Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digital implementation of one-cycle controller (OCC) for AC-DC converters

In this paper, a novel method for the digital implementation of one-cycle controller (OCC) is introduced for the control of AC-DC full-bridge converter. The use of this technique eliminates the need of high sampling rates for data acquisition or of using averaged input parameters for control, which is usually the case for digital implementation of OCC. Since, the instantaneous result of integration of switched variable is compared with the reference signal, sampling rates much higher than the switching frequency are required. In the proposed implementation technique, the current ripple is mathematically estimated based on the measured values of input current and voltages sampled at the beginning of each switching cycle. Since the choice of carrier affects the performance of the converter, a generalized triangular carrier is used in the analysis of converter operation using this technique. It allows us to choose an appropriate carrier suitable for this application. This leads to obtaining accurate duty cycles by switching action, while sampling rates remain the same as the switching frequency. The above technique is then used to perform reactive power control on a lab prototype of a boost based AC-DC converter. The simulation and experimental results show satisfactory performance of the converter with the proposed implementation technique.
Vive la résistance: genome-wide selection against introduced alleles in invasive hybrid zones

Evolutionary and ecological consequences of hybridization between native and invasive species are notoriously complicated because patterns of selection acting on non-native alleles can vary throughout the genome and across environments. Rapid advances in genomics now make it feasible to assess locus-specific and genome-wide patterns of natural selection acting on invasive introgression within and among natural populations occupying diverse environments. We quantified genome-wide patterns of admixture across multiple independent hybrid zones of native westslope cutthroat trout and invasive rainbow trout, the world's most widely introduced fish, by genotyping 339 individuals from 21 populations using 9380 species-diagnostic loci. A significantly greater proportion of the genome appeared to be under selection favouring native cutthroat trout (rather than rainbow trout), and this pattern was pervasive across the genome (detected on most chromosomes). Furthermore, selection against invasive alleles was consistent across populations and environments, even in those where rainbow trout were predicted to have a selective advantage (warm environments). These data corroborate field studies showing that hybrids between these species have lower fitness than the native taxa, and show that these fitness differences are due to selection favouring many native genes distributed widely throughout the genome.
Soluble complement receptor-1 protects heart, lung, and cardiac myofilament function from cardiopulmonary bypass damage.

BACKGROUND Host defense system activation occurs with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and is thought to contribute to the pathophysiological consequences of CPB. Complement inhibition effects on the post-CPB syndrome were tested with soluble complement receptor-1 (sCR1). METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty neonatal pigs (weight 1.8 to 2.8 kg) were randomized to control and sCR1-treated groups. LV pressure and volume, left atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure and flow, and respiratory system compliance and resistance were measured. Preload recruitable stroke work, isovolumic diastolic relaxation time constant (tau), and pulmonary vascular resistance were determined. Pre-CPB measures were not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups. After CPB, preload recruitable stroke work was significantly higher in the sCR1 group (n=5, 46.8+/-3.2x10(3) vs n=6, 34.3+/-3.7x10(3) erg/cm(3), P=0.042); tau was significantly lower in the sCR1 group (26.4+/-1.5, 42.4+/-6. 6 ms, P=0.003); pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly lower in the sCR1 group (5860+/-1360 vs 12 170+/-1200 dyn. s/cm(5), P=0.009); arterial PO(2) in 100% FIO(2) was significantly higher in the sCR1 group (406+/-63 vs 148+/-33 mm Hg, P=0.01); lung compliance and airway resistance did not differ significantly. The post-CPB Hill coefficient of atrial myocardium was higher in the sCR1 group (2.88+/-0.29 vs 1.88+/-0.16, P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS sCR1 meaningfully moderates the post-CPB syndrome, supporting the hypothesis that complement activation contributes to this syndrome.
Mathematical diagnostics via nonsmooth analysis

Mathematical Diagnostics (MD) deals with identification problems arising in different practical areas. In the paper, the problem of the choice of a classifier and a functional is discussed. Existing methods of linear discriminant analysis are based on linear and quadratic programming. The usage of nonlinear and even nonsmooth criteria and classifiers may improve the quality of identification. Successful application of nonsmooth discriminant analysis is possible if proper nonsmooth software is taylored for specific problems of MD.
QTL Mapping for Controlling Days to Pollen Shed under Different Nitrogen Regimes in Maize

Nitrogen (N) deficiency affects severely many metabolic pathways and physiological progresses during maize (Zea mays L.) growing stage, and change of days to pollen shed (DPS) is one of the most serious consequences. To realize the genetic basis of DPS, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from the cross between Mo17 and Huangzao4 was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling DPS under two N regimes. As a result, 2 QTLs were detected, of which the QTL identified under both N regimes was quite near to the marker Nc134, with 0 centiMorgan (cM) of mapping distance between them, it could account for 15.36% and 10.39% of phenotypic variance under high and low N regimes respectively, and could make maize flower with ahead of time about 1 d duo to its additive effect. The other QTL, identified only under low N regime, was close to marker Bnlg1129 with 8.6 cM of maping distance between them, could explain 12.39% of phenotypic variance and increase DPS for 0.8 d owing to its additive effect. These results are beneficial for understanding the genetic basis of DPS in maize.
Dijkstra Algorithm Implementing Services Composing Way Selection

Web services composing technique presents the wonderful outlook of flexibly and agilely constructing the enterprise applications for us. In this paper, we analyze the Web services composing model and propose a new method of computing the service's QoS value solving the problem that the QoS properties have different trend. At the same time, we try to use the dijkstra algorithm to implement the optimal services composing path selecting and provide the formal description of the algorithm implementing the optimal path selecting process.
Convex dynamic programming for hybrid systems

A classical linear programming approach to optimization of flow or transportation in a discrete graph is extended to hybrid systems. The problem is finite dimensional if the state space is discrete and finite, but becomes infinite dimensional for a continuous or hybrid state space. It is shown how strict lower bounds on the optimal loss function can be computed by gridding the continuous state space and restricting the linear program to a finite-dimensional subspace. Upper bounds can be obtained by evaluation of the corresponding control laws.
Feedback Vertex Set Inspired Kernel for Chordal Vertex Deletion

Given a graph G and a parameter k, the Chordal Vertex Deletion (CVD) problem asks whether there exists a subset U⊆ V(G) of size at most k that hits all induced cycles of size at least 4. The existence of a polynomial kernel for CVD was a well-known open problem in the field of Parameterized Complexity. Recently, Jansen and Pilipczuk resolved this question affirmatively by designing a polynomial kernel for CVD of size O (k161 log58k) and asked whether one can design a kernel of size O (k10) [Jansen an Pilipczuk, SODA 2017]. While we do not completely resolve this question, we design a significantly smaller kernel of size O (k12 log10k), inspired by the O (k2) -size kernel for Feedback Vertex Set [Thomassé, TALG 2010]. Furthermore, we introduce the notion of the independence degree of a vertex, which is our main conceptual contribution.
Stepwise Fair-Share Buffering underneath Bio-inspired P2P Data Dissemination

We consider buffer management problem in support of large-scale bio-inspired peer-to-peer data dissemination services. Bio-inspired epidemic protocols have considerable benefits as they are robust against network failures, scalable and provide probabilistic reliability guarantees. Coupled with an efficient buffering mechanism, system wide buffer usage can be optimized while providing reliability and scalability in such protocols. We propose a novel algorithm, Stepwise Fair-share Buffering, that provides uniform load distribution in comparison to earlier approaches and reduces the overall buffer usage where every peer has the partial view of the system. We report and discuss the comparative performance results and provide an analytical evaluation of our approach.
Transcription of Muscle Actin Genes by a Nuclear Form of Mitochondrial RNA Polymerase

Actins are the major constituent of the cytoskeleton. In this report we present several lines of evidence that muscle actin genes are transcribed by nuclear isoform of mitochondrial RNA polymerase (spRNAP-IV) whereas the non-muscle actin genes are transcribed by the conventional RNA polymerase II (PolII). We show that mRNA level of muscle actin genes are resistant to PolII inhibitors α-amanitin and triptolide as well as insensitive to knockdown of PolII but not to knockdown of spRNAP-IV, in contrast to non-muscle actin genes in several cell lines. Similar results are obtained from nuclear run-on experiments. Reporter assay using muscle actin or PolII gene promoters also demonstrate the differential sensitivity to PolII inhibitors. Finally, chromatin-immunoprecipitation experiment was used to demonstrate that spRNAP-IV is associated with promoter of muscle actin genes but not with that of non-muscle gene and knockdown of spRNAP-IV depleted this polymerase from muscle actin genes. In summary, these experiments indicate that the two types of actin genes are transcribed by different transcription machinery. We also found that POLRMT gene is transcribed by spRNAP-IV, and actin genes are sensitive to oligomycin, suggesting a transcription coupling between mitochondria and nucleus.
Understanding the Lack of Parent–Child Value Similarity

The parent–child value similarity is typically far from perfect. In this research, we propose that this phenomenon is attributable to the very first step in value socialization—parents’ selection of socialization values. The premise of this account is that parents consider not only values they personally endorse but also values they perceive to be normative in relevant societies when socializing children. Accordingly, parent–child similarity is not a necessary outcome of value socialization. We found supporting evidence to this account in a study of 94 immigrant mother–child dyads in Hong Kong. Our mother participants indeed referred to both their perceived value norms in the settlement society and the original society and their personal values when selecting socialization values. Also, the dual perceived value norms were to some extent internalized by their children. Furthermore, our mother participants’ degree of reference to value norms benefited their children’s psychosocial functioning. Specifically, participants who referred to the value norms in the settlement society to a larger extent had children with fewer adaptation difficulties, and participants who referred to the value norms in the original society had children with stronger identification with that society. Altogether, our findings indicate that investigating how parents select socialization values can illuminate our understanding of parent–child value similarity. Implications of these findings for the theoretical understanding of value socialization and children’s functioning are discussed.
Functional Characterization of a Hydroxyacid/Alcohol Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferase Produced by the Liverwort Marchantia emarginata

The aerial organs of most terrestrial plants are covered by a hydrophobic protective cuticle. The main constituent of the cuticle is the lipid polyester cutin, which is composed of aliphatic and aromatic domains. The aliphatic component is a polyester between fatty acid/alcohol and hydroxycinnamoyl acid. The BAHD/HxxxD family enzymes are central to the synthesis of these polyesters. The nature of this class of enzymes in bryophytes has not been explored to date. Here, a gene encoding a fatty ω-hydroxyacid/fatty alcohol hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HFT) has been isolated from the liverwort Marchantia emarginata and has been functionally characterized. Experiments based on recombinant protein showed that the enzyme uses ω-hydroxy fatty acids or primary alcohols as its acyl acceptor and various hydroxycinnamoyl-CoAs—preferentially feruloyl-CoA and caffeoyl-CoA—as acyl donors at least in vitro. The transient expression of a MeHFT-GFP fusion transgene in the Nicotiana benthamiana leaf demonstrated that MeHFT is directed to the cytoplasm, suggesting that the feruloylation of cutin monomers takes place there.
Improving long-term breast shape with the medial pedicle wise pattern breast reduction.

BACKGROUND Reduction mammaplasty has both a reconstructive and an aesthetic component. Relief of neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as psychosocial improvement, is the main indication for intervention. Patient satisfaction is high, with early improvement in most cases. Preoperative planning confirms the anatomical variations as well as the best technique to achieve optimal cosmetic and functional results. Techniques for breast reduction have evolved in response to the great variety of challenges. The surgeon must tailor the surgical approach by considering a wide range of anatomic deformities, from gigantomastia to mild ptosis. Medial pedicle techniques have been shown to be reliable in severe breast hypertrophy. METHODS The authors present a series of 88 consecutive patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty using a medial pedicle technique with a Wise pattern skin resection. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the complication rate, operative time, and long-term effects on pseudoptosis. RESULTS The average weight reduction was 1814 g (both breasts combined), and the average operative time was 104.5 minutes. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year, and the complication rate was 6.8 percent. The distance from the inframammary fold to the nipple was measured in patients with more than 1 year of follow-up. The results exhibited an average increase in this length of only 11 percent for reductions between 500 and 1200 g per side and of 34 percent for reductions greater than 1200 g per side. CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that this technique is an effective and reliable approach to a wide range of breast hypertrophy, with reproducible breast weight reduction and less long-term pseudoptosis or "bottoming out. " In addition, the operative time is short and the complication rate is acceptably low.
Semantic snippet construction for search engine results based on segment evaluation

The result listing from search engines includes a link and a snippet from the web page for each result item. The snippet in the result listing plays a vital role in assisting the user to click on it. This paper proposes a novel approach to construct the snippets based on a semantic evaluation of the segments in the page. The target segment(s) is/are identified by applying a model to evaluate segments present in the page and selecting the segments with top scores. The proposed model makes the user judgment to click on a result item easier since the snippet is constructed semantically after a critical evaluation based on multiple factors. A prototype implementation of the proposed model confirms the empirical validation.
Lack of association between IL10 polymorphisms and sarcoidosis in Japanese patients

Purpose To investigate whether interleukin 10 (IL10) gene polymorphisms are associated with the development of sarcoidosis in Japanese patients. Methods Two hundred and eighty-eight Japanese sarcoidosis patients and 310 Japanese healthy controls were recruited. We genotyped 9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in IL10 and assessed the allelic diversity between cases and controls. Results No significant differences in the frequency of IL10 alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes in the sarcoidosis cases compared to the controls were detected. Conclusions Our results suggest that IL10 polymorphisms are not significantly related to the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis in the Japanese population.
A wireless peer-to-peer broadcast model for emergency vehicles using automotive networking

Automotive networks are simple, real-time networks with very low error rates. In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems include GPS-based navigation and wireless hotspots for cellular communication. In the event of a power outage or a major catastrophe, such as an earthquake, existing network mainframes may either shut down completely or become overloaded with traffic. In that regard, it is important for emergency vehicles to spread the word of certain emergencies, such as road closures and traffic accidents, to vehicles within the area. In this paper, we propose a method using the peer-to-peer broadcast model to transmit emergency messages between vehicles using IVI and GPS systems. A distributed peer-to-peer algorithm is presented to deliver a high priority message and avoid acceptance of duplicated ones to enlarge the broadcasting coverage of messages with higher priority. We also discussed the usability, feasibility and future improvement of this proposed model.
Decoding of LDPC convolutional codes with rational parity-check matrices from a new graphical perspective

Previous studies on low-density parity-check convolutional codes (LDPC-CC) reveal that LDPC-CC with rational parity-check matrices (RPCM) suffer from the unaffordable decoding latency/complexity due to the infinite memory order and the poor bit-error-rate performance due to the existence of length-4 cycles in the Tanner graph. However, in this paper, we show that every LDPC-CC with RPCM can be associated with an equivalent Tanner graph which can avoid the infinite memory order and undesired short length cycles but still implements the same constraints specified by the RPCM. Together with the iterative decoding based on belief propagation with proper scheduling, simulation results indicate that LDPC-CC with RPCM can also provide satisfactory decoding performance.
Computing Path Bundles in Bipartite Networks

Path bundling, a class of path planning problem, consists of compounding multiple routes to minimize a global distance metric. Naturally, a tree-like structure is obtained as a result wherein roots play the role of coordinating the joint transport of information, goods, and people. In this paper we tackle the path bundling problem in bipartite networks by using gradient-free optimization and a convex representation. Then, by using 7,500 computational experiments in diverse scenarios with and without obstacles, implying 7.5 billion shortest path computations, show the feasibility and efficiency of the mesh adaptive search.
Transactivation of Sphingosine-1–Phosphate Receptors by FcɛRI Triggering Is Required for Normal Mast Cell Degranulation and Chemotaxis

Mast cells secrete various substances that initiate and perpetuate allergic responses. Cross-linking of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛRI) in RBL-2H3 and bone marrow–derived mast cells activates sphingosine kinase (SphK), which leads to generation and secretion of the potent sphingolipid mediator, sphingosine-1–phosphate (S1P). In turn, S1P activates its receptors S1P1 and S1P2 that are present in mast cells. Moreover, inhibition of SphK blocks FcɛRI-mediated internalization of these receptors and markedly reduces degranulation and chemotaxis. Although transactivation of S1P1 and Gi signaling are important for cytoskeletal rearrangements and migration of mast cells toward antigen, they are dispensable for FcɛRI-triggered degranulation. However, S1P2, whose expression is up-regulated by FcɛRI cross-linking, was required for degranulation and inhibited migration toward antigen. Together, our results suggest that activation of SphKs and consequently S1PRs by FcɛRI triggering plays a crucial role in mast cell functions and might be involved in the movement of mast cells to sites of inflammation.
AN EXAMINATION OF GARDNER'S MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES OF LEADERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS

Based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, this quantitative, nonexperimental research study determined the degree of relationship between the domains of multiple intelligences and the job function of managers in sales, human resources (HR), and engineering. Using a survey instrument, primary data were collected online from 150 managers from various industries across three job functions. The results indicated that sales, HR, and engineering managers scored high on interpersonal, intrapersonal, and logical-mathematical intelligences, which Gardner indicated are crucial for leaders. The results are meant to provide a deeper and broader understanding about multiple intelligences and the impact it could have on leadership selection, training, and development. This study highlighted the multiple intelligences strengths of managers in sales, HR, and engineering, and determined there was a correlation between the independent and dependent variables. Organizations can use this study to support the development of multiple intelligences of managers in the workplace.
Secreted CLCA1 modulates TMEM16A to activate Ca2+-dependent chloride currents in human cells

Calcium-activated chloride channel regulator 1 (CLCA1) activates calcium-dependent chloride currents; neither the target, nor mechanism, is known. We demonstrate that secreted CLCA1 activates calcium-dependent chloride currents in HEK293T cells in a paracrine fashion, and endogenous TMEM16A/Anoctamin1 conducts the currents. Exposure to exogenous CLCA1 increases cell surface levels of TMEM16A and cellular binding experiments indicate CLCA1 engages TMEM16A on the surface of these cells. Altogether, our data suggest that CLCA1 stabilizes TMEM16A on the cell surface, thus increasing surface expression, which results in increased calcium-dependent chloride currents. Our results identify the first Cl− channel target of the CLCA family of proteins and establish CLCA1 as the first secreted direct modifier of TMEM16A activity, delineating a unique mechanism to increase currents. These results suggest cooperative roles for CLCA and TMEM16 proteins in influencing the physiology of multiple tissues, and the pathology of multiple diseases, including asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and certain cancers. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.05875. 001