Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stochastic resonance and bifurcations in a heterogeneous neuronal population explain intrinsic oscillatory patterns in entorhinal cortical stellate cells

Stellate cells in the medial entorhinal cortex manifest peri-threshold oscillatory patterns in their membrane voltage. Although different theoretical frameworks have been proposed to explain these activity patterns, these frameworks do not jointly account for heterogeneities in intrinsic properties of stellate cells and stochasticity in ion-channel and synaptic physiology. In this study, we first performed in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings from rat MEC stellate cells and found pronounced cell-to-cell variability in their characteristic physiological properties. We demonstrate that stochasticity introduced into either a simple nonlinear dynamical system (Hopf bifurcation) or into heterogeneous biophysical models yielded activity patterns that were qualitatively similar to peri-threshold oscillations in stellate cells. We developed five quantitative metrics for identification of valid oscillatory traces and confirmed that these metrics reliably captured the variable amplitude and non-rhythmic oscillatory patterns observed in our electrophysiological recordings. We analyzed traces from a stochastic Hopf bifurcation system for further confirmation on the reliability of these quantitative metrics in detecting oscillatory patterns. Apart from providing confirmation, these analyses provided a key insight about the manifestation of stochastic resonance in the stochastic bifurcation system, but not with theta-filtered noise. We then validated peri-threshold activity patterns obtained from a heterogeneous population of stellate cell models, with each model assessed with multiple trials of different levels and forms of noise (ion-channel, synaptic, and additive) at different membrane depolarizations. Strikingly, the validation process confirmed the manifestation of heterogeneous stochastic bifurcations across all models and revealed the detection of the highest number of valid oscillatory traces at an optimal level of each form of noise. The manifestation of stochastic resonance in this heterogeneous model population explained why intrinsic theta oscillations might not be observed under in vivo conditions where noise levels are typically high. Together, we provide several lines of evidence that demonstrate heterogeneous stochastic bifurcations as a unifying framework that fully explains peri-threshold oscillatory patterns in stellate cells and argue for state-dependence in the manifestation of these oscillations.
Methodology for Shape Optimization of Magnetic Designs: Magnetic Spring Characteristic Tailored to Application Needs

Topology and shape optimization are still rarely applied to problems in electromagnetic design due to the computational complexity and limited commercial tooling, even though components such as electrical motors, magnetic springs or magnetic bearings could benefit from it, either to improve performance (reducing torque ripple and losses through shaping harmonic content in back electromotive force) or reduce the use of rare-earth materials. Magnetic springs are a fatigue free alternative to mechanical springs, where shape optimization can be exploited to a great degree—allowing for advanced non-linear stiffness characteristic shaping. We present the optimization methodology relying on a combination of several approaches for characteristic shaping of magnetic springs through either a modular design approach based on: (i) Fourier order decomposition; (ii) breaking conventional design symmetry; or (iii) free shaping of magnets through deviation from a nominal design using problem formulations such as spline and polynomials for material boundary definitions. Each of the parametrizations is formulated into a multi-objective optimization problem with both performance and material cost, and solved using gradient free optimization techniques (direct search, genetic algorithm). The methodology is employed on several benchmark problems—both academic and application inspired magnetic spring torque characteristic requirements. The resulting designs fit well with the requirements, with a relatively low computational cost. As such, the methodology presented is a promising candidate for other design problems in 2D shape optimization in electrical motor research and development.
Acyl-Coa Thioesterases: A Rheostat That Controls Activated Fatty Acids Modulates Dengue Virus Serotype 2 Replication

During infection with dengue viruses (DENVs), the lipid landscape within host cells is significantly altered to assemble membrane platforms that support viral replication and particle assembly. Fatty acyl-CoAs are key intermediates in the biosynthesis of complex lipids that form these membranes. They also function as key signaling lipids in the cell. Here, we carried out loss of function studies on acyl-CoA thioesterases (ACOTs), a family of enzymes that hydrolyze fatty acyl-CoAs to free fatty acids and coenzyme A, to understand their influence on the lifecycle of DENVs. The loss of function of the type I ACOTs 1 (cytoplasmic) and 2 (mitochondrial) together significantly increased DENV serotype 2 (DENV2) viral replication and infectious particle release. However, isolated knockdown of mitochondrial ACOT2 significantly decreased DENV2 protein translation, genome replication, and infectious virus release. Furthermore, loss of ACOT7 function, a mitochondrial type II ACOT, similarly suppressed DENV2. As ACOT1 and ACOT2 are splice variants, these data suggest that functional differences and substrate specificities due to the location (cytosol and mitochondria, respectively) of these proteins may account for the differences in DENV2 infection phenotype. Additionally, loss of mitochondrial ACOT2 and ACOT7 expression also altered the expression of several ACOTs located in multiple organelle compartments within the cell, highlighting a complex relationship between ACOTs in the DENV2 virus lifecycle.
A Study on Intermediate Code Generation for Security Weakness Analysis of Smart Contract Chaincode

The hyperledger fabric is a modular blockchain framework used by private companies to develop blockchain-based products, solutions, and applications using plug-and-play components. The smart contracts operating in this framework is created by implementing a chaincode. When implementing a chaincode, there may be a security weakness inside the code, which is the root cause of the security vulnerability. However, when the contract is completed and the block is created, the chaincode cannot be arbitrarily modified, so the security weakness must be analyzed before execution. This paper conducted a study on chaincode intermediate code generation for security weakness analysis of chaincode operating in hyperledger fabric blockchain framework. Analysis of security weaknesses at the source code level is not easy because the code logic is not clear and the complexity is high. On the other hand, security weakness analysis at the intermediate code level is easy to analyze because the code logic of the source code is clearly represented and the complexity is lower than that of the source code.
Does inter-regional investment by publicly listed companies promote local technological catch-up? A study of the mediation effects of patents in China

ABSTRACT Firm’s inter-regional investments are crucial carriers of capital flows between cities, transforming information resources into innovation capabilities. Based on the listed companies’ inter-regional investments data and patent data in China during 2009-2018, the mechanism of the inter-regional investments in technological catch-up and the heterogeneity in different samples have been investigated via the two-stage least squares regression. The results show that: (a) Inter-regional investments enhance the innovation capability, narrow the technological distance, and play a more significant role than foreign capital; (b) Technological catch-up is achieved through independent innovation, the transmission mechanism of imitative innovation does not hold; (c) When there is no market segmentation, the role of inter-regional investments on technological catch-up is realised entirely through independent innovation. Segmentation hinders the technological catch-up process; (d) The partial mediating effect of the manufacturing industry on technological catch-up holds, while in non-manufacturing industries, it is not significant. Inter-regional investments are important for the improvement of local innovation capacity and for China's catching up with the world's technological frontiers.
Methylomic Biomarkers of Lithium Response in Bipolar Disorder: A Proof of Transferability Study

Response to lithium (Li) is highly variable in bipolar disorders (BD) and no clinical or biological predictors of long-term response have been validated to date. Using a genome-wide methylomic approach (SeqCapEpi), we previously identified seven differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that discriminated good from non-responders (prophylactic response phenotype defined using the “Alda” scale). This study is a proof of transferability from bench to bedside of this epigenetic signature. For this purpose, we used Methylation Specific High-Resolution Melting (MS-HRM), a PCR based method that can be implemented in any medical laboratory at low cost and with minimal equipment. In 23 individuals with BD, MS-HRM measures of three out of seven DMRs were technically feasible and consistencies between SeqCapEpi and MS-HRM-measures were moderate to high. In an extended sample of individuals with BD (n = 70), the three MS-HRM-measured DMRs mainly predicted nonresponse, with AUC between 0.70–0.80 according to different definitions of the phenotype (Alda- or machine-learning-based definitions). Classification tree analyses further suggested that the MS-HRM-measured DMRs correctly classified up to 84% of individuals as good or non-responders. This study suggested that epigenetic biomarkers, identified in a retrospective sample, accurately discriminate non-responders from responders to Li and may be transferrable to routine practice.
On Secrecy Performance of Mixed RF-FSO Systems With a Wireless-Powered Friendly Jammer

This paper presents a study of the physical layer security performance of a mixed radio frequency-free space optical (RF-FSO) system with a wireless-powered friendly jammer. The RF links undergo the Nakagami-m fading, and the FSO link experiences the Exponentiated Weibull (EW) distribution. A two-hop decode-and-forward (DF) relay is present in the system. A single-antenna eavesdropper located on the RF link attempts to eavesdrop on the channel transmission information. There is a nearby multi-antenna jammer that can be charged wirelessly, and a save-then-transmit (ST) protocol is introduced in the jammer. The closed expressions for the secrecy outage probability (SOP) and the average secrecy capacity (ASC) of the mixed RF-FSO system are derived, and the correctness of the expressions is verified using the Monte-Carlo method. The influence of various key factors on the secrecy performance of the system is analyzed by simulations. The results show that increasing the average interference noise ratio, the number of interferer antennas, the time block allocation factor, and the size of the receiving aperture has a significant effect on the secrecy performance. This study provides a new system structure and a good theoretical basis for evaluating the physical layer security performance of mixed RF-FSO systems.
Measuring Policy Conflict and Concord

Abstract Measuring policy conflict and concord about natural resource and environmental issues has been a challenge for scholars. While some have assessed policy conflict and concord in particular locations, current approaches are inadequate for measuring and comparing them across settings or over time. This research note offers a methodological approach for measuring policy conflict and concord through a systematic analysis of the news media. The approach combines hand-coding and computer-based, semi-automated techniques. We illustrate it in an analysis of policy debates over shale oil and gas development in Colorado and Ohio between 2007 and 2017. This research note concludes with its methodological contributions for enriching comparative research on policy conflict and concord in natural resource and environmental issues, along with potential limitations.
Species‐range‐size distributions: Integrating the effects of speciation, transformation, and extinction

Abstract The species‐range size distribution is a product of speciation, transformation of range‐sizes, and extinction. Previous empirical studies showed that it has a left‐skewed lognormal‐like distribution. We developed a new mathematical framework to study species‐range‐size distributions, one in which allopatric speciation, transformation of range size, and the extinction process are explicitly integrated. The approach, which we call the gain‐loss‐allopatric speciation model, allows us to explore the effects of various speciation scenarios. Our model captures key dynamics thought to lead to known range‐size distributions. We also fitted the model to empirical range‐size distributions of birds, mammals, and beetles. Since geographic range dynamics are linked to speciation and extinction, our model provides predictions for the dynamics of species richness. When a species‐range‐size distribution initially evolves away from the range sizes at which the likelihood of speciation is low, it tends to cause diversification slowdown even in the absence of (bio)diversity dependence in speciation rate. Using the mathematical model developed here, we give a potential explanation for how observed range‐size distributions emerge from range‐size dynamics. Although the framework presented is minimalistic, it provides a starting point for examining hypotheses based on more complex mechanisms.
Sub-foveal Choroidal Thickness in Primary Macular Hole- case Study of Lumhs, Jamshoro

Background: Primary macular hole is a defect in fovea and is a frequent cause of decrease vision and metamorphopsia. Primary macular Hole (PMH) was first time introduced by Johnson and Gass in 1988. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the sub-foveal choroidal thickness in primary macular hole. Materials and Methods: This prospective and controlled study was done at Institute of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro for the period one year. Visual acuity was checked with Snellen Chart and ophthalmic examination was done with bio-microscopic slit lamp using 90 diopter (D) lens pre-operatively and post-operatively. Swept Source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to confirm the diagnosis, outcome of PMH surgery, to measure choroidal thickness of both eyes preoperatively and postoperatively at the end 2nd month. Results: From the selected patients, the average ages was 63 year, ranging between 46 to 80 years and from them 45 were females and 26 were males. 41 were right eye and 30 were left eye. PMH characteristics was used for the determination of duration of symptoms and minimum hole diameter, In 63 patients hole was closed and in 8 patients the hole was opened. The average duration of symptom was 5 months and Average minimum diameter was 320 μm and range was 139-650 μm among the patients with closed hole. Conclusion: Sub-foveal CT was thinner in eyes with PMH as compared to fellow normal eye. But it was not related with anatomical results of PMH surgery. The sub-foveal CT reduced thickness is due to longer duration and larger minimum diameter of PMH.
Landing control zero dynamic state model and stability analysis of one-legged hopping robot

Considering the sole rotation,the orientation stability of planar one-legged hopping robot’s specific pose in landing phase was researched and landing equivalent model of the hopping robot was built with input controlled by active joint.The submissive relationship between the sole and ground was set up as a spring-damping system,and the passive joint torque expressions were given.The switchover zero dynamic state model of robot’s specific pose in landing phase was put forward to find the relevant balance point.The landing stability condition of planar one-legged hopping robot was derived based on trajectory analysis of the landing switchover zero dynamics phase diagram.The results of the simulation examples of the one-legged hopping robot in landing phase show that the model is valid.
The Effects of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (E-WOM) on Integrated Results and Destination Picture of Traditional Image of Tourists

This research aims to explore the impact of the creation of the destination picture of conventional and electronic WOM. This study aims primarily to investigate the effect of conventional and electronic WOMs on the understanding of the destination and classify which kind of WOMs (personal or commercial) are the most reliable sources. This research is also aimed at contrasting the positive and negative WOM in terms of its impact on the reputation of a tourist destination. This study categorised personal WOMs as a non-commercial source with a clear link between the sender and the recipient. On the other hand, commercial WOM information negatively correlates with the proximity between the sender and the recipient of information. Destination photographs are relevant since they contribute to decision-making and represent the number of tourism goods and services sold. WOM connectivity often impacts destination interpretation. However, the integrated results on the destination picture of traditional WOM and electronic WOM remain clear. This research explored the key facets of WOM’s impact on tourism experience concerning conventional or electronic WOM, personal and commercial WOM, and positive or negative WOM. The study’s findings affirm that conventional WOMs are more dominant than E-WOMs on destination photos, both personal and commercial E-WOMs. For WOMs, traditional WOMs are more successful than commercial E-WOMs on the picture in the destination; nevertheless, personal E-WOM seems less impactful than the commercial E-WOM on the image.
Factors Associated with Work-Related Burnout among Corporate Employees Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Work-related burnout is common and has detrimental effects on employees in many industries. The current study aims to examine both environmental and personal factors that are associated with work-related burnout in a population of corporate employees who managed to retain their jobs amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This cross-sectional survey served as the baseline data collection of a phase III wait-listed cluster randomised controlled trial (CRCT) of an intervention program on mental well-being at the workplace. Participants were recruited from six large-size corporations. Work-related burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Moos Work Environment Scale (WES) was used for evaluating the workers’ perspective on the workplace. Information was also collected on demographics and health behaviours. Burnout in this sample was prevalent with 60% of participants rated at a moderate to a high level on emotional exhaustion. Results from the multiple linear regression analyses suggested that different factors were related to different components of burnout. For example, age, work involvement, co-worker cohesion, and work pressure were associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation while others were related to professional accomplishment. The overall results suggested that the work environment is of influential importance to the burnout of employees. However, although the study was conducted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the factors identified as relating to workplace burnout do not differ much from those identified in a crisis time. Implications of the results were discussed.
Probabilistic modeling of crop-yield loss risk under drought: a spatial showcase for sub-Saharan Africa

Assessing the risk of yield loss in African drought-affected regions is key to identify feasible solutions for stable crop production. Recent studies have demonstrated that Copula-based probabilistic methods are well suited for such assessment owing to reasonably inferring important properties in terms of exceedance probability and joint dependence of different characterization. However, insufficient attention has been given to quantifying the probability of yield loss and determining the contribution of climatic factors. This study applies the Copula theory to describe the dependence between drought and crop yield anomalies for rainfed maize, millet, and sorghum crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The environmental policy integrated climate model, calibrated with Food and Agriculture Organization country-level yield data, was used to simulate yields across SSA (1980–2012). The results showed that the severity of yield loss due to drought had a higher magnitude than the severity of drought itself. Sensitivity analysis to identify factors contributing to drought and high-temperature stresses for all crops showed that the amount of precipitation during vegetation and grain filling was the main driver of crop yield loss, and the effect of temperature was stronger for sorghum than for maize and millet. The results demonstrate the added value of probabilistic methods for drought-impact assessment. For future studies, we recommend looking into factors influencing drought and high-temperature stresses as individual/concurrent climatic extremes.
Microstructure, wear and electrochemical behaviors of laser cladding Fe-based coatings with various molybdenum contents

Fe-based alloy coatings with different Mo contents were fabricated on 45 steel substrates by laser cladding. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to analyze the phase composition and microstructural evolution of the coatings. The effects of Mo addition on the wear and electrochemical behaviors of the coatings were analyzed by ball-on-disc wear tester and electrochemical workstation. The results showed that the addition of Mo could help refine grains and promote the transition of dendrites to equiaxed grains. With the increase of Mo content, the hard phases changed from Fe2B to Mo2FeB2. Mo and Cr tended to aggregate in the intercrystalline regions in the form of hard phases. When the Mo content was 4.8 wt%, the hardness increased by 3.6 times compared with that of the substrate. The wear resistance of the coatings increased with the Mo addition. Mo played the role of fine grain strengthening and solid solution strengthening, which was beneficial for the improvement of the hardness and wear resistance. Polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test results revealed that the addition of Mo could improve the corrosion resistance of Fe-based coating.
A Survey of Security in Cloud, Edge, and Fog Computing

The field of information security and privacy is currently attracting a lot of research interest. Simultaneously, different computing paradigms from Cloud computing to Edge computing are already forming a unique ecosystem with different architectures, storage, and processing capabilities. The heterogeneity of this ecosystem comes with certain limitations, particularly security and privacy challenges. This systematic literature review aims to identify similarities, differences, main attacks, and countermeasures in the various paradigms mentioned. The main determining outcome points out the essential security and privacy threats. The presented results also outline important similarities and differences in Cloud, Edge, and Fog computing paradigms. Finally, the work identified that the heterogeneity of such an ecosystem does have issues and poses a great setback in the deployment of security and privacy mechanisms to counter security attacks and privacy leakages. Different deployment techniques were found in the review studies as ways to mitigate and enhance security and privacy shortcomings.