Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Irradiation Effects on Scintillation Timing Counter with Series-connected SiPM Readout

We studied the effects of radiation damage to SiPMs on scintillation counters with series-connected SiPM readout, especially focusing on timing measurements. We measured the characteristics and performance of counters composed of a $120 \times 40 \times5~\mathrm{mm}^3$ scintillator tile read out by six SiPMs from AdvanSiD connected in series, for different combinations of samples with various levels of irradiation. First, six SiPMs were equally irradiated step by step with electrons from $^{90}$Sr sources up to a fluence of $\Phi_\mathrm{eq}\approx 3 \times 10^{9}~\mathrm{n_{1MeV}/\mathrm{cm}^2}$. The timing resolution of the counter gradually deteriorated by the increase in dark noise. The deterioration and the dark current were suppressed when the setup was cooled from 30$^\circ$C to 10$^\circ$C. Second, we studied the characteristics of series-connected SiPMs with different damage levels using the electron-irradiated samples, as well as neutron-irradiated samples. We observed a position dependence of the signal pulse height, the time response, and the timing resolution in a counter.
Catchbond mediated oscillations in motor-microtubule complexes

Generation of mechanical oscillation is ubiquitous to wide variety of intracellular processes. We show that catchbonding behaviour of motor proteins provides a generic mechanism of generating spontaneous oscillations in motor-cytoskeletal filament complexes. We obtain the phase diagram to characterize how this novel catch bond mediated mechanism can give rise to bistability and sustained limit cycle oscillations and results in very distinctive stability behaviour, including bistable and non-linearly stabilised in motor-microtubule complexes in biologically relevant regimes. Hitherto, it was thought that the primary functional role of the biological catchbond was to improve surface adhesion of bacteria and cell when subjected to external forces or flow field. Instead our theoretical study shows that the imprint of this catch bond mediated physical mechanism would have ramifications for whole gamut of intracellular processes ranging from oscillations in mitotic spindle oscillations to activity in muscle fibres.
DeepFIR: Addressing the Wireless Channel Action in Physical-Layer Deep Learning

Deep learning can be used to classify waveform characteristics (e.g., modulation) with accuracy levels that are hardly attainable with traditional techniques. Recent research has demonstrated that one of the most crucial challenges in wireless deep learning is to counteract the channel action, which may significantly alter the waveform features. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that deep learning algorithms are hardly re-trainable in real time due to their sheer size. This paper proposes DeepFIR, a framework to counteract the channel action in wireless deep learning algorithms without retraining the underlying deep learning model. The key intuition is that through the application of a carefully-optimized digital finite input response filter (FIR) at the transmitter's side, we can apply tiny modifications to the waveform to strengthen its features according to the current channel conditions. We mathematically formulate the Waveform Optimization Problem (WOP) as the problem of finding the optimum FIR to be used on a waveform to improve the classifier's accuracy. We also propose a data-driven methodology to train the FIRs directly with dataset inputs. We extensively evaluate DeepFIR on a experimental testbed of 20 software-defined radios, as well as on two datasets made up by 500 ADS-B devices and by 500 WiFi devices and a 24-class modulation dataset. Experimental results show that our approach (i) increases the accuracy of the radio fingerprinting models by about 35%, 50% and 58%; (ii) decreases an adversary's accuracy by about 54% when trying to imitate other device's fingerprints by using their filters; (iii) achieves 27% improvement over the state of the art on a 100-device dataset; (iv) increases by 2x the accuracy of the modulation dataset.
Resource Competition in a Variable Environment: Phytoplankton Growing According to Monod's Model

Theoretical models of interspecific competition often assume equilibrium in population and resource dynamics, an assumption that is often criticized. Departures from equilibrium are hypothesized to reduce interspecific competition and facilitate coexistence. When competition between two algae for one resource is modeled using Monod equations, the species that wins at equilibrium does not usually win when resources are supplied as periodic pulse, if the second competitor has the higher maximal growth rate. For model parameters typical of nitrogen and phosphorus limitation, this selection for species with high maximal growth rates is strong. A review of laboratory studies of algal competition is largely inconclusive concerning this prediction. Theory suggests, however, two reasons to doubt that selection for species with high maximal growth rates occurs by this mechanism in nature. First, when variability in resource supply occurs as sinusoidal fluctuations, rather than as pulses, selection for species with high maximal growth rates is weak. Second, when intracellular storage of resources occurs, selection for species with high maximal growth rates is also weak. Under either or- these conditions, it is common for algae that are superior competitors at equilibrium to be superior competitors under nonequilibrium conditions also. Under all conditions tested, coexistence of two competitors on one resource is less common than competitive exclusion. Lack of equilibrium may, however, be a likely explanation for species diversity in the more complicated ecosystems with more than one resource, or more than one trophic level, that are nearly universal in nature.
Crescimento, duração do ciclo e produção de inflorescências de crisântemo multiflora sob diferentes números de despontes e tamanhos de vasos

The objective of this research was to evaluate the vegetative and reproductive behavior as well as the length of growing stage of two chrysanthemum cultivars under protected environment and submitted to different number of prunings and pot sizes. The experiment was conducted from April 30 until December 12, 2003 in a greenhouse located at the University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Three pot sizes were used: 11, 15 and 20. The variance analysis for plant height and stem diameter was conducted under a bifactorial scheme: number of prunings (1a up to 31a week), for each combination of cultivar and pot size. Regarding the inflorescence production, they were considered as treatments the numbers of prunings for each pot size and chrysanthemum cultivar. The means were compared using the Tukey Test (a=5%). Plant height, stem diameter and number of inflorescences increased as the number of prunings and pot size increased, however, stem diameter decreased on both cultivars. The cultivar Veria Dark was less responsive than cultivar Papiro. In order to produce good quality plants, there is a necessity to increase the number of prunings as pot size increases. To cultivate would see them Dark and Papiro had presented good performance in the region of Santa Maria, RS, mainly with the use of four lappings of the tops of corn for the vases number 11 and five for the vases number 15 and 20, being the cycle of culture of 21 weeks in the vase number 11 and 25 weeks, in the vase number 15 and 20.
Evaluation of two plant growth regulators as chemical pruning agents for kiwifruit vines in summer

Abstract Lanolin, or a lanolin base containing 0.025, 0.1, or 1.0% naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), or 0.1% 5-(2-carboxyphenyl)-3-phenylpyrazole (CPPP), was applied to the cut ends of non-terminating kiwifruit laterals at 2 leaves distal to the last fruit at first pruning in late spring. Lanolin promoted bud break from the axillary buds on the laterals. NAA or CPPP at 0.1% in lanolin reduced shoot initiation and growth; and 1% NAA in lanolin completely inhibited axillary bud movement on laterals and reduced by c. 20% the summer pruning of strong canes (⩿15 mm basal diameter, > 2 m long) which form most (c. 90%) of the summer pruning requirement of the fruiting cane canopy. This 1% NAA treatment was applied as close as 5 cm to fruit. No residues of NAA or its metabolites were detected in the fruit. No treatment had any effect on the subsequent bud break on the 1-year-old wood in the current season.
Detection-based error mitigation using quantum autoencoders

Efficient error mitigation techniques demanding minimal resources is key to quantum information processing. We propose a protocol to mitigate quantum errors using detection-based quantum autoencoders. In our protocol, the quantum data is compressed into a latent subspace while leaving errors outside, the latter of which is then removed by a measurement. Compared to previously developed neural-network-based autoencoders, our protocol on one hand does not require extra qubits for data compression, and on the other hand can be more powerful as demonstrated in certain examples. Our detection-based quantum autoencoders are therefore particularly useful for near-term quantum devices in which controllable qubits are limited while noise reduction is important.
Analysis of Multiplicity of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in the Evolution of Triplophysa Fish (Osteichthyes: Nemacheilinae) Reveals Hypoxic Environments Adaptation to Tibetan Plateau

HIF (Hypoxia-inducible factor) gene family members function as master regulators of cellular and systemic oxygen homeostasis during changes in oxygen availability. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a natural laboratory for for long-term hypoxia and cold adaptation. In this context, T. scleroptera that is restricted to >3500 m high-altitude freshwater rivers was selected as the model to compare with a representative species from the plain, P. dabryanus. We cloned different HIF-α and carried out a phylogenetic analysis from invertebrates to vertebrates for identifying HIF-α genes and analyzing their evolutionary history. Intriguingly, the HIF-α has undergone gene duplications might be due to whole-genome duplication (WGD) events during evolution. PAML analysis indicated that HIF-1αA was subjected to positive selection acted on specific sites in Triplophysa lineages. To investigate the relationship between hypoxia adaptation and the regulation of HIF-α stability by pVHL in plateau and plain fish, a series of experiments were carried out. Comparison the luciferase transcriptional activity and protein levels of HIF-αs and the differing interactions of HIF-αs with pVHL, show clear differences between plateau and plain fish. T. scleroptera pVHL could enhance HIF-α transcriptional activity under hypoxia, and functional validation through pVHL protein mutagenesis showed that these mutations increased the stability of HIF-α and its hetero dimerization affinity to ARNT. Our research shows that missense mutations of pVHL induced evolutionary molecular adaptation in Triplophysa fishes living in high altitude hypoxic environments.
Population Dynamics Based on Size or Age? A Reef-Coral Analysis

Much of the variability in the dynamics of individuals in a population is due to differences in age or size. We simultaneously classified colonies of three coral taxa into age and size classes and found that virtually every size class contained colonies that were both young and old. Rates of growth and survival of colonies were measured in order to examine, for the first time for an animal population, the influence of age on growth and survival regardless of size, and vice versa. Size effects were stronger, but the age of the colony also had a significant impact on growth rates of the colony in two of the three taxa. Age effects independent of size were also found. Specifically, old small colonies died more often and grew more slowly than younger corals of the same size. Although biologists have traditionally viewed size and age as alternative ways of classifying populations, models based on simultaneous analyses of size and age may provide greater insight into the dynamics of organisms with highly variable rates of development.
Effects of Dietary Fat Profile on Gut Microbiota in Valproate Animal Model of Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability which may cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Besides certain essential symptoms, a lot of ASD individuals also suffer the comorbidity of gut microbiota dysbiosis, which possibly causes a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties. Interestingly, evidence has indicated that behavioral output may be modulated through the communication between the central nervous system and gut microbiota via the gut-brain axis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are structurally and functionally crucial components for the brain, and the state of n-3 PUFAs also affects the gut microbiota. However, how varying intake ratios of n-3/n6 PUFAs affect the gut microbiota composition in ASDs is not well-understood. Pregnant female Wistar rats with intraperitoneal administration of valproate acid (VPA) at embryonic day (E) 12.5 and their male offspring were grouped and fed three diets: a control chow (VPA group), omega-3 deficient (A group), and n-3/n6 (1:5) diet (B group). The diet of pregnant female Wistar rats with intraperitoneal administration of saline and their male offspring was a control chow (normal group). Microbial composition and species abundance were investigated accordingly by the 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomics analysis on the fecal samples. Results showed that fecal microbial abundance was decreased because of VPA administration in the period of pregnancy, and the changing pattern of gut microbiota was similar to that reported in ASD patients. Furthermore, the n-3/n6 (1:5) diet increased the fecal microbial abundance and decreased the elevated Firmicutes. In conclusion, n-3/n6 PUFAs (1:5) diet supplementation may alter gut microbiota composition in VPA-exposed rats. This study put forward a new strategy for the intervention and treatment of autism by n-3/n-6 PUFAs ratio supplementation intakes.
Functional Landscape of Dysregulated MicroRNAs in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Implications

MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is associated with the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and its elucidation could potentially provide information on patient outcome. A growing body of translational research on miRNA biology is focusing on precision oncology, aiming to decode the miRNA regulatory network in the development and progression of cancer. Tissue-specific expression and stable presence in all body fluids are unique features of miRNAs, which could be potentially exploited in the clinical setting. Recent understanding of miRNA properties has led them to be useful, attractive, and potential tools either as biomarkers (distinct miRNA expression signature) for diagnosis and prognostic outcomes or as targets for novel therapeutic entities, enabling personalized treatment for OSCC. In this review, we discuss recent research on different aspects of alterations in miRNA profiles along with their clinical significance and strive to identify probable potential miRNA biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC. We also discuss the current understanding and scope of development of miRNA-based therapeutics against OSCC.
Preschool Wheezing: Trajectories and Long-Term Treatment

Wheezing is very common in infancy affecting one in three children during the first 3 years of life. Several wheeze phenotypes have been identified and most rely on temporal pattern of symptoms. Assessing the risk of asthma development is difficult. Factors predisposing to onset and persistence of wheezing such as breastfeeding, atopy, indoor allergen exposure, environmental tobacco smoke and viral infections are analyzed. Inhaled corticosteroids are recommended as first choice of controller treatment in all preschool children irrespective of phenotype, but they are particularly beneficial in terms of fewer exacerbations in atopic children. Other therapeutic options include the addition of montelukast or the intermittent use of inhaled corticosteroids. Overuse of inhaled steroids must be avoided. Therefore, adherence to treatment and correct administration of the medications need to be checked at every visit.
Dissociation of Caloric and Video Head Impulse Tests in Patients With Delayed Endolymphatic Hydrops

Delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) represents a rare clinical entity characterized by intermittent vertigo attacks mimicking those of Ménière's disease (MD) in a patient with a prior sensorineural hearing loss. Some vestibular tests have been employed in patients with DEH. These tests provide useful diagnostic information and facilitate clinical decision-making. Here, we retrospectively studied the features of video head impulse test (vHIT) and examined its relationship with caloric test used in DEH patients. Included in this study were 17 patients with ipsilateral DEH and 2 with contralateral DEH. Among them, 73.7% (14/19) showed abnormal caloric test response (76.5% in ipsilateral DEH and 50% in contralateral DEH). Meanwhile, only 15.8% (3/19) of patients yielded abnormal horizontal vHIT results (11.8% in ipsilateral DEH and 50% in contralateral DEH). Abnormal caloric response in the presence of a preserved vHIT was common in DEH patients, especially those with ipsilateral DEH. This dissociation might be a distinctive pattern of vestibular deficit in DEH.
Emerging Roles of Activity-Dependent Alternative Splicing in Homeostatic Plasticity

Homeostatic plasticity refers to the ability of neuronal networks to stabilize their activity in the face of external perturbations. Most forms of homeostatic plasticity ultimately depend on changes in the expression or activity of ion channels and synaptic proteins, which may occur at the gene, transcript, or protein level. The most extensively investigated homeostatic mechanisms entail adaptations in protein function or localization following activity-dependent posttranslational modifications. Numerous studies have also highlighted how homeostatic plasticity can be achieved by adjusting local protein translation at synapses or transcription of specific genes in the nucleus. In comparison, little attention has been devoted to whether and how alternative splicing (AS) of pre-mRNAs underlies some forms of homeostatic plasticity. AS not only expands proteome diversity but also contributes to the spatiotemporal dynamics of mRNA transcripts. Prominent in the brain where it can be regulated by neuronal activity, it is a flexible process, tightly controlled by a multitude of factors. Given its extensive use and versatility in optimizing the function of ion channels and synaptic proteins, we argue that AS is ideally suited to achieve homeostatic control of neuronal output. We support this thesis by reviewing emerging evidence linking AS to various forms of homeostatic plasticity: homeostatic intrinsic plasticity, synaptic scaling, and presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. Further, we highlight the relevance of this connection for brain pathologies.
Bias in Using an Age–Length Key to Estimate Age-Frequency Distributions

Consider two representative samples of fish taken in different years from the same fish population, this being a population in which year-class strength varies. For the "parental" sample the length and age of the fish are determined and are used to construct an "age–length key," the fractions of the fish in each (short) length interval that are of each age. For the "filial" sample only the length is measured, and the parental age–length key is used to compute the corresponding age distribution. Trials show that the age–length key will reproduce the age-frequency distribution of the filial sample without systematic bias only if there is no overlap in length between successive ages. Where there is much overlap, the age–length key will compute from the filial length-frequency distribution approximately the parental age distribution. Additional bias arises if the rate of growth if a year-class is affected by its abundance, or if the survival rate in the population changes. The length of the fish present in an.
Unresolved Complexity in the Gene Regulatory Network Underlying EMT

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process whereby a polarized epithelial cell ceases to maintain cell-cell contacts, loses expression of characteristic epithelial cell markers, and acquires mesenchymal cell markers and properties such as motility, contractile ability, and invasiveness. A complex process that occurs during development and many disease states, EMT involves a plethora of transcription factors (TFs) and signaling pathways. Whilst great advances have been made in both our understanding of the progressive cell-fate changes during EMT and the gene regulatory networks that drive this process, there are still gaps in our knowledge. Epigenetic modifications are dynamic, chromatin modifying enzymes are vast and varied, transcription factors are pleiotropic, and signaling pathways are multifaceted and rarely act alone. Therefore, it is of great importance that we decipher and understand each intricate step of the process and how these players at different levels crosstalk with each other to successfully orchestrate EMT. A delicate balance and fine-tuned cooperation of gene regulatory mechanisms is required for EMT to occur successfully, and until we resolve the unknowns in this network, we cannot hope to develop effective therapies against diseases that involve aberrant EMT such as cancer. In this review, we focus on data that challenge these unknown entities underlying EMT, starting with EMT stimuli followed by intracellular signaling through to epigenetic mechanisms and chromatin remodeling.
Strength Improvements of Different 10-Week Multicomponent Exercise Programs in Elderly Women

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of various muscle strength sessions performed during 10 weeks physical conditioning programs and 4 weeks of detraining on the physical conditioning, body composition and hematology of elderly women. 48 women were randomly distributed in four groups: a physical conditioning group (PCG; n = 12) with two sessions per week; a PCG with an extra-session focus on hypertrophy (PCGH; n = 12), a PCG with an extra-session in a shallow pool (PCGP; n = 12); and a control group (CG; n = 12). PCGH achieved a significant increase in Abalakov. Significant differences between the CG and the other groups were found in Countermovement Jump. There were significant improvements in the chair-stand test in the PCG and PCGH. The training programs suspected improvements in HDL, LDL, baseline glucose and glycated hemoglobin. In conclusion, a training program with an extra-session focus on hypertrophy achieved a greater improvement in strength in elderly women.