Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey on Learning-Based Formal Methods: Taxonomy, Applications and Possible Future Directions

Formal methods play an important role in testing and verifying software quality, especially in modern society with rapid technological updates. Learning-based techniques have been extensively applied to learn (a model or model-free) for formal verification and to learn system specifications, and resulted in numerous contributions. Due to the fact that adequate system models are often difficult to design manually and manual definition of specifications for such software systems gets infeasible, which motivate new research directions in learning models and/or specifications from observed system behaviors automatically. This paper mainly concentrates on learning-based techniques in formal methods area. An up-to-date overview of the current state-of-the-art in learning-based formal methods is provided in the paper. This paper is not a comprehensive survey of learning-based techniques in formal methods area, but rather as a survey of the taxonomy, applications and possible future directions in learning-based formal methods.
Distributed MPC control with dual decomposition and accelerated gradient methods: Application for wind-solar systems

Distributed control has emerged as an interesting research topic. This paper studies a distributed Model Predictive Controller (DMPC) with accelerated dual gradient method for systems composed of nonlinear subsystems interconnected dynamically and by constraints. The developed algorithm is applied to a wind-solar system. Simulations conducted on Matlab prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Lysyl hydroxylases 1 and 2 : characterization of their in vivo roles in mouse and the molecular level consequences of the lysyl hydroxylase 2 mutations found in Bruck syndrome

The extracellular matrix is not just a scaffold for cells and tissues, but rather a dynamic part of the human body. Characteristics of collagens, the major protein components of the extracellular matrix, are determined already during synthesis and mutations in genes encoding collagens, unbalance of regulators or dysfunction of collagen modifying enzymes, for instance, can lead to severe clinical complications. Certain hydroxylysine residues formed by lysyl hydroxylases (LHs) function in collagens as precursors of collagen cross-links that stabilize collagenous structures and thereby tissues. In humans, a deficiency of LH1, which is known to hydroxylate lysines in the helical regions of collagen polypeptides, causes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome VIA (EDS VIA). It is characterized e.g. by progressive kyphoscoliosis and hypermobile joints. Mutations in LH2, which is known to hydroxylate lysines in the telopeptides of collagen polypeptides, cause Bruck syndrome type 2 (BS2). BS2 patients suffer from fragile bones and congenital joint contractures, for instance, but the syndrome is usually not lethal. In this work we have generated and analyzed genetically modified LH1 and LH2 null mouse lines to study the in vivo functions and roles of these enzymes. Analyses concentrated also on collagen cross-links that were determined from several null or heterozygous mouse tissues. In the present work we also studied the effects of known BS2 mutations on recombinant human LH2 polypeptides to understand the molecular pathology of the syndrome. As an animal model for human EDS VIA, LH1 null mice had certain characteristics typical for EDS VIA, such as muscular hypotonia, but generally the symptoms were milder. Like EDS VIA patients, the mice have an increased risk of arterial ruptures and ultrastructural changes can be seen in the wall of the aorta, explained by inadequate helical lysine hydroxylation accompanied by a changed cross-linking state of tissues. Similarly, analysis of the LH2 null mouse line demonstrated the importance of the enzyme in cross-link formation. We showed that even a reduced amount of LH2 in adult mice changes the cross-linking pattern in tissues and a total lack of the enzyme leads to embryonic lethality. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LH2 is particularly important in tissue structures supporting blood vessels in the developing mouse embryo or in extraembryonic tissues. Finally, our in vitro studies with recombinant human LH2 polypeptides revealed that the known BS2 mutations severely affect the activity of the enzyme thus explaining the clinical symptoms of the patients, but the mutations do not lead to a total inactivation of the enzyme, which may be critical for the survival of patients.
Modeling and Analysis of a V2G Scheme: A Concept in Smart Grid

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) model has the potential for providing a distributed reserve to the power system developed for large scale implementation of Hybrid Electric Vehicle model. The authors proposed a modified V2G control model managing the various renewable energy sources, vehicles' idle time and power generation, simultaneously, according to the vehicle user's day schedule. Vehicle-to-Grid power is controlled with respect to the desirable battery State-of-Charge and the detected plug-in terminal. In this paper, the proposed control block is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. Performances of the control structure, the interface, the communication, the system efficiency, and time responses are analyzed by various simulated plots.
A Comparison Study between Digital Image Analysis and Sensor Measurements of Blast Test Dummy Response

Survivability of vehicle occupants are an important parameter in armoured vehicle design. Instrumented test dummy or mannequin is used to assess the vehicle crew response when the vehicle is subjected to underbelly blast loading. The response are measured using multiple sensor attached to the test dummy. However, there is a need to verify the data measurement using other type of equipment. This paper present the comparison study between the sensor measurement and digital image processing data of a blast test dummy. The digital video image was acquired using an ultra-high speed camera to capture the reaction of the occupants and the video captured is used to determine the velocity and acceleration of the critical points. The results based on the measurement of the sensors and the process image will be compared to quantify the magnitude of the movement experienced by the occupants. The results will give better insights on the type of approach for designing better armoured vehicle in order to improved survivability of the occupants.
Detectores de novidades e classificadores especializados em sistemas de sonar passivo

Em submarinos, cabe aos operadores de sonar a tarefa de identificar e classificar contatos de sonar passivo, de forma que possiveis ameacas sejam detectadas. A automatizacao deste processo e extremamente relevante, visto que facilita o trabalho do profissional desta area, ao exigir um menor esforco fisico e mental durante a vigilância. A proposta deste estudo e investigar a eficiencia de modelos especializados na constituicao de tal sistema, visando a derivar um mecanismo que detecte de forma eficaz navios desconhecidos, bem como identifique corretamente os rotulos daqueles conhecidos. Tres niveis de especializacao foram considerados: nao-especializado, especializado por classes, e especializado por navios, assumindo as seguintes tecnicas para a construcao do sistema: Analise de Componentes Principais (PCA), Analise de Componentes Principais por Kernel (KPCA), Maquinas de Vetor-Suporte de Uma Classe (OCSVM), Modelos de Mistura de Gaussianas (GMM), k-vizinhos mais proximos (kNN), k-vizinhos mais proximos esparso (s-kNN) e Local Outlier Factor (LOF). Experimentos conduzidos com dados reais adquiridos em uma raia acustica mostraram um melhor desempenho dos modelos especializados em navios, que atingiram uma taxa de deteccao de novidades de 83,4%, conjugada com uma taxa media de reconhecimento de classes conhecidas de 90,5%. Em relacao especificamente a tarefa de classificacao das classes conhecidas, 98,7% sao corretamente rotuladas.
Salmon cardiac peptide (sCP): a new model for natriuretic peptide biology

Natriuretic peptide hormones secreted from the heart are important in maintaining the volume and electrolyte balance and in regulation of blood pressure. The secretion of natriuretic peptides is stimulated by myocyte stretch and paracrine factors. However, the intracellular actions of these stimuli and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the processing and secretion of natriuretic peptides are still largely unknown. In this study, a new model for studies of the natriuretic peptide system was developed using a novel natriuretic peptide from salmon. Salmon (Salmo salar) maintains its water and salt homeostasis despite the volume gain in fresh water and electrolyte gain in sea water. Thus, salmon is an ideal model to study the mechanisms regulating the extracellular volume and salt balance, like natriuretic peptides. Furthermore, comparative studies revealing the common characteristics in phylogenetically distinct species suggest the importance of these factors in the regulation of the natriuretic peptide system. A novel natriuretic peptide, salmon cardiac peptide (sCP), was cloned from salmon heart. Distribution of sCP was studied in a variety of vertebrates and its physiological effects were examined in in vitro and in vivo experiments in salmon and rats. The storage and release of sCP was studied using a salmon ventricle perfusion system and by analysing the molecular forms of stored and secreted forms. Factors modulating the secretion and circulating concentration of sCP, and cardiac peptide and sCP mRNA level in salmon were examined as well. The biosynthesis of sCP is strictly restricted to the heart. sCP is stored in myocytes in the prohormone form, while the secreted form is a 29-amino acid peptide in salmon. Mechanical load on isolated salmon ventricle and volume overload in intact salmon induced a rapid release of sCP. Exposure to hyperosmotic environment decreased the plasma sCP level. sCP increased diuresis and natriuresis, as well as relaxed preconstricted arteries from salmon and rats. Thus the storage, processing and release of sCP resembles those of mammalian ANP. The circulating level of sCP in salmon was markedly upregulated at increased temperatures. Upregulation resulted from decreased elimination rather than increased secretion of sCP, providing the first direct evidence that elimination is used for the regulation of the natriuretic peptide system. In conclusion, sCP is a promising model for studying the general factors regulating the cardiac natriuretic peptides.
GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR ESTIMATING TRENDS IN LANDBIRD ABUNDANCE

Abstract Reliable estimates of trends in population size are critical to effective management of landbirds. We propose a standard for considering that landbird populations are adequately monitored: 80% power to detect a 50% decline occurring within 20 years, using a 2-tailed test and a significance level of 0.10, and incorporating effects of potential bias. Our standard also requires that at least two-thirds of the target region be covered by the monitoring program. We recommend that the standard be achieved for species' entire ranges or for any area one-third the size of the temperate portions of Canada and the United States, whichever is smaller. We applied our approach to North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. At present, potential annual bias for the BBS is estimated at ±0.008. Further, the BBS achieves the monitoring standard for only about 42% of landbirds for which the BBS is considered the most effective monitoring approach. Achieving the proposed monitoring target for ≥80% of these species would require increasing the number of BBS—or similar survey—routes by several-fold, a goal that probably is impractical. We suggest several methods for reducing potential bias and argue that if our methods are implemented, potential bias would fall to ±0.003. The required number of BBS or similar routes would then be 5,106, about 40% more than in the current BBS program. Most of the needed increases are in 15 states or provinces. Developing a comprehensive land-bird monitoring program will require increased support for coordination of the BBS (currently 2 people) and new programs for species that are poorly covered at present. Our results provide a quantitative goal for long-term land-bird monitoring and identify the sample sizes needed, within each state and province, to achieve the monitoring goal for most of the roughly 300 landbird species that are well suited to monitoring with the BBS and similar surveys.
Interaction between Rifampicin and DNA-dependent RNA Polymerase of E. coli

INTRODUCTION The antibiotic rifampicin specifically inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase by blocking the initiation, but not the elongation, of RNA chains (Sippel and Hartmann 1968). As shown earlier, rifampicin forms a tight 1:1 complex with the enzyme (Wehrli et al. 1968a; Wehrli and Staehelin 1970; Eilen and Krakow 1973). Therefore very low concentrations of antibiotic are required to inhibit the enzyme. Mammalian RNA polymerases, as well as other nucleic acid polymerases of both bacterial and mammalian origin, are not affected at these low levels of rifampicin (Wehrli et al. 1968b; Wehrli and Staehelin 1975). Thus rifampicin is a very specific and powerful inhibitor and has been extensively used in the study of RNA biosynthesis and metabolism. Although it has been suggested that the strength of rifampicin binding to RNA polymerase is correlated to the extent of enzyme inhibition (Wehrli and Staehelin 1971), no direct quantitative measurements of this binding have been made. In this paper we describe a new method that allows both the rate of association and the rate of dissociation of rifampicin and RNA polymerase to be measured directly. The application of this method makes it possible to quantify the kinetic interaction of rifampicin not only with the free holo- or core enzyme under a variety of physical conditions, but also with RNA polymerase engaged in the various steps of transcription. MATERIALS AND METHODS [ 14 C] Rifampicin (11.6 μ Ci/ μ mole) was prepared as previously described (Keberle, Meyer-Brunot and Schmid 1966). The preparation of dextran-coated charcoal, the isolation of the rifampicin–RNA.
Forage nutritive value and steer responses to grazing intensity and seed-head suppression of endophyte-free tall fescue in mixed pastures1

ABSTRACT A 2-yr grazing experiment was conducted with 8- to 10-mo old steers on pastures of endophyte-free tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh. ] in mixture with other grasses to assess the effect of seed-head suppression of fescue on steer performance and forage nutritive values. Treatments with and without seed-head suppression were each combined with either light or moderate grazing intensities for assignment to twelve 1.0-ha pastures of the grass mixtures. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Steer ADG was measured, and CP and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) of available forage, and leaf blade and sheaths of fescue tillers, were monitored. Averaged over grazing intensities, ADG was 16% greater (P 0.18) between suppressed and nonsuppressed vegetative tillers, and both had greater (P
Modification of Reproductive Rhythm in Lizards via GnRH Therapy

Gonadal function in mammals is regulated by two pituitary hormones: folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). A single hypothalamic decapeptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) appears to control the secretion of both LH and FSH. The presence of GnRH is also recognized as a universal characteristic in the other vertebrate groups. ’ Since gonadal function in both mammalian and nonmammalian vertebrates is controlled by either or both LH and FSH, reproductive function is impaired when GnRH secretion is deficient in either amplitude or pattern. The structure of mammalian GnRH has been elucidated* and this form of GnRH is known to produce some biological activity in fish,’ birds,’ amphibians’ and The mammalian GnRH molecule is conservative, and the sequence of ten amino acids is identical in all species studied to date. Additionally, the mammalian hypothalamus appears to secrete GnRH in a pulsatile fashion, and this pattern is essential for proper LH and FSH release. * Whereas the biochemistry of GnRH and its pattern of release appear to be consistent within the mammals, the other vertebrate groups show divergence in both areas. Recently, distinct forms of GnRH have been characterized in birds’. ’’ and fish,” and reptiles appear to have a GnRH that is similar, if not identical, to one or both forms of the avian molecule.lZr” As a consequence of the time lag between the availability of mammalian GnRH (and its analogs) and the understanding of the structures of nonmammalian GnRH, confusion and controversy have emerged. Comparisons of receptor binding affinites and in vivo biopotency of various analogs have been difficult to interpret. Amphibians appear to respond more to mammalian GnRH than reptiles. King and Millar suggest that the amphibian GnRH molecule is structurally identical to the mammalian form, and therefore amphibians would be expected to react readily to mammalian GnRH. Indeed, in the frog, Rana catesbeiuna, mammalian and chicken
SHORT COMMUNICATION: LABORATORY EVALUATION OF A RODENTICIDE-INSECTICIDE, COUMAVEC®, AGAINSTRHOMBOMYS OPIMUS, THE MAIN RESERVOIR HOST OF ZOONOTIC CUTANEOUSE LEISHMANIASIS IN IRAN

Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis is a growing health problem in many rural areas of Iran. Rhombomys opimus, the great gerbil, is the main animal reservoir of ZCL in the northeast and central part of Iran. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the rodenticidal effect of Coumavec® (a mixture of Coumatetralyl 0.5% and Etofenprox 0.5%) on R. opimus under laboratory condition. Methods: Great gerbils were collected from Sejzi rural district, Esfahan Province, Iran. Four groups of 19 great gerbils were treated with the poisoned baits of different concentrations and one group was considered as control. The bating procedure was conducted in three stages: first, second (a week after first) and third (a month after first stage), in each stage baits were offered in 1 day, based on national protocol for rodent control operation in purpose of ZCL control. Results: The mortality rate for 0.03, 0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25% concentrations in the first stage of baiting were obtained 36.8%, 31.5%, 52.6% and 36.8%, in the second stage 47.3%, 52.6%, 68.4% and 52.6%, and in the third stage 52.6%, 63.1%, 68.4% and 57.8% respectively. The maximum and minimum mortality has occurred in 5-6 days and 31-40 days intervals consequently. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that, Coumavec® has some rodenticidal effects on R. opimus in laboratory condition. For the appropriate rodenticide-insecticide contamination of the rodent body and also considering to the economic issues, we suggest the use of 0.125% concentration for rodent control operation in the field condition.
How to fill the ‘financing gap’ for the transition to low-carbon energy in Europe?

In models exploring energy transition pathways, existing investment flows are contrasted with predictions for investments needs to indicate a ‘financing-gap’ for the European energy transition. The authors draw on an in-depth analysis and comparison of the main scenarios being employed to forecast investments until 2050 as well as an analysis of the literature on the sources of finance for renewable energy. Long-term projections do not capture the supply or demand of specific sources of finance needed to cover the whole innovation chain. Our analysis reveals that under the individual investment and lending criteria/mandates the money is available. However, policy uncertainty strongly distorts investment decision making. Especially institutional investors and lenders such as pension funds and banks shy away from investments in the energy transition because of expected (policy) discontinuities and the risk of stranded assets. Moreover, more risk-bearing equity capital to finance the early stages of innovative clean energy technologies is needed to complement existing large-scale investments in existing technologies to allow for an effective and efficient mitigation that is in line with the major scenarios. Based on the analysis we develop a matrix that indicates the role for different sources of finance and new intermediation channels in the energy transition and how they need to be engaged.
Establishment of universal loop-mediated isothermal amplification method (LAMP) for rapid detection of pathogenic Vibrio spp. in aquatic organisms

Pathogenic Vibrio spp. are regarded as the causative agent of prevalent vibriosis in aquatic organisms and food-borne zoonotic diseases of human, therefore, a rapid and effective detection method is useful for confirming early stages of the infection when the bacterial infection is at a relatively low level, which would significantly reduce the economic loss in aquaculture and seafood industry. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a convenient diagnostic method that amplifies DNA with high specificity and rapidity under isothermal conditions. In this study, using the LAMP method, a universal diagnostic protocol was successfully developed for the detection of Vibrio spp. in aquatic organisms. Based on 16S rRNA gene conservative sequence of genus Vibrio, a set of four primers was designed. The reaction time and temperature were optimized for 60 min at 62°C, respectively. The detection limit using the universal LAMP method was up to 103 cfu/ml and it was 100 times higher than the detection limit of the standard PCR method. The amplification products were detected by visual inspection using SYBR Green I. The specificity of the LAMP was evaluated by using 30 strains of nine Vibrio species and 21 related non-Vibrio micro-organism strains as controls. The target 30 Vibrio strains were all amplified, and no cross-reaction was found with all the non-Vibrio micro-organism strains. In conclusion, the universal LAMP assay should be a potential tool with high convenience, rapidity, sensitivity and specificity for the detection of Vibrio spp. in infected aquatic organisms, thereby facilitating surveillance of vibriosis. Key words: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), pathogenic Vibrio spp. , detection, aquatic organisms, China
Nuclear factor-κB regulates induction of apoptosis and inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract —Apoptosis is important in normal development as well as in diseases such as atherosclerosis. However, the regulation of apoptosis is still not completely understood. We now show that the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) controls the induction of apoptosis in human and rat vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). SMCs in high-density culture exhibited a high NF-κB activity and were insensitive to induction of apoptosis. Inhibition of NF-κB by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of its inhibitor IκBα caused a marked increase in cell death at low but not high cell density. Elevating endogenous IκBα levels by inhibiting its degradation with proteasomal inhibitors resulted in induction of apoptosis in low-density SMCs, as detected by increased binding of annexin V, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased hypodiploid DNA. In high-density cultures, protection against apoptosis was associated with the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 (IAP-1). Transfer of IκBα reduced human IAP-1 mRNA levels, which suggested that IAP-1 is transcriptionally regulated by NF-κB. This was confirmed through identification of a motif with NF-κB–like binding activity in the human IAP-1 promoter region. Moreover, antisense inhibition of IAP-1 sensitized high-density SMCs to the induction of cell death. Together, our data imply that SMCs at high density are protected by an antiapoptotic mechanism that involves increased expression of NF-κB and IAP-1. Interference with pathways that control the susceptibility to programmed cell death may be helpful in the treatment of diseases where dysregulation of apoptosis is involved, eg, atherosclerosis and restenosis.