Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GABA and glycine co-transmission in the developing mouse respiratory network

Inhibitory neurons in the pre-Botzinger complex - a kernel for respiratory rhythm generation, are involved in the respiratory rhythm modulation. The co-transmission of GABA and glycine has been reported in different brain regions but not in the preBotC. The current study showed that GABA and glycine co-transmission is present in the neonatal mouse pre-Botzinger complex. The co-transmission mediated inhibition was estimated up to 46.8% in the preBotC glycinergic neurons by the optimized “EPF” method based on decay kinetics of inhibitory postsynaptic currents. The co-transmission in the preBotC was further corroborated by single cell RT-PCR that showed 64% glycinergic neurons co-express GABAergic neuronal markers. The drastically reduced VIAAT expression in the preBotC and hypoglossal nucleus of the conditional VIAAT KO embryos strongly suggest that glycinergic neuronal marker (GlyT2) is co-expressed in most of GABAergic neurons in embryonic brainstem. The complete absence of sIPSCs in embryonic hypoglossal motoneurons further confirms wide expression of cre-recombinase among inhibitory neurons in a brainstem region which innervates hypoglossal nucleus. These results strongly suggest that GABA and glycine co-transmission could be ubiquitously present in the embryonic respiratory network and its distribution and relevance decreases during development. The cVIAAT KO embryos died due to respiratory failure resulting from complete loss of inhibitory transmission which is required for coupling between the preBotC and the pFRG to produce a normal respiratory rhythm. A disturbance in either glycine transmission or GABAergic transmission alone does not deteriorate the respiratory network immediately because the co-transmission of GABA and glycine provides a mechanism of compensation for loss of single inhibitory transmitter as gephyrin KO, GlyT2 KO and GAD67 mouse models survive longer than cVIAAT and VIAAT KO embryos. The cVIAAT KO embryos without any exception showed very common striking features like omphalocele, cleft palate and kyphotic posture which must be due to the loss of all inhibition but not with either GABAergic or glycinergic inhibition alone.
Limits to scale invariance in alluvial rivers

Assumptions about fluvial processes and process–form relations are made in general models and in many site‐specific applications. Many standard assumptions about reach‐scale flow resistance, bed‐material entrainment thresholds and transport rates, and downstream hydraulic geometry involve one or other of two types of scale invariance: a parameter (e.g. critical Shields number) has the same value in all rivers, or doubling one variable causes a fixed proportional change in another variable in all circumstances (e.g. power‐law hydraulic geometry). However, rivers vary greatly in size, gradient, and bed material, and many geomorphologists regard particular types of river as distinctive. This review examines the tension between universal scaling assumptions and perceived distinctions between different types of river. It identifies limits to scale invariance and departures from simple scaling, and illustrates them using large data sets spanning a wide range of conditions. Scaling considerations and data analysis support the commonly made distinction between coarse‐bed and fine‐bed reaches, whose different transport regimes can be traced to the different settling‐velocity scalings for coarse and fine grains. They also help identify two end‐member sub‐types: steep shallow coarse‐bed ‘torrents’ with distinctive flow‐resistance scaling and increased entrainment threshold, and very large, low‐gradient ‘mega rivers’ with predominantly suspended load, subdued secondary circulation, and extensive backwater conditions. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
SPADIS: An Algorithm for Selecting Predictive and Diverse SNPs in GWAS

Phenotypic heritability of complex traits and diseases is seldom explained by individual genetic variants. Algorithms that select SNPs which are close and connected on a biological network have been successful in finding biologically-interpretable and predictive loci. However, we argue that the connectedness constraint favors selecting redundant features that affect similar biological processes and therefore does not necessarily yield better predictive performance. In this paper, we propose a novel method called SPADIS that selects SNPs that cover diverse regions in the underlying SNP-SNP network. SPADIS favors the selection of remotely located SNPs in order to account for the complementary additive effects of SNPs that are associated with the phenotype. This is achieved by maximizing a submodular set function with a greedy algorithm that ensures a constant factor (1−1/e) approximation. We compare SPADIS to the state-of-the-art method SConES, on a dataset of Arabidopsis Thaliana genotype and continuous flowering time phenotypes. SPADIS has better regression performance in 12 out of 17 phenotypes on average, it identifies more candidate genes and runs faster. We also investigate the use of Hi-C data to construct SNP-SNP network in the context of SNP selection problem for the first time, which yields slight but consistent improvements in regression performance. SPADIS is available at http://ciceklab.cs. bilkent.edu. tr/spadis
V. NEGUNDO, L. CAMARA AND B. VARIEGATA PLANTS LEAF EXTRACT EXHIBIT CONSIDERABLE IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES

Objective: The study was planned to investigate antioxidant and anticancer activities with the preliminary phytochemical analysis of methanolic extracts of Vitex negundo (V. negundo), Lantana camara (L. camara) and Bauhania variegata (B. variegata) plants leaf extracts. Methods: Phytochemical evaluation was performed for all the extracts, as per the standard methods. In vitro antioxidant activities were performed by using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2, 2'-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay) method and compared with standard antioxidants. The anticancer activity of plant extract was assessed using MTT colorimetric assay. Results: The study of preliminary phytochemical proved the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic types of phytochemicals in high amount. Methanolic extract of L. camara shows minimum IC 50 value for DPPH assay (48.75±2.34 µg/ml) and FRAP assay (274.66±3.65 µg/ml). In ABTS assay B. variegata extract exhibit minimum IC 50 value (60.48±3.01 µg/ml). Lower the IC 50 value of extract, higher the effectiveness of the plant. Methanolic extract of all plants methanolic extracts showed anticancer activity against SH-SY-5Y cells (human neuroblastoma cell) but V. negundo was more effective against SH-SY-5Y cells with IC 50 value (209 µg/ml) compared to remaining extracts. Conclusion: The current finding accomplished the in vitro activities, so that plant could be a superior source of antioxidant and anticancer drugs. But further in vivo assessment was needed before adding it into the pharma industry.
The role of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) in strengthening the capacity and performance of supreme audit institutions in developing countries

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to contribute to dialogue between practitioners and academics The article discusses the importance of supreme audit institutions (SAIs), challenges and opportunities facing SAIs (also in light of COVID-19) and how the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) supports SAIs in developing countries in enhancing their performance and capacity Design/methodology/approach: This is a practitioner’s viewpoint which reflects IDI’s publicly available documents and the opinions of a practitioner involved in the work of the IDI and that of INTOSAI Findings: The work of SAIs is ensuring effective public sector auditing matters, and it is increasingly recognized that strong and well-functioning SAIs can be key pillars in developing effective states, democratic development and trust in governments At the same time, SAIs face challenges and opportunities in ensuring that they are effective and independent institutions that produce reports that have impact and add value to the life of citizens The IDI supports SAIs in overcoming these challenges and seizing opportunities through support for all SAIs in developing countries The IDI model is based on facilitated support that is need based and provided through peer-to-peer cooperation Research limitations/implications: The limitations of this article (which are also its strength in terms of fitness for purpose) are that as a practitioner’s viewpoint, it provides a brief overview and personal judgements rather than an empirical analysis of developments applying a theoretical framework Social implications: A practitioner’s engagement with academic supports increased understanding of the respective views leading to better outcomes for practitioners and academics working in the area of public sector auditing Originality/value: The article provides a practitioner's input on the important work of SAIs © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited
Three new red algal parasites from New Zealand: Cladhymenia oblongifoliaphila sp. nov. (Rhodomelaceae), Phycodrys novae-zelandiaephila sp. nov. (Delesseriaceae) and Judithia parasitica sp. nov. (Kallymeniaceae)

Abstract: There are over 120 species of red algal parasites (Florideophyceae) but they are often overlooked due to their small size and patchy distribution. Red algal parasites have mostly been described as independent genera but recent phylogenetic studies have shown that parasites are related to free-living relatives, often their hosts, and have been named in these genera to maintain monophyly. We investigated the morphology, distribution and phylogeny, using diverse molecular markers (mitochondrial, nuclear, plastid), of three new red algal parasites in New Zealand. We describe the parasites using morphological and anatomical observations and estimate their distribution by surveying herbarium vouchers. Analyses of reproductive structures and molecular phylogenies indicate that the closest relative of the parasite Phycodrys novae-zelandiaephila sp. nov. is its host, Phycodrys novae-zelandiae. Based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers, the closest relative of the parasite Cladhymenia oblongifoliaphila sp. nov. is its host Cladhymenia oblongifolia but plastid markers group it with Cladhymenia lyallii, suggesting that this species was a past host and the source of parasite plastids. The parasite Judithia parasitica sp. nov. groups with Judithia delicatissima but infects Blastophyllis spp. , suggesting that this parasite evolved as a free-living or parasitic Judithia species, and host switching may have occurred. This study adds to our knowledge of New Zealand red algal parasites and highlights contrasting patterns of host–parasite relationships.
Low-Cost Deposition of Antibacterial Ion-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Coatings onto 316L Stainless Steel for Biomedical and Dental Applications

Substitutions of ions into an apatitic lattice may result in antibacterial properties. In this study, magnesium (Mg)-, zinc (Zn)-, and silicon (Si)-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) were synthesized using a microwave irradiation technique. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added during the synthesis of the substituted HA as a binding agent. The synthesized Mg-, Zn-, and Si-substituted HAs were then coated onto a 316L-grade stainless-steel substrate using low-cost electrophoretic deposition (EPD), thereby avoiding exposure to high temperatures. The deposited layer thickness was measured and the structural, phase and morphological analysis were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The bacterial adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus was characterized at 30 min, 2 h and 6 h. The results showed homogeneous, uniform thickness (50–70 µm) of the substrate. FTIR and XRD showed the characteristic spectral peaks of HA, where the presence of Mg, Zn and Si changed the spectral peak intensities. The Mg–HA coating showed the least bacterial adhesion at 30 min and 2 h. In contrast, the Si–HA coating showed the least adhesion at 6 h. EPD showed an effective way to get a uniform coating on bio-grade metal implants, where ionic-substituted HA appeared as alternative coating material compared to conventional HA and showed the least bacterial adhesion.
An Accurate FPGA Online Delay Monitor Supporting All Timing Paths

Accurate circuit delay measurement is essential for various purposes such as aging detection, health monitoring, and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling. State-of-the-art measurement techniques exhibit several limitations. For example, they are insufficiently informative by only returning binary results on the status of the circuit being normal or abnormal. More importantly, current approaches are not applicable for measuring the delay of timing paths that end with DSPs and BRAMs. To address the issues, we propose a novel online delay monitor (ODM) for modern FPGA platforms that (1) accurately returns the numerical delay values, (2) and is compatible with all types of timing paths in FPGAs. Our proposed ODM is achieved by employing a shadow register triggered by the output signal of a combinational circuit to sample a phase shifting clock. Besides, our design is capable of conveniently measuring the clock jitters, so we are able to propose an associated jitter management scheme to ensure correct ODM sampling. Experimental results show that our ODM achieves an error within 2% with respect to the ground truth.
Investigation of dynamic characteristics of rolling particle dampers

In this article, the investigation of the use of a rolling particle damper under sinusoidal excitation is described. A rolling particle damper is a type of ball vibration absorber and consists of a rotating cylinder placed on a curved track mounted on a primary system. The rotating cylinder is partially filled with granular materials. When the rotating cylinder rolls inside the curved track, the granular materials also move. The friction between the granular materials and the inside wall of the rotating cylinder results in some energy dissipation. A rolling particle damper can be adopted in a harsh environment because it can be operated in a wide temperature range. The effects of the mass ratio, the particle material, and the particle diameter on the damping performance were examined experimentally. To elucidate the behavior of the entire system in detail, a numerical solution using the discrete element method was established. The predicted damping results were compared with experimental results for various mass ratios. In addition, the effect of the frequency ratio on the highest displacement amplitude of the primary system was examined referring to the numerical results.
A Simple Yet Effective Pipeline For Radial Distortion Correction

Eliminating the radial lens distortion of an image is a crucial preprocessing step for many computer vision applications. This paper explores a simple yet effective pipeline for radial distortion correction. Different from existing state-of-the-art methods that design complex network structure and concatenate multi-branch features. Our model uses a single network without any additional supervision. We design two differentiable layers to synthesize and rectify distorted images efficiently. Based on these layers, an online data synthesis strategy, a sampling grid loss, and an image reprojection loss are proposed to improve the distortion correction accuracy. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, our model achieves the best rectification quality on both the synthetic and real distorted images with dozens of times faster inference speed. The training data and codes will be released.11https://github.com/MccreeZhao/RDCPipeline
Bayesian mixture modelling of the high-energy photon counts collected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope

Identifying as yet undetected high-energy sources in the γ -ray sky is one of the declared objectives of the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) Collaboration. We develop a Bayesian mixture model which is capable of disentangling the high-energy extra-galactic sources present in a given sky region from the pervasive background radiation. We achieve this by combining two model components. The first component models the emission activity of the single sources and incorporates the instrument response function of the Fermi γ -ray space telescope. The second component reliably reflects the current knowledge of the physical phenomena which underlie the γ -ray background. The model parameters are estimated using a reversible jump MCMC algorithm, which simultaneously returns the number of detected sources, their locations and relative intensities, and the background component. Our proposal is illustrated using a sample of the Fermi LAT data. In the analysed sky region, our model correctly identifies 116 sources out of the 132 present. The detection rate and the estimated directions and intensities of the identified sources are largely unaffected by the number of detected sources.
Inhibition activity of α-glucosidase by infusion and ethanol extract of white tea and stevia combination

Ethanol extract of white tea and its stevia liquor was observed for α-glukosidase inhibition. The research was divided into some steps; white tea and stevia combination hedonic sensory test, phytochemical identification, and α-glucosidase inhibition activity. The result of hedonic sensory test incline towards formula 2 which consist 75% of white tea and 25% stevia. Further, this formulation was extracted by ethanol for α-glucosidase inhibition activity test. Formulation 2 liquor tested for enzyme inhibition activity showed IC 50 value was 36,96 µg/ml, better than ethanol extract and acarbose. Phytochemical identification presented that both preparations contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenes/steroid, and quinones.
Low profile pattern switchable multiband antenna for on/off body communication

A low profile, a multifrequency microstrip patch antenna with pattern reconfiguration is reported in this paper. The proposed antenna provides both omnidirectional and directional radiation characteristics suitable for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). Pattern switching is achieved using PIN diodes. The antenna is designed to operate at multiple frequencies, viz. 0.915 GHz (Industrial Scientific & Medical band), 2.38 GHz (Medical body area network), 3.5 GHz (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access), and 5.8 GHz (Wireless Local Area Network/Industrial Scientific & Medical band). The percentage bandwidths obtained are 2.89, 1.68, 2.85, 2.16 at the operating frequencies 0.915, 2.38, 3.5, 5.8 GHz, respectively. The peak gain and total efficiencies obtained for OFF mode are 3.22/4.27/4.65/4.82 dBi, 82/85/87/89%, and in ON mode are 1.12/1.80/2.44/2.68 dBi, 65/67/71/74% at the said operating bands, respectively. The path loss model is evaluated by measuring the transmission link between the antennas on the human body. The LOS path ranges from 30 to 45 dB and the NLOS ranges from 50 to 80 dB ensuring it satisfactory for WBAN application. Then human body loading characteristics are also studied. The SAR analysis is performed and it is found to be less than 1.6 W/Kg.
Linking resource availability and heterogeneity to understorey species diversity through succession in boreal forest of Canada

Understorey vegetation comprises the majority of species diversity and contributes greatly to ecosystem functioning in boreal forests. Although patterns of understorey abundance, species diversity and composition associated with forest stand development are well researched, mechanisms driving these patterns remain largely speculative. We sampled fire‐origin stands of varying stand ages and overstorey compositions on mesic sites of the boreal forest of Canada and used structural equation modelling (SEM) to link time since fire (stand age), light availability and heterogeneity, substrate heterogeneity and soil nitrogen to understorey vegetation cover and species diversity. The most parsimonious model for total understorey cover showed a positive direct effect of stand age (r = .43) and an indirect effect via mean light level (0.18) and shrub cover (−0.11), with a positive total effect (0.50); the per cent broadleaf canopy had a direct negative effect (−0.22) and an indirect effect via shrub cover (−0.11). The model for total understorey species richness showed an indirect effect of stand age via mean light (0.24), light heterogeneity (0.10) and substrate heterogeneity (0.07), with a positive total effect (0.52); per cent broadleaf canopy had an indirect effect via light heterogeneity (0.09), and substrate heterogeneity (−0.10). Soil nitrogen did not significantly influence either understorey cover or species richness. The models for vascular plants followed similar trends to those for total understorey cover and species richness; however, there was an opposite indirect effect of light heterogeneity for both cover and species richness of non‐vascular plants. Shrub cover had positive direct and negative direct and indirect effects on both vascular and non‐vascular cover and species richness. Synthesis. Our findings indicate that understorey cover and species diversity are driven by time since disturbance, light availability as influenced by overstorey and shrub layers, but with important additional effects mediated by light and substrate heterogeneity. Non‐vascular understorey vegetation is more strongly determined by time since disturbance than vascular vegetation, and negatively affected by broadleaf tree abundance. The overall results highlight the importance of colonization, light availability and heterogeneity, substrate specialization and growth dynamics in determining successional patterns of boreal forest understorey vegetation.
Improving Cybersafety Maturity of South African Schools

This research investigated the current maturity levels of cybersafety in South African schools. The maturity level indicates if schools are prepared to assist relevant role players (teachers and learners) in establishing a cybersafety culture within the school environment. The research study measured the maturity levels of cybersafety in 24 South African schools by evaluating the four main elements that are needed to improve cybersafety within schools. These elements are (1) leadership and policies, (2) infrastructure, (3) education, and (4) standards and inspection. The study used a UK-approved measurement tool (360safe) to measure the cybersafety maturity of schools within South Africa, using five levels of compliance (Level 1: full compliance, to Level 5: no compliance). The data analysis clearly indicated that all the schools that participated in the study had a significantly low level of cybersafety maturity and compliance. Schools are starting to adopt technology as part of their educational and social approach to prepare learners for the future, but there is a clear lack of supporting cybersafety awareness, policies, practices and procedures within South African schools. The research proposed a step-by-step approach involving a ten-phase cybersafety plan to empower schools to create and grow their own cybersafety culture.
Tackling education issues and maintaining professional training during pandemic

Current pandemic has given us an opportunity to evolve and adopt newer options to improve education. Tele-teaching by utilizing video conferencing and other interactive avenues has helped us maintain continuity of teaching curriculum. A major concern is-can lectures be substituted by online class? After pandemic both online and traditional learning will go hand in hand. Keywords: Teleteaching, Online learning, Anaesthesia training.