Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A time-domain approach for monitoring battery state of health (SOH) and remaining useful life (RUL)

This paper describes a time-domain approach for estimating the state of health (SOH) and remaining useful life (RUL) of a battery, with particular emphasis on LiFePO4 cells. In this methodology, a small test signal is superimposed on top of the battery load to trigger its transient dynamics. The resulting terminal voltage and current are measured, and a nonlinear least-squares routine is used to estimate the impedance parameters of the battery model. These parameter values are then used to track the SOH and RUL over time. Experimental results are presented. The approach requires minimal hardware and could be used to form the basis of a robust on-line monitoring system.
The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) promotes survival and migration of acute myeloid leukemia cells through CD63/PI3K/Akt/p21 signaling

We and others have shown that the Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), a member of the inflammatory network exerting pleiotropic effects in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, regulates the survival and proliferation of different cell types, including normal hematopoietic progenitor cells. Moreover, TIMP-1 has been shown to be involved in cancer progression. However, its role in leukemic microenvironment has not been addressed. Here, we investigated the activity of TIMP-1 on Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) cell functions. First, we found that TIMP-1 levels were increased in the BM plasma of AML patients at diagnosis. In vitro, recombinant human (rh)TIMP-1 promoted the survival and cell cycle S-phase entry of AML cells. These kinetic effects were related to the downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. rhTIMP-1 increases CXCL12-driven migration of leukemic cells through PI3K signaling. Interestingly, activation of CD63 receptor was required for TIMP-1's cytokine/chemokine activity. Of note, rhTIMP-1 stimulation modulated mRNA expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-1α, downstream of PI3K/Akt activation. We then co-cultured AML cells with normal or leukemic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to investigate the interaction of TIMP-1 with cellular component(s) of BM microenvironment. Our results showed that the proliferation and migration of leukemic cells were greatly enhanced by rhTIMP-1 in presence of AML-MSCs as compared to normal MSCs. Thus, we demonstrated that TIMP-1 modulates leukemic blasts survival, migration and function via CD63/PI3K/Akt/p21 signaling. As a “bad actor” in a “bad soil”, we propose TIMP-1 as a potential novel therapeutic target in leukemic BM microenvironment.
Use of Peptides for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis and Inhibition

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia and the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease (ND). The targeting of amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation is one of the most widely used strategies to manage AD, and efforts are being made globally to develop peptide-based compounds for the early diagnosis and treatment of AD. Here, we briefly discuss the use of peptide-based compounds for the early diagnosis and treatment of AD and the use of peptide-based inhibitors targeting various Aβ aggregation checkpoints. In addition, we briefly discuss recent applications of peptide-based inhibitors against various AD targets including amyloid beta, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), tyrosine phosphatase (TP) and potassium channel KV1.3.
KickStarter: Fast and Accurate Computations on Streaming Graphs via Trimmed Approximations

Continuous processing of a streaming graph maintains an approximate result of the iterative computation on a recent version of the graph. Upon a user query, the accurate result on the current graph can be quickly computed by feeding the approximate results to the iterative computation --- a form of incremental computation that corrects the (small amount of) error in the approximate result. Despite the effectiveness of this approach in processing growing graphs, it is generally not applicable when edge deletions are present --- existing approximations can lead to either incorrect results (e.g., monotonic computations terminate at an incorrect minima/maxima) or poor performance (e.g., with approximations, convergence takes longer than performing the computation from scratch). This paper presents KickStarter, a runtime technique that can trim the approximate values for a subset of vertices impacted by the deleted edges. The trimmed approximation is both safe and profitable, enabling the computation to produce correct results and converge quickly. KickStarter works for a class of monotonic graph algorithms and can be readily incorporated in any existing streaming graph system. Our experiments with four streaming algorithms on five large graphs demonstrate that trimming not only produces correct results but also accelerates these algorithms by 8.5--23.7x.
Role of catalpol in ameliorating the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by increasing the level of noradrenaline in the locus coeruleus

The endogenous neurotransmitter, noradrenaline, exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. Reduced noradrenaline levels results in increased inflammation and neuronal damage. The primary source of noradrenaline in the central nervous system is tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons, located in the locus coeruleus (LC). TH is the rate-limiting enzyme for noradrenaline synthesis; therefore, regulation of TH protein expression and intrinsic enzyme activity represents the central means for controlling the synthesis of noradrenaline. Catalpol is an iridoid glycoside purified from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, which exerts a neuroprotective effect in multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study used an experimental mouse model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis to verify the neuroprotective effects of catalpol. Significant improvements in the clinical scores were observed in catalpol-treated mice. Furthermore, catalpol increased TH expression and increased noradrenaline levels in the spinal cord. In primary cultures, catalpol exerted a neuroprotective effect in rat LC neurons by increasing the noradrenaline output. These results suggested that drugs targeting LC survival and function, including catalpol, may be able to benefit patients with MS.
Consensus, uncertainties and challenges for perennial bioenergy crops and land use

Perennial bioenergy crops have significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation by substituting for fossil fuels; yet delivering significant GHG savings will require substantial land‐use change, globally. Over the last decade, research has delivered improved understanding of the environmental benefits and risks of this transition to perennial bioenergy crops, addressing concerns that the impacts of land conversion to perennial bioenergy crops could result in increased rather than decreased GHG emissions. For policymakers to assess the most cost‐effective and sustainable options for deployment and climate change mitigation, synthesis of these studies is needed to support evidence‐based decision making. In 2015, a workshop was convened with researchers, policymakers and industry/business representatives from the UK, EU and internationally. Outcomes from global research on bioenergy land‐use change were compared to identify areas of consensus, key uncertainties, and research priorities. Here, we discuss the strength of evidence for and against six consensus statements summarising the effects of land‐use change to perennial bioenergy crops on the cycling of carbon, nitrogen and water, in the context of the whole life‐cycle of bioenergy production. Our analysis suggests that the direct impacts of dedicated perennial bioenergy crops on soil carbon and nitrous oxide are increasingly well understood and are often consistent with significant life cycle GHG mitigation from bioenergy relative to conventional energy sources. We conclude that the GHG balance of perennial bioenergy crop cultivation will often be favourable, with maximum GHG savings achieved where crops are grown on soils with low carbon stocks and conservative nutrient application, accruing additional environmental benefits such as improved water quality. The analysis reported here demonstrates there is a mature and increasingly comprehensive evidence base on the environmental benefits and risks of bioenergy cultivation which can support the development of a sustainable bioenergy industry.
Bidirectional cross-linguistic influence in event conceptualization? Expressions of Path among Japanese learners of English*

Typological differences in expressions of motion are argued to have consequences for event conceptualization. In SLA, studies generally find transfer of L1 expressions and accompanying event construals, suggesting resistance to the restructuring of event conceptualization. The current study tackles such restructuring in SLA within the context of bidirectional cross-linguistic influence, focusing on expressions of Path in English and Japanese. We probe the effects of lexicalization patterns on event construal by focusing on different Path components: Source, Via and Goal. Crucially, we compare the same speakers performing both in the L1 and L2 to ascertain whether the languages influence each other. We argue for the potential for restructuring, even at modest levels of L2 proficiency, by showing that not only do L1 patterns shape construal in the L2, but that L2 patterns may subtly and simultaneously broaden construal in the L1 within an individual learner.
On Repeated Zero-Sum Games with Incomplete Information and Asymptotically Bounded Values

We consider repeated zero-sum games with incomplete information on the side of Player 2 with the total payoff given by the non-normalized sum of stage gains. In the classical examples the value $$V_N$$VN of such an N-stage game is of the order of N or $$\sqrt{N}$$N as $$N\rightarrow \infty $$N→∞. Our aim is to find what is causing another type of asymptotic behavior of the value $$V_N$$VN observed for the discrete version of the financial market model introduced by De Meyer and Saley. For this game Domansky and independently De Meyer with Marino found that $$V_N$$VN remains bounded as $$N\rightarrow \infty $$N→∞ and converges to the limit value. This game is almost-fair, i.e., if Player 1 forgets his private information the value becomes zero. We describe a class of almost-fair games having bounded values in terms of an easy-checkable property of the auxiliary non-revealing game. We call this property the piecewise property, and it says that there exists an optimal strategy of Player 2 that is piecewise constant as a function of a prior distribution p. Discrete market models have the piecewise property. We show that for non-piecewise almost-fair games with an additional non-degeneracy condition the value $$V_N$$VN is of the order of $$\sqrt{N}$$N.
Prevention and treatment effects of edible berries for three deadly diseases: Cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and diabetes are serious threat to human health and more and more aroused people's attention. It is important to find the safe and effective prevention and treatment methods for the three deadly diseases. At present, a generally attention in the possible positive effects of edible berries for the three deadly diseases has been noted. Berry phytochemical compounds regulate different signaling pathways about cell survival, growth and differentiation. They contribute to the prevention and treatment of CVD, cancer and diabetes. This article reviews previous experimental evidence, several common berry phytochemical compounds and their possible mechanisms involved in three deadly diseases were summarized.
Localization of unknown odor source based on Shannon's entropy using multiple mobile robots

This paper deals with the problem of odor source localization by designing a collective decision-making mechanism based on Shannon's entropy and using two finite-time motion control algorithms for multiple mobile robots. Specifically, for the collective decision-making mechanism, a discrete grid map is first used to model the search environment. Then, the posteriori probability distribution for the position of the odor source on the discrete grid map is recursively updated by the detection events and non-detection events. Next, the Shannon's entropy for the probability distribution is employed to collectively make the decision on the movement direction of the robot group. For the motion control, the finite-time parallel motion control algorithm and the finite-time circular motion control algorithm are described. Moreover, two motion control algorithms are further extended in order to enable the robot group to avoid obstacles. Finally, the effective of the collective decision-making mechanism and two finite-time motion control algorithms is illustrated for the problem of odor source localization.
Whole-Body Cryotherapy Decreases the Levels of Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Atherosclerosis Plaque Markers in Male Patients with Active-Phase Ankylosing Spondylitis in the Absence of Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Objective The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Material and Methods We investigated the effect of WBC with subsequent kinesiotherapy on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and atherosclerosis plaque in male AS patients (WBC group). To assess the disease activity, the BASDAI and BASFI were also calculated. The results from the WBC group were compared with results from the kinesiotherapy (KT) group. Results The results showed that in the WBC group, the plasma hsCRP level decreased without change to the IL-6 level. The ICAM-1 level showed a decreasing tendency. The CER concentration, as well as the BASDAI and BASFI, decreased in both groups, but the index changes of disease activity were higher in the WBC than KT patients. Additionally, in the WBC group, we observed a decrease in oxidative stress markers, changes in the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters. In both groups, the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, sCD40L, PAPP-A, and PLGF levels decreased, but the parameter changes were higher in the WBC group. Conclusion WBC appears to be a useful method of atherosclerosis prevention in AS patients.
Visual abilities distinguish pitchers from hitters in professional baseball

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the possibility that differences in sensorimotor abilities exist between hitters and pitchers in a large cohort of baseball players of varying levels of experience. Secondary data analysis was performed on 9 sensorimotor tasks comprising the Nike Sensory Station assessment battery. Bayesian hierarchical regression modelling was applied to test for differences between pitchers and hitters in data from 566 baseball players (112 high school, 85 college, 369 professional) collected at 20 testing centres. Explanatory variables including height, handedness, eye dominance, concussion history, and player position were modelled along with age curves using basis regression splines. Regression analyses revealed better performance for hitters relative to pitchers at the professional level in the visual clarity and depth perception tasks, but these differences did not exist at the high school or college levels. No significant differences were observed in the other 7 measures of sensorimotor capabilities included in the test battery, and no systematic biases were found between the testing centres. These findings, indicating that professional-level hitters have better visual acuity and depth perception than professional-level pitchers, affirm the notion that highly experienced athletes have differing perceptual skills. Findings are discussed in relation to deliberate practice theory.
Effects of Botulinum Toxin on Improving Facial Surgical Scars: A Prospective, Split-Scar, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Early intervention might improve the quality of surgical scars. Botulinum toxin type A has been shown to improve surgical scars in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin type A on surgical facial scars. Methods: In this prospective, split-scar, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 16 consecutive patients who underwent facial surgery between June and October of 2015 were enrolled. Botulinum toxin type A was injected randomly into half of each surgical wound closure immediately after surgery. The scars were assessed independently by two plastic surgeons at a 6-month follow-up visit using the Vancouver Scar Scale and the visual analogue scale. The scar width was also measured. Results: Fourteen patients completed the study. The visual analogue scale score and scar width measurements revealed a significant improvement in appearance and narrower scars for the botulinum toxin type A–treated halves of the scars (p = 0.046 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score was 4.68 for the botulinum toxin type A–injected group and 5.24 for the control group (p = 0.15). In addition, the Vancouver Scar Scale height score was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.008). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that early postsurgical botulinum toxin injections can produce better, narrower, and flatter facial surgical scars. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.
Effect of oxygen therapy on myocardial salvage in ST elevation myocardial infarction: the randomized SOCCER trial

Objective Recent studies suggest that administration of O2 in patients with acute myocardial infarction may have negative effects. With the use of cardiac MRI (CMR), we evaluated the effects of supplemental O2 in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) accepted for acute percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and methods This study was a randomized-controlled trial conducted at two university hospitals in Sweden. Normoxic STEMI patients were randomized in the ambulance to either supplemental O2 (10 l/min) or room air until the conclusion of the PCI. CMR was performed 2–6 days after the inclusion. The primary endpoint was the myocardial salvage index assessed by CMR. The secondary endpoints included infarct size and myocardium at risk. Results At inclusion, the O2 (n=46) and air (n=49) patient groups had similar patient characteristics. There were no significant differences in myocardial salvage index [53.9±25.1 vs. 49.3±24.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): −5.4 to 14.6], myocardium at risk (31.9±10.0% of the left ventricle in the O2 group vs. 30.0±11.8% in the air group; 95% CI: −2.6 to 6.3), or infarct size (15.6±10.4% of the left ventricle vs. 16.0±11.0%; 95% CI: −4.7 to 4.1). Conclusion In STEMI patients undergoing acute PCI, we found no effect of high-flow oxygen compared with room air on the size of ischemia before PCI, myocardial salvage, or the resulting infarct size. These results support the safety of withholding supplemental oxygen in normoxic STEMI patients.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Attack Countermeasures in a SCADA System

The SCADA infrastructure is a key component for power grid operations. Securing the SCADA infrastructure against cyber intrusions is thus vital for a well-functioning power grid. However, the task remains a particular challenge, not the least since not all available security mechanisms are easily deployable in these reliability-critical and complex, multi-vendor environments that host modern systems alongside legacy ones, to support a range of sensitive power grid operations. This paper examines how effective a few countermeasures are likely to be in SCADA environments, including those that are commonly considered out of bounds. The results show that granular network segmentation is a particularly effective countermeasure, followed by frequent patching of systems (which is unfortunately still difficult to date). The results also show that the enforcement of a password policy and restrictive network configuration including whitelisting of devices contributes to increased security, though best in combination with granular network segmentation.
A Meta-Analysis of D-Cycloserine in Exposure-Based Treatment: Moderators of Treatment Efficacy, Response, and Diagnostic Remission.

OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis examined treatment efficacy, treatment response, and diagnostic remission effect sizes and moderators of D-cycloserine-augmented exposure treatment in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of individuals with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION The terms D-cycloserine AND randomized controlled trial were used to search the PubMed (1965-May 2015), PsycINFO, and Scopus databases for randomized placebo-controlled trials of D-cycloserine-augmented exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. DATA EXTRACTION Clinical variables and effect sizes were extracted from 20 RCTs (957 participants). A random-effects model calculated the effect sizes for treatment efficacy, treatment response, and diagnostic remission using standardized rating scales. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to examine potential moderators. RESULTS A small, nonsignificant benefit of D-cycloserine augmentation compared to placebo augmentation was identified across treatment efficacy (g = 0.15), response (risk ratio [RR] = 1.08), and remission (RR = 1.109), with a moderately significant effect (P = .03) for anxiety disorders specifically (g = 0.33). At initial follow-up assessments, a small, nonsignificant effect size of D-cycloserine augmentation compared to placebo was found for treatment efficacy (g = 0.21), response (RR = 1.06), and remission (RR = 1.12). Specific treatment moderators (eg, comorbidity, medication status, gender, publication year) were found across conditions for both acute treatment and initial follow-up assessments. CONCLUSIONS D-Cycloserine does not universally enhance treatment outcomes but demonstrates promise for anxiety disorders. Distinct treatment moderators may account for discrepant findings across RCTs and disorders. Future trials may be strengthened by accounting for identified moderators in their design, with ongoing research needed on the mechanisms of D-cycloserine to tailor treatment protocols and maximize its benefit.
Molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus among children in Japan during three seasons and hospitalization risk of genotype ON1

We investigated the genetic diversity, the circulation patterns, and risk for hospital admission of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) strains in Japan between 2012 through 2015. During the study period, 744 HRSV-positive cases were identified by rapid diagnostic test. Of these, 572 samples were positive by real-time PCR; 400 (69.9%) were HRSV-A, and 172 (30.1%) were HRSV-B. HRSV-A and -B alternated as the dominant strain in the subsequent seasons. Phylogenetic tree analysis of the second hyper-variable region of the G protein classified the HRSV-A specimens into NA1 (n = 242) and ON1 (n = 114) genotypes and the HRSV-B specimens into BA9 (n = 60), and BA10 (n = 27). The ON1 genotype, containing a 72-nucleotide duplication in the G protein’s second hyper-variable region, was first detected in the 2012–2013 season but it predominated and replaced the older NA1 HRSV-A in the 2014–2015 season, which also coincided with a record number of HRSV cases reported to the National Infectious Disease Surveillance in Japan. The risk of hospitalization was 6.9 times higher for the ON1 genotype compared to NA1. In conclusion, our data showed that the emergence and predominance of the relatively new ON1 genotype in Japan was associated with a record high number of cases and increased risk for hospitalization.