Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FiNN: A toolbox for neurophysiological network analysis

In recent years, neuroscience has seen a shift from localist approaches to network-wide investigations of brain function. Neurophysiological signals across different spatial and temporal scales provide an informative insight into neural communication. However, additional methodological considerations arise when investigating network-wide brain dynamics rather than local effects. Specifically, larger amounts of data, investigated across a higher dimensional space, are necessary. Here, we present FiNN (Find Neurophysiological Networks), a novel toolbox for the analysis of neurophysiological data with a focus on functional and effective connectivity. FiNN provides a wide range of data processing methods, introduces new methodological developments to acquire efficient and reliable connectivity estimates that build on already existing concepts, and statistical and visualization tools to facilitate inspection of connectivity estimates and the resulting metrics of brain dynamics. The toolbox is freely available in Python (https://github.com/neurophysiological-analysis/FiNN), and complemented by online documentation (https://neurophysiological-analysis.github.io/FiNN/). To highlight the properties of our toolbox, we evaluated FiNN against a number of established frameworks on both a conceptual and an implementation level. We found FiNN to require much less processing time and memory than other toolboxes. In addition, FiNN adheres to a design philosophy of easy access and modifiability, while providing efficient data processing implementations. Since the investigation of network-level neural dynamics is experiencing increasing interest, we place FiNN at the disposal of the neuroscientific community as open-source software. Highlights - Investigation of network-wide brain dynamics requires specialized software. - We provide a toolbox to ease the pre-processing and analysis steps of the investigation. - FiNN requires less processing time and memory in comparison to other toolboxes. - Extensive documentation facilitates usage by users from various technical backgrounds.
Update on Efficacy of Conservative Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common upper extremity compression neuropathy. Non-operative interventions are usually the first-line treatments, and surgery is reserved for those that do not achieve a satisfactory symptom state by non-operative means. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence regarding the efficacy of orthoses, corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma injections, Kinesio taping, neurodynamic techniques, gabapentin, therapeutic ultrasound, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy in people with CTS. While many trials suggest small short-term benefits, rigorous evidence of long-term patient-important benefits is limited. To improve the utility of healthcare resources, research in this area should focus on establishing efficacy of each treatment instead of comparing various treatments with uncertain benefits.
Constitutive Activation of p62/Sequestosome-1-Mediated Proteaphagy Regulates Proteolysis and Impairs Cell Death in Bortezomib-Resistant Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Simple Summary To decipher the molecular mechanism underlying the resistance of a significant fraction of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients to the first-in-class proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ), we have characterized the ubiquitin-related proteome (i.e., ubiquitome) of a set of MCL cell lines with different degrees of sensitivity to the drug by coupling a tandem ubiquitin-binding entity (TUBE) approach to mass spectrometry, followed by phenotypic and functional validations in both in vitro and in vivo models of MCL. We identified an enrichment of autophagy–lysosome system (ALS) components in BTZ-resistant cells, which was associated with constitutive intracellular inactivation of proteasome subunits by a process called proteaphagy. Blockade of this phenomenon by the pharmacological or genetic inactivation of the autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1 reactivated normal proteasomal activity and restored the BTZ antitumor effect in in vitro and in vivo models of BTZ resistance. Abstract Protein ubiquitylation coordinates crucial cellular events in physiological and pathological conditions. A comparative analysis of the ubiquitin proteome from bortezomib (BTZ)-sensitive and BTZ-resistant mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) revealed an enrichment of the autophagy–lysosome system (ALS) in BTZ-resistant cells. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy at the level of lysosome-fusion revealed a constitutive activation of proteaphagy and accumulation of proteasome subunits within autophagosomes in different MCL cell lines with acquired or natural resistance to BTZ. Inhibition of the autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1 upon verteporfin (VTP) treatment disrupted proteaphagosome assembly, reduced co-localization of proteasome subunits with autophagy markers and negatively impacted proteasome activity. Finally, the silencing or pharmacological inhibition of p62 restored the apoptosis threshold at physiological levels in BTZ-resistant cells both in vitro and in vivo. In total, these results demonstrate for the first time a proteolytic switch from the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) to ALS in B-cell lymphoma refractory to proteasome inhibition, pointing out a crucial role for proteaphagy in this phenomenon and paving the way for the design of alternative therapeutic venues in treatment-resistant tumors.
MDD4REST: Model-Driven Methodology for Developing RESTful Web Services

: Web services based on the REpresentational State Transfer (REST) architectural style have become increasingly popular in recent years. REST provides several desirable features, such as simplicity and scalability; however, developing RESTful web services involves repetitive and trivial tasks that can be avoided through automatic code generation. Model-Driven Development (MDD) can be used to this aim, as it facilitates the construction of complex applications and can provide automatic code generation through transformations of models. This paper presents MDD4REST as a model-driven methodology, consisting of a framework and a process, for developing RESTful web services. MDD4REST takes advantage of Domain-Driven Design (DDD) to produce a rich domain model for web services. It provides an effective method for designing RESTful web services using modeling languages, and supports automatic code generation through transformation of models. In addition, MDD4REST has the capability to support modern web architectures and patterns, such as Microservice, Event-Driven, and CQRS.
Experimental and numerical study of a two-stroke poppet valve engine fuelled with gasoline and ethanol

The restrictions imposed by CO2 emission standards in Europe and many countries have promoted the development of more efficient spark ignition engines. The reduced swept volume and number of cylinders of four-stroke engines has significantly improved fuel economy by means of lower pumping and friction losses. This approach, known as engine downsizing, has demonstrated its potential of reducing fuel consumption on its own as well as applied to hybrid vehicles where a low weight engine is desired. However, aggressive engine downsizing is currently constrained by thermal and mechanical stresses and knocking combustion. In order to overcome these limitations, the present work evaluates the application of a conventional poppet valve direct injection engine into the two-stroke cycle. Two-stroke engines have the ability to produce higher power with reduced swept volume and less weight than four-stroke engines thanks to the doubled firing frequency. These advantages, although, are sometimes offset by poorer emissions resulted from fuel short-circuiting; lower thermal efficiency resulted from short expansion process; and reduced engine durability due to lubrication issues. Therefore, in this research the four-stroke engine architecture was employed so these shortcomings could be addressed by the use of direct fuel injection, variable valve actuation and a wet crankcase, respectively. The burnt gases were scavenged during a long valve overlap by means of boosted air supplied by an external compressor. An electrohydraulic fully-variable valve train enabled the optimisation of the gas exchange process in a variety of engine operating conditions. The air-fuel mixture formation was evaluated through computational fluid dynamic simulations and correlated to experimental tests. In addition, the engine operation with ethanol was assessed in a wide range of engine loads and speeds. Finally, the engine performance, combustion process, air-fuel mixing and gas exchange results were presented, discussed and contextualised with current four-stroke engines.
MA-ResNet50: A General Encoder Network for Video Segmentation

: To improve the performance of segmentation networks on video streaming, most researchers now use optical-ﬂow based method and non optical-ﬂow CNN based method. The former suffers from heavy computational cost and high latency while the latter suffers from poor applicability and versatility. In this paper, we design a Partial Channel Memory Attention module (PCMA) to store and fuse time series features from video sequences.Then, we propose a Memory Attention ResNet50 network (MA-ResNet50) by combining the PCMA module with ResNet50, making it the ﬁrst video based feature extraction encoder appliable for most of the currently proposed segmentation networks. For experiments, we combine our MA-ResNet50 with four acknowledged per-frame segmentation networks: DeeplabV3P, PSPNet, SFNet, and DNLNet. The results show that our MA-ResNet50 outperforms the original ResNet50 generally in these 4 networks on VSPW and CamVid. Our method also achieves state-of-the-art accuracy on CamVid. The code is avilable at https://github.com/xiaotianliu01/MA-Resnet50 .
Airway wall deformation under smooth muscle contraction

The objective of this thesis is the development and evaluation of a mathematical model that captures the deformation behavior of the human airway under smooth muscle contraction. The problem consists of a multilayered circular cylindrical tube subjected to an active contractile stress generated by the smooth muscle layer. The problem formulation assumes axisymmetric deformation for an incompressible isotropic neo-Hookean material. The model is formulated as fully nonlinear and accommodates large deformation, since these are expected in the human airway and other soft biological materials. The equilibrium equations are obtained, as well as the strain-displacement relationship, boundary conditions, and constitutive equations that describe the contractile stress for neo-Hookean hyperelastic solids. The main focus of the project is to obtain the change in airway caliber after a prescribed contractile stress is introduced in the smooth muscle layer. A MATLAB code was written to numerically solve the resulting nonlinear algebraic equation, which obtains the change in airway caliber. The code allows the user to analyze and change the material parameters that govern the solution, as well as input different dimensions for the multilayer cylinder. In the deformation of the airway, the lung parenchyma plays a very important role in preventing full closure of the airway. Here, the lung parenchyma is treated as an infinitely large continuous solid, in which the airway is embedded. The airway generations selected for further investigation are generations 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. For the lung parenchyma infinite domain assumption, the percent airway caliber change for the critical contractile stresses of the airway generations were 23.86%, 23.68%, 23.95%, 24.56%, and 25.51% for generations 0,4,8,12, and 16, respectively. The mathematical model does not account for the buckling that is observed in the deformation of the human airway, since the deformation is assumed to be axisymmetric. When the contractile stress in the smooth muscle layer exceeds a certain value, the airway buckles and folds. Therefore, finite element simulations were conducted using ABAQUS software to determine the critical contractile stress at which the airway will buckle. Buckling analyses were performed in order to obtain the buckling modes of the airway, as well as the critical load that will cause the it to buckle, for airway generations 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. The critical load in which the airway buckles and folds for these generations of the airway are 1.755 kPa, 1.572 kPa, 1.493 kPa, 1.426 kPa, and 1.374 kPa respectively. Contractile stresses used in the analytical model that are larger than the critical buckling loads will provide invalid results since the assumptions made to develop the model will no longer be valid. After the buckling analysis, the first buckling mode is introduced in a post buckling analysis in order to obtain the average change in caliber and the active contractile stresses.
Equivalence Check of Op 't Land's and Paul's Field-to-Line Coupling Solutions

Paul studied the coupling of arbitrary electromagnetic fields to multiconductor transmission lines (MTLs) in vacuum in his book on MTL theory. Op 't Land studied the coupling of plane waves to printed circuit board (PCB) traces.This technical paper corroborates the equivalence of Op 't Land's and Paul's solutions.
Practitioner's Section Chemical industry activity as a leading indicator of the business cycle

In the study of economic fluctuations, many industries have been found to lead or lag the over all business cycle. When an industry (or some of its products) consistently leads the economy’s busi ness cycle, a leading indicator or barometer can be developed from measures of that industry’s activ ity. The indicator can be used to assess turning points in the economy’s business cycle. These turn ing points are the business cycle peaks and troughs that the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) uses to identify the economy’s recessions and expansions or downturns and upturns. Activ ity in the chemical industry has been found to lead that in the overall economy. This paper provides an overview of a Chemical Activity Barometer (CAB) that is a leading indicator which can be used to anticipate the peaks and troughs in the US econ omy’s business cycle.
14-3-3 Dysfunction in Dorsal Hippocampus CA1 (dCA1) Induces Psychomotor Behavior via a dCA1-Lateral Septum-Ventral Tegmental Area Pathway

While hippocampal hyperactivity is implicated in psychosis by both human and animal studies, whether it induces a hyperdopaminergic state and the underlying neural circuitry remains elusive. Previous studies established that region-specific inhibition of 14-3-3 proteins in the dorsal hippocampus CA1 (dCA1) induces schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice, including a novelty-induced locomotor hyperactivity. In this study, we showed that 14-3-3 dysfunction in the dCA1 over-activates ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons, and such over-activation is necessary for eliciting psychomotor behavior in mice. We demonstrated that such hippocampal dysregulation of the VTA during psychomotor behavior is dependent on an over-activation of the lateral septum (LS), given that inhibition of the LS attenuates over-activation of dopaminergic neurons and psychomotor behavior induced by 14-3-3 inhibition in the dCA1. Moreover, 14-3-3 inhibition-induced neuronal activations within the dCA1-LS-VTA pathway and psychomotor behavior can be reproduced by direct chemogenetic activation of LS-projecting dCA1 neurons. Collectively, these results suggest that 14-3-3 dysfunction in the dCA1 results in hippocampal hyperactivation which leads to psychomotor behavior via a dCA1-LS-VTA pathway.
The business excellence models and business strategy

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of using the EFQM model in Czech companies on business success. The study is based on primary data collected from top managers of selected 477 Czech private companies which are incorporated and located in the Czech Republic. Primary data were collected by the method of oral questioning. The companies under research were selected with the method of non-probability purposive sampling, or more precisely by assumption and occasional selection. The research was carried out in the Czech Republic between October 2018 and January 2019. The relationships are analyzed using relevant regression techniques. From the results generated by research methodology, the EFQM model has a very important weight and plays a key role in the strategic planning of the company. This fact is confirmed by the high direct effect, as well as by the high indirect effect between both variables. These results indicate that the using of the EFQM model constitutes a key piece in the strategic planning of the company to achieve of business success.
Citreobenzofuran D–F and Phomenone A–B: Five Novel Sesquiterpenoids from the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. HDN13-494

Five new sesquiterpenoids, citreobenzofuran D–F (1–3) and phomenone A–B (4–5), along with one known compound, xylarenone A (6), were isolated from the culture of the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. HDN13-494. Their structures were deduced from extensive spectroscopic data, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Furthermore, the absolute structures of 1 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Citreobenzofuran E–F (2–3) are eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids with rare benzofuran frameworks, while phomenone A (4) contains a rare thiomethyl group, which is the first report of this kind of sesquiterpene with sulfur elements in the skeleton. All the compounds were tested for their antimicrobial and antitumor activity, and phomenone B (5) showed moderate activity against Bacillus subtilis, with an MIC value of 6.25 μM.
Indirect effects of lightning on aircraft engine

This paper presents a new approach for simulating the indirect effects of a lightning impact on an aircraft engine. Based on macro-modelling, it performs a model reduction, in a similar way as "stick models", but using a patch support instead. This new macro finite element space allows for fast resolution of the quasi-static lightning injection problem.
A powered self-contained knee and ankle prosthesis for near normal gait in transfemoral amputees.

To my wife and son iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Reflecting upon my graduate career, I am deeply grateful to the many people whose help, insight, and guidance has brought me to where I am at today. I would first like to thank Dr. Ty Newell, who helped a former student find his direction and motivated him to enter graduate school. Next, I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Michael Goldfarb for taking me on as a student and sharing his knowledge and insight over the duration of my graduate career. He has taught me to think creatively and independently and has given me an invaluable tool set to tackle complex problems. I would also like to express my appreciation to the members of my dissertation committee, Dr. The sum is greater than the parts. This has certainly proven to be true of my collaboration on this work with the soon to be Dr. Atakan Varol. His rigor and genius helped keep the project on track and above expectations. I look forward to seeing the fruition of his work beyond graduation. All the members of the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics during my time here have been integral and deserve special recognition. The lab fosters a collaborative environment that allows all of the members to push beyond their bounds. I thank Dr. Thomas Withrow and Jason Mitchell who have been invaluable for their advice and assistance. A special thanks goes to Craig who went above and beyond in helping us test and who without the project could not have gone so far. It almost goes without saying that I am incredibly grateful to my entire family for their unfailing love, support, confidence and encouragement. I would especially like to thank my parents for everything they iv have done for me over the years. I thank them for pushing me to excel, for teaching me to love learning and for encouraging me to be a better person. Most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the incredible tolerance and patience displayed by my wife, Lara, during my graduate career. It has not been easy, but she has made it fun. Her continuous love, support and sacrifice has helped make this dream a reality. She helps me to find the best in myself and I look forward to taking on the next challenge with her by my side. Finally, I thank my son, Frank, for keeping …
Review of Silicon Carbide Processing for Power MOSFET

Owing to the superior properties of silicon carbide (SiC), such as higher breakdown voltage, higher thermal conductivity, higher operating frequency, higher operating temperature, and higher saturation drift velocity, SiC has attracted much attention from researchers and the industry for decades. With the advances in material science and processing technology, many power applications such as new smart energy vehicles, power converters, inverters, and power supplies are being realized using SiC power devices. In particular, SiC MOSFETs are generally chosen to be used as a power device due to their ability to achieve lower on-resistance, reduced switching losses, and high switching speeds than the silicon counterpart and have been commercialized extensively in recent years. A general review of the critical processing steps for manufacturing SiC MOSFETs, types of SiC MOSFETs, and power applications based on SiC power devices are covered in this paper. Additionally, the reliability issues of SiC power MOSFET are also briefly summarized.
FAULT LOCATION IDENTIFICATION FOR A VSC-HVDC SYSTEM WITH A LONG HYBRID TRANSMISSION MEDIUM

Electrical energy transmission technologies are evolving as the need for sustainable energy resources continues to increase. HVDC transmission systems are becoming more prominent in power system design and operation, due to their superior performance in transmitting large amounts of power over long distances, which is needed in applications such as offshore wind farm developments. Research activities for HVDC systems are being pursuit to further improve their operation, reliability, quality, and costs. One particular aspect of improving HVDC systems is the efficient and economic maintenance of the system during post-disturbance conditions, which makes the problem of identifying the exact fault location on the line a critical issue. Fault location can be determined by using fault locators, which rely on sending a signal and using the reflected wave of that signal to determine the exact fault location. However, fault locators may cause further damage to the line and lack the ability to locate temporary faults. Locating temporary faults could be useful in determining weak points of the system, in order to do preventative maintenance, which improves the reliability of the system. Therefore, the technique of locating faults using fault transient data has emerged. Also, fault locators lack the ability to locate faults in a hybrid DC line system, where the transmission medium consists of segments of both underground cables and overhead lines, when using only terminal measurements. Therefore, solving the fault location problem utilizing transient data recorded at the terminals in systems of two and three different transmission medium segments is investigated in this thesis for an HVDC system with voltage source converters (VSC), as a means to demonstrate improved post-disturbance efficiency.