Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Chemosensory Properties, and Self-Assembly of Terpyridine-Containing Conjugated Polycarbazole through RAFT Polymerization and Heck Coupling Reaction

We report the responsive fluorescence chemosensory phenomena of a carbazole-functionalized crosslinked polymer (PCaT) with pendent terpyridine (tpy) groups as receptors of metal ions. The polymer was synthesized using Heck polymerization between 3,6-dibromide groups in a carbazole-based polymer (PC2Br) and divinyl tpy monomer. The effects of the polymeric structure on the optical and chemosensory properties of the PCaT were compared with those of a carbazole-tpy alternating conjugated polymer (PCT). Photoluminescence titrations demonstrated that the PCaT and PCT had the high sensing ability toward Fe3+ ions, with Stern–Volmer constants of 8.10 × 104 and 6.68 × 104 M−1, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) toward Fe3+ of the PCaT and PCT was estimated to be 1.31 × 10−6 and 1.81 × 10−6 M, respectively, and the superior LOD of the PCaT was ascribed to its lowly crosslinked structure. The fluorescence of the solutions of these polymers that were quenched by Fe3+ ions recovered when trace CN− anions were added because of the high stability constant of the CN−–Fe3+ complex. Micellar aggregates with a mean diameter of approximately 239.5 nm were formed by dissolving the PCaT in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution. Our results suggest that the PCaT is a promising material for chemosensory applications.
Dependability Benchmarks for Operating Systems

Dependability evaluation is playing an increasing role in system and software engineering together with performance evaluation. Performance benchmarks are widely used to evaluate system performance while dependability benchmarks are hardly emerging. A dependability benchmark for operating systems is intended to objectively characterize the operating system's behavior in the presence of faults, through dependability and performance-related measures, obtained by means of controlled experiments. This paper presents a dependability benchmark for general-purpose operating systems and its application to three versions of Windows operating system and four versions of Linux operating system. The benchmark measures are: operating system robustness (as regards possible erroneous inputs provided by the application software to the operating system via the application programming interface), operating system reaction and restart times in the presence of faults. The workload is JVM (Java Virtual Machine), a software layer, on top of the operating system allowing applications in Java language to be platform independent.
Le traitement des variables régionalisées en écologie : apports de la géomatique et de la géostatistique

Face a la contradiction consistant a traiter les variables regionalisees ecologiques sans tenir compte de leurs proprietes spatiales, nous developpons des methodes geomatiques, utilisant des techniques informatiques, et geostatistiques, appliquant la theorie des fonctions aleatoires. Apres avoir introduit des elements de geomatique et de geostatistique, et avoir precise la nature specifique de l'autocorrelation spatiale, nous introduisons les inferences design-based et model-based. A l'aide de fonctions aleatoires, nous etudions l'efficacite de l'echantillonnage, optimisons des predicteurs, et calculons des intervalles de prediction. Nous proposons une procedure d'optimisation des classes de distances lors du calcul du variogramme. Nous examinons egalement l'utilisation de l'integrale du variogramme, et justifions la modelisation du variogramme par ajustement aux moindres carres ponderes. Nous discutons de la precision du variogramme dans les cadres design-based et model-based, et au sens du jackknife. L'optimisation de l'echantillonnage d'une population finie en vue de l'estimation de la moyenne spatiale ou du variogramme est examinee a l'aide de plusieurs heuristiques d'optimisation combinatoire et de simulations de fonctions aleatoires. Le probleme du test de la correlation ou de l'association entre deux variables regionalisees est etudie, a nouveau en utilisant des simulations de fonctions aleatoires. Nous passons en revue plusieurs methodes et recommandons les tests qui font explicitement reference a l'autocorrelation spatiale des variables regionalisees. Dans le cadre de la definition de l'association spatiale entre variables regionalisees, nous proposons une methode hybride utilisant des quadtrees et une distance d'edition entre arborescences recursives. Enfin, nous etudions des mesures de la complexite spatiale, critiquons l'analyse fractale et proposons des methodes alternatives, notamment une mesure de complexite topologique d'une carte en isolignes.
The minimum structure solution to the inverse problem

The inverse problem of estimating the conductivity function from head observations is generally ill posed: Many conductivity functions are consistent with the data. It is widely accepted now that a well‐defined estimate can be obtained only if additional information about the function structure is introduced into the problem formulation. This work presents a method to obtain a stable and reasonable estimate that utilizes only the data and the flow or transport model with the minimum possible suppositions about the unknown function or its structure. The motivation is to develop a solution that has only characteristics that are traced directly to the data and the flow or transport model, without taking advantage of spatial continuity or other “prior information. ” The solution is obtained by minimizing the upper bound to the error, or, in a stochastic conceptual framework, as the most likely solution given the data. This solution, although generally not the most accurate since it neglects to utilize structural information that may be available, is of fundamental importance and may be useful as a benchmark. For example, by comparing this solution with other solutions, one can become aware of how prior information or the model of spatial structure affects the solution to the inverse problem.
Motion planning using Maxwell's equations

This paper presents a new formulation of the artificial potential approach to the motion planning problem for a mobile robot in a global environment. To model the potential (magnetic) field by Maxwell's Equations that completely eliminate the local minima problem, which is exhibited in most artificial potential methods, such as Harmonic functions based methods. However, the proposed model is superior to the Harmonic one because it is easily extendable to 3D, the time dimension is modeled by default which means it is a suitable model for time-varying environments, computations are less and hence faster, and most important it eliminates the "flat-regions" problem. In this work, electrical currents are assumed to be floating in a cluttered environment with obstacles. The obstacles are assigned zero conductivity whereas the goal point is assigned the highest electrical conductivity. The magnetic field induced by the electric currents is used to find a free path between the start and goal points. Simulation results reflects the validity and the potential of the proposed model.
Description of Pseudacrobeles (Pseudacrobeles) curvatus sp. n. (Cephalobidae: Rhabditida) in South Korea

Abstract Pseudacrobeles (Pseudacrobeles) curvatus sp. n. was collected from potato fields in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The new species shares morphological characters typical of the genus Pseudacrobeles, including three lateral incisures that fade posteriorly near the phasmid openings. The new species differs from other Pseudacrobeles species by its smaller body size and a comparatively shorter corpus relative to the isthmus length. In this study, we provide a comparison of morphometrics and diagnostic features of Pseudacrobeles species and molecular sequence data from the D2-D3 regions of the 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA from the new species, which can be used as molecular barcode sequences.
Robust digital voltage-mode controller for synchronous soft-switching boost converter

In this paper robust digital voltage-mode controller design for a synchronous soft-switching boost converter is presented. Although it is a boost converter, but due to soft-switching nature the converter circuit exhibits five different modes of operations in one switching cycle and also results in zero-voltage transition to the switching devices. As there are several operating modes the small-signal z-domain transfer functions are formulated using system identification toolbox of the MATALB, and then used in the direct digital controller design. A pole-zero placement technique is adopted to arrive at final digital voltage-mode controller and then an edge theorem is employed for testing the robustness of the controller. Closed-loop converter performance is predetermined for a 25 to 100 V, 50 Watt prototype in simulation and then compared with experimental measurements. Experimental measurements are in close agreement with simulations.
Use of a standardized code status explanation by residents among hospitalized patients

Objectives There is wide variability in the discussion of code status by residents among hospitalized patients. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of a scripted code status explanation on patient understanding of choices pertaining to code status and end-of-life care. Methods This was a single center, randomized trial in a teaching hospital. Patients were randomized to a control (questionnaire alone) or intervention arm (standardized explanation+ questionnaire). A composite score was generated based on patient responses to assess comprehension. Results The composite score was 5.27 in the intervention compared to 4.93 in the control arm (p=0.066). The score was lower in older patients (p<0.001), patients with multiple comorbidities (p≤0.001), KATZ score <6 (p=0.008), and those living in an assisted living/nursing home (p=0.005). There were significant differences in patient understanding of the ability to receive chest compressions, intravenous fluids, and tube feeds by code status. Conclusion The scripted code status explanation did not significantly impact the composite score. Age, comorbidities, performance status, and type of residence demonstrated a significant association with patient understanding of code status choices. Practice implications Standardized discussion of code status and training in communication of end-of-life care merit further research.
Statistical Timing Analysis Considering Device and Interconnect Variability for BEOL Requirements in the 5-nm Node and Beyond

In an increasing interconnect resistance era and aggressive metal pitch scaling, the elevating RC delay could significantly shadow the improvements from advanced device architectures and become a severe design issue. This paper will holistically analyze the interplay between transistors and interconnect delay and the variability induced by back-end-of-line (BEOL) process for the 5-nm node. A global sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation is employed as a powerful tool for understanding the significance of different variation sources and propagating these process uncertainties to circuit performance and parametric yield. For the BEOL integration process, our results show that dielectric <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\kappa }$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-value is the most sensitive parameter. Regarding the patterning options, the BEOL process using self-aligned quadruple pattering with positive tone process requires more than a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> process margin and suffers from 50% parametric yield loss. The required guardband for litho-etch litho-etch becomes as critical as for the self-aligned double patterning process when the overlay control is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$6\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> higher than the critical dimension control. For trench patterning using spacer-defined techniques, a negative tone process is required to achieve a large process window. From a design perspective, the wire length in SoC can be optimized using a disruptive architecture as a vertical FET, which could potentially reduce the average wire length by 11%.
Can the Asthma Control Questionnaire be used to differentiate between patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma symptoms? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND A substantial number of adult patients with asthma are inadequately controlled despite the availability of effective asthma treatment. Patients and physicians seem to overestimate the level of asthma control. OBJECTIVE The current study explores whether valid differentiation is possible between asthma patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma symptoms, on the basis of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ). METHODS In this multi-centre, cross-sectional study, patients were classified according to Global Initiative for Asthma criteria into levels of asthma symptom control based on a diary card registration. We defined Step 1 ('well controlled' asthma symptoms), Step 2 ('moderately controlled'), Step 3 ('poorly controlled') and Step 4 ('very poorly controlled'). These control steps were related with the sum score of the ACQ. RESULTS From 108 asthma patients complete data were obtained. The Step 1 subgroup comprised 17 patients; Step 2, 12 patients; Step 3, 22 patients; and Step 4, 57 patients. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal ACQ sum score cut-off value to differentiate between Step 1 and Steps 2, 3 and 4 was three points (sensitivity: 84%, specificity: 76%). For Steps 1 and 2 versus Steps 3 and 4, this was four points (sensitivity: 77%, specificity: 59%). For Steps 1, 2 and 3 versus Step 4, this was six points (sensitivity: 70%, specificity: 74%). CONCLUSION Our results show that discrimination between asthma patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma symptoms, based on the ACQ, is possible with a reasonable margin of test inaccuracy. Thus, the ACQ may be an important tool for health care professionals who aim to optimize the level of asthma control in their patient population.
Attempts to molecularly distinguish cryptic taxa in Anopheles gambiae s.s.

Analyses of inversions in polytene chromosomes indicate that, in West Africa, Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) may be a complex of more than a single taxonomic unit, and these units have been called chromosomal forms. In order to determine whether this genetic discontinuity extends to the rest of the genome, as would be expected if reproductive isolation exists, we have sequenced several regions of both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. With one exception, we were unable to identify any nucleotide sites that differentiate the chromosomal forms. The exception was the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Three sites in this region distinguish Mopti chromosomal form from Savanna and Bamako in Mali and Burkina Faso. However, outside these two countries, the association between chromosomal form and rDNA type does not always hold. Together with the variants in the rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS) described in the accompanying papers ( della Torre et al., 2001 ; Favia et al., 2001 ), we can recognize two major types of rDNA, Type I and Type II (corresponding to molecular forms S and M in della Torre et al., 2001 ). Type I is widespread in West Africa and is the only type found outside of West Africa (i.e. Tanzania and Madagascar). Type II is confined to West Africa. We were unable to detect any heterozygosity for the ITS types even in five collections containing both types. A sample from the island of São Tomé could not be classified into either Type I or Type II as the rDNA had characteristics of both. In general, our results confirm that An. gambiae is not a single pan‐mictic unit, but exactly how to define any new taxa remains problematic. Finally, we have found minor variants of the major rDNA types fixed in local populations; contrary to most previous studies, this suggests restricted gene flow among populations of this species.
SLAM within indoor loops by using incremental scan registration

This paper presents an efficient solution to fulfill the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) in indoor environment where there are monotonous areas and large loops. The proposed approach works on Split Sparse Points Maps (SSPM) and is mainly based on incremental scan registration by using the Point-to-Line Iterative Closest Point (PLICP) algorithm. To enhance the robustness of scan registration in monotonous environment, an Incident Angle Fused Metric (IAFM) is introduced during the association procedure of scan registration. Furthermore, with the manner of sub maps joining, a trajectory bending based loop closure approach is applied, which can efficiently eliminate the map inconsistence that is generated from error accumulation of scans registration. Experiment is conducted in real environment and the results obtained from different methods are compared and discussed, which verifies the validation of the proposed methods.
Trans-septal catheterization for atrial fibrillation ablation

Since the first direct left atrial pressure recording in a patient with an atrial septal defect by Cournand et al., different approaches such as the transbronchial and percutaneous apical left ventricle puncture methods have been used for obtaining the pressure of the left cardiac chamber in order to treat patients with various heart diseases. The current transseptal catheterization was first performed by Ross et al . , and the technique underwent several modifications since then, to meet the specific needs. Transseptal catheterization has been used for diagnostic purposes in valvular heart disease, however with the development of new non-invasive technologies such as 2-dimentional (D) echo/Doppler and cardiac MRI, the need for transseptal catheterization has greatly decreased since early 1990. The interest in the transseptal catheterization was revived by interventional cardiology in order to meet the needs of the new percutaneous therapeutic procedures such as mitral and aortic valvuloplasty, closure of atrial septal defects, left atrial appendage occlusion, and the recent mitral annuloplasty. Transseptal catheterization was also revived by the interventional electrophysiology field and has been used to treat a variety of arrhythmias including left sided accessory pathways, left atrial or pulmonary vein origin atrial tachycardias, 10 atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. Thus, the transseptal catheterization technique was further modified in a unique way, and currently several transseptal techniques have been reported in the literature. With the recent advances in atrial fibrillation ablation, the double transseptal catheterization technique has become the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation ablation. Therefore, a proper transseptal catheterization is essential for a successful left atrial or ventricular arrhythmia ablation. This article intended to review some of the important considerations for transseptal catheterization in the cardiac electrophysiology practice for patients with left atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
Mycotoxin Patulin Suppresses Innate Immune Responses by Mitochondrial Dysfunction and p62/Sequestosome-1-dependent Mitophagy *

Innate immune responses are important for pathogen elimination and adaptive immune response activation. However, excess inflammation may contribute to immunopathology and disease progression (e.g. inflammation-associated hepatocellular carcinoma). Immune modulation resulting from pattern recognition receptor-induced responses is a potential strategy for controlling immunopathology and related diseases. This study demonstrates that the mycotoxin patulin suppresses Toll-like receptor- and RIG-I/MAVS-dependent cytokine production through GSH depletion, mitochondrial dysfunction, the activation of p62-associated mitophagy, and p62-TRAF6 interaction. Blockade of autophagy restored the immunosuppressive activity of patulin, and pharmacological activation of p62-dependent mitophagy directly reduced RIG-I-like receptor-dependent inflammatory cytokine production. These results demonstrated that p62-dependent mitophagy has an immunosuppressive role to innate immune response and might serve as a potential immunomodulatory target for inflammation-associated diseases.
High precision English base noun phrase identification based on "waterfall" model

Based on classical model that used by software exploitation in the subject of Software Engineering - waterfall model, a high precision model for English noun phrase identification is presented. In this model, three important features (interior structure, context information and boundary character) in base noun phrase identification are orderly used, and the relative method (the rule method, the transfer-based and error-driven method, and the boundary statistic method) are used from top to bottom. Thus the precision of base noun phrase identification improved steadily. The "waterfall" model combined the rule method and the statistical method so as to make them complement each other. The precision of base noun phrase identification achieves 98.10% and the F score is 95.25%. Compared to other method, our method achieves the highest precision and F score.
miR-106 b ~ 25 cluster regulates multidrug resistance in an ABC transporter-independent manner via downregulation of EP 300

MicroRNA (miR)-106b~25 cluster regulates bypass of doxorubicin and γ-radiation induced senescence by downregulation of the E-cadherin transcriptional activator EP300. We asked whether upregulation of miR-106~25 cluster generates cells with a truly multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype and whether this is due to upregulation of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter P-glycoprotein. We used minimally transformed mammary epithelial breast cancer cells (MTMECs) in which the miR-106b~25 cluster was experimentally upregulated by lentiviral transfection or in which hairpins targeting either EP300 or E-cadherin mRNAs have been expressed with lentiviruses. We find that overexpression of miR-106b~25 cluster led to the generation of MDR MTMECs (resistant to etoposide, colchicine and paclitaxel). Paclitaxel resistance was also studied after experimental downregulation of EP300 or E-cadherin. However none of these cells overexpressed P-glycoprotein or where able to efflux a fluorescent derivative of paclitaxel, making this phenotype drug-transporter independent. Paclitaxel treatment in MTMECs led to an increase in early apoptotic cells (Annexin V-positive), activation of caspase-9 and increase in the proportion of cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. However, MTMEC overexpressing miR-106b~25 cluster, or with EP300 or E-cadherin downregulated, showed less activation of apoptosis, caspase-9 and caspase-3/-7 activities. Thus, miR-106b~25 cluster controls transporter-independent MDR by apoptosis evasion via downregulation of EP300.