Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electronic states of intrinsic surface and bulk vacancies in FeS2

Understanding the stability and reactivity of iron sulfide phases is key to developing predictive capabilities for assessing their corrosion and catalytic activity. The differences between the free surface and the bulk interior of such phases are of particular importance in this context. Here, we employ density functional theory to investigate the formation energetics and electronic structure of intrinsic Fe and S vacancies in bulk pyrite (FeS2) and on the pyrite (100) surface. The formation energies of intrinsic bulk vacancies of all charge states are found to be high, ranging from 1.7 to 3.7 eV. While the formation energies of surface vacancies are lower, varying from 1.4 to 2.1 eV for S vacancies and from 0.3 to 1.7 eV for Fe vacancies, they are too large to result in significant sub-stoichiometry in bulk pyrite at moderate temperatures. On the basis of charged defect formation energies and defect equilibria calculations, intrinsic charge carriers are expected to outnumber point defects by several orders of magnitude, and therefore, pure pyrite is not expected to demonstrate p-type or n-type conductivity. The presence of surface states is observed to cause a reduction in the band gap at the (100) surface, which was captured computationally and experimentally using tunneling spectroscopy measurements in this work. The vacancy-induced defect states behave as acceptor-like or donor-like defect states within the bulk band gap. The findings on the stoichiometry and the electronic structure of active sites on the (100) surface have important implications for the reactivity of pyrite.
Coordinated Economic Dispatch of Coupled Transmission and Distribution Systems Using Heterogeneous Decomposition

Because distributed generations are extensively integrated into active distribution grids (ADGs), the transmission and distribution coordinated economic dispatch (TDCED) should be investigated to optimally dispatch the generation resources and evaluate the locational marginal prices (LMPs) of the entire system. In this paper, the TDCED problem is formulated, and a new heterogeneous decomposition (HGD) algorithm is proposed. In the HGD algorithm, the transmission LMP at the boundary bus and ADGs' power are exchanged among transmission and ADGs. The optimality and convergency of HGD are proven and numerically verified. In addition, several related issues are further discussed: a) methods to improve the convergency of HGD, b) considerations regarding security issues and voltage constraints in TDCED and corresponding modified HGD algorithms, and c) the practicality of HGD in either separate or transparent interaction modes of transmission and distribution in future grids. Numerical simulations indicate that the generation resources are optimally utilized and that LMPs are reasonably evaluated in TDCED. Congestion in the traditional isolated dispatch mode can also be prevented. Moreover, simulations on several systems from T6D2 to T300D60 verify that the HGD algorithm is an efficient and robust algorithm with limited communication burdens to solve TDCED.
Globally Optimizing Graph Partitioning Problems Using Message Passing

Graph partitioning algorithms play a central role in data analysis and machine learning. Most useful graph partitioning criteria correspond to optimizing a ratio between the cut and the size of the partitions, this ratio leads to an NP-hard problem that is only solved approximately. This makes it difficult to know whether failures of the algorithm are due to failures of the optimization or to the criterion being optimized. In this paper we present a framework that seeks and finds the optimal solution of several NP-hard graph partitioning problems. We use a classical approach to ratio problems where we repeatedly ask whether the optimal solution is greater than or less than some constant - . Our main insight is the equivalence between this “ question” and performing inference in a graphical model with many local potentials and one high-order potential. We show that this specific form of the highorder potential is amenable to message-passing algorithms and how to obtain a bound on the optimal solution from the messages. Our experiments show that in many cases our approach yields the global optimum and improves the popular spectral solution.
Evaluation of adipose-derived stem cells for tissue-engineered muscle repair construct-mediated repair of a murine model of volumetric muscle loss injury

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) can occur from congenital defects, muscle wasting diseases, civilian or military injuries, and as a result of surgical removal of muscle tissue (eg, cancer), all of which can lead to irrevocable functional and cosmetic defects. Current tissue engineering strategies to repair VML often employ muscle-derived progenitor cells (MDCs) as one component. However, there are some inherent limitations in their in vitro culture expansion. Thus, this study explores the potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as an alternative cell source to MDCs for tissue engineering of skeletal muscle. A reproducible VML injury model in murine latissimus dorsi muscle was used to evaluate tissue-engineered muscle repair (TEMR) constructs incorporating MDCs or ADSCs. Importantly, histological analysis revealed that ADSC-seeded constructs displayed regeneration potential that was comparable to those seeded with MDCs 2 months postrepair. Furthermore, morphological analysis of retrieved constructs demonstrated signs of neotissue formation, including cell fusion, fiber formation, and scaffold remodeling. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive staining for both structural and functional proteins. Positive staining for vascular structures indicated the potential for long-term neotissue survival and integration with existing musculature. Qualitative observation of lentivirus-Cherry-labeled donor cells by immunohistochemistry indicates that participation of ADSCs in new hybrid myofiber formation incorporating donor cells was relatively low, compared to donor MDCs. However, ADSCs appear to participate in vascularization. In summary, I have demonstrated that TEMR constructs generated with ADSCs displayed skeletal muscle regeneration potential comparable to TEMR–MDC constructs as previously reported.
Integrated sedimentology and ichnology of Late Jurassic fluvial point‐bars – facies architecture and colonization styles (Lourinhã Formation, Lusitanian Basin, western Portugal)

Integrated sedimentological and ichnological case studies of ancient meandering river systems have, for the most part, focused on the deposits of the fluvial–tidal transition zone; much less emphasis has been placed on the purely fluvial realm above the landward limit of tidal effects. This problem needs to be addressed so that in future the defining sedimentological and ichnological criteria assigned to ancient fluvial reaches are sufficiently well‐established to enable their separation from the down‐dip fluvial–tidal transition zone. Accordingly, a case study has been carried out on a well‐exposed meander belt deposit from the Late Jurassic Lourinhã Formation of the Lusitanian Basin, western Portugal (Praia Do Valmitão, Ribamar). Analysis indicates that the meander belt here comprised mixed‐load fluvial channels traversing a vegetated floodplain subject to a seasonal winter wet/summer dry palaeoclimate. This setting facilitated the development of both calcic palaeosols and shallow lakes on the adjacent floodplain. Critically, there is no evidence of the effects of tidal modulation on bedding structures, thereby establishing purely fluvial conditions. Heterolithic point‐bar deposits generated in this setting are bioturbated extensively by a trace fossil assemblage dominated by the meniscate trace Taenidium barretti, with Skolithos linearis, Planolites beverleyensis and Cylindricum isp. also recognized. A number of factors suggest that the Taenidium barretti producer in this case was a subaquatic organism living in an active fluvial channel setting (i.e. not colonizing subaerially exposed channel‐margin/floodplain deposits). Accordingly, there are some implications for current ichnofabric/ichnofacies models in the continental realm. Firstly, Taenidium‐dominated ichnofabrics need not necessarily be confined to colonization beneath subaerially exposed surfaces; they might also be produced within submerged substrates. Secondly, there is scope to extend the range of the Scoyenia ichnofacies to include active fluvial channels and not simply those channels that were inactive or abandoned.
Common source outbreaks of Campylobacter infection in the USA, 1997–2008

SUMMARY Campylobacter is a common but decreasing cause of foodborne infections in the USA. Outbreaks are uncommon and have historically differed from sporadic cases in seasonality and contamination source. We reviewed reported outbreaks of campylobacteriosis. From 1997 to 2008, 262 outbreaks were reported, with 9135 illnesses, 159 hospitalizations, and three deaths. The annual mean was 16 outbreaks for 1997–2002, and 28 outbreaks for 2003–2008. Almost half occurred in warmer months. Foodborne transmission was reported in 225 (86%) outbreaks, water in 24 (9%), and animal contact in seven (3%). Dairy products were implicated in 65 (29%) foodborne outbreaks, poultry in 25 (11%), and produce in 12 (5%). Reported outbreaks increased during a period of declining overall incidence, and seasonality of outbreaks resembled that of sporadic infections. Unlike sporadic illnesses, which are primarily attributed to poultry, dairy products are the most common vehicle identified for outbreaks.
A Robust Docking Strategy for a Mobile Robot Using Flow Field Divergence

We present a robust strategy for docking a mobile robot in close proximity with an upright surface using optical flow field divergence and proportional feedback control. Unlike previous approaches, we achieve this without the need for explicit segmentation of features in the image, and using complete gradient-based optical flow estimation (i.e., no affine models) in the optical flow computation. A key contribution is the development of an algorithm to compute the flow field divergence, or time-to-contact, in a manner that is robust to small rotations of the robot during ego-motion. This is done by tracking the focus of expansion of the flow field and using this to compensate for ego rotation of the image. The control law used is a simple proportional feedback, using the unfiltered flow field divergence as an input, for a dynamic vehicle model. Closed-loop stability analysis of docking under the proposed feedback is provided. Performance of the flow field divergence algorithm is demonstrated using offboard natural image sequences, and the performance of the closed-loop system is experimentally demonstrated by control of a mobile robot approaching a wall.
Animat Market - Trading Interactions as Collective Social Adaptive Behavior

We argue that human economic interactions, particularly bargaining and trading in market envi ronments, can be considered as collective social adaptive behaviors. Such interactions are social in the sense that they depend on socially-agreed market regulations and communication protocols, and are collective in the sense that global market dynamics depend on the interactions of groups of traders. Moreover, the tools and techniques of adaptive behavior research could be profitably employed to build predictive models of existing or planned market systems. Despite these poten tial applications, we note that there is a near-total absence of papers in the adaptive behavior lit erature that deal with autonomous agents capable of exhibiting trading behaviors. We summarize work in experimental economics where human trading behavior is studied under laboratory con ditions. We propose that such experiments could and should be used as 'benchmarks' for evaluat ing and comparing different architectures and strategies for trading animats. We present results from experiments where an elementary machine learning technique endows simple autonomous- software agents with the capability to adapt while interacting via price-bargaining in market envi ronments. The environments are based on artificial retail markets used in experimental econom ics research. We demonstrate that groups of simple agents can exhibit human-like collective mar ket behaviors. These results invite a Braitenberg-style eliminative materialism perspective on the dynamics of experimental retail markets.
Exploring Community Engagement in Climate Change Planning: The Case in Samoa

Coastal communities within Pacific Island Countries (PIC) are vulnerable due to the rising and volatile nature of the sea as a result of climate change. Adaptation strategies and community-based approaches have increasingly been advocated for by environmental organisations, policy makers and researchers. Community-based approaches have, in turn, begun to promote the values of meaningful community engagement and integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into adaptation planning. This research explores the extent to which community engagement and TEK is utilised at both the national and local level adaptation planning in Samoa. An assessment of policies and plans assesses the national level context, whilst the community level context was explored through a study of the coastal village of Tafitoala. A qualitative approach is employed in which semi-structured interviews were used to collect the perspectives of community members, government personnel, and Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) staff to provide a range of viewpoints. Using Samoa as my case study, the research findings demonstrated that community ideologies and values, and community governance structures determine the efficacy of adaptation programmes. Findings also emphasised that although there is a vast amount of TEK used within local communities, documentation and verification of TEK is required in order for it be integrated more effectively into adaptation planning. Whilst the need for meaningful community engagement had already been identified by government and NGO agencies as a priority for effective adaptation, with agencies currently implementing strategies to encourage its integration, more is required for strategies to be strongly embedded into the practices of local communities.
Rapid Neuronal Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Measuring Network Activity on Micro-electrode Arrays

Neurons derived from human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs) provide a promising new tool for studying neurological disorders. In the past decade, many protocols for differentiating hiPSCs into neurons have been developed. However, these protocols are often slow with high variability, low reproducibility, and low efficiency. In addition, the neurons obtained with these protocols are often immature and lack adequate functional activity both at the single-cell and network levels unless the neurons are cultured for several months. Partially due to these limitations, the functional properties of hiPSC-derived neuronal networks are still not well characterized. Here, we adapt a recently published protocol that describes production of human neurons from hiPSCs by forced expression of the transcription factor neurogenin-212. This protocol is rapid (yielding mature neurons within 3 weeks) and efficient, with nearly 100% conversion efficiency of transduced cells (>95% of DAPI-positive cells are MAP2 positive). Furthermore, the protocol yields a homogeneous population of excitatory neurons that would allow the investigation of cell-type specific contributions to neurological disorders. We modified the original protocol by generating stably transduced hiPSC cells, giving us explicit control over the total number of neurons. These cells are then used to generate hiPSC-derived neuronal networks on micro-electrode arrays. In this way, the spontaneous electrophysiological activity of hiPSC-derived neuronal networks can be measured and characterized, while retaining interexperimental consistency in terms of cell density. The presented protocol is broadly applicable, especially for mechanistic and pharmacological studies on human neuronal networks.
Potentially modifiable factors affecting the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The Consortium for Radiologic Imaging Studies of Polycystic Kidney Disease (CRISP) was created to identify markers of disease progression in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Linear mixed models were utilized to model effects of baseline parameters on changes in natural-log (ln)-transformed total kidney volume (TKV) and iothalamate clearance (GFR) across time in CRISP participants (creatinine clearance at entry >70 ml/min). Stepwise selection was used to obtain a final main effect model. RESULTS TKV increased from year to year, whereas GFR uncorrected for body surface area (BSA) decreased only at year 6. Higher lnTKV and urine sodium excretion (U(Na)V), lower serum HDL-cholesterol, and younger age at baseline associated with greater lnTKV growth from baseline to year 3 and to year 6. Higher lnTKV at baseline associated with greater GFR decline from year 1 to year 3 and to year 6. Higher BSA and 24-hour urine osmolality at baseline associated with greater GFR decline from year 1 to year 6. Higher U(Na)V and lower serum HDL-cholesterol at baseline associated with greater GFR decline from year 1 to year 6 by univariate analysis only. Associations seen during year 1 to year 6 (not seen during year 1 to year 3) reflect the time lag between structural and functional disease progression. CONCLUSIONS Serum HDL-cholesterol, U(Na)V, and 24-hour urine osmolality likely affect ADPKD progression. To what extent their modification may influence the clinical course of ADPKD remains to be determined.
The Prevalence of Mental Disorders among the Homeless in Western Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Background There are well over a million homeless people in Western Europe and North America, but reliable estimates of the prevalence of major mental disorders among this population are lacking. We undertook a systematic review of surveys of such disorders in homeless people. Methods and Findings We searched for surveys of the prevalence of psychotic illness, major depression, alcohol and drug dependence, and personality disorder that were based on interviews of samples of unselected homeless people. We searched bibliographic indexes, scanned reference lists, and corresponded with authors. We explored potential sources of any observed heterogeneity in the estimates by meta-regression analysis, including geographical region, sample size, and diagnostic method. Twenty-nine eligible surveys provided estimates obtained from 5,684 homeless individuals from seven countries. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in prevalence estimates for mental disorders among the studies (all Cochran's χ2 significant at p < 0.001 and all I 2 > 85%). The most common mental disorders were alcohol dependence, which ranged from 8.1% to 58.5%, and drug dependence, which ranged from 4.5% to 54.2%. For psychotic illness, the prevalence ranged from 2.8% to 42.3%, with similar findings for major depression. The prevalence of alcohol dependence was found to have increased over recent decades. Conclusions Homeless people in Western countries are substantially more likely to have alcohol and drug dependence than the age-matched general population in those countries, and the prevalences of psychotic illnesses and personality disorders are higher. Models of psychiatric and social care that can best meet these mental health needs requires further investigation.
Rapid Composting of Different Wastes with Yash Activator Plus

Microbial composting play an important role in the recycling of different processing wastes and the compost generated by bio-conversion of wastes offers several benefits such as enhanced soil fertility and soil health that can lead to increased agricultural productivity, improved soil biodiversity, reduced ecological risks and a healthier environment. The present experiment was conducted in Plastic pots, which were filled with the different wastes, namely Sugarcane waste, Plants waste, Flower waste, Mausmi waste and Mixed waste, which was inoculated by Yash Activator Plus (2% w/w) with a set control pot of each. The results of this study revealed that with Yash Activator Plus, the temperature was increased rapidly at 20 days of composting which were 50, 52, 58, 54 and 54 ̊C. Control treatments increased temperature up to 45, 44, 48, 46, and 46 ̊C respectively. The total loss of dry matter content at the end of composting amounted to be 37.73, 39.67, 52.94, 51.25 and 40% from the initial amount of Sugarcane waste, Plants waste, Flower waste, Mausmi waste and Mixed waste respectively. The maximum and minimum dry matter contents were decreased in flower waste and sugarcane waste respectively. Increased temperature enhanced the process of composting rapidly due to the thermophilic microorganisms, which reduces the time of composting. On the basis of this study, we can conclude that the mixed consortia of mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms increased the process of composting, which reduces the time of degradation of different wastes. Key-wordsCompost, Microbial composting, Different waste, Yash Activator Plus INTRODUCTION "Yash Activator Plus" is a very effective microbial consortium for rapid composting. It is a mixture of culture of mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms specifically for accelerating the composting of organic waste. It contains cultures of Bacteria and fungi along with enzymes, which facilitate bio conversion of organic waste into a stabilized end product called “compost. Use of this microbial consortium for rapid composting: The microbiology of composting is very complex. It involves consortium of fungi and bacteria Actinomyces for bio conversion of organic waste into end product for various uses. Microbial growth in composting depends upon so many factors. Carbon and nitrogen sources are the most critical in terms of bio-degradability of the waste/ biomass. Microbial composting refers to microbiological process which converts waste materials into organic manure, which are rich in plant nutrients and humus [1] . Aeration and moisture control are the main key operating parameters for operating the windrow compost plant. Access this article online Quick Response Code Website:
Safety of Anterior Cement Fixation in the Cervical Spine: In Vivo Study of Dog Spine

There is increased use of methylmethacrylate in the treatment of neoplastic lesions of the spine. The advantage of this treatment is immediate stabilization, thus avoiding prolonged immobilization. In vivo study using a dog model showed that anterior fixation with cement, with or without Gelfoam as insulation material, produced no spinal cord injury.