Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Formation and Functions of High and Very High Magnesium Calcites in the Continuously Growing Teeth of the Echinoderm Lytechinus variegatus: Development of Crystallinity and Protein Involvement

Sea urchin teeth grow continuously and develop a complex mineralized structure consisting of spatially separate but crystallographically aligned first stage calcitic elements of high Mg content (5–15 mol% mineral). These become cemented together by epitaxially oriented second stage very high Mg calcite (30–40 mol% mineral). In the tooth plumula, ingressing preodontoblasts create layered cellular syncytia. Mineral deposits develop within membrane-bound compartments between cellular syncytial layers. We seek to understand how this complex tooth architecture is developed, how individual crystalline calcitic elements become crystallographically aligned, and how their Mg composition is regulated. Synchrotron microbeam X-ray scattering was performed on live, freshly dissected teeth. We observed that the initial diffracting crystals lie within independent syncytial spaces in the plumula. These diffraction patterns match those of mature tooth calcite. Thus, the spatially separate crystallites grow with the same crystallographic orientation seen in the mature tooth. Mineral-related proteins from regions with differing Mg contents were isolated, sequenced, and characterized. A tooth cDNA library was constructed, and selected matrix-related proteins were cloned. Antibodies were prepared and used for immunolocaliztion. Matrix-related proteins are acidic, phosphorylated, and associated with the syncytial membranes. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy of various crystal elements shows unique amino acid, Mg, and Ca ion distributions. High and very high Mg calcites differ in Asp content. Matrix-related proteins are phosphorylated. Very high Mg calcite is associated with Asp-rich protein, and it is restricted to the second stage mineral. Thus, the composition at each part of the tooth is related to architecture and function.
Automatic speed measurements of spherical objects using an off-the-shelf digital camera

A method for automatic speed measurements of spherical objects using a digital camera is presented. Conventional speed measurement techniques use radar or laser based devices, which are usually more expensive compared to a passive camera system. In this work, a single image captured with object motion is used to estimate the speed of a spherical object (such as baseball). Due to the relative motion between the camera and a moving object during the camera exposure time, motion blur occurs in the dynamic region of the image. By identifying the motion blur parameters, the speed of a moving object can be obtained. Automatic target identification and motion estimation are first done by motion blur analysis, followed by more accurate blur identification using circle fitting of the spherical object. Finally, the object speed is calculated according to the imaging geometry, camera pose, and blur extent in the image.
Multiple exposure images based traffic light recognition

This paper proposes a multiple exposure images based traffic light recognition method. For traffic light recognition, color segmentation is widely used to detect traffic light signals; however, the color in an image is easily affected by various illuminations and leads to incorrect recognition results. In order to overcome the problem, we propose the multiple exposure technique which enhances the robustness of the color segmentation and recognition accuracy by integrating both low and normal exposure images. The technique solves the color saturation problem and reduces false positives since the low exposure image is exposed for a short time. Based on candidate regions selected from the low exposure image, the status of six three and four bulb traffic lights in a normal image are classified utilizing a support vector machine with a histogram of oriented gradients. Our algorithm was finally evaluated in various urban scenarios and the results show that the proposed method works robustly for outdoor environments.
Achieving Close-Capacity Performance with Simple Concatenation Scheme on Multiple-Antenna Channels

This paper proposes a simple yet capacity-approaching concatenation of a mixture of short memory length convolutional codes and simple rate-1 block code followed by either complex 1-dimensional (1-D) anti-Gray or Gray mapping over multiple antenna channels with quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK). By interpreting rate-1 code together with 1-D mapping as a multi-D mapping employed over multiple transmit antennas, the error performance is analyzed in two regions, the error-floor and turbo pinch-off regions. In the former one, a tight union bound and design criterion on the asymptotic performance are first derived, which provide an useful tool to predict the error performance. Based on the design criterion, an optimal rate-1 code for each 1-D mapping is then constructed to achieve the best asymptotic performance. In the turbo pinch-off area, by using extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart, the most suitable mixed codes are selected for both symmetric and asymmetric antenna setups. It is demonstrated that the simple concatenation scheme can achieve near-capacity. Furthermore, its error performance is comparable to that obtained by using well-designed irregular low-density parity-check (LDPC) and repeat accumulate (RA) codes, and thereby, outperforms a scheme employing a parallel concatenated turbo code.
The 36th Sir Frederick Bartlett Lecture: An associative analysis of spatial learning

The ability of animals to find important goals in their environment has been said to require a form of learning that is qualitatively different from that normally studied in the conditioning laboratory. Such spatial learning has been said to depend upon the construction of a global representation of the environment, and the acquisition of knowledge about the position of goals with reference to this representation is said to be unaffected by the presence of other cues or landmarks. To evaluate the first of these claims, experiments are described that investigated the extent to which the effects of training in one environment transfer to another. To evaluate the second claim, experiments are described that investigated whether cue competition effects normally found in conditioning studies can be found in spatial tasks. Overall, the results indicate that most of the phenomena of spatial learning can be explained by the principles of associative learning. The implications of the reported results for an understanding of the neural mechanisms of spatial learning are considered.
Modeling of optimum chiral carbon nanotube using DFT

The geometrical structure of carbon nanotubes has been calculated and analyzed in this paper. The analysis of carbon nanotube for Pz orbital, perpendicular to the graphene sheet and thus the nanotube surface forms a delocalized π network across the nanotube, which is responsible for its electronic properties. These electronic properties are obtained from tight binding (TB) model for graphene. Furthermore, optimized DFT calculation shows the optimum chiral of CNT, which is semiconducting zigzag for SWCNT and MWCNT.
Solutions of large integral-equation problems with preconditioned MLFMA

We report the solution of the largest integral- equation problems in computational electromagnetics. We consider matrix equations obtained from the discretization of the integral-equation formulations that are solved iteratively by employing parallel multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA). With the efficient parallelization of MLFMA, scattering and radiation problems with millions of unknowns are easily solved on relatively inexpensive computational platforms. For the iterative solutions of the matrix equations, we are able to obtain accelerated convergence even for ill-conditioned matrix equations using advanced preconditioning schemes, such as nested preconditioners based on an approximate MLFMA. By orchestrating these diverse activities, we have been able to solve a closed geometry formulated with the CFIE containing 33 millions of unknowns and an open geometry formulated with the EFIE containing 12 millions of unknowns, which are the largest problems of their classes, to the best of our knowledge.
Comparative Study with a Moving Heart Phantom of the Impact of Temporal Resolution on Image Quality with Two Multidetector Electrocardiography‐Gated Computed Tomography Units

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the temporal resolution‐related image quality of electrocardiography‐gated images acquired with two multidetector computed tomography (CT) units with a moving heart phantom, at similar fixed heart rates, using half‐scan and multisector acquisition modes. Methods: An adjustable moving heart phantom (Limbsandthings, Horfield, Bristol, UK) was used. Specific heart rates (47, 55, 64, 66, 69, and 73 beats per minute [bpm]) were chosen. On a General Electric CT unit (LightSpeed Plus; General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI), retrospective half‐scan and multisector mode protocols were performed. On a Siemens CT unit (Somatom Volume Zoom; Siemens, Forchheim, Germany), a retrospective half‐scan mode was performed at 47, 55, and 64 bpm, and a two‐sector mode was performed at 66, 69, and 73 bpm. Reformatted maximum intensity projection images were qualitatively compared and related to their temporal resolution. Results: Half‐scan mode protocols provided similar good results with both CT units up to 55 bpm. The two‐sector mode improved image quality compared with the half‐scan mode. High temporal resolution with the multisector mode provided the best results. Conclusion: For coronary artery imaging, acquisition protocols that provide the highest temporal resolution are mandatory. The multisector mode is one technique that allows high temporal resolution but may be clinically inappropriate at heart rates below 65 bpm or when heart rate variation is observed during scan time. Index Terms: computed tomography (CT) technology, computed tomography (CT) thin section, coronary vessels computed tomography (CT), heart computed tomography (CT).
RF MEMS Sequentially Reconfigurable Sierpinski Antenna on a Flexible Organic Substrate With Novel DC-Biasing Technique

Devices and systems that use RF microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) switching elements typically use one switch topology. The switch is designed to meet all of the performance criteria. However, this can be limiting for highly dynamic applications that require a great deal of reconfigurability. In this paper, three sets of RF MEMS switches with different actuation voltages are used to sequentially activate and deactivate parts of a multiband Sierpinski fractal antenna. The implementation of such a concept allows for direct actuation of the electrostatic MEMS switches through the RF signal feed, therefore eliminating the need for individual switch dc bias lines. This reconfigurable antenna was fabricated on liquid crystal polymer substrate and operates at several different frequencies between 2.4 and 18 GHz while maintaining its radiation characteristics. It is the first integrated RF MEMS reconfigurable antenna on a flexible organic polymer substrate for multiband antenna applications. Simulation and measurement results are presented in this paper to validate the proposed concept. [2007-0013]
RAGE Regulates Immune Cell Infiltration and Angiogenesis in Choroidal Neovascularization

Purpose RAGE regulates pro-inflammatory responses in diverse cells and tissues. This study has investigated if RAGE plays a role in immune cell mobilization and choroidal neovascular pathology that is associated with the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). Methods RAGE null (RAGE−/−) mice and age-matched wild type (WT) control mice underwent laser photocoagulation to generate choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions which were then analyzed for morphology, S100B immunoreactivity and inflammatory cell infiltration. The chemotactic ability of bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) towards S100B was investigated. Results RAGE expression was significantly increased in the retina during CNV of WT mice (p<0.001). RAGE−/− mice exhibited significantly reduced CNV lesion size when compared to WT controls (p<0.05). S100B mRNA was upregulated in the lasered WT retina but not RAGE−/− retina and S100B immunoreactivity was present within CNV lesions although levels were less when RAGE−/− mice were compared to WT controls. Activated microglia in lesions were considerably less abundant in RAGE−/− mice when compared to WT counterparts (p<0.001). A dose dependent chemotactic migration was observed in BMDMs from WT mice (p<0.05–0.01) but this was not apparent in cells isolated from RAGE−/− mice. Conclusions RAGE-S100B interactions appear to play an important role in CNV lesion formation by regulating pro-inflammatory and angiogenic responses. This study highlights the role of RAGE in inflammation-mediated outer retinal pathology.
Vegetative Propagation of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels Cuttings: Effects of Nutrient Solution

The effects of the mineral composition of nutrient solution (Hoagland and Arnon (HA), Quoirin and Lepoivre (QL), Murashige and Skoog (MS), and Woody Plant Medium (WPM)), cutting type (softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood) and cutting position (basal, medial, and apical) on sprouting and rooting performance of Argania spinosa cuttings were investigated. According to the results, the nutrient solution, cutting type and cutting position had an effect on the sprouting and adventitious rooting ability of A. spinosa cuttings. The leafy semi-hardwood cuttings taking from the basal positions and irrigated with Hoagland solution performed best and produced the highest number of roots (44.63), root length (28.86 cm), and had the highest rooting and survival percentage (63.81% and 96.09%, respectively). The nutrient solution applications caused a notable increase in sprouting and rooting potential of the argan tree. The highest values were recorded for HA and QL, while the MS and WPM gave the poorest result and the greatest mortality rate of cuttings. The cuttings type had also a pronounced effect on vegetative propagation of A. spinosa. The leafy semi-hardwood cuttings performed better than the leafy softwood cuttings, whereas leafless hardwood cuttings were completely unable to sprout and root even when treated with nutrient solutions. Thus, vegetative propagation of A. spinosa can best be achieved using basal leafy semi-hardwood cuttings irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution.
Beyond Batch Processing: Towards Real-Time and Streaming Big Data

Today, big data are generated from many sources, and there is a huge demand for storing, managing, processing, and querying on big data. The MapReduce model and its counterpart open source implementation Hadoop, has proven itself as the de facto solution to big data processing, and is inherently designed for batch and high throughput processing jobs. Although Hadoop is very suitable for batch jobs, there is an increasing demand for non-batch requirements like: interactive jobs, real-time queries, and big data streams. Since Hadoop is not suitable for these non-batch workloads, new solutions are proposed to these new challenges. In this article, we discussed two categories of these solutions: real-time processing, and stream processing of big data. For each category, we discussed paradigms, strengths and differences to Hadoop. We also introduced some practical systems and frameworks for each category. Finally, some simple experiments were performed to approve effectiveness of new solutions compared to available Hadoop-based solutions.
Multiresolution Free-form Deformation with Subdivision Surface of Arbitrary Topology

A new free-from deformation method is presented in this paper. Object deformation is controlled by a mesh of arbitrary topology, namely a control mesh. The subdivision surface determined by the control mesh spans an intermediate deformation space. The object is embedded into the space by the nearest point rule. When the shape of the control mesh is changed, the object embedded in the intermediate deformation space will be deformed accordingly. Since the subdivision surface has a mul-tiresolution property, the proposed deformation method naturally has a multiresolution property. A technique for generating control meshes is also introduced in the paper. Compared with previous deformation methods with arbitrary topology control tools, the proposed method has the advantages of flexible control and computational efficiency.
Explorer The relationship between tetanus intensity and the magnitude of hippocampal long-term potentiation in vivo

In this study, we assessed the effects of varying tetanus and test-pulse intensity on the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the perforant path–dentate gyrus projection of urethane-anaesthetized rats. We developed a novel within-subjects procedure in which testpulse-stimulation intensity (60–1000 lA) was varied quasi-randomly under computer control throughout the recording period. After a baseline period, we applied a high-frequency tetanus, the intensity of which was varied over the same range as test-pulse intensity, but between subjects. The time-course of LTP was thus monitored continuously across a range of test-pulse intensities in each rat. Intense high-frequency tetanization at 1000 lA resulted in a paradoxical depression of the dentate field excitatory post-synaptic potential (fEPSP) slope at the lowest test intensity used (60 lA), but caused a potentiation at higher test intensities in the same animal. Moreover, intense tetanization induced less LTP than a moderate tetanus over most of the test-intensity range. Explanations for this pattern of data include a potentiation of feed-forward inhibition in conjunction with LTP of excitatory neurotransmission, or local tissue damage at the stimulation site. To address this issue, we conducted an additional experiment in which a second stimulating electrode was placed in the perforant path at a site closer to the dentate, in order to activate a common population of afferents at a location ‘downstream’ of the original stimulation site. After 1000-lA tetanization of the original (‘upstream’) site, fEPSPs were again depressed in response to test stimulation of the upstream site, but only potentiation was observed in response to stimulation of the downstream site. This is consistent with the idea that the depression induced by intense tetanization results from local changes at the stimulation site. In conclusion, while tetanus intensity must exceed the LTP induction threshold, intensities above 500 lA should be avoided; in the present study, tetanization at 250–500 lA yielded maximal levels of LTP. 2013 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Preliminary Report on the Design of a Framework for Distributed Visualization

The paper is a preliminary report on the de- sign of a framework, called Dv, for building interactive distributed visualizations on computational grids. The framework is based on a form of mobile object, called an active frame, that consists of application data and a pro- gram that manipulates the data. The system provides a flexible framework for building distributed applications that are performance-portable in the presence of hetero- geneous resources and that adapt to dynamic changes in the status of system resources such as processor cycles and network bandwidth.
Computational Complexity of Probabilistic Disambiguation by means of Tree-Grammars

This paper studies the computational complexity of disambiguation under probabilistic tree-grammars as in (Bod, 1992; Schabes and Waters, 1993). It presents a proof that the following problems are NP-hard: computing the Most Probable Parse from a sentence or from a word-graph, and computing the Most Probable Sentence (MPS) from a word-graph. The NP-hardness of computing the MPS from a word-graph also holds for Stochastic Context-Free Grammars (SCFGs).
The role of unequal diffusivities in ignition and extinction fronts in strained mixing layers

We have studied flame propagation in a strained mixing layer formed between a fuel stream and an oxidizer stream, which can have different initial temperatures. Allowing the Lewis numbers to deviate from unity, the problem is first formulated within the framework of a thermo-diffusive model and a single irreversible reaction. A compact formulation is then derived in the limit of large activation energy, and solved analytically for high values of the Damkohler number. Simple expressions describing the flame shape and its propagation velocity are obtained. In particular, it is found that the Lewis numbers affect the propagation of the triple flame in a way similar to that obtained in the studies of stretched premixed flames. For example, the flame curvature determined by the transverse enthalpy gradients in the frozen mixing layer leads to flame-front velocities which grow with decreasing values of the Lewis numbers. The analytical results are complemented by a numerical study which focuses on preferentialdiffusion effects on triple flames. The results cover, for different values of the fuel Lewis number, a wide range of values of the Damkohler number leading to propagation speeds which vary from positive values down to large negative values.
Electrical transport and electromigration studies on nickel encapsulated carbon nanotubes: possible future interconnects

We nominate the nickel filled multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) as potential candidates to cope with challenges in persistent scaling for future interconnect technology. The insights into electrical transport through nickel filled carbon nanotubes provide an effective solution for major performance and reliability issues such as the increasing resistivity of metals at reduced scales, electromigration at high current densities and the problem of diffusion and corrosion faced by the existing copper interconnect technology. Furthermore, the nickel filled MWNTs outperform their hollow counterparts, the unfilled MWNTs, carrying at least one order higher current density, with increased time to failure. The results suggest that metal filled carbon nanotubes can provide a twofold benefit: (1) the metal filling provides an increased density of states for the system leading to a higher current density compared to hollow MWNTs, (2) metal out-diffusion and corrosion is prevented by the surrounding graphitic walls.
Sliding Spotlight and TOPS SAR Data Processing Without Subaperture

During the data acquisition of a sliding spotlight or terrain observation by progressive scan (TOPS) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the steering of the antenna main beam increases the azimuth bandwidth but could result in the azimuth signal aliasing in the Doppler domain. To remove the aliasing, one has used a subaperture method. In this letter, we show a focusing scheme without the use of the subaperture for both sliding spotlight and TOPS SARs. In doing so, we eliminated the obvious increase in data volume or the subaperture division by choosing the pulse repetition frequency that is only 20% greater than the instantaneous bandwidth. The method was incorporated with an available imaging algorithm and then used to process simulated and collected data of the sliding spotlight and TOPS SARs. Well-focused results without aliasing were obtained.
19 Bone Marrow Derived Pluripotent Stem Cells in Ischemic Heart Disease : Bridging the Gap Between Basic Research and Clinical Applications

Ahmed Abdel-Latif1, Ewa Zuba-Surma2 and Mariusz Z. Ratajczak3 1Gill Heart Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky, and Lexington VA Medical Center, Lexington, KY 2Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, 3Stem Cell Biology Institute, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 1,3USA 2Poland