Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A neurodegeneration gene, WDR45, links impaired ferritinophagy to iron accumulation

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the abnormal accumulation of brain iron and the progressive degeneration of the nervous system. One of the recently identified subtypes of NBIA is β‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration (BPAN). BPAN is caused by de novo mutations in the WDR45/WIPI4 (WD repeat domain 45) gene. WDR45 is one of the four mammalian homologs of yeast Atg18, a regulator of autophagy. WDR45 deficiency in BPAN patients and animal models may result in defects in autophagic flux. However, how WDR45 deficiency leads to brain iron overload remains unclear. To elucidate the role of WDR45, we generated a WDR45‐knockout (KO) SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line using CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated genome editing. Using these cells, we demonstrated that the non‐TF (transferrin)‐bound iron pathway dominantly mediated the accumulation of iron. Moreover, the loss of WDR45 led to defects in ferritinophagy, a form of autophagy that degrades the iron storage protein ferritin. We showed that impaired ferritinophagy contributes to iron accumulation in WDR45‐KO cells. Iron accumulation was also detected in the mitochondria, which was accompanied by impaired mitochondrial respiration, elevated reactive oxygen species, and increased cell death. Thus, our study links WDR45 to specific iron acquisition pathways and ferritinophagy.
HOW TO SURVIVE TRANSITIONING FROM BLACKBOARD TO MOODLE: 12 SURVIVAL TIPS

This paper presents steps one university took during the implementation stage of a new course management system. To cut costs instead of cutting faculty, the university switched from Blackboard to Moodle. Literature related to both the Technology Acceptance Model and organizational change models provided important considerations regarding implementation, end user concerns and system adoption. At the time of the switch, the authors’ institution faced the additional challenge of very limited budget in a time of severe financial constraints to accomplish faculty conversion to Moodle. In this paper the authors present 12 tips that helped the university implement Moodle within a 12-month timeframe on a “shoestring” budget, along with personal experiences and comments regarding the value of the steps.
Pseudoexon activation in disease by non‐splice site deep intronic sequence variation — wild type pseudoexons constitute high‐risk sites in the human genome

Accuracy of pre‐messenger RNA (pre‐mRNA) splicing is crucial for normal gene expression. Complex regulation supports the spliceosomal distinction between authentic exons and the many seemingly functional splice sites delimiting pseudoexons. Pseudoexons are nonfunctional intronic sequences that can be activated for aberrant inclusion in mRNA, which may cause disease. Pseudoexon activation is very challenging to predict, in particular when activation occurs by sequence variants that alter the splicing regulatory environment without directly affecting splice sites. As pseudoexon inclusion often evades detection due to activation of nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay, and because conventional diagnostic procedures miss deep intronic sequence variation, pseudoexon activation is a heavily underreported disease mechanism. Pseudoexon characteristics have mainly been studied based on in silico predicted sequences. Moreover, because recognition of sequence variants that create or strengthen splice sites is possible by comparison with well‐established consensus sequences, this type of pseudoexon activation is by far the most frequently reported. Here we review all known human disease‐associated pseudoexons that carry functional splice sites and are activated by deep intronic sequence variants located outside splice site sequences. We delineate common characteristics that make this type of wild type pseudoexons distinct high‐risk sites in the human genome.
Integrating Quality & Environment Towards Total Business Management

Current Foundry scenario is complex, presenting situations of either up for grabs, or down shutters. A ‘Competence Queue’ is proposed in this article by dint of an integrated approach to manage processes in terms of quality and environment. The tools employable are essentially the quality and environment management systems of International Organization of Standardisation aka ISO. These ISO-standards are termed as ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001: 2004 for Quality and Environment Management Systems (QMS and EMS) respectively.While implementation of these Quality System and Environment Management Systems is through the eight principles of QMS and three principles of EMS, the integration of these two is stipulated to open ‘vistas’ for total process management towards competence. Because of their universal applicability at all times the integrated state is in synonymity with the theme of ‘Competence Queue’ - the model proposed in this paper. Thus the foundries who are into refining of their systems and processes should adopt them both in the integrated state to synergise the benefits. This article begins to demonstrate the need to launch a concerted endeavor for competence.
A new class of 5‐HT2A/5‐HT2C receptor inverse agonists: Synthesis, molecular modeling, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology of novel 2‐aminotetralins

The 5‐HT receptor subtypes 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C are important neurotherapeutic targets, though, obtaining selectivity over 5‐HT2B and H1 receptors is challenging. Here, we delineated molecular determinants of selective binding to 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C receptors for novel 4‐phenyl‐2‐dimethylaminotetralins (4‐PATs).
SPICE-compatible models for multiconductor transmission lines in Laplace-transform domain

Two models for multiconductor transmission lines are presented that are compatible with SPICE. One model is based on a Thevenin equivalent circuit and the other model is based on mode decoupling. The models contain controlled generators in the Laplace-transform domain and are able to handle lossy lines with frequency-dependent parameters.
Application of an Immune Feedback Mechanism to Control Systems.

As a control engineering application of a biological immune system, an immune feedback law featuring rapid response to foreign materials and quick stabilization of the immune system and a design method for an immune-mechanism-inspired feedback controller is described. Focusing on the T-cell regulated immune circuit, we propose an immune feedback law that includes both an active term to control the response speed and an inhibitive term to control the stabilization effect. We have also designed a PID-type immune-mechanism-inspired feedback controller based on both the immune feedback law and conventional PID control. Simulation results obtained for a discrete-time single-input single-output system show the feasibility of using the immune-mechanism-inspired feedback controller to control a nonlinear system and reveal the controller characteristics. Experimental results for velocity tracking control of a DC servo motor demonstrate the effectiveness of the immune-mechanism-inspired feedback controller for controlling a practical mechanical system even with existing nonlinear disturbances.
Using the SOLO Taxonomy to Observe Effectiveness of Innovative Learning and Teaching Technologies

Educational research findings suggest that adopting the technology in open, distance and face-to-face (FTF) teaching encourages instructors and learners to participate in active learning process. To attain Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) they evolve each other by challenging & arguing, investigating problem domain, using critical reasoning and doing experiments. The whole process helps them to obtain ILO by avoiding misconception, self-assumed theories and practices. Numerous smart technologies (e.g. clickers, SMART boards, video projectors and CMS) are currently used in modern classrooms. Such technologies enhance the capability of modern classroom environment and help to equip instructors with useful simulation tools. The main challenges for educators are to engage students of different abilities within same class in active learning process and to analyze the student understandings. Whereas, choosing the best technology for the classroom is difficult because such tools having limited features and do not supports flexible questions such as free text questions. In this paper, we review the literature; analyze affectivity of adopting technology, developed active SRS app (android client / desktop server) and presented results using SOLO taxonomy of cognitive development as a guide to make quantitative assessment.
Mode charts for magnetized ferrite cylinders

Waveguide junction circulators using the E- and H-plane technique usually employ height-dependence ferrite modes. The most crucial parameter is the frequency splitting between two angle-dependent modes. It rises with the magnetic bias field until there is a maximum at about saturation. Mode charts are given to help the designer look up the resonance frequencies of the most important modes as a function of the external, measurable field. The unsaturated state of the ferrite material is also covered. These diagrams are in good accordance with experimental experience and have been helpful in interpreting circulator performance, especially for the identification of spurious resonances. >
Line of Balance – Is It a Synthesis of Lean Production Principles as Applied to Site Programming of Works?

Evidence on the use of Line of Balance as a scheduling technique already exists in the Brazilian construction industry since the 80’. More recently it has been associated with Lean Construction applications, especially as tool for tactical planning of works. This conceptual paper discusses how line of balance can be taken not just as a straightforward graphical device to depict site programming in long, medium and short terms but also as an appropriate graphical tool to represent, induce and make self-evident the application of several Lean Production ideas like takt time, buffers transparency, integrated planning of long, medium and short term, minimization of production and transfer batches, PDCA, production levelling, inventory minimizing, pull production and parallel operations, among others. Each of these concepts is illustrated using line of balance displays. The work concludes that Line of Balance is akin to Lean Production and Lean Production is very well represented by Line of Balance diagrams, aiming at further discussions on this conceptual synthesis (lean is line and line is lean).
Iron Loss Analysis Considering Excitation Conditions Under Alternating Magnetic Fields

In this paper, the nature of iron loss in electrical steel during alternating field excitation is investigated more precisely. The exact definition of AC iron loss is cleared by accurately measuring the iron loss for conditions of both the sinusoidal magnetic field and sinusoidal magnetic flux density. The results of this approach to iron loss calculations in electrical steel are compared to experimentally-measured losses. In addition, an inverse hysteresis model considering eddy current loss was developed to analyze the iron loss when the input is the voltage source. With this model, the inrush current in the inductor or transformer as well as the iron loss can be calculated.
CRISPR/Cas9 editing in conditionally immortalized HoxB8 cells for studying gene regulation in mouse dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DC) are regulated by intricate genetic pro-grams, which determine DC development, subset speciﬁcation, and DC functions [1, 2]. Here, we provide a workﬂow for CRISPR/Cas9 targeting noncoding cis-regulatory elements of transcription in DC in conditionally immortalized HoxB8 multipotent hematopoietic progenitors (HoxB8 MPP). This includes (i) induced CRISPR/Cas9 editing of an IRF8 enhancer element in single-cell HoxB8 MPP and (ii) CRISPR/dCas9-mediated IRF8 promoter silencing. DC development from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and MPP entails sequential steps of lineage commitment and differentiation. First,
Elliptical versus circular flap configuration in myopic eyes undergoing femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis surgery: A contralateral eye study

Purpose: To study whether a customized elliptical flap configuration offers any visual, refractive, or biomechanical advantage over the “conventional” circular flaps in patients undergoing myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods: A prospective interventional contralateral eye study was undertaken enrolling 290 eyes of 145 myopic patients (≤−6.0D) undergoing LASIK, wherein the corneal flap was created in one eye using a customized elliptical flap configuration versus a conventional circular flap configuration in the other eye. Postoperatively, we compared the visual outcome, change in higher-order aberrations, corneal asphericity, and corneal biomechanics. Results: The visual outcomes, including higher-order aberrations, were comparable between the two groups. Changes in spherical aberration (mean: 0.234–0.331 versus 0.234–0.42; P = 0.644), corneal asphericity (−0.32–0.34 versus − 0.34–0.45; P = 0.42), corneal hysteresis (9.35–7.33 versus 9.4–6.71, P = 0.489), corneal resistance factor (9.71–7.40 versus 10.38–6.9, P = 0.181) were comparable between the elliptical and circular groups, respectively. Conclusion: We evaluated the usefulness of a customized elliptical flap configuration for performing LASIK surgery. Our data suggests that elliptical flaps may be associated with superior visual and biomechanical performance compared to circular flaps. This is certainly relevant in eyes with “borderline” pre-LASIK profile to improve patient satisfaction and safety after surgery.
Multi-echelon inventory control: an adjusted normal demand model for implementation in practice

This paper presents an approximation model for coordinated control of one-warehouse multiple-retailer inventory systems, where all locations use continuous review (R, nQ) policies. The motivation stems from close collaboration with a supply chain management software company, Syncron International, and one of their customers. A core objective has been to develop an accurate method for determining near-optimal reorder points that can be directly applied to real-life systems. The approach is based on decomposing the complex multi-echelon problem into N + 1 single-echelon problems, using a near-optimal-induced backorder cost at the central warehouse. Important extensions made compared to earlier work include the addition of procedures to adjust for lead-time variability, and for undershooting the reorder point when customers’ order sizes vary. The result is a flexible model that is computationally and conceptually simple enough to be implemented in practice. A numerical study, including real data from the case company, illustrates that the new model outperforms existing methods in the literature. Compared to the current methods used by the case company, it offers significant improvements in both service-level fulfilment and system-wide inventory holding costs. Implementations of the model into the Syncron software are in progress.
Optical switch driven by giant magnetostrictive thin films

Optical 1xN switches which can be operated by Giant Magnetostrictive Thin Film under the magnetic field are firstly investigated. Bulk micromachining and deposition of magnetostrictive thin film was used for fabrication of a 1xN cantilever-type optical switch. Optical switching operation induced by magnetostriction was examined through optical path modulation test. The optical path can be redirected and exactly positioned by wide reflection-angle change of light with cantilever deflection. Deflection of cantilever by magnetostriction was significantly improved in our developed Re-Fe thin film system. In this report, Giant magnetostrictive thin films of amorphous Tb-Fe and Sm-Fe based alloys exhibiting excellent magnetostrictive characteristics at low magnetic fields are developed from a systematic investigation with a particular emphasis being placed to examine B effects. Magnetostrictions of 173 ppm and -585 ppm are achieved in B containing Tb-Fe and Sm- Fe thin films, respectively, at a magnetic field of 100 Oe. Switching characteristics of our cantilever-type optical switch were evaluated using optical fiber under laser-optic test system. Optical path change of 6 degree was achieved under stable switching operation and was considered to increase the number of communication channels for construction of fiber optical network application.
Intrakoronare Bildgebung – wie die Plaque-Morphologie die Therapie personalisiert

Was ist neu? Management akutes Koronarsyndrom Im Rahmen der akuten Versorgung eines akuten Koronarsyndroms (ACS) gewinnt die intrakoronare Bildgebung (IKB) immer mehr an Bedeutung, da sie das weitere Prozedere maßgeblich beeinflussen kann. Sie erlaubt nicht nur die genauere Abgrenzung zwischen einem Typ-I- und Typ-II-Myokardinfarkt, sondern auch die Determinierung der das ACS auslösenden Pathophysiologie und – darauf aufbauend – auch des therapeutischen Prozederes. So kann die zweithäufigste ACS-Ursache, die Plaque-Erosion, mittlerweile nur pharmakologisch, ohne Koronarintervention, behandelt werden. Verbesserung des perkutanen koronaren Interventionsergebnisses Mit dem Ziel einer optimalen Stentexpansion und -apposition ist der durch die IKB gewonnene Einblick in die Plaque-Morphologie von besonderem Vorteil. Hierbei erlaubt die IKB eine genauere Darstellung von das PCI-Ergebnis beeinflussenden Plaquecharakteristika, speziell der koronaren Kalzifizierung. Mithilfe der IKB kann nicht nur die optimale Methode der Läsionspräparation gewählt werden, sondern auch die Stenttherapie optimiert werden, um so periprozedurale Risiken zu reduzieren. Risikostratifizierung bei koronarer Herzkrankheit Durch genauere In-vivo-Darstellung von Koronarplaques ermöglicht die IKB, Plaques zu identifizieren, welche ein besonders hohes Risiko haben, ein akutes Koronarsyndrom auszulösen, und erlaubt somit eine optimierte Risikostratifizierung und darauf ausgerichtete Therapien mit der Zielsetzung, die koronare Plaquestabilität zu verbessern.
Initial and ongoing challenges with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis

Secondary bacterial and fungal infections complicating the course of viral epidemics have been previously noted. Be it pneumococcal pneumonia with Spanish flu a century ago, Aspergillosis associated with influenza, or fungal infections including mucormycosis associated with the previous SARS epidemic of 2003, one can find numerous such references throughout history. [1‐4] On this occasion, COVID‐19‐associated mucormycosis (CAM) has captured the headlines as a disfiguring and potentially life‐threatening disease complicating the course of COVID‐19 infection. Though reported from many parts of the globe, India particularly has had an alarming epidemic of CAM from April to June 2021. It has been declared as a notifiable disease by various state governments. The overwhelming numbers reported from across the country at a time when the nation is yet struggling with the COVID‐19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to patients, clinicians, policymakers, and administrators. The ophthalmologic community has been particularly proactive in taking on this challenge.
The application guide for distributed generation interconnection-the NRECA guide to IEEE 1547

IEEE is developing application standards for the interconnection of distributed generation to the distribution system grid. NRECA has published an application guide to the proposed IEEE 1547 standard. This guide gives the rural electric system engineer a hands-on reference outlining appropriate methods for meeting the requirements of IEEE 1547. This paper describes the process used for developing this guide and outlines the components of the guide.
DEMOCRATIC SENTIMENT AND CYCLICAL MARKETS IN VICE

Aggressive tax planning is broadly defined here as a scheme or arrangement put in place with the dominant purpose of avoiding tax. This definition encompasses a range of activities from large corporations minimizing their tax by moving profits from one tax jurisdiction to another, often in conjunction with artificially creating losses, to exquisitely crafted boutique schemes for a select group of wealthy investors, to more pedestrian mass-marketed schemes that are developed to provide high-income earners with opportunities to control the amount of taxable income they must declare to the government. The range of activities that fall under the label are constantly in creation and appear limitless given the ever increasing complexity of tax law and the opportunity that detailed complexity creates for legal loopholing and patch-working (McBarnet 2003; Picciotto 2005; Rawlings 2005). While our definition captures the essence of the phenomenon succinctly, it camouflages a significant part of the difficulty for tax authorities in managing aggressive tax planning. Complicated law and smartness in manipulating it are but one part of the story in which the technical competencies of tax authorities and others are pitted against each other in a world in which business is global and tax is national (Avi-Yonah 2000). The other part of the story, and in one sense the bigger picture, is that aggressive tax planning takes tax authorities to the edge of their technical legal competence and rubs against understanding what it means to have business acumen. Apart from the dimension of smartness in understanding tax law, there is the complicating dimension of understanding business risk. Capitalism thrives through innovative business ventures that may seem ludicrous to the cautious and strokes of genius to the adventurous. Tax breaks to encourage innovation and nudge the more cautious into taking a risk are standard practice as governments throughout the world look to steer private enterprise toward seeking competitive advantage through innovation. It is at the intersection of business initiative and taxation law that the biggest challenge lies for tax authorities
EEGANet: Removal of Ocular Artifacts From the EEG Signal Using Generative Adversarial Networks

The elimination of ocular artifacts is critical in analyzing electroencephalography (EEG) data for various brain-computer interface (BCI) applications. Despite numerous promising solutions, electrooculography (EOG) recording or an eye-blink detection algorithm is required for the majority of artifact removal algorithms. This reliance can hinder the model’s implementation in real-world applications. This paper proposes EEGANet, a framework based on generative adversarial networks (GANs), to address this issue as a data-driven assistive tool for ocular artifacts removal (source code is available at https://github.com/IoBT-VISTEC/EEGANet). After the model was trained, the removal of ocular artifacts could be applied calibration-free without relying on the EOG channels or the eye blink detection algorithms. First, we tested EEGANet’s ability to generate multi-channel EEG signals, artifacts removal performance, and robustness using the EEG eye artifact dataset, which contains a significant degree of data fluctuation. According to the results, EEGANet is comparable to state-of-the-art approaches that utilize EOG channels for artifact removal. Moreover, we demonstrated the effectiveness of EEGANet in BCI applications utilizing two distinct datasets under inter-day and subject-independent schemes. Despite the absence of EOG signals, the classification performance of the signals processed by EEGANet is equivalent to that of traditional baseline methods. This study demonstrates the potential for further use of GANs as a data-driven artifact removal technique for any multivariate time-series bio-signal, which might be a valuable step towards building next-generation healthcare technology.