Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spoof Surface Plasmon-Based Single-Shot Super-Resolution Compressive Imaging

A spoof surface plasmon (SPP) transmission line (TL)-based low-cost near-field imaging system is proposed. Its signal processing part uses a compressive sensing algorithm, which is able to accurately image a sparse scene. Unlike conventional multiple antenna-based imaging, a single-radiator system requires a highly dispersive element. Utilizing this dispersion of radiated pattern, frequency diversity can be used to replace the spatial diversity of conventional systems. The concept is tested through experiments performed on three SPP TLs with different groove depths. It is found that a dispersive SPP TL can actually achieve a high subwavelength resolution of 5 mm (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim 0.05{\lambda }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\lambda }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is the air wavelength at 3 GHz), while operating within the frequency range of 1–5 GHz.
A Collaborative Robotic Approach to Autonomous Pallet Jack Transportation and Positioning

This paper proposes a novel loco-manipulation control framework for the execution of complex tasks with kinodynamic constraints using mobile manipulators. As a representative example, we consider the handling and re-positioning of pallet jacks (or lifts/carriers with similar characteristics) in unstructured environments. This task is associated with significant challenges in terms of locomotion, due to the mobility constraints that are imposed by their limited kinematics while moving, and manipulation, due to the existence of dynamic uncertainties while grasping and handling of pallet jacks. To tackle these challenges, our solution enables the robotic platform to autonomously reach a pallet jack location while avoiding the obstacles, and to detect and manipulate its handle by fusing the perception and the contact force data. Subsequently, the transportation of the pallet jack is achieved through a whole-body impedance controller and a trajectory planner which takes into account the mobility constraints of the robot-pallet jack chain. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution in reaching and displacing the pallets to desired locations through simulation studies and experimental results. While these results reveal with a proof-of-concept the effectiveness of the proposed framework, they also demonstrate the high potential of mobile manipulators for relieving human workers from such repetitive and labor intensive tasks. We believe that this extended functionality can contribute to increasing the usability of mobile manipulators in different application scenarios.
Fault Diagnosis Based on Sparse Semi-supervised GAN Model

In this paper we propose a new fault diagnosis model based on sparse semi-supervised GAN (SSGAN). The SSGAN-based fault diagnosis can use a large amount of unmarked data to improve the accuracy of the marked training part.Solved the problem that the general neural network requires a large amount of tag data.In particular, we improved the discriminator to get a more sparse network, which further improved the classification effect.At the same time we choose Leaky ReLU as the activation function which solve the problem that the ReLU activation function has a dead zone.Simulation studies on the Tennessee–Eastman (TE) benchmark process evaluate the performance of the developed method, which indicate that the SSGAN method performs better than BPNN.
Effects of different secondary metabolite profiles in plant defense syndromes on specialist and generalist herbivores

Plants defend themselves against herbivores not only by a single trait but also by diversified multiple defense strategies. It remains unclear how these multiple defense mechanisms are effectively organized against herbivores. In this study, we focused on Brassicaceae plants, which have one of the most diversified secondary metabolites, glucosinolates (GSLs), as a defense against herbivores. By analyzing various defense traits including GSL profiles among 12 species (11 genera) of Brassicaceae plants, it is revealed that their defense strategies can be divided into three categories as multiple defenses. The GSL profiles differed between these three categories: (i) high nutritional level with long‐chain aliphatic GSLs; (ii) low nutritional level and high physical defenses with short‐chain aliphatic GSLs; and (iii) high nutritional level and low defense. The feeding experiment was conducted using two types of herbivores, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) as a specialist herbivore and the Eri silkmoth Samia cynthia ricini (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) as a generalist, to assess the ability of each plant in multiple defense strategy. It was observed that the Eri silkmoth's performance differed according to which defense strategy it was exposed to. However, the growth rate of P. rapae did not vary among the three categories of defense strategy. These results suggest that the diversified defense strategies of Brassicaceae species have evolved to cope with diversified herbivores.
Forces of interaction in electrodynamics and in the field theory

Part II. The method for calculating the interaction between two charges that was given in Part I will be generalized to a four-potential. A positive-definite fiel d energy can also be generated by an auxiliary condition for a field whose particle does not possess a rest mass. The general form of the interaction between two spinor particles that is mediated by that fi eld will be given. Part III. The equation of motion of the nuclear forc e field and the spinor field of matter will be derived quantum-mechanically from a Hamiltonian operator. It sho ws that operators satisfy the continuity equation. If one demands the conservation of electric harge and the conservation of the density of heavy particles then essentially four different fields will b e possible. Their particles are: charged and uncharged light particles, with a mass whose Compton wave length corresponds to the range of the forces between massive particles, and charged and uncharged heavy particles wh ose mass is larger than that of the proton (neutron, resp.). The empirical form of the force between the neutron and the proton will be implied only when one also assumes the existence of two types of particles (anti-part icles) for the uncharged light particles. By contrast, the conjecture that a theory with no anti-ne utrino, in the Majorana sense, is possible is confirmed.
Hip Fracture Prevention in Osteoporotic Elderly and Cancer Patients: An On-Line French Survey Evaluating Current Needs

Background and objectives: Hip fracture is a major public health issue. Those fractures lead to high costs and a decrease in quality of life. A national French survey was conducted, with the objectives to firstly assess the current management of hip fracture and its prevention, both in the osteoporotic and cancer settings, and secondly to evaluate the opinions of physicians on the potential use of minimally invasive implantable devices to prevent hip fracture in alternative of surgery. Materials and methods: This national survey was conducted in France between April and July 2017. Questionnaires were sent to orthopedic surgeons, interventional radiologists, oncologists, and rheumatologists. Completed questionnaires were analyzed and compared according to two indications: orthopedics-traumatology and oncology. Factors associated with these responses were assessed using univariable analyses, based on chi-square tests or an exact Fisher test, as appropriate. Results: A total of 182 questionnaires were completed and further analyzed. Physicians have highlighted the need for a low re-fracture rate and to improve life expectancy for more than 1 year (50% for responders of the orthopedics-traumatology questionnaire and 80% for the responders interested in both indications), as well as quality of life (12.5% and 31%, respectively), but with no significant differences in the oncologic indication. Most of the experts were willing to use or prescribe implantable devices for prevention (63% in orthopedics-traumatology and 93% in oncology), although limited clinical experience (54 and 58%) and surgical risk (around 30% in each indication) were considered as limits. Conclusions: Prevention of hip fracture remains a concern for physicians. More clinical experience with implantable devices, in particular in cancer patients, is needed, but implemented in a strategy to maximize patient recovery while reducing costs.
S-Adenosylmethionine Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines Alters DNA Methylation, DNA Repair and Tumor Progression-Related Gene Expression

Global DNA hypomethylation is a characteristic feature of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The tumor inhibitory effect of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) methyl donor has been described in certain cancers including CRC. However, the molecular impact of SAM treatment on CRC cell lines with distinct genetic features has not been evaluated comprehensively. HT-29 and SW480 cells were treated with 0.5 and 1 mmol/L SAM for 48 h followed by cell proliferation measurements, whole-genome transcriptome and methylome analyses, DNA stability assessments and exome sequencing. SAM reduced cell number and increased senescence by causing S phase arrest, besides, multiple EMT-related genes (e.g., TGFB1) were downregulated in both cell lines. Alteration in the global DNA methylation level was not observed, but certain methylation changes in gene promoters were detected. SAM-induced γ-H2AX elevation could be associated with activated DNA repair pathway showing upregulated gene expression (e.g., HUS1). Remarkable genomic stability elevation, namely, decreased micronucleus number and comet tail length was observed only in SW480 after treatment. SAM has the potential to induce senescence, DNA repair, genome stability and to reduce CRC progression. However, the different therapeutic responses of HT-29 and SW480 to SAM emphasize the importance of the molecular characterization of CRC cases prior to methyl donor supplementation.
Physical and Morphological Properties of Tough and Transparent PMMA-Based Blends Modified with Polyrotaxane

We prepared several novel, tough, and transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends modified with polyrotaxane (PR) and evaluated their physical properties and morphologies. A styrene/methyl methacrylate/maleic anhydride (SMM) copolymer that was miscible with PMMA was used as a reactive compatibilizer to enhance interfacial adhesion between the matrix resin and PR. A twin-screw melt-kneading extruder was used to prepare the polymer blends, and their thermal, morphological, optical, and mechanical properties were characterized. The effect of PR was evaluated by analyzing the deformation behavior of the blends in notched three-point bending tests. A PMMA/PR blend was immiscible and appeared to be a phase-separated system. However, when SMM was added as a compatibilizer, PR was partially miscible and did not form observable PR domains. Viscosity increased, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the matrix resin decreased. The surface hardness of a PMMA/SMM/PR blend was only 15% lower than that of PMMA. A 2.5-fold increase in elongation at breakage was observed, and the tensile strength and Young’s modulus decreased by 16%. The PMMA/SMM/PR blend had 60% higher impact strength than PMMA in notched Charpy impact test, which indicated that the balance between stiffness and ductility was excellent. PR served as a starting point for plastic deformation in the PMMA/SMM/PR blend. We found that PR could initiate void and craze formation, even when it was finely dispersed at the nanoscale. The stress-relieving effect of PR was effective when it was tightly bound at the interfaces. The materials obtained in this study are expected to make a significant contribution to reducing the weight of the products by applying them as a replacement for glass.
Large-Scale Phenotype-Based Antiepileptic Drug Screening in a Zebrafish Model of Dravet

Mutations in a voltage-gated sodium channel (SCN1A) result in Dravet Syndrome (DS), a catastrophic childhood epilepsy. Zebrafish with a mutation in scn1Lab recapitulate salient phenotypes associated with DS, including seizures, early fatality, and resistance to antiepileptic drugs. To discover new drug candidates for the treatment of DS, we screened a chemical library of �1000 compounds and identified 4 compounds that rescued the behavioral seizure component, including 1 compound (dimethadione) that suppressed associated electrographic seizure activity. Fenfluramine, but not huperzine A, also showed antiepileptic activity in our zebrafish assays. The effectiveness of compounds that block neuronal calcium current (dimethadione) or enhance serotonin signaling (fenfluramine) in our zebrafish model suggests that these may be important
Monitoring the resilience of a no-take marine reserve to a range extending species using benthic imagery

Global climate change is driving the redistribution of marine species and thereby potentially restructuring endemic communities. Understanding how localised conservation measures such as protection from additional human pressures can confer resilience to ecosystems is therefore an important area of research. Here, we examine the resilience of a no-take marine reserve (NTR) to the establishment of urchin barrens habitat. The barrens habitat is created through overgrazing of kelp by an invading urchin species that is expanding its range within a hotspot of rapid climate change. In our study region, a multi-year monitoring program provides a unique time-series of benthic imagery collected by an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) within an NTR and nearby reference areas. We use a Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal modelling approach to estimate whether the NTR is associated with reduced formation of urchin barrens, and thereby enhances local resilience. Our approach controls for the important environmental covariates of depth and habitat complexity (quantified as rugosity derived from multibeam sonar mapping), as well as spatial and temporal dependence. We find evidence for the NTR conferring resilience with a strong reserve effect that suggests improved resistance to the establishment of barrens. However, we find a concerning and consistent trajectory of increasing barrens cover in both the reference areas and the NTR, with the odds of barrens increasing by approximately 32% per year. Thus, whereas the reserve is demonstrating resilience to the initial establishment of barrens, there is currently no evidence of recovery once barrens are established. We also find that depth and rugosity covariates derived from multibeam mapping provide useful predictors for barrens occurrence. These results have important management implications as they demonstrate: (i) the importance of monitoring programs to inform adaptive management; (ii) that NTRs provide a potential local conservation management tool under climate change impacts, and (iii) that technologies such as AUVs and multibeam mapping can be harnessed to inform regional decision-making. Continuation of the current monitoring program is required to assess whether the NTR can provide long term protection from a phase shift that replaces kelp with urchin barrens.
Short term chronic toxicity of tributyltin on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of omega-3

The declining rate of male fertility is a growing concern. Tributyltin (TBT) is a well-known endocrine disruptor (ED), that induces imposex in female gastropods and is widely used in various industrial applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of TBT on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible role of omega-3. Forty two adult male albino rats were divided into five groups; control group (Group I) and four experimental groups: omega-3 treated group, TBT treated group, TBT & omega-3 treated group and follow up group. At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and seminal examinations. Our results clarfied that TBT induced a significant decrease in testosterone, FSH, LH and serum glutathione peroxidase levels and a significant increase in the serum Malondialdehyde as compared to the control group. Tributyltin induced disorganization and shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, apoptosis, cellular damage and marked reduction in the germinal epithelium. A significant decrease in the cell proliferation and arrested spermatogenesis were also detected. Seminal analysis of TBT group showed a significant affection of all parameters as compared to other groups. Omega-3 ameliorated all of these hazardous effects. Follow up group still showed toxic effects. In conclusion, TBT has a toxic effect on the testis. Increased testicular oxidative stress, cellular damage and arrest of spermatogenesis with attenuation in antioxidant defenses are all contributing factors. Omega-3 can protect against TBT induced reproductive toxicity.
Plant characters of broccoli determinants of head production.

The increasing consumption of single-head broccoli is due to several factors, among them there are food production in minimally processing form and the existence of hybrids that adapt to various climates, in addition to the simple harvesting of this typical architecture.This study aimed to identify the most relevant plant characters of broccoli, represented by growth characters, which are determinant in the production and canopy area. The study was conducted in an experimental area in Pato Branco city, PR. The 11 characters were evaluated for 365 plants, spaced with 0.8x0. 5m, on a blank experiment. The characters of group 1 (height, number of leaves, stem height, stem diameter) were evaluated on the 21 and 58 day after transplanting (DAT), and the leaf area was evaluated on the 17 and 32 DAT. The characters of group 2 were quantity of fresh head mass and canopy area. At the initial stage of cultivation, on the 17 and 21 DAT, variations in the plants characters did not lead toany variation in production. The higher number of leaves and the larger stem diameter on the 58 DAT determined the greater mass of the broccoli heads.
Substrate and Plant Genotype Strongly Influence the Growth and Gene Expression Response to Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 in Sugar Beet

Many strains of Trichoderma fungi have beneficial effects on plant growth and pathogen control, but little is known about the importance of plant genotype, nor the underlying mechanisms. We aimed to determine the effect of sugar beet genotypic variation on Trichoderma biostimulation. The effect of Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 on sugar beet inbred genotypes were investigated in soil and on sterile agar medium regarding plant growth, and by quantitative reverse transcriptase-linked polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis for gene expression. In soil, T22 application induced up to 30% increase or decrease in biomass, depending on plant genotype. In contrast, T22 treatment of sterile-grown seedlings resulted in a general decrease in fresh weight and root length across all sugar beet genotypes. Root colonization of T22 did not vary between the sugar beet genotypes. Sand- and sterile-grown roots were investigated by qRT-PCR for expression of marker genes for pathogen response pathways. Genotype-dependent effects of T22 on, especially, the jasmonic acid/ethylene expression marker PR3 were observed, and the effects were further dependent on the growth system used. Thus, both growth substrate and sugar beet genotype strongly affect the outcome of inoculation with T. afroharzianum T22.
Rosemary extract increases neuronal cell glucose uptake and activates AMPK.

Glucose is the primary metabolic substrate of neurons and is responsible for supporting many vital functions including neuronal signaling. Decreases in glucose uptake and utilization are common characteristics of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, and thus agents that can restore neuronal glucose availability may be especially valuable to the field. Diets rich in antioxidants and polyphenols have been associated with reductions in the risk of chronic disease that are associated with aging. In previous studies, rosemary extract (RE) has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of RE on neuronal glucose uptake. Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to varied concentrations of RE showed a dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake, with a significant increase observed following treatment with 5µg/mL RE for 2h (159±20.81% of control) that was comparable to maximum insulin stimulation (135.6±3.2% of control). This increase in glucose uptake was paralleled by increases in AMPK, but not Akt, phosphorylation/activation. The present study is the first to report that treatment with rosemary extract can stimulate glucose uptake in a neuronal cell line. These results demonstrate the potential of RE to be used as an agent to regulate neuronal glucose homeostasis. Novelty Bullets: ● Rosemary extract (RE) increases neuronal glucose uptake ● RE activates AMPK in neurons ● RE increases neuronal glucose uptake independently of insulin signaling.
Structures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals determine binding to and activation of the oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR).

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interact with nuclear receptors, including oestrogen α (ERα) and androgen receptors (AR), to affect the normal endocrine system function, causing severe symptoms. Limited studies queried the EDC mechanisms, focusing on limited chemicals or a set of structurally similar compounds. It remained uncertain how hundreds of diverse EDCs could bind to ERα and AR and cause distinct functional consequences. Here we employed a series of computational methodologies to investigate the structural features of EDCs that bind to and activate ERα and AR based on more than 4,000 compounds. We used molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the functional consequences, and validated structure-function correlations experimentally using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. We found that EDCs share three levels of key fragments. Primary (20 for ERα and 18 for AR) and secondary fragments (38 for ERα and 29 for AR) are responsible for the binding to receptors, and tertiary fragments determines the activity type (agonist, antagonist or mixed). In summary, our study provides a general mechanism for EDC function. Discovering the three levels of key fragments may drive a fast screening and evaluation of potential EDCs from large sets of commercially used synthetic compounds.