Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Mobility 2D Palladium Diselenide Field‐Effect Transistors with Tunable Ambipolar Characteristics

Due to the intriguing optical and electronic properties, 2D materials have attracted a lot of interest for the electronic and optoelectronic applications. Identifying new promising 2D materials will be rewarding toward the development of next generation 2D electronics. Here, palladium diselenide (PdSe2), a noble‐transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC), is introduced as a promising high mobility 2D material into the fast growing 2D community. Field‐effect transistors (FETs) based on ultrathin PdSe2 show intrinsic ambipolar characteristic. The polarity of the FET can be tuned. After vacuum annealing, the authors find PdSe2 to exhibit electron‐dominated transport with high mobility (µe (max) = 216 cm2 V−1 s−1) and on/off ratio up to 103. Hole‐dominated‐transport PdSe2 can be obtained by molecular doping using F4‐TCNQ. This pioneer work on PdSe2 will spark interests in the less explored regime of noble‐TMDCs.
Prediction of Functional Outcome in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging at 3T: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early evaluation of the pyramidal tract is a prerequisite in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in order to decide the optimal treatment or to assess appropriate rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and predict the neuromotor and functional outcome of an ICH by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the acute phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with a hemiparetic supratentorial ICH were prospectively studied with DTI within 2 days after onset. A region-of-interest-based analysis was performed for the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the pyramidal tract in the cerebral peduncles. The degree of paresis was assessed at day 0 and day 28 by paresis grading (PG). The functional outcome was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: The FA in the affected side was significantly lower compared with that of the unaffected side (P = .001) with the mean diffusivity remaining unchanged (P = .50). The ratio of the FA (rFA) in the affected side to the unaffected side was significantly correlated with the PG at day 0 and 28 and the mRS score at day 28 (P = .002, r = −0.674; P < .001, r = −0.767; and P = .002, r = −0.676). The rFA for the good and poor outcomes based on the PG was significantly different (P < .001). The cutoff point of the rFA for the good and poor outcomes was set at 0.85 (sensitivity, 100%, specificity, 100%). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that DTI can evaluate the motor deficit quantitatively and may predict the functional outcome in patients with an ICH who were scanned within 2 days after the ICH onset.
Establishment and maintenance of sexual preferences that cause a reproductive isolation between medaka strains in close association

ABSTRACT Animals choose reproductive partners based on their sexual preferences which are established at a certain time point before, during, or after sexual maturation. The preferences are often divergent within a species, which suppresses gene flow between populations and may promote speciation. There are two strains of medaka (Oryzias latipes) that differ by a single transgene and mate assortatively depending on skin color. Here, we demonstrate that symmetrically biased (mutually exclusive) sexual preferences are (1) gradually established during growth depending on skin color and the color of surrounding fish, (2) strong enough to minimize gene flow between the strains at a population level, and (3) inflexibly retained after sexual maturation, even after weeks of daily mating with partners of the other strain. Thus, these laboratory strains of medaka are under premating isolation with the simplest genomic structure. They provide an empirical platform for assessing the complex and hypothetical mechanisms of speciation by mate choice. Summary: Two laboratory strains of medaka assortatively mate in complete sympatry, and their sexual preferences are gradually developed during growth and firmly maintained after sexual maturation.
Clinical evaluation of Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) resin in the management of Sandhivata (osteoarthritis)

Sandhigata vata is described under Vatavyadhi in all Ayurvedic texts. Charaka was the first to describe separately “Sandhigata anila”, but it was not included under 80 types of nanatmaja vatavyadhi. Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease that begins asymptomatically in middle age with progressive symptoms in advancing age. Majority of people by the age 40 years may develop osteoarthritis, especially in weight bearing joints. Females are prone with 25% prevalence, whereas males have a prevalence of 16%. In the present study, 56 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Sandhigata vata, divided into two groups. Patients of first group were administered with 500 mg capsule of Shallaki, 6 g per day (in three divided doses) with lukewarm water (n=29) and the second group) capsule Shallaki as above along with local application of Shallaki ointment on the affected joints (n=23). After a course of therapy for 2 months, symptomatic improvement was observed in both the groups at various levels with promising results in the patients of first group.
PGC-1α Induction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Idiopathic Pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is characterized by the obstructive remodelling of pulmonary arteries, and a progressive elevation in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) with subsequent right-sided heart failure and dead. Hypoxia induces the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) which regulates oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. We have analysed the expression of PGC-1α, cytochrome C (CYTC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the total antioxidant status (TAS) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in blood samples of IPAH patients. Expression of PGC-1α was detected in IPAH patients but not in healthy volunteers. The mRNA levels of SOD were lower in IPAH patients compared to controls (3.93 ± 0.89 fold change). TAS and GPX activity were lower too in patients compared to healthy donors, (0.13 ± 0.027 versus 0.484 ± 0.048 mM and 56.034 ± 10.37 versus 165.46 ± 11.38 nmol/min/mL, resp.). We found a negative correlation between expression levels of PGC-1α and age, PAP and PVR, as well as a positive correlation with CI, PaO2, mRNA levels of CYTC and SOD, TAS and GPX activity. These results taken together are indicative of the possible role of PGC-1α as a potential biomarker of the progression of IPAH.
Substandard models of finite set theory

A survey of the isomorphic submodels of Vω, the set of hereditarily finite sets. In the usual language of set theory, Vω has 2ℵ0 isomorphic submodels. But other set‐theoretic languages give different systems of submodels. For example, the language of adjunction allows only countably many isomorphic submodels of Vω (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neurotransmitter signalling via NMDA receptors leads to decreased T helper type 1‐like and enhanced T helper type 2‐like immune balance in humans

Given the pivotal roles that CD4+ T cell imbalance plays in human immune disorders, much interest centres on better understanding influences that regulate human helper T‐cell subset dominance in vivo. Here, using primary CD4+ T cells and short‐term T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2‐like lines, we investigated roles and mechanisms by which neurotransmitter receptors may influence human type 1 versus type 2 immunity. We hypothesized that N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDA‐R), which play key roles in memory and learning, can also regulate human CD4+ T cell function through induction of excitotoxicity. Fresh primary CD4+ T cells from healthy donors express functional NMDA‐R that are strongly up‐regulated upon T cell receptor (TCR) mediated activation. Synthetic and physiological NMDA‐R agonists elicited Ca2+ flux and led to marked inhibition of type 1 but not type 2 or interleukin‐10 cytokine responses. Among CD4+ lines, NMDA and quinolinic acid preferentially reduced cytokine production, Ca2+ flux, proliferation and survival of Th1‐like cells through increased induction of cell death whereas Th2‐like cells were largely spared. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that (i) NMDA‐R is rapidly up‐regulated upon CD4+ T cell activation in humans and (ii) Th1 versus Th2 cell functions such as proliferation, cytokine production and cell survival are differentially affected by NMDA‐R agonists. Differential cytokine production and proliferative capacity of Th1 versus Th2 cells is attributable in part to increased physiological cell death among fully committed Th1 versus Th2 cells, leading to increased Th2‐like dominance. Hence, excitotoxicity, beyond its roles in neuronal plasticity, may contribute to ongoing modulation of human T cell responses.
A Single-Phase Transformerless Inverter With Charge Pump Circuit Concept for Grid-Tied PV Applications

This paper proposes a new single-phase transformerless photovoltaic (PV) inverter for grid-tied PV systems. The topology is derived from the concept of a charge pump circuit in order to eliminate the leakage current. It is composed of four power switches, two diodes, two capacitors, and an LCL output filter. The neutral of the grid is directly connected to the negative polarity of the PV panel that creates a constant common mode voltage and zero leakage current. The charge pump circuit generates the negative output voltage of the proposed inverter during the negative cycle. A proportional resonant control strategy is used to control the injected current. The main benefits of the proposed inverter are: 1) the neutral of the grid is directly connected to the negative terminal of the PV panel, so the leakage current is eliminated; 2) its compact size; 3) low cost; 4) the used dc voltage of the proposed inverter is the same as the full-bridge inverter (unlike neutral point clamped (NPC), active NPC, and half-bridge inverters); 5) flexible grounding configuration; 6) capability of reactive power flow; and 7) high efficiency. A complete description of the operating principle and analysis of the proposed inverter are presented. Experimental results are presented to confirm both the theoretical analysis and the concept of the proposed inverter. The obtained results clearly validate the performance of the proposed inverter and its practical application in grid-tied PV systems.
Effects of four different drying methods on the carotenoid composition and antioxidant capacity of dried Gac peel.

BACKGROUND Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) is a rich source of carotenoids for the manufacture of powder, oil and capsules for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses. Currently, only the aril of the Gac fruit is processed and the peel, similar to the other components, is discarded, although it contains high level of carotenoids, which could be extracted for commercial use. In the present study, four different drying methods (hot-air, vacuum, heat pump and freeze drying), different temperatures and drying times were investigated for producing dried Gac peel suitable for carotenoid extraction. RESULTS The drying methods and drying temperatures significantly affected the drying time, carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity of the dried Gac peel. Among the investigated drying methods, hot-air drying at 80 o C and vacuum drying at 50 o C produced dried Gac peel that exhibited the highest retention of carotenoids and the strongest antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSION Hot-air drying at 80 o C and vacuum drying at 50 o C are recommended for the drying of Gac peel. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Paradoxical Air Microembolism Induces Cerebral Bioelectrical Abnormalities and Occasionally Headache in Patent Foramen Ovale Patients With Migraine

Background Although controversial, paradoxical embolism via patent foramen ovale (PFO) may account for some of the migraine attacks in a subset of migraine with aura (MA) patients. Induction of MA attacks with air bubble injection during transcranial Doppler ultrasound in MA patients with PFO supports this view. It is likely that cerebral embolism in patients with right-to-left shunt induces bioelectrical abnormalities to initiate MA under some conditions. Methods and Results We investigated changes in cerebral bioelectrical activity after intravenous microbubble injection in 10 MA patients with large PFO and right-to-left cardiac shunt. Eight PFO patients without migraine but with large right-to-left shunt and 12 MA patients without PFO served as controls. Four MA patients with PFO were reexamined with sham injections of saline without microbubbles. Bioelectrical activity was evaluated using spectral electroencephalography and, passage of microbubbles through cerebral arteries was monitored with transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Microbubble embolism caused significant electroencephalographic power increase in MA+PFO patients but not in control groups including the sham-injected MA+PFO patients. Headache developed in 2 MA with PFO patients after microbubble injection. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that air microembolism through large PFOs may cause cerebral bioelectrical disturbances and, occasionally, headache in MA patients, which may reflect an increased reactivity of their brain to transient subclinical hypoxia–ischemia, and suggest that paradoxical embolism is not a common cause of migraine but may induce headache in the presence of a large PFO and facilitating conditions.
Adaptive temporal error concealment scheme for H.264/AVC video decoder

Resilience to channel noise is indispensable for video communication based consumer applications. Temporal error concealment is a kind of decoder-based technique to compensate for transmission errors and is popular in most consumer electronics. In this paper, an adaptive temporal error concealment scheme is proposed based on H.264 video standard to improve error resilience ability for video consumer applications. Mode switching mechanism is devised to flexibly choose appropriate temporal concealment mode. The search range for candidate motion vectors could be adaptively determined by the range of spatially and temporally neighboring motion vectors. Weighted outer boundary distortion function could dynamically select the optimal replacing motion vector for local area. Experiment and comparison with recent error concealment schemes shows that our proposed algorithm could effectively improve received video quality with reduced requirement for decoding time.
Reviving Partial Order Planning

This paper challenges the prevailing pessimism about the scalability of partial order planning (POP) algorithms by presenting several novel heuristic control techniques that make them competitive with the state of the art plan synthesis algorithms. Our key insight is that the techniques responsible for the efficiency of the currently successful planners–viz., distance based heuristics, reachability analysis and disjunctive constraint handling–can also be adapted to dramatically improve the efficiency of the POP algorithm. We implement our ideas in a variant of UCPOP called REPOP. Our empirical results show that in addition to dominating UCPOP, REPOP also convincingly outperforms Graphplan in several “parallel” domains. The plans generated by REPOP also tend to be better than those generated by Graphplan and state search planners in terms of execution flexibility.
Tradeoff Between Establishing an Infection and Killing the Host: Response of Snails (Physa acuta) to a Gradient of Trematode (Halipegus eccentricus) Exposures

Abstract: Pond snails (Physa acuta) were exposed to a gradient (0, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50) of trematode (Halipegus eccentricus) eggs and observed to determine egg dose effects on the survival of snails through the prepatent period, snail reproduction, and the production of cercariae. The probability of snail survival through the prepatent period significantly decreased with increasing egg exposures, where the odds of snail survival was 0.94 per trematode egg. Similarly, the probability of snail reproduction significantly decreased with increasing egg exposures, where the odds of snail reproduction was 0.85 per trematode egg. In contrast, the probability of a snail shedding cercariae significantly increased with increasing egg exposures, where the odds of reaching a patent infection were 1.64 per trematode egg. However, snails shedding cercariae that were exposed to higher doses of trematode eggs tended to die sooner. Thus, there appears to be a tradeoff between infecting a snail and killing the host.
A Survey on Temporal Reasoning in Artificial Intelligence

The notion of time is ubiquitous in any activity that requires intelligence. In particular, several important notions like change, causality, action are described in terms of time. Therefore, the representation of time and reasoning about time is of crucial importance for many Arti(cid:12)cial Intelligence systems. Speci(cid:12)cally during the last 10 years, it has been attracting the attention of many AI researchers. In this survey, the results of this work are analysed. Firstly, Temporal Reasoning is de(cid:12)ned. Then, the most important representational issues which determine a Temporal Reasoning approach are introduced: the logical form on which the approach is based, the ontology (the units taken as primitives, the temporal relations, the algorithms that have been developed,.) and the concepts related with reasoning about action (the representation of change, causality, action,.). For each issue the di(cid:11)erent choices in the literature are discussed.
M1 Protein-Dependent Intracellular Trafficking Promotes Persistence and Replication of Streptococcus pyogenes in Macrophages

Streptococcus pyogenes is an important human pathogen that causes a variety of diseases including life-threatening invasive diseases, such as toxic shock and deep tissue infections. Although S. pyogenes are classically considered extracellular pathogens, a clinical significance of an intracellular source has been emphasized. In patients with deep tissue infections, an intracellular reservoir of S. pyogenes within macrophages was shown to contribute to prolonged bacterial persistence. Here we demonstrate that intracellular survival of S. pyogenes in macrophages is associated with an M1 protein-dependent intracellular trafficking in the phagosomal-lysosomal pathway, which results in impaired fusion with lysosomes. The phagocytic vacuoles harbouring M1 protein-expressing bacteria not only served as a safe haven for the bacteria, but also as a replicating niche. An M1 protein-dependent modulation of macrophages was further supported by differences in NF-ĸB signalling between cells infected with either the wild-type or M1 protein-deficient strains, thereby indicating a suppressed inflammatory response when M1 protein was involved. Evidence of egress of bacteria out of their host cell and subsequent re-infection of new cells emphasize the importance of intracellular bacteria as a reservoir for dissemination of infection and continued tissue injury.
MicroRNA-302b Enhances the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines to 5-FU via Targeting Mcl-1 and DPYD

MiR-302b is a member of miR-302-367 cluster. The miR-302-367 cluster played important roles in maintaining pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and has been proved to be capable of suppressing cell growth in several types of cancer cell lines including Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Cell lines. However, the role that miR-302b plays in the 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity of HCC has not been known. This study showed that miR-302b could enhance the sensitivity to 5-FU in HCC cell lines and verified its two putative targeted genes responsible for its 5-FU sensitivity.
Combining Goal Models, Expert Elicitation, and Probabilistic Simulation for Qualification of New Technology

New technologies typically involve innovative aspects that are not addressed by the existing normative standards and hence are not assessable through common certification procedures. To ensure that new technologies can be implemented in a safe and reliable manner, a specific kind of assessment is performed, which in many industries, e.g., the energy sector, is known as Technology Qualification (TQ). TQ aims at demonstrating with an acceptable level of confidence that a new technology will function within specified limits. Expert opinion plays an important role in TQ, both to identify the safety and reliability evidence that needs to be developed, and to interpret the evidence provided. Hence, it is crucial to apply a systematic process for eliciting expert opinions, and to use the opinions for measuring the satisfaction of a technology's safety and reliability objectives. In this paper, drawing on the concept of assurance cases, we propose a goal-based approach for TQ. The approach, which is supported by a software tool, enables analysts to quantitatively reason about the satisfaction of a technology's overall goals and further to identify the aspects that must be improved to increase goal satisfaction. The three main components enabling quantitative assessment are goal models, expert elicitation, and probabilistic simulation. We report on an industrial pilot study where we apply our approach for assessing a new offshore technology.
Towards Configurable Learning Analytics for Constructionist Mathematical e-Books

This paper presents emerging requirements for learning analytics on interactive mathematical e-books and a framework that can be used for the seamless integration of complex learning objects with ebook platforms. We describe the opportunities that this approach opens up regarding interoperability and configurability of learning analytics and intelligent support. The framework is generic and can be used for any type of system with similar requirements. In this paper we present a case that covers configuration of learning analytics for teachers and intelligent support for students in constructionist mathematical e-books.
A high-precision registration algorithm for heterologous image based on effective sub-graph extraction and feature points bidirectional matching

Aiming at solving the problem of low matching accuracy caused by different imaging mechanism of heterologous image, we propose a novel image registration algorithm based on effective sub-image extraction and bidirectional matching for surf feature points. The algorithm adopts a coarse-to-fine matching strategy. Firstly, we transform the edge image into frequency domain through fast Fourier transform, and roughly estimate transform parameters using the cross power spectrum; secondly, we divide the images after rough matching into several sub-graphs, from which we will pick out the effective sub-graph in terms of normalized mutual information, then we match bidirectionally the feature points of effective sub-graph pair according to time domain features, thus obtaining accurate transformation parameters, completing the fine matching. Experimental results of heterologous images in different scenarios show that, the proposed algorithm effectively improves the registration accuracy which is up to sub pixel level.