, the 5th day before the intervention, the 10th day after the intervention and the 30th day after maintenance. Intervention LPE for 5 days can decreased the number of S. Typhi colonies, even maintenance for 20 days after the intervention showed no bacterial growth . IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokine activity increased on examination day 5 after S.Typhi injection and decreased after intervention on day 10, significantly different between pre and post at all groups except negative controls (p=0.15). The speed of decrease in IL-6 levels was greatest at the LPE 750 mg/kgbw (velocity=-5.64%). LPE decreased serum levels of IL-6 and inhibit the growth of S. Typhi colony in mice Balb/c. LPE have potential as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Magnetic reconnection in three dimensions

Many generic features of magnetic reconnection are not generic to the literature on reconnection. This anomaly arises from the focus of reconnection studies on magnetic fields that depend on only two spatial coordinates. When a magnetic field depends on all three spatial coordinates, reconnection is enhanced by a mechanism that cannot occur when the field depends on only two— the exponentially increasing separation of neighboring magnetic lines with the distance ` along a line. The dependence of the theory on the number of coordinates is explained in a model that could address many unanswered questions in three-dimensional reconnection. The computational difficulty of studying reconnection in three spatial dimensions increases as e, where σ is the number of exponentiations in the field line separation. This appears to limit direct simulations to σmax ≈ 10, which is consistent with a σ ≈ 8 required to understand fast reconnection in fusion plasmas but much smaller than σ ≈ 20 required to understand reconnection in the solar corona.
Leukoaraiosis in a 54 Year Old Nigerian Male: A Case Report

Background: Leukoaraiosis is a chronic atherosclerotic disease with an abnormal periventricular and cerebral white matter disease. Hypertension and old age were reported as the most-important risk factor for leukoaraiosis. Other risk factors like diabetes mellitus, abdominal obesity, hyperlipidaemia, tobacco use, alcohol abuse and chronic kidney disease has been reported. The aim of this case report is to highlight leukoaraiosis in a 54 year old Nigerian who presented with neurological manifestation. Case information: we report a case of a 54 year old male with long standing hypertension presenting with features of leukoaraiosis. Result: the diagnosis was confirmed with MRI which revealed scattered nodular white matter T2 and FLAIR hyperintensities in the cerebral cortices with fluid restriction on diffusion weighted imaging. Conclusion: detailed identification and control of risk factors are the main stay of treatment for leukoaraiosis. Hypertension was managed via proper education on dietary and life style modifications, medications and regular follow-up in clinics.
A 3-Year Single Surgeon Experience of the Arterial Switch Operation

Background: The arterial switch operation [ASO] is the surgical procedure of choice for correction of the TGA. This is one of the most complex cardiac surgeries, with coronary artery transfer being the most important factor determining the success of the surgery. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the outcomes of ASO operated by a single surgeon and assess the accuracy of echocardiography in identifying the coronary artery pattern before the ASO, this may lead to a better familiarization with the ASO. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by operative and postoperative case note review of 125 patients from March 2015 to 2018. We assessed the outcomes of the arterial switch operation. Concomitant defects as atrial septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus and small ventricular septal defects were defined as the simple TGA and other defects were defined as the complex TGA. Coronary artery pattern determination by echocardiography prior to the surgery and during the operation was investigated, as well. 30-day mortality, post-operative neurologic complications, cardiac anatomic complications, arrhythmia, plasma lactate level and cardiopulmonary bypass time [CPB time] during the surgery were recorded. Results: The mean age and weight of the patients were 29.09 (1 - 180) days and 3506.48 (2400 - 9700) grams. Most of the patients (64%) were male. 105 (84%) of the patients had simple and 20 (16%) had complex TGA. Unusual coronary pattern during echocardiography was observed in 17 (13.6%) subjects and unusual coronary pattern during the operation was observed in 7 (5.6%) patients. The incidence of the major anatomical lesions was not significant. 20 (16%) had neurologic complications, including seizure in 14 (11.2%) patients, brain hemorrhage was found in 5 (4%) patients, as well as chorea and wrist drop in the remaining patients. Post-operative arrhythmia was observed in 16 (12.8%) patients. The mortality rate was 4% (5 patients). The CPB time was 202.73 ± 36.99 minutes. Conclusions: Our post-operative results of the ASO indicate excellent results. This signifies high experience and knowledge regarding this surgery.
Self-Attention and Adversary Guided Hashing Network for Cross-Modal Retrieval

Recently deep cross-modal hashing networks have received increasing interests due to its superior query efficiency and low storage cost. However, most of existing methods concentrate less on hash representations learning part, which means the semantic information of data cannot be fully used. Furthermore, they may neglect the high-ranking relevance and consistency of hash codes. To solve these problems, we propose a Self-Attention and Adversary Guided Hashing Network (SAAGHN). Specifically, it employs self-attention mechanism in hash representations learning part to extract rich semantic relevance information. Meanwhile, in order to keep invariability of hash codes, adversarial learning is adopted in the hash codes learning part. In addition, to generate higher-ranking hash codes and avoid local minima early, a new batch semi-hard cosine triplet loss and a cosine quantization loss are proposed. Extensive experiments on two benchmark datasets have shown that SAAGHN outperforms other baselines and achieves the state-of-the-art performance.
The Relationship Between Alternative Strategies of Funding and Institutional Financial Health for Public Research Universities

The state support for public research universities has been volatile and has decreased to levels lower than before the downturn. Institutions adopt other sources of funding, but do these sources ensure financial health? This study assesses the financial security of public research universities and examines the relationship between strategies of funding and financial success. The results show that about 39.33% of the public research universities examined were financially unhealthy. The results also found state and local appropriations and institution endowments to be significantly associated with institutional financial health. The implications for policymakers and institutional leaders are discussed.
Winter Extreme Mixed Layer Depth South of the Kuroshio Extension

Change in the extratropical wintertime-mean mixed layer has been widely studied, given its importance to both physical and biogeochemical processes. With a focus on the south of the Kuroshio Extension region where the mixed layer is deepest in March, this study shows that variation of the synoptic-scale extreme mixed layer depth (MLD) is a better precursor than the monthly mean (or nonextreme) MLD for change in the subtropical mode water formation in spring, based on the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (1979–2010). It is found that the extreme MLD events are attributable to the accumulation of excessive surface cooling driven by the synoptic storms that characterize cold-air outbreaks. Particularly, the difference between the extreme and nonextreme MLD is primarily related to differences in the cumulative synoptic heat flux anomalies, while a change in the preconditioning upper-ocean stratification contributes almost equally to both cases. Relative contributions of oceanic and atmospheric forcing to the interannual variation of the extreme MLD are quantified using a bulk mixed layer model. Results show comparable contributions: the preconditioning stratification change accounts for ~44% of total variance of the extreme MLD, whereas the convective mixing by surface heat flux and the mechanical stirring by wind stress account for ~35% and ~13%, respectively. In addition, both the reanalysis and observational data reveal that the extreme and nonextreme MLD has been shallowed significantly during 1979–2010, which is accounted for by the strengthened stratification due to the enhanced ocean surface warming by the Kuroshio heat transport.