Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Functional Principles Governing the Plasticity Reserve in the Cerebellum: The Cortico-Deep Cerebellar Nuclei Loop Model

Simple Summary We propose a more comprehensive scheme underlying cerebellar reserve. Under pathological conditions, the internal forward model continuously updates itself to adjust the predictive control, where two reorganizing steps function cooperatively: updating predictions in the residual or affected cerebellar cortex (predictive step) and adjusting the updated predictions with the current status at the cerebellar nuclei (filtering step). Abstract Cerebellar reserve compensates for and restores functions lost through cerebellar damage. This is a fundamental property of cerebellar circuitry. Clinical studies suggest (1) the involvement of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellar cortex for functional compensation and restoration, and (2) that the integrity of the cerebellar reserve requires the survival and functioning of cerebellar nuclei. On the other hand, recent physiological studies have shown that the internal forward model, embedded within the cerebellum, controls motor accuracy in a predictive fashion, and that maintaining predictive control to achieve accurate motion ultimately promotes learning and compensatory processes. Furthermore, within the proposed framework of the Kalman filter, the current status is transformed into a predictive state in the cerebellar cortex (prediction step), whereas the predictive state and sensory feedback from the periphery are integrated into a filtered state at the cerebellar nuclei (filtering step). Based on the abovementioned clinical and physiological studies, we propose that the cerebellar reserve consists of two elementary mechanisms which are critical for cerebellar functions: the first is involved in updating predictions in the residual or affected cerebellar cortex, while the second acts by adjusting its updated forecasts with the current status in the cerebellar nuclei. Cerebellar cortical lesions would impair predictive behavior, whereas cerebellar nuclear lesions would impact on adjustments of neuronal commands. We postulate that the multiple forms of distributed plasticity at the cerebellar cortex and cerebellar nuclei are the neuronal events which allow the cerebellar reserve to operate in vivo. This cortico-deep cerebellar nuclei loop model attributes two complementary functions as the underpinnings behind cerebellar reserve.
Intelligent Control of Solar LED Street Lamp Based on Adaptive Fuzzy PI Control

As road traffic develops, energy-saving and efficient street lights have become a key research field for relevant professionals. To reduce street lights energy consumption, a fireworks algorithm is used to optimize the membership function parameters of fuzzy control and the initial parameters of PI control. A fireworks algorithm improved adaptive fuzzy PI solar LED street light control system is designed. The results showed that in the calculation of Root-mean-square deviation and Mean absolute error, the Root-mean-square deviation of the adaptive fuzzy PI control system improved by the fireworks algorithm was 0.213, 0.258, 0.243, 0.220, and the Mean absolute error was 0.143, 0.152, 0.154, 0.139, respectively, which proved that the prediction accuracy was high and the stability was good. In the calculation of the 1-day power consumption of the solar LED intelligent control system, the average power consumption of the designed solar LED intelligent control system was about 2000W, which was 25.9%, 47.4%, and 42.9% lower than the other three control methods, respectively. This proves that its energy consumption is low, and its heat generation is low, and the battery service life is long. The research and design of an adaptive fuzzy PI control solar LED street light intelligent control system has good performance, which can effectively achieve intelligent management and energy conservation and emission reduction in smart cities.
Liver and Plasma Fatty Acid Characterization in Cultured Brown Trout at Distinct Reproductive Stages

Simple Summary Lipids, namely fatty acids, are crucial energy sources in fish development, reproduction, and migration, among other processes. In this study, we are interested in identifying the most relevant fatty acids in the liver and plasma throughout the reproductive cycle of farmed brown trout in both sexes. Four reproductive stages along the cycle were selected: spawning capable (December), regressing (March), regenerating (July), and developing (November) stages. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1 n-9), arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3). Sex differences were found for some fatty acids, but seasonal changes stood out more. In the liver, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels were significantly higher in December than in March and July for both males and females. Changes between the reproductive stages in male and female plasma were mostly related to SFA and PUFA, and PUFA and ∑n-3 PUFA, respectively. This evidences that PUFAs are crucial for reproduction in both sexes. Further, in female plasma samples, the most representative fatty acids distinguished the four reproductive stages, which indicates that those fatty acids should be further investigated as biomarkers of female maturity statuses. Abstract Fatty acids are energy sources, and their profiles are used as biomarkers of metabolic status and physiological changes in fish. Within this context, the main aim of this study was to identify the fatty acids that best discriminate the reproductive status of male and female farmed brown trout. The fatty acid composition in liver and plasma samples from the adults of both sexes was monitored along four distinct reproductive stages, namely the spawning capable (December), regressing (March), regenerating (July), and developing (November) stages. Irrespective of the sex and stage, the most representative fatty acids were palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1 n-9), arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3). There were no significant sex differences in fatty acid classes in the liver and plasma. Despite this, there were several changes in individual fatty acid levels between the sexes. In the liver, both males and females showed high monounsaturated fatty acid and low polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels during the regressing and regenerating stages. At spawning capable and developing stages, a reverse profile was noted. The plasma profiles were mainly influenced by changes in saturated fatty acids and PUFAs in males and by PUFA in females. Based on the most representative fatty acids, four patterns were established for female plasma samples, one for each reproductive stage. This scenario suggests that female plasma samples are promising for the discrimination of gonadal reproductive status, and this potential can be further explored in aquaculture and environmental monitoring studies.
Unraveling Environmental Factors that Affect Pinus longaeva Growth in the White Mountains, California

Two of the most pressing questions involving ancient bristlecone pines are how microsite factors lead to differences in tree responses to climate at high-elevation sites, and how global change has impacted growing season events. Disparities in climate response at treeline and subalpine locations have been associated with local environmental characteristics while the increasing growth trend found at treeline has been linked to warming. In this study, environmental conditions were considered in order to identify microsite differences between trees growing at two different elevations on four aspects of a conical-shaped mountain in the White Mountains, California. Dendrochronological, environmental, correlational, and spectral methods were employed to explore differences in ring-width chronologies. Albedo, soil thickness, and percent slope led to ring-width variability. Northwestern upper site was most highly correlated with precipitation, while the Southeastern lower site showed a strong negative correlation with temperature. This work indicates that selection of climate-sensitive trees a priori necessitates the consideration of local environmental factors, and these microsite differences resulted in different climate responses between nearby trees. By monitoring growing season events at the historic phenology site from the 1962-64 (Fritts 1969), natural variations and responses to climate change can be identified. Morphological and physiological phenophases, dendrometer traces, and environmental data were collected throughout the summers of 2007 and 2008. Duration and timing of cambial activity (tracheid lifespan) in the present study were similar to those recorded in the Fritts (1969) investigation, while pollination onset and bud opening occurred earlier in this study. No
Let's go below: Potential of Undervolting on Low-Power FPGAs

Low power (LP) FPGAs are increasingly used in small embedded systems and sensors as processing units or accelerators. To bring the energy efficiency of these FPGAs to a new level, this paper propagates the utilization of undervolting. First, the development and evaluation of a precise and reliable testbench for automated undervolting tests is presented. Second, a comprehensive feasibility study including 5 DUTs shows devicespecific differences, correlations between absolute minimum voltages, signal propagation delays and also the influence of temperature. Depending on the configuration of the FPGA, voltages can be reduced by up to 71.6% while power dissipation is 3× up to 24.3× lower for complex and simple structures, respectively.
Land cover classification in SE Asia using near and short wave infrared bands

A land cover classification map is necessary for modelling interactions between the land surface and the atmosphere, monitoring the environment and estimating food production. In order to classify land cover in SE Asia in 2000, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), reflectance of near-infrared (NIR) band, and reflectance of short wave infrared (SWIR) band of Systeme pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) VEGETATION data were used in this study. First, ground data were collected for training data. In addition, supervised classification was performed on twelve months of NDVI data. As a result, some deserts and peripheral sparse vegetative areas were classified into urban, compared with the world atlas. Secondly, the number of months when the reflectance of the SWIR band is higher than that of the NIR band was counted (SWIR>NIR month-count condition) in each pixel, and pixels with counts of 10 were classified as Sparse Herbaceous/Shrub and of 11 or 12 were classified as Bare Areas, respectively. Finally, land cover was classified based on the SWIR>NIR month-count condition combined with NDVI, and it was compared with the existing land cover map. It was found that the SWIR>NIR month-count condition gives a better result for areas of non- or sparsely vegetative classification than when using only NDVI.
TRANSMISSION NETWORK LOSS MINIMIZATION USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK AND FACTS DEVICES

: Due to the increase in voltage instability problem and power losses in Nigeria grid are a serious operational challenger facing electricity supply utilities. The Nigeria 330Kv power grid was used as a case study for the evaluation of the proposed power loss reduction system a simulink model of the Nigeria 330Kv transmission system with the proposed neural network controlled TCSC integrated was created in the MATLAB/SIMULINK programming environment. Genetic algorithm was used for optimal placement of the FACTS device in the MATLAB/SIMULINK model of the Nigeria 330Kv transmission system . The proposed approach has been implemented on IEEE 67 bus system, 39 load points, 111 transmission lines and 14 generators. The simulation and evaluation were carried out with TCSC installed with each variation of the load at the bus; load flow is run to determine total system losses. Findings showed that the proposed neural network controlled TCSC to Achieved an average active power loss reduction of 13.11378 (p.u) and average reactive power loss reduction of 78.16378 (p.u). This shows that TCSC reduced both active and reactive power loss in the system.
New insight into the nano-fluid flow in a channel with tempered fractional operators

While studying time fractional fluid flow problems it is typical to consider the Caputo derivative, however, these models have limitations including a singular kernel and an infinite waiting time from a random walk perspective. To help remedy this problem, this paper considers a tempered Caputo derivative, giving the system a finite waiting time. Initially, a fast approximation to a generalised tempered diffusion problem is developed using a sum of exponential approximation. The scheme is then proven to be unconditionally stable and convergent. The convergence properties are also tested on a sample solution. The fast scheme is then applied to a system of coupled tempered equations which describes the concentration, temperature and velocity of a nanofluid under the Boussinesq approximation. The most notable finding is that increasing both the fractional and tempering parameters reduces the heat transfer ability of the nanofluid system.
Association between Decreased SGK1 and Increased Intestinal α-Synuclein in an MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a globally common progressive neurodegenerative disease resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Increased α-synuclein (α-syn) is associated with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and non-motor symptoms like gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we investigated the association between serum/glucocorticoid-related kinase 1 (SGK1) and α-syn in the colon of a PD mouse model. SGK1 and α-syn expression patterns were opposite in the surrounding colon tissue, with decreased SGK1 expression and increased α-syn expression in the PD group. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed the colocation of SGK1 and α-syn; the PD group demonstrated weaker SGK1 expression and stronger α-syn expression than the control group. Immunoblotting analysis showed that Na+/K+ pump ATPase α1 expression levels were significantly increased in the PD group. In SW480 cells with SGK1 knockdown using SGK1 siRNA, decreasing SGK1 levels corresponded with significant increases in the expression levels of α-syn and ATPase α1. These results suggest that SGK1 significantly regulates Na+/K+ pump ATPase, influencing the relationship between electrolyte balance and fecal formation in the PD mouse model. Gastrointestinal disorders are some of the major prodromal symptoms of PD. Therefore, modulating SGK1 expression could be an important strategy for controlling PD.
From Field Data to Practical Knowledge: Investigating the Bioecology of the Oak Lace Bug—An Invasive Insect Species in Europe

Simple Summary In a world filled with diverse ecosystems, understanding the behaviour of invasive species is crucial for maintaining balance and health. This study delves into the bioecology of the invasive oak lace bug in Europe, shedding light on its life cycle through a degree day-based model and presenting insights gathered from field-based life tables. Our research addresses key knowledge gaps, offering valuable information for effective pest control in forest ecosystems. By bridging the gap between scientific exploration and practical implications, we aim to empower the public with accessible knowledge on how to protect European forests and maintain the delicate equilibrium of natural environments. Abstract Corythucha arcuata, commonly known as the oak lace bug (OLB), is an insect species originally native to North America that has become an invasive species of significant concern in Europe. This invasive pest has been observed in various European countries, raising concerns about its impact on forest ecosystems. In 2015, it was first documented in Romania, further highlighting the need for research on its bioecology and life cycle. This study investigated the bioecology of the OLB in the southern region of Romania, focusing on its life cycle, development, and population dynamics. The results indicated that the OLB has three generations per year and overwinters in the adult stage in sheltered locations. Temperature significantly influenced the timing of egg hatching, nymph appearance, and adult development, with variation observed between generations. Additionally, a life table analysis provided insights into the population dynamics of the OLB in its natural environment, revealing variation in egg laying trends across generations. This research contributes to a better understanding of the OLB’s bioecology and provides essential data for forest managers developing science-based management strategies to mitigate its impact. By elucidating the life cycle and development patterns of the OLB in southern Romania, this study aids in the development of predictive models and life tables tailored to the region. These findings empower forest managers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for effective OLB management, ultimately preserving the health of forest ecosystems.
Grazing, disturbance and plant soil interactions in northern grasslands

Plants and soil organisms are closely linked. Plants are the sole source of carbon in the soil and soil organisms are responsible for recycling of nutrients, making them available for plant growth. To understand the function of a system, it is important to understand the interactions between the soil and plants. These interactions have mainly been studied in temperate areas, with few studies in the arctic and subarctic. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of ecological disturbances in suband low-arctic grasslands on soil organisms and plant-soil feedback relationships. The effect of removal of vegetation, replanting of a local plant species, and different components of grazing (trampling, defoliation and return of nutrients) on soil decomposer organisms were studied. Whether short term effects of defoliation depended on plant species community was also studied, as well as whether defoliation in the field could create changes in the soil system systems that affect the growth of seedlings. Experiments were conducted under both controlled greenhouse conditions and in field sites. The results showed that physical disturbance (removal of vegetation and trampling) reduced the abundance and diversity of soil biota. Defoliation increased soil decomposer abundance in the short term. Plant species composition did not affect soil biota and only in a few cases did it changes their responses to defoliation. In the long-term, effects of fertilization and defoliation on the soil biota were context-dependent. However, defoliation did create changes in the soil that reduced the growth of seedlings planted into the soil. Furthermore, plant species community and spatial heterogeneity (revealed by blocking) had important effects on the soil communities.
Agricultural Salinity Assessment and Management

This manual, "Agricultural Salinity Assessment and Management (Manual No. 71)", integrates contemporary concepts and management practices for agricultural water and salinity problems. It consists of 28 chapters, written by 49 contributing authors, and covers not only the technical and scientific aspects of the topic but also the environmental, economic, and legal aspects. Some of the subjects discussed are: the effects of salts on soil and plants; the methods of sampling, monitoring, and measuring salinity; the use of saline drainage water in irrigation; the methods of managing salinity; and, the use of models in salinity assessment. Considering the topics covered, engineers, scientists, practitioners, and educators will find this manual to be a valuable resource on the mitigation of salinity problems in irrigated agriculture.
EARTHQUAKE FORECASTING AND SEISMIC HAZARD ANALYSIS: SOME INSIGHTS ON THE TESTING PHASE AND THE MODELING

This thesis is divided in three chapters. In the first chapter we analyse the results of the world forecasting experiment run by the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP). We take the opportunity of this experiment to contribute to the definition of a more robust and reliable statistical procedure to evaluate earthquake forecasting models. We first present the models and the target earthquakes to be forecast. Then we explain the consistency and comparison tests that are used in CSEP experiments to evaluate the performance of the models. Introducing a methodology to create ensemble forecasting models, we show that models, when properly combined, are almost always better performing that any single model. In the second chapter we discuss in depth one of the basic features of PSHA: the declustering of the seismicity rates. We first introduce the Cornell-McGuire method for PSHA and we present the different motivations that stand behind the need of declustering seismic catalogs. Using a theorem of the modern probability (Le Cam's theorem) we show that the declustering is not necessary to obtain a Poissonian behaviour of the exceedances that is usually considered fundamental to transform exceedance rates in exceedance probabilities in the PSHA framework. We present a method to correct PSHA for declustering, building a more realistic PSHA. In the last chapter we explore the methods that are commonly used to take into account the epistemic uncertainty in PSHA. The most widely used method is the logic tree that stands at the basis of the most advanced seismic hazard maps. We illustrate the probabilistic structure of the logic tree, and then we show that this structure is not adequate to describe the epistemic uncertainty. We then propose a new probabilistic framework based on the ensemble modelling that properly accounts for epistemic uncertainties in PSHA.
In vitro and in vivo activity of cefiderocol against Achromobacter spp. and Burkholderia cepacia complex, including carbapenem-non-susceptible isolates

ABSTRACT Achromobacter spp. and Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are rare but diverse opportunistic pathogens associated with serious infections, which are often multidrug resistant. This study compared the in vitro antibacterial activity of the siderophore antibiotic cefiderocol against Achromobacter spp. and Bcc isolates with that of other approved antibacterial drugs, including ceftazidime-avibactam, ciprofloxacin, colistin, imipenem-relebactam, and meropenem-vaborbactam. Isolates were collected in the SIDERO multinational surveillance program. Among 334 Achromobacter spp. isolates [76.6% from respiratory tract infections (RTIs)], cefiderocol had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)50/90 of 0.06/0.5 µg/mL overall and 0.5/4 µg/mL against 52 (15.6%) carbapenem-non-susceptible (Carb-NS) isolates. Eleven (3.3%) Achromobacter spp. isolates overall and 6 (11.5%) Carb-NS isolates were not susceptible to cefiderocol. Among 425 Bcc isolates (73.4% from RTIs), cefiderocol had MIC50/90 of ≤0.03/0.5 µg/mL overall and ≤0.03/1 µg/mL against 184 (43.3%) Carb-NS isolates. Twenty-two (5.2%) Bcc isolates overall and 13 (7.1%) Carb-NS isolates were not susceptible to cefiderocol. Cumulative MIC distributions showed cefiderocol to be the most active of the agents tested in vitro against both Achromobacter spp. and Bcc. In a neutropenic murine lung infection model and a humanized pharmacokinetic immunocompetent rat lung infection model, cefiderocol showed significant bactericidal activity against two meropenem-resistant Achromobacter xylosoxidans strains compared with untreated controls (P < 0.05) and vehicle-treated controls (P < 0.05), respectively. Meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin comparators showed no significant activity in these models. The results suggest that cefiderocol could be a possible treatment option for RTIs caused by Achromobacter spp. and Bcc.