Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metrics on universal covering of projective variety

Let U be a universal covering of a connected nonsingular projective variety X with large and residually finite fundamental group. We construct metrics on U and provide another version of the uniformization theorem, namely: if the fundamental group of X is, in addition, nonamenable then U is a bounded Stein domain. The Appendix contains a proof of the Shafarevich conjecture provided the fundamental group is residually finite.
Automatic detection of three cell types in a microscope image based on deep learning

With the continuous integration of deep learning and the technique of molecular biology, target detection models must accurately detect the position of each cell in the image and classify it correctly. We present a model for the multi‐scale feature fusion of the existing human cell image dataset based on Gaussian mixedly clustering. First, a novel feature extraction network for extracting preliminary features at picture multi scales was presented, which was based on a residual neural network with Instance Normalization and a Mish activation function. Second, the presented model adopts the idea of feature fusion and introduced a new type of feature fusion network to integrate feature graphs on different scales. Furthermore, a Gaussian hybrid clustering algorithm was proposed to cluster the hyperparameters. Based on the experimental results, the average accuracy of the proposed model in the human cell image dataset exceeds 0.96, which improves by 11.9% compared with the existing target detection methods in the same field. Experiments show that the proposed model had been adapted to datasets with uneven sample distribution, providing new ideas for research on medical images.
Identifying Silicides Via Plasmon Loss Satellites in Photoemission of the Ru-Si System

The phase and composition of several transition metal silicides are challenging to identify with common surface analysis techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). While silicide formation is concomitant with a distinct change in electronic structure, only minute changes in the main spectral features are observed for example for the family of Ru silicides. Here, the authors combine XPS, grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory calculations to demonstrate that the characteristic excitation energies of plasmons in Ru and its silicides are a sensitive and easily accessible descriptor that reflects the change in electronic structure upon the formation of specific silicides in the XPS spectra. Electron energy loss satellites are reported to shift by more than 4 eV upon the formation of Ru silicide, by 1.1 eV between RuSi and Ru 2 Si 3 and by 1.9 eV across the measured range of silicide layers, making these changes accessible even for basic experimental equipment. In the context of literature on metal silicides and electron energy loss spectroscopy, this approach is considered promising as a general pathway to enhance the chemical sensitivity of surface spectroscopy methods.
Patterns and Trends in the Publication of Natural History Notes in Herpetology Journals Over the Past Decade

Abstract. The ongoing global decline in the species diversity of amphibians and reptiles, and limited resources to study natural history, reinforce the need for the adequate sampling of all the different information pertaining to biological diversity that characterizes these organisms. Decision-making processes by conservationists should be based on reliable knowledge, and the analysis of the scientific literature guarantees access to the available biological information. We assessed the major herpetology journals and described the patterns and trends in the publication of natural history notes on amphibians and reptiles on a global scale over the past decade. Our results show that there is considerable geographic and taxonomic bias in the studies reported in the notes, with the United States, Brazil, and Mexico representing the top countries, and Bufonidae, Craugastoridae, Agamidae, and Colubridae the top families in publications. Research efforts were not influenced systematically by the conservation status target species, and we recorded more studies related to nonendangered species than to endangered ones. Overall, natural history notes have great potential for reducing knowledge shortfalls in herpetology studies. Resumo. A existência de um padrão global de declínio de espécies de anfíbios e répteis, e os recursos limitados para o estudo da história natural, reforçam a necessidade de representar suficientemente todos os gradientes da diversidade biológica que caracteriza esses grupos. As decisões conservacionistas devem ser baseadas em conhecimentos confiáveis, sendo a análise da produção científica uma estratégia eficiente, permitindo o uso de informações biológicas disponíveis. Avaliamos as revistas da área de herpetologia e descrevemos os padrões e as tendências na publicação de notas científicas relacionadas aos anfíbios e répteis, em escala global na última década. Nossos resultados demonstram que há uma considerável propensão geográfica e taxonômica nos estudos reportados pelas notas científicas, sendo os Estados Unidos, Brasil e México os principais países e Bufonidae, Craugastoridae, Agamidae e Colubrida as principais famílias nas publicações. Além disso, identificamos que as publicações de notas científicas são enviesadas taxonomicamente, sendo observado maior número de notas científicas por espécies de répteis do que de anfíbios. O esforço de pesquisa não foi motivado pela categoria de ameaça, sendo que, espécies não ameaçadas de extinção foram consideravelmente mais estudadas do que aquelas classificadas como ameaçadas. Dentre as principais lacunas de conhecimento, as notas científicas, se compiladas, podem contribuir para a redução de lacunas de conhecimento.
Parkinson’s Disease and Sugar Intake—Reasons for and Consequences of a Still Unclear Craving

Lately, studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) report a strong craving for sweets and consume significantly more fast-acting carbohydrates than healthy controls. Consuming food with a high-sugar content is assumed to lead to an increase in insulin concentration, which could positively influence dopamine concentration in the brain and unconsciously be used by patients as kind of “self-medication” to compensate for a lack of dopamine in PD. On the other hand, high-sugar intake could also lead to insulin resistance and diabetes, which is discussed as a causative factor for progressive neurodegeneration in PD. In this critical appraisal, we discuss the role of sugar intake and insulin on dopamine metabolism in patients with PD and how this could influence the potential neurodegeneration mediated by insulin resistance.
Auto-Regression Model-Based Off-Line PID Controller Tuning: An Adaptive Strategy for DC Motor Control

Brushed (B) and Brushless (BL) DC motors constitute the cornerstone of mechatronic systems regardless their sizes (including miniaturized), in which both position and speed control tasks require the application of sophisticated algorithms. This manuscript addresses the initial step using time series analysis to forecast Back EMF values, thereby enabling the elaboration of real-time adaptive fine-tuning strategies for PID controllers in such a control system design problem. An Auto-Regressive Moving Average (ARMA) model is developed to estimate the DC motor parameter, which evolves in time due to the system’s imperfection (i.e., unpredictable duty cycle) and influences the closed-loop performance. The methodology is executed offline; thus, it highlights the applicability of collected BDC motor measurements in time series analysis. The proposed method updates the PID controller gains based on the Simulink ™ controller tuning toolbox. The contribution of this approach is shown in a comparative study that indicates an opportunity to use time series analysis to forecast DC motor parameters, to re-tune PID controller gains, and to obtain similar performance under the same perturbation conditions. The research demonstrates the practical applicability of the proposed method for fine-tuning/re-tuning controllers in real-time. The results show the inclusion of the time series analysis to recalculate controller gains as an alternative for adaptive control.
Foliar‐applied manganese and phosphorus in deficient barley: Linking absorption pathways and leaf nutrient status

Abstract Foliar fertilization delivers essential nutrients directly to plant tissues, reducing excessive soil fertilizer applications that can lead to eutrophication following nutrient leaching. Foliar nutrient absorption is a dynamic process affected by leaf surface structure and composition, plant nutrient status, and ion physicochemical properties. We applied multiple methods to study the foliar absorption behaviors of manganese (Mn) and phosphorus (P) in nutrient‐deficient spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) at two growth stages. Nutrient‐specific chlorophyll a fluorescence assays were used to visualize leaf nutrient status, while laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) was used to visualize foliar absorption pathways for P and Mn ions. Rapid Mn absorption was facilitated by a relatively thin cuticle with a low abundance of waxes and a higher stomatal density in Mn‐deficient plants. Following absorption, Mn accumulated in epidermal cells and in the photosynthetically active mesophyll, enabling a fast (6 h) restoration of Mn‐dependent photosynthetic processes. Conversely, P‐deficient plants developed thicker cuticles and epidermal cell walls, which reduced the penetration of P across the leaf surface. Foliar‐applied P accumulated in trichomes and fiber cells above leaf veins without reaching the mesophyll and, as a consequence, no restoration of P‐dependent photosynthetic processes was observed. This study reveals new links between leaf surface morphology, foliar‐applied ion absorption pathways, and the restoration of affected physiological processes in nutrient‐deficient leaves. Understanding that ions may have different absorption pathways across the leaf surface is critical for the future development of efficient fertilization strategies for crops in nutrient‐limited soils.
Reduced critical thickness for relaxing heteroepitaxial films on compliant substrates

It is argued that heteroepitaxial thin films (layers) grown on a compliant substrate are not able to relax their strain elastically by large-area slip across a “weak” layer. Instead, the Matthews model of plastic relaxation is modified by supposing that the interfacial misfit dislocations relax their strain field or even disappear into the weak layer. Consequently, the moving film-threading dislocations experience a reduced drag force. Therefore, the critical film thickness is lowered, in contrast to the enhanced thickness predicted by current theories. A quantitative estimate is given which depends on the nature of the weak layer. Implications include a larger free slip path and potentially a lower density of film-threading dislocations.
Graph and Hypergraph Decompositions for Exact Algorithms

This thesis studies exact exponential and fixed-parameter algorithms for hard graph and hypergraph problems. Specifically, we study two techniques that can be used in the development of such algorithms: (i) combinatorial decompositions of both the input instance and the solution, and (ii) evaluation of multilinear forms over semirings. In the first part of the thesis we develop new algorithms for graph and hypergraph problems based on techniques (i) and (ii). While these techniques are independently both useful, the work presented in this part is largely characterised by their joint application. That is, combining results from different pieces of the decompositions often takes the from of multilinear form evaluation task, and on the other hand, decompositions offer the basic structure for dynamic-programming-style algorithms for the evaluation of multilinear forms. As main positive results of the first part, we give algorithms for three different problem families. First, we give a fast evaluation algorithm for linear forms defined by a disjointness matrix of small sets. This can be applied to obtain faster algorithms for counting maximum-weight objects of small size, such as k-paths in graphs. Second, we give a general framework for exponential-time algorithms for finding maximum-weight subgraphs of bounded tree-width, based on the theory of tree decompositions. Besides
Twitter Tips, Tricks, and Tweets

Maximize your fun and boost your productivity with this updated, full-color guide to tantalizing Twitter tips! The popularity of Twitter continues to soar, and is fast becoming the most popular social networking site online. Whether you're looking to learn how to set up an account for the first time or are on the prowl for some cool third-party Twitter apps, this full-color guide will boost your entire Twitter experience. Allowing you to communicate with fellow Twitters within a 140-character limit, this fun and fascinating social networking tool is easier than maintaining a blog and quicker than sending an e-mail or text. With these tips, tricks, and tweets, you'll stay in the know and up to date on anything and everything you find interesting. Explores the newest Twitter features, including the new re-tweet feature, which adds a re-tweet button to each tweet on a person's timeline, much like the sites current "reply" button Discusses Twitter's new search widget, which is more sophisticated and precise Shows how to use the just-announced Geolocation API, which adds location-based information to tweets Explains how to tweet from mobile devices Shows how to add Twitter to a blog or to other social networking sites such as Facebook Offers ideas for using Twitter in business as well as for personal contacts Covers Twitter terminology and provides helpful tips and tricks for expanding Twitter's usefulness through third-party applications Explore the possibilities of Twitter and discover what the buzz is all about with this tremendously terrific guide to Twitter!
Sophorolipid Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammation in RAW264.7 Cells through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Objectives: Biosurfactants with anti-inflammatory activity may alleviate skin irritation caused by synthetic surfactants in cleaning products. Sophorolipid (SL) is a promising alternative to synthetic surfactants. However, there are few reports on the anti-inflammatory activity of SL and the underlying mechanism. The purpose of this work is to verify that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation could be inhibited through targeting the pathway of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in RAW264.7 cells. Methods: The influence of SL on cytokine release was investigated by LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells using ELISA. The quantification of the protein expression of corresponding molecular markers was realized by Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the levels of Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The relative expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was determined by RT-PCR. An immunofluorescence assay and confocal microscope were used to observe the NF-κB/p65 translocation from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. The likely targets of SL were predicted by molecular docking analysis. Results: SL showed anti-inflammatory activity and reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO). The experimental results show that SL suppressed the Ca2+ and ROS levels influx in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and alleviated the LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2, the LPS-induced translocation of NF-κB (p65) from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, and the expression of phosphorylated proteins such as p65 and IκBα. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis showed that SL may inhibit inflammatory signaling by competing with LPS to bind TLR4/MD-2 through hydrophobic interactions and by inhibiting IKKβ activation through the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that SL exerted anti-inflammatory activity via the pathway of NF-κB in RAW264.7 cells.
Process monitoring in submerged abrasive waterjet cutting of Ti6Al4V by vibration signal

ABSTRACT The submerged AWJ reduces the supersonic cutting noise, reduces the divergence of the jet, and improves the performance characteristics, but affects the visibility of the workpiece. Hence, this work deals with the monitoring of the combined effect of responses, termed as the multi-response performance index (MRPI), by vibration signals. Firstly, the unsubmerged and submerged AWJs are compared, and the submerged condition gave an average improvement of 1.9 mm in depth of cut, 2.1 mm in smooth cutting zone, 1.03 mm in kerf width, and 1.4 µm in roughness. Furthermore, the TOPSIS method is applied to combine the aforementioned responses into MRPI. The wavelet transform (WT) was used to extract information from the vibration signals, and the features selected by principal component analysis were fed as inputs to ANN and ANFIS techniques. In ANN, 20 architectures were compared for the prediction of MRPI, and the architecture 4-8-4-1 gave a minimum mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.065, and ANFIS gave a minimum MAE of 0.03. Overall, the integrated WT-ANFIS efficiently predicted the MRPI. Finally, the most influential parameters affecting the MRPI were found to be the pressure followed by the transverse rate with contributions of 44% and 21%.
An Oral Polyphenol Formulation to Modulate the Ocular Surface Inflammatory Process and to Improve the Symptomatology Associated with Dry Eye Disease

Due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-angiogenic effects, polyphenols are first-rate candidates to prevent or treat chronic diseases in which oxidative stress-induced inflammation plays a role in disease pathogenesis. Dry eye disease (DED) is a common pathology, on which novel phenolic compound formulations have been tested as an adjuvant therapeutic approach. However, polyphenols are characterized by limited stability and solubility, insolubility in water, very rapid metabolism, and a very short half-life. Thus, they show poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations and improve their stability and bioavailability, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of an oral formulation containing among other compounds, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, with the addition of a surfactant in patients with DED. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four study groups including the study formulation (A), placebo (P), the study formulation + eye lubricant (A + L), and placebo + eye lubricant (P + L). Patients from the A and P groups were instructed to take two capsules every 24 h, while patients in the L groups also added one drop of lubricant twice a day for 12 weeks as well. Regarding safety, non-ocular abnormalities were observed during study formulation therapy. Liver function tests did not show any statistically significant difference (baseline vs. week 4). Concerning efficacy, there was a statistically significant difference between baseline, month 1, and month 3 in the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) test results in both treatment groups (group A and group A + L). Furthermore, both groups showed statistically significant differences between baseline and month 3 regarding the non-invasive film tear breakup time (NIF-BUT) score and a positive trend related to Shirmer’s test at month 3. The non-invasive average breakup time (NIAvg-BUT) score showed a statistically significant difference at month 3 when compared with baseline in the A + L group. The P + L group showed a statistically significant difference in terms of the OSDI questionary between baseline and month 3. Regarding the lissamine green staining, the A + L group showed a statistical difference between baseline and month 3 (p = 0.0367). The placebo + lubricant group did not show statistically significant differences. Finally, the placebo group did not show any data with statistically significant differences. Consequently, this polyphenol formulation as a primary treatment outperformed the placebo alone, and the polyphenol oral formulation used as an adjuvant to artificial tears was superior to the combination of the placebo and the artificial tears. Thus, our data strongly suggest that this polyphenol oral formulation improves visual strain symptoms and tear film status in patients with mild to moderate DED.
The Seed Coat’s Impact on Crop Performance in Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Seed development in angiosperms produces three genetically and developmentally distinct sub-compartments: the embryo, endosperm, and seed coat. The maternally derived seed coat protects the embryo and interacts closely with the external environment especially during germination and seedling establishment. Seed coat is a key contributor to seed composition and an important determinant of nutritional value for humans and livestock. In this review, we examined pea crop productivity through the lens of the seed coat, its contribution to several valued nutritional traits of the pea crop, and its potential as a breeding target. Key discoveries made in advancing the knowledge base for sensing and transmission of external signals, the architecture and chemistry of the pea seed coat, and relevant insights from other important legumes were discussed. Furthermore, for selected seed coat traits, known mechanisms of genetic regulation and efforts to modulate these mechanisms to facilitate composition and productivity improvements in pea were discussed, alongside opportunities to support the continued development and improvement of this underutilized crop. This review describes the most important features of seed coat development in legumes and highlights the key roles played by the seed coat in pea seed development, with a focus on advances made in the genetic and molecular characterization of pea and other legumes and the potential of this key seed tissue for targeted improvement and crop optimization.
A Comparative Analysis of CAD Management in Architectural Schools in Jordan

: The paper reports on a survey study which examines architectural education trends arising from the changes in CAD management in architectural schools in Jordan. The findings reflect selected results from the views of thirteen (13) architecture faculties/schools through a nation-wide questionnaire survey. The survey was structured to cover both private and public universities in Jordan, represented by faculties of engineering, architecture and design. Structurally, the main findings of this study are summarized under six areas, some of which are demographic and socioeconomic factors, CAD competences amongst both staff and students, and CAD and social networks. The study found traditional trends in CAD teaching in connection with conventional thinking, some highlighted results were mainly concentrated in the lack of CAD improvement in curricula and teaching methodologies amongst schools. The majority of student respondents were females (144) (53.3%). The CAD packages found to be most highly used throughout universities were AutoCAD, 3D Max, Sketch-up, and Adobe Suite. The importance of new technologies, electronic book, and the social network aspects in enhancing CAD and 3D modeling software integration with the design studio was affirmed yet no relationship to the gender was noted.