Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
VLT/X-shooter spectroscopy of a dusty planetary nebula discovered with Spitzer/IRS

As part of a mid-infrared spectroscopic survey of young stars with the Spitzer Space Telescope, an unclassified red emission line object was discovered. Based on its high ionization state indicated by the Spitzer spectrum, this object could either be a dusty supernova remnant (SNR) or a planetary nebula (PN). In this research note, the object is classified and the available spectroscopic data are presented to the community for further analysis. UV/optical/NIR spectra were obtained during the science verification run of the VLT/X-shooter. A large number of emission lines are identified allowing the determination of the nature of this object. The presence of strong, narrow (Δv ~8 – 74 km s^(−1)) emission lines, combined with very low line ratios of, e.g., [N_(II)]/Hα and [S_(II)]/Hα show that the object is a PN that lies at an undetermined distance behind the Serpens Molecular Cloud. This illustrates the potential of X-shooter as an efficient tool for constraining the nature of faint sources with unknown spectral properties or colors.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Human AIF-like Gene with Ability to Induce Apoptosis*

In this study, we cloned and characterized a human gene homologous to the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), which is named AIF-like (AIFL). Human AIFL has 598 amino acids, with a characteristic Rieske domain and a pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase domain (Pyr_redox). AIFL shares 35% homology with AIF, mainly in the Pyr_redox domain. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis showed the expression of AIFL mRNA in all tissues tested, i.e. brain, colon, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, placenta, small intestine, and testis. We developed antibodies against human AIFL using fusion proteins as antigens. The antibodies specifically recognized the antigen and heterologously expressed AIFL proteins. The expression of AIFL proteins in human tissues was also ubiquitous, demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in tissue array slides. Subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence staining studies revealed that AIFL is predominantly localized to the mitochondria. Similar to AIF, overexpression of AIFL induced apoptosis, as shown by increased cytoplasmic nucleosomes and subdiploid cell populations in AIFL-transfected cells. The segment 1–190 containing the Rieske domain induced apoptosis, whereas the segment containing the Pyr_redox domain did not contribute to the pro-apoptotic function. The mitochondrial membrane potential of cells transfected with AIFL was significantly more depolarized than that of the control. AIFL transfection-induced cytochrome c release and cleavage of caspase 3. Furthermore, the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk inhibited AIFL induced apoptosis. In summary, AIFL induces apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner when heterologously expressed.
Load Balancing in Heterogeneous Networks with LTE

LTE networks are being deployed in urban scenarios, in several frequency bands, superimposing cells with GSM and UMTS ones. Thus, there is a structure of heterogeneous cells, not only within LTE itself, but also with the other systems. The scope of the thesis is to find a method for balancing the load among the mentioned systems; one defines metrics for load computation based on the number of fixed radio resources each system has, and then analyses in a time-based network simulator a model that moves traffic to balance the load. One also studied the impact of varying the user density, radio configuration, number of base stations and other relevant scenarios, and then designed a scenario that enables the performance analysis of the model developed for load balance. The model allowed to increase the performance in heterogeneous scenarios in overloading situations. The main results show some improvement in the overall QoS parameters, while increasing the average load for all RATs and increasing the average number of users connected per second. The main results in terms of QoS are the reduction of drop rate calls from 2.3% to 1.2% and the reduction of blocking probability from 15.2% to 3.4% measured for the same scenario. The model developed for this work may be used as a general framework for load balancing in heterogeneous networks.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of the hydrodynamics generated by a weak breaking tidal bore

A tidal bore is a positive surge propagating upstream as the tidal flow turns to rising in river mouths exhibiting a converging funnelled channel forms during low freshwater conditions. While some recent laboratory experiments brought new insights to the turbulent motion generated by tidal bores, a numerical model based upon the Navier-Stokes equations is proposed to investigate the complicated features of the flow. The goal of the present work is to simulate this three-dimensional unsteady twophase tidal bore motion. Therefore, we use a Synthetic Eddy Method to generate the turbulence and a Large Eddy Simulation method to gain a further understanding of the tidal bore processes. The numerical data are compared with some detailed laboratory data and the results are discussed. We aim at describing accurately the free-surface behaviour and the turbulent flow structure. This work is the first attempt to describe this complicated flow with three-dimensional numerical simulation.
An Isolated Bi-Directional Converter with Improved Power Conversion Efficiency for DC Distribution Systems

A bidirectional AC-DC and DC-DC converter is proposed for DC distribution systems with high frequency isolation and bidirectional power flow capability. The topology is based on a non-isolated bidirectional AC-DC converter for grid-connected operation and an isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter to interface between DC bus and DC link of the rectifier. The proposed converter has the ability to not only transfer energy from the grid to the vehicle, but also transfer energy from the vehicle to the grid (V2G). So, this converter can be used as a power backup for the grid. This converter allows fast control and high power density and requires proper controlling method for the switches which is implemented via programming. The prototype model of the bidirectional charger topology can be used for the hybrid electric vehicle applications and they provide a flexible power processing interface between an energy storage device and the rest of the system.
Management of Ischaemic Heart Disease with ‘Lekhan Guggulu’

Ischaemic Heart Disease is known to be the cause of large number of mortality even in developed countries in spite of the fact that much advancement has been made in the field of medicine. In Ayurvedic text, ‘Dhamani Pratichaya’ is a described term used specially for the Pathological Condition ( Vikruti ) of the wall of large and medium Dhamanis (Arteries) which resembles Ischaemic Heart Disease. The present research attempt is to evaluate ‘Lekhan Guggulu’ an Ayurvedic compound for the treatment of ‘ Dhamani Pratichaya’ with special reference to Ischaemic Heart Disease. The effect of the drug combination was assessed by comparing the subjective and objective parameters and blood biochemistry.
Chemistry-climate model simulations of spring Antarctic ozone

Coupled chemistry-climate model simulations covering the recent past and continuing throughout the 21st century have been completed with a range of different models. Common forcings are used for the halogen amounts and greenhouse gas concentrations, as expected under the Montreal Protocol (with amendments) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change A1b Scenario. The simulations of the Antarctic ozone hole are compared using commonly used diagnostics: the minimum ozone, the maximum area of ozone below 220 DU, and the ozone mass deficit below 220 DU. Despite the fact that the processes responsible for ozone depletion are reasonably well understood, a wide range of results is obtained. Comparisons with observations indicate that one of the reasons for the model underprediction in ozone hole area is the tendency for models to underpredict, by up to 35%, the area of low temperatures responsible for polar stratospheric cloud formation. Models also typically have species gradients that are too weak at the edge of the polar vortex, suggesting that there is too much mixing of air across the vortex edge. Other models show a high bias in total column ozone which restricts the size of the ozone hole (defined by a 220 DU threshold). The results of those models which agree best with observations are examined in more detail. For several models the ozone hole does not disappear this century but a small ozone hole of up to three million square kilometers continues to occur in most springs even after 2070.
Nucleotide-Driven Triple-State Remodeling of the AAA-ATPase Channel in the Activated Human 26S Proteasome

The proteasome is a sophisticated ATP-dependent molecular machine responsible for protein degradation in all eukaryotic cells. It remains elusive how conformational changes of the AAA-ATPase unfoldase in the regulatory particle (RP) control the gating of substrate-translocation channel to the proteolytic chamber of the core particle (CP). Here we report three alternative states of the ATP-γS-bound human proteasome, in which the CP gate is asymmetrically open, visualized by cryo-EM at near-atomic resolutions. Only four nucleotides are stably bound to the AAA-ATPase ring in the open-gate states. Concerted nucleotide exchange gives rise to a back-and-forth wobbling motion of the AAA-ATPase channel, coincident with remarkable transitions of their pore loops between the spiral staircase and saddle-shaped circle topologies. Gate opening in the CP is thus controlled with nucleotide-driven remodeling of the AAA-ATPase unfoldase. These findings demonstrate an elegant mechanism of allosteric coordination among sub-machines within the holoenzyme that is crucial for substrate translocation.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF MATING SYSTEM VARIATION TO REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION IN TWO CLOSELY RELATED CENTAURIUM SPECIES (GENTIANACEAE) WITH A GENERALIZED FLOWER MORPHOLOGY

In closely related plant species that display strong similarities in phenology and pollinator communities, differences in breeding system and associated shifts in floral traits may have important effects on the magnitude and direction of heterospecific pollen flow and hybridization. Here, we quantified the strength of several pre‐ and postzygotic barriers acting between the facultatively outcrossing Centaurium erythraea and the predominantly selfing C. littorale via a suite of experiments, and estimated the frequency of hybridization in the field using molecular markers. The reproductive barriers primarily responsible for preventing hybridization were essentially prezygotic and these acted asymmetrically. Due to differences in floral display, pollen production, and pollen transfer rates, heterospecific pollen flow occurred predominantly from C. erythraea to C. littorale. In C. littorale, on the other hand, close anther–stigma positioning and resulting higher capacity for autonomous selfing functioned as an efficient barrier to counterbalance the higher risk for hybrid mating. In both species the action of all reproductive barriers resulted in a small opportunity for hybrid establishment, which was confirmed by the occurrence of only ∼1% putative hybrids in the field. Our findings confirm that differences in breeding system affect heterospecific pollen transfer patterns and that autonomous selfing may efficiently prevent hybridization.
Assessment of under-reporting of energy intake by elite female gymnast.

This study examines the degree of under-reporting of energy intake by elite, female gymnasts, and the impact this predicted under-reporting has on associated macro and micro nutrient intake. Twenty-eight female U.S. national team artistic gymnasts participated in the study. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food records, and the degree of under-reporting was predicted from the ratio of reported energy intake (EI) to predicted basal metabolic rate (BMRestd), using the standards described by Goldberg et al. (10). Sixty-one percent of the subjects had an EI/BMRestd ratio of < 1.44, and were classified as under-reporters. The under-reporters had higher BMIs and percent body fat, and lower reported total energy intakes than the adequate energy reporters. Additionally, under-reporting of energy intake had a significant impact on reported micro nutrient intake. The under-reporting of energy intake seen in these subjects has an impact on the reported intake of macro and micro nutrients that can influence the interpretation of the nutritional status of these athletes and the strategy for nutrition intervention. Therefore, when assessing dietary intakes of elite gymnasts, some means of determining the accuracy of the reported energy and nutrient intake should be employed to more accurately identify the true nutritional problems experienced by these elite athletes.
Design of a Visualization Design Environment ( VDE )

INTRODUCTION There are many tools for specifying visualizations available today, ranging from easy-to-use programs such as Microsoft Excel [6] and Tableau [9] to powerful graphical toolkits such as D3 [2]. Excel and Tableau make it easy for a user to rapidly generate data visualizations and iteratively explore a dataset, but can be somewhat difficult to use and restrictive with respect to creating a layout and specifying the visual properties of a final visualization. Toolkits such as D3 are flexible and incredibly customizable, but a user must know how to program to leverage their power. This project explores the middle ground between ease of use and flexibility of expression in attempting to create a graphical tool that allows a user to precisely create visualization fluidly and easily. The project makes use of direct manipulation techniques as well as Flowmenus [5] to allow the user to specify the mapping of data to visual properties on the visualization itself. It also provides a property editor to allow the user precise control of the layout and style of the visualization.
A Work Flow and Evaluation of Using Unmanned Aerial Systems for Deriving Forest Stand Characteristics in Mixed Hardwoods of West Virginia

A work flow and evaluation of using unmanned aerial systems for deriving forest stand characteristics in mixed hardwoods of West Virginia Henry Liebermann Forest inventory information is a principle driver for forest management decisions. Information gathered through these inventories provides a summary of the condition of forested stands. The method by which remote sensing aids land managers is changing rapidly. Imagery produced from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) offer high temporal and spatial resolutions and have added another approach to small-scale forest management. UAS imagery is less expensive and easier to coordinate to meet project needs compared to traditional manned aerial imagery. This study focused on producing an efficient and approachable work flow for producing forest stand board foot volume estimates from UAS imagery in mixed hardwood stands of West Virginia. A supplementary aim of this project was to evaluate which season was best to collect imagery for forest inventory. True color imagery was collected with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional UAS and was processed in Agisoft Photoscan Professional. Automated segmentation was performed with Trimble eCognition Developer’s multi-resolution segmentation function with manual optimization of parameters through an iterative process. Individual tree volume metrics were derived from field data relationships and volume estimates were processed in EZ CRUZ forest inventory software. The software, at best, correctly segmented 43% of the individual tree crowns. No correlation between season of imagery acquisition and quality of segmentation was shown. Volume and other stand characteristics were not accurately estimated and were faulted by poor segmentation. However, the imagery was able to capture gaps consistently and the high resolution imagery was able to provide a visualization of forest health. Difficulties, successes and time required for these procedures were thoroughly noted.
Title Validation of a Cantonese version of the Oxford cognitive screen (HK-OCS) for stroke survivors in Hong Kong

The current study reports on the validation of the Cantonese version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen (HK-OCS). Seventy native Cantonese-speaking neurologically healthy individuals were recruited to establish the normative data. Forty six native Cantonesespeaking stroke survivors were assessed on the Cantonese version of the HK-OCS, the Cantonese version of the Western Aphasia Battery, the Cantonese version of Mini-Mental State Examination, the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the short test of gestural production, the Albert’s Test of Visual Neglect, the Chinese version of the Modified Barthel Index, and the Hong Kong Chinese version of Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. Validity of the HK-OCS was appraised by the difference between the two groups and relationship of these tasks. Paired-sample t-tests showed that neurologically healthy individuals performed significantly better than stroke survivors on the HK-OCS. Positive and significant correlations across related cognitive subtests in other tests were found, suggesting good concurrent validity. Excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities, fair test-retest reliability, and acceptable internal consistency indicated that the HK-OCS had good reliability. Regarding the predictive values of the HK-OCS, semantics, episodic memory, number writing and orientation best predicted survivors’ functional outcomes. The present study suggested that the HK-OCS is a valid, reliable and comprehensive cognitive screening tool for assessing cognitive impairments in Cantonese-speaking stroke survivors in Hong Kong. 3 CANTONESE VERSION OF THE OXFORD COGNITIVE SCREEN
Locally optimal trajectory planning for aerial manipulation in constrained environments

Aerial manipulation tasks necessitate a reliable trajectory planning algorithms to perform complicated tasks. This paper provides a method of developing the locally optimal trajectory for aerial manipulation in constrained environments. We first show differential flatness of the aerial manipulation system when the inertial effect due to equipped robotic arm is compensated with the aid of a robust controller. To find the locally optimal path, we parameterize flat outputs as polynomials of time, and formulate a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) problem. Given a convex mesh representation of environment, we obtain a collision-free trajectory in almost real time, by imposing constraints based on a signed distance metric. We also conduct an experiment of operating an object located in a confined space, which validates effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Long-Term Load Forecasting for Fast-Developing Utility Using a Knowledge-Based Expert System

The application of the classical forecasting methods, when applied to a fast-developing utility with a period characterized by fast and dynamic changes, are insufficient and may provide an invaluable dimension to the decision-making process. In this paper, a knowledge-based expert system (ES) is implemented to support the choice of the most suitable load forecasting model for medium/long-term power system planning. In the proposed ES, the detailed problem statement including forecasting algorithms and the key variables (electrical and non-electrical variables) that affect the demand forecasts are first identified. A set of decision rules relating these variables are then obtained and stored in the knowledge base. Afterwards, the best model that will reflect accurately the typical system behavior over other models is suggested to produce the annual load forecast. A practical application is given to demonstrate the usefulness of the developed prototype system.
External genital and perianal warts : green tea ( Camellia sinensis ) leaf extract 10 % ointment Evidence summary

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf extract 10% ointment (Catephen) is a self-administered topical treatment for external genital and perianal warts. In 2 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1005 adults, green tea leaf extract 10% ointment was 2-fold more effective than vehicle (placebo) ointment in terms of complete clearance of all baseline and new warts over a maximum treatment duration of 16 weeks. Most reported adverse events were local skin reactions, and were mild or moderate in severity. There are no published comparisons with other active treatments for genital and perianal warts.
Challenges in energy harvesting techniques for autonomous self-powered wireless sensors

This paper focuses on a variety of issues related to energy harvesting techniques and their possible application in self-powered wireless sensor network (WSN) environments. Three different sources have been considered for the harvesting, including electromagnetic, solar and thermal energy. First, the results of a measurement campaign carried out in different urban environments are presented and discussed; then, the study and design of rectenna and DC/DC converter topologies for solar energy collection and DC voltage boosting in WSN application is described. Finally, the possibility to harvest thermal energy resulting from the power dissipated in PA architectures is investigated, showing the results of different measurement setups.
Cascade based control of a drivetrain with backlash

Reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions and improving driveability represent the main interests nowadays in automotive research centres from both academic and industry fields. The purpose is to develop more complex and accurate models for the automotive drivetrain in order to design and to apply different control strategies. In this paper, starting from the relations that describe the dynamical behaviour for each subsystem of an automotive powertrain, a nonlinear state-space model for a drivetrain with backlash was developed. The model was then implemented in Matlab/Simulink and a PID cascade controller was proposed in order to maintain a desired wheel speed trajectory.
Transfection by Electroporation

Electroporation—the use of high‐voltage electric shocks to introduce DNA into cells—can be used with most cell types, yields a high frequency of both stable transformation and transient gene expression, and, because it requires fewer steps, can be easier than alternate techniques. This unit describes electroporation of mammalian cells, including ES cells for the preparation of knock‐out, knock‐in, and transgenic mice. Protocols are described for the use of electroporation in vivo to perform gene therapy for cancer therapy and DNA vaccination. Also described are modifications for preparation and transfection of plant protoplasts. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Systematic screening of Anopheles mosquito genomes yields evidence for a major clade of Pao‐like retrotransposons

We developed a degenerate PCR procedure to simultaneously amplify products from divergent retrotransposon families within the genomes of Anopheles mosquitoes. The procedure required cloning of multiple PCR products, but more than half of the clones subsequently sequenced were of retrotransposon origin. These included Copia‐like and LINE retrotransposons, as well as the first Gypsy‐like retrotransposons reported from mosquitoes. Furthermore, some Anopheles retrotransposon sequences showed similarity to the divergent Pao element from the silkmoth Bombyx mori. Phylogenetic analyses provided consistently strong bootstrap support (> 95%) for a major clade of Pao‐like retrotransposons, which includes five mosquito sequences and the recently discovered Drosophila retrotransposons BEL and ninja. This appears to represent a new family of Pao‐like LTR‐retrotransposons distinct from the Copia and Gypsy families.