Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GBP6 : differential expression in pulmonary alveolar macrophages under PRRSV infection and association with blood parameters of its missense mutation

The GBP6 gene belongs to the gene family of interferon-gamma inducible GTPases, and is located in a previously characterized QTL region of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) resistance in SSC4. In the current study, RT-PCR assay revealed that the GBP6 gene was widely distributed but highly expressed in spleen and lung. Under PRRSV infection, the GBP6 gene was up-regulated and differentially expressed in the pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) of Large White and Tongcheng pigs. Multiple sequences alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that GBP6 is highly conserved across species. We validated and analyzed the polymorphism of a missense mutation (n.932A>G, rs322187731) in the F2 resource population of Duroc × Erhualian, which changed the Valine (V) to Methionine (M) in the 300th residue of porcine GBP6 . Through a linear mixed effects model, the polymorphism of the mutation (n.932A>G, rs322187731) was significantly associated with five haematological traits, namely platelet count at 20 days (PLT-20), plateletcrit at 20 days (PCT-20), white blood cell at 33 days (WBC-33), neutrophil count at 33 days (NE-33) and red blood cell count at 80 days (RBC-80). The findings presented here provide basic information for the function and possible involvement of the GBP6 gene in immune regulation and disease resistance. Keywords : Association analysis, GBP6, haematological traits, pig, PRRSV
Efficient CNN Implementation for Eye-Gaze Estimation on Low-Power/Low-Quality Consumer Imaging Systems

Accurate and efficient eye gaze estimation is important for emerging consumer electronic systems such as driver monitoring systems and novel user interfaces. Such systems are required to operate reliably in difficult, unconstrained environments with low power consumption and at minimal cost. In this paper a new hardware friendly, convolutional neural network model with minimal computational requirements is introduced and assessed for efficient appearance-based gaze estimation. The model is tested and compared against existing appearance based CNN approaches, achieving better eye gaze accuracy with significantly fewer computational requirements. A brief updated literature review is also provided.
Reference Prices, Double Comparisons, and Anomalies in Consumption-Payment Decisions

We propose a positive theory of consumer choice, one that evaluates the hedonic benets of various consumption and payment streams. In any given period, mental accounting nds consumers engage in a double comparison: one between the benet of consumption and a reference price, and another between the reference price and the actual price. The reference price is inuenced by the payment stream and adapts over time. Under standard assumptions, mainly loss aversion and adaptation, our model predicts various anomalies observed in consumer choice: sunk cost eects, the at-rate bias, preference for advance payment, and payment depreciation. None of the existing model can explain all these biases.
Dynamics of the ruscogenin biosynthesis in Ruscus aculeatus L. (Liliaceae) in vitro cultures

Ruscus aculeatus L. (Liliaceae) is an evergreen, slow-growing semi-shrub. The rhizomes and roots are collected for the containing steroidal saponins (ruscogenin). They are used in medicine and cosmetics for their antiinflammatory, venotonic, and antihaemorroidal activity. Tissue culture of R. aculeatus shoot clusters was carried out through continuous passages on agar media. Production of ruscogenins (ruscogenin, neoruscogenin and two desmosides: ruscin and desglucoruscin) was quantified by HPLC in shoots and roots every three months for one year. Neoruscogenin production was reduced in the roots and increasing in the shoots. Maximum of about 1 mg/g DW was recorded on the 3rd month for the shoots and on the 12th month for the roots. In the roots, the ruscogenin content was almost constant compared to the shoots were slight elevation was observed after the sixth month. The desglucoruscin production was most variable in the roots ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 mg/g DW. The ruscin content varied insignificantly in both cultures. Obtained data imply that the development of the R. aculeatus cultures should be managed according the dynamics of ruscogenin biosynthesis as the one of the major constituents neoruscogenin showed contrasting tendencies in shoots and roots.
Reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to mouse hematopoietic progenitor cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) show great potential for clinical applications, although obtaining matched HSCs for specific applications and efficiently expanding HSCs in vitro are difficult. Recently, reprogramming of somatic cells into hematopoietic lineage has been reported by introduction of several transcription factors. Transduction of hematopoietic transcription factors induced conversion of fibroblast to hematopoietic progenitors. In this study, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were reprogrammed into hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in long-term HSC culture medium by co-infecting the MEFs with pMXs-Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/c-Myc/Lmo2/c-Fos/c-Myb (pMXs-7TF MEFs). Furthermore, the expanded pMXs-7TF-MEFs could be differentiated into lymphoid and myeloid lineages performing specialized functions using specific cytokines in vitro. The in vivo transplantation of these pMXs-7TF-MEFs lethally irradiated mice resulted in the complete reconstitution of the hematopoietic system by these pMXs-7TF-MEFs. Taken together, our results demonstrated that reprogrammed cells expressing HSC markers can be differentiated into the lymphoid and myeloid lineages and that these cells exhibit reconstitutive capacities.
Alteration on global and gene-spesific DNA methylation and global histone modifications in HepG2 cells in response to BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA), as synthetic monomer used in industry in the production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, has endocrine disruptor properties and high risk on human health. Continuous release of free BPA into food, beverages, and the environment has resulted in a widespread human exposure to this chemical. Recent studies have showed the role of endocrine effects of environmental chemicals on the changes in gene expression may be associated with epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. The aim of the study was to investigate dose-related effects of BPA (0, 0.1 μM, 1 and 10 mM for 48 and 96 h) on global and gene-spesific (p16, cyclin D2 and Rassf1 genes) DNA methylation in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. We also investigated global histone modifications such as H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac), H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of BPA was determined as 134 and 180 μM in HepG2 cells for 24 h by MTT and neutral red uptake (NRU) tests, respectively. We observed decrease on the global levels of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at 1 and 10 mM after 96 h BPA exposure. There is no significant alterations on the promoter-region of methylation and expression of p16, cyclin D2 and Rassf1 genes. Global levels of H3K9me3 decreased after 0.1 and 1 μM concentration of BPA exposure for 48 h, while increased after 96 h 0.1 and 1 μM of BPA exposure for. Hovewer, it has not been observed significantly changes for the global levels of H3K27me3 and H3K9ac. In this study we suggest that BPA may disrupt epigenetic events by altering global and gene-spesific DNA methylation and histone modifications in HepG2 cells.
GENETIC VARIATION AND POPULATION STRUCTURE OF THE EURASIAN BEAVER CASTOR FIBER IN EASTERN EUROPE AND ASIA

Abstract The Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber L. , suffered extreme demographic reduction through overhunting until the end of the 19th century. However, active protection measures have led to a powerful recovery in range and population numbers. The vast majority of beavers (83%) now occur in the former Soviet Union. The present study investigates the geographic distribution of genetic variation of C. fiber in this eastern part of the species range (former Soviet Union and Mongolia), with special emphasis on small isolated populations of the Asian subspecies C. fiber pohlei, C. fiber tuvinicus, and C. fiber birulai. The analysis yielded 12 different haplotypes, all of which were population specific. Results indicate that C. fiber displays great population structuration (FST = 0.985), coupled with an overall low level of genetic divergence (mean number of pairwise differences 7.262 ± 3.435). In particular, the autochthonous populations in Mongolia or Siberia do not appear significantly different from samples from the European part of Russia, despite the great geographical distance. C. f. birulai appears as the most divergent member, a fact that could result from its longer genetic isolation in an enclosed watershed. Examination of our data suggests a single recent origin of the present beaver population in eastern Europe and Asia.
A Polarization-Insensitive Optical Heterodyne Downconverter

A polarization-insensitive optical heterodyne downconverter is proposed and demonstrated, which comprises of a polarization beam splitter (PBS), two Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs) and a balanced photodetector (BPD). By biasing the MZMs at the opposite linear transmission points and the balanced detection, the performance of the proposed optical heterodyne downconverter is almost independent of the polarization state of the input optical microwave signal. An experiment is carried out. The polarization dependent loss (PDL) of the proposed downconverter is less than 0.5 dB. A 20-GHz RF signal with 50-MBaud 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) baseband data is successfully downconverted to a 2.4-GHz IF signal. The variation of the error vector magnitude (EVM) of the downconverted signal is less than 1% when the optical microwave signal for down-conversion has different polarization states.
Influence of Organic Additives and of Stabilized Polymeric Micelles on the Metalographic Structure of Nanocomposite Zn and Zn-Co Coatings

The peculiarities of the metallographic structure of electrodeposited nanocomposite polymeric modified Zn and Zn-Co (1 wt.%) alloy coatings are described and discussed. These coatings are obtained from usual electrochemical baths for Zn and Zn-Co alloys, but with the addition of stabilized polymeric micelles (SPM). The latter are of core-shell type, and are based on polypropylene oxide (hydrophobic core) and polyethylene oxide (hydrophilic shell). These coatings and their polymeric modified nano-composites are investigated with X-ray (XRD) method, which reveals changes in the metallographic structure as a result of the presence or absence of organic additives (wetting agent and brightener) and SPMs. The possible reasons for the changes observed are commented. In addition, cyclic voltammetry method (CVA) is applied in order to clarify the influence of the applied additives and of SPM on the cathodic (deposition) and anodic (dissolution) processes.
Direct Acceleration of SAGA using Sampled Negative Momentum

Variance reduction is a simple and effective technique that accelerates convex (or non-convex) stochastic optimization. Among existing variance reduction methods, SVRG and SAGA adopt unbiased gradient estimators and have become the most popular variance reduction methods in recent years. Although various accelerated variants of SVRG (e.g., Katyusha, Acc-Prox-SVRG) have been proposed, the direct acceleration of SAGA still remains unknown. In this paper, we propose a direct accelerated variant of SAGA using Sampled Negative Momentum (SSNM), which achieves the best known oracle complexities for strongly convex problems. Consequently, our work fills the void of direct accelerated SAGA.
Performance of Massive MIMO Self-Backhauling for Ultra-Dense Small Cell Deployments

A key aspect of the fifth-generation wireless communication network will be the integration of different services and technologies to provide seamless connectivity. In this paper, we consider using massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) to provide backhaul links to a dense deployment of self-backhauling (s-BH) small cells (SCs) that provide cellular access within the same spectrum resources of the backhaul. Through a comprehensive system-level simulation study, we evaluate the interplay between access and backhaul and the resulting end-to-end user rates. Moreover, we analyze the impact of different SCs deployment strategies, while varying the time resource allocation between radio access and backhaul links. We finally compare the above mMIMO-based s-BH approach to a mMIMO direct access (DA) architecture accounting for the effects of pilot reuse schemes, together with their associated overhead and contamination mitigation effects. The results show that dense SCs deployments supported by mMIMO s-BH provide significant rate improvements for cell-edge users (UEs) in ultra-dense deployments with respect to mMIMO DA, while the latter outperforms mMIMO s-BH from the median UEs' standpoint.
SYSTEM OF DECISION SUPPORT IN WEAKLY-FORMALIZED PROBLEMS OF TRANSPORT CYBERSECURITY ENSURING

This paper resolves the actual task of the development of mathematical software decision support systems (DSS) cyber security mission-critical information systems of transport (CRIST) in poorly structured and difficult tasks of formalizing the information security and information risk assessment. The paper presents developed system for decision support in weakly formalized problems of CRIST and the cyber security of objects of Informatization of the industry. The system is based on models of information security tasks description, risk assessment and cyber defense of transport in conceptual and functional aspects. Also the article presents the description of the process of forming the DSS knowledge base for circumstances related to the identification of hard-to-explain signs of anomalies and attacks.
A Comparative Study between the FFT and DWT Method Applied to a Bearing Fault in Induction Motors – Results Dedicated to the Industry –

The diagnosis of rotating machines by signals analysis has evolved considerably in recent years thanks to advanced signal processing techniques. The bearing faults have an important percentage by comparison with the stator or rotor faults in induction machines. The method used to detect this defect is based on accurate and clear information at any time. In addition to that, many works have dealt with the diagnosis by several techniques. Our work will deal with two approach signals that are used for bearing fault diagnosis: 1The first is based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT), by using the spectral analysis of the stator current. The accuracy of this method depends on the following conditions: invariable load and constant speed. 2The second method is based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), which is regarded as a tool for analyzing the variable signals. These two approaches are applied to the experimental results, through an analysis of the stator current, only to find a clear defect and accurate information. Key-Words: Bearing defect, Discrete wavelet transform (DWT), Fault diagnosis, Induction motors, Inner raceway, Outer raceway, Spectral analyses (FFT).
Cost-Effectiveness Estimate for Neural Monitoring in Thyroid Surgery

There is growing evidence for the importance of more detailed cost evaluation of new technologies used in surgery. The innovative impact of technology holds the potential to achieve transformative clinical improvements. Sustainability of innovations is a relatively new concept in health care research and has become an issue of growing interest. Cost-effectiveness studies have been the most established and studied methods for evaluation in surgical patients. Limited information exists regarding the cost-effectiveness of new surgical strategies for monitored thyroid surgeries. We describe the recent evidence regarding methods of evaluation of cost-effectiveness structures and function for intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in thyroid surgery. Our findings suggest that health economics modeling to inform the design of a cost-effectiveness studies looking at IONM has been demonstrated to be feasible as a method for improving research efficiency.
The Evolution of Contractual and Relational Governance in IS Outsourcing

This paper explores how and why contractual and relational governance evolve over time in information systems (IS) outsourcing projects. Governance is broken down into its foundation and action dimension resulting in four governance parameters: trust /norms and informal control representing relational governance; contract and formal control reflecting contractual governance. Drawing on the lenses of punctuated equilibrium and biological interaction, we examine both incremental and disruptive change along our four governance parameters. The findings from four longitudinal IS outsourcing projects suggest that incremental changes are driven by interactions between governance parameters. We found three basic patterns of interaction between governance parameters (mutualism, commensalism, competition) that explain incremental changes. In contrast, disruptive governance changes during revolutions are driven by stark contextual changes. However, interactions during equilibriums may lead to self-perpetuating dynamics that may detract governance from basic outsourcing objectives. Revolutions may break these self-perpetuating dynamics and redirect governance to basic objectives.
Cellulosic Biofuel Potential of a Winter Rye Double Crop across the U.S. Corn–Soybean Belt

Interest in renewable energy sources derived from plant biomass is increasing, raising concerns about fuel vs. food competition. One strategy to produce additional cellulosic biomass without reducing food-harvest potential is to grow winter cover crops after harvest of the primary summer crop. This study estimated biomass accumulation of a fall-planted winter rye (L.) double crop across the United States on corn (L.)–soybean [ (L.) Merr. ] croplands. We identified corn and soybean areas by county using National Agricultural Statistics Service data, excluding irrigated land and areas already supporting a winter small-grain crop. Within this area, we calculated biomass production after corn harvest and before the subsequent corn or soybean crop for 30 locations using RyeGro, a cover-crop simulation model. Average RyeGro biomass yields for a 14-yr period were used to develop a regression model based on temperature and precipitation, which was used to determine rye biomass potential in each county. The spatial analysis indicated that 7.44 Mha in continuous corn and 31.7 Mha in a corn–soybean rotation are suitable for producing winter rye. The average RyeGro biomass yield for the 30 locations for six planting–harvest date scenarios is 4.2 Mg ha. The regression modeling results projected that 112 to 151 Tg (120–170 million U.S. tons) of rye biomass can be harvested from this land base 14 to 7 d, respectively, before spring crop planting. The study demonstrates the sizable potential for this strategy to produce cellulosic biofuel feedstock without redirecting the primary food crop to fuel.
Spatiotemporal Prediction of Ambulance Demand using Gaussian Process Regression

Accurately predicting when and where ambulance call-outs occur can reduce response times and ensure the patient receives urgent care sooner. Here we present a novel method for ambulance demand prediction using Gaussian process regression (GPR) in time and geographic space. The method exhibits superior accuracy to MEDIC, a method which has been used in industry. The use of GPR has additional benefits such as the quantification of uncertainty with each prediction, the choice of kernel functions to encode prior knowledge and the ability to capture spatial correlation. Measures to increase the utility of GPR in the current context, with large training sets and a Poisson-distributed output, are outlined.
Musical Acoustics Session 2 aMU : Aeroacoustics of Wind Instruments and Human Voice I 2 aMU 1 . Aeroacoustics of the panpipes

The generic term "flute-like instruments" includes a wide variety of instruments whose sound production is ensured by the coupling of an air jet with an acoustic resonator. Within the family, different kinds of resonator may be used with different kind of air supply systems such as the ones found in the recorder or the shakuhachi. It is common to extent the results obtained on one of the member of the family to the whole family. However, when an accurate description of the sound production mechanisms is required, small discrepancies may arise due to the wide variability in the geometries or in the air supply systems. Among other, a closed-end flute may have a different behavior than an open-open flute since the recirculation of air flow within the pipe may alter the hydrodynamics of the jet, and thus the auto-oscillation process. While most of the studies on flute-like instruments have focused on open pipes (organ pipes and recorder), the panpipes (a representative closed-end flute) has only received little attention. We present experimental data, including flow visualization and pressure signal measurement gathered on a closed pipe. Several image processing algorithms to extract informations from the large amount of data are presented.
Floristics and Biogeography of Vegetation in Seasonally Dry Tropical Regions

SUMMARY To provide an inter-continental overview of the floristics and biogeography of drought-adapted tropical vegetation formations, we compiled a dataset of inventory plots in South America (n=93), Africa (n=84), and Asia (n=92) from savannas (subject to fire), seasonally dry tropical forests (not generally subject to fire), and moist forests (no fire). We analysed floristic similarity across vegetation formations within and between continents. Our dataset strongly suggests that different formations tend to be strongly clustered floristically by continent, and that among continents, superficially similar vegetation formations (e.g. savannas) are floristically highly dissimilar. Neotropical moist forest, savanna and seasonally dry tropical forest are floristically distinct, but elsewhere there is no clear floristic division of savanna and seasonally dry tropical forest, though moist and dry formations are separate. We suggest that because of their propensity to burn, many formations termed “dry forest” in Africa and Asia are best considered as savannas. The floristic differentiation of similar vegetation formations from different continents suggests that cross-continental generalisations of the ecology, biology and conservation of savannas and seasonally dry tropical forests may be difficult.
FEATHERS, A bimanual upper limb rehabilitation platform: A case study of user-centred approach in rehabilitation device design

The healthcare sector is increasingly becoming dependent on medical devices and technologies. This is facilitated, in part, by the emphasis that is being put on the robustness of the design of medical and rehabilitation devices. The robustness of the design, and thus the adoption of a new medical device, relies heavily on its ability to fit into the multifaceted medical environment and satisfy a wide range of user needs. In order to achieve this, users and stakeholders must be involved early and frequently in the design process. In this paper, we outline a user-centred approach to design of physical therapy devices using a case study on developing an upper-body motor rehabilitation platform.