Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pipefish locally adapted to low salinity in the Baltic Sea retain phenotypic plasticity to cope with ancestral salinity levels

Genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity facilitate the invasion of new habitats and enable organisms to cope with a rapidly changing environment. In contrast to genetic adaptation that spans multiple generations as an evolutionary process, phenotypic plasticity allows acclimation within the life-time of an organism. Genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity are usually studied in isolation, however, only by including their interactive impact, we can understand acclimation and adaptation in nature. We aimed to explore the contribution of adaptation and plasticity in coping with an abiotic (salinity) and a biotic (Vibrio bacteria) stressor using six different populations of the broad-nosed pipefish Syngnathus typhle that originated from either high or low saline environments. We hypothesized that wild S. typhle populations are locally adapted to the salinity and prevailing pathogens of their native environment, and that short-term acclimation of parents to a novel salinity may aid in buffering offspring phenotypes in a matching environment. To test these hypotheses, we exposed all wild caught animals, to either high or low salinity, representing native and novel salinity conditions and allowed animals to mate. After male pregnancy, offspring was split and each half was exposed to one of the two salinities and infected with Vibrio alginolyticus bacteria that were evolved at either of the two salinities in a fully reciprocal design. We investigated life history traits of fathers (offspring survival, offspring size) and expression of 47 target genes in mothers and offspring. Pregnant males originating from high salinity exposed to low salinity were highly susceptible to opportunistic fungi infections resulting in decreased offspring size and number. In contrast, no signs of fungal infection were identified in fathers originating from low saline conditions suggesting that genetic adaptation has the potential to overcome the challenging conditions of low salinity. Genetic adaptation increased survival rates of juveniles from parents in lower salinity (in contrast to those from high salinity). Juvenile gene expression indicated patterns of local adaptation, trans-generational plasticity and developmental plasticity. The results of our study suggest that pipefish locally adapted to low salinity retain phenotypic plasticity, which allows them to also cope with ancestral salinity levels and prevailing pathogens.
Genomic landscapes of canine splenic angiosarcoma (hemangiosarcoma) contain extensive heterogeneity within and between patients

Cancer genomic heterogeneity presents significant challenges for understanding oncogenic processes and for cancer’s clinical management. Variation in driver mutation frequency between patients with the same tumor type as well as within individual patients’ cancers can limit the power of mutations to serve as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. We have characterized genomic heterogeneity between and within patients in canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a common naturally occurring cancer in pet dogs that is similar to human angiosarcoma (AS). HSA is a clinically, physiologically, and genomically complex canine cancer that may serve as a valuable model for understanding the origin and clinical impact of cancer heterogeneity. We conducted a prospective collection of 52 splenic masses from 44 dogs (28 HSA, 15 benign masses, and 1 stromal sarcoma) presenting to emergency care with hemoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured splenic mass. Multi-platform genomic analysis included matched tumor/normal cancer gene panel and exome sequencing. We found candidate somatic cancer driver mutations in 14/28 (50%) HSAs. Among recurrent candidate driver mutations, TP53 was most commonly mutated (29%) followed by PIK3CA (14%), AKT1 (11%), and CDKN2AIP (11%). We also identified significant intratumoral genomic heterogeneity, consistent with a branched evolution model, through multi-region exome sequencing of three distinct tumor regions from selected primary splenic tumors. These data provide new perspective on the genomic landscape and comparative value of understanding HSA in pet dogs, particularly as a naturally occurring cancer bearing intratumoral heterogeneity.
County-scale mapping of the invasion stage and invasiveness of major nonnative invasive plants in the upper Midwest forestlands, USA

The determination of invasion stages and the degree to which an invasive plant (non-native invasive plant, NNIP) has become established and spread in an ecosystem (“invasiveness”) is essential for developing methods of mitigation and control. We mapped the invasion stages and quantiﬁed the invasiveness of four NNIPs of great concern, multiﬂora rose ( Rosa multiﬂora Thunb), nonnative bush honeysuckles (including four species from the Lonicera spp family), common buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica L.) and garlic mustard ( Alliaria petiolata [M. Bieb.] Cavara & Grande) in the Upper Midwest forestlands. Speciﬁcally, we used the product of the estimated presence probability and mean cover rate of an NNIP from a group of Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots in a county to represent its severity or area occupied. We then calculated the empirical cumulative density function (ECDF) of the occupied area and used classiﬁcation and regression tree (CART) to classify the ECDF into a number of disjoint segments to spatially represent invasion stages of an NNIP. The invasiveness of an NNIP in three major forest type groups was then investigated via regression analysis of the change in the estimated mean cover rate with the estimated presence probability across the mapped invasion stages (a proxy for invasion time). This study demonstrates the feasibility of using data from a single time period for determining invasion stages and invasiveness of NNIPs for the deployment of controlling or eradicating measures.
Multidimensionality in the thermal niches of dung beetles could limit species’ responses to temperature changes

Understanding the consequences of climate change requires understanding how temperature controls species’ responses across key biological aspects, as well as the coordination of thermal responses across these aspects. We study the role of temperature in determining the species’ diel, seasonal, and geographical occurrence, using dung beetles as a model system. We found that temperature has relatively low −but not negligible− effects in the three spatiotemporal scales, once accounting for alternative factors. More importantly, the estimated thermal responses were largely incongruent across scales. This shows that species have multidimensional thermal niches, entailing that adjustments to fulfil temperature requirements for one biological aspect, such as seasonal ontogenetic cycles, may result in detrimental effects on other aspects, like diel activity. These trade-offs can expose individuals to inadequate temperatures, reducing populations’ performance. Paradoxically, the relatively weak effects of temperature we found may have serious consequences for species’ responses to warming if temperature regulates essential aspects of species’ biology in divergent ways.
Functional correlates of immediate early gene expression in mouse visual cortex

During visual development, response properties of layer 2/3 neurons in visual cortex are shaped by experience. Both visual and visuomotor experience are necessary to coordinate the integration of bottom-up visual input and top-down motor-related input. Whether visual and visuomotor experience engage different plasticity mechanisms, possibly associated with the two separate input pathways, is still unclear. To begin addressing this, we measured the expression level of three different immediate early genes (IEG) (c-fos, egr1 or Arc) and neuronal activity in layer 2/3 neurons of visual cortex before and after a mouse’s first visual exposure in life, and subsequent visuomotor learning. We found that expression levels of all three IEGs correlated positively with neuronal activity, but that first visual and first visuomotor exposure resulted in differential changes in IEG expression patterns. In addition, IEG expression levels differed depending on whether neurons exhibited primarily visually driven or motor-related activity. Neurons with strong motor-related activity preferentially expressed EGR1, while neurons that developed strong visually driven activity preferentially expressed Arc. Our findings are consistent with the interpretation that bottom-up visual input and top-down motor-related input are associated with different IEG expression patterns and hence possibly also with different plasticity pathways.
The Nab2 RNA binding protein promotes sex-specific splicing of Sex lethal in Drosophila neuronal tissue

The Drosophila polyadenosine RNA binding protein Nab2, which is orthologous to a human protein lost in a form of inherited intellectual disability, controls axon projection, locomotion, and memory. Here we define an unexpectedly specific role for Nab2 in regulating splicing of ~150 exons/introns in the head transcriptome and link the most prominent of these, female retention of a male-specific exon in the sex determination factor Sex-lethal (Sxl), to a role in m6A-dependent mRNA splicing. Genetic evidence indicates that aberrant Sxl splicing underlies multiple phenotypes in Nab2 mutant females. At a molecular level, Nab2 associates with Sxl pre-mRNA and ensures proper female-specific splicing by preventing m6A hypermethylation by Mettl3 methyltransferase. Consistent with these results, reducing Mettl3 expression rescues developmental, behavioral and neuroanatomical phenotypes in Nab2 mutants. Overall these data identify Nab2 as a required regulator of m6A-regulated Sxl splicing and imply a broader link between Nab2 and Mettl3-regulated brain RNAs.
The movement of a leaf-derived mobile AGL24 mRNA specifies floral organ identity in Arabidopsis

Cell-to-cell and inter-organ communication play pivotal roles in synchronizing and coordinating plant development. In addition to serving as templates for protein translation within cells, many mRNAs can move and exert their function non-cell-autonomously. However, because the proteins encoded by some mobile mRNAs are also mobile, whether the systemic function of mobile mRNAs is attributed to proteins transported distally or translated locally remains controversial. Here, we show that Arabidopsis AGAMOUS-LIKE 24 (AGL24) mRNA acts as a leaf-derived signal to specify meristem identity. AGL24 is expressed in both apex and leaves. Upon floral meristem (FM) transition, apex-expressed AGL24 is transcriptionally inhibited by APETALA1 (AP1) to ensure FM differentiation. The leaf-expressed AGL24 can act as a mobile signal to bypass AP1 inhibition and revert FM differentiation. Although AGL24 mRNA is expressed in leaves, AGL24 protein is rapidly degraded in leaves. In contrast, AGL24 mRNA can move long distance from leaf to apex where the translocated AGL24 mRNAs can be used as templates to translate into proteins. Thus, the movement of AGL24 mRNA can provide the developmental plasticity to fit with environmental dynamics.
A Universal Allosteric Mechanism for G Protein Activation

G proteins play a central role in signal transduction and pharmacology. Signaling is initiated by cell-surface receptors, which promote GTP binding and the dissociation of Gα from the Gβγ subunits. Structural studies have revealed the molecular basis for subunit association with receptors, RGS proteins and downstream effectors. In contrast, the mechanism of subunit dissociation is poorly understood. We used cell signaling assays, MD simulations, biochemistry and structural analysis to identify a conserved network of amino acids that dictates subunit release. In the presence of the terminal phosphate of GTP, a glycine forms a polar network with an arginine and glutamate, putting torsional strain on the subunit binding interface. This “G-R-E motif” secures GTP and, through an allosteric link, discharges the Gβγ dimer. Replacement of network residues prevents subunit dissociation, regardless of agonist or GTP binding. These findings reveal the molecular basis for the final committed step of G protein activation. HIGHLIGHTS Receptors promote GTP-GDP exchange and dissociation of G protein α and βγ subunits We find an allosteric network linking the γ phosphate of GTP with release of Gβγ The network consists of a conserved Gly-Arg-Glu “activation triad” Triad mutations prevent subunit dissociation, regardless of agonist or GTP binding Triad mutations are responsible for human endocrine and neurological disorders
Optimum Sizing of the Sleep Transistor in MTCMOS Technology

Multi-threshold-voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (MTCMOS) technology finds a wide variety of applications in reducing the subthreshold-leakage current in both combinational and sequential circuits. This is due to the fact that slightly increasing the threshold voltage causes a dramatic decrease in the subthreshold-leakage current. However, the decision on the sizing of the sleep transistor is a critical issue because there are various trade-offs that the designer must face with this respect. In this paper, the area, the static and dynamic-power consumption, and the time delay are investigated with respect to the aspect ratio of the sleep transistor with compact-form expressions derived for them. Accordingly, the optimal size of the sleep transistor is determined quantitatively. The results are discussed for NAND and NOR gates. The results obtained are based on adopting the Berkeley predictive technology model (BPTM) of the 22 nm CMOS technology with a power-supply voltage, VDD, equal to 0.8 V.
Pulsar observations using the POLFAR stations

In this paper we present the current status of the pulsar observations conduct by Polish LOFAR stations. In particular we show that the single LOFAR station can provide observations that are of sufficient quality to provide useful scientific data. These can help us to better understand some of the phenomena related to the pulsar emission and the influence of the interstellar matter. In this paper we focus on the mode switching phenomenon and a single pulses analysis conducted for pulsar B0329+54. We find that the same spectral features are visible in both emission modes, so we conclude that the polar cap emission mechanism is the same in separated modes.
A Dual-frequency Probe with Coded Excitation for Ultrasound Guided Screw Insertion in Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is commonly indicated as part of the spinal treatment process which requires the insertion of pedicle screws to fuse the affected vertebrae and the imaging guidance is needed to avoid serious consequences during hole placement and screw insertion. Current ultrasound imaging guidance mostly used the low-frequency transducer to increase the penetration depth. However, it sacrifices the spatial resolution and the imaging depth is still limited by the propagation characteristics of ultrasound in bone. This paper proposed a new method with dual-frequency probe and coded excitation which could increase the imaging depth and boundary sharpness, thereby improving safety during surgery.
Heart Arrhythmia Abnormality Classification Using Machine Learning

Heart arrhythmia refers to the medical condition in which the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat become abnormal and ends up to an irregular rhythm. The heart abnormality has been always identified using electrocardiogram which is a signal that represents the heart electrical activities. In this work, we collected different ECG databases from different resources, preprocessed them, and extracted some useful features from the ECG signal. Then, feature selection methods were applied to the dataset that we already extracted, and we ended up with three input attributes and four corresponding outputs normal rhythm, tachycardia disease, bradycardia, and left bundle branch. We fed up our pre-cleaned feature vector into the classifiers for training and testing using different methods SVM, Naïve Bayes, and Random Forest. In the last step, we evaluated our models and compared the result.
A Host-based Intrusion Detection Model Based on OS Diversity for SCADA

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have been a frequent target of cyberattacks in Industrial Control Systems (ICS). As such systems are a frequent target of highly motivated attackers, researchers often resort to intrusion detection through machine learning techniques to detect new kinds of threats. However, current research initiatives, in general, pursue higher detection accuracies, neglecting the detection of new kind of threats and their proposal detection scope. This paper proposes a novel, reliable host-based intrusion detection for SCADA systems through the Operating System (OS) diversity. Our proposal evaluates, at the OS level, the SCADA communication over time and, opportunistically, detects, and chooses the most appropriate OS to be used in intrusion detection for reliability purposes. Experiments, performed through a variety of SCADA OSs front-end, shows that OS diversity provides higher intrusion detection scope, improving detection accuracy by up to 8 new attack categories. Besides, our proposal can opportunistically detect the most reliable OS that should be used for the current environment behavior, improving by up to 8%, on average, the system accuracy when compared to a single OS approach, in the best case.
Nonlinear Trajectory Control for Deformable Linear Objects based on Physics Simulation

The handling of deformable linear objects (DLOs), such as cables or hoses, with industrial robots is hardly industrially automated due to the underactuated material behavior. Increasing computing power and decreasing cost of processors over the last decades are now allowing the online computation of more complex handling processes. Within this paper, DLOs are approximated as a multibody chain with a finite number of degrees of freedom. Based on that model, a nonlinear, partially IO-linearizing controller is derived to control an underactuated end point on a trajectory when grasped by a robot arm at the other end. The controller is verified in simulation for high dynamics and shown to significantly reduce the tracking error. A practical evaluation finally shows the qualitative suitability of the multibody approximation and is used to validate the functionality of the controller in an open-loop experiment.
A safe autonomous stacker in human shared workspaces *

This paper proposes a solution for safe navigation of stacker vehicles in workspaces shared with people, with a focus on the docking manoeuvres for pallet picking and dropping. Behaviours for way-point and wall following are developed following the attractor dynamics approach. Then, these behaviours are orchestrated by state machines (that activate or deactivate them) depending on the specific task. Each of these states also defines different safe areas and maximum travel speeds, which is a requirement for safe operation. Results of real experiments are presented that show the standard operation and its robustness against perturbations (people in the way) and failure detection (missing pallets).
Software and Hardware Implementation of a Nine Level Inverter with Low Component Count

This paper proposes a new single phase 9-level inverter topology for electrical loads like R-load and RL-load. The anticipated topology has been configured with only seven semiconductor power switches. A low frequency fundamental switching based Selective Harmonic Elimination(SHE) technique is utilized to reduce the switching losses of the semiconductor. Here, Genetic Algorithm(GA) is employed to determine optimal switching angles of anticipated 9-level Multi-Level Inverter(MLI) by solving the non-linear SHE equations. Here, MATLAB/Simulink software is employed to analyze the performance of the anticipated MLI topology. A real time prototype setup also has been implemented to validate the Simulink analysis. The hardware setup is tested at different loads to confirm that it works as a Voltage Source Inverter(VSI). Finally, the results are compared with available literature for reduction in component count.
Low-Cost S-Band Reconfigurable Monopole/Patch Antenna for CubeSats

The development of reconfigurable antennas compatible with a CubeSat form factor can aid several space missions. Often, satellite missions require multiple wireless links with the same radio, but the design of such antennas is challenging due to the mechanical constraints and the limited power aboard a CubeSat. In this article, we present a unique reconfigurable antenna concept enabled by adhesive polyimide tapes. The presented antenna can switch from a conventional patch to a monopole-like antenna with minimal actuation complexity. This reconfiguration provides choices for polarization, pattern, and gain without use of active components for size, cost and power consumption reductions. The frequency of operation is S-band (2.4 GHz), and the antenna achieves $S_{11} < -10$ dB for both reconfiguration states. Measurements compare well with simulations in both states.
40.6 Watt, High Power 3.55 GHz Single Crystal XBAW RF Filters for 5G Infrastructure Applications

Previous 4G/LTE applications for RF BAW filters were predominately focused on relatively low power, sub-3 GHz filters for wireless applications. Emerging 5G infrastructure applications bring new requirements for high-power, high-frequency micro RF filters to address coexistence challenges in newly license bands (n77, n78, n79) in the 3.3 to 5 GHz spectrum. This work focuses on the power robustness of 3.5-3.6 GHz XBAW band-pass RF filters constructed using single crystal and poly crystal piezoelectric (“piezo”) layers. Superior power handling as well as small-signal performance has been demonstrated.
Harmonic Plane Decomposition: An Extension of the Vector-Space Decomposition - Part I

In this first paper of a two-part series, the harmonic plane decomposition is introduced, which is an extension of the vector-space decomposition. In multiphase electrical machines with variable phase-pole configurations, the vector-space decomposition leads to a varying numbers of vector spaces when changing the configuration. Consequently, the model and current control become discontinuous. The method in this paper is based on samples of each single slot currents, similarly to a discrete Fourier transformation in the space domain that accounts for the winding configuration. It unifies the Clarke transformation for all possible phase-pole configurations such that a fixed number of orthogonal harmonic planes are created, which facilitates the current control during reconfigurations. The presented method is not only limited to the modeling of multiphase electrical machines but all kinds of existing machines can be modeled. In the second part of this series, the harmonic plane decomposition will be completed for all types of machine configurations.
Design a Simulation Model of Multi-radio Mobile Node in MANET

In this paper, we present a solution to design a simulation model for mobile node with multiple radio interfaces in mobile ad-hoc wireless networks (MANET). This solution extends the mobile node architecture in NS2 network simulator to allow analysis and evaluation of the performance of multichannel mobile ad-hoc wireless networks. Simulation results show that the effectiveness of multi-radio mobile node model. Network performance with new mobile node architecture is greatly improved as the number of wireless interfaces increased.