Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overview of Current Research into Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers

The low-voltage circuit breaker has been used for many years for network and persons protection. The review papers existing on these devices generally deal with electrical aspects or macroscopic information on the arc but few concern the "fine" understanding of arc behaviour from its ignition between the opening contact to the current limitation stage due to its presence in the splitter plates. In this paper, we focus our attention on this point. We firstly describe the working of such devices, their limitations and the different phenomena occurring during breaking. Then, the difficulties involved with understanding the behaviour of the arc are identified and discussed in two main sections: physical arc characteristics and the study of arc movement during the breaking process. A review of the papers dealing with these subjects is proposed: both experimental and theoretical results from the literature are confronted and discussed and technical difficulties identified.
Blockade of BDNF signaling turns chemically‐induced long‐term potentiation into long‐term depression

Long‐term potentiation (LTP) is accompanied by increased spine density and dimensions triggered by signaling cascades involving activation of the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytoskeleton remodeling. Chemically‐induced long‐term potentiation (c‐LTP) is a widely used cellular model of plasticity, whose effects on spines have been poorly investigated. We induced c‐LTP by bath‐application of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) coagonist glycine or by the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) chloride in cultured hippocampal neurons and compared the changes in dendritic spines induced by the two models of c‐LTP and determined if they depend on BDNF/TrkB signaling. We found that both TEA and glycine induced a significant increase in stubby spine density in primary and secondary apical dendrites, whereas a specific increase in mushroom spine density was observed upon TEA application only in primary dendrites. Both TEA and glycine increased BDNF levels and the blockade of tropomyosin‐receptor‐kinase receptors (TrkRs) by the nonselective tyrosine kinase inhibitor K‐252a or the selective allosteric TrkB receptor (TrkBR) inhibitor ANA‐12, abolished the c‐LTP‐induced increase in spine density. Surprisingly, a blockade of TrkBRs did not change basal spontaneous glutamatergic transmission but completely changed the synaptic plasticity induced by c‐LTP, provoking a shift from a long‐term increase to a long‐term depression (LTD) in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequency. In conclusion, these results suggest that BDNF/TrkB signaling is necessary for c‐LTP‐induced plasticity in hippocampal neurons and its blockade leads to a switch of c‐LTP into chemical‐LTD (c‐LTD). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation enhances embryonic neural stem cell apoptosis in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Alterations in embryonic neural stem cells play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We hypothesized that embryonic neural stem cells from SOD1G93A individuals might be more susceptible to oxidative injury, resulting in a propensity for neurodegeneration at later stages. In this study, embryonic neural stem cells obtained from human superoxide dismutase 1 mutant (SOD1G93A) and wild-type (SOD1WT) mouse models were exposed to H2O2. We assayed cell viability with mitochondrial succinic dehydrogenase colorimetric reagent, and measured cell apoptosis by flow cytometry. Moreover, we evaluated the expression of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α-subunit, paired box 3 (Pax3) protein, and p53 in western blot analyses. Compared with SOD1WT cells, SOD1G93A embryonic neural stem cells were more likely to undergo H2O2-induced apoptosis. Phosphorylation of AMPKα in SOD1G93A cells was higher than that in SOD1WT cells. Pax3 expression was inversely correlated with the phosphorylation levels of AMPKα. p53 protein levels were also correlated with AMPKα phosphorylation levels. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPKα, attenuated the effects of H2O2. These results suggest that embryonic neural stem cells from SOD1G93A mice are more susceptible to apoptosis in the presence of oxidative stress compared with those from wild-type controls, and the effects are mainly mediated by Pax3 and p53 in the AMPKα pathway.
Locating user attention using eye tracking and EEG for spatio-temporal event selection

In expert video analysis, the selection of certain events in a continuous video stream is a frequently occurring operation, e.g., in surveillance applications. Due to the dynamic and rich visual input, the constantly high attention and the required hand-eye coordination for mouse interaction, this is a very demanding and exhausting task. Hence, relevant events might be missed. We propose to use eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) as additional input modalities for event selection. From eye tracking, we derive the spatial location of a perceived event and from patterns in the EEG signal we derive its temporal location within the video stream. This reduces the amount of the required active user input in the selection process, and thus has the potential to reduce the user's workload. In this paper, we describe the employed methods for the localization processes and introduce the developed scenario in which we investigate the feasibility of this approach. Finally, we present and discuss results on the accuracy and the speed of the method and investigate how the modalities interact.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act in Georgia

Implementation of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 (BCCPTA) allowed states to extend Medicaid to any woman aged <65 without insurance screened and found to need treatment either for breast or cervical cancer or for a precancerous cervical condition through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) or in Georgia, other provider sites.
Approximating a Behavioural Pseudometric without Discount for Probabilistic Systems

Desharnais, Gupta, Jagadeesan and Panangaden introduced a family of behavioural pseudometrics for probabilistic transition systems. These pseudometrics are a quantitative analogue of probabilistic bisimilarity. Distance zero captures probabilistic bisimilarity. Each pseudometric has a discount factor, a real number in the interval (0, 1]. The smaller the discount factor, the more the future is discounted. If the discount factor is one, then the future is not discounted at all. Desharnais et al. showed that the behavioural distances can be calculated up to any desired degree of accuracy if the discount factor is smaller than one. In this paper, we show that the distances can also be approximated if the future is not discounted. A key ingredient of our algorithm is Tarski's decision procedure for the first order theory over real closed fields. By exploiting the Kantorovich-Rubinstein duality theorem we can restrict to the existential fragment for which more efficient decision procedures exist.
Multi-objective portfolio optimization and rebalancing using genetic algorithms with local search

The Portfolio Optimization problem is an example of a resource allocation problem with money as the resource to be allocated to assets. We first have to select the assets from a pool of them available in the market and then assign proper weights to them to maximize the return and minimize the risk associated with the Portfolio. In our work, we have introduced a new “greedy coordinate ascent mutation operator” and we have also included the trading volumes concept. We performed simulations with the past data of NASDAQ100 and DowJones30, concentrating mainly on the 2008 recession period. We also compared our results with the indices and the simple Genetic Algorithms approach.
Clustering gene expression data using a graph-theoretic approach: an application of minimum spanning trees

MOTIVATION Gene expression data clustering provides a powerful tool for studying functional relationships of genes in a biological process. Identifying correlated expression patterns of genes represents the basic challenge in this clustering problem. RESULTS This paper describes a new framework for representing a set of multi-dimensional gene expression data as a Minimum Spanning Tree (MST), a concept from the graph theory. A key property of this representation is that each cluster of the expression data corresponds to one subtree of the MST, which rigorously converts a multi-dimensional clustering problem to a tree partitioning problem. We have demonstrated that though the inter-data relationship is greatly simplified in the MST representation, no essential information is lost for the purpose of clustering. Two key advantages in representing a set of multi-dimensional data as an MST are: (1) the simple structure of a tree facilitates efficient implementations of rigorous clustering algorithms, which otherwise are highly computationally challenging; and (2) as an MST-based clustering does not depend on detailed geometric shape of a cluster, it can overcome many of the problems faced by classical clustering algorithms. Based on the MST representation, we have developed a number of rigorous and efficient clustering algorithms, including two with guaranteed global optimality. We have implemented these algorithms as a computer software EXpression data Clustering Analysis and VisualizATiOn Resource (EXCAVATOR). To demonstrate its effectiveness, we have tested it on three data sets, i.e. expression data from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, expression data in response of human fibroblasts to serum, and Arabidopsis expression data in response to chitin elicitation. The test results are highly encouraging. AVAILABILITY EXCAVATOR is available on request from the authors.
Residue depletion of ivermectin in broiler poultry

ABSTRACT Helminth infections are widespread in the poultry industry. There is evidence of extra-label use of some drugs, such as ivermectin (IVM), in broiler poultry. Pharmacokinetic and residual studies of IVM in poultry, however, are rather scarce. Our aim was to determine time restrictions for broiler chickens fed with balanced feed mixed with IVM for 21 days, and thus achieve acceptable residual levels for consumption as established by the European Union. Sixty 1-day-old chicks were fed with food supplemented with IVM at 5 mg kg–1 feed for 21 days. Groups of six treated animals were sacrificed at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 15, 20 and 28 days after treatment. Liver, skin/fat, kidney and muscle samples were obtained. IVM were determined by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after automatic solid-phase extraction with SPE C18 cartridges. The highest concentrations were measured in the liver, which is logical given that IVM is a drug that undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism. The optimal withdrawal time for edible tissues of these animals to stay within the permitted residual levels were: 12 days for liver, 8 days for skin/fat, 0 days for muscle and 10 days for kidney. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Iodinated Contrast Opacification Gradients in Normal Coronary Arteries Imaged With Prospectively ECG-Gated Single Heart Beat 320-Detector Row Computed Tomography

Background—To define and evaluate coronary contrast opacification gradients using prospectively ECG-gated single heart beat 320-detector row coronary angiography (CTA). Methods and Results—Thirty-six patients with normal coronary arteries determined by 320×0.5-mm detector row coronary CTA were retrospectively evaluated with customized image postprocessing software to measure Hounsfield Units at 1-mm intervals orthogonal to the artery center line. Linear regression determined correlation between mean Hounsfield Units and distance from the coronary ostium (regression slope defined as the distance gradient Gd), lumen cross-sectional area (Ga), and lumen short-axis diameter (Gs). For each gradient, differences between the 3 coronary arteries were analyzed with ANOVA. Linear regression determined correlations between measured gradients, heart rate, body mass index, and cardiac phase. To determine feasibility in lesions, all 3 gradients were evaluated in 22 consecutive patients with left anterior descending artery lesions ≥50% stenosis. For all 3 coronary arteries in all patients, the gradients Ga and Gs were significantly different from zero (P<0.0001), highly linear (Pearson r values, 0.77 to 0.84), and had no significant difference between the left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries (P>0.503). The distance gradient Gd demonstrated nonlinearities in a small number of vessels and was significantly smaller in the right coronary artery when compared with the left coronary system (P<0.001). Gradient variations between cardiac phases, heart rates, body mass index, and readers were low. Gradients in patients with lesions were significantly different (P<0.021) than in patients considered normal by CTA. Conclusions—Measurement of contrast opacification gradients from temporally uniform coronary CTA demonstrates feasibility and reproducibility in patients with normal coronary arteries. For all patients, the gradients defined with respect to the coronary lumen cross-sectional area and short-axis diameters are highly linear, not significantly influenced by the coronary artery (left anterior descending artery versus left circumflex versus right coronary artery), and have only small variation with respect to patient parameters. Preliminary evaluation of gradients across coronary artery lesions is promising but requires additional study.
A Single-Bit 500 kHz-10 MHz Multimode Power-Performance Scalable 83-to-67 dB DR CTΔΣ for SDR in 90 nm Digital CMOS

Wireless environments, high data rates and increased digitization require A/D converters with high dynamic range and large bandwidth at the lowest possible power consumption. A fully flexible continuous-time (CT) Δ Σ with programmable bandwidth, resolution and power consumption in 1.2 V 90 nm CMOS is presented able to satisfy those demands. By introducing flexibility into the core building blocks, a DR of 67/72/78/83 dB is achieved in maximum performance mode for WLAN, DVB, UMTS and BT for a power consumption of 6.8/5.5/6.4/5.0 mW, respectively. GSM operation is also feasible with a DR of 87 dB. For a given bandwidth, the flexibility allows to obtain the lowest power consumption for a desired performance. The overall energy efficiency is reached with a single-bit CT Δ Σ modulator avoiding high speed DEM circuits. Its low power consumption especially for high bandwidths is realized thanks to architecture and circuit level optimization. Linearity enhanced integrators, a threshold configurable comparator enabling loop delay compensation and optimized DAC implementations for jitter and avoiding signal dependency in the feedback pulses due to a large voltage swing are employed to increase the performance. The respective FOM equals 0.24/0.27/0.41/0.85 pJ per conversion.
Stability of Product Lines with Composition Filters : An Exploratory Study

With system development becoming increasingly incremental, design stability stands out as one of the most desirable software quality attributes. Development of stable software systems is particularly challenging in the domain of software product lines (SPLs), where their core architecture, set of features, and multiple products are continuously evolving. Contemporary programming languages, such as Compose*, are promising solutions to support enhanced SPL stability through the notion of composition filters. Aspect-oriented and feature-oriented programming models have often being used and assessed in the context of SPL development. However, there is little empirical knowledge on which situations such composition filters mechanisms, in fact, can be used to build SPLs with superior stability. This paper presents an exploratory study that compares the stability of Compose* and AspectJ implementations through multiple releases of two product lines. These implementations are evaluated by means of independentlyvalidated stability metrics. Our results show that the use of Compose* to implement non-functional features and interacting code-sharing features often foster more stable SPL designs than AspectJ ones.
The Use of Registries to Improve Cancer Treatment: A National Database for Patients Treated with Interleukin-2 (IL-2)

Registries evaluating un-randomized patients have provided valuable information with respect to a therapy’s utility, treatment practices, and evolution over time. While immunotherapy for cancer has been around for more than three decades, data collection in the form of a registry has not been undertaken. The authors believe that establishing a registry to study HD IL-2 immunotherapy, which has been the only systemic therapy producing long term unmaintained remissions for advanced kidney cancer and melanoma for over 20 years, will be an important resource in understanding the impact of immunotherapy with HD IL-2 in a rapidly changing therapeutic environment. Optimizing administration and improving selection of appropriate patients likely to benefit from HD IL-2 immunotherapy are two of many benefits to be derived from this endeavor.
Diagnostic methods to assess inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength*

Impairment of (inspiratory and expiratory) respiratory muscles is a common clinical finding, not only in patients with neuromuscular disease but also in patients with primary disease of the lung parenchyma or airways. Although such impairment is common, its recognition is usually delayed because its signs and symptoms are nonspecific and late. This delayed recognition, or even the lack thereof, occurs because the diagnostic tests used in the assessment of respiratory muscle strength are not widely known and available. There are various methods of assessing respiratory muscle strength during the inspiratory and expiratory phases. These methods are divided into two categories: volitional tests (which require patient understanding and cooperation); and non-volitional tests. Volitional tests, such as those that measure maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, are the most commonly used because they are readily available. Non-volitional tests depend on magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve accompanied by the measurement of inspiratory mouth pressure, inspiratory esophageal pressure, or inspiratory transdiaphragmatic pressure. Another method that has come to be widely used is ultrasound imaging of the diaphragm. We believe that pulmonologists involved in the care of patients with respiratory diseases should be familiar with the tests used in order to assess respiratory muscle function.Therefore, the aim of the present article is to describe the advantages, disadvantages, procedures, and clinical applicability of the main tests used in the assessment of respiratory muscle strength.
Highly Overlapping Winter Diet in Two Sympatric Lemming Species Revealed by DNA Metabarcoding

Sympatric species are expected to minimize competition by partitioning resources, especially when these are limited. Herbivores inhabiting the High Arctic in winter are a prime example of a situation where food availability is anticipated to be low, and thus reduced diet overlap is expected. We present here the first assessment of diet overlap of high arctic lemmings during winter based on DNA metabarcoding of feces. In contrast to previous analyses based on microhistology, we found that the diets of both collared (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) and brown lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus) on Bylot Island were dominated by Salix while mosses, which were significantly consumed only by the brown lemming, were a relatively minor food item. The most abundant plant taxon, Cassiope tetragona, which alone composes more than 50% of the available plant biomass, was not detected in feces and can thus be considered to be non-food. Most plant taxa that were identified as food items were consumed in proportion to their availability and none were clearly selected for. The resulting high diet overlap, together with a lack of habitat segregation, indicates a high potential for resource competition between the two lemming species. However, Salix is abundant in the winter habitats of lemmings on Bylot Island and the non-Salix portion of the diets differed between the two species. Also, lemming grazing impact on vegetation during winter in the study area is negligible. Hence, it seems likely that the high potential for resource competition predicted between these two species did not translate into actual competition. This illustrates that even in environments with low primary productivity food resources do not necessarily generate strong competition among herbivores.
Flux Recovery and A Posteriori Error Estimators: Conforming Elements for Scalar Elliptic Equations

In this paper, we first study two flux recovery procedures for the conforming finite element approximation to general second-order elliptic partial differential equations. One is accurate in a weighted $L^2$ norm studied in [Z. Cai and S. Zhang, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. , 47 (2009), pp. 2132-2156] for linear elements, and the other is accurate in a weighted $H(\mathrm{div})$ norm, up to the accuracy of the current finite element approximation. For the $L^2$ recovered flux, we introduce and analyze an a posteriori error estimator that is more accurate than the explicit residual-based estimator. Based on the $H(\mathrm{div})$ recovered flux, we introduce two a posteriori error estimators. One estimator may be regarded as an extension of the recovery-based estimator studied in [Z. Cai and S. Zhang, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. , 47 (2009), pp. 2132-2156] to higher-order conforming elements. The global reliability and the local efficiency bounds for this estimator are established provided that the underlying problem is neither convection- nor reaction-dominant. The other is proved to be exact locally and globally on any given mesh with no regularity assumptions with respect to a norm depending on the underlying problem. Numerical results on test problems for these estimators are also presented.
Neurodevelopment in Seizure‐prone and Seizure‐resistant Rat Strains: Recognizing Conflicts in Management

Summary: Cytoarchitectural alterations during central nervous system (CNS) development are believed to underlie aberrations in brain morphology that lead to epilepsy. We have recently reported marked reductions in hippocampal and white matter volumes along with relative ventriculomegaly in a rat strain bred to be seizure‐prone (FAST) compared to a strain bred to be seizure‐resistant (SLOW) ( Gilby et al., 2002 , American Epilepsy Society 56th Annual Meeting). This study was designed to investigate deviations in gene expression during late‐phase embryogenesis within the brains of FAST and SLOW rats. In this way, we hoped to identify molecular mechanisms operating differentially during neurodevelopment that might ultimately create the observed differences in brain morphology and/or seizure susceptibility. Using Superarray technology, we compared the expression level of 112 genes, known to play a role in neurodevelopment, within whole brains of embryonic day 21 (E21) FAST and SLOW rats. Results revealed that while most genes investigated showed near equivalent expression levels, both Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and the β2 subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel (SCN2β) were significantly underexpressed in brains of the seizure‐prone embryos. Currently, these transcripts have no known interactions during embryogenesis; however, they have both been independently linked to seizure disposition and/or neurodevelopmental aberrations leading to epilepsy. Thus, alterations in the timing and/or degree of expression for APOE and SCN2β may be important to developmental cascades that ultimately give rise to the differing brain morphologies, behaviors, and/or seizure vulnerabilities that characterize these strains.