Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electron-induced damage of biotin studied in the gas phase and in the condensed phase at a single-molecule level

Biotin is an essential vitamin that is, on the one hand, relevant for the metabolism, gene expression and in the cellular response to DNA damage and, on the other hand, finds numerous applications in biotechnology. The functionality of biotin is due to two particular sub-structures, the ring structure and the side chain with carboxyl group. The heterocyclic ring structure results in the capability of biotin to form strong intermolecular hydrogen and van der Waals bonds with proteins such as streptavidin, whereas the carboxyl group can be employed to covalently bind biotin to other complex molecules. Dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to biotin results in a decomposition of the ring structure and the carboxyl group, respectively, within resonant features in the energy range 0–12 eV, thereby preventing the capability of biotin for intermolecular binding and covalent coupling to other molecules. Specifically, the fragment anions (M–H)−, (M–O)−, C3N2O−, CH2O2−, OCN−, CN−, OH− and O− are observed, and exemplarily the DEA cross section of OCN− formation is determined to be 3 × 10−19 cm2. To study the response of biotin to electrons within a complex condensed environment, we use the DNA origami technique and determine a dissociation yield of (1.1 ± 0.2) × 10−14 cm2 at 18 eV electron energy, which represents the most relevant energy for biomolecular damage induced by secondary electrons. The present results thus have important implications for the use of biotin as a label in radiation experiments.
The spectral/hp element modelling of steady flow in non‐planar double bends

The purpose of this study is to better understand steady flow in three‐dimensional non‐planar double bend geometries which are chosen to loosely model a right coronary or femoral artery, neglecting branches. The knowledge gained from idealized geometries can subsequently be applied to anatomically correct geometries. The three‐dimensional computations of steady flows in planar and non‐planar double bends at Reynolds numbers of 125 and 500 were performed using a high accuracy, spectral/hp element Navier–Stokes solver. In this study, we analyse the haemodynamics in terms of various mechanical factors (i.e. axial velocity, secondary flows, vorticity and coherent vortical structures). Although the effects of curvature and non‐planarity on the flows are complex and often non‐intuitive, from the numerical results, we can simplify and anticipate the secondary flow patterns, and by associations the wall shear stress distribution, in various double bend geometries with different non‐planarities at physiological Reynolds number (100⩽Re⩽500). Non‐planarity has the biggest effects on mixing and swirling of flow as observed through the coherent vortical structures and asymmetric secondary flow streamlines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals and frequency domain: delay‐independent absolute stability criteria for delay systems

The present paper is devoted to the study of absolute stability of delay systems with nonlinearities subject to sector conditions. We construct quadratic candidate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, whose decreasingness along trajectories is expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. We then show that the feasibility of the latter implies some frequency‐domain conditions, which may be seen as delay‐independent versions of the circle criterion and the Popov criterion. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatal Epileptic Seizures in Mice Having Compromised Glutathione and Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis

Reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) are the two most abundant low-molecular-weight antioxidants in mammalian tissues. GclmKO knockout mice lack the gene encoding the modifier subunit of the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH biosynthesis; GclmKO mice exhibit 10–40% of normal tissue GSH levels and show no overt phenotype. GuloKO knockout mice, lacking a functional Gulo gene encoding L-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase, cannot synthesize AA and depend on dietary ascorbic acid for survival. To elucidate functional crosstalk between GSH and AA in vivo, we generated the GclmKO/GuloKO double-knockout (DKO) mouse. DKO mice exhibited spontaneous epileptic seizures, proceeding to death between postnatal day (PND)14 and PND23. Histologically, DKO mice displayed neuronal loss and glial proliferation in the neocortex and hippocampus. Epileptic seizures and brain pathology in young DKO mice could be prevented with AA supplementation in drinking water (1 g/L). Remarkably, in AA-rescued adult DKO mice, the removal of AA supplementation for 2–3 weeks resulted in similar, but more severe, neocortex and hippocampal pathology and seizures, with death occurring between 12 and 21 days later. These results provide direct evidence for an indispensable, yet underappreciated, role for the interplay between GSH and AA in normal brain function and neuronal health. We speculate that the functional crosstalk between GSH and AA plays an important role in regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission and in protecting against excitotoxicity-induced brain damage.
Periodically stimulated remodelling of a muscle fibre: perturbation analysis of a simple system of first-order ODEs

The paper deals with the dynamical analysis of the system of first-order ODE’s describing the isometric stimulation of the muscle fibre. This system is considered to be a non-autonomous one having the periodical excitation. For the analysis of dynamical behaviour the system the multiple scale method (MSM) is employed. The main goal of this contribution is to show the application of MSM to the non-autonomous dynamical system using the first order approximation of the solution. The existence of the degenerated Hopf’s bifurcation of the gained solution is presented.
The JET preliminary tritium experiment

The first tokamak discharges with deuterium-tritium mixtures have been carried out in the Joint European Torus (JET). The main objectives were to produce more than IMW of fusion power in a controlled way, to determine tritium retention in torus systems and to establish effective means of tritium removal. The experiments were undertaken within limits imposed by restrictions on vessel activation and tritium usage. Deuterium plasmas were heated by high power deuterium neutral beams from fourteen sources and fuelled by two neural beam sources injecting tritium. In the best (D-T discharge), the tritium concentration was about 11% at peak performance, when total neutron emission rate was 6.0*1017 s-1, with 1.7 MW of fusion power. The fusion amplification factor QDT was 0.15. With optimum tritium concentration, this pulse would have produced a fusion power approximately=5 MW and nominal QDT=0.46. The same extrapolation for the best pure deuterium discharge gives about 11 MW and a nominal QDT=1.14. Techniques for introducing, tracking, monitoring and recovering tritium were highly effective.
Encounters with adversity: A framework for understanding resilience in later life

Abstract Background and objectives: We explore the internal and external resources that older adults use to negotiate adversity and related to later life. We investigated the experiences older adults had with adversity and explored the factors that promote and protect resilience and the how these factors shaped the process of managing adversity related to aging. Research design and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 64 resilient adults ranging in age from 53 to 94 years of age, with an average of 71. Participants were defined as resilient on the basis of their willingness to identify as such. Grounded Theory coding techniques were applied to identify themes reflecting distinct ways in which participants dealt with what they indicated were the most significant hardships and adversities in their lives. Results: What emerged from the narratives about resilience and adversity were accounts of expressions of resilience that reflected the importance in having a resilient identity. Three major themes reflecting psychological and behavioral factors were derived from the data: 1. having vital components of resilience, or behaviors and beliefs in place, that encompass resilience as a way of being; 2. a broad but articulate set of strategies that participants actively engaged with to manage adversity, and 3. a set of protective practices used to prevent risk and prevail in the face of hardship. Discussion and implications: Findings suggest that dealing with adversity in later life requires the use of substantial internal and external resources in what can characterized as a proactive fashion. The results are presented as an interpretation of the participants’ perceptions of their resilience and the role it plays in self-concept, strategic planning, and proactive practices. Implications for helping to put resilience into everyday practice are considered.
High dielectric permittivity and low percolation threshold in polymer composites based on SiC-carbon nanotubes micro/nano hybrid

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized on SiC microplates. Resultant SiC-CNTs hybrids were further incorporated into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as conductive filler to prepare percolative composites. They exhibited a much low percolation threshold (1.47 vol %), but the dielectric permittivity was enhanced significantly. The largest dielectric permittivity of 8700 was observed in the SiC-CNTs/PVDF composites with 2.3 vol % CNTs at 100 Hz. A microcapacitor model was proposed to explain the obtained results based on the special geometry of the hybrid SiC-CNTs filler.
Optimization Method for Crop Growth Characteristics Based on Improved Locality Preserving Projection

Locality preserving projection (LPP) retains only partial information, and category information of samples is not considered, which causes misclassification of feature extraction. An improved locality preserving projection algorithm is proposed to optimize the extraction of growth characteristics. Firstly, preliminary dimensionality reduction of sample data is constructed by using two-dimensional principal component analysis (2DPCA) to retain the spatial information. Then, two optimized subgraphs are defined to describe the neighborhood relation between different categories of data. Finally, feature parameters set are obtained to extract local information of samples by improved LPP algorithm. The experiments show that the improved LPP algorithm has good adaptability, and the highest SVM classification accuracy rate of this method can reach more than 96%. Compared with other methods, the improved LPP has superior optimized performance in terms of multidimensional data analysis and optimization.
Anomaly Detection for Electric Energy Consumption in Smart Farms

Electric energy prediction is an important issue and has been studied for many years. The prediction approaches have evolved from traditional statistical methods, conventional machine learning methods, deep learning (DL) methods, and then hybrid deep learning methods. This article proposes ElectricityTalk, an Internet of Things (IoT) platform for smart farms, which integrates the artificial intelligence (AI) mechanism with farming IoT devices for electric energy prediction and anomaly detection. The AI mechanism called AItalk is designed with modified convolution neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory models. Traditional electric energy prediction approaches only consider the information provided by smart meters. This article shows that with the extra IoT switch status information in the smart farm and postprocessing with a simple yet novel random walk model, the performance of ElectricityTalk is significantly improved (by 34.5%) as compared with the AI mechanism without the farming IoT switch information. We show that the mean absolute percentage error of AItalk is 8.62% (for the UCI dataset) and 1.53% (for the Bao farm dataset), which outperforms the previous solutions. We also show that ElectricityTalk detects all anomalies in real farm operations, and can achieve recall of 1 and precision larger than 0.994, which also outperforms the previous solutions. In particular, our mechanism can detect all anomalies in three minutes, which has not been reported in previous studies.
Modeling the interaction between anti-cancer drug penicillamine and pristine and functionalized carbon nanotubes for medical applications: density functional theory investigation and a molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract The present study focuses on the prediction and investigation of binding properties of penicillamine with pure (5,5) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and functionalized SWCNT (f-SWCNT) through the B3LYP and M06-2X functionals using the 6-31G** basis set. The electronic and structural properties, adsorption energy and frontier molecular orbitals of various configurations are examined. Our theoretical results indicated that the interaction of the nanotubes with penicillamine molecule is weak so that the drug adsorption process is typically physisorption. Also, results of theoretical calculations show that the adsorption of the drug molecule on f-SWCNT is stronger with shorter intermolecular distances in comparison to pure SWCNT. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of studied systems demonstrates that the charge is transferred from penicillamine molecule to the nanotubes. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is employed to evaluate the dynamic and diffusion behavior of drug molecule on SWCNT and f-SWCNT. Energy results show that drug molecule spontaneously moves toward the carriers, and the van der Waals energy contributions in drug adsorption are more than electrostatic interaction. The obtained results from MD simulation confirm that the functionalization of SWCNT leads to increase in the solubility of the carrier in aqueous solution. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Printing on demand of polymer micro lenses array

In the recent years many commercial applications such as optoelectronics, photonic and biomedical devices, as well as image processing require the fabrication of adaptive and adjustable micro-lens array. A lot of attempts have been conducted in order to support the growing interest in the production of lens arrays for sensors or optical communications devices for parallel data transmission. Several fabrication techniques and a large variety of process have been proposed for polymer based microlenses and their incorporation into technological devices with a large area of application, but, the preparation of moulds, masks or metal layers with very accurate dimensions and shapes is generally required. Here we present the application of a pyro-electrohydrodynamic (Pyro-EHD)-dispenser for the fabrication of polymer microlens arrays overpassing the viscosity limit of the conventional ink-jet printing systems and working in a nozzle-less modality. The results regarding the fabrication procedure and the characterization of polymer micro-lens arrays of different shapes and heights are examined.
The Recovery of Surface Orientation from Image Irradiance

Abstract : The image irradiance equation constrains the relationship between surface orientation in a scene and the irradiance of its image. Additional constraints, needed to recover surface orientation from image irradiance, usually require the recovered surface to be smooth. We demonstrate that smoothness is not sufficient for this task. The 'beliefs' a visual system has about the laws of surface radiance provide sufficient constraints to relate the irradiance of an image to the corresponding scene's surface orientations. We propose a set of beliefs and derive surface orientation - image irradiance equations for a visual system with these beliefs. The surface orientations, derived from the image by a visual system with these beliefs, may not be those present in the scene, rather they are those believed to be present. (Author)
RENEWAL THEORY WITH EXPONENTIAL AND HYPERBOLIC DISCOUNTING

To determine optimal investment and maintenance decisions, the total costs should be minimized over the whole life of a system or structure. In minimizing life-cycle costs, it is important to account for the time value of money by discounting and to consider the uncertainties involved. This article presents new results in renewal theory with costs that can be discounted according to any discount function that is nonincreasing and monotonic over time (such as exponential, hyperbolic, generalized hyperbolic, and no discounting). The main results include expressions for the first and second moment of the discounted costs over a bounded and unbounded time horizon as well as asymptotic expansions for nondiscounted costs.
Efficient calculation of critical eigenvalue clusters in the small signal stability analysis of large power systems

The paper presents a methodology for the calculation of a selected set of eigenvalues, considered critical in the small signal stability analysis of power systems. It analyzes several alternatives for refining a preliminary rough solution obtained by subspace iterations. These alternatives range from constant-matrix iterative refinement to Newton's method. Due to an adaptive solution strategy, the overall algorithm is very robust. Newton's method is much faster than existing approaches. The performance of these methods is demonstrated on several test systems. >
Gravitational wave background from black holes of the Springel & Hernquist star formation epoch

We study the generation of a stochastic gravitational wave (GW) background produced from a population of core-collapse supernovae, which form black holes in scenarios of structure formation. In particular, we take into account in the present paper the history of star forma- tion derived by Springel & Hernquist, who employed hydrodynamic simulations of structure formation in acold dark matter (� CDM) cosmology. In addition, and contrary to previous studies, we consider the effect of taking into account different values of the α parameter, the fraction of the progenitor mass which forms the black hole. Different values of α imply dif- ferent frequency bands for the GWs produced. Because the sensitivity of the GW detectors depends on the frequency of the GWs, it is worth studying the influence of α on the detection of the background considered here. We then study the detectability of the GW background produced in scenarios such as those studied here and discuss what astrophysical information could be obtained from a positive - or even negative - detection of such a putative background. In particular, we show that the formation of a pre-galactic population of black holes could have generated a stochastic GW background that should be detected in the future by correlating signals of a pair of 'advanced' LIGO observatories (LIGO III) at a signal-to-noise ratio greater than unity, if α> 0.5.
The role of orographically and thermally forced stationary waves in the causation of the residual circulation

Several experiments performed with an idealized troposphere–stratosphere GCM are comparedto estimate the impact of orography and prescribed local heat sources on the residual circulationin the northern winter stratosphere. It is found that only the combined action of orographicand thermal wave forcing in northern midlatitudes is capable of inducing a residual circulationreaching continuously from tropical to polar latitudes at stratospheric altitudes. Intensificationsof the residual circulation in response to modified forcing of stationary waves are generallyassociated with, firstly, a reduced polar night jet accompanied by enhanced easterlies inlow and summer hemispheric latitudes and, secondly, substantial warming of the polar nightstratosphere completely compensated by cooling in the tropics and subtropics. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1999. 00024.x
Application of nano‐radiosensitizers in combination cancer therapy

Abstract Radiosensitizers are compounds or nanostructures, which can improve the efficiency of ionizing radiation to kill cells. Radiosensitization increases the susceptibility of cancer cells to radiation‐induced killing, while simultaneously reducing the potentially damaging effect on the cellular structure and function of the surrounding healthy tissues. Therefore, radiosensitizers are therapeutic agents used to boost the effectiveness of radiation treatment. The complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, and the multifactorial nature of its pathophysiology has led to many approaches to treatment. The effectiveness of each approach has been proven to some extent, but no definitive treatment to eradicate cancer has been discovered. The current review discusses a broad range of nano‐radiosensitizers, summarizing possible combinations of radiosensitizing NPs with several other types of cancer therapy options, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks, challenges, and future prospects.
Identification of DNA Methylation Changes in European Beech Seeds during Desiccation and Storage

Ageing and deterioration of seeds is a major problem for the maintenance of seed quality and viability during long-term storage. Prediction of early stages of seed deterioration in order to point out the plantlets’ regeneration time is a major challenge of successful storage. In preserved seeds, damages accumulate within cells at the rate mainly related to their moisture content and temperature of storage. Current research reveals global alterations in DNA methylation in lipid-rich intermediate seeds during desiccation and storage at various regimes covering nonoptimal and optimal conditions. We show for the first time that monitoring of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) level in seeds can be used as a truly universal viability marker regardless of postharvest category of seeds and their composition. For seeds stored up to three years, in varied conditions, moisture content, temperature, and time of storage had significant influence on seedling emergence and DNA methylation (p < 0.05). Similarities among lipid-rich intermediate and orthodox seeds regarding different reactions of embryonic axes and cotyledons to desiccation are newly revealed. Along with previous studies on seeds dramatically different in desiccation tolerance (recalcitrant vs. orthodox), results regarding lipid-rich seeds positioned in-between (intermediate) prove that maintaining global DNA methylation status is crucial for maintaining seed viability.
Participants’ Evaluation and Outcomes following Integration of Self-Management Support into Outpatient Schizophrenia Case Management

(1) Background: Self-management is advocated as a feasible, effective intervention to support individuals to actively manage the impact of illness and live healthier lives. We sought to evaluate a piloted self-management model, SET for Health, tailored for individuals living with schizophrenia embedded within ambulatory case management. (2) Methods: A mixed-methods design engaged 40 adults living with schizophrenia in the SET for Health protocol. Functional and symptomatic outcomes were measured by self-report and clinician ratings at baseline and completion of self-management plans, on average one year later. Semi-structured qualitative client interviews invited evaluations of personal experiences with the intervention. (3) Results: Significant improvements were found concerning client illness severity, social and occupational functioning, illness management and functional recovery with reductions in emergency visits and days in hospital. Clients endorsed the value of the intervention. Baseline clinical characteristics did not predict who benefited. Participation contributed to motivational gains and quality of life. (4) Conclusions: Results confirmed self-management support embedded within traditional case management improved clients’ clinical and functional status, and contributed to quality of life. Clients engaged in their recovery and actively used self-management strategies. Self-management can be successfully adopted by clients with schizophrenia regardless of age, gender, education, illness severity or duration.