Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Robustness in Water-Fat Separation in MRI using Conditional Adversarial Networks

Water-fat separation is a post-processing method to obtain water/fat only images and parametric maps from multi-echo magnetic resonance (MR) images. Due to multi-parametric analytic models and optimization algorithm, the water-fat separation problem is complicated and time-consuming to solve. Traditional model-based techniques require a known field map to make the problem becomes “almost linear”, which results in the dependence on the accuracy of field map estimation and the decrease of computing efficiency. In this study, we proposed a deep learning based method to solve the inverse problem and simultaneously obtain the water/fat images, field map and R2* map without iteration process and field map estimation in advance. Conditional GAN was utilized in this work to preserve the structural details and ground truth was obtained using a graph cut method. The results showed that our method had a more robust performance and higher structural similarity in water-fat separation compared to U-Net based method. The proposed deep learning method is field map free and effective to separate fat/water.
A Molecular View of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)

This article reviews the research progress of the spike protein of the virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, including the gene sequence and protein sequence encoding the spike protein, as well as its secondary and tertiary structure through bioinformatics tools. The sequence similarlity comparsion results show that the spike protein has many homologous proteins and the highest similarity is SPIKE_Bat SARS-like CoV, which was also a spike glycoprotein from Bats.Secondary structure prediction shows that the sequence from position 1196 to 1218 occurs across the membrane and the protein has a several secondary domains which are potentially helpful for the virus to infect host cells ; Next, we found that the spike glycoprotein is predicted as a trimer which is extremely useful to bind the ACE2. In addition, this review also summarized the monoclonal antibody drugs targeting the spike protein, as well as several small molecule drugs, and made a comprehensive view for the treatment of COVID-19.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Screening of Seriphidium Oliverianum Plant Extracts

The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemicals using reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial activities of Seriphidium oliverianum stem extracts. The extraction was carried out by conventional shaking process (CSP) and ultrasonic assisted process (UAP). The highest total phenolic contents (97.85 ± 0.735 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g sample) and flavonoid contents (188.15 ± 0.53 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g sample) were found in methanol extract obtained by CSP. Antioxidant activity was investigated using DPPH° scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Methanol extract using UAP showed the highest DPPH° scavenging activity (79.95% ± 1.80%) followed by methanol and butanol extracts obtained through CSP. Moreover, methanol extracts using CSP showed highest reducing activity (1.032 ± 0.0205 absorbance). In-vitro antimicrobial activity was studied using most common infection causing fungal and bacterial strains. Anti-fungal activity of methanol extract using CSP showed the highest zone of inhibition (10.5 mm) against F. avenaceum fungal strain, while aqueous extracts obtained through showed the highest antibacterial activity (22 ± 1.32 mm zone of inhibition) against S. aureus. The results showed that the methanol stem extract of S. oliverianum is a valued candidate for further screening and could be processed for in-vivo infection induced animal trials.
Participatory Urban Development in India: A Tale of Two Townships

This paper intends to offer a critical understanding of citizen engagement in the process of city making using two case studies within the Indian context, namely, Magarpatta City in Maharashtra and Auroville in Tamil Nadu. As an initial foray into the issue, it engages with contemporary discourses on the scope and nature of public participation in urban development within the framework of a neoliberal economy. This is followed by a qualitative analysis based on unstructured interviews, which capture the live experiences of the local landowners and residents in each location. The findings indicate that citizen engagement is instrumental in producing socially equitable urbanization. If harnessed well, it offers the possibility for an effective departure from the traditional state-market dynamics, which presently underlie forms of neoliberal urbanism in developing countries. This paper, therefore, makes the case for mainstreaming citizen participation for urban development as an attempt to create a sustainable built environment that caters to the needs of citizens.
Combining sedentism and mobility in the Palaeolithic–Neolithic transition of northern China: the site of Shuidonggou locality 12

Abstract Scholars have long debated when the Neolithic began in China. Neolithisation, however, is a process rather than an event. It is more realistic to investigate the timing and nature of the socio-economic trajectory from mobile, microblade-using foragers to sedentary communities during the Palaeolithic–Neolithic transition in northern China. Here, the authors use artefacts from Shuidonggou locality 12 to demonstrate the socio-economic organisation of the site's inhabitants. They identify long-term site occupation by a large group exhibiting high levels of individual mobility. Comparative analyses with contemporaneous data indicate that the early stages of complex social organisation—a fundamental element of Neolithisation—emerged among microblade-using groups.
Aluminum doped ZnO sol–gel derived nanocrystals: Raman spectroscopy and solid solubility characterization

In this study, a sol–gel method was used to synthesize Al‐doped ZnO nanocrystals (AZO). For preparation of this highly concentrated sol, zinc acetate concentration was fixed at 2M. UV‐visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to evaluate optical properties of the prepared samples. High temperature annealing was employed to evaluate the solid solubility limit of Al ions. XRD and Raman spectroscopy are then used to evaluate the doping process of aluminum in ZnO nanopowders. Disappearing of the second order Raman peak of ZnO at 1160 cm−1 was used to confirm the solid solubility limit. It can be found that the disappearing of second order Raman peak intensity at 1160 cm−1 is observed for sample with 2 at% Al3+ ion. Experimental results have shown that the solid solubility limit of aluminium ions in sol–gel derived zinc oxide nanocrystals was achieved.
The Ubiquitinated Axon: Local Control of Axon Development and Function by Ubiquitin

Ubiquitin tagging sets protein fate. With a wide range of possible patterns and reversibility, ubiquitination can assume many shapes to meet specific demands of a particular cell across time and space. In neurons, unique cells with functionally distinct axons and dendrites harboring dynamic synapses, the ubiquitin code is exploited at the height of its power. Indeed, wide expression of ubiquitination and proteasome machinery at synapses, a diverse brain ubiquitome, and the existence of ubiquitin-related neurodevelopmental diseases support a fundamental role of ubiquitin signaling in the developing and mature brain. While special attention has been given to dendritic ubiquitin-dependent control, how axonal biology is governed by this small but versatile molecule has been considerably less discussed. Herein, we set out to explore the ubiquitin-mediated spatiotemporal control of an axon's lifetime: from its differentiation and growth through presynaptic formation, function, and pruning.
Evaluated organization of cytoskeletal microfilaments and apoptotic caused by Jararhagin metalloproteinase on human breast adenocarcinoma

In mammary development and remodeling, as well as the origin and progression of breast cancer, there is the participation of diverse factors such as hormones, growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix molecules and matrix metalloproteinases. Jararhagin, isolated from the venom of Bothrops jararaca, is a metalloproteinase, molecular mass of 52 kDa, belonging to SVMPs P-III class. Confocal laser microscopy was used to visualize morphological changes of human breast tumor cell line MCF-7 grown in monolayer and culture 3D Matrigel, formation of spheroids. The confocal fluorescence laser scanning was evaluated the expression of phosphorylated caspase 3 active, dead cell and labeling with phalloidin array cytoskeletal. The results show different mechanisms induced by toxin, necrotic and apoptotic cells depending on the concentration used of jararhagin.
Axon guidance modalities in CNS regeneration revealed by quantitative proteomic analysis

Long-distance regeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) has been achieved from the eye to the brain through activation of neuronal molecular pathways or pharmacological approaches. Unexpectedly, most of the regenerative fibers display guidance defects, which prevents reinnervation and further functional recovery. Therefore, characterizing the mature neuronal environment is essential to understand the adult axonal guidance in order to complete the circuit reconstruction. To this end, we used mass spectrometry to characterize the proteomes of major nuclei of the adult visual system: suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), ventral and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN, dLGN) and superior colliculus (SCol)), as well as the optic chiasm. These analyses revealed the presence of guidance molecules and guidance-associated factors in the adult visual targets. Moreover, by performing bilateral optic nerve crush, we showed that the expression of some proteins was significantly modulated by the injury in the visual targets, even in the ones most distal to the lesion site. On another hand, we found that the expression of guidance molecules was not modified upon injury. This implies that these molecules may possibly interfere with the reinnervation of the brain targets. Together, our results provides an extensive characterization of the molecular environment in intact and injured conditions. These findings open new ways to correct regenerating axon guidance notably by manipulating the expression of the corresponding guidance receptors in the nervous system.
Guanidine derived ionic liquids: catalyst free medium forN-formylation of amines

A remarkable improvement of both the chemical yield and the reaction condition, of N- formylation of amines with formic acid was found, when tetra-substituted guanidinium salts were added as ionic liquids. Effects of amount and the type of guanidinium salts on the outcome of the reaction were investigated. This procedure works well for sterically hindered primary amine as well as electron-deficient primary arylamines, primary and secondary amino alcohols, α-amino acid esters, hydroxylamines and N,N-dimethylhydrazine. The recovered ionic liquid can be recycled for four runs without loss of activity
Rapid evolutionary turnover of mobile genetic elements drives microbial resistance to viruses

Although it is generally accepted that viruses (phages) drive bacterial evolution, how these dynamics play out in the wild remains poorly understood. Here we show that the arms race between phages and their hosts is mediated by large and highly diverse mobile genetic elements. These phage-defense elements display exceedingly fast evolutionary turnover, resulting in differential phage susceptibility among clonal bacterial strains while phage receptors remain invariant. Protection afforded by multiple elements is cumulative, and a single bacterial genome can harbor as many as 18 putative phage-defense elements. Overall, elements account for 90% of the flexible genome amongst closely related strains. The rapid turnover of these elements demonstrates that phage resistance is unlinked from other genomic features and that resistance to phage therapy might be as easily acquired as antibiotic resistance.
TPST-dependent and -independent regulation of root development and signaling by PSK LRR receptor kinases in Arabidopsis

Tyrosine-sulfated peptides are key regulators of plant growth and development. The disulfated pentapeptide phytosulfokine (PSK) mediates growth via leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases, PSKR1 and PSKR2. PSKRs are part of a response module at the plasma membrane that mediates short-term growth responses, but downstream signaling of transcriptional regulation remains unexplored. In Arabidopsis, tyrosine sulfation is catalyzed by a single-copy gene (TPST). We performed a microarray-based transcriptome analysis in the tpst-1 mutant background that lacks sulfated peptides to identify PSK-regulated genes and genes that are regulated by other sulfated peptides. Of the 160 PSK-regulated genes, several had functions in root growth and development in agreement with shorter roots and a higher lateral root density in tpst-1. Further, tpst-1 roots developed higher numbers of root hairs and PSK induced expression of WEREWOLF (WER), its paralog MYB DOMAIN PROTEIN 23 (MYB23) and At1g66800 that maintain non-hair cell fate. The tpst-1 pskr1-3 pskr2-1 mutant showed even shorter roots, and higher lateral root and root hair density than tpst-1 revealing unexpected synergistic effects of ligand and PSK receptor deficiencies. While residual activities may exist, overexpression of PSKR1 in the tpst-1 background induced root growth suggesting that PSKR1 may be active in the absence of sulfated ligands. Highlight Phytosulfokine (PSK) receptor signaling promotes root elongation, determines lateral root density and maintains non-hair cell fate partially independent of TPST responsible for the activating sulfation of PSK.
Neurons interact with the microbiome: an evolutionary-informed perspective

Abstract Animals have evolved within the framework of microbes and are constantly exposed to diverse microbiota. Microbes colonize most, if not all, animal epithelia and influence the activity of many organs, including the nervous system. Therefore, any consideration on nervous system development and function in the absence of the recognition of microbes will be incomplete. Here, we review the current knowledge on the nervous systems of Hydra and its role in the host–microbiome communication. We show that recent advances in molecular and imaging methods are allowing a comprehensive understanding of the capacity of such a seemingly simple nervous system in the context of the metaorganism. We propose that the development, function and evolution of neural circuits must be considered in the context of host–microbe interactions and present Hydra as a strategic model system with great basic and translational relevance for neuroscience.
The dynamic interactions of PTSD symptoms in daily life

Abstract Background: Intensive longitudinal assessments such as experience sampling methodology (ESM)/ecological momentary assessment (EMA) are data collection methods in which participants are prompted to provide data at least once a day over a particular time period on symptoms, emotions, and behaviours, often using mobile technology. In recent years, there has been a rise in ESM/EMA studies in the traumatic stress field (Greene et al., 2018; Chun, 2016; Kleindienst et al., 2017). ESM/EMA approaches enable researchers to ask and answer questions that are not typically possible using traditional methods, such as: How variable is PTSD symptomatology in daily life? Which symptoms and behaviours predict other symptoms and behaviours a few hours later? What is the real-time effect of environmental stressors on mental health? What are the temporal dynamics of symptoms during treatment? (Greene, Gelkopf, Fried, Robinaugh, & Lapid Pickman, 2020; Hoffart, Langkaas, Øktedalen, & Johnson, 2019). Objectives: The objective of the current study was to investigate the dynamic interactions of traumatic symptoms during and after stress exposure using a prospective multi-wave ESM/EMA design. Methods: In this study, 182 Israeli civilians exposed to rocket fire, including 86 with a history of serious mental illness, completed assessments twice daily for 30 days via mobile phone during the Israel-Gaza 2014 conflict (July-August). Three ESM/EMA follow up bursts were conducted 1.5, 3.5, and nearly 6 years later. Respondents completed ESM versions of the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9), and other questions relating to dissociation, perceived threat, social support, and stress exposure. A series of analyses were conducted using R, Mplus and SPSS, including dynamic network analyses, dynamic structural equation models (DSEM), and multilevel mediation analyses. Results: In the peritraumatic phase, dynamic network analyses found that arousal symptoms predicted other PTSD symptoms, as well as negative affect. A multilevel mediation model showed that perceived threat mediated the relationship between stress exposure and traumatic stress symptoms (Lapid Pickman, Greene, & Gelkop, 2017). In the posttraumatic phase (3.5 year follow up), a DSEM found dynamic associations between PTSD and depression symptoms, with elevations in PTSD symptoms predicting elevations in depression symptoms 12 hours later, but not vice versa. Conclusions: ESM/EMA approaches can provide novel insights into the complex and dynamic interactions of PTSD symptoms in daily life, both those that are part of the core PTSD symptomatology, and also with comorbid phenomena, such as perceived threat, negative affect, and depression.
English for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Revisiting multicultural language issues and reforms

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the convergence of multiculturalism and Englishization initiatives as Japan anticipates the influx of a multinational audience for the Summer Olympics. The study argues that Tokyo 2020 provides a strong impetus and opportunity to internalize multiculturalism as a key principle in pursuing Englishization programs in light of the changing sociocultural and demographic landscape. To elaborate this point, this article revisits the language policies and reforms, and the key initiatives in line with Japan’s multicultural agenda. Government data, policy papers on English and foreign language education, news articles, and other sources related to Tokyo 2020 were collected and analyzed. The article recommends rethinking the basic philosophy of English language teaching in Japan: from a framework that prioritizes national discourses, promotion of the Japanese identity, and introduction of English for tourism to a multicultural framework that genuinely seeks to promote appreciation of foreign languages and foreign speakers.
Causal effects of macroeconomic predictors on real estate investment trust’s (REIT’s) performance in Nigeria

ABSTRACT The paper examined the causal effects of macroeconomic predictors on the dividend return performance of the Nigerian Real Estate Investment Trusts (N-REITs) the macroeconomic indicators considered was interest rate (INTR), an exchange rate (EXGR), inflation rate (INFR), market capitalisation (MKCP) and all share index (ASI). The study is quantitative based on secondary data collected from various government institutions and annual financial reports of the Nigeria REITs for the study period (2008–2017). Autoregressive-distributed lag (ARDL) and Bound test were used to analyse the data. The result of the Bound test indicated that N-REIT, INTR and ASI with F-statistic values of 11.07, 5.71 and 4.18, respectively, co-integrated with other macroeconomic predictors, especially for the variable vectors. ASI with t-stat and prob. value 2.9491 and 0.0065, respectively, implies statistically significant contribution of ASI to REIT performance in the long run (p < 0.05). Through ECM, the series was good at convergence and nonexplosive series ect (−1): −4.98 and p-value 0.0000, the macroeconomic predictors have significant explanatory power on N-REIT performance in the short run. The no capital gain nature of the N-REIT constitutes a limitation in this study, while the competitive dividend return is the driving force for the study.
The Community Caretaker Role: How Weekly Newspapers Shielded Their Communities While Covering the Mississippi ICE Raids

ABSTRACT This research puts forward the conceptual journalistic role of “community caretaker. ” A qualitative textual analysis, based on coverage of the largest single-state immigration enforcement sweep in United States history, finds weekly newspapers exhibited this community caretaker role by shielding the region's reputation and protecting local officials, local businesses at the heart of the raids and many local residents. The textual analysis compares the coverage of the 2019 Central Mississippi raids in three national/international news organizations and three weekly newspapers in the rural region. The analysis offers a rare scholarly spotlight on weekly newspapers, using the larger news organizations to identify highlights and absences in the weekly coverage. This research critiques the weekly newspapers, which effectively drew a line between who was considered, and not considered, members of their communities.
Speed of adoption of intensive agricultural practices in Rwanda: A duration analysis

ABSTRACT Maize is one of the main staple food crops grown in Rwanda that forms a significant part of household consumption. However, maize yields in Rwanda have remained low due to the limited adoption of fertilisers and improved seed varieties. This study aims to analyse factors that influence the timing of adoption of fertilisers and improved seed varieties (i.e., intensive agricultural practices) in Rwanda. The duration analysis approach is applied, providing a statistical method that permits the timing of the adoption event to be explicitly modelled in a dynamic framework. The results highlight the importance of social learning and information acquisition through extension services, media, and a network of fellow farmers in increasing adoption rates for fertilisers and improved maize varieties. Similarly, membership in farmers' associations, access to credit, and risk-loving behaviour positively affect the speed of adoption. Policy insights from the study suggest that strategies for promoting faster adoption should focus on providing information through agricultural extension services, media, and a network of fellow farmers. Additionally, farmers' cooperatives should be given priority as a dissemination pathway that can increase adoption speed for fertilisers and improved maize varieties.
Effectiveness of Memorizing an Animated Route - Comparing Satellite and Road Map Differences in the Eye-Tracking Study

There is no consensus on the importance of satellite images in the process of memorizing a route from a map image, especially if the route is displayed on the Internet using dynamic (animated) cartographic visualization. In modern dynamic maps built with JavaScript APIs, background layers can be easily altered by map users. The animation attracts people’s attention better than static images, but it causes some perceptual problems. This study examined the influence of the number of turns on the effectiveness (correctness) and efficiency of memorizing the animated route on different cartographic backgrounds. The routes of three difficulty levels, based on satellite and road background, were compared. The results show that the satellite background was not a significant factor influencing the efficiency and effectiveness of route memorizing. Recordings of the eye movement confirmed this. The study reveals that there were intergroup differences in participants’ visual behavior. Participants who described their spatial abilities as “very good” performed better (in terms of effectiveness and efficiency) in route memorizing tasks. For future research, there is a need to study route variability and its impact on participants’ performance. Moreover, future studies should involve differences in route visualization (e.g., without and with ephemeral or permanent trail).