Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deterministic and Stochastic Dynamics of Multi-Variable Neuron Models: Resonance, Filtered Fluctuations and Sodium-Current Inactivation

Neurons are the basic elements of the networks that constitute the computational units of the brain. They dynamically transform input information into sequences of electrical pulses. To conceive the complex function of the brain, it is crucial to understand this transformation and identify simple neuron models which accurately reproduce the known features of biological neurons. This thesis addresses three different features of neurons. We start by exploring the effect of subthreshold resonance on the response of a periodically forced neuron using a simple threshold model. The response is studied in terms of an implicit one-dimensional time map that corresponds to the Poincar´e map of the forced system. Qualitatively distinct responses are found, including mode locking and chaos. We analytically find the stability regions of mode-locking solutions, and identify the transition to chaos through period-adding bifurcations. We show that the response becomes chaotic when the forcing frequency is close to the resonant frequency. Then we will consider an experimentally verified model with realistic spikegenerating mechanism and study the effect of filtered synaptic fluctuations on the firing-rate response of the neuron. Using a population density method as well as an efficient numerical method, we find the steady-state firing rate in two limits of fast and slow synaptic inputs and present the linear response theory for the firing rate of the model in response to both time-dependent mean inputs and time-dependent noise intensity. Finally, a novel model is introduced that incorporates threshold variability of neurons. We determine the modulation of the input-output properties of the model due to oscillatory inputs and in the presence of filtered synaptic fluctuations.
A Distributed Spatial Index With High Update Efficiency for Location-Based Real-Time Services

LBS-RT (location-based service in a real-time manner) has become popular because it can provide quick and timely services. Range query is often used in LBS-RT, which finds objects in a specified area, and spatial indices are often used to speed up range query. However, in LBS-RT, there are some difficulties. Spatial index was originally designed to index static dataset, but the dataset is dynamic in LBS-RT, which needs lots of insert and delete operations. To meet the gap, this paper proposes a new distributed spatial index called GQ-QBS. It's a two-layer master-slave mode that consists of a global index and multiple local indices. The global index (GQ-tree) is responsible for the dynamic load balancing and auto-scaling, while the local index (QBS-tree) is for quickly updating and querying. Experiments show the index has a significant advantage in LBS-RT.
The Resection Rate of Synchronously Detected Liver and Lung Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer Is Low—A National Registry-Based Study

Simple Summary Real-life data on the occurrence and treatment of synchronously detected liver and lung metastases from colorectal cancer are lacking. Through the merging of several Swedish nationwide patient quality registries, we aimed to answer these questions. We found that synchronous liver and lung colorectal metastases are rare and that a minority undergo resection of both metastatic sites, but if they do, they have an excellent survival. It is likely that a larger proportion of patients could be offered treatment that leads to a prolonged overall survival. We also found differences in regional treatment approaches across Sweden, but the reasons for this are unknown, which warrants further studies. Abstract Population-based data on the incidence and surgical treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and synchronous liver and lung metastases are lacking as are real-life data on the frequency of metastasectomy for both sites and outcomes in this setting. This is a nationwide population-based study of all patients having liver and lung metastases diagnosed within 6 months of CRC between 2008 and 2016 in Sweden identified through the merging of data from the National Quality Registries on CRC, liver and thoracic surgery and the National Patient Registry. Among 60,734 patients diagnosed with CRC, 1923 (3.2%) had synchronous liver and lung metastases, of which 44 patients had complete metastasectomy. Surgery of liver and lung metastases yielded a 5-year OS of 74% (95% CI 57–85%) compared to 29% (95% CI 19–40%) if liver metastases were resected but not the lung metastases and 2.6% (95% CI 1.5–4%) if non-resected, p < 0.001. Complete resection rates ranged from 0.7% to 3.8% between the six healthcare regions of Sweden, p = 0.007. Synchronous liver and lung CRC metastases are rare, and a minority undergo the resection of both metastatic sites but with excellent survival. The reasons for differences in regional treatment approaches and the potential of increased resection rates should be studied further.
An embedded Dirichlet formulation for 3D continua

This paper presents a new approach for imposing Dirichlet conditions weakly on non‐fitting finite element meshes. Such conditions, also called embedded Dirichlet conditions, are typically, but not exclusively, encountered when prescribing Dirichlet conditions in the context of the eXtended finite element method (XFEM). The method's key idea is the use of an additional stress field as the constraining Lagrange multiplier function. The resulting mixed/hybrid formulation is applicable to 1D, 2D and 3D problems. The method does not require stabilization for the Lagrange multiplier unknowns and allows the complete condensation of these unknowns on the element level. Furthermore, only non‐zero diagonal‐terms are present in the tangent stiffness, which allows the straightforward application of state‐of‐the‐art iterative solvers, like algebraic multigrid (AMG) techniques. Within this paper, the method is applied to the linear momentum equation of an elastic continuum and to the transient, incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Steady and unsteady benchmark computations show excellent agreement with reference values. The general formulation presented in this paper can also be applied to other continuous field problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional nano-systems for transdermal drug delivery and skin therapy

Transdermal drug delivery is one of the least intrusive and patient-friendly ways for therapeutic agent administration. Recently, functional nano-systems have been demonstrated as one of the most promising strategies to treat skin diseases by improving drug penetration across the skin barrier and achieving therapeutically effective drug concentrations in the target cutaneous tissues. Here, a brief review of functional nano-systems for promoting transdermal drug delivery is presented. The fundamentals of transdermal delivery, including skin biology and penetration routes, are introduced. The characteristics of functional nano-systems for facilitating transdermal drug delivery are elucidated. Moreover, the fabrication of various types of functional transdermal nano-systems is systematically presented. Multiple techniques for evaluating the transdermal capacities of nano-systems are illustrated. Finally, the advances in the applications of functional transdermal nano-systems for treating different skin diseases are summarized.
Improved Hidden Markov Algorithm Based on Bayes in Low Dose CT Images

: In order to reduce the radiation exposure of patients during CT scan, low-dose CT images were produced, but the disadvantage was that the image quality was reduced. The Bayesian maximum posterior probability estimation (Bayesian MAP) method is an applied statistical method that can estimate the original noise-independent coefficients from the noise-contaminated image detail coefficients. This paper aims to study the application of bayesian based improved hidden markov algorithm in low-dose CT images, which has become the focus of CT research in recent years. In this experiment, hmrf-em, eHMRF algorithm and hmrf-msa-em algorithm were firstly analyzed by mathematical statistics within the experimental scope, and the superiority of this algorithm was compared by looking at different coefficients. The classification and statistical analysis of the re-data statistical method were carried out by using the naive bayesian algorithm and the improved hidden markov algorithm based on bayes. And the use of a single variable method to compare the use of bayesian based improved hidden markov algorithm in the low-dose CT image imaging whether there are different changes, and the degree of change. Experimental data show that the improved hidden markov algorithm based on bayes achieves higher values of Jaccard, Dice and CCR at different noise levels. The improved hidden markov algorithm based on bayes is clearer than the low-dose CT images obtained by the naive bayes algorithm. In various medical
Development of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) variety HD3411 following marker-assisted backcross breeding for drought tolerance

Marker-assisted backcross breeding enables selective insertion of targeted traits into the genome to improve yield, quality, and stress resistance in wheat. In the current investigation, we transferred four drought tolerance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling traits, viz canopy temperature, normalized difference vegetative index, chlorophyll content, and grain yield from the drought-tolerant donor line, C306, into a popular high-yielding, drought-sensitive variety, HD2733. Marker-assisted selection coupled with stringent phenotypic screening was used to advance each generation. This study resulted in 23 improved lines carrying combinations of four drought tolerance QTLs with a range of 85.35%–95.79% background recovery. The backcross-derived lines gave a higher yield under moisture-deficit stress conditions compared with the recipient parent. They also showed higher phenotypic mean values for physiological traits and stability characteristics of HD2733. A promising genotype, HD3411, derived from this cross was identified for release after national multi-location coordinating trials under the All India Coordinated Wheat Improvement Project. Our study is a prime example of the advantages of precision breeding using integrating markers and phenotypic selection to develop new cultivars with desirable traits like drought tolerance.
Collisional particle-in-cell modelling of the generation and control of relativistic electron beams produced by ultra-intense laser pulses

We present two-dimensional fully kinetic collisional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of the interaction of an ultra-intense laser with a solid density target. We find that the angular spread of the electrons is mostly due to the curved geometry of the electron acceleration region. Electron scattering off the magnetic fields caused by Weibel-like instabilities plays a smaller role. The angular spread can be counteracted by structuring the target into regions of different resistivity and we present a novel elliptical geometry of the high-Z core which can keep the electrons collimated for larger distances behind the target compared with cylindrical geometry.
Which Link Matters? Maintaining Connectivity of Uncertain Networks Under Adversarial Attack

This article studies connectivity maintenance in uncertain networks under adversarial attack, where a defender conceals crucial links to prevent the largest connected component from being decomposed by an attacker. In contrast with its static counterpart, connectivity maintenance in uncertain networks involves additional probing on links to determine their existence. Therefore, by modeling an uncertain network as a random graph with each link associated with an existence probability and a probing cost, our goal is to design a defensive strategy for link selection that maximizes the expected size of the largest remaining connected component with the minimum expected probing cost, and moreover, the strategy should be independent of the attacking patterns. To this end, we first unravel the computational complexity of the problem by proving its NP-hardness, and then propose optimal defensive strategies based on dynamic programming and multi-objective optimization. Due to the prohibitive computational cost of optimality, two approximate defensive strategies are further designed to pursue decent performance with quasilinear complexity, in which the first one is a heuristic approach that quantifies the link vulnerability through an analogy from the degree centrality of a vertex in static networks to the connectivity weight of a link in uncertain networks, and the second one is an adaptive greedy policy incorporating the minimax rule from game theory, which minimizes the possible loss suffered by the defender in a worst-case scenario and has a constant approximation ratio. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-world network datasets under diverse attacking patterns demonstrate the superiority of the proposed strategies over baselines.
Genome-wide association study and identification of systemic comorbidities in development of age-related macular degeneration in a hospital-based cohort of Han Chinese

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of severe vision loss in elderly populations of the developed world with limited therapeutic medications available. It is a multifactorial disease with a strong genetic susceptibility which exhibits the differential genetic landscapes among different ethnic groups. Methods: To investigate the Han Chinese-specific genetic variants for AMD development and progression, we have presented a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 339 AMD cases and 3,390 controls of a Han Chinese population recruited from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI). Results: In this study, we have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with AMD, including rs10490924, rs3750848, and rs3750846 in the ARMS2 gene, and rs3793917, rs11200638, and rs2284665 in the HTRA1 gene, in which rs10490924 was highly linked to the other variants based upon linkage disequilibrium analysis. Moreover, certain systemic comorbidities, including chronic respiratory diseases and cerebrovascular diseases, were also confirmed to be independently associated with AMD. Stratified analysis revealed that both non-exudative and exudative AMD were significantly correlated with these risk factors. We also found that homozygous alternate alleles of rs10490924 could lead to an increased risk of AMD incidence compared to homozygous references or heterozygous alleles in the cohorts of chronic respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Ultimately, we established the SNP models for AMD risk prediction and found that rs10490924 combined with the other AMD-associated SNPs identified from GWAS improved the prediction model performance. Conclusion: These results suggest that genetic variants combined with the comorbidities could effectively identify any potential individuals at a high risk of AMD, thus allowing for both early prevention and treatment.
Optical gain and saturation characteristics of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers

Detailed theoretical analysis of the gain characteristics of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers (QD-SOA) is presented. An analytical expression for the optical gain is derived from the quantum dot and wetting layer rate equations. Due to the better confinement of carriers in the quantum dots, our calculation shows that large unsaturated optical gain can be obtained at low operating current. Also, we found that the output saturation intensity of QD-SOA is higher than the output saturation intensity of bulk-SOA. This fact lends itself to the design of efficient low-power SOAs.
Mount Kenya Global Atmosphere Watch Station (MKN): Installation and Meteorological Characterization

Abstract The meteorological conditions at the Mount Kenya (station identifier MKN) tropical Global Atmosphere Watch Programme station are described. Like other stations in mountainous terrain, the site experiences thermally induced wind systems that disturb free tropospheric conditions. Therefore, the adequacy of the site for long-term background atmospheric composition measurements needs to be evaluated. Meteorological parameters for the period June 2002–June 2006 were analyzed, focusing on the development of thermally induced wind systems and boundary layer influence. Filters based on the local wind and day–night differences in specific humidity were developed for selection of times representative of undisturbed free tropospheric conditions. In addition, the convective boundary layer depth was evaluated. Throughout the whole year the station is influenced by thermally induced wind systems and the atmospheric boundary layer. The filters distinguished between thermally and synoptically influenced days. Th.
The Application of Lyapunov’s Second Method to Interconnected Systems

As many engineering systems are made up of an interconnection of simple subsystems, it is natural to attempt to utilize this interconnection structure in developing system analysis techniques. In this paper interconnection information is used in conjunction with properties of the individual subsystems to obtain sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability-in-the-large. This method may be applied to a broad class of linear, nonlinear and time-varying interconnected systems as indicated in the following three steps.First, the Lyapun-ov functions and comparison equations are found for the individual subsystems. Second, the comparison equations are interconnected, following the interconnections in the original system, into a system of comparison equations. This system is linear, with constant coefficients and of order equal to the number of subsystems in the original interconnected system. Finally, the stability of the null solution of this auxiliary system is examined. If it is asymptotically stable, then .
Mapping the Metabolic Niche of Citrate Metabolism and SLC13A5

The small molecule citrate is a key molecule that is synthesized de novo and involved in diverse biochemical pathways influencing cell metabolism and function. Citrate is highly abundant in the circulation, and cells take up extracellular citrate via the sodium-dependent plasma membrane transporter NaCT encoded by the SLC13A5 gene. Citrate is critical to maintaining metabolic homeostasis and impaired NaCT activity is implicated in metabolic disorders. Though citrate is one of the best known and most studied metabolites in humans, little is known about the consequences of altered citrate uptake and metabolism. Here, we review recent findings on SLC13A5, NaCT, and citrate metabolism and discuss the effects on metabolic homeostasis and SLC13A5-dependent phenotypes. We discuss the “multiple-hit theory” and how stress factors induce metabolic reprogramming that may synergize with impaired NaCT activity to alter cell fate and function. Furthermore, we underline how citrate metabolism and compartmentalization can be quantified by combining mass spectrometry and tracing approaches. We also discuss species-specific differences and potential therapeutic implications of SLC13A5 and NaCT. Understanding the synergistic impact of multiple stress factors on citrate metabolism may help to decipher the disease mechanisms associated with SLC13A5 citrate transport disorders.
Pyroelectric Nano-Composite Crystallographically Oriented Thin Films of Triglycine Sulfate (TGS)

This paper suggests an alternative approach to the fabrication of pyroelectric thin films. Polar nanocomposite pyroelectric thin films are fabricated by controlled growth of TriGlycine Sulfate (TGS) nano crystals inside an array of aluminium oxide cylindrical nanopores. The polar axis of the TGS crystals [010] is aligned in vertical to the film plane. The dynamic method is employed for the measurement of the pyroelectric coefficient at different temperatures. Pyroelectric coefficient of the nanocomposite films having an average pore diameter of 43 ± 8 nm is determined between 25°C and 65°C. Pyroelectric to paraelectric transition is observed around 49°C.
Linearized gravity in de Sitter spacetime as a representation of SO(4, 1)

The solutions to the linearized Einstein equation in de Sitter spacetime are explicitly written down. Their group-theoretical properties are examined with an emphasis on the way these solutions form a unitary representation of the de Sitter group, SO(4, 1). For this purpose of duality operator acting on them is defined. This operator is analogous to the helicity operator on gravitons in Minkowski spacetime. It is found that the self-dual solutions and the anti-self-dual solutions separately form unitary irreducible representations. The work presented is a preliminary for the study of quantum linearization instabilities, which will be reported elsewhere.
Ideal strength of bcc molybdenum and niobium

The behavior of bcc Mo and Nb under large strain was investigated using the ab initio pseudopotential density-functional method. We calculated the ideal shear strength of the {l_brace}211{r_brace} slip systems and the ideal tensile strength in the direction, which are believed to provide the minimum shear and tensile strengths. As either material is sheared in either of the two systems, it evolves toward a stress-free tetragonal structure that defines a saddle point in the strain-energy surface. The inflection point on the path to this tetragonal ''saddle-point'' structure sets the ideal shear strength. When either material is strained in tension along , it initially follows the tetragonal, ''Bain,'' path toward a stress-free fcc structure. However, before the strained crystal reaches fcc, its symmetry changes from tetragonal to orthorhombic; on continued strain, it evolves toward the same tetragonal saddle point that it reached in shear. In Mo, the symmetry break occurs after the point of maximum tensile stress has been passed, so the ideal strength is associated with the fcc shear. In Mo, the symmetry break occurs after the point of maximum tensile stress has been passed, so the ideal strength is associated with the fcc extremum as in W. However,more » a Nb crystal strained in becomes orthorhombic at tensile stress below the ideal strength. The ideal tensile strength of Nb is associated with the tetragonal saddle point and is caused by failure in shear rather than tension. In dimensionless form, the ideal shear and tensile strengths of Mo (tau* = tau-sub m/G111 = 0.12 sigma* = sigma-sub m/E100 = 0.078) are essentially identical to those previously calculated for W. Nb is anomalous. Its dimensionless shear strength is unusually high, tau* = 0.15, even though the saddle-point structure that causes it is similar to that in Mo and W, while its dimensionless tensile strength, sigma* = 0.079, is almost the same as that of Mo and W, even though the saddle-point structure is quite different. « less