Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Neurolipid Signaling and Specific Lipid Species in the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in aging populations. Recently, the regulation of neurolipid-mediated signaling and cerebral lipid species was shown in AD patients. The triple transgenic mouse model (3xTg-AD), harboring βAPPSwe, PS1M146V, and tauP301L transgenes, mimics many critical aspects of AD neuropathology and progressively develops neuropathological markers. Thus, in the present study, 3xTg-AD mice have been used to test the involvement of the neurolipid-based signaling by endocannabinoids (eCB), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in relation to the lipid deregulation. [35S]GTPγS autoradiography was used in the presence of specific agonists WIN55,212-2, LPA and CYM5442, to measure the activity mediated by CB1, LPA1, and S1P1 Gi/0 coupled receptors, respectively. Consecutive slides were used to analyze the relative intensities of multiple lipid species by MALDI Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with microscopic anatomical resolution. The quantitative analysis of the astrocyte population was performed by immunohistochemistry. CB1 receptor activity was decreased in the amygdala and motor cortex of 3xTg-AD mice, but LPA1 activity was increased in the corpus callosum, motor cortex, hippocampal CA1 area, and striatum. Conversely, S1P1 activity was reduced in hippocampal areas. Moreover, the observed modifications on PC, PA, SM, and PI intensities in different brain areas depend on their fatty acid composition, including decrease of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) phospholipids and increase of species containing saturated fatty acids (SFA). The regulation of some lipid species in specific brain regions together with the modulation of the eCB, LPA, and S1P signaling in 3xTg-AD mice indicate a neuroprotective adaptation to improve neurotransmission, relieve the myelination dysfunction, and to attenuate astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation. These results could contribute to identify new therapeutic strategies based on the regulation of the lipid signaling in familial AD patients.
Polymer MMI coupler for millimeter wave demultiplexing

A multimode interference (MMI) millimeter wave demultiplexer is presented. It is based on image ridge waveguides made from standard polymers. CNC milling and 3D printing are demonstrated to form the device. At 80 GHz, an extinction of almost 60 dB is obtained for a first‐order MMI‐based polystyrene device. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1184–1187, 2015
Anonymizing Motion Sensor Data Through Time-Frequency Domain

The recent development of Internet of Things (IoT) has democratized activity monitoring. Even if the data collected can be useful for healthcare, sharing this sensitive information exposes users to privacy threats and re-identification. This paper presents two approaches to anonymize the motion sensor data. The first is an extension of an earlier work based on filtering in the time-frequency plane and convolutional neural network; and the second is based on handcrafted features extracted from the zeros distribution of the time-frequency representation. The two approaches are evaluated on a public dataset to assess the accuracy of activity recognition and user re-identification. With the first approach we obtained an accuracy rate in activity recognition of 73% while limiting the identity recognition to an accuracy rate of 30% which corresponds to an activity identity ratio of 2.4. With the second approach we succeeded in improving the activity and identity ratio to 2.67 by attaining an accuracy rate in activity recognition of 80% while maintaining the re-identification rate at 30%.
Contrasting Metabolic Fingerprints and Seed Protein Profiles of Cucurbita foetidissima and C. radicans Fruits from Feral Plants Sampled in Central Mexico

Cucurbita foetidissima and C. radicans are scarcely studied wild pumpkin species that grow in arid and semi-arid areas of Mexico and the United States. This study describes the morphological, proximal composition, metabolic finger-prints and seed protein profiles of C. foetidissima and C. radicans fruits collected in the wild during a one-year period in different locations of central-western Mexico. The results obtained complement the limited information concerning the fruit composition of C. foetidissima and greatly expand information in this respect regarding C. radicans. Morphology and proximal composition of their fruits varied significantly. Different metabolic fingerprints and seed protein profiles were detected between them and also with the chemical composition of domesticated Cucurbita fruits. The neutral lipids in seed, pulp and peels were rich in wax content and in unsaturated compounds, probably carotenoids and tocopherols, in addition to tri-, di- and mono-acylglycerols. The tri- and diacylglycerol profiles of their seed oils were different from commercial seed oils and between each other. They also showed unusual fatty acid compositions. Evidence of a possible alkaloid in the pulp and peel of both species was obtained in addition to several putative cucurbitacins. An abundance of phenolic acids was found in all fruit parts, whereas flavonoids were only detected in the peels. Unlike most cucurbits, globulins were not the main protein fraction in the seeds of C. radicans, whereas the non-structural carbohydrate and raffinose oligosaccharide content in their fruit parts was lower than in other wild cucurbit species. These results emphasize the significantly different chemical composition of these two marginally studied Cucurbita species, which was more discrepant in C. radicans, despite the notion regarding C. foetidissima as an aberrant species with no affinity to any other Cucurbita species.
Reduction of alkali−silica reaction expansion of mortars by utilisation of pozzolans

In this study the effects of natural and artificial pozzolans on alkali–silica reaction expansion of mortars were investigated by using the accelerated mortar bar test method in accordance with the ASTM C 1260. For this purpose, four natural pozzolans – ignimbrite powder (IG), perlite powder (PE), pumice powder (PU) and zeolite powder (ZE) – were used as cement at replacement levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40% by weight of ordinary Portland cement. Four artificial pozzolans – fly ash (FA), brick powder (BP), silica fume (SF) and aerated concrete powder (AP) – were used at replacement levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% by weight. The expansions of mortar bars were reduced as the replacement ratios of each natural and artificial pozzolans were increased, with the exception of specimens with a replacement level of 15, 20 and 25% AP. It is determined that at comparable replacement ratios SF is the most effective among the pozzolans used and is followed by PU, ZE, IG, PE, FA, BP and AP respectively.
Block coding scheme for reduction of peak to mean envelope power ratio of multicarrier transmission schemes

A block coding scheme for the reduction of the peak to mean envelope power ratio of multicarrier transmission schemes such as OFDM is proposed. The principle of the scheme is illustrated with the specific example of a four-carrier signal. It is shown that the peak to mean envelope power ratio of this signal can be reduced from 6.02 dB to 2.48 dB with a 3/4 rate block code. The application of the block coding principle with flexibility such that the coding rate can be traded against peak to mean envelope power ratio is illustrated with the example of an eight-carrier signal.
Experimental techniques for ballistic pressure measurements and recent development in means of calibration

This paper presents a study carried out with the commonly used experimental techniques of ballistic pressure measurement. The comparison criteria were the peak chamber pressure and its standard deviation inside specific weapon/ammunition system configurations. It is impossible to determine exactly how precise either crusher, direct or conformal transducer methods are, as there is no way to know exactly what the actual pressure is; Nevertheless, the combined use of these measuring techniques could improve accuracy. Furthermore, a particular attention has been devoted to the problem of calibration. Calibration of crusher gauges and piezoelectric transducers is paramount and an essential task for a correct determination of the pressure inside a weapon. This topic has not been completely addressed yet and still requires further investigation. In this work, state of the art calibration methods are presented together with their specific aspects. Many solutions have been developed to satisfy this demand; nevertheless current systems do not cover the whole range of needs, calling for further development effort. In this work, research being carried out for the development of suitable practical calibration methods will be presented. The behavior of copper crushers under different high strain rates by the use of the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bars (SHPB) technique is investigated in particular. The Johnson-Cook model was employed as suitable model for the numerical study using FEM code
Modulated Wideband Converter Compressed Sensing Spectrum Reconstruction in Multi-Level Power of Transmitters Signal Scenarios

This paper studies the impacts of transmitters power levels on spectrum reconstruction performances in order to monitor a wideband spectrum. A sub-Nyquist blind sampling scheme based on the Modulated Wideband Converter (MWC) has been considered to achieve this task. Reconstruction performances are evaluated in simulation in terms of correct reconstruction and false alarm rates by studying several multi-level power scenarios. The study shows that the performance of reconstruction depends on the In-Band Signal-to-Noise ratio (IBSNR) of each transmitter. Based on these results, a threshold of In-Band Signal-to-Noise ratio to ensure the correct reconstruction is proposed.
Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Homozygous Missense Mutation in the CSB Protein-Encoding ERCC6 Gene in a Taiwanese Boy with Cockayne Syndrome

Background: Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare form of dwarfism that is characterized by progressive premature aging. CS is typically caused by mutations in the excision repair cross-complementing protein group 6 (ERCC6) gene that encodes the CS group B (CSB) protein. Using whole exome sequencing, we recently identified a novel homozygous missense mutation (Leu536Trp) in CSB in a Taiwanese boy with CS. Since the current database (Varsome) interprets this variant as likely pathogenic, we utilized a bioinformatic tool to investigate the impact of Leu536Trp as well as two other variants (Arg453Ter, Asp532Gly) in similar articles on the CSB protein structure stability. Methods: We used iterative threading assembly refinement (I-TASSER) to generate a predictive 3D structure of CSB. We calculated the change of mutation energy after residues substitution on the protein stability using I-TASSER as well as the artificial intelligence program Alphafold. Results: The Asp532Gly variant destabilized both modeled structures, while the Leu536Trp variant showed no effect on I-TASSER’s model but destabilized the Alphafold’s modeled structure. Conclusions: We propose here the first case of CS associated with a novel homozygous missense mutation (Leu536Trp) in CSB. Furthermore, we suggest that the Asp532Gly and Leu536Trp variants are both pathogenic after bioinformatic analysis of protein stability.
Minimum separation distance of adjacent channel TV band devices from DTV protected contour in TV white space

The minimum separation distance of a TV band device (TVBD), operating on channels immediately adjacent to an active digital TV (DTV) channel, from the DTV protected contour is presented. The required keep-out distances for personal/portable and fixed TVBDs are investigated by considering the expected overall propagation attenuation of adjacent channel TVBD signals from the TVBD transmitter to the DTV receiver. The adjacent channel keep-out distances of TVBDs recently announced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are set too long when compared with the case where the keep-out distances are estimated with the free-space path loss model with an additional margin. Adequate adjacent channel keep-out distances are proposed for both personal/portable TVBDs and fixed TVBDs.
Education and risk-taking incentives: an analysis of CEO compensation contracts

ABSTRACT We explore whether CEO educational background attributes and other demographic variables such as gender and age play a role in influencing the incentive features―pay-for-performance (delta) and pay-for-risk (vega)―embedded in their compensation contracts. We interpret these incentive features as robust proxies for idiosyncratic risk tolerance, which is an important element in diverse streams of research including but not limited to the upper echelons theory and the concomitant investigations into the drivers of strategic management choices and organizational outcomes. Using a unique and hand collected dataset, we uncover a number of interesting relationships. For instance, we find that CEOs graduating from elite schools and those with undergraduate majors in subjects like business/economics or the humanities display higher exposure to incentive pay compared to more specialized fields like engineering/science. Our study links observable demographic characteristics to the risk-taking propensities of CEOs which in our view would be of interest to hiring and compensation committees on corporate boards as they select (or renew the contracts of) senior executives.
Qualitative analysis and control of a DC-to-DC boost converter operating in discontinuous mode

The boost cell operating in discontinuous conduction mode based on an approximate discrete-time difference equation is investigated. A qualitative discussion of the steady-state and open-loop dynamical behavior is presented. A linearized small-signal equation that leads to a linear feedforward control law for regulating this type of converter is derived. The conventional linear scheme provides satisfactory control in the neighborhood of the operating point, but ceases to meet the requirement as soon as the small-signal assumption is violated. A nonlinear feedforward control law whose validity extends over a wider range of fluctuation of the variables about the operating point is proposed, along with some simulation results that confirm the superiority of the proposed nonlinear control over its linear counterpart. >
Modeling and Analysis of Main Flow-Shroud Leakage Flow Interaction in LP Turbines

Endwall losses significantly contribute to the overall losses in modern turbomachinery, especially when aerodynamic load and pressure ratios are increased. In turbines with shrouded airfoils a large portion of these losses are generated by the leakage flow across the shroud clearance. For the design of modern jet engine turbines it becomes increasingly important to include the impact of shroud leakage flows in the aerodynamic design. There are two main aspects connected to this issue. The first aspect is to optimize the cavity flow and its interaction with the main flow. The second aspect is to perform the airfoil design with boundary conditions, which include the shroud leakage flow effects. In comparison to the simplified approach of neglecting the real endwall geometry and leakage flow this should enable the designer to produce improved airfoils for the entire span. In order to address the second aspect of supporting the airfoil design with improved shroud leakage consideration within the airfoil design process, an efficient procedure for modeling the shroud leakage flow has been implemented into the design Navier-Stokes code. The intention is to model the major leakage flow phenomena without the necessity of pre-defining all details of the shroud geometry. In the paper the results of this model are compared to conventional computations, computations with mesh-resolved cavities and experimental data. The differences are discussed and the impact of certain configuration aspects are analyzed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The use of High Resolution CT (HRCT) for the Evaluation of Lung Parenchyma in patient with Arthritis

Quick Response Code Abstract: Background: Interstitial lung disease is an umbrella term used for a group of diseases that causes scaring, swelling, infection, Inflammation, Fibrosis and difficulty in breathing. HRCT is Gold standard modality to evaluate ILDS in RA patients because there are different appearances shows on CT in lungs that are used to evaluate the severity and extend of disease in lungs. Objective: To emphasize the use of High Resolution Computed Tomography in patients of arthritis having Lung parenchymal diseases. Methodology: An observation study of RA-ILD patients surveyed from May to November 2020.The 60 patients where ruled out with Arthritis in our Clinical Centre out of which 22 patients were taken to investigate that appearances like Ground glass, Honey comb, Enlarged lymph nodes, Bronchiectasis, Pleural effusion in the patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Result: In this study 22 patients were taken out of which Arthritis was present in 18 Patient and we evaluated the HRCT findings like Ground glass opacities, Honey comb appearance, lymph nodes, Bronchiectasis, Pleural effusion. Frequencies of different (ILDs) HRCT appearances were obtained. These outcomes recommend a positive relationship between the RA infection action and Lung aggravation in RA-ILD. Conclusion: In conclusion lung parenchymal changes due to Rheumatoid arthritis are more common in male than female. HRCT demonstrated sensitivity in the detection of anomalies, but clinically silent as well as not being diagnosed in simple radiography. It concludes that HRCT images are beneficial in diagnosing interstitial lung disease for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Experimental and Theoretical Optimization of Combustion Chamber and Fuel Distribution for the Low Emission Direct-Injection Diesel Engine

Effects of combustion chamber geometry and initial mixture distribution on the combustion process were investigated in a direct-injection diesel engine. In the engine experiment, a high squish combustion chamber with a squish lip could reduce both NO x and particulate emissions with retarded injection timing. According to the results of CFD computation and phenomenological modeling, the high squish combustion chamber with a central pip is effective to keep the combusting mixture under the squish lip until the end of combustion and the combustion region forms rich and highly turbulent atmosphere. This kind of mixture distribution tends to reduce initial burning, resulting in restraint of NO x emission while keeping low particulate emission.
Solving seismological problems using SGRAPH program: I-source parameters and hypocentral location

SGRAPH program [1] is considered one of the seismological programs that maintain seismic data. SGRAPH is considered unique for being able to read a wide range of data formats and manipulate complementary tools in different seismological subjects in a stand-alone Windows-based application. SGRAPH efficiently performs the basic waveform analysis and solves advanced seismological problems. The graphical user interface (GUI) utilities and the Windows facilities such as, dialog boxes, menus, and toolbars simplified the user interaction with data. SGRAPH supported the common data formats like, SAC, SEED, GSE, ASCII, and Nanometrics Y-format, and others. It provides the facilities to solve many seismological problems with the built-in inversion and modeling tools. In this paper, I discuss some of the inversion tools built-in SGRAPH related to source parameters and hypocentral location estimation. Firstly, a description of the SGRAPH program is given discussing some of its features. Secondly, the inversion tools .
Identification of the Best Booster Station Network for a Water Distribution System

AbstractA fuzzy decision-making framework (DMF) is combined with a hybrid genetic algorithm–linear programming (GA-LP) optimization approach to determine the best booster station network for a water distribution system. The proposed hybrid GA-LP model simultaneously optimizes two conflicting objectives; namely, minimization of total chlorine injection dosage and the number of booster stations. At the same time, residual chlorine concentrations are kept within desired limits. Adjustment of the relative importance of two conflicting objectives results in different optimal solutions. Selection of the best alternative among these optimal solutions is performed through a fuzzy multiobjective DMF. The proposed DMF allows incorporation of the decision makers’ preferences into the booster station network design. In this study, three fuzzy objectives are selected based on economic, operational, and health-related concerns. The hybrid GA-LP model is applied to a case study, and results show that the proposed method.
Public Transport Line Assignment Model to Dual-Berth Bus Stops

Bunching at bus stops can be a major problem for traffic and passengers if bus arrivals are not well distributed. Arrivals can be better staggered if bus stops are divided into more than one berth. This article presents a methodology using a bilevel optimization model for assigning public transport routes to bus stops that have been divided to increase their capacity. The upper level minimizes the user costs, and the lower level applies a public transport assignment model under congestion conditions. The model is first applied to an example network to compare different assignment configurations; it is then applied to a real case in the city of Santander, Spain. The quantified benefits of an optimal route-stop assignment show increases of 10% in average bus speed and reductions of 5% in user costs.