Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Control for a Modular Multilevel Converter

Conventional centralized control strategies may reduce the flexibility and expandability of a modular multilevel converter (MMC) system. To tackle this issue, this paper proposes a distributed control architecture that is capable of assigning certain control tasks to distributed local controllers and improves the modularity of an MMC system. A central controller dealing with the output current regulation based on sensed arm currents is adopted. The control of MMC internal dynamics and the pulsewidth modulation (PWM) generation are distributed into local controllers. Unlike the conventional MMC control that needs all submodule capacitor voltages for capacitor voltage averaging, the proposed capacitor voltage control only relies on local submodule voltage measurement. Consequently, communication-intensive capacitor voltage transmission in each control cycle is not required and the communication burden of the control system can be significantly reduced. The control loops and possible control conflicts among submodules are presented and considered for system stability analysis. The effectiveness of the proposed distributed control architecture and capacitor voltage control for an MMC are confirmed by the start-up, steady state, and transient experimental results.
Approximation algorithms for stochastic orienteering

In the Stochastic Orienteering problem, we are given a metric, where each node also has a job located there with some deterministic reward and a random size. (Think of the jobs as being chores one needs to run, and the sizes as the amount of time it takes to do the chore.) The goal is to adaptively decide which nodes to visit to maximize total expected reward, subject to the constraint that the total distance traveled plus the total size of jobs processed is at most a given budget of B. (I.e., we get reward for all those chores we finish by the end of the day). The (random) size of a job is not known until it is completely processed. Hence the problem combines aspects of both the stochastic knapsack problem with uncertain item sizes and the deterministic orienteering problem of using a limited travel time to maximize gathered rewards located at nodes. In this paper, we present a constant-factor approximation algorithm for the best non-adaptive policy for the Stochastic Orienteering problem. We also show a small adaptivity gap---i.e., the existence of a non-adaptive policy whose reward is at least an Ω(1/log log B) fraction of the optimal expected reward---and hence we also get an O(log log B)-approximation algorithm for the adaptive problem. Finally we address the case when the node rewards are also random and could be correlated with the waiting time, and give a non-adaptive policy which is an O(log n logB)-approximation to the best adaptive policy on n-node metrics with budget B.
Effect of ethanol extract of Piper betle Linn leaf on healing of NSAID-induced experimental ulcer--a novel role of free radical scavenging action.

Treatment with ethanol extract of leaf of P. betle at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days, after induction of peptic ulcer by NSAID in albino rats, produced significant healing effect. During healing process, on treatment with the extractive, antioxidative factor, e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, mucus and total gastric tissue sulfhydryl group were increased. In contrast, oxidised lipid and oxidatively modified proteins were reduced to near normalcy, within 7 to 10 days, however, change in the untreated group was not significant. The extract also showed significant in vitro free radical scavenging action. The results suggest that the antioxidant or free radical scavenging activity of the plant extract, may be responsible for its healing action.
Convexity theorems for semisimple symmetric spaces

Abstract We prove a convexity theorem for semisimple symmetric spaces G / H ${G/H}$ which generalizes an earlier theorem of the second named author to a setting without restrictions on the minimal parabolic subgroup involved. The new more general result specializes to Kostant’s non-linear convexity theorem for a real semisimple Lie group G in two ways, firstly by taking H maximal compact and secondly by viewing G as a symmetric space for G × G ${G\times G}$ .
Automated Multiplexed Multidensity Microfluidic (M3)CellSensing Basedon Electrical Gainmeasurements

Wepresent thepreparation ofmulti-density cells automated inamicrofluidic channel andthensensed withmultiplexed surface microelectrode arrays atthe bottom ofthechannel. Decreasing concentrations of cells areprepared bymixing decreasing volumes of cells withincreasing volumes ofcell culture media. The different cell concentrations areseparated byoilblocks. Thefluids aredriven into thechannel bythree computer-controlled syringe pumpsandBodeplot of thenetwork formed thecells aregenerated continuously. Themonitoring ofthecells iscarried out asthemaximaoftheBodeplot areplotted withrespect totimeshowing thekinetics ofcell growth. Asan initial result, this monitoring isdoneforthree sets of concentration ofcells using glass/PDMS wells simultaneously. Preparation ofdifferent densities of cells iscarried outbyadjusting theration offlowofthe cells andmediainamicrochannel using acomputer controlled syringe pumpssystem. Fortheconference, wewill present thegrowth patterns of16density cells inorder tostudy theeffect ofinitial concentration on thecell growth ofthree different types ofcells.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene practices among population living in slums, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI: 10.5455/ijmsph.2017. 0824506092017001 World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2015, unveiled a global plan to better integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services with four other public health interventions to accelerate progress in eliminating and eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by 2020. “Millions suffer from devastating WASH-related NTDs – such as soiltransmitted helminthiasis, guinea-worm disease, trachoma, and schistosomiasis. Access to safe water, managing human excreta, improving hygiene, and enhancing targeted environmental management are the key solutions. Such improvements not only lead to improved health but also reduce poverty. [3]
Biobased additive plasticizing Polylactic acid (PLA)

Polylactic acid (PLA) is an attractive candidate for replacing petrochemical polymers because it is from renewable resources. In this study, a specific PLA 2002D was melt-mixed with two plasticizers: triethyl citrate (TEC) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC). The plasticized PLA with various concentrations were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), melt flow index (MFI), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy and plasticizer migration test. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that the addition of TEC and ATBC resulted in a decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg), and the reduction was the largest with the plasticizer having the lowest molecular weight (TEC). Plasticizing effect was also shown by decrease in the dynamic storage modulus and viscosity of plasticized mixtures compared to the treated PLA. The TGA results indicated that ATBC and TEC promoted a decrease in thermal stability of the PLA. The X-ray diffraction showed that the PLA have not polymorphic crystalline transition. Analysis by UV-Visible spectroscopy showed that the two plasticizers: ATBC and TEC have no effect on the color change of the films. The weight loss plasticizer with heating time and at 100°C is lesser than at 135 °C. Migration of TEC and ATBC results in cracks and changed color of material. We have concluded that the higher molecular weight of citrate in the studied exhibited a greater plasticizing effect to the PLA.
A Domain Specific Language for Reconfigurable Path-based Monte Carlo Simulations

FPGAs have been successfully used to accelerate many computationally bound applications, such as high-performance Monte-Carlo simulations, but the amount of programmer effort required in development, testing, and tuning is also very high, requiring a new custom design for each application. This paper presents Contessa, a pure-functional continuation-based language for describing path-based Monte-Carlo simulations, and a completely automated method for turning platform-independent Contessa programs into high-performance hardware implementations. Our approach exploits the large degree of thread-based parallelism available in Monte-Carlo simulations, allowing data-dependent control-flow and loop-carried dependencies to be expressed, while retaining high-performance. The Contessa toolchain is evaluated using five different simulation kernels, in comparison to both software and manually described hardware. When compared to an existing FPGA implementation, Contessa requires a quarter of the Handel-C source-code length, and doubles the clock rate to over 300MHz while requiring a similar number of resources, and also provides a 35 times speedup over a C++ implementation using an Opteron 2.2GHz.
Lifelong estradiol exposure and risk of depressive symptoms during the transition to menopause and postmenopause

Objective: Depression risk increases during the menopausal transition (MT) and initial postmenopausal years—both times of significant fluctuations of estrogen. Research to date provides limited support for the hypothesis that estrogen fluctuations play a role in the greater susceptibility to midlife depression. Importantly, not all women report depressive symptoms during the MT, and recent reports suggest that duration of exposure to estradiol throughout the adult years may also play a role in vulnerability to depression. This study examines patterns of estrogen exposure during the reproductive years and risk of depression during the MT and early postmenopausal years. Methods: A longitudinal, US community-based, multiethnic study of menopause. Data were collected at baseline and annually for 10 years, and included 1,306 regularly menstruating premenopausal women, aged 42 to 52 years at study entry. The main outcome was incidence of high level of depressive symptoms, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score at least 16, in the MT and initial postmenopausal years, independent of premenopausal depression symptoms. Risk factors examined were duration of estrogen exposure (menarche to MT), duration of hormonal birth control use, pregnancies, and lactation. Results: In a multivariate adjusted model, longer duration of estrogen exposure from menarche to MT onset was significantly associated with a reduced risk of depression (CES-D ≥16) during the MT and 10 years or less postmenopause (odds ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.78-0.92). Longer duration of birth control use was associated with a decreased risk of CES-D at least 16 (odds ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.83-0.98), but number of pregnancies or breastfeeding was not. Conclusions: Patterns of reproductive lifetime exposure to estrogen are associated with risk of high depressive symptoms during the MT and initial postmenopausal years; longer exposure to estrogen seemed protective.
Identity of Extra Branchial Arches of Hexanchiformes (Pisces, Elasmobranchii)

A hypothesis on the homology of branchial arches in living shark taxa is proposed. Based on the comparative anatomy, the branchial arches are composed of four types of units, the anteriormost (a-type), penultimate (y-type), ultimate (o--type), and other two or more arches (p-type). The extra branchial unit(s) of hexanchiforms should result from the duplication of the p-type arch (second or third arch of the original five-gilled condition). The first additional arch in the hexanchoids (cow sharks) is regarded as the fourth (He:c anchus) or the fifth arch (Heptranchias and Notorynchus). Homology of the extra arch in Ohlamydoselachus (frill sharks) is uncertain, but it appears to be homoplasous with that of hexanchoids.
Dynamic stress-strain behavior of pure iron for shaped charge liners

The shock compression experiments of pure iron for shaped charge liners after annealing at 930 ℃ for 2 h were carried out with the split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus,and its dynamic stress-strain relationships were measured at different strain rates. The microstructure of the deformed pure iron was examined by optical microscope. The microstructure evolution occurring at different strain rates and dynamic stress-strain behavior were investigated. It is shown that pure iron for shaped charge liners has the twinning structure after impact compression. The effect of work-hardening and strain rate strengthening for pure iron occurs at the strain rates of 650 to 3 850 s-1,and the maximum strain also rises with increasing strain rate. Twinning and slipping are the plastic deformation mechanism of pure iron under the shock of high strain rate,which leads to the increase in both strength and plasticity at high strain rate for pure iron.
Moiré patterns on electron micrographs, and their application to the study of dislocations in metals

The direct resolution of a crystal lattice has already been obtained in the electron microscope, with lattice spacings down to about 7 Å. Although a metal lattice has not so far been resolved in this way, a method has been developed to allow this to be carried out in an indirect manner, by means of moiré patterns. In this way, indirect resolution of crystal planes of even less than 1Å in spacing may be obtained, and the atomic array in metal lattices may be studied. The moiré patterns are obtained on transmission electron micrographs from pairs of overlapping single-crystal films of metals, prepared in a suitable manner. The mode of formation of these moiré patterns has been interpreted in terms of the kinematical theory of electron diffraction, and the relation between the patterns and the individual lattices has been considered. If a dislocation line passes through one of the metal crystals, it may be readily detected on the moire pattern. It is shown that both edge and screw dislocations in one of the crystals will give rise to terminating half-lines in the moiré pattern: the number of these terminating half-lines has been deduced, for the f. c. c. system, for any general dislocation line. The results are completely consistent with the observations, and several examples of dislocations are illustrated in the paper. Partial dislocations and stacking faults are also observed, and a full interpretation of these is given. The moiré patterns have also been used to record dislocation movements. The smallest periodicity which we have so far succeeded in resolving in the electron microscope is a moiré pattern of spacing 5.8 Å, obtained from overlapping nickel and gold crystals. The potentialities and limitations of the technique of moiré patterns are discussed in relation to their application to various problems in the metal physics of thin films, with particular reference to the study of lattice imperfections and their effect on mechanical properties.
Fast diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) with Inherent COrrelation‐based Normalization (ICON) enhances automatic segmentation of heterogeneous diffusion MRI lesion in acute stroke

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) has been shown to augment diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for the definition of irreversible ischemic injury. However, the complexity of cerebral structure/composition makes the kurtosis map heterogeneous, limiting the specificity of kurtosis hyperintensity to acute ischemia. We propose an Inherent COrrelation‐based Normalization (ICON) analysis to suppress the intrinsic kurtosis heterogeneity for improved characterization of heterogeneous ischemic tissue injury. Fast DKI and relaxation measurements were performed on normal (n = 10) and stroke rats following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) (n = 20). We evaluated the correlations between mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from the fast DKI sequence and relaxation rates R1 and R2, and found a highly significant correlation between MK and R1 (p < 0.001). We showed that ICON analysis suppressed the intrinsic kurtosis heterogeneity in normal cerebral tissue, enabling automated tissue segmentation in an animal stroke model. We found significantly different kurtosis and diffusivity lesion volumes: 147 ± 59 and 180 ± 66 mm3, respectively (p = 0.003, paired t‐test). The ratio of kurtosis to diffusivity lesion volume was 84% ± 19% (p < 0.001, one‐sample t‐test). We found that relaxation‐normalized MK (RNMK), but not MD, values were significantly different between kurtosis and diffusivity lesions (p < 0.001, analysis of variance). Our study showed that fast DKI with ICON analysis provides a promising means of demarcation of heterogeneous DWI stroke lesions.
High Temperature Titanium-Water and Monel-Water Heat Pipes

Space nuclear systems require large area radiators to reject the unconverted heat to space. System optimizations with Brayton cycles lead to radiators with radiator temperatures in the 400 to 550 K range. To date, nearly all space radiator systems have used aluminum/ammonia heat pipes but these components cannot function at the required temperatures. Titanium-water and Monel-water heat pipes will operate in the temperature range, but titanium and Monel cannot be extruded in the same way as aluminum to form grooved heat pipes for space radiators. A method has been developed to form heat pipes in these materials. Grooves are machined into a flat plate, than the plate is bent and welded to form a heat pipe with grooves. Titanium-water heat pipes with a 1.3 cm O.D. and a length of roughly one meter have been fabricated with 3 different groove designs. The heat pipes carried 300-400 W at temperatures of 425 and 475 K. Water life test pipes have been fabricated with commercially pure (CP) titanium, Monel K-500, Monel 400, and various titanium alloys. CP-Ti and Monel pipes now have 17,400 hours of operation. These pipes continue to operate successfully, with a small amount of gas generation in the CP-Ti pipes. Life test pipes with titanium alloys are also underway, with between 4,000 and 9,000 hours of operation.
Review of Cytomegalovirus Anterior Uveitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes family which includes herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is ubiquitous worldwide. About 85% of persons above the age of 40 in the general community are seropositive.1 CMV infections manifest more usually in immunocompromised individuals especially in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); however more recently, CMV infections have been reported in the immunocompetent person, manifesting as corneal endotheliitis as well as anterior uveitis associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP; hypertensive anterior uveitis). 2-8 This chapter aims to review the ocular features and treatment of CMV anterior uveitis in the immunocompetent person.
Monitoring in vitro neural stem cell differentiation based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using a gold nanostar array

The development of neurochips for non-invasive monitoring of neural stem cell stimulation is highly desirable and can enable the efficient optimization of tissue development protocols. Traditional methods, including cell staining and sorting, have long been used, but these techniques are time-consuming and may damage cells. Here, we have developed a cell-based chip to monitor the in vitro stepwise differentiation process of isolated mouse neural stem cells, the one-step differentiation of adult human neural stem cells (HB1.F3), and the electrochemical stimulation of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Results showed that each cell line exhibited a different behavior during differentiation. The DNA contents changed irregularly during the differentiation of HB1.F3 cells, while the percentage of proteins increased. In addition, the results revealed that the electrochemical stimulation of PC12 cells induced changes in the synthesis of DNA and proteins. The differentiation of isolated mouse neural stem cells showed a decrease in some peaks corresponding to the DNA content and an increase in the percentage of protein, in addition to the irregular behavior of some peaks related to both nucleic acids and proteins. The increase in protein percentage could indicate local variations in protein structure and a maturation shift. These results demonstrate that the SERS technique allows for more rapid biological sample analysis without time-consuming staining, enabling researchers to monitor engineered tissues and optimize culture conditions in a near real-time manner.
Recombinant fibronectin fragment III8-10/polylactic acid hybrid nanofibers enhance the bioactivity of titanium surface.

AIM To develop a nanofiber (NF)-based biomimetic coating on titanium (Ti) that mimics the complex spatiotemporal organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MATERIALS & METHODS Recombinant cell attachment site (CAS) of fibronectin type III8-10 domain was co-electrospun with polylactic acid (PLA) and covalently bound on polished Ti discs. Osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells were used to evaluate their complex bioactivity. RESULTS A significant increase of cell spreading was found on CAS/PLA hybrid NFs, followed by control pure PLA NFs and bare Ti discs. Cell proliferation showed similar trend being about twice higher on CAS/PLA NFs. The significantly increased ALP activity at day 21 indicated an enhanced differentiation of SaOS-2 cells. CONCLUSION Coating of Ti implants with hybrid CAS/PLA NFs may improve significantly their osseointegration potential.
Does Coral Disease Affect Symbiodinium? Investigating the Impacts of Growth Anomaly on Symbiont Photophysiology

Growth anomaly (GA) is a commonly observed coral disease that impairs biological functions of the affected tissue. GA is prevalent at Wai ‘ōpae tide pools, southeast Hawai ‘i Island. Here two distinct forms of this disease, Type A and Type B, affect the coral, Montipora capitata . While the effects of GA on biology and ecology of the coral host are beginning to be understood, the impact of this disease on the photophysiology of the dinoflagellate symbiont, Symbiodinium spp. , has not been investigated. The GA clearly alters coral tissue structure and skeletal morphology and density. These tissue and skeletal changes are likely to modify not only the light micro-environment of the coral tissue, which has a direct impact on the photosynthetic potential of Symbiodinium spp. , but also the physiological interactions within the symbiosis. This study utilized Pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry (PAM) to characterize the photophysiology of healthy and GA-affected M . capitata tissue. Overall, endosymbionts within GA-affected tissue exhibit reduced photochemical efficiency. Values of both Fv/Fm and ΔF/ Fm’ were significantly lower (p<0.01) in GA tissue compared to healthy and unaffected tissues. Tracking the photophysiology of symbionts over a diurnal time period enabled a comparison of symbiont responses to photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) among tissue conditions. Symbionts within GA tissue exhibited the lowest values of ΔF/Fm’ as well as the highest pressure over photosystem II (p<0.01). This study provides evidence that the symbionts within GA-affected tissue are photochemically compromised compared to those residing in healthy tissue.