Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Larval Mosquito Biopesticide and Culex Larvae on a Freshwater Nanophytoplankton (Selenastrum capricornatum) Under Axenic Conditions

ABSTRACT: The effects of microbial biopesticides used for mosquito control on autotrophic microorganisms such as nanophytoplankton are equivocal. We examined impacts of mosquito biopesticides and mosquito larvae on primary producers in two independent experiments. In the first experiment, we examined the effects of a commonly used microbial biopesticide formulation (VectoMax® CG) on a unicellular microalga, Selenastrum capricornatum Printz, under axenic laboratory conditions. The biopesticide treatments included two concentrations (0.008 and 0.016 g liter-1) of VectoMax® CG and two controls (one untreated and another with autoclaved 0.016 g VectoMax® CG liter-1) in replicated axenic experimental microcosms. Spectrophotometric analysis of chlorophyll a (proxy for algal biomass) and direct enumeration of algal cells following the treatments revealed no significant effects of the microbial biopesticide on algal population growth during the four-week study. In the second experiment, we tested the effects of different densities of Culex larvae on the population of S. capricornatum. Effects of mosquito larvae feeding on S. capricornatum were significant with a curvilinear relationship between larval density and algal abundance in the water column. Together, these studies demonstrated a lack of direct cytological/toxicological effects of Bacillus-based microbial pesticides on freshwater primary production and support the hypothesis that the reduction in algal primary production previously reported when Bti products were applied to aquatic environments was likely independent of the Bacillus-based larvicidal toxins. Instead, it was likely mediated by microbial interactions in the water column and the trophic cascade effects that resulted from the removal of larval mosquitoes. These studies suggest that mosquito larvae independent of pesticide application can influence primary production. Our method of evaluating biopesticides against small photoautotrophs can be very useful for studying the unintended effects on autotrophic microorganisms of other pesticides, including herbicides and pesticides applied to aquatic environments.
Brain-computer interface and functional electrical stimulation for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke

We present a case report consisting of a 64-year old man with chronic severe left hemiplegia who received an intervention to restore reaching movements using a brain-computer interface combined with functional electrical stimulation therapy. The brain-computer interface was designed to be triggered by power decreases in the beta (13 Hz to 30 Hz) frequency range of a single EEG channel at location Fz of the 10–20 electrode placement system. The electrical stimulation system was designed to facilitate reaching forward, to the opposite (right) knee, opposite shoulder, mouth, and also lateral reaching. Each phase of the movement (i.e., reaching and retrieving) was activated by the brain-computer interface. After 40 90-minute sessions, delivered three times a week, the participant's arm function showed a clinically meaningful improvement (6 points in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity sub-score). No other intervention completed by the participant prior to this study had produced any functional change.
A New Task Scheduling Algorithm using Firefly and Simulated Annealing Algorithms in Cloud Computing

Task scheduling is a challenging and important issue, which considering increases in data sizes and large volumes of data, has turned into an NP-hard problem. This has attracted the attention of many researchers throughout the world since cloud environments are in fact homogenous systems for maintaining and processing practical applications needed by users. Thus, task scheduling has become extremely important in order to provide better services to users. In this regard, the present study aims at providing a new task-scheduling algorithm using both firefly and simulated annealing algorithms. This algorithm takes advantage of the merits of both firefly and simulated annealing algorithms. Moreover, efforts have been made in regards to changing the primary population or primary solutions for the firefly algorithm. The presented algorithm uses a better primary solution. Local search was another aspect considered for the new algorithm. The presented algorithm was compared and evaluated against common algorithms. As indicated by the results, compared to other algorithms, the presented method performs effectively better in reducing to make span using different number of tasks and virtual machines.
Precision Cascade Force Control of Multi-DOF Hydraulic Leg Exoskeleton

Hydraulic exoskeleton is a kind of the human robot interaction system, which can augment the human performance in the application of heavy load carrying. Due to the existence of complicated multi-joint nonlinear dynamics and various uncertainties, traditional robust control of these systems is hard to be realized in most of the practical research. In this paper, an adaptive robust cascade force controller is proposed for 3-DOF hydraulic leg exoskeleton to achieve accurate tracking of human motion. Specifically, the control strategy includes two levels. The desired joint positions, which can be assumed as the human motion intent as well, are generated in the high-level by attenuating the integral of human–machine interaction force. And in the low-level, an observer-based MIMO motion controller is developed for 3-DOF dynamics to track the generated human motion intent accurately. Adaptive robust control algorithms are developed in both control levels to address the strongly coupled high-order dynamics under parametric uncertainties and uncertain disturbances. Comparative simulations show that the human–machine interaction force can be attenuated exactly and robust performance to various uncertainties can be guaranteed, validating the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Carfilzomib-Associated Cardiovascular Adverse Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance Cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE) with carfilzomib in patients with multiple myeloma can be potentially life-threatening and remain incompletely characterized. We performed the first systematic review and meta-analysis of carfilzomib-associated CVAE. Objective To determine the incidence of carfilzomib-associated CVAE and to compare the rates of carfilzomib CVAE among different doses and companion therapies. Data Sources PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov were queried for the keywords “carfilzomib,” “Kyprolis,” and “PX-171” through January 1, 2017. Study Selection Phase 1 to 3 prospective clinical trials of carfilzomib in patients with multiple myeloma with evaluable toxic effects data were eligible for meta-analysis. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were independently extracted by 2 reviewers following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Pooled incidence rates and relative risks (for randomized trials) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess study-level characteristics associated with CVAE. Main Outcomes and Measures Cardiovascular adverse events were defined as heart failure, hypertension, ischemia, and arrhythmia. All-grade and grades 3 or higher AEs and study characteristics were recorded. Results A total of 514 studies were assessed for eligibility. Of those, 24 studies were eligible, including a total of 2594 patients with multiple myeloma. All-grade and grades 3 and higher CVAE were seen in 617 (18.1%) and 274 (8.2%), respectively. Phase 2 or 3 studies and carfilzomib doses of 45 mg/m2 or higher were associated with high-grade CVAE. Median age older than 65 years, prior myeloma therapies, and concurrent myeloma therapies were not associated with CVAE. For the 3 randomized clinical trials, the summary relative risk of all-grade and grade 3 or higher CVAE for patients receiving carfilzomib compared with noncarfilzomib-receiving control patients were 1.8 and 2.2, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance Carfilzomib was associated with a significant incidence of CVAE, with higher rates seen with higher doses of carfilzomib. Phase 1 studies may be underdetecting CVAE. Future studies are needed to identify patients at high risk for CVAE, develop optimal monitoring strategies, and explore strategies to mitigate these risks.
Frequency synchronisation of islanded microgrids using robust adaptation over Luré forms

Multi-agent systems and co-ordination control has always been an extensive area of research with ever increasing needs of serving distribution control. In the course of achieving consensus, various critical parameters get effected when connected on a network due to internal and external interferences. These disturbances affect co-ordination, and thereby overall behaviour of the system. To nullify these effects and achieve reliable synchronization Luré form systems have been considered. Using the benefits of Luré architecture, robustness is achieved and passivity properties are proven therein. Use of a modified adaptive synchronization law helps achieve bounds on various parameters under consideration and hence achieve boundedness.
The airborne mass spectrometer AIMS – Part 2: Measurements of trace gases with stratospheric or tropospheric origin in the UTLS

Abstract. Understanding the role of climate-sensitive trace gas variabilities in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere region (UTLS) and their impact on its radiative budget requires accurate measurements. The composition of the UTLS is governed by transport and chemistry of stratospheric and tropospheric constituents, such as chlorine, nitrogen oxide and sulfur compounds. The Atmospheric chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer AIMS has been developed to accurately measure a set of these constituents on aircraft by means of chemical ionization. Here we present a setup using SF5− reagent ions for the simultaneous measurement of trace gas concentrations of HCl, HNO3 and SO2 in the pptv to ppmv (10−12 to 10−6 mol mol−1) range with in-flight and online calibration called AIMS-TG (Atmospheric chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer for measurements of trace gases). Part 1 of this paper (Kaufmann et al., 2016) reports on the UTLS water vapor measurements with the AIMS-H2O configuration. The instrument can be flexibly switched between two configurations depending on the scientific objective of the mission. For AIMS-TG, a custom-made gas discharge ion source has been developed for generation of reagent ions that selectively react with HCl, HNO3, SO2 and HONO. HNO3 and HCl are routinely calibrated in-flight using permeation devices; SO2 is continuously calibrated during flight adding an isotopically labeled 34SO2 standard. In addition, we report on trace gas measurements of HONO, which is sensitive to the reaction with SF5−. The detection limit for the various trace gases is in the low 10 pptv range at a 1 s time resolution with an overall uncertainty of the measurement of the order of 20 %. AIMS has been integrated and successfully operated on the DLR research aircraft Falcon and HALO (High Altitude LOng range research aircraft). As an example, measurements conducted during the TACTS/ESMVal (Transport and Composition of the LMS/UT and Earth System Model Validation) mission with HALO in 2012 are presented, focusing on a classification of tropospheric and stratospheric influences in the UTLS region. The combination of AIMS measurements with other measurement techniques yields a comprehensive picture of the sulfur, chlorine and reactive nitrogen oxide budget in the UTLS. The different trace gases measured with AIMS exhibit the potential to gain a better understanding of the trace gas origin and variability at and near the tropopause.
Mobile Device Accuracy for Step Counting Across Age Groups

Background Only one in five American meets the physical activity recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services. The proliferation of wearable devices and smartphones for physical activity tracking has led to an increasing number of interventions designed to facilitate regular physical activity, in particular to address the obesity epidemic, but also for cardiovascular disease patients, cancer survivors, and older adults. However, the inconsistent findings pertaining to the accuracy of wearable devices for step counting needs to be addressed, as well as factors known to affect gait (and thus potentially impact accuracy) such as age, body mass index (BMI), or leading arm. Objective We aim to assess the accuracy of recent mobile devices for counting steps, across three different age groups. Methods We recruited 60 participants in three age groups: 18-39 years, 40-64 years, and 65-84 years, who completed two separate 1000 step walks on a treadmill at a self-selected speed between 2 and 3 miles per hour. We tested two smartphones attached on each side of the waist, and five wrist-based devices worn on both wrists (2 devices on one wrist and 3 devices on the other), as well as the Actigraph wGT3X-BT, and swapped sides between each walk. All devices were swapped dominant-to-nondominant side and vice-versa between the two 1000 step walks. The number of steps was recorded with a tally counter. Age, sex, height, weight, and dominant hand were self-reported by each participant. Results Among the 60 participants, 36 were female (60%) and 54 were right-handed (90%). Median age was 53 years (min=19, max=83), median BMI was 24.1 (min=18.4, max=39.6). There was no significant difference in left- and right-hand step counts by device. Our analyses show that the Fitbit Surge significantly undercounted steps across all age groups. Samsung Gear S2 significantly undercounted steps only for participants among the 40-64 year age group. Finally, the Nexus 6P significantly undercounted steps for the group ranging from 65-84 years. Conclusions Our analysis shows that apart from the Fitbit Surge, most of the recent mobile devices we tested do not overcount or undercount steps in the 18-39-year-old age group, however some devices undercount steps in older age groups. This finding suggests that accuracy in step counting may be an issue with some popular wearable devices, and that age may be a factor in undercounting. These results are particularly important for clinical interventions using such devices and other activity trackers, in particular to balance energy requirements with energy expenditure in the context of a weight loss intervention program.
Suppression of SNARE‐dependent exocytosis in retinal glial cells and its effect on ischemia‐induced neurodegeneration

Nervous tissue is characterized by a tight structural association between glial cells and neurons. It is well known that glial cells support neuronal functions, but their role under pathologic conditions is less well understood. Here, we addressed this question in vivo using an experimental model of retinal ischemia and transgenic mice for glia‐specific inhibition of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)‐dependent exocytosis. Transgene expression reduced glutamate, but not ATP release from single Müller cells, impaired glial volume regulation under normal conditions and reduced neuronal dysfunction and death in the inner retina during the early stages of ischemia. Our study reveals that the SNARE‐dependent exocytosis in glial cells contributes to neurotoxicity during ischemia in vivo and suggests glial exocytosis as a target for therapeutic approaches.
Does obesity along with major depression or anxiety lead to higher use of health care and costs? A 6-year follow-up study

Background Evidence lacks on whether obesity along with major depression (MD)/anxiety leads to higher health care use (HCU) and health care-related costs (HCC) compared with either condition alone. The objective of the study was to examine the longitudinal associations of obesity, MD/anxiety, and their combination with HCU and HCC. Methods Longitudinal data (2004-2013) among N = 2706 persons at baseline and 2-,4-, and 6-year follow-up were collected on obesity, MD/anxiety and HCU. Results The combination of obesity and MD/anxiety was associated with an increased risk of primary and specialty care visits, and of hospitalizations, odds ratios (95%-confidence intervals): 1.83 (1.44; 2.34), 1.31 (1.06; 1.61) and 1.79 (1.40; 2.29) compared to non-obese and non-depressed individuals. The primary and specialty care costs were higher in persons with obesity and MD/anxiety than in persons without these conditions, but the relative excess risk due to interactions between obesity and MD/anxiety regarding HCU and HCC were not statistically significant (i.e. no synergistic effect). Conclusions Obesity along with MD/anxiety leads to higher HCU and HCC over time. However, the HCC associated with the joint presence of both conditions are not higher than the sum of the HCC due to each condition independently.
Collaborative approach for energy cost minimization in smart grid communities

In this paper we propose a novel demand side management method for minimizing the cost of electricity consumed by households from a smart community. Some households in the community may own renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storing systems (ESSs). Other households in the community may own ESSs only, while the remaining households are pure energy consumers. The RESs and ESSs owning households can individually optimize their costs by using their available storage spaces and renewable energy production. In this paper we propose a collaborative model in which the RESs and ESSs owners may minimize their costs by exchanging energy and sharing the produced renewable energy and energy storing spaces. They also sell energy to the plain energy consumers at a lower price than that offered by the utility company. We model the collaborative cost minimization as a constrained optimization problem that may be solved as a linear program. Simulation show that the proposed collaborative method may reduce the RESs and ESSs owners' costs by 12 to 50% in comparison to performing individual optimization. The pure energy consumers can also reduce their costs by about 7–8% in comparison to the case of buying all needed energy from the utility company.
Morphology of the core fibrous layer of the cetacean tail fluke

The cetacean tail fluke blades are not supported by any vertebral elements. Instead, the majority of the blades are composed of a densely packed collagenous fiber matrix known as the core layer. Fluke blades from six species of odontocete cetaceans were examined to compare the morphology and orientation of fibers at different locations along the spanwise and chordwise fluke blade axes. The general fiber morphology was consistent with a three‐dimensional structure comprised of two‐dimensional sheets of fibers aligned tightly in a laminated configuration along the spanwise axis. The laminated configuration of the fluke blades helps to maintain spanwise rigidity while allowing partial flexibility during swimming. When viewing the chordwise sectional face at the leading edge and mid‐chord regions, fibers displayed a crossing pattern. This configuration relates to bending and structural support of the fluke blade. The trailing edge core was found to have parallel fibers arranged more dorso‐ventrally. The fiber morphology of the fluke blades was dorso‐ventrally symmetrical and similar in all species except the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), which was found to have additional core layer fiber bundles running along the span of the fluke blade. These additional fibers may increase stiffness of the structure by resisting tension along their long spanwise axis.
Humanoid Robot Pepper at a Belgian Chocolate Shop

Humanoid robots hold potential to offer customer experience for bricks-and-mortar stores. Participants took part in a quiz on the topic chocolate in an experimental field study at »The Belgian Chocolate House» in Brussels airport in which a tablet kiosk and a Pepper robot were compared. The experiments showed that offering the quiz on a humanoid robot provided better results in terms of shopper impressions and behavior.
Buckling of slender columns with functionally graded microstructures

ABSTRACT The buckling of slender columns with functionally graded microstructures is studied. In such columns, the flexural modulus is varied in a controlled manner along the column length. The objective is to identify microstructures that maximize (and minimize) the critical buckling load when compared to a reference homogeneous column. Several microstructures are examined and a constraint is imposed so that the volume averaged flexural modulus remains the same in all columns. The buckling load is determined using both the linear perturbation analysis as well as the Rayleigh–Ritz method. A relationship between the material distribution and the corresponding mode shape is established.
Alternative fluorescent labeling strategies for characterizing gram‐positive pathogenic bacteria: Flow cytometry supported counting, sorting, and proteome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus retrieved from infected host cells

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram‐positive opportunistic pathogen that is able to cause a broad range of infectious diseases in humans. Furthermore, S. aureus is able to survive inside nonprofessional phagocytic host cell which serve as a niche for the pathogen to hide from the immune system and antibiotics therapies. Modern OMICs technologies provide valuable tools to investigate host‐pathogen interactions upon internalization. However, these experiments are often hampered by limited capabilities to retrieve bacteria from such an experimental setting. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a labeling strategy allowing fast detection and quantitation of S. aureus in cell lysates or infected cell lines by flow cytometry for subsequent proteome analyses. Therefore, S. aureus cells were labeled with the DNA stain SYTO® 9, or Vancomycin BODIPY® FL (VMB), a glycopeptide antibiotic binding to most Gram‐positive bacteria which was conjugated to a fluorescent dye. Staining of S. aureus HG001 with SYTO 9 allowed counting of bacteria from pure cultures but not in cell lysates from infection experiments. In contrast, with VMB it was feasible to stain bacteria from pure cultures as well as from samples of infection experiments. VMB can also be applied for histocytochemistry analysis of formaldehyde fixed cell layers grown on coverslips. Proteome analyses of S. aureus labeled with VMB revealed that the labeling procedure provoked only minor changes on proteome level and allowed cell sorting and analysis of S. aureus from infection settings with sensitivity similar to continuous gfp expression. Furthermore, VMB labeling allowed precise counting of internalized bacteria and can be employed for downstream analyses, e.g., proteomics, of strains not easily amendable to genetic manipulation such as clinical isolates. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry