Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Potassium Currents on the Synchronization of Electrically Coupled Neural Oscillators

Synchronous oscillatory activity in cortical neurons is thought to be important for higher order cognitive functions [Gray et al., 1992]. It is believed that electrical coupling between inhibitory neurons is at least partially responsible for synchronization. This is supported by both experimental [e.g. Galarreta and Hestrin, 2001; Gibson et al., 1999; Beierlein et al., 2000; Amitai et al., 2002] and theoretical [Chow and Kopell, 2000; Lewis and Rinzel, 2003; Pfeuty et al., 2003; Bem et al., 2005; Di Garbo et al., 2005; Mancilla et al., 2007] studies. Mathematical models of electrically coupled neural oscillators show that electrical coupling also can support stable antisynchronous activity [Skinner et al., 1999; Pfeuty et al., 2003; Nomura et al., 2003; Lewis and Rinzel, 2004; Di Garbo et al., 2005; Mancilla et al., 2007]. However, antisynchronous activity in pairs of neurons connected solely by electrical coupling has not been found Colin B. Middleton University of California, Davis 2011 experimentally [Mancilla et al., 2007, see also Merriam et al., 2005; Gibson et al, 2005]. It is not understood why only robust synchrony is observed to the exclusion of antisynchrony. In fact, several model studies have investigated the roles of intrinsic membrane conductances on phase-locking in electrical coupled cells and found seemingly contradictory results. Pfeuty et al. (2003) showed that potassium currents promoted synchrony while Mancilla et al. (2007) found that potassium currents promoted anti-phase behavior. In this thesis, we seek to explain these results and to further understand how potassium currents influence the synchronization of electrically coupled neural oscillators.
Selection and Drift: A Comparison between Historic and Recent Dutch Friesian Cattle and Recent Holstein Friesian Using WGS Data

Simple Summary Over the last century, genetic diversity in the cattle species has been affected by the replacement of many local, dual-purpose breeds with a few specialized, high-output dairy breeds. This replacement caused a sharp decline in the population size of local breeds. In the Netherlands, the local Dutch Friesian breed has gradually been replaced by the Holstein Friesian. This resulted in a rapid decrease in numbers of the Dutch Friesian breed with an associated risk of loss of genetic diversity due to drift. The objective of this study is to investigate genomewide genetic diversity between a group of historic and recent Dutch Friesian bulls and a group of recently used Holstein Friesian bulls. Our findings showed that a large amount of diversity is shared between the three groups, but each of them has some unique genetic identity (12% of the single nucleotide polymorphism were group-specific). The genetic diversity of the Dutch Friesians reduced over time, but this did not lead to higher inbreeding levels—especially, inbreeding due to recent ancestors has not increased. Genetically, the recent Dutch Friesians were slightly more different from Holstein Friesians than the historic Dutch Friesians. Our results also highlighted the presence of several genomic regions that differentiated between the groups. Abstract Over the last century, genetic diversity in many cattle breeds has been affected by the replacement of traditional local breeds with just a few milk-producing breeds. In the Netherlands, the local Dutch Friesian breed (DF) has gradually been replaced by the Holstein Friesian breed (HF). The objective of this study is to investigate genomewide genetic diversity between a group of historically and recently used DF bulls and a group of recently used HF bulls. Genetic material of 12 historic (hDF), 12 recent DF bulls (rDF), and 12 recent HF bulls (rHF) in the Netherlands was sequenced. Based on the genomic information, different parameters—e.g., allele frequencies, inbreeding coefficient, and runs of homozygosity (ROH)—were calculated. Our findings showed that a large amount of diversity is shared between the three groups, but each of them has a unique genetic identity (12% of the single nucleotide polymorphisms were group-specific). The rDF is slightly more diverged from rHF than hDF. The inbreeding coefficient based on runs of homozygosity (Froh) was higher for rDF (0.24) than for hDF (0.17) or rHF (0.13). Our results also displayed the presence of several genomic regions that differentiated between the groups. In addition, thirteen, forty-five, and six ROH islands were identified in hDF, rDF, and rHF, respectively. The genetic diversity of the DF breed reduced over time, but this did not lead to higher inbreeding levels—especially, inbreeding due to recent ancestors was not increased.
Elucidating the Effect of Nutritional Imbalances of N and K on the Infection of Verticillium dahliae in Olive

The effect of mineral nutrition on wilt diseases has been previously reported in many herbaceous hosts, though such an effect on Verticillium wilt in olive (Olea europaea L.; VWO), caused by Verticillium dahliae, is still uncertain. Field observations reveal that nitrogen (N) excess or imbalances of N-potassium (K) favour VWO epidemics. However, this has yet to be demonstrated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influences of nutritional imbalances of N and K in V. dahliae infection of olive. To this end, adjusted treatments with N excess (↑N+↑Na), K deficiency (↓K) and their combination (↑N+↑Na+↓K) were evaluated on the viability of V. dahliae microsclerotia (MS), as well as on disease development in olive plants. In parallel, the potential indirect effect of the treatments on the viability of conidia and MS of V. dahliae was evaluated through the stimuli of root exudates. Treatments ↑N+↑Na and ↑N+↑Na+↓K decreased MS germination and disease progress, whereas ↓K significantly increased both parameters. Root exudates from treated plants increased the conidia germination of V. dahliae but reduced the MS germination. The results of this study will be the basis for planning further research towards a better understanding of the effect of mineral nutrition on VWO.
RFID Technology as a Low-Cost and Passive Way to Digitize Industrial Analogic Indicators

Simple analog devices like manometers, manual valves, etc., have been ignored in the digitization process that has characterized the transition towards Industry 4.0. The reason behind this is that their substitution with the equivalent digital versions is high cost and needs re-wiring. This study introduces a low-cost wireless and passive model aligned with the Industry 4.0 paradigm to digitize analog indicators. The concept is based on electromagnetic (EM) shielding of the manometer’s embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. We designed and tuned a new tiny RFID tag to be embedded into analog devices. Finally, a digitized manometer by RFID electromagnetic shielding concept is simulated in the Ansys HFSS modeling environment.
Business Model of Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading: A Review of Literature

Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading is a promising energy trading mechanism due to the deployment of distributed energy resources in recent years. Trading energy between prosumers and consumers in the local energy market is undergoing massive research and development, paying significant attention to the business model of the energy market. In this paper, an extensive review was conducted on the current research in P2P energy trading to understand the business layer of the energy market concerning business model dimensions: bidding strategies and the market-clearing approach. Different types of game theoretical-based and auction-based market-clearing mechanisms are investigated, including a detailed classification of auctions. This study considers the possibility of employing the P2P technique in developing countries and reviewing existing business models and trading policies. The business layer of the P2P structure plays a vital role in developing an effective trading mechanism based on interactive energy markets.
No Change in Inhibitory Control or P3 Following Different High-Intensity Interval Exercise Modalities

Acute aerobic high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has demonstrated positive effects on inhibitory control and P3 event-related potential (ERP) in young adults. However, the evidence is not well established regarding the effects of different HIIE modalities that incorporate aerobic-resistance training on these cognitive and neurocognitive outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the transient effects of HIIE-aerobic and HIIE-aerobic/resistance on P3 and Flanker task performance. Participants (n = 24; 18–25 years old) completed the Flanker task at two time points (30 min and 85 min) following 9 min of HIIE-aerobic (intermittent bouts of walking and running at 90% of maximal heart rate), HIIE-aerobic/resistance (intermittent bouts of walking and high-intensity calisthenics), and seated rest on three separate counterbalanced days. Results revealed no changes in Flanker performance (i.e., reaction time and response accuracy) or P3 (latency and mean amplitude) following either HIIE conditions compared to seated rest. Together, these data suggest inhibitory control and neuroelectric underpinnings are not affected by different modalities of HIIE at 30 min and 85 min post-exercise. Such findings reveal that engaging in short bouts of different HIIE modalities for overall health neither improves nor diminishes inhibitory control and brain function for an extended period throughout the day.
Structural Basis of Redox-Sensing Transcriptional Repressor Rex with Cofactor NAD+ and Operator DNA

The transcriptional repressor Rex plays important roles in regulating the expression of respiratory genes by sensing the reduction–oxidation (redox) state according to the intracellular NAD+/NADH balance. Previously, we reported on crystal structures of apo, NAD+-bound, and NADH-bound forms of Rex from Thermotoga maritima to analyze the structural basis of transcriptional regulation depending on either NAD+ or NADH binding. In this study, the crystal structure of Rex in ternary complex with NAD+ and operator DNA revealed that the N-terminal domain of Rex, including the helix-turn-helix motif, forms extensive contacts with DNA in addition to DNA sequence specificity. Structural comparison of the Rex in apo, NAD+-bound, NADH-bound, and ternary complex forms provides a comprehensive picture of transcriptional regulation in the Rex. These data demonstrate that the conformational change in Rex when binding with the reduced NADH or oxidized NAD+ determines operator DNA binding. The movement of the N-terminal domains toward the operator DNA was blocked upon binding of NADH ligand molecules. The structural results provide insights into the molecular mechanism of Rex binding with operator DNA and cofactor NAD+/NADH, which is conserved among Rex family repressors. Structural analysis of Rex from T. maritima also supports the previous hypothesis about the NAD+/NADH-specific transcriptional regulation mechanism of Rex homologues.
Characterization and Aerodynamics of Synthesized Polymeric Nanofibers via Electrospinning Process to Capture PM10 and PM2.5 from Air

*Corresponding Author: Khalid A. Sukkar khalid.a. sukkar@uotechnology.edu. iq Abstract Air quality is an important factor for human breathing requirements. The presence of the particulate matter which is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets presence in atmosphere such as PM10 and PM2.5 in the indoor air leads to fatal problems for human health. In the present investigation, two types of nanofilters (polyacrylonitrile PAN, 15wt.% and polyvinyl alcohol PVA 12wt.%) were synthesized using the electrospinning method. The polymeric solutions were prepared under high mixing conditions. The structural and morphological specifications of produced nanofibers were characterized using many measuring devices. Also, airflow characteristics across the prepared nanofilter were evaluated by designing and constructing an airflow apparatus. The apparatus consisted of two stainless steel sections and the middle zone was designed to fit the filter media. The characterization results indicated that the synthesized of PVA 12 wt. % nanofilter has uniform morphological distribution with fibers average diameter of 92 nm while the produced PAN with 15wt. % showed and an average fibers diameter of 556 nm. Moreover, the PVA nanofilter showed high-pressure values in comparison with the PAN filter. Interestingly, both filters provided high air permeability. Furthermore, the produced PAN nanofilter showed a high ability to capture the PM10 and PM2.5 due to the significant properties and specifications of nanofibers. Additionally, the produced nanofilter can be applied in air filtration processes effectively with low manufacturing costs.
Research on improvement of Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation for coral sand foundation

The mechanical characteristics of coral reef sandy soil is significantly different from the sand and clay soils. Currently, Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation is still commonly applied to evaluate the bearing capacity of coral reef, while the calculation result is not consistent with the actual condition. Based on a port project in east Africa, plate loading test of the coral reef sandy soil has been conducted and the P-S curves are obtained, and the bearing capacity values obtained from the plate loading test results are compared with the calculated results based on the Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation. According to multiple linear regression and the optimal regression equation selected by the significance test, the modified Terzaghi foundation equation of bearing capacity in coral reef sandy soil area is proposed, and the modified Terzaghi foundation equation has important reference value for the calculating of the bearing capacity of the coral reef sandy soil foundations.
Investigating Chaperone like Activity of Green Silver Nanoparticles: Possible Implications in Drug Development

Protein aggregation and amyloidogenesis have been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc. Unfortunately, there are still no proper drugs and no effective treatment available. Due to the unique properties of noble metallic nanoparticles, they have been used in diverse fields of biomedicine like drug designing, drug delivery, tumour targeting, bio-sensing, tissue engineering etc. Small-sized silver nanoparticles have been reported to have anti-biotic, anti-cancer and anti-viral activities apart from their cytotoxic effects. The current study was carried out in a carefully designed in-vitro to observe the anti-amyloidogenic and inhibitory effects of biologically synthesized green silver nanoparticles (B-AgNPs) on human serum albumin (HSA) aggregation taken as a model protein. We have used different biophysical assays like thioflavin T (ThT), 8-Anilino-1-naphthalene-sulphonic acid (ANS), Far-UV CD etc. to analyze protein aggregation and aggregation inhibition in vitro. It has been observed that the synthesized fluorescent B-AgNPs showed inhibitory effects on protein aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner reaching a plateau, after which the effect of aggregation inhibition was significantly declined. We also observed meaningful chaperone-like aggregation-inhibition activities of as-synthesized florescent B-AgNPs in astrocytes.
Modelling growth and yield of Douglas-fir using different interval lengths in the South Island of New Zealand

This study describes several refinements and improvements in whole stand growth and yield modelling of Douglas-fir grown in four regions of the South Island of New Zealand, namely Canterbury, Nelson, Southland and Westland. Modelling growth and forecasting yields are necessary for providing adequate tools with which to manage wood production from forests. The study comprised three major components: 1) development of whole stand growth and yield models with data sets of various interval lengths; 2) cross fitting models with different data sets reciprocally; and 3) check estimates using a growth and yield model derived from a data set free of auto-correlation. The methodology emphasised in developing the equations in this study involved rearrangement of the data to reflect different interval lengths among re-measurements for modelling purposes. Modification of data sets allowed an investigation into which growth intervals should be used to obtain the least biased models overall, and efficiently. The approach involved fitting single equations to each of three state variables, mean top height (hlOO), basal arealha (0) and stocking/ha (N). Differences in growth trajectories across the four regions were identified and incorporated into single variable equations using dummy variables for improving the fitting of mean top height (h lOO), basal arealha (0), and stockinglha (N) equations. The main finding from this study was the level of improvement in making predictions through adoption of a mixed interval projection equation strategy compared with other options. Examining consistency among the predicting equations which had been developed from the different interval data sets, involved testing each form of model individually
Trigonally Distorted Hexacoordinate Co(II) Single-Ion Magnets

By simple reactions involving various cobalt(II) carboxylates (acetate and in situ prepared pivalate and 4-hydroxybenzoate salts) and neocuproine (neo), we were able to prepare three different carboxylate complexes with the general formula [Co(neo)(RCOO)2] (R = –CH3 for 1, (CH3)3C– for 2, and 4OH-C4H6– for 3). The [Co(neo)(RCOO)2] molecules in the crystal structures of 1–3 adopt a rather distorted coordination environment, with the largest trigonal distortion observed for 1, whereas 2 and 3 are similarly distorted from ideal octahedral geometry. The combined theoretical and experimental investigations of magnetic properties revealed that the spin Hamiltonian formalism was not a valid approach and the L-S Hamiltonian had to be used to reveal very large magnetic anisotropies for 1–3. The measurements of AC susceptibility showed that all three compounds exhibited slow-relaxation of magnetization in a weak external static magnetic field, and thus can be classified as field-induced single-ion magnets. It is noteworthy that 1 also exhibits a weak AC signal in a zero-external magnetic field.
Factors Influencing to Choose Social Entrepreneurship as a Career: A Study on Social Entrepreneurship Students from India

The present research is designed to evaluate factors influencing the decision of youth in India to choose social entrepreneurship as a career option. A sample of 200 students pursuing a master’s in social entrepreneurship was drawn from three Indian universities offering social entrepreneurship courses. Based on literature review and in-depth interview data, 16 measured variables were identified, and a 5-point Likert scale was constructed and validated. The survey data were analysed using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The final factor structure extracted four (i.e., personal, social, institutional and other) factors. The study concludes that the state needs to create a conducive environment to motivate students to pursue social entrepreneurship as a career option.
Development of LED Package Heat Dissipation Research

LEDs are widely used in medicine, navigation and landscape lighting. The development of high-power LED is a severe challenge to LED heat dissipation. In this review, packaging technology and packaging structure are reviewed in terms of the thermal performance of LED packaging, and related technologies that promote heat dissipation in LED packaging are introduced. The design of three components to enhance heat dissipation in LED packaging is described: substrate, lens and phosphor layer. By conducting a summary of the technology and structure of the package, the defects of LED package technology and structure are deeply investigated, and the package is prospected. This has reference value for the heat dissipation design of the LED package and helps to improve the design and manufacture of the LED package.
Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel for Tissue Engineering Applications—A Review on Material Modifications

To recreate or substitute tissue in vivo is a complicated endeavor that requires biomaterials that can mimic the natural tissue environment. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is created through covalent bonding of naturally derived polymer gelatin and methacrylic groups. Due to its biocompatibility, GelMA receives a lot of attention in the tissue engineering research field. Additionally, GelMA has versatile physical properties that allow a broad range of modifications to enhance the interaction between the material and the cells. In this review, we look at recent modifications of GelMA with naturally derived polymers, nanomaterials, and growth factors, focusing on recent developments for vascular tissue engineering and wound healing applications. Compared to polymers and nanoparticles, the modifications that embed growth factors show better mechanical properties and better cell migration, stimulating vascular development and a structure comparable to the natural-extracellular matrix.
Assessment of Human Exposure Levels Due to Mobile Phone Antennas in 5G Networks

The recent deployment of 5G networks is bringing benefits to the population but it is also raising public concern about human RF-EMF exposure levels. This is particularly relevant considering the next 5G mobile devices, which are placed in close proximity to the subjects. Therefore, the aim of the following paper is focused on expanding the knowledge of the exposure levels in 5G exposure scenarios, specifically for mobile applications, using computational methods. The mobile antenna was designed considering the 5G technology innovations (i.e., mm-wave spectrum, beamforming capability, high gain and wide coverage), resulting in a phased-array antenna with eight elements at the working frequency of 27 GHz. To assess the exposure levels, different types of skin models with different grades of details and layers were considered. Furthermore, not only was the presence of a mobile phone user simulated, but also that of a person in their proximity, who could be hit by the main beam of the phased-array antenna. All the simulations were conducted in Sim4Life platform, where the exposure levels were assessed in terms of absorbed power density averaged over 4 cm2 and 1 cm2, following the ICNIRP guidelines. The results highlighted that the use of the homogeneous skin model led to the absorbed power density peaks being greatly underestimated, with respect to those obtained in multilayer skin models. Furthermore, interestingly, we found that the exposure levels obtained for the person passing nearby were slightly higher than those experienced by the mobile phone user himself. Finally, using the allowed input power for real mobile applications, all the values remained below the limits indicated by the ICNIRP guidelines.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antidiabetic Potential of Bee Pollen Based Silver Nanoparticles

: Bee pollen is both an important food source and a part of apitherapy applications because of its chemical components such as carbohydrate, lipid, vitamins and phenolics. In this study, environmentally friendly, biocompatible bee pollen-based silver nanoparticles (BP-AgNPs) were synthesized by utilizing the potential reducing powers of the components contained in bee pollen. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. It was determined that silver nanoparticles gave maximum absorbance at 348 nm. It was observed that the particle sizes ranged between 40-60 nm on average. The inhibition effect of the obtained BP-AgNPs on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes was investigated for the first time. IC 50 values were determined as 2.56 ± 0.10 and 2.13 ± 0.11 mg/mL for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, respectively. It was determined that obtained BP-AgNPs could be used as a support in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus.