Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activin A Limits VEGF-Induced Permeability via VE-PTP

The clinical success of neutralizing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has unequivocally identified VEGF as a driver of retinal edema that underlies a variety of blinding conditions. VEGF is not the only input that is received and integrated by the endothelium. For instance, the permeability of blood vessels is also regulated by the large and ubiquitously expressed transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family. In this project, we tested the hypothesis that members of the TGF-β family influence the VEGF-mediated control of the endothelial cell barrier. To this end, we compared the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9), TGF-β1, and activin A on the VEGF-driven permeability of primary human retinal endothelial cells. While BMP-9 and TGF-β1 had no effect on VEGF-induced permeability, activin A limited the extent to which VEGF relaxed the barrier. This activin A effect was associated with the reduced activation of VEGFR2 and its downstream effectors and an increased expression of vascular endothelial tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP). Attenuating the expression or activity of VE-PTP overcame the effect of activin A. Taken together, these observations indicate that the TGF-β superfamily governed VEGF-mediated responsiveness in a ligand-specific manner. Furthermore, activin A suppressed the responsiveness of cells to VEGF, and the underlying mechanism involved the VE-PTP-mediated dephosphorylation of VEGFR2.
Static-output feedback controller design for a class of nonlinear networked control systems with random delay and data packet dropout

ABSTRACT In this paper, the problems of stability and stabilization are investigated for a class of nonlinear networked control systems (NCSs) in the presence of random delay. First, network-induced random delay is modelled as a Markov chain, and the resulting closed-loop system is transformed into a Markovian jump system. Then, sufficient conditions for stochastic stability and stabilization of the underlying systems are derived via a new linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) formulation. Moreover, the stabilizing output feedback controller design is achieved by assuming some elements in the transition probability matrix to be unknown or unavailable because of the complexity of the network. Finally, numerical examples and simulations are carried out to show the usefulness of the designed controller.
Investigating the Electromechanical Properties of Carbon Black-Based Conductive Polymer Composites via Stochastic Modeling

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have shown potential for structural health monitoring applications based on repeated findings of irreversible transducer electromechanical property change due to fatigue. In this research, a high-fidelity stochastic modeling framework is explored for predicting the electromechanical properties of spherical element-based CPC materials at bulk scales. CPC dogbone specimens are manufactured via casting and their electromechanical properties are characterized via uniaxial tensile testing. Model parameter tuning, demonstrated in previous works, is deployed for improved simulation fidelity. Modeled predictions are found in agreement with experimental results and compared to predictions from a popular analytical model in the literature.
Challenges and solutions to the defect-centric modeling and circuit simulation of time-dependent variability

Time-Dependent Variability (TDV) phenomena represent a serious concern for device and circuit reliability. To address the TDV impact at circuit level, Reliability-Aware Design (RAD) tools can be used by circuit designers to achieve more reliable circuits. However, this is not a straightforward task, since the development of RAD tools comprises several steps such as the characterization, modeling and simulation of TDV phenomena. Furthermore, in deeply-scaled CMOS technologies, TDV reveals a stochastic nature that can complicate those steps. In this invited paper, we review some of the main challenges that appear in each step of the flow towards the development of RAD tools, providing our solutions to them.
The effects of NaOH anodization on surface properties of a bioresorbable WE43 alloy

In this study, the effect of anodization on the WE43 surface was investigated. The primary purpose was to achieve a corrosion-resistant surface that can be firmly bonded to polymers to design bioresorbable drug-eluting stents. WE43 samples were anodized at 4,5,6 volts and at different times after finding the best potential region for anodization. Potentiodynamic polarization showed that the sample anodized at 4 volts and 5 minutes had three times lower corrosion rate than the bare WE43 sample. Also, $\boldsymbol{\mathrm{R}_{\mathrm{a}}}$ and Sa values indicated that anodization increases the surface bonding ability. The formation of a thin layer of stearic acid on the surface decreased the hydrophilicity of the anodized WE43 samples leading to better corrosion properties.
Biologically Inspired Self-Organizing Computational Model to Mimic Infant Learning

Recent technological advancements have fostered human–robot coexistence in work and residential environments. The assistive robot must exhibit humane behavior and consistent care to become an integral part of the human habitat. Furthermore, the robot requires an adaptive unsupervised learning model to explore unfamiliar conditions and collaborate seamlessly. This paper introduces variants of the growing hierarchical self-organizing map (GHSOM)-based computational models for assistive robots, which constructs knowledge from unsupervised exploration-based learning. Traditional self-organizing map (SOM) algorithms have shortcomings, including finite neuron structure, user-defined parameters, and non-hierarchical adaptive architecture. The proposed models overcome these limitations and dynamically grow to form problem-dependent hierarchical feature clusters, thereby allowing associative learning and symbol grounding. Infants can learn from their surroundings through exploration and experience, developing new neuronal connections as they learn. They can also apply their prior knowledge to solve unfamiliar problems. With infant-like emergent behavior, the presented models can operate on different problems without modifications, producing new patterns not present in the input vectors and allowing interactive result visualization. The proposed models are applied to the color, handwritten digits clustering, finger identification, and image classification problems to evaluate their adaptiveness and infant-like knowledge building. The results show that the proposed models are the preferred generalized models for assistive robots.
Stochastic modelling of intermittent scrape-off layer plasma fluctuations

In the tokamak scrape-off layer, radial motion of blob-like structures is the dominant mechanism for transport of particles and heat. Fixed point probe measurements in the Tokamak à Configuration Variable scrape-off layer reveal highly intermittent fluctuations in the ion saturation current. These measurements are well described by a shot noise process with exponential pulse shapes, exponentially distributed pulse amplitude and pulses arriving according to a Poisson process. The statistical properties of this shot noise process is explored in this thesis. Characteristic functions and probability density functions of the shot noise process have been derived, as well as the joint probability density function between the resulting signal and its derivative. These probability density functions have then been used to derive a general model for the excess statistics of a shot noise process. This model has been explored using synthetically generated shot noise time series. Synthetically generated shot noise time series have also been used to compare results of conditional averaging using various pulse amplitude and waiting time distributions, as well as different pulse shapes. While the pulse shape is well preserved after conditional averaging, the pulse waiting time and amplitude distributions are not. Excess time statistics have been analyzed for the ion saturation current measured by a Langmuir probe at a fixed point in the Tokamak à Configuration Variable scrape-off layer. The general model gives a qualitatively better fit to the data from the measurements than the normal limit does. Probability density functions of the time above threshold per upcrossing have been computed, and reveal exponential tails. It is found that both the average time above threshold per upcrossing and the root mean square value of the time above threshold per upcrossing have very slow decay for large threshold values, underlining the importance of intermittent fluctuations for plasma-wall interactions for tokamak plasmas.
Quantitative comparison of estimations for the density within pedestrian streams

In this work, the precision of estimators for the density within unidirectional pedestrian streams is evaluated. The analysis is done in controllable systems where the density is homogeneous and all the characteristics are known. The objectives are to estimate the global density with local measurements or density profile at high spatial resolution with no bias and low fluctuations. The classical estimation using discrete numbers of observed pedestrians is compared to continuous estimators using spacing distance, Voronoi diagram, Gaussian kernel as well as maximum likelihood. Mean squared error and bias of the estimators are calculated from empirical data and Monte Carlo experiments. The results show quantitatively how continuous approaches improve the precision of the estimations.
Thermal Stress and Failure Location Analysis for Through Silicon via in 3D Integration

Through silicon via (TSV) is the critical structure for three dimensional (3D) integration, which provides vertical interconnection between stacking dies. In TSV structure, large coefficient differences of thermal expansion exist between silicon substrate, dielectric material, and filled metal. Due to the large thermal mismatch, the high thermal stress occurring at the interface of different materials would result in delamination. Therefore, thermal-mechanical reliability is a key issue for 3D integration. In this study, we investigated the thermal-mechanical stress distribution of TSV under the condition of the accelerated thermal cycling loading by finite element analysis based on a 3D model of TSV structure. Due to the thermal expansion, that the TSV structure squeezed the surface area between TSVs at a high temperature resulted in compressive stresses at the surface area between TSVs. Therefore, a proper distance between the stress-sensitive device and the TSV should be kept. The stress analysis shows that the maximum thermal stress occurs in the outside region of TSV interface and in the annular region of TSV at a high temperature and at a low temperature, respectively. This study helps to obtain a clear thermal stress distribution of TSV and possible failure regions can be determined.
The Mean-Meridional Transport Circulation of the Troposphere in an Idealized GCM

Abstract Large numbers of particle trajectories are used to characterize the mean-meridional transport circulation of an idealized general circulation model (GCM). The GCM has a uniform land surface, no topography or land–sea contrasts, and no seasonal cycle. The trajectories are analyzed using both Lagrangian-mean statistics and an approach based on the Green's function of the tracer transport equation. It is shown that the distribution of particle trajectories provides an estimate of the ensemble-mean Green's function for the inviscid transport equation. Lagrangian means have a number of problems that render their interpretation difficult, including boundary effects and selection of the appropriate averaging period. The Green's function, on the other hand, provides a quantitative description of the transport circulation that is easy to visualize and interpret. The results demonstrate that within the idealized model the atmosphere can be divided into three parts: the Southern Hemisphere extratropics, the.
Cardioprotective Effects of Insect Apis melifera-Based Complementary Foods Using an In Vivo Mouse Model

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the cause of one-third of deaths worldwide because of increased risk factors, such as intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood; therefore, nutritional prevention should begin at an early stage. This study assessed the lipid profile, atherogenic, and castill’s risk index intake of Apis melifera-based complementary foods using an in vivo mouse model. Methods. The experiment was conducted for 28 days. A total of 75 male white albino mice were randomly assigned to five diets in triplicate. The diets were Diet 1 = casein diet; Diet 2 = (57% maize, 29% teff, 14% soybean); Diet 3 = (58% maize, 29% teff, 13% bee larvae); Diet 4 = commercial wean mix; Diet 5 = basal diet alone. Mouse blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. The lipid profiles of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C were analysed using an automated pentra C400 made in France. Results. Biochemical (mg/dl) parameters showed that mice fed Diet 3 had high ( P ≤ 0.001), TG (167.79), HDL-C (67.18), and low LDL-C (71.73) levels. The atherogenic indices CRI-I (1.84), CRI-II (1.07), and AC (0.84) were low in Diet 3. The atherogenicity indices showed a significant positive correlation ( P ≤ 0.001) with one another as follows: CRI-I vs. CRI-II (r = 0.919), CRI-I vs. AC (r = 1), and CRI-II vs. AC (r = 0.919). Conclusion. The results of the present investigation confirm that intake of an Apis mellifera-based diet could prevent children from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a mouse model.
Towards Understanding the Physics of Gate Switching Instability in Silicon Carbide MOSFETs

Bias temperature instability (BTI) is a well-investigated degradation mechanism in technologies based on silicon, gallium nitride, or silicon carbide (SiC). Essentially, it leads to a drift in the threshold voltage and to a reduction in mobility after application of a gate bias, and becomes worse at elevated temperatures. However, as discovered recently, the threshold voltage drift of SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) has different properties than those known from BTI when the gate terminal of the device is switched in a bipolar mode. This new degradation mechanism has recently been termed gate switching instability (GSI). To further understand this degradation mechanism and the underlying physics, we have used pre- and post-stress impedance characterization and in-situ ultra-fast threshold voltage measurements. Most importantly, we show that the gate switching leads to the creation of fast, acceptor-like interface defects that lead to a shift in threshold voltage, and hence appear to be responsible for GSI.
Low density parity check codes based on finite geometries: a rediscovery

LDPC codes with iterative decoding based on belief propagation have been shown to achieve astonishing error performance. But no algebraic or geometric method has been found for constructing these codes. Codes that have been found are largely computer generated, especially long codes. In this paper, we present two classes of high rate LDPC codes whose constructions are based on the lines of two-dimensional finite Euclidean and projective geometries, respectively.
USE OF CUMULATIVE DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS IN ORDER TO ESTIMATE DAMAGE PROBABILITY

In this study, the cumulative distribution function was formed in order to estimate the probability of earthquake damage risk of the residential buildings. Nonlinear Pushover analysis was performed to 25 reinforced concrete residential buildings. The information regarding the buildings was taken from their projects. A 3D computer model was drawn for each building and analysis was applied to these models. 4 damage limits (slight, moderate, extensive and complete) and 5 damage zones (undamaged, slight, medium, extensive and collapse) were determined on the modal capacity curves of the buildings. Probability density functions were calculated with the help of lognormal mean and lognormal standard deviation values of limit states. The cumulative distribution functions were generalized and the probability of the damage was shown. With the results of this work; damage possibility can be estimated for any reinforced concrete residential building which has same features such as soil type, story height, irregularities, soft story etc.
Wealth, health and inequality in Agta foragers

Abstract Background and objectives There is significant evidence from large-scale, industrial and post-industrial societies that greater income and wealth inequality is negatively associated with both population health and increasing health inequalities. However, whether such relationships are inevitable and should be expected to impact the health of small-scale societies as they become more market-integrated is less clear. Methodology Here, using mixed-effect models, we explore the relationship between health, wealth, wealth inequality and health inequalities in a small-scale foraging population from the Philippines, the Agta. Results Across 11 camps, we find small to moderate degrees of wealth inequality (maximal Gini Coefficient 0.44) which is highest in the most permanent camps, where individuals engage more heavily in the formal market. However, in both adults (n = 161) and children (n = 215), we find little evidence that either wealth or wealth inequality associates with ill health, except for one measure of nutritional condition—red blood cell count. Conclusions and implications We interpret these results in the light of high levels of cooperation among the Agta which may buffer against the detrimental effects of wealth inequality documented in industrial and post-industrial societies. We observe little intergenerational wealth transmission, highlighting the fluid nature of wealth, and thus wealth inequality, particularly in mobile communities. The deterioration of nutritional status, as indicated by red blood cell counts, requires further investigation before concluding the Agta’s extensive cooperation networks may be beginning to breakdown in the face of increasing inequality.
A generalization of Evans' Theorem: embedding partial tricycle systems

Abstract In 1960, Trevor Evans gave a best possible embedding of a partial latin square of order n in a latin square of order t, for any t ≥ 2n. A latin square of order n is equivalent to a 3-cycle system of Kn, n, n, the complete tripartite graph. Here we consider a small embedding of partial 3k-cycle systems of Kn, n, n of a certain type which generalizes Evans' Theorem, and discuss how this relates to the embedding of patterned holes, another recent generalization of Evans' Theorem.
A Two-Stage GA-Based sEMG Feature Selection Method for User-Independent Continuous Estimation of Elbow Angles

Surface electromyography (sEMG) has great application potential in upper extremity rehabilitation exoskeleton. The accurate identification of elbow motion angle is crucial for the sEMG-controlled upper limb exoskeleton rehabilitation system. However, the existing high intersubject variability in sEMG limits the generality of the model built through learning algorithms among different subjects. Aiming at the above problem, a feature selection method based on a two-stage genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed for the accurate user-independent estimation of continuous movements. And the information theory-based minimum redundancy maximum relevance criterion serves as the fitness function to evaluate the goodness of subsets. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by estimating the motion angle of the elbow joint using the collected sEMG data of six participants. The prediction performance is compared with that before the two-stage GA-based feature selection (TS-GAFS), and different metrics and statistical analyses are adopted to evaluate the results. The estimation angle error calculated after TS-GAFS is controlled within 10°, which shows the feasibility of the proposed method for the accurate user-independent estimation of continuous joint movements.
A Natural Language Processing Based Planetary Gearbox Fault Diagnosis with Acoustic Emission Signals

Planetary gearboxes (PGBs) are one of the most critical components in the drivetrain of many industrial and military equipment systems such as wind turbines and helicopters. Therefore, developing effective PGB fault diagnostic methods is important. The industries currently utilize vibratory analysis as a standard method for PGB condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. However, acoustic emission (AE) techniques represent a more attractive alternative to PGB fault diagnosis as AE sensors can potentially be more sensitive to the incipient faults than vibration sensors. A key to the success of PGB fault diagnosis using AE signals is the effective processing of AE signals and extracting useful features from the AE signals. In this paper, a natural language processing (NLP) based deep learning architecture, the transformer architecture is applied for PGB fault diagnosis with AE signals. The transformer architecture uses a multi-head attention mechanism that enables attending to different fault features in the AE signals. The effectiveness of the presented approach is validated on a set of seeded localized faults on all gears in a laboratory PGB: sun gear, planetary gear, and ring gear.
The Biosafety Research Road Map: The Search for Evidence to Support Practices in the Laboratory—Bacillus anthracis and Brucella melitensis

Introduction: Brucella melitensis and Bacillus anthracis are zoonoses transmitted from animals and animal products. Scientific information is provided in this article to support biosafety precautions necessary to protect laboratory workers and individuals who are potentially exposed to these pathogens in the workplace or other settings, and gaps in information are also reported. There is a lack of information on the appropriate effective concentration for many chemical disinfectants for this agent. Controversies related to B. anthracis include infectious dose for skin and gastrointestinal infections, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the slaughter of infected animals, and handling of contaminated materials. B. melitensis is reported to have the highest number of laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) to date in laboratory workers. Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify potential gaps in biosafety and focused on five main sections including the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, LAIs, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies. Results: Scientific literature currently lacks information on the effective concentration of many chemical disinfectants for this agent and in the variety of matrices where it may be found. Controversies related to B. anthracis include infectious dose for skin and gastrointestinal infections, proper use of PPE during the slaughter of infected animals, and handling contaminated materials. Discussion: Clarified vulnerabilities based on specific scientific evidence will contribute to the prevention of unwanted and unpredictable infections, improving the biosafety processes and procedures for laboratory staff and other professionals such as veterinarians, individuals associated with the agricultural industry, and those working with susceptible wildlife species.