Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sytare: A Lightweight Kernel for NVRAM-Based Transiently-Powered Systems

In a near future, energy harvesting is expected to replace batteries in ultra-low-power embedded systems. Research prototypes of such systems have recently been proposed. As the power harvested in the environment is very low, such systems need to cope with frequent power outages. They are referred to as transiently-powered systems (TPS). In order to execute non-trivial applications, TPS need to retain information between power losses. To achieve this goal, emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) technologies are a key enabler: they provide a lightweight solution to retain, between power outages, the state of an application and of its peripheral devices. These include sensors, serial interface or radio devices for instance. Existing works have described various checkpointing mechanisms to adapt embedded applications to TPS but the use of peripherals was not yet handled. in these works. This paper proposes a solution for embedded applications using any peripheral device to run despite transient power. We follow a kernel-oriented approach resulting in minimal impact on the programming model of the application. We implement the new concepts in our lightweight kernel called Sytare, running on an MSP430FR5739 micro-controller and we analyze the cost of the proposed solution.
Divergent paths to seizure‐like events

Aim Much debate exists about how the brain transitions into an epileptic seizure. One source of confusion is that there are likely to be critical differences between experimental seizure models. To address this, we compared the evolving activity patterns in two, widely used, in vitro models of epileptic discharges. Methods We compared brain slices, prepared in the same way from young adult mice, that were bathed either in 0 Mg2+, or 100µM 4AP, artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Results We find that while local field potential recordings of epileptiform discharges in the two models appear broadly similar, patch-clamp analysis reveals an important difference in the relative degree of glutamatergic involvement. 4AP affects parvalbumin-expressing interneurons more than other cortical populations, destabilizing their resting state and inducing spontaneous bursting behavior. Consequently, the most prominent pattern of transient discharge (“interictal event”) in this model is almost purely GABAergic, although the transition to seizure-like events (SLEs) involves pyramidal recruitment. In contrast, interictal discharges in 0 Mg2+ are only maintained by a very large glutamatergic component that also involves transient discharges of the interneurons. Seizure-like events in 0 Mg2+ have significantly higher power in the high gamma frequency band (60-120Hz) than these events do in 4AP, and are greatly delayed in onset by diazepam, unlike 4AP events. Conclusions The 0 Mg2+ and 4AP models display fundamentally different levels of glutamatergic drive, demonstrating how ostensibly similar pathological discharges can arise from different sources. We contend that similar interpretative issues will also be relevant to clinical practice.
The combined effect of creatine and resistance training on doxorubicin-induced muscle dysfunction

Abstract Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with profound skeletal muscle dysfunction. Resistance training (RT) and creatine (Cr) monohydrate have been independently shown to protect against DOX-induced muscle dysfunction. However, no investigation has examined their combined effects on DOX-induced muscle dysfunction. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a RT or sedentary group. After 6 wk of training, the soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were excised and placed in a tissue bath containing Krebs buffer (K) or a K containing Cr (25 mM) for 30 min. The buffers were refreshed with new K or K containing DOX (24 μM) and incubated for 30 min. Muscles were then subjected to maximal twitch and fatigue testing. Results: DOX-induced fatigue occurred at 40 s in the SOL and EDL. RT delayed DOX-induced fatigue by 20 s in the SOL and 10 s in the EDL. Cr treatment delayed the onset of DOX-induced fatigue by 10 s in the EDL. The combination of RT and Cr delayed DOX-induced fatigue by 50 s in the SOL and 20 s in the EDL. Conclusion: This study showed that a combined treatment with RT and Cr minimized DOX-induced fatigue in the SOL and EDL.
Rapid Activation of Platinum via Black Phosphorus for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution.

Modulation of the electronic structure of metal catalysts is an effective approach to optimize the electrocatalytic activity. In this study, we discover surprisingly strong activation effects of black phosphorus (BP) on platinum (Pt) catalysts. In this way, the surface electronic structure of Pt can be effectively and rapidly modulated to produce greatly enhanced catalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The unique and negative binding energy between BP and Pt leads to spontaneous formation of Pt-P bonds producing strong synergistic ligand effects on the Pt nanoparticles, but no Pt-P bond can be formed on red phosphorus which is another allotrope of P. Theoretical and experimental assessments demonstrate that the Pt-P bonds alter the intrinsic electronic structure and hydrogen adsorption free energy of Pt. Furthermore, by controlling the amount of Pt-P bonds, 3.5-folds enhancement in the HER activity can be achieved from the BP-activated Pt catalyst and the activity is 6.1 times higher than that of the state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst. The BP-activated Pt catalyst exhibits a current density of 82.89 mA cm-2 with only 1 μg of Pt in 1 M KOH at an overpotential of 70 mV and the characteristics are superior to those of state-of-the-art catalysts in the literature. This work reveals a practical strategy to manipulate the electronic structure of Pt catalysts by exploiting the unique activation effects of BP and provides a new strategy for the synthesis of highly efficient Pt-based catalysts for diverse catalytic reactions and applications.
Plutonium desorption from nuclear melt glass-derived colloids and implications for migration at the Nevada National Security Site, USA.

The migration of low levels of plutonium has been observed at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and attributed to colloids. To better understand the mechanism(s) of colloid-facilitated transport at this site, we performed flow cell desorption experiments with mineral colloid suspensions produced by hydrothermal alteration of NNSS nuclear melt glass, residual material left behind from nuclear testing. Three different colloid suspensions were used, 1) colloidal material from hydrothermal alteration of nuclear melt glass at 140 °C, 2) at 200 °C, and 3) plutonium sorbed to SWy-1 montmorillonite at room temperature. The 140 °C sample contained only montmorillonite while zeolite and other phases were present in the 200 °C sample. Overall, more plutonium was desorbed from the 140 °C colloids (~9-16%), than from the 200 °C colloids (~4-8 %). Furthermore, at the end of the 4.5 day flow cell experiments, the desorption rates for the 140 °C colloids and the Pu-montmorillonite colloids were similar while the desorption rates from the 200 °C colloids were up to an order of magnitude lower. We posit that the formation of zeolites and clays hydrothermally altered at 200 °C may lead to a more stable association of plutonium with colloids, resulting in lower desorption rates. This may give rise to more extensive colloid-facilitated transport and help explain why trace levels of plutonium are found downgradient from their original source decades after a nuclear detonation. Interestingly, in the case of cesium (a co-contaminant of plutonium), no difference was observed between the 140 and 200 °C colloids. This reflects intrinsic differences between cesium and plutonium sorption/desorption behavior (charge, cation size), and suggests that the Cs sorption mechanism (cation exchange) is not similarly affected by colloid formation temperature.
An Integrative Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Directional Microphone and Noise-Reduction Algorithm under Realistic Signal-to-Noise Ratios

Abstract Background Many studies on the efficacy of directional microphones (DIRMs) and noise-reduction (NR) algorithms were not conducted under realistic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. A Repeat-Recall Test (RRT) was developed previously to partially address this issue. Purpose This study evaluated whether the RRT could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of a DIRM and NR algorithm under realistic SNRs. Possible interaction with listener working memory capacity (WMC) was assessed. Research Design This study uses a double-blind, within-subject repeated measures design. Study Sample Nineteen listeners with a moderate degree of hearing loss participated. Data Collection and Analysis The RRT was administered with participants wearing the study hearing aids (HAs) under two microphones (omnidirectional versus directional) by two NR (on versus off) conditions. Speech was presented from 0° at 75 dB SPL and a continuous noise from 180° at SNRs of 0, 5, 10, and 15 dB. The order of SNR and HA conditions was counterbalanced across listeners. Each test condition was completed twice in two 2-hour sessions separated by one month. Results The recall scores of listeners were used to group listeners into good and poor WMC groups. Analysis using linear mixed-effects models revealed significant effects of context, SNR, and microphone for all four measures (repeat, recall, listening effort, and tolerable time). NR was only significant on the listening effort scale in the DIRM mode at an SNR of 5 dB. Listeners with good WMC performed better on all measures of the RRT and benefitted more from context. Although DIRM benefitted listeners with good and poor WMC, the benefits differed by context and SNR. Conclusions The RRT confirmed the efficacy of DIRM and NR on several outcome measures under realistic SNRs. It also highlighted interactions between WMC and sentence context on feature efficacy.
Magnetocardiography for identification of coronary ischemia in patients with chest pain and normal resting 12‐lead electrocardiogram

Identification of coronary ischemia in patients presenting with chronic chest pain is difficult as resting ECG can be normal. Diagnosis of coronary ischemia requires evaluation during exercise or pharmacological stress. A noninvasive test to identify coronary ischemia at rest without the need for exercise is desirable. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of magnetocardiography (MCG) at rest to detect coronary ischemia in these patients.
Adjuvant therapy with γ‐tocopherol‐induce apoptosis in HT‐29 colon cancer via cyclin‐dependent cell cycle arrest mechanism

Resistance to chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is the major obstacle to reach the maximum efficiency of CRC treatment. Combination therapy has emerged as a novel anticancer strategy. The present study evaluates the cotreatment of γ‐tocopherol and 5‐FU in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy against HT‐29 colon cancer cells. Cytotoxic effect of this combination was examined using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and a synergistic effect was evaluated by a combination index technique. Nuclear morphology was studied via 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining and flow cytometric assays were conducted to identify molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and cell cycle progression. We investigated the expression of Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, Bax, and Bcl‐2 by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The IC50 values for 5‐FU and γ‐tocopherol were 21.8 ± 2.5 and 14.4 ± 2.6 μM, respectively, and also this combination therapeutic increased the percentage of apoptotic cells from 35% ± 2% to 40% ± 4% (P < .05). Furthermore, incubation HT‐29 colon cells with combined concentrations of two drugs caused significant accumulation of cells in the subGsubG1 phase. Our results presented the combination therapy with 5‐FU and γ‐tocopherol as a novel therapeutic approach, which can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Proxy-Free Privacy-Preserving Task Matching with Efficient Revocation in Crowdsourcing

Task matching in crowdsourcing has been extensively explored with the increasing popularity of crowdsourcing. However, privacy of tasks and workers is usually ignored in most of exiting solutions. In this paper, we study the problem of privacy-preserving task matching for crowdsourcing with multiple requesters and multiple workers. Instead of utilizing proxy re-encryption, we propose a proxy-free task matching scheme for multi-requester/multi-worker crowdsourcing, which achieves task-worker matching over encrypted data with scalability and non-interaction. We further design two different mechanisms for worker revocation including Server-Local Revocation (SLR) and Global Revocation (GR), which realize efficient worker revocation with minimal overhead on the whole system. The proposed scheme is provably secure in the random oracle model under the Decisional <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mi>q</mml:mi></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="shu-ieq1-2875682.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>-Combined Bilinear Diffie-Hellman (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mi>q</mml:mi></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="shu-ieq2-2875682.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>-DCDBH) assumption. Comprehensive theoretical analysis and detailed simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the state-of-the-art work.
Modeling, control, and protection of modular multilevel converter-based multi-terminal HVDC systems: A review

Multi-terminal direct current (MTDC) grids provide the possibility of meshed interconnections between regional power systems and various renewable energy resources to boost supply reliability and economy. The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has become the basic building block for MTDC and DC grids due to its salient features, i.e., modularity and scalability. Therefore, the MMC-based MTDC systems should be pervasively embedded into the present power system to improve system performance. However, several technical challenges hamper their practical applications and deployment, including modeling, control, and protection of the MMC-MTDC grids. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation and reference in modeling, control, and protection of the MMC-MTDC grids. A general overview of state-of-the-art modeling techniques of the MMC along with their performance in simulation analysis for MTDC applications is provided. A review of control strategies of the MMC-MTDC grids which provide AC system support is presented. State-of-the art protection techniques of the MMCMTDC systems are also investigated. Finally, the associated research challenges and trends are highlighted.
Towards Reliable and Quantitative Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS): From Key Parameters to Good Analytical Practice

Abstract Experimental results obtained in different laboratories world‐wide by researchers using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can differ significantly. We, an international team of scientists with long‐standing expertise in SERS, address this issue from our perspective by presenting considerations on reliable and quantitative SERS. The central idea of this joint effort is to highlight key parameters and pitfalls that are often encountered in the literature. To that end, we provide here a series of recommendations on: a) the characterization of solid and colloidal SERS substrates by correlative electron and optical microscopy and spectroscopy, b) on the determination of the SERS enhancement factor (EF), including suitable Raman reporter/probe molecules, and finally on c) good analytical practice. We hope that both newcomers and specialists will benefit from these recommendations to increase the inter‐laboratory comparability of experimental SERS results and further establish SERS as an analytical tool.
IFT172 as the 19th gene causative of oral‐facial‐digital syndrome

Center for Medical Genetics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba, Japan Department of Clinical Genetics, Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan Department of Cardiology, Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Interpersonal childhood adversity and stress generation in adolescence: Moderation by HPA axis multilocus genetic variation

Abstract Research suggests that childhood adversity (CA) is associated with a wide range of repercussions, including an increased likelihood of interpersonal stress generation. This may be particularly true following interpersonal childhood adversity (ICA) and for youth with high hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related genetic risk. In the current study, we applied a multilocus genetic profile score (MGPS) approach to measuring HPA axis-related genetic variation and examined its interaction with ICA to predict interpersonal stress generation in a sample of adolescents aged 14–17 (N = 241, Caucasian subsample n = 192). MGPSs were computed using 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms from HPA axis-related genes (CRHR1, NRC31, NRC32, and FKBP5). ICA significantly predicted greater adolescent interpersonal dependent stress. Additionally, MGPS predicted a stronger association between ICA and interpersonal dependent (but not independent or noninterpersonal dependent) stress. No gene–environment interaction (G×E) effects were found for noninterpersonal CA and MGPS in predicting adolescent interpersonal dependent stress. Effects remained after controlling for current depressive symptoms and following stratification by race. Findings extend existing G×E research on stress generation to HPA axis-related genetic variation and demonstrate effects specific to the interpersonal domain.
Expression of a human variant of CHMP2B linked to neurodegeneration in Drosophila external sensory organs leads to cell fate transformations associated with increased Notch activity

Proper function of cell signaling pathways is dependent upon regulated membrane trafficking events that lead to the endocytosis, recycling, and degradation of cell surface receptors. The endosomal complexes required for transport (ESCRT) genes play a critical role in the sorting of ubiquitinated cell surface proteins. CHMP2BIntron5, a truncated form of a human ESCRT‐III protein, was discovered in a Danish family afflicted by a hereditary form of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Although the mechanism by which the CHMP2B mutation in this family causes FTD is unknown, the resulting protein has been shown to disrupt normal endosomal–lysosomal pathway function and leads to aberrant regulation of signaling pathways. Here we have misexpressed CHMP2BIntron5 in the developing Drosophila external sensory (ES) organ lineage and demonstrate that it is capable of altering cell fates. Each of the cell fate transformations seen is compatible with an increase in Notch signaling. Furthermore, this interpretation is supported by evidence that expression of CHMP2BIntron5 in the notum environment is capable of raising the levels of Notch signaling. As such, these results add to a growing body of evidence that CHMP2BIntron5 can act rapidly to disrupt normal cellular function via the misregulation of critical cell surface receptor function.
Difference in Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence Rates Due to Low and High CD4 Counts in Patients with HIV/AIDS

Objective Since symptomatic toxoplasmosis in in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) almost always occurs as a result of reactivation of chronic infection, screening Toxoplasma serology has an important role in the follow up of the main disease in these populations. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to reveal the difference in the seroprevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii infection between groups in relation to CD4 counts (CD4-counts ≥200 and <200 cells/mm3) HIV-infected population. Methods The meta-analysis was performed by searching for the studies in English that were published in the last 20-year period in databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Science Direct and Web of Science. The process of searching was carried out using the keywords: “Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome”, “AIDS”, “Human immunodeficiency virus”, “HIV”, “Toxoplasma”, “Toxoplasmosis”, “Toxoplasma gondii”, “seroprevalence”, “prevalence” and “immunoglobulin G”. Results A total of 16 studies including 3982 seropositive samples of T. gondii, 2792 of which were in first group (HIV positive patients with CD4-counts ≥200 cells/mm3) and 1190 were in second group (HIV positive patients with CD4-counts <200 cells/mm3), were included in the meta-analysis. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 40.03% in HIV-positive patients with CD4 counts ≥200 cells/mm3, and 43.5% in the group with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3. Seroprevalence rates in the studies included in the meta-analysis showed variability (heterogeneity) in both groups and heterogeneity between studies was higher in group 1 [Group 1; Cochran Q=994.16, DF=15, I²=98.49%, p<0.0001 and group 2; Cochran Q=368.50, DF=15, I²=95.93%, p<0.0001]. Conclusion We concluded that HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4 counts have higher epidemiological risk as well as immunological risk of toxoplasmosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating the seroprevalence of T. gondii in AIDS/HIV population by comparing the seroprevalance of T. gondii in subgroups formed according to CD4 counts.
Open-Wedge HTO with Absorbable β-TCP/PLGA Spacer Implantation and Proximal Fibular Osteotomy for Medial Compartmental Knee Osteoarthritis: New Technique Presentation

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to present a new absorbable spacer for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA). The functional and radiographic results of patients treated with the novel surgical technique were also evaluated to investigate its clinical feasibility. Methods Patients with medial compartmental knee OA who underwent open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with absorbable β-TCP/PLGA [30% beta-tricalcium phosphate and 70% poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)] spacer implantation and proximal fibular osteotomy from January 2016 to February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The operation time, blood loss, and relevant complications were reviewed. The femorotibial angle (FTA), varus angle (VA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), American Knee Society Score (KSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow-up, respectively. Results At the final follow-up, the mean FTA and JLCA were 179.85° ± 4.34° and 2.44° ± 1.26°, respectively, which were smaller than the preoperative values (182.94° ± 3.86° and 4.12° ± 1.65°, respectively; both p < 0.001). The final VA and VAS score were lower than those measured preoperatively (both p < 0.001). The clinical and functional KSSs at the final follow-up were higher than the preoperative scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions This novel absorbable spacer could provide adequate stability for the tibial osteotomy gap, at a lower cost than a traditional plate. With the use of this spacer as an osteoinductive and biodegradable device, secondary surgery for fixation removal could be avoided. The novel surgical technique could improve both the radiographic appearance and the function of the knee in patients with knee OA.