Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Membrane depolarization induces K+ efflux from subapical maize root segments

Summary • The role of potassium efflux from maize (Zea mays) root segments in maintaining transmembrane electric potential difference (Em) was studied in vivo, together with the involvement of outward rectifying K+ channels (ORCs). • Measurements were made of the efflux of potassium (K+) from roots when its uptake was competitively inhibited by rubidium (Rb+), of the Em of the root cells by microelectrodes and of the unidirectional fluxes of monovalent cations. • The influx of Rb+, caesium (Cs+) or ammonium (NH4+) into the segments induced an efflux of K+. Lithium (Li+) and sodium (Na+) were not taken up and did not induce K+ efflux. The permeating cations induced membrane depolarizations, which were closely related to the values of K+ efflux. Two K+-channel blockers, tetraethylammonium-chloride and quinidine, inhibited K+ efflux. The inhibition was accompanied by a higher membrane depolarization induced by Rb+, whose influx was not affected. • The results suggest that a depolarizing event caused by cation uptake increased K+ efflux from the cells, probably through the activation of ORCs involved in restoration and stabilization of Em.
Comparative experimental analysis of ozone generation between surface and volume DBD generators

Ozone generation by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is widely used in industry. Several DBD configurations can be used to generate ozone, which are classified in two main types depending on the geometry of the electrodes: volume DBD and surface DBD models. The aim of this work is to conduct a comparative experimental analysis between surface DBD and volume DBD ozone generators having a cylindrical geometry. This comparative investigation is carried out not only in terms of ozone concentration and energy efficiency, but also in terms of cooling performance. Two experimental setups were used in this work, one for measuring the ozone concentration (in mg/L) and the ozone rate production (in g/h) and a second for cooling experiments. The obtained results show that although the volume DBD model is the most frequently used in industry, the surface DBD reactor gives better results in terms of ozone rate production and cooling.
Patterns and Predictors of Depression Treatment among Older Adults with Parkinson's Disease and Depression in Ambulatory Care Settings in the United States

Little is known regarding depression treatment patterns and predictors among older adults with comorbid Parkinson's disease and depression (dPD) in the United States (US). The objective of this study was to assess the patterns and predictors of depression treatment among older adults with dPD in the US. We adopted a cross-sectional study design by pooling multiple-year data (2005–2011) from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the outpatient department of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). The final study sample consisted of visits by older adults with dPD. Depression treatment was defined as antidepressant use with or without psychotherapy. To identify predictors of depression treatment, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted adjusting for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Individuals with dPD and polypharmacy were 74% more likely to receive depression treatment (odds ratio = 1.743, 95% CI 1.376–2.209), while dPD subjects with comorbid chronic conditions were 44% less likely (odds ratio = 0.559, 95% CI 0.396–0.790) to receive depression treatment. Approximately six out of ten older adults with PD and depression received depression treatment. Treatment options for dPD are underutilized in routine clinical practice, and further research should explore how overall medical complexity presents a barrier to depression treatment.
He I Emission in the Orion Nebula and Implications for Primordial Helium Abundance

We apply a recently developed theoretical model of helium emission to observations of both the Orion Nebula and a sample of extragalactic H II regions. In the Orion analysis, we eliminate some weak and blended lines and compare theory and observation for our reduced line list. With our best theoretical model we find an average difference between theoretical and observed intensities ⟨Ipred/Iobs − 1⟩ = 6.5%. We argue that both the red and blue ends of the spectrum may have been inadequately corrected for reddening. For the 22 highest quality lines, with 3499 Å ≤ λ ≤ 6678 Å, our best model predicts observations to an average of 3.8%. We also perform an analysis of the reported observational errors and conclude that they have been underestimated. In the extragalactic analysis, we demonstrate the likelihood of a large systematic error in the reported data and discuss possible causes. This systematic error is at least as large as the errors associated with nearly all attempts to calculate the primordial helium abundance from such observations. Our Orion analysis suggests that the problem does not lie in the theoretical models. We demonstrate a correlation between equivalent width and apparent helium abundance of lines from extragalactic sources that is most likely due to underlying stellar absorption. Finally, we present fits to collisionless case B He I emissivities as well as the relative contributions due to collisional excitations out of the metastable 2s 3S term.
Winter-drought induced embolism in Norway spruce (Picea abies) at the Alpine timberline.

At the timberline in the Central Alps, climatic conditions during winter frequently cause excessive drought stress (frost drought, 'Frosttrocknis'), which we hypothesized to induce cavitation in trees. We investigated the extent of winter-embolism in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) growing near the timberline and analysed adaptations in vulnerability and anatomy. We found conductivity losses of up to 100% at the highest elevation (2020 m) correlated with low water potentials down to - 4.0 MPa. Vulnerability thresholds (50% loss in conductivity) decreased from - 3.39 MPa at 800 m to - 3.88 MPa at 1600 m corresponding to a decrease in tracheid cross-sectional area as well as pit and pit pore diameters. These thresholds were lower than potentials measured in embolized twigs near the timberline at the sampling dates probably due to lower potentials and/or a role of freeze-thaw events earlier in winter. Data indicated refilling processes, which may be of particular relevance for trees at the timberline, since adaptations in drought-induced vulnerability failed to prevent winter-embolism.
Robust Safety Monitoring and Synergistic Operation Planning Between Time- and Energy-Efficient Movements of High-Speed Trains Based on MPC

When disturbances occur during high-speed train operations, real-time conflict prediction and operation re-planning play a critical role in guaranteeing the safety and efficiency of networked railway traffic. This paper attempts to propose a methodology to synergistically deal with the three critical aspects, i.e., safety monitoring, conflict resolution, and energy-efficient planning under the mechanism of model predictive control (MPC). A non-analytical rule-based high-level train movement model is employed to predict train movements and find out potential operation conflicts. It describes dynamic speed feedback adjustments under the precondition of keeping appropriate safety distances between trains. Conflict detection is implemented considering variation ranges of accelerations and decelerations to keep appropriate robustness. A predictive train rescheduling model is proposed incorporating the MPC mechanism and the non-analytical prediction model. After conflict prediction and resolution, the energy-efficient problems are formulated for overtaken trains toward junctions in a railway network. The corresponding solution algorithm is developed, taking into account the confinements of time-efficient movements of overtaking trains on energy-efficient movements of overtaken trains. Accordingly, operation synergies between overtaking and overtaken trains toward the junctions in a railway network can be achieved. An implementation algorithm is proposed, which holistically deals with robust safety monitoring and synergistic operation planning of high-speed trains in the prediction horizon, employing the train movement prediction model. Numerical experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology for train synergistic safe and efficient operations.
Fig: Automatic Fingerprint Generation

Fingerprinting is a widely used technique among the networking and security communities for identifying different implementations of the same piece of networking software running on a remote host. A fingerprint is essentially a set of queries and a classification function that can be applied on the responses to the queries in order to classify the software into classes. So far, identifying fingerprints remains largely an arduous and manual process. This paper proposes a novel approach for automatic fingerprint generation, that automatically explores a set of candidate queries and applies machine learning techniques to identify the set of valid queries and to learn an adequate classification function. Our results show that such an automatic process can generate accurate fingerprints that classify each piece of software into its proper class and that the search space for query exploration remains largely unexploited, with many new such queries awaiting discovery. With a preliminary exploration, we are able to identify new queries not previously used for fingerprinting.
Distribution Network Operation Under Uncertainty Using Information Gap Decision Theory

The presence of uncertain parameters in electrical power systems presents an ongoing problem for system operators and other stakeholders when it comes to making decisions. Determining the most appropriate dispatch schedule or system configuration relies heavily on forecasts for a number of parameters such as demand, generator availability and more recently weather. These uncertain parameters present an even more compelling problem at the distribution level, as these networks are inherently unbalanced, and need to be represented as such for certain tasks. The work in this paper presents an information gap decision theory based three-phase optimal power flow. Assuming that the demand is uncertain, the aim is to provide optimal and robust tap setting and switch decisions over a 24-hour period, while ensuring that the network is operated safely, and that losses are kept within an acceptable range. The formulation is tested on a section of realistic low voltage distribution network with switches and tap changers present.
Provision of ancillary service in a grid-connected photovoltaic power system

In this paper, is studied the provision of ancillary service (AS) of harmonic compensation of a distributed generation (DG) connected in a distribution network is studied, aiming at the improvement of power quality (PQ). This compensation is performed by operating the three-phase inverter, whose dc bus is connected to the photovoltaic (PV) generator, acting as active power filter (APF) and DG. One of the advantages of the proposed strategy is that the compensation is performed without the need to extract the harmonic components present in the current, which reduces the computational effort. For implementation the measured grid current is used as control variable. The control is based on the power balance between the grid and the inverter, and is carried out in the synchronous reference frame. A perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm is used for maximum power tracking, along with a control algorithm for dc bus voltage. To validate the study, experimental results were obtained from an experimental setup in three different scenarios.
Natural selection on plant resistance to herbivores in the native and introduced range

Plants introduced into a new range are expected to harbour fewer specialized herbivores and to receive less damage than conspecifics in native ranges. Datura stramonium was introduced in Spain about five centuries ago. Here, we compare damage by herbivores, plant size, and leaf trichomes between plants from non-native and native ranges and perform selection analyses. Non-native plants experienced much less damage, were larger and less pubescent than plants of native populations. While plant size was related to fitness in both ranges, selection to increase resistance was only detected in the native region. We suggest this is a consequence of a release from enemies in this new environment.
Preference-Guided Planning: An Active Elicitation Approach

Planning with preferences has been employed extensively to quickly generate high-quality plans. However, it may be difficult for the human expert to supply this information without knowledge of the reasoning employed by the planner and the distribution of planning problems. We consider the problem of actively eliciting preferences from a human expert during the planning process. Specifically, we study this problem in the context of the Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) planning framework as it allows easy interaction with the human. Our experimental results on several diverse planning domains show that the preferences gathered using the proposed approach improve the quality and speed of the planner, while reducing the burden on the human expert.
Subendocardial Systolic Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Normotensive Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND It remains uncertain whether diabetes itself causes specific echocardiographic features of myocardial morphology and function in the absence of hypertension or ischemic heart disease. The purpose of the present study was to determine the characteristics of pure diabetic cardiomyopathy-related echocardiographic morphology and function using layer-by-layer evaluation with myocardial strain echocardiography. METHODS AND RESULTS We enrolled 104 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean HbA1c level, 10%) with (n=74) or without (n=40) hypertension and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Patients with coronary artery stenosis or structural heart disease were excluded. Myocardial layer-specific strain was analyzed by speckle tracking echocardiography. Compared with the healthy control group, the normotensive diabetes group showed no significant difference in ejection fraction, left ventricular mass index, diastolic properties, left atrial volume index, or B-type natriuretic protein (BNP) level, but global longitudinal strain and subendocardial radial strain were significantly deteriorated. The deterioration of longitudinal strain correlated with body mass index (R=0.49, P<0.01) and blood pressure (R=0.36, P<0.01) in the normotensive diabetes group. CONCLUSIONS Deterioration of left ventricular longitudinal shortening accompanied by decreased subendocardial wall thickening are the characteristic functional abnormalities of diabetic cardiomyopathy in patients without hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, or elevated BNP. Obesity and blood pressure may also play important roles in this strain abnormality in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes.
iL-15 as a potential target in leukemia

Leukemia, one of the most aggressive hematopoietic malignancies, is characterized by excessive proliferation, survival, and impaired differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Interleukin 15, a proinflammatory cytokine, induces proliferation and promotes cell survival of human T and B lymphocytes, as well as natural killer cells. However, it may also play a detrimental role in the onset of leukemia. This review provided an overview of the aberrant expression of Interleukin 15 and its role in the development and progression of this hematologi- cal malignancy. Also, we critically explored the potential therapeutic opportunities involved in targeting the disruption of interleukin-15 signaling as well as in interleukin-15-mediated enhancement of antitumor immunity.
Real-time adaptive timing control of synchronous rectifiers in high frequency GaN LLC converter

This paper presents an adaptive synchronous rectification (SR) control method for high frequency GaN LLC converter. This novel SR control scheme adaptively controls SR on time as well as accurate turn-on and turn-off tuning. Zero crossing detection (ZCD) of the transformer secondary-side current is achieved by Rogowski coil and its auxiliary circuits. ZCD signals are sent to digital signal processor (DSP) for further signal processing and PWM modulation. The SR method is applicable for a wide range of load current and wide range of switching frequency. To verify the proposed SR control method, a 2.1 kW GaN LLC converter prototype is demonstrated with 400V input voltage and 48V output voltage.
Participants Ranking Algorithm for Crowdsensing in Mobile Communication

As mobile technology is becoming more advance, the uses of this technology is increasing day by day. The mobile phone is used by everyone and it became the necessity of life. Today, smart devices are ﬂooding the internet with data that are everywhere and in any form. Crowd sensing is a new sensing model which depends on the strength of mobile devices. One of the key challenges in mobile crowd sensing system is multiple selections of participants with low priority to perform tasks. This research work presents the concept of Crowd sensing along with the raking process of participants from a large user pool. This article provides the eﬃcient raking process of participants to assign the priorities for performing tasks in smooth manner.
Case study of flexure and shear strengthening of RC beams by CFRP using FEA

In the paper the preliminary results of study on strengthening RC beams by means of CFRP materials under mixed shear-flexural work condition are presented. The Finite Element Method analyses were performed using numerical models proposed and verified earlier by the results of laboratory tests [4, 5] for estimation of effectiveness of CFRP strengthening of RC beams under flexure. The currently conducted analyses deal with 3D models of RC beams under mixed shear-flexural loading conditions. The symmetry of analyzed beams was taken into account (in both directions). The application of Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model of RC beam allowed to predict a layout and propagation of cracks leading to failure. Different cases of strengthening were analyzed: with the use of CFRP strip or CFRP closed hoops as well as with the combination of above mentioned. The preliminary study was carried out and the first results were presented.In the paper the preliminary results of study on strengthening RC beams by means of CFRP materials under mixed shear-flexural work condition are presented. The Finite Element Method analyses were performed using numerical models proposed and verified earlier by the results of laboratory tests [4, 5] for estimation of effectiveness of CFRP strengthening of RC beams under flexure. The currently conducted analyses deal with 3D models of RC beams under mixed shear-flexural loading conditions. The symmetry of analyzed beams was taken into account (in both directions). The application of Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model of RC beam allowed to predict a layout and propagation of cracks leading to failure. Different cases of strengthening were analyzed: with the use of CFRP strip or CFRP closed hoops as well as with the combination of above mentioned. The preliminary study was carried out and the first results were presented.
Whole-body model-predictive control applied to the HRP-2 humanoid

Controlling the robot with a permanently-updated optimal trajectory, also known as model predictive control, is the Holy Grail of whole-body motion generation. Before obtaining it, several challenges should be faced: computation cost, non-linear local minima, algorithm stability, etc. In this paper, we address the problem of applying the updated optimal control in real-time on the physical robot. In particular, we focus on the problems raised by the delays due to computation and by the differences between the real robot and the simulated model. Based on the optimal-control solver MuJoCo, we implemented a complete model-predictive controller and we applied it in real-time on the physical HRP-2 robot. It is the first time that such a whole-body model predictive controller is applied in real-time on a complex dynamic robot. Aside from the technical contributions cited above, the main contribution of this paper is to report the experimental results of this première implementation.
Pattern augmentation for handwritten digit classification based on combination of pre-trained CNN and SVM

Neural networks are powerful technology for classifying character patterns and object images. A huge number of training samples is very important for classification accuracy. A novel method for recognizing handwritten digits is proposed that combines pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNN) and support vector machines (SVM). The training samples are augmented by pattern distortion such as by cosine translation and elastic distortion. A pre-trained CNN, Alex-Net, can be used as the pattern feature extractor. Alex-Net is pre-trained for large-scale object image datasets. An SVM is used as a trainable classifier. Sixty thousand samples and distorted patterns on the MNIST database are trained by the SVM. The feature vectors of character patterns are passed to the SVM from Alex-Net. Experimental results showed a test error rate of 1.03% without distortion and an error rate of 0.93% with distortion on the MNIST database's test set, which contains 10,000 handwritten characters, showing that the proposed method is effective in recognizing handwritten digits.
Human coagulation factor VIII domain-specific recombinant polypeptide expression

Background Hemophilia A is caused by heterogeneous mutations in F8. Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), the product of F8, is composed of multiple domains designated A1-A2-B-A3-C1-C2. FVIII is known to interact with diverse proteins, and this characteristic may be important for hemostasis. However, little is known about domain-specific functions or their specific binding partners. Methods To determine F8 domain-specific functions during blood coagulation, the FVIII domains A1, A2, A3, and C were cloned from Hep3B hepatocytes. Domain-specific recombinant polypeptides were glutathione S-transferase (GST)- or polyhistidine (His)-tagged, over-expressed in bacteria, and purified by specific affinity chromatography. Results Recombinant polypeptides of predicted sizes were obtained. The GST-tagged A2 polypeptide interacted with coagulation factor IX, which is known to bind the A2 domain of activated FVIII. Conclusion Recombinant, domain-specific polypeptides are useful tools to study the domain-specific functions of FVIII during the coagulation process, and they may be used for production of domain-specific antibodies.
Optimal distributed balancing control for three-phase four-wire low voltage grids

In this work a distributed control method is proposed to mitigate the unbalance in a low voltage grid based on an approximated three-phase power flow. As the power flow is both explicit and linear with respect to the apparent power, it can be substituted into the objective function of the controllers leading to a separable optimization problem. The resulting subproblems are coupled in the costs which are related to the negative-sequence voltage formulated as a linear function of the apparent power. By exchanging nodal measurements via a communication bus, the controllers adjust their set-points in order to mitigate the unbalance with a Jacobi-like coordination algorithm. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated in a simulation study with an unbalanced low voltage grid.