Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Population Structure of Vibrio vulnificus on Fishes from the Northern Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACT The prevalence of Vibrio vulnificus on the external surfaces of fish from the northern Gulf of Mexico was determined in this study. A collection of 242 fish comprising 28 species was analyzed during the course of 12 sampling trips over a 16-month period. The prevalence of V. vulnificus was 37% but increased up to 69% in summer. A positive correlation was found between the percentages of V. vulnificus-positive fish and water temperatures, while salinity and V. vulnificus-positive fish prevalence were inversely correlated. A general lineal model (percent V. vulnificus-positive fish = 0.5930 − 0.02818 × salinity + 0.01406 × water temperature) was applied to best fit the data. Analysis of the population structure was carried out using 244 isolates recovered from fish. Ascription to 16S rRNA gene types indicated that 157 isolates were type A (62%), 72 (29%) were type B, and 22 (9%) were type AB. The percentage of type B isolates, considered to have greater virulence potential, was higher than that previously reported in oyster samples from the northern Gulf of Mexico. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to resolve the genetic diversity within the species. One hundred twenty-one unique AFLP profiles were found among all analyzed isolates, resulting in a calculated Simpson's index of diversity of 0.991. AFLP profiles were not grouped on the basis of collection date, fish species, temperature, or salinity, but isolates were clustered into two main groups that correlated precisely with 16S rRNA gene type. The population of V. vulnificus associated with fishes from the northern Gulf of Mexico is heterogeneous and includes strains of great virulence potential.
Are refactorings less error-prone than other changes?

Refactorings are program transformations which should preserve the program behavior. Consequently, we expect that during phases when there are mostly refactorings in the change history of a system, only few new bugs are introduced. For our case study we analyzed the version histories of several open source systems and reconstructed the refactorings performed. Furthermore, we obtained bug reports from various sources depending on the system. Based on this data we identify phases when the above hypothesis holds and those when it doesn't.
RIJID: Random Code Injection to Mask Power Analysis based Side Channel Attacks

Side channel attacks are becoming a major threat to the security of embedded systems. Countermeasures proposed to overcome Simple Power Analysis (SPA) and Differential Power Analysis (DPA), are data masking, table masking, current flattening, circuitry level solutions, dummy instruction insertions and balancing bit-flips. All these techniques are either susceptible to multi-order side channel attacks, not sufficiently generic to cover all encryption algorithms, or burden the system with high area cost, run-time or energy consumption. A HW/SW based randomized instruction injection technique is proposed in this paper to overcome the pitfalls of previous countermeasures. Our technique injects random instructions at random places during the execution of an application which protects the system from both SPA and DPA. Further, we devise a systematic method to measure the security level of a power sequence and use it to measure the number of random instructions needed, to suitably confuse the adversary. Our processor model costs 1.9% in additional area for a simplescalar processor, and costs on average 29.8% in runtime and 27.1% in additional energy consumption for six industry standard cryptographic algorithms.
DQ reference frame modeling and control of single-phase active power decoupling circuits

Power decoupling circuits can compensate the inherent double line frequency ripple power in single-phase systems and greatly facilitate their dc-link capacitor design. Example applications of power decoupling circuit include photovoltaic, light-emitting diode, fuel cell, and motor drive systems. This paper presents the dq synchronous reference frame modeling of single-phase power decoupling circuits and a complete model describing the dynamics of dc-link ripple voltage is presented. The proposed model is universal and valid for both inductive and capacitive decoupling circuits, and the input of decoupling circuits can be either dependent or independent of its front-end converters. Based on this model, a dq synchronous reference frame controller is designed which allows the decoupling circuit to operate in two different modes because of the circuit symmetry. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed modeling and control method.
Escape the bubble: guided exploration of music preferences for serendipity and novelty

In order to predict user behaviour recommender systems generate views of the world according to expressed and known user preferences resulting in 'filter bubbles'. This kind of bubbles generally help users to easily identify objects they like. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult for users to escape their personalized world and change their perspectives especially in domains such as music. In this work we present a methodology and related system that allows users to initiate explorations of music genres by taking a gradual path towards the desired genre while viewing the preferences of other users. The proposed methodology is based on identifying 'latent genres' and using user preference graphs for detecting optimal paths towards a selected target latent genre. In this process we generate suggestions of artists a user should listen to, aiming towards serendipitous and novel encounters. We have implemented our approach in a music recommendation system and evaluated it with encouraging results.
Learning high-dimensional nonlinear mapping via compressed sensing

This paper proposes an efficient framework for learning a high-dimensional nonlinear mapping using compressed sensing techniques. Given a training data set of the input and output pairs of the mapping to be learned, our framework reduces both the dimensionalities of the input and output spaces by efficient computation of random projection, and then learns a nonlinear mapping between the low-dimensional input and output data. The high-dimensional nonlinear mapping consists of (i) dimensionality reduction by the random projection of the input data, (ii) low-dimensional nonlinear mapping, and (iii) reconstruction of the high-dimensional output data on the basis of a sparse model. The processes (i) and (ii) construct a single hidden layer feedforward neural network, which can efficiently be learned by the extreme learning machine.
A tale of hydrogen abstraction, initially detected via X-ray diffraction.

Reaction of a bis-tetrazinyl pyridine pincer ligand, btzp, with a vanadium(III) reagent gives not a simple adduct but dichlorido{3-methyl-6-[6-(6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl-κN(2))pyridin-2-yl-κN]-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazin-1-yl-κN(1)}oxidovanadium(IV) acetonitrile 2.5-solvate, [V(C11H10N9)Cl2O]·2.5CH3CN, a species which X-ray diffraction reveals to have one H atom added to one of the two tetrazinyl rings. This H atom was first revealed by a short intermolecular N.Cl contact in the unit cell and subsequently established, from difference maps, to be associated with a hydrogen bond. One chloride ligand has also been replaced by an oxide ligand in this synthetic reaction. This formula for the complex, [V(Hbtzp)Cl2O], leaves open the question of both ligand oxidation state and spin state. A computational study of all isomeric locations of the H atom shows the similarity of their energies, which is subject to perturbation by intermolecular hydrogen bonding found in X-ray work on the solid state. These density functional calculations reveal that the isomer with the H atom located as found in the solid state contains a neutral radical Hbtzp ligand and tetravalent d(1) V center, but that these two unpaired electrons are more stable as an open-shell singlet and hence antiferromagnetically coupled.
Cortical Actin Nanodynamics Determines Nitric Oxide Release in Vascular Endothelium

The release of the main vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is a hallmark of endothelial function. We aim at elucidating the underlying mechanism how eNOS activity depends on cortical stiffness (Кcortex) of living endothelial cells. It is hypothesized that cortical actin dynamics determines Кcortex and directly influences eNOS activity. By combined atomic force microscopy and fluorescence imaging we generated mechanical and optical sections of single living cells. This approach allows the discrimination between Кcortex and bulk cell stiffness (Кbulk) and, additionally, the simultaneous analysis of submembranous actin web dynamics. We show that Кcortex softens when cortical F-actin depolymerizes and that this shift from a gel-like stiff cortex to a soft G-actin rich layer, triggers the stiffness-sensitive eNOS activity. The results implicate that stiffness changes in the ∼100 nm phase of the submembranous actin web, without affecting Кbulk, regulate NO release and thus determines endothelial function.
Is there correlation between cognition and functionality in severe dementia? the value of a performance-based ecological assessment for Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE Besides significant cognitive decline, patients in later stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) also present global functional impairment, usually reported by their caregivers. This study searched for preserved activities of daily living by investigating correlations among specific instruments for severe dementia with a performance-based functional scale. METHOD A sample of 95 moderate to severe AD patients and their caregivers underwent a neuropsychological battery consisting of screening tools, the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST), the Severe Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSEsev) and a performance-based ecological scale, the Performance Test of Activities of Daily Living (PADL). RESULTS Consistent findings emerged from the comparisons among tests. PADL showed significant statistical correlation with MMSEsev (ρ<0.001), according to FAST subdivisions. CONCLUSION Upon suspicion of unreliable caregiver reports, ecological scales may be useful for disease staging. Variable degrees of functionality and cognition may be present even in later stages of AD, requiring proper assessment.
Involvement of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) MKK6 in Response to Potato virus Y

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades have crucial roles in the regulation of plant development and in plant responses to stress. Plant recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns or pathogen-derived effector proteins has been shown to trigger activation of several MAPKs. This then controls defence responses, including synthesis and/or signalling of defence hormones and activation of defence related genes. The MAPK cascade genes are highly complex and interconnected, and thus the precise signalling mechanisms in specific plant–pathogen interactions are still not known. Here we investigated the MAPK signalling network involved in immune responses of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Potato virus Y, an important potato pathogen worldwide. Sequence analysis was performed to identify the complete MAPK kinase (MKK) family in potato, and to identify those regulated in the hypersensitive resistance response to Potato virus Y infection. Arabidopsis has 10 MKK family members, of which we identified five in potato and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and eight in Nicotiana benthamiana. Among these, StMKK6 is the most strongly regulated gene in response to Potato virus Y. The salicylic acid treatment revealed that StMKK6 is regulated by the hormone that is in agreement with the salicylic acid-regulated domains found in the StMKK6 promoter. The involvement of StMKK6 in potato defence response was confirmed by localisation studies, where StMKK6 accumulated strongly only in Potato-virus-Y-infected plants, and predominantly in the cell nucleus. Using a yeast two-hybrid method, we identified three StMKK6 targets downstream in the MAPK cascade: StMAPK4_2, StMAPK6 and StMAPK13. These data together provide further insight into the StMKK6 signalling module and its involvement in plant defence.
Effect of eliminating rotor iron on a mega-watt halbach permanent magnet synchronous generator for wind turbine applications

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSGs) are increasingly considered for large, direct-drive Mega-Watt level wind energy conversion systems. Highefficiency, high-power density, low maintenance, and high reliability are some cited benefits of PMSGs making them attractive for onshore and offshore wind farms. However, as the PMSG's power level increases so would its weight and size. This research attempted to reduce the size and weight of PMSGs by using Halbach magnetic array instead of a conventional array. An analytical model of a MW Halbach array PMSG has been developed. This Halbach PMSG was optimized using a five-input particle swarm optimization algorithm. The use of Hablach array allowed the ability to reduce backside iron, which resulted in a reduction of overall active material weight, without effecting performance.
Plasmon resonance based in-line fiber optic sensing

In optical fiber evanescent wave sensors, the interaction with the surrounding environment is usually obtained by tapering an optical fiber, which significantly weakens the structure. This paper describes different processes for developing optical fiber probes with gold nanoparticles on the fiber tip including focused ion beam lithography and annealing of continuous gold films by employing plasma arcs, high temperature, or a focused ion beam. Along with the tip based sensors, robust in-line optical fiber sensors were developed by fusing multimode fibers to coreless fibers and forming nanoparticles on the surface of the coreless fibers. The fiber-optic sensors were placed in mediums of different refractive indices to evaluate their chemical sensing capability.
Technology and Curricular Reform in China: A Case Study

This article reports on a 5-year study of a technology-enhanced educational reform initiative at a university in eastern China. A faculty team attempted pedagogical and curricular reform to better prepare English majors to use new technologies for international communication, collaboration, and research. The team developed several project-based courses and incorporated technology into traditional lecture courses. Within a broader study of the reform program, two project-based courses were examined using participant observation, interviews, surveys, and text analysis. The project-based instruction improved learning processes and outcomes by increasing authentic interaction, allowing learners greater autonomy, and providing content more relevant to students' lives and careers. However, few faculty were willing to teach project-based courses because such instruction demands a great deal of time and effort and because student-centered learning clashes with more traditional norms and incentives in Chinese higher education. The study concludes by assessing the reform effort's overall gains and shortcomings and its implications for future educational restructuring in China.
An Integrated Approach for Virtual Microstructure Generation and Micro-Mechanics Modelling for Micro-Forming Simulation

To aid FE simulation for forming micro-components, an integrated approach is proposed to generate virtual microstructure for micro-mechanics modelling. Based on Voronoi tessellation and the probability theory, a VGRAIN system is created for the generation of grains and grain boundaries for micro-materials. The input data of the system are physical parameters of a material, including average, minimum and maximum grain sizes. Numerical procedures have been established to link the physical parameters of a material to the control variable in a gamma distribution equation and a method has been developed to solve the probability equation. These are the basis for the development of the VGRAIN system, which can be used to generate different grain structures and shapes that follow a certain pattern according to the probability theory. Statistical analyses have been carried out to investigate the distribution of generated virtual grains. The generated virtual microstructure is then implemented in the commercial FE code, ABAQUS, for mesh generation and micro-mechanics analysis using crystal plasticity equations for FCC materials. The crystal plasticity model is implemented in the commercial FE code, ABAQUS, through the used-defined subroutine, UMAT. FE analyses have been carried out to investigate size effects and localised necking encountered in micro-forming processes.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Myelin-associated glycoprotein mediates membrane fusion and entry of neurotropic herpesviruses

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) are prevalent neurotropic herpesviruses that cause various nervous system diseases. Similar to other enveloped viruses, membrane fusion is an essential process for viral entry. Therefore, identification of host molecules that mediate membrane fusion is important to understand the mechanism of viral infection. Here, we demonstrate that myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), mainly distributed in neural tissues, associates with VZV glycoprotein B (gB) and promotes cell-cell fusion when coexpressed with VZV gB and gH/gL. VZV preferentially infected MAG-transfected oligodendroglial cells. MAG also associated with HSV-1 gB and enhanced HSV-1 infection of promyelocytes. These findings suggested that MAG is involved in VZV and HSV infection of neural tissues.
That's All Folks! LLUNATIC Goes Open Source

It is widely recognized that whenever different data sources need to be integrated into a single target database errors and inconsistencies may arise, so that there is a strong need to apply data-cleaning techniques to repair the data. Despite this need, database research has so far investigated mappings and data repairing essentially in isolation. Unfortunately, schema-mappings and data quality rules interact with each other, so that applying existing algorithms in a pipelined way – i.e., ﬁrst exchange then data, then repair the result – does not lead to solutions even in simple settings. We present the L LUNATIC mapping and cleaning system, the ﬁrst comprehensive proposal to handle schema mappings and data repairing in a uniform way. L LUNATIC is based on the intuition that transforming and cleaning data are different facets of the same problem, uniﬁed by their declarative nature. This holistic approach allows us to incorporate unique features into the system, such as conﬁgurable user interaction and a tunable trade-off between efﬁciency and quality of the solutions.
Imperceptible and Robust Blind Video Watermarking Using Chrominance Embedding: A Set of Approaches in the DT CWT Domain

Illegal distribution of a digital movie is a significant threat to the film industries. With the advent of high-speed broadband Internet access, a pirated copy of a digital video can be easily distributed to a global audience. Digital video watermarking is a possible means of limiting this type of digital distribution. In existing watermarking methods, the watermark is usually embedded into the luminance channel of a video frame, which affects imperceptibility. In addition, none of the existing techniques are robust to the combination of commonly used attacks, such as compression, upscaling, rotation, cropping, downscaling in resolution, frame rate conversion, and camcording. In this paper, we initially propose a basic blind digital video watermarking algorithm, where the watermark is embedded into one level of the dual-tree complex wavelet transform of the chrominance channel to provide high quality watermarked video and extracted using the same key that was used for embedding. This algorithm is robust to compression, upscaling, rotation, and cropping. An extension of this method extracts the watermark from any level(s) of the dual-tree complex wavelet transform depending on the resolution of the downscaled version of the watermarked frame rather than only from the embedding level to survive downscaling to an arbitrary resolution. Finally, the watermark of a frame is extracted from the information of that frame without using the key that was used during watermark embedding to provide robustness to temporal synchronization attacks, such as frame rate conversion. This scheme is also robust to compression, camcording, watermark estimation remodulation, temporal frame averaging, multiple watermark embedding, downscaling in resolution, and other geometric attacks, such as upscaling, rotation, and cropping.
Dynamic Scenario of Membrane Binding Process of Kalata B1

Kalata B1 (kB1), a cyclotide that has been used in medical applications, displays cytotoxicity related to membrane binding and oligomerization. Our molecular dynamics simulation results demonstrate that Trp19 in loop 5 of both monomeric and tetrameric kB1 is a key residue for initial anchoring in the membrane binding process. This residue also facilitates the formation of kB1 tetramers. Additionally, we elucidate that kB1 preferentially binds to the membrane interfacial zone and is unable to penetrate into the membrane. In particular, significant roles of amino acid residues in loop 5 and loop 6 on the localization of kB1 to this membrane-water interface zone are found. This study reveals the roles of amino acid residues in the bioactivity of kB1, which is information that can be useful for designing new therapeutic cyclotides with less toxicity.
Low Plasma Proportion of Omega 3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Predicts Poor Outcome in Acute Non-Cardiogenic Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background and Purpose Alterations in blood fatty acid (FA) composition are associated with cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether plasma FA composition was related to stroke severity and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods We prospectively enrolled 156 patients with first-episode cerebral infarction, within 7 days of symptom onset. The proportion of FAs was analyzed using gas chromatography, and the summation of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFA), 18:3 ω3 α-linolenic acid, 20:3 ω3 eicosatrienoic acid, 20:5 ω3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 22:6 ω3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was reported as Σω3-PUFAs. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission. Poor functional outcome was defined by modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≥3 at three months after the index stroke. Results Lower proportions of EPA (β=-0.751), DHA (β=-0.610), and Σω3-PUFAs (β=-0.462) were independently associated with higher NIHSS score, after adjusting for stroke subtype, hemoglobin, high density lipoprotein, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, fasting glucose, 16:0 palmitic acid, and Σsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, a lower proportion of DHA (odds ratio [OR]: 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.88), and Σω3-PUFAs (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.05-0.84) showed an independent relationship with poor functional outcome after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, NIHSS score, stroke subtype, and 16:0 palmitic acid. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that ω3-PUFAs correlated with stroke severity on admission and functional outcomes at 3 months. ω3-PUFAs are potential blood biomarkers for prognosis of acute non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke patients.