Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Basic Control for the Viscous Moore--Greitzer Partial Differential Equation

The notions of basic controllability and basic control are defined. A quadratic optimal control of the linearized viscous Moore--Greitzer equation is presented, and it is confirmed that stall is uncontrollable in this model. A basic control is constructed for the nonlinear viscous Moore--Greitzer equation which can control both surge and stall. Some extensions of this construction are discussed. Numerical simulations of the basic control are presented, and its performance is compared to the performance of a backstepping control constructed by Banaszuk, Hauksson, and Mezic [SIAM J. Control Optim. , 37 (1999), pp. 1503--1537]. It is shown that the viscous Moore--Greizer equation with throttle control is not basically controllable, but under certain conditions, adding air injection control will make the equation basically controllable.
Correction: Ocean acidification at a coastal CO2 vent induces expression of stress-related transcripts and transposable elements in the sea anemone Anemonia viridis

Ocean acidification threatens to disrupt interactions between organisms throughout marine ecosystems. The diversity of reef-building organisms decreases as seawater CO2 increases along natural gradients, yet soft-bodied animals, such as sea anemones, are often resilient. We sequenced the polyA-enriched transcriptome of adult sea anemone Anemonia viridis and its dinoflagellate symbiont sampled along a natural CO2 gradient in Italy to assess stress levels in these organisms. We found that about 1.4% of the anemone transcripts, but only ~0.5% of the Symbiodinium sp. transcripts were differentially expressed. Processes enriched at high seawater CO2 were mainly linked to cellular stress, including significant up-regulation of protective cellular functions and deregulation of metabolic pathways. Transposable elements were differentially expressed at high seawater CO2, with an extreme up-regulation (> 100-fold) of the BEL-family of long terminal repeat retrotransposons. Seawater acidified by CO2 generated a significant stress reaction in A. viridis, but no bleaching was observed and Symbiodinium sp. appeared to be less affected. These observed changes indicate the mechanisms by which A. viridis acclimate to survive chronic exposure to ocean acidification conditions. We conclude that many organisms that are common in acidified conditions may nevertheless incur costs due to hypercapnia and/or lowered carbonate saturation states.
Barriers and Facilitators to Weight and Lifestyle Management in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: General Practitioners’ Perspectives

Background: Weight and lifestyle management is advocated as the first-line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by evidence-based guidelines. Current literature describes both systems- and individual-related challenges that general practitioners (GPs) face when attempting to implement guideline recommendations for lifestyle management into clinical practice for the general population. The GPs’ perspective in relation to weight and lifestyle advice for PCOS has not been captured. Methods: Fifteen GPs were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews. NVIVO software was used for qualitative analysis. Results: We report that GPs unanimously acknowledge the importance of weight and lifestyle management in PCOS. Practice was influenced by both systems-related and individual-related facilitators and barriers. Individual-related barriers include perceived lack of patient motivation for weight loss, time pressures, lack of financial reimbursement, and weight management being professionally unrewarding. System-related barriers include costs of accessing allied health professionals and unavailability of allied health professionals in certain locations. Individual-related facilitators include motivated patient subgroups such as those trying to get pregnant and specific communication techniques such as motivational interviewing. System-related facilitators include the GP’s role in chronic disease management. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of barriers and facilitators that could be addressed to optimize weight and lifestyle management in women with PCOS in primary care.
Differences in trunk and upper extremity kinematics and segmental velocities during the offside forehand polo swing between male and female athletes

ABSTRACT Although polo is a well-known equestrian sport, it is fundamentally misunderstood. The purpose of this study was to examine trunk and upper extremity kinematics and segmental velocities during the offside forehand polo swing between male and female athletes. Ten female and 17 male professional polo athletes volunteered. An electromagnetic tracking system collected kinematic data at 100 Hz while participants performed three offside forehand polo swings from a stationary wooden horse. One-way ANOVAs revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in all kinematic variables and segmental velocities. Specifically, males exhibited a greater mean difference (MD=23°) of trunk flexion at take away (TA) and top of backswing (TOB)(MD=29°) trunk lateral flexion at ball contact (BC)(MD=23°), trunk rotation at TA(MD=97°) and TOB(MD=118°), shoulder abduction at TOB(MD=64°), and shoulder elevation at TOB(MD=13°) and BC(MD=40°). Females displayed greater trunk rotation at BC(MD=91°), shoulder elevation at TA(MD=19°), and elbow flexion at TA(MD=90°). Additionally, females generated greater segmental velocities early in the swing, while the males generated velocity later. The movement patterns observed amongst the males suggest energy is being transferred more efficiently along the kinetic chain, thus more efficient swing mechanics, but further investigation into the role of the trunk and lumbopelvic-hip complex in reference to the polo swing is warranted.
Transcription factors Sp8 and Sp9 regulate the development of caudal ganglionic eminence‐derived cortical interneurons

Cortical interneurons are derived from the subcortical medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE) and preoptic area (POA). CGE‐derived cortical interneurons, which comprise around 30% of all cortical interneurons, mainly express Htr3a, calretinin (CR), Reelin (RELN) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). In the present study, we show that transcription factors Sp8 and Sp9 are co‐expressed in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the dorsal CGE. Conditional knockout of Sp8/9 using the Gsx2‐Cre transgenic line results in severe loss of CGE‐derived cortical interneurons. We observed migration defects of Sp8/9 double mutant CGE‐derived cortical interneurons as they had longer leading processes than controls and they ectopically accumulated in the CGE. Dlx5/6‐CIE conditional deletion of Sp8/9 also leads to a significant reduction in the CGE‐derived cortical interneurons. We provide evidence that Sp8/9 coordinately regulate CGE‐derived cortical interneuron development in part through repressing the expression of Pak3, Robo1, and Slit1. Finally, we show that Cxcl14, a member of the CXC chemokine family, is mainly expressed in CGE‐derived interneurons in cortical layers I and II, and its expression is critically dependent on SP8.
An Empirical Comparison of the Usability of BPMN and UML Activity Diagrams for Business Users

The widespread implementation of Business Process Management (BPM) strategies has increased the demand for an integral approach to business process modeling, in which all stakeholders can effectively participate and together shape a company’s business processes. Amongst others, this demand was a basis for the development of the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) as a proposed industry standard. It does not only provide technical advantages such as a support for serviceoriented computing, but also claims to be readily usable for business users. Following this presumption, BPMN is even used by the Object Management Group (OMG). It adopted BPMN instead of the Activity Diagram (UML AD) as the core standard to create a business modeling framework. For companies, however, changing to a new process modeling language is a significant expense factor. Furthermore, consolidated findings on whether BPMN is indeed more usable for business users than UML AD are missing. In this paper, we present results from a comprehensive empirical comparison of both languages, in which we examined the application by business users during a model creation task. Results indicate that the UML AD is at least as usable as BPMN, since BPMN did neither differ significantly in effectiveness, efficiency, nor user satisfaction.
Nrf2-Heme oxygenase-1 modulates autophagy and inhibits apoptosis triggered by elevated glucose levels in renal tubule cells

Background Autophagy is a highly balanced process in which lysosomes remove aged and damaged organelles and cellular proteins. Autophagy is essential to maintain homeostasis in the kidneys. Methods Using human renal tubule cells HK-2, we assessed the impact of high glucose (HG) on autophagy. We also evaluated the capability of sulforaphane (SFN) to protect the HK-2 cells from HG-induced apoptosis by modulating autophagy. Results SFN modulated autophagy and decreased apoptosis in the HK-2 cells that were cultured in 250 mM glucose medium for two days. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased, as expected, in the cells cultured in the 250 mM glucose medium. However, the SFN decreased the ROS levels in the HK-2 cells. The overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by SFN decreased the expression of LC3 and beclin-1. LC3 and beclin-1 were involved in the downregulation of caspase-3 that was observed in the HG-induced cells. Conclusion The activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–HO–1 inhibited ROS expression and subsequently attenuated autophagy and cell apoptosis after HG injury was decreased. HG injury led to the activation of autophagy and HO-1 in order to combat oxidative stress and protect against cell apoptosis. Therefore, HO-1 activation can prevent ROS development and oxidative stress during HG injury, which considerably decreases autophagy and apoptosis.
Conotruncal anomaly face syndrome is associated with a deletion within chromosome 22ql 1

The conotruncal anomaly face syndrome was described in a Japanese publication in 1976 and comprises dysmorphic facial appearance and outflow tract defects of the heart. The authors subsequently noted similarities to Shprintzen syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome. Chromosome analysis in five cases did not show a deletion at high resolution, but fluorescent in situ hybridisation using probe D0832 showed a deletion within chromosome 22qll in all cases. (J Med Genet 1993;30:822-824) Kinouchi et al' in 1976 reported a recognisable phenotype, the conotruncal anomaly face (CTAF) syndrome, comprising a variety of cardiac outflow tract defects and characteristic facies with hypertelorism, lateral displacement of the inner canthi, a flat nasal bridge, narrow palpebral fissures, a nasal voice, and minor ear anomalies. In subsequent analysis2 it was suggested that this was a frequent phenotype among patients with outflow tract defects such as tetralogy of Fallot. The authors subsequently noted the heterogeneity of this syndrome and its association with thymic involution.3 They noted the overlap with the syndrome later described by Shprintzen et a14 and subsequent reviews noted the likelihood that these syndromes were differing manifestations of the same
A Trial of the Efficacy and Cost of Water Delivery Systems in San Francisco Bay Area Middle Schools, 2013

Introduction US legislation requires that schools offer free drinking water where meals are served. However, little information is available about what types of water delivery systems schools should install to meet such requirements. The study objective was to examine the efficacy and cost of 2 water delivery systems (water dispensers and bottleless water coolers) in increasing students’ lunchtime intake of water in low-income middle schools. Methods In 2013, twelve middle schools in the San Francisco Bay Area participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial in which they received 6 weeks of promotional activities, received provision of cups, and were assigned to 1 of 2 cafeteria water delivery systems: water dispensers or bottleless water coolers (or schools served as a control). Student surveys (n = 595) and observations examined the interventions’ effect on students’ beverage intake and staff surveys and public data assessed intervention cost. Results Analysis occurred from 2013 through 2015. Mixed-effects logistic regression, accounting for clustering and adjustment for student sociodemographic characteristics, demonstrated a significant increase in the odds of students drinking water in schools with promotion plus water dispensers and cups (adjusted odds ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–6.7; P = .004) compared with schools with traditional drinking fountains and no cups or promotion. The cost of dispenser and bottleless water cooler programs was similar ($0.04 per student per day). Conclusion Instead of relying on traditional drinking fountains, schools should consider installing water sources, such as plastic dispensers with cups, as a low-cost, effective means for increasing students’ water intake.
JASSY, a chloroplast outer membrane protein required for jasmonate biosynthesis

Significance Jasmonates are indispensable for plant growth, as well as for adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. The synthesis of jasmonates is initiated in the chloroplast, where the precursor, 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) is derived from plastid lipids. Despite the fact that much information has been gained on the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and signaling pathways of jasmonates, the export of OPDA from plastids remains enigmatic. In the present study, we showed that JASSY, a protein localized to the outer chloroplast envelope, facilitates export of OPDA from the chloroplast. Loss-of-function mutants lead to abolished jasmonate accumulation, which in turn results in increased susceptibility to cold treatment, as well as pathogen attack. Jasmonates are vital plant hormones that not only act in the stress response to biotic and abiotic influences, such as wounding, pathogen attack, and cold acclimation, but also drive developmental processes in cooperation with other plant hormones. The biogenesis of jasmonates starts in the chloroplast, where several enzymatic steps produce the jasmonate precursor 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) from α-linolenic acid. OPDA in turn is exported into the cytosol for further conversion into active jasmonates, which subsequently induces the expression of multiple genes in the nucleus. Despite its obvious importance, the export of OPDA across the chloroplast membranes has remained elusive. In this study, we characterized a protein residing in the chloroplast outer membrane, JASSY, which has proven indispensable for the export of OPDA from the chloroplast. We provide evidence that JASSY has channel-like properties and propose that it thereby facilitates OPDA transport. Consequently, a lack of JASSY in Arabidopsis leads to a deficiency in accumulation of jasmonic acids, which results in impaired expression of jasmonate target genes on exposure to various stresses. This results in plants that are more susceptible to pathogen attack and also exhibit defects in cold acclimation.
A Novel Method for Humidity-Dependent Through-Plane Impedance Measurement for Proton Conducting Polymer Membranes

In this study, we introduce a through-plane electrochemical measurement cell for proton conducting polymer membranes (PEM) with the ability to vary temperature and humidity. Model Nafion and 3M membranes, as well as anisotropic composite membranes, were used to compare through plane and in plane conductivity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to evaluate the proton conductivity of bare proton exchange membranes. In the Nyquist plots, all membranes showed a straight line with an angle of 60–70 degrees to the Z’-axis. Equivalent circuit modeling and linear extrapolation of the impedance data were compared to extract the membrane resistance. System and cell parameters such as high frequency inductance, contact resistance and pressure, interfacial capacitance were observed and instrumentally minimized. Material-related effects, such as swelling of the membranes and indentation of the platinum mesh electrodes were examined thoroughly to receive a reliable through-plane conductivity. The received data for model Nafion and 3M membranes were in accordance with literature values for in-plane and through-plane conductivity of membrane electrode assemblies. Anisotropic composite membranes underlined the importance of a sophisticated measurement technique that is able to separate the in-plane and through-plane effects in polymer electrolytes.
Differential post-translational modification of mitochondrial enzymes corresponds with metabolic suppression during hibernation.

During hibernation, small mammals, including the 13-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus), cycle between two distinct metabolic states: torpor, where metabolic rate is suppressed by >95% and body temperature falls to ~5 °C, and interbout euthermia (IBE), where both metabolic rate and body temperature rapidly increase to euthermic levels. Suppression of whole-animal metabolism during torpor is paralleled by rapid, reversible suppression of mitochondrial respiration. We hypothesized that these changes in mitochondrial metabolism are regulated by post-translational modifications to mitochondrial proteins. Differential 2D gel electrophoresis and 2D Blue-Native PAGE revealed differences in the isoelectric point of several liver mitochondrial proteins between torpor and IBE. Q-TOF LC/MS and MALDI mass spectrometry identified these as proteins involved in β-oxidation, Krebs cycle, ROS detoxification and the electron transport system (ETS). Immunoblots revealed that subunit 1 of ETS complex IV was acetylated during torpor but not IBE. Phosphoprotein staining revealed significantly greater phosphorylation of succinyl-coA ligase and the flavoprotein subunit of ETS complex II in IBE compared to torpor. In addition, the 75 kDa subunit of ETS complex I was 1.5-fold more phosphorylated during torpor. In vitro treatment with alkaline phosphatase increased the maximal activity of complex I from liver mitochondria isolated from torpid animals but did not change complex I activity from IBE animals. By contrast, phosphatase treatment decreased complex II activity in IBE, but not torpor. These findings suggest that the rapid changes in mitochondrial metabolism in hibernators are mediated by post-translational modifications of key metabolic enzymes, perhaps by intramitochondrial kinases and deacetylases.
Maximal Chains and Antichains in Boolean Lattices

The following equivalent results in the Boolean lattice $2^n $ are proven. (a) Every fibre of $2^n $ contains a maximal chain. (b) Every cutset of $2^n $ contains a maximal antichain. (c) Every red-blue colouring of the vertices of $2^n $ produces either a red maximal chain or a blue maximal antichain. (d) Given any n antichains in $2^n $ there is a disjoint maximal antichain.Statement (a) is then improved to: (a') Every fibre of $2^n $ contains at least $n! /2^{n - 1} $ maximal chains. One conjecture of Lonc and Rival is supported, and another conjecture disproved, by showing: (i) Every fibre of $2^n $ has order $\Omega ( 1.25^n )$elements. (ii) There is a minimal fibre of $2^n ( n\geqq 4 )$ of size $2^{n - 1} + 2$.
The biofilm matrix destabilizers, EDTA and DNaseI, enhance the susceptibility of nontypeable Hemophilus influenzae biofilms to treatment with ampicillin and ciprofloxacin

Nontypeable Hemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a Gram‐negative bacterial pathogen that causes chronic biofilm infections of the ears and airways. The biofilm matrix provides structural integrity to the biofilm and protects biofilm cells from antibiotic exposure by reducing penetration of antimicrobial compounds into the biofilm. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) has been found to be a major matrix component of biofilms formed by many species of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, including NTHi. Interestingly, the cation chelator ethylenediaminetetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) has been shown to reduce the matrix strength of biofilms of several bacterial species as well as to have bactericidal activity against various pathogens. EDTA exerts its antimicrobial activity by chelating divalent cations necessary for growth and membrane stability and by destabilizing the matrix thus enhancing the detachment of bacterial cells from the biofilm. In this study, we have explored the role of divalent cations in NTHi biofilm development and stability. We have utilized in vitro static and continuous flow models of biofilm development by NTHi to demonstrate that magnesium cations enhance biofilm formation by NTHi. We found that the divalent cation chelator EDTA is effective at both preventing NTHi biofilm formation and at treating established NTHi biofilms. Furthermore, we found that the matrix destablilizers EDTA and DNaseI increase the susceptibility of NTHi biofilms to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Our observations indicate that DNaseI and EDTA enhance the efficacy of antibiotic treatment of NTHi biofilms. These observations may lead to new strategies that will improve the treatment options available to patients with chronic NTHi infections.
What static and dynamic properties should slalom skis possess? Judgements by advanced and expert skiers

Abstract Flexural and torsional rigidity are important properties of skis. However, the flexural and torsional rigidity that lead to optimal performance remain to be established. In the present study, four pairs of slalom skis that differed in flexural and torsional rigidity were tested by advanced and expert skiers. Using a 10-item questionnaire, different aspects of the skis' performance were rated on a 9-point scale. For each pair of skis, physical measurements were compared with the ratings of the two groups of skiers. Correlations (Spearman) were then determined between (i) different mechanical properties of the skis (static and dynamic), (ii) subjective assessments of the participants, and (iii) properties of the skis and the participants' assessments. The latter showed that expert skiers rate the aspects of the skis more accurately than advanced skiers. Most importantly, expert skiers are particularly sensitive to torsion of the skis. These results suggest that such highly rated elements should be addressed in future ski designs.