Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Relationships Between Land Surface Temperature and Environmental Factors in an Inland River Catchment Based on Geographically Weighted Regression and MODIS Data

Despite growing concerns in Land Surface Temperature (LST) and its related environmental factors (geographical, climate, and atmospheric conditions), little attention was about the spatial variation that consider above conditions together. Our purpose is to analyze and quantify LST and related environmental factors, using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data in a typical inland river catchment, named Heihe River catchment, China. Considering thirteen environmental factors (altitude, latitude, Topographic Wetness Index, Cos(aspect), temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, radiation, albedo, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), water vapor, COT), 18 GWR models were set up. Results showed that yearly averaged LST changed from 264 K to 309 K, with the highest value recorded in the downstream desert region. LST has the same variable trend and seasonality with NDVI, precipitable water vapor, and cloud optical thickness (COT), but has an inverse relationship with albedo. All GWR models indicated better simulation with smaller Akaike Information Criterion (AICc), and higher coefficient of determination (R2), compared with Ordinary Least Squares method (OLS). Furthermore, performance of multi-factor analysis was better than single-factor analysis, with model 18 showing the best performance achieving higher R2 (0.94) and lower AICc (7760). For all GWR model, 86.4% of R2 was higher than 0.60, most values distributed in the range of 0.80-0.99, and 86.59% of residual values were within the range of ±2 K. Different parameters resulted in different slope distribution, which indicated that altitude is the major driving factor, followed by NDVI, and albedo.
Molecular imaging and therapy of atherosclerosis with targeted nanoparticles

Advances in bionanotechnology are poised to impact the field of cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy for decades to come. This review seeks to illustrate selected examples of newly developed diagnostic and therapeutic nanosystems that have been evaluated in experimental atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology. We review a variety of nanotechnologies that are capable of detecting early cardiovascular pathology, as well as associated imaging approaches and conjunctive strategies for site‐targeted treatment with nanoparticle delivery systems. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of estrus-AI interval on timed AI pregnancy rates in beef cows inseminated with fresh extended or frozen thawed semen.

We hypothesize that insemination with fresh extended semen will improve the AI pregnancy rate due to its prolonged longevity in female reproductive tract compared to frozen thawed semen. The objective of this trial was to determine the effect of fresh and frozen semen on fixed-time AI pregnancy rate in beef cows synchronized with progesterone based CO-Synch protocols and inseminated at different estrus-AI intervals. Angus cross beef cows (N=180) were synchronized with CO-Synch-CIDR protocols for a fixed-time AI. A subset of cows (N=110) received Heatwatch estrus detection system's pressure sensor at CIDR removal to determine the time of estrus. Cows were divided into two groups, inseminated either at 47h (early) or at 67h (late) from CIDR removal with fresh extended (3 million sperm) or of frozen thawed (20 million sperm) semen. Results indicated that cows inseminated at 67 h had numerically higher fixed time AI pregnancy compared to cows inseminated at 47 h [44.4% (40/90) vs. 33.3% (30/90); P=0.13]. Cows inseminated with frozen thawed semen had similar fixed time AI pregnancy compared to fresh extended semen [40.8 (31/76) vs. 37.5% (39/104); P=0.66]. AI-estrus interval was divided into three groups < 0 h (AI occurred before estrus), 0 to 16 h and > 16 h (AI occurred 16 h after estrus). The AI pregnancy rates for fresh semen for the 3 estrus-AI intervals were similar to frozen semen. In conclusion, the fresh semen yielded similar AI pregnancy as frozen semen when inseminated at different estrus-AI interval in a fixed time AI breeding program in beef cows.
Unified steady-state description of phase-shift-controlled ZVS-operated series-resonant and non-resonant single-active-bridge converters

A steady-state representation for zero-voltage-switching series-resonant converter topologies using phase-shift control is presented. The model uses directly accessible system parameters. It is further shown how the mathematical formulation converges into the well-known equations for the non-resonant single-active bridge converter, considering it an asymptotic case of the ZVS-operated series-resonant converter with infinite series capacitance. The analysis results can be applied to circuit variants with 2-Level full-bridge or 3-Level half-bridge converters. ZVS operating ranges for different resonant tank layouts are illustrated and discussed.
Effects of Accessibility and Subjective Relevance on the Use of Piecemeal and Category Information in Impression Formation

Three studies investigated the process by which categorical and individuating information impacts impression formation. The authors assumed that (a) both types of information are functionally equivalent in serving as evidence for interpersonal judgments and (b) their use is determined by their accessibility and perceived applicability to the impression's target. The first study constituted an extended replication of Pavelchak's experiment, and it showed that its results, initially interpreted to suggest the primacy in impression formation of category over trait information, may have been prompted by differential accessibility of the category versus trait information in some experimental conditions of the original research. Studies 2 and 3 additionally explored the role of informational accessibility manipulated in different ways. Study 3 demonstrated also that the effect of accessibility is qualified by the information's apparent relevance to the judgmental target.
A Novel Charging Control for Flywheel Energy Storage System Based on BLDC Motor

With high efficiency, long life, fast response and no environmental pollution, the flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is the best choice in the field of energy storage. For easy control, low cost, brushless DC (BLDC) motor was used as FESS motor/generator. In this paper, a buck circuit is presented to reduce motor torque ripple in charge section, using constant torque control at low speed and constant power control at high speed. A charging simulation model has been built in MATLAB, and the result shows that the charging module is correct and effective.
Cognitive Modeling as an Interface Between Brain and Behavior: Measuring the Semantic Decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterised by subjective and objective memory impairment in the absence of dementia. MCI is a strong predictor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease, and may represent an early stage in the disease course in many cases. A standard task used in the diagnosis of MCI is verbal fluency, where participants produce as many items from a specific category (e.g., animals) as possible. Verbal fluency performance is typically analysed by counting the number of items produced. However, analysis of the semantic path of the items produced can provide valuable additional information. We introduce a cognitive model that uses multiple types of lexical information in conjunction with a standard memory search process. The model used a semantic representation derived from a standard semantic space model in conjunction with a memory searching mechanism derived from the Luce choice rule (Luce, 1977). The model was able to detect differences in the memory searching process of patients who were developing MCI, suggesting that the formal analysis of verbal fluency data is a promising avenue to examine the underlying changes occurring in the development of cognitive impairment. La perte cognitive légère (PCL) se caractérise par des troubles de la mémoire objective et subjective en l’absence de démence. La PCL est un bon prédicteur de la maladie d’Alzheimer, et peut constituer un stade précoce de la maladie dans plusieurs cas. Une tâche standard utilisée dans le diagnostic de la PCL est la fluidité verbale, au cours de laquelle les participants doivent produire autant d’items, à partir d’une catégorie spécifique (p. ex. les animaux), que possible. Le rendement au niveau de la fluidité verbale est généralement analysé en comptant le nombre d’items produits. Toutefois, l’analyse du parcours sémantique des items produits peut aussi fournir des informations supplémentaires précieuses. Nous introduisons un modèle cognitif qui utilise plusieurs types d’informations lexicales en conjonction avec un processus de recherche de la mémoire standard. Le modèle a utilisé une représentation sémantique dérivée d’un modèle d’espace sémantique standard combiné à un mécanisme de recherche de la mémoire issu de l’axiome du choix de Luce (Luce, 1977). Le modèle a pu détecter des différences dans le processus de recherche de la mémoire de patients en train de développer une PCL, suggérant que l’analyse formelle des données de fluidité verbale était une avenue prometteuse pour examiner les changements sous-jacents qui surviennent pendant le développement de la déficience cognitive.
Child's symptom burden and depressive symptoms among caregivers of children with cancers: an argument for early integration of pediatric palliative care.

BACKGROUND Childhood cancers evoke various emotional reactions in caregivers which can impair their well-being and roles. Little is known about caregiving and which cancer-associated factors are related to caregiver's depression in resource-restricted settings. We sought to investigate if child's symptom burden is related to depressive symptoms in caregivers. METHODS Seventy-two caregivers and children with cancers were administered questionnaires to elicit socio-demographic and disease-related data. Subsequently, the child's symptoms were profiled with Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS 7-12); while screening for depressive symptoms in caregivers was done using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CES-DR). RESULTS All the caregivers were parents, and largely mothers (83.7%). The mean ages of caregivers and children were 39±2 and 10±2 years respectively. Majority of caregivers (90.3%) were either ignorant or attributed spiritual causation to the cancers. The common symptoms with prevalence >50% in the children included pain, nausea, worry, and lack of energy (LE); symptoms' prevalence ranged from LE (68%) to itching (32%). Approximately, one-third each of the children reported hair and weight loss which were considered 'unusual' in the design of MSAS 7-12. The symptoms showed variability in distress, frequency and intensity. In particular, pain, lack of appetite (LA) and feeling sad (FS) were reported as most burdensome in >50% of the children. More than one-third of caregivers (38.2%) screened positive for significant depressive symptoms. The global symptom burden (r=0.58) and individual symptom correlated positively with depressive symptoms in caregivers (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest the need for improved awareness creation on childhood cancers to obviate late presentations and poor access to care. Again, early integration of pediatric palliative care in childhood cancer care to ensure symptom management as well as its extended benefits on caregivers' wellbeing is desirable. The pattern of certain "unusual" symptoms in children with cancer in our work suggests the need to put into consideration 'novel' symptoms which were not captured in existing instruments. Future research on supportive care in pediatric cancers is indicated.
Afrocantharellus gen. stat. nov. is part of a rich diversity of African Cantharellaceae

A new genus in the Cantharellaceae, Afrocantharellus, is recognized based on results from phylogenetic analyses of rDNA LSU and concatenated LSU/5.8-ITS2/ATP6 data. It was previously recognized as a subgenus, but comprehensive fieldwork and the acquisition of numerous sequences for previously neglected African Cantharellus species formed the basis for a reappraisal of generic and species delimitations. Afrocantharellus is characterized morphologically by the basidiomes having thick, distantly spaced diverging folds of variegated colour. In contrast to most of Cantharellus, Afrocantharellus mostly lacks clamp connections. Phylogenies of Cantharellus and Afrocantharellus based on LSU and a concatenated data set are provided, along with descriptions of and a key to the four species and one form of Afrocantharellus recognized. Six new combinations are made.
Chitin biosynthesis in Candida albicans grown in vitro and in vivo and its inhibition by nikkomycin Z

An N-acetyl-D-[14C]glucosamine radiolabel incorporation assay has been used to monitor chitin biosynthesis in whole cells of Candida albicans both in vitro and in vivo in two different mouse infection models, one using the peritoneal cavity as a chamber in which to add and retrieve cells and the other using infected kidneys. Specific labeling of chitin in alkali-insoluble material was confirmed by chitinase digestion, analysis of acid hydrolysates, and the use of nikkomycin Z as a probe. Nikkomycin Z was shown to strongly inhibit chitin biosynthesis in C. albicans grown in vitro and in vivo in both models. This demonstrates that nikkomycin Z-susceptible chitin synthase activity is present in C. albicans when the fungus is in its pathogenic state in vivo. The limited use of nikkomycin as a therapeutic agent is discussed.
Comparison of Conventional and Fuzzy Control of Indoor Air Quality in Buildings

This article compares various techniques for the control of indoor air quality in a naturally ventilated building: ON-OFF, proportional-integral-derivative PID, proportional-integral with deadband PIdb, and fuzzy control. The control system for the fuzzy controllers is a typical two input carbon dioxide concentration and its time derivative, one output change in window opening area system. Two different fuzzy controllers are modeled: one based on Mamdani's max-min inference, and the other using Gupta's multivariable structure. The results show that the fuzzy controllers and the Pldb controller are much more suitable than the PID or the ON-OFF controllers. The number of cycles of the controlled parameter i.e., the window opening fluctuations is actually much smaller. Minor differences between the two fuzzy controllers are observed.
Lock step: an algorithm to reduce wi-fi jitter

The exponential backoff algorithm used in IEEE 802.11 does not guarantee short term fairness between flows. We propose an algorithm based on IdleSense where each of N flows tries to transmit every W = 8 N slots; i.e. 8 slots per flow with 7 idle. Each flow adaptively adjusts its contention window W based on the observed proportion of empty slots. One key aspect of Lock Step is setting a deterministic backoff after a successful transmission so that, for persistent flows, eventually all users are in lock step and transmit every 8 N slots. Another key aspect is forcing a second collision between colliding users so all users can better estimate the proportion of idle slots per transmission thus allowing users to estimate N and hence the optimal backoff. This second collision can also be engineered to assist the ZigZag algorithm to decode the colliding packets. Even with transient flows Lock Step reduces jitter and can substantially increase the number of flows carrying Voice over IP traffic through a single access point.
TEODI: PV MPPT based on the Equalization of the Output operating points in correspondence of the forced Displacement of the Input operating points

A new analog Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique which is particularly suitable for Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking Applications (DMPPT) is presented and discussed. Its main advantages are simplicity of implementation, absence of memory and multiplication operations, high MPPT efficiency and the intrinsic capability to attenuate the effect, on the PV voltage, of 100/120 Hz disturbances coming from the grid.
Engineering three dimensional micro nerve tissue using postnatal stem cells from human dental apical papilla

The in vitro generation of cell‐based three dimensional (3D) nerve tissue is an attractive subject to improve graft survival and integration into host tissue for neural tissue regeneration or to model biological events in stem cell differentiation. Although 3D organotypic culture strategies are well established for 3D nerve tissue formation of pluripotent stem cells to study underlying biology in nerve development, cell‐based nerve tissues have not been developed using human postnatal stem cells with therapeutic potential. Here, we established a culture strategy for the generation of in vitro cell‐based 3D nerve tissue from postnatal stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) of teeth, which originate from neural crest‐derived ectomesenchyme cells. A stem cell population capable of differentiating into neural cell lineages was generated during the ex vivo expansion of SCAPs in the presence of EGF and bFGF, and SCAPs differentiated into neural cells, showing neural cell lineage‐related molecular and gene expression profiles, morphological changes and electrophysical property under neural‐inductive culture conditions. Moreover, we showed the first evidence that 3D cell‐based nerve‐like tissue with axons and myelin structures could be generated from SCAPs via 3D organotypic culture using an integrated bioprocess composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) microwell‐mediated cell spheroid formation and subsequent dynamic culture in a high aspect ratio vessel (HARV) bioreactor. In conclusion, the culture strategy in our study provides a novel approach to develop in vitro engineered nerve tissue using SCAPs and a foundation to study biological events in the neural differentiation of postnatal stem cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 903–914. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frontal Activity during the Digit Symbol Substitution Test Determined by Multichannel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Backgrounds: The digit symbol substitution test (DSST) is a clinically useful and widely accepted tool for the detection of various psychiatric disorders. Investigating neural activity during the DSST is useful when considering the relationship between the poor performance on the DSST and neurocognitive deficits. However, obtaining reliable functional imaging of the neural mechanisms associated with this test is challenging due to motion artifacts. Aims: To circumvent this problem, we examined frontal lobe activity during the DSST using multichannel near-infrared spectroscopy, a noninvasive functional imaging technique that does not interfere with the DSST procedure. Methods: Twenty-five healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) during the DSST were determined bilaterally in 52 measurement points (channels) on the frontal area. Results: We found significant increases in oxyHb in more than 70% of the channels, with the intensity of the increase being more pronounced in the left hemisphere. Several channels showed significant positive correlations between changes in oxyHb and DSST performance. Some of the channels with a significant increase in oxyHb during the DSST did not show a correlation with the DSST performance. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the DSST could prove useful as a frontal lobe stimulating task. Further examinations of DSST/near-infrared spectroscopy analyses of neural mechanisms in patients with psychiatric and neurological diseases are necessary to assess its effectiveness in clinical practice for the evaluation of neuropsychopathology.
0 Synthetic Image Holograms

This chapter is dedicated to synthetic image holograms the elements which can create a reconstruction of a 3D object for observation with the human eye. Holography as a technique of image recording and reconstruction has been extensively developed from sixties of the twentieth century. During this time there have been various attempts to synthesize holograms artificially without the presence of the real object in the classical recording setup. Different approaches have been used, several trying to synthesize the three-dimensional object from two-dimensional views using the classical recording setup, the others trying to calculate the microstructure of the hologram completely in a computer. Today, we can divide synthetic holography into two major streams, the first containing the methods for creating the image for observation by human eye and the second consisting of approaches for designing the synthetic diffractive structures for general wavefront generation. The former techniques can exploit various imperfections of human vision and omit several parameters of the optical wave. The latter techniques are usually based on the direct calculation of the microstructure and they try to create the reconstruction in its full complexity. Only the first group of synthetic image holograms will be analyzed in this chapter. The synthetic approach to hologram creation can have several advantages, but also noticeable disadvantages. The most important advantages are connected with flexibility in modifying the recorded object. First, the object need not to exist in reality in a form of a physical model. For most synthetic approaches, it is fully sufficient to have a 3D computer model for preparing the recording data. Also for real physically existing objects it could be tricky to perform the recording process in a classical setup. For example, various outdoor scenes such as buildings and others could not be included in the laboratory setups. Generally, the scaling possibility is very limited in classical holography, so the recorded object (or its model) must be of final size. On the other hand, it is easy to scale the computer model of an object. The next problem is in various corrections of color properties, surface textures, and general fine tuning of the recorded object. While such operations are very simple in the case of computer models, they could bring insoluble problems for real physical models. The stability of the object is also very important. It is crucial to highly stabilize the object for recording in classical holographic recording setup (when exposing with a continuous-wave laser), whereas in a computer stability is not a problem. This can apply also for holograms of living objects or dynamic scenes, where it is easy to take snaphots using photographic techniques, but holographic exposure is almost impossible. Finally, according to the recording technology chosen, other parameters of the synthetic hologram can be highly superior to those of classical holograms (e.g. fidelity of color mixing, contrast of the image, etc.). 10